Comparison: Best Automatic Sprinkler Control System (Updated | Oct 14th)
Choosing the best automatic sprinkler control system can streamline lawn and garden care, saving time and water while promoting healthier landscapes. Modern systems offer features like weather-based scheduling, zone customization, and smartphone integration, catering to diverse needs. This comparison explores top options, evaluating ease of use, compatibility, and efficiency to help you select a solution that balances functionality and convenience. Whether prioritizing sustainability, smart home integration, or budget-friendly performance, this guide provides a neutral overview to inform your decision without overpromising results.
(99 words)
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
-
Best for best overall:
Rachio WiFi Smart Sprinkler Controller (8-Zone Irrigation Remote Control) – App-Based Scheduling -
Best for best value:
Orbit 57946 B-hyve 6-Zone Smart Indoor/Outdoor Sprinkler Controller -
Best for high zone count:
Orbit 57950 B-hyve 12-Zone Smart Indoor/Outdoor Sprinkler Controller -
Best for budget pick:
Orbit 57915 B-hyve 4-Zone Indoor Smart Sprinkler Controller -
Best for simple programming:
Rain Bird SST600IN Simple-To-Set Indoor Sprinkler/Irrigation System Timer/Controller -
Best for premium features:
Orbit 57985 B-hyve XR 8-Zone Smart Indoor/Outdoor Sprinkler Controller -
Best for easy install:
Rain Bird 32ETI Easy to Install In-Ground Automatic Sprinkler System Kit -
Best for indoor installation:
Rain Bird SST900IN Simple-To-Set Indoor Sprinkler/Irrigation System Timer/Controller -
Best for seasonal adjust:
Rain Bird SST400IN Simple-to-Set Indoor Sprinkler/Irrigation System Timer/Controller -
Best for smart weather skips:
ImoLaza 6-Zone Indoor Smart WiFi Sprinkler System Controller
Product Comparison: Best Automatic Sprinkler Control System
Best overall
Rachio WiFi Smart Sprinkler Controller (8-Zone Irrigation Remote Control) – App-Based Scheduling, Local Weather Intelligence, Rain Skips, Easy DIY Install
Rachio
- DITCH THE DIAL – Upgrade to smart irrigation with the free Rachio app for precise, easy control.
- AUTOMATIC WEATHER SKIPS – Patented Weather Intelligence skips watering for rain, wind, freeze & more.
- SAVE WATER YEAR-ROUND – Adaptive schedules help your yard thrive in April showers & July heat.
- FLEXIBLE SCHEDULING – Create your own schedule or let Weather Intelligence adjust automatically; includes grow-in options.
- CONTROL FROM ANYWHERE – Manage watering, run zones, view schedules & track estimated usage in the Rachio App.
- FAST DIY INSTALL – Install in 30 min or less, compatible with 99% of existing sprinkler systems.
Best value
Orbit 57946 B-hyve 6-Zone Smart Indoor/Outdoor Sprinkler Controller
Orbit
- EFFICIENT WATERING SOLUTION – The smart sprinkler controller ensures automatic watering with precision, saving you time and effort.
- INDOOR AND OUTDOOR PLACEMENT – This automatic watering system can be placed indoors or outdoors providing the maximum flexibility for installation in your yard or garden.
- EASY-TO-USE DRIP IRRIGATION – The drip irrigation timer allows for hassle-free management of your garden's watering needs, ensuring healthy plant growth.
- VERSATILE AUTOMATIC IRRIGATION – Automatically control your sprinkler system, with automatic adjustment to weather conditions and plant watering needs.
- SMART HOME WATERING – With our wireless sprinkler controller, you can adjust your sprinklers from anywhere, transforming your home into an intelligent oasis.
High zone count
Orbit 57950 B-hyve 12-Zone Smart Indoor/Outdoor Sprinkler Controller
Orbit
- EFFICIENT WATERING SOLUTION – The smart sprinkler controller ensures automatic watering with precision, saving you time and effort.
- INDOOR AND OUTDOOR PLACEMENT – This automatic watering system can be placed indoors or outdoors providing the maximum flexibility for installation in your yard or garden.
- EASY-TO-USE DRIP IRRIGATION – The drip irrigation timer allows for hassle-free management of your garden's watering needs, ensuring healthy plant growth.
