Comparison: Best Home Automation Sprinkler Control (Updated | Nov 6th)
Choosing the best home automation sprinkler control system can simplify lawn care, conserve water, and adapt to weather changes for efficient irrigation. This comparison explores top options, evaluating features like smart scheduling, weather integration, compatibility with voice assistants, and app usability. Whether you prioritize eco-friendly water savings, remote control capabilities, or seamless integration with existing smart home setups, our goal is to help you identify a solution that balances performance, ease of use, and value for your landscaping needs. Each system is assessed objectively, focusing on functionality and user experience to guide informed decisions.
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 best premium:
Rachio WiFi Smart Sprinkler Controller (16-Zone Irrigation Remote Control) – App-Based Scheduling -
Best for indooroutdoor flexibility:
Orbit 57950 B-hyve 12-Zone Smart Indoor/Outdoor Sprinkler Controller -
Best for best budget:
Orbit 57915 B-hyve 4-Zone Indoor Smart Sprinkler Controller -
Best for smart detection:
ImoLaza Outdoor Smart Sprinkler Controller -
Best for compact design:
Smart Sprinklers Controller WiFi -
Best for weather-based savings:
Hunter Hydrawise HPC400 Smart WiFi Irrigation Controller for Lawns and Gardens -
Best for high zone capacity:
Orbit 57995 B-hyve XR 16-Zone Smart Indoor/Outdoor Sprinkler Controller -
Best for water restriction compliant:
Aeon Matrix Yardian Pro Smart Sprinkler Controller 8 Zone – Control Buttons
Product Comparison: Best Home Automation Sprinkler Control
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.
Best premium
Rachio WiFi Smart Sprinkler Controller (16-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.
Indooroutdoor flexibility
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.
Best budget
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.
Smart detection
ImoLaza Outdoor Smart Sprinkler Controller, 8-Zone WiFi Irrigation Controller with Hyper-Local Weather, App Remote Control, Works w/ Alexa, Auto Watering, Rain/Freeze/Wind Skip, Smart Fault Detection
Imolaza
- Smart Protection for Reliable Irrigation: The Smart Fault Detection system monitors your irrigation system, automatically detecting issues and sending alerts to prevent damage and water waste. Surge Protection shields against lightning and over-voltage. The real-time clock (RTC) ensures accurate timekeeping during power or network outages, keeping your irrigation running smoothly and your lawn healthy
- Tailored Scientific&Precision Irrigation: ImoLaza smart sprinkler controller customizes precise irrigation schedules for each zone based on plant type, soil type, nozzle type, and sunlight exposure. It dynamically adjusts watering duration and frequency using real-time weather data and evapotranspiration (ET) algorithms, ensuring your plants receive exactly the right amount of water—no more, no less
- Smart Skipping & Seasonal Adjustment: The smart weather skip function automatically pauses irrigation during rain, strong winds, or freezing conditions, while the saturation skip prevents watering when soil moisture is sufficient. Seasonal adjustment optimizes watering schedules based on seasonal changes, ensuring your lawn receives just the right amount of water while reducing waste
- Smart Control Anytime, Anywhere: With the user-friendly ImoLaza app, remotely manage your irrigation system anytime, anywhere—no more running back and forth to the garage. Monitor and adjust watering schedules in real-time for precise irrigation. ImoLaza irrigation controller also supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for effortless smart home integration. Best of all, the app, including all premium features, is completely free forever
- Quick & Easy Installation: ImoLaza Ultra sprinkler controller is designed for simple, hassle-free installation without special tools. With just three easy steps, you can complete the DIY setup in 15 to 30 minutes. It’s compatible with 99.99% of existing irrigation systems, allowing for an instant upgrade to a smarter watering solution
- Top Choice for Light Commercial Use: Built for light commercial and high-end residential applications, the ImoLaza smart irrigation controller supports outdoor installation with a weatherproof design and hardwiring capabilities. It operates reliably even during power and internet outages. With comprehensive and powerful features, it meets diverse irrigation needs, making it the ideal solution for both home landscapes and commercial greenery
Compact design
Smart Sprinklers Controller WiFi, Irrigation Controller Easy Use App Enabled, 4 Zone + 16 Plans, Save Water Auto Skip Rain, Freeze & Wind, 10 Minutes Install (Deep Grey)
HiOazo
- Easy Use App Control: Take charge of your sprinkler system from anywhere with the easy-to-use Hioazo app. Access watering schedules and monitor in real-time, so you won’t have to run back and forth to the garage anymore. Work with 2.4GHz WIFI.
- Weather-Smart Functionality & Save Water: Stay ahead of nature's curve with intelligent skip features. Rain, frost, or wind? No worries! Our system automatically adapts, skipping watering sessions during unfavorable conditions to prevent plant stress and conserve water.
- Tailored Watering Solutions: Customize up to 16 watering plans across 4 zones, fine-tuning watering frequencies to suit your plants' needs. Whether it's daily drenching, intermittent hydration, or weekly soaking, achieve the perfect moisture balance for every corner of your yard.
