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In this article, we will explore the 11 best smart sprinkler controllers for lush, green lawns [Rachio vs Rainmachine vs Skydrop vs Rainbird and many more]. Our aim is to save you the hassle of scanning dozens of reviews and product descriptions to find the best option for your needs and budget.
What are the top smart sprinkler controllers for lush lawns? Following are our smart sprinkler controller recommendations based on the number of watering zones, smart home integration, cost, and other factors:
- Rachio 3
- RainMachine Pro 8
- Skydrop Arc
- Rain-Bird ESP4MEI I
- Orbit 57950 B-Hyve
- OpenSprinkler WIFI
- Scotts Gro 7 Zone Controller
- Spruce Irrigation 16 Zone
- NxEco Smart Irrigation
- Aeon Matrix Yardian
- Netro Smart Sprinkler
A Smart Way To Water Your Lawn
Smart devices are starting to take over homes and have now moved out into the yards. With a smart sprinkler controller, you can automate the process of keeping your lawn or garden watered.
Old manual or electric-powered sprinkler systems are still more convenient compared to standing in the yard with a garden hose. The smart sprinkler controllers take it a step further with a ton of added convenience.
What makes these devices smart is their WIFI connection. Instead of relying on fixed timers, some of the top smart controllers can connect to the internet and check the weather, conserving water when rain is in the forecast.
Depending on the device, you may also receive text notifications, control the watering schedule from your phone or tablet, or set up multiple watering zones.
Perhaps this is why MarketsandMarkets, PersistenceMarketResearch, and others predict the Smart Irrigation Market will hit $1,755.1 million at compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.3% of by 2023
Keep reading to compare the 11 best smart sprinkler controllers for lawns 2020. We’ll start with a comparison of our top four picks.
📚 Related: 5 Best Robot Lawn Mowers for 1/2 to 1 Acre
Best Smart Sprinkler Controller Comparison
The Rachio 3, Rain Machine, Rain Bird, and Sky Drop are our top recommendations, but how do they stack up against each other?
When comparing, we looked at the number of watering zones, the control interfaces, smart home integration, the best feature, indoor or outdoor installation, and cost.
Last update on 07/27/2024 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1 Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller
Rachio 3 is widely considered the best choice for a variety of reasons. It is one of the easiest sprinkler controllers to install and setup. It features integration with smart home devices and provides control via mobile app or web interface.
The feature that stands out the most is the reliability of this little device. While other devices automatically adjust the watering based on the weather data, they are not always accurate, resulting in overwatering or underwatering. You can trust the Rachio 3 to use the latest forecast to determine how much water your yard or garden needs.
Thanks to our friend Icoboof for the helpful video review and comparison with the previous version:
Pros
Cons
2 RainMachine Pro 8
The RainMachine Pro 8 offers complete control over the watering schedule and every feature through multiple interfaces. You can adjust the settings using the touchscreen interface, the mobile app, or the web interface. After connecting it to your network, you can check settings using Amazon Alexa.
The touchscreen display is large, easy to read, and shows the weather forecast. It is also one of the few smart sprinkler controllers that are cloud independent. You can continue using the device when the Wi-FI connection is lost.
Thanks to Brian from The Wi-Fi Garden for the video review and comparison with Rachio:
Pros
Cons
3 Skydrop Arc Smart Sprinkler System Controller
The Skydrop Arc is one of the more affordable smart sprinkler systems. You can set up 13 watering zones to automatically control the watering of your garden or lawn.
One of the best features of the Skydrop Arc is the software used to adjust watering based on the weather. Instead of simply checking the precipitation, the Skydrop Arc examines the humidity, wind, temperature, solar radiation, and even the slope of the soil.
Thanks to vDubReviews for this handy video:
Pros
Cons
4 Rain-Bird ESP4MEI Indoor Irrigation WIFI Zone Controller
Rain-Bird produces a wide range of irrigation systems, including this smart system. It features WIFI connectivity for remote control via a web interface or mobile app. The settings can also be adjusted using the onboard controls, which is great when the device loses its internet connection.
