7 Best Smart Sprinkler Controllers

Top 7 Smart Garden Sprinkler Systems Reviewed for 2024

Aww, walking onto your patio and gazing upon your gorgeous backyard, lush with deep green vegetation and blooming flowers you have just planted, the paradise you have worked so hard for. You take a cool drink, smile, and then a sudden fear trickles sweat down your brow. The question hits you in the gut, “How am I going to keep up with the watering on this place?” Let’s face it, we all wish we had the time to casually stroll our yards, utilizing the hose as we water our plants, gardens, and trees with a cold beverage in our hands, but reality can be cruel and we wake up to realize we need assistance to keep apace on our watering jobs. Have no fear, there is technology available that can conquer this panic and set your mind at ease. From everything to a wifi sprinkler controller, wireless sprinkler controller, to a smart irrigation controller, we have reviewed and researched the 7 best smart sprinkler controllers of 2024. These controllers will take the worry out of watering, as you will be able to set it, forget it with the latest technology.

TOP PICK – Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller

The Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller comes in #1 on our list of the best Smart Sprinkler Controllers of 2024. This control from anywhere system has an easy to use app from which you can make schedules, run sprinklers, and keep track of your estimated outdoor water usage. Smart is right, as this 3rd generation Rachio has exclusive weather intelligence, boasting features like rain skip, wind skip, freeze skip, and more. With its keenly crafted smart schedules, the Rachio will automatically create schedules that will cater to your specific yard type, seeing that your lawn and plants are getting the appropriate amounts of water that they need. 

The Rachio is easy to use and easy to install, typically set up in less than 30 minutes with no special tools. I love how it is compatible with so many smart-home platforms, such as: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Nest, Smart Things, and Apple Home kit. Because of the Rachio’s intelligence and efficiency, you can look forward to saving anywhere from 30-50% on your water bills when used correctly.

Review Summary

The 3rd generation Rachio smart sprinkler eases all of your fears when it comes to keeping your yard vibrant and healthy. With weather intelligence, smart schedules, and compatibility from a vast array of smart devices, this smart sprinkler controller will take

care of all the watering for you with its easy to use app. Easy to install, a breeze to use, there is a reason why the Rachio comes in as our top pick.

Top Features

• Premium Weather Intelligence
• Rain Skip, Wind Skip, Freeze Skip
• Smart Schedules
• Multiple Smart Compatibility: Alexa, Assistant, Apple Home Kit
• Easy Installation
• Can save 30-50% On Water Bills
• 8 Zone Watering Capacity

Needs Improvement

• Must Keep Up With Updates or Could Effect Proper Watering

#2 Rain Bird ST8I-2.0 Smart Indoor WiFi Sprinkler/Irrigation System Timer/Controller

Coming in at #2 on our list is the Rain Bird indoor WiFi sprinkler controller. This 2.0 version is improved and ready to take the burden out of watering your beautiful yard. With the capacity to water up to 8 zones from the palm of your hand, the Rain Bird is a snap to use and functions from anywhere in the world. Download the Rain Bird app to keep track of your watering schedules as it automatically adjusts to weather conditions, including rain, humidity, and rising and falling temperatures. It is compatible to Amazon Alexa, Apple iOS 8 or greater, and Android 4.4 (Kit Kat) or later. 

Rainbird claims 20% percent water bill savings, when used correctly and could get you as high as 30% savings. An easy to install device, the Rain bird wifi will be set up with little hassle and have your yard on schedule in no time.

Review Summary

With features similar to our top pick, the Rain Bird is a WiFi sprinkler controller sure to meet all of your watering needs through the use of wireless technology. Rain Bird is also a name that hits home, as the company has been around since 1933, a trusted company in the world of watering and mowing your lawns and gardens for a long time. An easy to use app, monitoring schedules, weather, and efficiently saving you money. 

Top Features

• WiFi Technology
• 8 Zone Watering Capacity
• Auto Adjust to Weather Conditions
• Alexa, Apple iOs, Android Compatible 
• Certified 20% Water Savings
• Easy Installation
• Trusted Rain Bird Name

Needs Improvement

• Small Display on Unit
• Updates Must Be Current

#3 Hunter PRO-HC PHC-600 Residential Outdoor Professional Grade Wi-Fi Controller

Landing in third position on our list is the Hunter Professional Wi-Fi Sprinkler Controller. A quick and easy setup, the Hunter Pro has a touchscreen interface and can be controlled from anywhere. This Wi-Fi sprinkler controller has 6 watering zones available to control at your fingertips. Instructions and usage are exactly as advertised, read the reviews and you will agree. Sometimes technology can get in the way of itself, but the Hunter does not overreach and does what it says it will do. The EPA Hydrawise web-based software allows for smart watering and ease of mind. 