- Two Irrigation Modes: Select between Standard Irrigation for continuous watering and Soak Irrigation to allow soil ample time to absorb water, promoting healthier plant growth. Set your Schedule irrigation, and the product will turn on your valves according to the schedule.
- Effortless Setup in 10 Minutes: Transform your garden in no time with our DIY-friendly installation, taking just a quick 10 minutes to complete. Compatible with a whopping 99% of existing sprinkler controllers, our system ensures seamless integration for hassle-free operation.
Weather-based savings
Hunter Hydrawise HPC400 Smart WiFi Irrigation Controller for Lawns and Gardens, 4 Zone, Expandable to 16 Zones, Weather Based, App Controlled Sprinkler System
Hunter
- Smart WiFi Control with Hydrawise App: Control your sprinkler system from anywhere using your smartphone, tablet, or web browser. Easily schedule and monitor watering with intuitive app-based management, no complicated setup required
- WEATHER BASED WATERING TO MAXIMIZE WATER SAVINGS: Save up to 50 percent on your water bill with real-time weather adjustments. The controller automatically updates schedules based on local forecasts, eliminating the need for extra sensors or manual changes
- 4 ZONES INCLUDED WITH EXPANDABILITY UP TO 16: Start with 4 watering zones included and scale as your lawn or garden grows. Expansion modules are available separately to add up to 16 zones total, giving you flexible coverage for small yards, gardens, and larger residential landscapes
- SIMPLE DIY INSTALLATION WITH TOUCHSCREEN INTERFACE: Designed for quick setup with labeled wiring, step-by-step touchscreen guidance, and fast WiFi connection. Get up and running in under 30 minutes, no professional installer necessary
- WEATHER RESISTANT AND OUTDOOR RATED FOR RELIABLE PERFORMANCE: Built tough with a weather resistant enclosure designed for outdoor environments. Backed by Hunter’s reputation for quality and durability to ensure years of dependable service
High zone capacity
Orbit 57995 B-hyve XR 16-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.
Water restriction compliant
Aeon Matrix Yardian Pro Smart Sprinkler Controller 8 Zone – Control Buttons, Apple HomeKit, Alexa, Google Assistant and Home Assistant Compatible, Enhanced Wi-Fi, RJ45, Level VI Worldwide Power Supply
Aeon Matrix
- SAVE WATER, SAVE MONEY – Utilize our EPA WaterSense-certified automatic Smart Program and the most versatile watering schedule to conserve water. Stay compliant through our proprietary water restrictions database.
- ON-DEVICE CONTROL BUTTONS – Enable you to operate any zone for a specified duration without requiring a smartphone or an Internet connection.
- COMPREHENSIVE CONNECTIVITY – Benefit from enhanced Wi-Fi coverage and the RJ45 port for direct Ethernet/4G/5G connectivity. Unique Apple Homekit and Home Assistant integration.
- CONTROL FROM ANYWHERE – Manage your watering programs and activities, track water usage, and remotely control your sprinkler system via the Yardian app or web interface.
- EASY INSTALLATION – Easily set up Yardian with no experience required. A 100VAC~240VAC full-range power adapter with Level VI power efficiency is included without relying on bulky transformers. 24VAC 1A output.
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
What should I prioritize when choosing a home automation sprinkler controller?
Prioritize features like weather-based scheduling, zone flexibility, and app control. Look for water-saving technologies like automatic weather skips and adaptive scheduling to optimize efficiency.
How do Rachio and Orbit B-hyve controllers compare in terms of value?
Rachio models offer advanced Weather Intelligence and higher zone counts but cost more. Orbit B-hyve controllers are budget-friendly with similar smart features, making them ideal for smaller systems or tight budgets.
Are all smart sprinkler controllers compatible with voice assistants?
Most modern options, like Rachio, Orbit B-hyve, and ImoLaza, support Alexa and Google Assistant. Check product descriptions for voice assistant compatibility before purchasing.
What’s the difference between 8-zone and 16-zone controllers?
8-zone controllers suit smaller yards or gardens, while 16-zone models handle larger properties with complex irrigation needs. Choose based on the number of separate watering areas you need to manage.
Do smart sprinkler controllers require professional installation?
No, most models (e.g., Orbit, ImoLaza, Hunter Hydrawise) are DIY-friendly with easy wiring and app-guided setup. Look for labels like 'quick installation' or 'no tools required' for user-friendly options.
Which controller is best for outdoor use in extreme weather?
Orbit B-hyve XR and Hunter Hydrawise HPC400 are weather-resistant and rated for outdoor installation. They include rugged enclosures for reliability in rain, heat, or freezing conditions.
Can I track water usage with these systems?
Yes, controllers like Rachio and Hunter Hydrawise provide estimated water usage tracking via their apps, helping you monitor consumption and adjust schedules to save water.
What’s the advantage of a controller with 'smart skipping' features?
Smart skipping (e.g., in ImoLaza and Rachio) automatically pauses watering during rain, frost, or high wind, preventing overwatering and reducing waste while protecting plant health.
