Comparison: Best Automatic Sprinkler Controls (Updated | Oct 14th)
Choosing the right automatic sprinkler control can help optimize water usage, maintain healthy landscapes, and save time. With a variety of features like smart scheduling, weather-based adjustments, and remote access, selecting the best system for your needs requires careful consideration. This comparison highlights key factors—such as compatibility, ease of use, and integration with smart home ecosystems—to guide you toward a reliable, efficient solution tailored to your gardening or lawn care routine. Whether you prioritize simplicity or advanced automation, our overview aims to simplify your decision-making process.
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 premium capacity:
Rachio WiFi Smart Sprinkler Controller (16-Zone Irrigation Remote Control) – App-Based Scheduling -
Best for portable indoor:
Orbit 57915 B-hyve 4-Zone Indoor Smart Sprinkler Controller -
Best for weather-resistant build:
Orbit 57985 B-hyve XR 8-Zone Smart Indoor/Outdoor Sprinkler Controller -
Best for easy setup:
Rain Bird SST1200OUT Simple-to-Set Indoor/Outdoor Sprinkler/Irrigation Timer/Controller -
Best for smart weather skips:
HiOazo Smart Sprinkler Controller WiFi -
Best for budget pick:
Rain Bird TRU8O Program-Based Indoor/Outdoor Irrigation Sprinkler Controller/Timer -
Best for no wifi needed:
Hunter X-Core 6 XC600i Indoor Sprinkler Timer -
Best for large zones:
Hunter X-Core XC800i Indoor Sprinkler Timer
Product Comparison: Best Automatic Sprinkler Controls
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.
Premium capacity
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.
Portable indoor
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.
Weather-resistant build
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 setup
Rain Bird SST1200OUT Simple-to-Set Indoor/Outdoor Sprinkler/Irrigation Timer/Controller, 12-Zone/Station (this New/Improved Model Replaces SST1200O),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
- For use indoors or outdoors: weather resistant cabinet, built-in transformer and removable power cord for direct wiring
- 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
- Weather-resistant cabinet and sealed case ensure protection from moisture, insects and grime
- New and Improved model SST1200OUT timer replaces the Obsolete SST1200O
Smart weather skips
HiOazo Smart Sprinkler Controller WiFi, 8 Zone Irrigation Controller Indoor with Automatic Weather-Based Watering (2025 New Version)
HiOazo
- Smart Weather Skips: Automatically skips watering based on hyperlocal rain, wind, or freeze forecasts. Such as rain, frost, or wind, the preset watering will automatically skipped for optimal plant health
- Cycle and Soak Mode: Prevents runoff with Cycle & Soak mode. Customizes watering for your lawn
- Smart App Control: Manage your sprinkler system anytime, anywhere via Newly updated HiOazo app. Real-time monitoring and instant adjustments at your fingertips
- 8 Zone+16 Watering Schedules: A total of 16 irrigation schedules can be set, with a variety of options allow for flexible settings. Supports 4 zones with sunrise/sunset scheduling, odd/even days, or interval modes
- Quick DIY Setup: Install in 15-30 minutes with basic tools. Step-by-step app guidance ensures compatibility with 99% of existing systems. No professional required
Budget pick
Rain Bird TRU8O Program-Based Indoor/Outdoor Irrigation Sprinkler Controller/Timer, WiFi Module Ready, 8-Zone/Station
Rain Bird
- Flexible program-based settings allow specialized watering schedules for every area in your yard; upgrades to WiFi-based operation with a LNK2 WiFi Module (sold separately)
- Easy-to-set with an intuitive programming dial and multi-function LCD display; permanently stores programming during power outages
- Controls up to (8) valves with watering duration options from 1-minute to 6-hours; preinstalled in weatherproof case that withstands the harshest environments
- Features individual A, B, C programs per zone with up to (4) start times per program for a total of (12) distinct start times per zone
- Customizable watering options by days of the week, odd/even calendar days, or cyclic every 1 to 30 days
- Manual Station: allows watering of a single zone, all zones, or an individual program
- Season Adjust: increases or decreases watering times by 5% – 200% for all programs at once, or by individual programs
- Rain Delay: manually suspends and resumes watering for 1 to 14-days,or operates a rain sensor (sold separately) for automatic delays and restarts
No WiFi needed
Hunter X-Core 6 XC600i Indoor Sprinkler Timer, 6 Zone Irrigation Controller, Easy Programming, Sprinkler System Timer for Yard and Garden, Manual and Seasonal Adjust, No WiFi Needed
Hunter Industries
- EFFORTLESS REPLACEMENT FOR HUNTER X-CORE & LEGACY MODELS: Easily upgrade your old or damaged Hunter indoor timer. The XC600i reuses existing wiring and mounts in minutes, perfect for replacing legacy models with no learning curve.
