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Buyer’s Guide for Finding a Smart Sprinkler Controller
Nature lovers want a garden that looks amazing and boasts beautiful plants, and to achieve this, you must take care of your garden to ensure it stays fresh and hydrated. Unfortunately, not many people have the time to manage a strict watering routine for their lush green lawn, which is why you might want an automated, smart device to water your garden for you.This is why many modern households and farms are now equipped with smart sprinkler controllers, a reliable gadget that controls the water supply defines water timings, and maintains watering consistency. We’ve listed the leading smart sprinkler controllers of 2023 that can help keep your green friends happy and healthy, and to answer any questions you might have, we’ve also analyzed multiple factors and the perks of installing such a device in your home. Let’s get started and change your gardening schedule once and for all!
Orbit Smart Sprinkler Controller
Best Overall
Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller
Top Weather Intelligence
Wyze Smart Sprinkler Controller
Sleek Design
Rain Bird Smart Sprinkler Controller
Premium Connectivity
Netro Smart Sprinkler Controller
Fully Automatic Design
Factors to Consider
Here’s a list of things to remember when buying a smart sprinkler controller:Certification
Before buying a smart sprinkler controller, ensure that it has an EPA WaterSense Certification. This seal states that your device is safe to use and will not impact the environment negatively by wasting water.Installation
Another thing to keep in mind is the installation process. Since a smart sprinkler controller is a small device, most brands come with a complete installation guide to eliminate the need for professional help.Control
Controlling and setting a smart sprinkler controller to match your needs is essential. Most versions feature a manual control that requires you to turn the machine on and off to suit your needs, but with recent innovations in technology, things like voice commands, auto-setup, sensors, and remote connectivity are becoming common.Weather resistance
Take weather resistance into account if you don’t have a sheltered area to store your smart sprinkler controller. Not every piece of technology is weatherproof, and some controllers may respond negatively to variations in temperature or environment. Always double-check the labeling and make sure to establish an appropriate atmosphere for your smart sprinkler controller.Benefits of Having a Smart Sprinkler Controller
There are a variety of benefits that a smart sprinkler controller can offer you and your garden:Stress reduction
A smart sprinkler controller can help eliminate any stress that comes with remembering when to water or how much water a specific section of your property needs. These devices feature an automatic timer and sensory systems to ensure that an adequate water supply is provided to the garden, so even if you’re away on vacation, you won’t have to worry about who will water the plants and when.Efficient use
Increased efficiency is one of the top benefits a smart sprinkler controller offers that a manual one might not deliver, as these controllers ensure even water distribution and can greatly reduce physical labor. Gone are the days when you had to go out and check whether the entire lawn was appropriately watered or not — this device can make that happen and let you know in no time at all.Saving time and resources
After installing a smart sprinkler controller, you won’t have to take time out of your hectic schedule to water your plants — this automated device will take care of that for you. This allows people to devote more time to improving other aspects of their lives or just relaxing after a long day at work.Money and water are crucial resources for your own usage and those around you. A smart sprinkler controller will only utilize the amount of water that’s absolutely necessary, saving you both water and money.How Can I Maintain the Quality of a Smart Sprinkler Controller?
To make your smart sprinkler controller last for a long time )or at the very least get your money’s worth), you need to install it in a shaded environment with maximum protection against weather changes. Even if you have a weather-resistant device, installing it in a protected environment can only help extend its life. Make sure that the device is regularly cleaned, and check its system settings now and again to confirm its efficiency.Orbit Smart Sprinkler Controller
Best Overall
The Orbit Smart Sprinkler Controller is designed to innovate your garden, utilizing the B-hyve mobile app for iOS, Android, and various web devices to give you maximum control over your watering no matter where you are. It features smart watering technology that takes into account things like soil type, slope, and weather conditions to adjust to your garden’s requirements, and its compact, lightweight design won’t take up too much space either.This smart sprinkler controller is easy to install and its app is so simple that even the least tech-oriented person can use it. This smart sprinkler controller has made it to the top of our list thanks to its adjustable timer that optimizes the quality of your ground while preventing water wastage.