The predictive software will adjust watering schedules based on upcoming weather, including humidity, temperature, and rainfall. If you want to step up your game a bit, add a flow meter and you will get notified of a broken pipe or sprinkler. 

Review Summary

The Hunter Pro Wi-Fi Sprinkler Controller is a system I was able to use with no sweat. I had no problem installing, setting up, or controlling the watering. Glitches were none, and peace of mind followed. I checked up to see if this was across the board, and sure enough, customers are satisfied. Being only a 6 zone could be a deterrent, but if you have no need for a massive amount of zones, most yards will not, then the Hunter is a great call.

Top Features

• 6 Zone Watering System
• Wi-Fi Smart Technology
• EPA Hydrawise Web-Based Software
• Control From Anywhere
• Touchscreen Interface
• Easy Installation 
• Weather Predictive Software

Needs Improvement

• Offers only 6 Zones

#4 RainMachine Touch HD-12, Cloud Independent Smart Wi-Fi Irrigation Controller

The Rain Machine Touch Wi-Fi irrigation controller comes in next on our list of smart sprinkler controllers. Offering a whopping 12 zones of watering availability, the Rain Machine can tackle a huge yard with lots of ground to cover. This system has a color touch screen compatible with iPhone, Android, and PC Browsers, and can be linked up with Alexa, Google Home, Nest, WINK, and Smart Things via IFTTT. With all of its technology, the Rain Machine can tap you into NOAA, METNO, or Wunderground weather services and you can hone in on National or Local weather so your system can deliver precise accuracy. 

The Rain Machine Irrigation Controller can be installed in 15 minutes if everything goes smooth, and depending on climate and weather, can achieve up to 80% savings. The Rain Machine is also Water Sense Certified, meeting EPA criteria, which could lead you to some possible rebates with your local water agency after installed. 

Review Summary

With its 12 zone capability, being tapped into weather services, and Water Sense certified, the Rain Machine can conquer spacious yards. I am a big fan of the large, easy to use touch-screen-color display, which makes it easy to lock in your schedules and settings. If you have a grandiose yard that requires the support of a product that can handle such an expanse, then the Rain Machine might be the way to go to suit your needs.

Top Features

• 12 Zone Watering Capability
• Multiple Weather Sources (NOAA, METNO, etc.)
• Possible 80% Water Savings
• 15 Minute Installation
• Large, Color Touch Screen Display
• Compatible with iphone, Android, and PC Browsers
• WaterSense Certified 

Needs Improvement

• May Not Support Flow Sensors or Apple Home Kit

#5 Sprinkl Control – The Smart Sprinkler Hub – 16 Zone WiFi Smart Irrigation Controller

Earning its way to the next spot on our list is Sprinkl Control Smart Irrigation Controller. If you have a massive yard, then this is the controller for you, offering an awesome 16 zones of watering capability. Like most of our controllers on the list, the Sprinkl is compatible with major providers, Apple, Android, and smart home hubs like Alexa. After you are installed and connected, you can expect up to 50% savings on your water bill. An excellent feature unique to the Sprinkl, offers moisture sensors (Sold Separately) which can eliminate your need to create schedules, as the sensors will be able to detect when your zones actually need watering through its Smart Autonomous setting. This feature is fabulous, as the Smart truly takes over, and waters more or less depending on conditions without having to reprogram a thing on your own. 

With the ability to view sprinkler issues and troubleshoot problems directly from your phone, the Sprinkl truly puts the power of ease directly at your fingertips. Sprinkl is a newer, startup company out of Texas, but do not let their freshness on the market sway you, as the feedback on this product has been excellent.

 Review Summary

The Sprinkl is a deluxe, all the bells and whistles, smart irrigation controller. 16 zones might be a bit much for some yards, but gives you the option to keep adding zones to better cover your entire yard if the need arises. The moisture sensors are fantastic, as they take the hassle and worry out of creating schedules, the wonder is gone, and the sensors do the work for you. Big yard, smart yard, the Sprinkl can handle it, save you money, and keep everything green and vibrant. 