- VERSATILE AUTOMATIC IRRIGATION – Automatically control your sprinkler system, with automatic adjustment to weather conditions and plant watering needs.
- SMART HOME WATERING – With our wireless sprinkler controller, you can adjust your sprinklers from anywhere, transforming your home into an intelligent oasis.
Budget pick
Orbit 57915 B-hyve 4-Zone Indoor Smart Sprinkler Controller
Orbit
- SMART SPRINKLER CONTROL – Orbit B-hyve offers a WiFi sprinkler timer with remote control capabilities for your irrigation system. Program, monitor, and adjust your watering schedule from anywhere using the user-friendly app.
- EFFICIENT WATERING MADE EASY – Our automatic watering system works with other water saving techologies like drip irrigation and multipoint rotators, delivering precise and targeted water distribution to your plants, promoting healthy growth.
- CONVENIENT INDOOR PLANT CARE – With our smart plant watering system, you can set automated schedules to provide consistent moisture for your indoor plants. Ensure their well-being even when you're away or busy.
- ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY AND FLEXIBILITY – The Orbit B-hyve sprinkler timer is equipped with WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, offering seamless control and customization options. You can effortlessly create personalized watering programs to meet your specific needs.
- RELIABLE PERFORMANCE AND EASY INSTALLATION – Our timer for sprinklers is designed for DIY enthusiasts and professional contractors alike. Featuring user-friendly setup instructions and a durable build, it guarantees hassle-free operation and long-lasting use.
Simple programming
Rain Bird SST600IN Simple-To-Set Indoor Sprinkler/Irrigation System Timer/Controller, 6-Zone/Station (this New/Improved Model Replaces SST600I),Gray/Green
Rain Bird
- This timer is so easy to program you won't need the instructions
- Simple zone-by-zone settings allow customized watering schedules for each area of your yard
- Designed for indoor installation within a garage, home, or waterproof shed
- One-touch seasonal adjust allows increase to watering time in hot, dry months or reduction in cool, rainy periods
- Rain Delay suspends watering for up to 72-hours; when delay ends programming automatically resumes
- Superior long-lasting durability and built-in surge protection
- Sealed case to protect against moisture, insects and grime
- New and Improved model SST600IN timer replaces the Obsolete SST600I
Premium features
Orbit 57985 B-hyve XR 8-Zone Smart Indoor/Outdoor Sprinkler Controller
Orbit
- SMART UNDERGROUND WATERING TIMER – Effortlessly manage your watering schedule with our advanced technology. Control and monitor your underground sprinklers from anywhere with WiFi connectivity.
- WIFI WATERING TIMER – Experience the convenience of remote control and programming with our WiFi-enabled smart timer. Say goodbye to manual adjustments.
- SMART WATERING TIMER – Optimize water usage and promote healthy plants with our intuitive smart timer. Automated schedules and weather-based adjustments ensure efficient watering.
- WIFI WATERING TIMER – Take control of your watering system from the palm of your hand. Our WiFi-enabled timer offers easy access and customization through a user-friendly app.
- ULTIMATE WATER MANAGEMENT – Our smart timer delivers precise water distribution, saving you time, money, and resources. Enjoy a lush, thriving garden while reducing water waste.