Pros
- Helps save water and energy
- Compatible with several devices
- Caters to your garden’s needs
Cons
- App is pretty generic
Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller
Top Weather Intelligence
Rachio brings us an easy-to-install smart sprinkler controller that offers weather integration to help you water your plants to the levels they require. This sprinkler makes use of a user-friendly iOS and Android app to offer you full control over your garden maintenance from anywhere, and it can determine plant and soil type, sun exposure, and current weather conditions to provide your greenery with a suitable environment to thrive. This smart sprinkler controller can become part of your smart home thanks to its compatibility with Amazon’s Alexa and various other smart home assistants, letting you easily keep tabs on the device as needed. This sprinkler’s smart water supply can help make sure that every part of your garden is tended to properly, and its energy-saving design can even help you cut down on your monthly bills as well.
Pros
- Monitors weather conditions and adjusts watering accordingly
- Can help reduce energy bills
- Smart assistant compatibility
Cons
- App requires compatibility with the latest devices
Wyze Smart Sprinkler Controller
Sleek Design
The Wyze Smart Sprinkler Controller has passed the EPA WaterSense test and can help you prevent unnecessary water wastage. It uses the Wyze iOS and Android app to let you conveniently water your plants and garden as needed, and its sleek, smart design is easy to install and can look aesthetically pleasing no matter where you set it up.This smart sprinkler controller can create simple schedules to automatically water your plants when they need a little pick-me-up without you having to worry about finding time in your busy schedule to do so. Its app sends instant, real-time notifications to keep you updated about what’s going on, and you can even add names to different zones of your lawn to make watering with this smart sprinkler controller even more convenient.
Pros
- Easy installation process
- Efficient, water-saving design
- Adjusts to weather conditions
Cons
- Some issues with app
Rain Bird Smart Sprinkler Controller
Premium Connectivity
The Rain Bird Smart Sprinkler Controller is a new and improved device with high-end internet connectivity that you can pick up to replace your outdated sprinkler model. It’s simple to use, giving you to access various functions for a smart, water-saving process, and it’s compatible with Alexa, iOS, and Android devices so you don’t have to worry about purchasing something extra to use it. This smart sprinkler controller utilizes adjustable climate features, eliminating the need for having to manually set it every now and then. Smartphone users can receive regular push notifications to stay updated about the shape of their garden with this smart sprinkler controller, and because it’s passed the EPA WaterSense test, it can help you save around 20% more water.
Pros
- Does not require frequent manual setup
- Features improved connectivity
- Sends mobile notifications when needed
Cons
- Instructions can be confusing
Netro Smart Sprinkler Controller
Fully Automatic Design
The Netro Smart Sprinkler Controller is an EPA WaterSense certified device that adjusts your watering schedule to avoid wastage. It has a lifetime cloud service with WiFi connectivity that lets you monitor and control the device remotely, and it’s compatible with both iOS and Android devices as well as web browsers, offering you control over your smart sprinkler controller wherever you are. This smart sprinkler controller is designed to help you save up to 50% more water outside, making it an eco-friendly and convenient option to pick up. It can send alerts to your phone and complies with nearby watering rules to offer your plants the hydration they need, and it’s simple to install, requiring only a couple of minutes to get set up and ready to water your garden.
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Can help significantly reduce water wastage
- Compatible with various devices
Cons
- Shade is required to protect the device
People Also Asked
Will a smart sprinkler controller help me save water?
Smart sprinkler controllers are a great way to save money if you’re looking for a water-efficient device. Most smart sprinkler controllers can help you save up to 50% of your regular water consumption.
Does a smart sprinkler controller need to be professionally set up?
Almost every brand sends a setup manual to help you get your smart sprinkler controller installed without professional help. Some people still prefer hiring a professional to do the job, but this is by no means a requirement.
Is a smart sprinkler controller long-lasting?
A smart sprinkler controller can last over a decade if appropriately maintained. Take a look at the tips in our buying guide above to see how you can make your smart sprinkler controller last longer.
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