Top Features

• 12 Zone Watering Capability
• Smart Moisture Sensors
• Smart Compatible (Apple, Android, Alexa, etc.)
• Water Savings Up To 50%
• Quick Easy Installation
• Sends Notifications (Updates, Sprinkler Issues, etc.)
• Smart Autonomous Setting

Needs Improvement

• Moisture Sensors Sold Separately

#6 Plaid Systems Spruce Irrigation 16 Zone WiFi Sprinkler Controller

Next on our list is the Plaid Systems Spruce WiFi Sprinkler Controller. This anytime, anywhere controller gives you full control from PC, Smartphone, or tablet. With its 16 zone capability, the Spruce WiFi Sprinkler Controller can handle the biggest and lushest of yards. The advanced options allow you to generate scheduling the way you want it, unique to each individual zone based on landscaping and sprinkler capacity of your yard. The Spruce will respond to incoming weather, as it will automatically adjust to forecasts, and, importantly, actual amount of rainfall as compared to predicted rainfall. Optional soil moisture sensors will take over the scheduling for you, as they react to actual moisture in the soil and react accordingly, giving your yard exactly what it needs. 

The setup is a breeze as you will be guided by the Spruce Setup Wizard with no special tools required. Like many WiFi Sprinkler Controllers on this list, the Spruce is compatible with all the major devices, Apple, Android, Alexa, Assistant, and others. It also has over current detection, which will skip bad valves and continue to water without shutting down and skipping watering altogether. 

Review Summary

With its 16 zone watering capability and advanced scheduling features, the Spruce provides all the technology and peace of mind to maintain a healthy backyard. Using the smart scheduling features allows for really honing in on the uniqueness of your individual zones, and dialing them in for exactly what each zone needs. The automatic climate adjustment saves you from the accidental mental lapses of sprinklers running in the rain. Add on the optional moisture sensors and your yard will thank you for it, as they will detect the proper amount of water your landscaping requires. 

Top Features

• Anytime, Anywhere Capability (Smartphone, tablet, PC)
• Hyper Local Climate Adjustment
• Spruce Setup Wizard for Easy Installation
• Advanced Analytics for Smart Scheduling
• Over-Current Detection
• Optional Moisture Sensors

Needs Improvement

• Moisture Sensors are Optional

#7 Aeon Matrix Yardian Indoor/Outdoor Smart Sprinkler Controller 8 Zone

Rounding out our list of the best Smart Sprinkler Controllers of 2024 is the Aeon Matrix Indoor/Outdoor Smart Sprinkler Controller. The Aeon boasts real time weather monitoring as it analyzes local weather data with extreme accuracy, keeping you from watering in the rain. This controller is Smart Home ready and works with Alexa and Google Home, easy to adjust schedules and control zones. The Aeon Yardian, once installed can save you up to 50% on your watering bills while still maintaining a lush, vibrant yard. With 8 zones available, the Aeon can supply the water you need to multiple areas on your property.

The installation is painless, and can be completed in as little as 15 minutes. Also, offering the first of its kind, the Aeon Yardian can irrigate and provide surveillance at the same time, as it has a built in HD camera so you can keep an eye on your yard all hours of the day. 

Review Summary

The Aeon is a very resourceful sprinkler controller, offering many of the same features as most of its pricier competitors, while remaining at a very comfortable price point. 8 zone capability is sufficient for most average yards and the added HD surveillance camera is a bonus for keeping eyes on rodents, possible busted sprinklers, or any suspicious activity going on in your space. Great value, easy to use and install, and right to the point. 

Top Features

• 8 Zone Watering Capability
• Real Time Weather Monitoring
• Water Efficiency, Saving up to 50%
• Smart Home Ready (Alexa, Google Home)
• HD Security Camera

Needs Improvement

• Only 8 zone Capability

Smart Sprinkler Controller Buyers Guide

Studying this list of the best Smart Sprinkler Controllers of 2024 one will discover many similarities between the products, but definitely uniqueness and individual features that can set the controllers apart according to one’s personal needs. Prices do not range too far from the next, all remaining within a relatively close distance from each other. More zones and more features equal more cash for the controller, so it is a good idea to educate yourself on the sprinkler that best fits your yard. Know your yard and its parameters, for there is no need to pay for a 16 zone controller when your yard will never require more than 6 zones. 

