The Best Smart Sprinkler Timer
Optimize Your Irrigation with the Best Smart Sprinkler Timer
Struggling to manage your in-ground irrigation system during unexpected rainstorms? A smart sprinkler timer is your solution. These devices, also known as irrigation controllers, help save water and maintain lush gardens.
A smart sprinkler timer integrates the standard features of a regular irrigation system with a smartphone app. It optimizes watering frequency and volume based on local weather conditions, ensuring your plants receive the right amount of water.
Among the models we tested, the Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller stands out. It offers a wide range of useful features and a user-friendly app. With various zone options, it’s suitable for most residential yards.
Upgrade your irrigation system with the Rachio 3 for efficient and hassle-free watering.
Know Before You Buy
DIY or Pro: While smart timers are designed for DIY installation, they must be hardwired to zone valves. Some homeowners may prefer to hire a gardening professional for the installation.
Zoning: Ensure the timer you choose supports the same number of watering zones as your current irrigation system. Models typically range from four to 16 zones.
Compatibility: Smart timers are compatible only with in-ground sprinklers and cannot connect to outdoor water spigots, hoses, or other above-ground systems.
Wireless Range: To ensure proper functionality and updated weather forecasts, confirm that your timer is within range of your Wi-Fi signal and can reliably connect.
Everything we recommend
Top pick
The Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller is compatible with Amazon Alexa, Apple Siri Shortcuts, and Google Home. This versatile controller combines the most appealing connected-irrigation features into one easy-to-recommend device. Among all the models we tested, it has the best-designed and easiest-to-use app. Even if your home experiences a Wi-Fi outage, the Rachio 3 will continue to run existing schedules.
Available in four-, eight-, and 16-zone versions, the Rachio 3 can accommodate yards of all sizes. While it’s meant to be installed indoors, an optional weatherproof housing is available for outdoor use.
With seamless integration with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Siri Shortcuts, you can easily control your irrigation system using your preferred voice assistant. Choose the Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller for a convenient and efficient watering solution.
Runner-up
Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Google Home
The Orbit B-hyve XR Smart Indoor/Outdoor Sprinkler Timer offers reliable on/off control, scheduling, account sharing, and notifications through the Orbit B-hyve app. Similar to the Rachio 3, the B-hyve XR uses local weather data and detailed yard information to customize and optimize your watering routine.
With its weatherproof design, the B-hyve XR can be installed both indoors and outdoors, eliminating the need for additional accessories. Available in eight- and 16-zone versions, this model is ideal for medium to large yards with extensive irrigation systems.
During our testing, the B-hyve XR performed well with Amazon Alexa and Google Home. We also appreciated the convenience of using on-device buttons to handle basic tasks, such as pausing watering when people were in the yard, when a phone wasn’t nearby.
Budget pick
The Orbit B-hyve Smart Indoor Irrigation Controller is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home. It offers a solid set of features similar to the B-hyve XR but at a fraction of the cost. Using the same app (which could use improvements), this controller also has a physical on/off button for starting or stopping watering. It supports smaller yards, as it is available only in four- and eight-zone versions.
Designed for indoor-only installation, the B-hyve Smart Indoor Controller requires an optional outdoor-protection case, which typically costs about half the price of the controller itself. If outdoor access is essential, consider the B-hyve XR. Despite its limitations, the B-hyve Smart Indoor Controller remains a reliable and cost-effective option for smaller yards.
Upgrade pick
The Hunter Hydrawise HPC-400 Outdoor Irrigation Controller is compatible with Amazon Alexa and stands out for its expandable design. It can cover anywhere from four to 32 zones with an add-on module, making it ideal for anyone looking to expand their irrigation system in the future.
This controller is notably sturdy, suggesting it may be particularly durable over the years (though long-term testing is needed to confirm this). Its weatherproof housing includes a built-in lock for added security. Additionally, the extensive on-device controls allow you to access most settings directly from the controller.
Choose the Hunter Hydrawise HPC-400 for a flexible, durable, and secure irrigation solution.
