Comparison: Best Automatic Rain Sprinklers (Updated | Oct 14th)
When it comes to maintaining a lush, healthy lawn or garden, automatic rain sprinklers offer a convenient and efficient solution. With advancements in technology, today’s models provide smart features like weather-based scheduling, zone customization, and water conservation tools to help you nurture your landscape with minimal effort. This comparison guide explores top options, highlighting differences in coverage, ease of use, durability, and compatibility with smart home systems. Whether you’re a novice gardener or an experienced landscaper, this overview aims to help you find a sprinkler system that balances performance, reliability, and value for your specific needs.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
-
Best for best overall:
Rain Bird 32ETI Easy to Install In-Ground Automatic Sprinkler System Kit -
Best for budget pick:
RAINPOINT Sprinkler Timer -
Best for easy setup:
Rain Bird SST900IN Simple-To-Set Indoor Sprinkler/Irrigation System Timer/Controller -
Best for adjustable spray:
Rain Bird 1804 Spray Head with 15van Nozzle; 0° to 360° Adjustable; 15' Radius (Pack of 5) -
Best for durable valve:
Rain Bird CP075 In-Line Automatic Sprinkler Valve -
Best for best value:
RAINPOINT Water Timer for Garden Hose – 2 Zone Sprinkler Timer with Rain Delay/Manual Watering/Automatic Irrigation for Yard Lawn -
Best for reliable retract:
Rain Bird 1804VAN Professional Pop-Up Sprinkler -
Best for wide coverage:
Rain Bird Rotor Heads 5000 Rotor Sprinkler Heads. 4-Pack -
Best for smart control:
Rain-Bird ESP-TM2 Indoor Outdoor Irrigation WiFi Zone Controller Timer Box and Link Lnk WiFi Mobile Wireless Smartphone Upgrade Module Sprinkler System (6 Zone)
Product Comparison: Best Automatic Rain Sprinklers
Best overall
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
Budget pick
RAINPOINT Sprinkler Timer, Programmable Water Timer for Garden Hose, Outdoor Soaker Hose Timed with Rain Delay/Manual/Automatic Watering System, Digital Irrigation for Yard, Lawn, 1 Outlet
RAINPOINT
- 【Easy Programming Program】Through the Sprinkler Timer to program, you can set the Start Time, Watering Duration is 1min-3h59min, Watering Frequency from 1h to 12h or 1 day to 7 days, so you can customize your watering time, and can be more accurate.
- 【Rain Delay & Manual Mode】With rain delay mode, your programmed schedule will be paused for 24, 48, or 72 hours, and will be automatically resumed. Using manual mode, any lawn or garden can be watered as needed, with customizable times from 1 min to 8 hrs, and without interrupting your schedule.
- 【Big LCD Screen Display】The water faucet timer with a big LCD screen display, which can display the watering time,watering frequency, power and other detailed content,that is convenient and easy to read.
- 【Multi-Scene Hose Timer】It can be used for many scenes, can be used in the garden, lawn, yard and other places,it can meet your daily life needs of the sprinkler timer.
- 【Product Contains】Including Water Timer*1 and User Manual*1, using 2*AAA alkaline batteries (not included), the User Manual can better help you to set the timer, the power will be displayed on the screen intelligently To remind you of the available power.
Easy setup
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
Adjustable spray
Rain Bird 1804 Spray Head with 15van Nozzle; 0° to 360° Adjustable; 15' Radius (Pack of 5)
Rain Bird
- 5 Rainbird 1804 spray heads
- Comes With Adjustable Nozzle Already Installed In Each Head
- 4" Pop-up Height
- Adjust arc without tools, 0-360 degrees
- 8' to 15' radius distance
Durable valve
Rain Bird CP075 In-Line Automatic Sprinkler Valve, 3/4" Threaded x Female, Black
Rain Bird
- Residential / light commercial grade 3/4" female threaded inlet and outlet valve
- Works with any standard sprinkler timer
- Designed for below-ground installation out of sight and away from playful hands
- Operates automatically or manually with manual bleed screw
- Reverse Flow design reduces stress on diaphragm for dependable operation
- Energy efficient, low power encapsulated solenoid with captured plunger
- Buna-N diaphragm provides superior performance in harsh water environments
Best value
RAINPOINT Water Timer for Garden Hose – 2 Zone Sprinkler Timer with Rain Delay/Manual Watering/Automatic Irrigation for Yard Lawn
RAINPOINT
- Experience the 2025 Revolution – The valves have been fully upgraded, reducing flow resistance by 40%. The screen structure has also been improved, achieving an IP65 waterproof rating. It has passed 20,000-cycle lab testing, making the product more durable.