Compatibility

As you sift through the list, most of these controllers give you multiple options on being able to link up with wi-fi, Apple, Android, PC, Tablet, Alexa, Google Home, and others. I am an Apple iOS user myself, and can link up fairly easily with most systems, but beware, make sure you research your specific devices as being compatible with the WiFi sprinkler controller of your choosing before purchasing. If you purchase and are not compatible, nothing is going to work. Do your due diligence ahead of time to save you the headache of finding out after you have set everything up that your devices do not sync up with the controller you just bought. 

Zone Capability

When thinking of purchasing a new sprinkler controller, do some thorough research on your yard beforehand. This list displays zone capability from 6 zones all the way to 16. What does your yard require? Do you have a front lawn, back lawn, a row of fruit trees, a garden bed? Does your yard have room to grow and plant more stunning greenery? Map out your yard and be realistic about what you need. The 16 zone Spruce and Sprinkl systems are awesome controllers, but do you really need that many zones at your disposal? Why pay the extra money for something you will never use? On the other hand, if your yard is currently about a 6 to 8 zone necessity, but can grow into a 12 or 16, you might think about stepping up to the plate and grabbing a wifi sprinkler controller you will grow into, instead of outgrowing one system and having to buy another one altogether. Be realistic and plan, get the zone capacity that fits your yard.

Climate Adjustment

All of the smart sprinkler controllers on the list possess climate or weather adjustment of some sort. The more bells and whistles the more connection you have to multiple weather services. You can tap into National forecasts and local weather reports, the choice is yours on how much do you need? A national forecast might give you a prediction on what could be coming your way down the line, which may be something you are looking for. A local forecast is solid enough in my book, as your climate adjustment can generate the changes necessary as incoming weather comes to you; whether it be rain, wind, or temperature changes. This feature is awesome and can save you from having the sprinklers running in the rain, and unnecessarily wasting water. If you need large zone capability of 12 to 16, and the controller you choose comes with the advanced forecasts, bonus to you, but in my opinion seeking out these advanced forecasts as a deciding factor in your choice to buy might not be necessary.

Water Conservation

Each system claims savings on your water bill once a smart controller is installed and up and running. From 20% all the way to an 80% possibility, savings can be made. It is really up to you, your scheduling, your updates, your staying on top of your controller to make sure you receive maximum savings. If you dial it in, water to your exact needs, savings are definitely possible with each of the controllers. Again it comes down to the controller that fits your specifications. When used properly, they can all cut down on your water bill, and while claims range quite a bit on what you can save, it really lies in the hands of the programmer. 

Add-Ons, Extras, and Price Points

There are a few extras and add-ons that can sway you one way or another when purchasing your sprinkler controller. For example, the Aeon Matrix Yardian can control your sprinkler system while also offering an HD camera to keep an eye on your yard, a fun bonus item. The Sprinkl and the Plaid Spruce offer optional moisture sensors, which, although an extra cost, can be an invaluable investment. The sensors will check the soil for the proper amount of moisture. If it’s too wet, they back off, if it’s too dry, they will add more water, taking over the scheduling for you. 

The price differentials between these controllers are not vast, ranging from the $150 dollar range up to almost $300. What do you need? Do you need up to 16 zones, then step up and pay a little more or else you will regret it, and end up buying another system and doubling your costs. Or do you have a smaller yard and 6 zones will be sufficient? The Hunter is a solid and reliable option, and will be on the lower end of your price scale if this is the case. Keep in mind your yard, your needs, and plan accordingly. 

So Which Controller Is Right For You?

All of these controllers are helpful and are highly recommended. The choice rests on which system best fits your yard. These are all solid choices. If you study the reviews you will find very few negative comments, and those that are posted have to do with connectivity issues. This could be from non-compatible devices or poor coverage. If you keep up with the updates and notifications these systems can take the worry out of your watering. Plan out how many zones you need, or need to grow into, and make ultra sure the system you choose is compatible with the devices you already own. Match up your specifications with a controller system on this list that best meets your precise needs, and your yard will be well sated, maintained, and lush for years to come.