The Rain-Bird system allows you to set up to 22 watering zones and uses automatic weather adjustments to conserve water usage by 50%. The device is intended for indoor mounting and may require professional installation.
Why the interface is fairly cluttered and hard to use, this video from Nebraska Sod shows you how to program the controller step by step:
Pros
Cons
5 Orbit 57950 B-Hyve
The Orbit B-Hyve is a great option when you have a limited budget. It has a large display, hidden behind a cover to protect it during outdoor installation. The locking cabinet also prevents tampering and exposure to rain or snow.
Pros
Cons
6 OpenSprinkler WIFI Smart Sprinkler Controller
With the OpenSprinkler, you can use any device to control your watering schedule. The device features simple onboard controls, along with a web interface and mobile app for use on any current web browser, smartphone, or tablet.
Pros
Cons
7 Scotts Gro 7 Zone Controller
Scotts is a name that you can trust to take care of your yard. They produce a wide range of outdoor equipment and lawn care supplies, including the Gro 7 Zone Controller.
This controller features accurate weather adjustments to conserve more water. It is also EPA WaterSense certified.
Pros
Cons
8 Spruce Irrigation 16 Zone WIFI Sprinkler Controller
The Spruce Irrigation Controller lets you set up to 16 zones and control the device with your mobile device. You can also access the web interface through any browser to adjust the advanced settings.
The device is intended for outdoor installation but may need to be installed close to the router to maintain WIFI connectivity.
Pros
Cons
9 NxEco Smart Irrigation Sprinkler Controller
With the NxEco, you can set up 36 watering zones, making this one of the best options for covering a lot of ground. It is also easy to install and operate.
The device includes onboard controls, allowing you to control it when the internet is down. You can even let your gardener gain access to the device without sharing a password.
Pros
Cons
10 Aeon Matrix Yardian Multi-Functional Smart Sprinkler Controller
The Aeon Matrix Yardian is a unique smart sprinkler controller, as it is the only option in this list with a built-in HD camera. You can watch your grass grow while you are at work or on vacation. It also offers 8 or 12 zone watering, depending on which model you purchase.
Pros
Cons
11 Netro Smart Sprinkler Controller
The Netro is another great budget sprinkler controller. It is affordable and allows 6 or 12 zones, depending on the model. Installation is also easy. However, it is not waterproof and is only intended for indoor installation.
Pros
Cons
Which Smart Sprinkler Controller Should You Choose?
The best smart sprinkler controllers are all still relatively new, with several of the first devices just now reaching their second or third generation.
Overall, Rachio 3 is my top recommendation out of the best smart sprinkler controllers for lawns 2020. It is reliable, easy to use, and offers the most customization. The RainMachine is a closer runner up, thanks to its large touchscreen display. Unfortunately, the mobile app is a little more difficult to navigate.
The Skydrop Arc is the best budget option. You get 13 watering zones and complete control of the device via the mobile app, web interface, or mobile controls. For the best overall value, we recommend the Rain-Bird, offering 22 watering zones and quite a few custom settings.
These are all great options for simplifying your watering needs. Before buying, be sure to consider the size of your yard and the number of zones that you need.
Rachio vs Rainmachine vs Skydrop vs Rainbird: What’s Your Take?
We hope you enjoyed our review of the best smart sprinkler controllers for lush green lawns.
So what do YOU think about these sprinkler controllers? Do you agree with our picks? Who do you think wins the battle between Rachio vs Rainmachine vs Skydrop vs Rainbird? Perhaps there is a product you like better than didn’t make our list?
Do you plan on purchasing one of these smart devices? What features do you look forward to using the most? Will you be as happy as this fine fellow once you achieve that lush green lawn of your dreams?
Please leave us a comment below and let us know.
Also, if you liked our review, would you mind sharing it using the colorful social media buttons at the top and bottom of this page?
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Tim Brennan, a tech blogger and host of the @TecTimmy YouTube channel, writes about smart homes at oneSmartcrib, home theaters at UniversalRemoteReviews, and AI in writing at Writeinteractive. He holds a Journalism degree from Northeastern University and has covered technology for three decades. He lives on the ocean in Nahant, Massachusetts.
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