- 2 Separate Programmable Zones – Hose timers offer customizable settings for each zone. You can set specific start times, watering durations, By scheduling watering for different zones, you can conserve water and promote healthier plant growth.
- Saves 1 Hour Daily Manual Work – Set it and forget it. This sprinkler timer outdoor offers a broad range of watering duration(1min -3h59min) and frequency(1h-12h and 1day-7day), which can customize flexible plans to ease your mind about watering while you’re away on vacation!
- Versatile Watering Modes – Sprinkler timer with Auto, manual, and rain delay tres modes to meet all your watering needs. 3 separate manual modes, which can be switched between ZONE1, ZONE2, and BOTH ZONE by the "Zone" button. 24, 48, or 72 hours rain delay to avoid overwatering and save much water on rainy days.
- Easy Setup, Hassle-Free – The 360° rotating interface simplifies installation. With one-click operation and a large button, using it is easy. The big display features a clear interface for managing your watering schedule without complicated menus, making it user-friendly for everyone, including those in their seventies.
- LOW-BATTERY WARNING – The water faucet timer features a 2.5" easy-to-read LED display that may show the watering time, next irrigation plans, power, and other detailed information. Also, if the battery has to be changed, a low-battery notice lets the user know, and the valve will automatically close if the battery is low.
Reliable retract
Rain Bird 1804VAN Professional Pop-Up Sprinkler, Adjustable 0� – 360� Pattern, 8' – 15' Spray Distance, 4" Pop-up Height (4 Pack)
Rain Bird
- 1804 Series 4" Pop-Up Spray
- Comes with 15VAN 15' Variable Arc (adjustable) Nozzle
- Strong stainless steel spring provides reliable stem retraction
- Convenient Pack of 4 Heads and 4 Nozzles with Screens
- **NOTE** May or may not come with wrapper – Wrapper means that it was packaged for end user sale. No wrapper means it is directly from Rain Bird sold to the Irrigation Industry (would include orange flush plug)
Wide coverage
Rain Bird Rotor Heads 5000 Rotor Sprinkler Heads. 4-Pack
Rain Bird
- Adjustable From 40-360 Degrees
- Heavier-Duty Retract Spring Assures Positive Pop-Down
- Top-Adjust Arc Adjustment Requiring Only A Flat-Blade Screwdriver
- Superior Rain Curtain Coverage For Even Distribution Over The Entire Radius
- Comes with Nozzle already installed. Up To 40' Radius
Smart control
Rain-Bird ESP-TM2 Indoor Outdoor Irrigation WiFi Zone Controller Timer Box and Link Lnk WiFi Mobile Wireless Smartphone Upgrade Module Sprinkler System (6 Zone)
Rain Bird
- Controls 6 sprinkler zones, Quick to Install, Suitable for indoor or outdoor installations, Factory installed 6’ outdoor rated power cord for your convenience
- Simple to Program. Quickly program a schedule in just 3 steps. NEW large back-lit LCD display for improved visibility in low-light and direct sunlight conditions WiFi Connectivity
- Advanced Features. Contractor Default allows you to easily save and restore your custom schedule. Delay Watering up to 14 days and automatically resume watering after the set delay has elapsed
- The Wifi operates like a wireless remote control for your irrigation system while onsite or an internet-based monitoring and control system when offsite
- Automatic weather adjustments provide daily run time changes, saving up to 50% in water
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 product is best for a full in-ground system?
Rain Bird 32ETI Easy to Install In-Ground Automatic Sprinkler System Kit provides a complete setup.
Which sprinkler timer offers WiFi connectivity?
Rain-Bird ESP-TM2 Indoor Outdoor Irrigation WiFi Zone Controller Timer Box allows smart device control.
What’s the most adjustable spray head?
Rain Bird 1804 Spray Head with 15van Nozzle offers 0° to 360° adjustable coverage.
Which timer is best for garden hoses?
RAINPOINT Sprinkler Timer is a programmable water timer designed for garden hose use.
Which product is a compact indoor timer?
Rain Bird SST900IN Simple-To-Set Indoor Sprinkler/Irrigation System Timer is an easy-to-use indoor option.
What’s a durable rotor sprinkler head?
Rain Bird Rotor Heads 5000 Rotor Sprinkler Heads are designed for long-lasting performance.
Which valve is ideal for in-line installation?
Rain Bird CP075 In-Line Automatic Sprinkler Valve is designed for 3/4"threaded systems.
Which timer has a rain delay feature?
RAINPOINT Water Timer for Garden Hose includes a rain delay function for weather adaptation.