- 6 ZONES, 3 PROGRAMS, 4 START TIMES FULL CONTROL FOR ANY YARD: Water lawns, gardens, and drip zones on independent schedules. Prevent overwatering and customize each area with smart, staggered start times and intuitive zone setup.
- NO WIFI REQUIRED RELIABLE PERFORMANCE WITHOUT THE TECH HEADACHES: Skip the app logins and connection drops. This indoor controller offers consistent, offline performance and manual dial-based programming that works even during power outages.
- ADAPTS TO EVERY SEASON SAVE WATER AND KEEP PLANTS HEALTHY: Easily adjust run times with Seasonal Adjust. Switch between high-summer and low-demand watering with a single dial turn, no full reprogramming needed.
- SURGE-PROTECTED AND STORM-READY BUILT TO LAST: With Hunter Quick Check diagnostics and automatic short circuit protection, your system stays safe and reliable in lightning-prone areas. No surprise resets or wiring damage.
Large zones
Hunter X-Core XC800i Indoor Sprinkler Timer, 8 Zone Irrigation Controller for Lawn and Garden, Easy to Program, Automatic Watering Schedule, Seasonal Adjust, No WiFi Required
Hunter Industries
- EXPANDED 8-ZONE COVERAGE FOR LARGE LAWNS AND GARDENS: Control up to eight zones with individual scheduling for lawns, flower beds, shrubs, and drip irrigation, perfect for larger or multi-use residential landscapes.
- NO WI-FI OR APP REQUIRED, SIMPLE DIAL CONTROL THAT ALWAYS WORKS: Skip signal drops, logins, and app issues, just use the intuitive dial to create and update your watering schedule anytime, even during power outages or offline situations.
- 3 PROGRAMS WITH 4 START TIMES EACH, FLEXIBLE SCHEDULING OPTIONS: Customize up to 12 total start times across three programs, ideal for managing different areas like front yards, backyards, gardens, and high-traffic zones with precision.
- SEASONAL ADJUSTMENT SAVES WATER AND TIME THROUGHOUT THE YEAR: Easily increase or decrease run times based on weather changes, reduce waste in cooler months or ramp up watering during heat waves without reprogramming every zone.
- SMART PORT READY WITH BUILT-IN PROTECTION FEATURES: Compatible with Hunter remotes through the optional Smart Port, includes Quick Check diagnostics and built-in surge protection to prevent damage and ensure system longevity.
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 model offers the most zones for large properties?
Rachio WiFi Smart Sprinkler Controller (16-Zone Irrigation Remote Control) supports up to 16 zones.
Are there models compatible with both indoor and outdoor use?
Orbit 57946 B-hyve, Orbit 57985 B-hyve XR, and Rachio models are designed for indoor/outdoor use.
Which controller is best for small gardens or limited zones?
Orbit 57915 B-hyve 4-Zone is ideal for smaller setups with 4 zones.
Do any models feature weather-based adjustments?
Rachio and Orbit B-hyve models include weather-based scheduling for efficient watering.
Which is a budget-friendly option for basic automation?
Rain Bird SST1200OUT provides simple automation without WiFi at a lower cost.
Are Hunter models WiFi-enabled?
Hunter X-Core XC600i and XC800i are WiFi-capable for smart control.
Which controllers work with voice assistants?
Rachio, Orbit B-hyve, and HiOazo models support voice control via Alexa or Google Assistant.