Rachio 3

Why it stands out:
The Rachio 3 remains the gold standard in smart irrigation thanks to its hyper-local weather awareness and broad smart home compatibility. It can control up to 16 zones and adapts in real-time based on local weather conditions — accurate to within 36 feet of your home. This ensures precise watering without waste.

Unique Features:

• Optional EveryDrop Wired Irrigation Flow Meter ($150) to detect leaks and monitor water usage.
• Integration with Nest Protect for fire suppression and security cameras to deter intruders with sprinklers.
• Smart scheduling with custom notifications before watering starts — perfect for avoiding mid-party sogginess.
• Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings, Nest, IFTTT, and Wink.
• Rated highly by GearBrain for its excellent customer support and user-friendly app. GearBrain reviewed the second-generation Rachio 2 and gave it 9 stars out of 10 because of its performance and customer support, who are on-hand to help with installation questions, and how well it integrates with other devices.

See Pricing on Rachio.com

Available on Amazon

Orbit B-hyve

Why it’s a standout:
Priced from just $94, the Orbit B-hyve proves smart irrigation doesn’t need to be expensive. It still delivers rich zone-specific customization, based on soil type, slope, sun exposure, and plant needs.

Key Features:

• Uses NOAA weather data to adjust watering in real time.
• Smart split watering sessions help water absorb into the soil, preventing runoff.
• Alerts notify you about watering delays due to rain or freezing temps.
• Supports 6 or 12 zones depending on the model.
• Price Range: Controller for 6-zones: $90-$115 and 12-zones: $105-$120
• Read GearBrain review.

Available at Amazon

Orbit B-Hyve XR

Why it’s a standout:
The B-hyve XR enhances the original B-hyve with dual-band Wi-Fi, a sleek outdoor-ready enclosure, and a bright color LED display that shares real-time weather and watering data.

Key Features:

• Controls 8 or 16 zones, with intelligent scheduling via Weather Sense™.
• Outdoor-friendly, weatherproof casing.
• Dual-band Wi-Fi for stronger, more stable connectivity.
• Free shipping and excellent value at $130–$150 for 8-zones and $180- $200 for 16-zones controller.
• Read our full review.

Buy on Amazon

Wyze Sprinkler Controller

Why it’s a standout:
Affordable and user-friendly, the Wyze Sprinkler Controller offers powerful features at a low price point ($79.70). It's DIY-friendly and perfect for homeowners looking for simple smart watering.

Key Features:

• Controls up to 8 zones, optimized using 12 unique environmental factors.
• Supports manual watering via on-device buttons.
• Sprinkler Plus subscription (free for the first year, $9.99/year after) unlocks weather-based watering and moisture tracking.
• Helps comply with local water limits with adjustable zone caps.

Buy on Amazon

Netro Smart Sprinkler Controller

Why it’s a standout:
The Netro controller is ideal for those new to smart irrigation. With fast setup and built-in plant intelligence, it tailors watering to over 1,000 plant species.

Key Features:

• Controls 6 zones and works with Amazon Alexa.
• Priced: $99.99 for 6 zones and $119.99 for 12 zones per Amazon.
• Takes into account plant type, weather forecasts, and historical climate data.
• Control from anywhere using your smartphone (iOS and Android.)
• Setup in under 15 minutes—no pro needed.
• Up to 50% water savings through precision watering.

Buy on Amazon

Rain Bird ARC8 Smart Sprinkler Controller

Why it’s a standout:
Backed by decades of irrigation expertise, the Rain Bird ARC8 delivers professional-grade control with up to eight zones and a deep level of customization.

Key Features:

• Set up to six start times per day, per zone.
• Watering durations up to 199 minutes—great for deep soaking.
• Seasonal weather adjustments for year-round efficiency.
• App-controlled via iOS or Android, with a sleek wall-mounted unit.

Rain Bird Available on Amazon

Spruce

Why it’s a standout:
For larger, more complex gardens, the Spruce controller excels with 16-zone support and integration with real-time soil moisture sensors for ultra-targeted irrigation.

Key Features:

• Moisture sensors reduce water waste by providing real-time soil readings.
• Can reduce water use by up to 60% with smart scheduling.
• Optional manual scheduling for users who prefer more control.
• Built-in flow meter for leak detection.
• Voice control through Amazon Alexa with detailed commands.

Buy Spruce Controller

RainMachine Pro Smart Wi-Fi Sprinkler Controller

Why it’s a standout:
The RainMachine Pro is built for homeowners who want full control, even offline. It features a 6.5-inch HD touchscreen and works independently from the cloud.

Key Features:

• Full local control—no internet needed for scheduling or operation.
• Offers 12- or 16-zone models, and works with Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, SmartThings, and IFTTT.
• High-resolution interface for scheduling and diagnostics.
• Perfect for advanced users who value redundancy and flexibility.

Buy

Irrigreen Smart Sprinkler System

Why it’s a standout:

The Irrigreen Smart Sprinkler System introduces groundbreaking technology: digital nozzle printing, which sprays precise water patterns tailored to your landscape using software-defined zones.

Key Features:

• Replaces traditional spray zones with custom digital patterns, cutting installation complexity.
• Covers large areas with fewer heads, reducing water usage by up to 50%.
• Each head can adjust spray patterns on the fly, optimizing for plant types and obstacles.
• Designed with built-in weather intelligence, adapting daily based on local climate.
• Managed entirely through a smartphone app, with intuitive zone mapping via photos or satellite view.
• Read our full review.

📍 Available at Irrigreen.com and participating retailers.

Buy on Irrigreen

Smart Water Hose Timers: A Simple Alternative to In-Ground Sprinkler Systems

For smart homeowners who don’t have—or don’t need—a full in-ground sprinkler system, smart water hose timers offer an easy, affordable solution. These devices attach directly to your outdoor garden hose spigot and let you automate watering schedules through a smartphone app. Many models feature weather-based watering, rain delay, soil moisture integration, and even voice assistant compatibility (like Alexa or Google Assistant).

They're ideal for watering gardens, raised beds, flower pots, or smaller lawns, and require no digging or complex setup. Just screw it on, connect to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, and start customizing your watering routine from anywhere. Smart hose timers are a great way to add intelligence to your outdoor watering without committing to a full irrigation system.

Read our full article on the Best Smart Water Hose Timers for more information.