Easy install
Rain Bird 32ETI Easy to Install In-Ground Automatic Sprinkler System Kit
Rain Bird
- Waters your lawn automatically the whole season
- Eliminates constant hassle of moving garden hoses and making sprinkler adjustments
- Attaches to an outside faucet and installs in one afternoon
- Sprinklers retract into lawn for a clean uncluttered appearance and easy mowing
- Covers medium size lawn areas from 1000 to 3000 sq. ft. with average residential water pressure and flow of 45 to 75 psi
- Operates at normal average residential water pressures of: 45 to 75 psi and 6 to 12 gallons per minute flow rate
- Professional grade hose-end timer and dependable 32SA gear drive rotors
- DON'T EXPAND SYSTEM: adding extra tubing or rotors can negatively impact performance = reduced spray distance, rotors won't pop-up or rotate
Indoor installation
Rain Bird SST900IN Simple-To-Set Indoor Sprinkler/Irrigation System Timer/Controller, 9-Zone/Station (this New/Improved Model Replaces SST900I)
Rain Bird
- This timer is so easy to program you won't need the instructions
- Simple zone-by-zone settings allow customized watering schedules for each area of your yard
- Designed for indoor installation within a garage, home, or waterproof shed
- One-touch seasonal adjust allows increase to watering time in hot, dry months or reduction in cool, rainy periods
- Rain Delay suspends watering for up to 72-hours; when delay ends programming automatically resumes
- Superior long-lasting durability and built-in surge protection
- Sealed case to protect against moisture, insects and grime
- New and Improved model SST900IN timer replaces the Obsolete SST900I
Seasonal adjust
Rain Bird SST400IN Simple-to-Set Indoor Sprinkler/Irrigation System Timer/Controller, 4-Zone/Station (this New/Improved Model Replaces SST400I)
Rain Bird
- This timer is so easy to program you won't need the instructions
- Simple zone-by-zone settings allow customized watering schedules for each area of your yard
- Designed for indoor installation within a garage, home, or waterproof shed
- One-touch seasonal adjust allows increase to watering time in hot, dry months or reduction in cool, rainy periods
- Rain Delay suspends watering for up to 72-hours; when delay ends programming automatically resumes
- Superior long-lasting durability and built-in surge protection
- Sealed case to protect against moisture, insects and grime
- New and Improved model SST400IN timer replaces the Obsolete SST400I
Smart weather skips
ImoLaza 6-Zone Indoor Smart WiFi Sprinkler System Controller, Easy Install Irrigation Timer for Lawn & Garden, Water-Saving Automatic Sprinkler Timer/Controller with Mobile App, Compatible with Alexa
Imolaza
- Flexible Watering Schedule – ImoLaza smart sprinkler controller offers two intelligent watering modes—New Grass and Fixed Schedule—so you can customize start times, intervals, and durations for each zone. The New Grass mode supports up to 24 start times per day for high-frequency watering. Whether for daily lawn care or strict regional water regulations, it adapts effortlessly to your needs
- Smart Weather Skips – Powered by ultra-local forecasts and real-time data from 375,000 weather stations, ImoLaza Wi-Fi irrigation controller accurately skips watering during rain, freeze, or high winds. This advanced weather intelligence can reduce outdoor water use by up to 50%, ensuring efficiency without compromising plant health. This unprecedented smart weather system is only available with ImoLaza—no other controllers can match it
- Quick & Easy Installation – Designed for hassle-free DIY setup, ImoLaza installs in just 15–30 minutes with no special tools. With just 3 simple steps, you can upgrade your existing irrigation system—99.99% compatible—to smart control effortlessly
- App Control from Anywhere – With the ImoLaza app, you can manage zones, adjust settings, start or stop watering, and view detailed reports—anytime, anywhere. Stay in full control whether you're home, at work, or on vacation
- Save Water, No Fees – ImoLaza Wi-Fi sprinkler controller helps save over 30,000 gallons of water annually by replacing outdated controllers. All features—including smart weather and updates—are completely free, with no subscription required. Fully supports Alexa & Google Assistant
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
Which sprinkler controller supports the most zones?
Orbit 57950 B-hyve 12-Zone Smart Indoor/Outdoor Sprinkler Controller supports up to 12 zones.
Which models work outdoors?
Orbit B-hyve models (B01D15HOIQ, B01D15HOTU, B07DJ2QTW9, B08J2BJSCB) and Rachio (B07CZ864Y9) are designed for indoor/outdoor use.
Which systems are WiFi-enabled?
Rachio (B07CZ864Y9), Orbit B-hyve models (B01D15HOIQ, B01D15HOTU, B07DJ2QTW9, B08J2BJSCB), and ImoLaza (B0F633Z18G) include WiFi connectivity.
What is the best option for small yards?
Orbit 57915 B-hyve 4-Zone (B07DJ2QTW9) or Rain Bird SST400IN (B071QWPWY5) are ideal for smaller setups with fewer zones.
Which controllers are weather-resistant?
Orbit B-hyve 57985 XR (B08J2BJSCB) and Rachio (B07CZ864Y9) feature weather-resistant enclosures.
Do any models include professional-grade features?
Rain Bird 32ETI (B00K72WU3Q) is a professional-grade in-ground system with advanced scheduling.
Which systems are easiest to install?
Rain Bird Simple-To-Set models (B071D7TSRH, B06ZYLQJWN, B071QWPWY5) and ImoLaza (B0F633Z18G) prioritize easy installation.
