Expert reviews and comparisons of top smart sprinkler controllers. Save 30-50% on outdoor watering with intelligent, weather-based irrigation.
We've tested and researched dozens of smart irrigation controllers to find the best options for different needs and budgets. Smart controllers connect to weather services and adjust watering automatically, typically reducing outdoor water use by 30-50% compared to traditional timers. With outdoor irrigation accounting for up to 50% of summer water bills, these devices often pay for themselves within 1-2 seasons.
The Rachio 3 consistently ranks as the best smart irrigation controller for most homeowners. Its Weather Intelligence Plus technology pulls hyper-local weather data to make precise watering adjustments. The system considers not just rain forecasts but also wind speed, humidity, and evapotranspiration rates to optimize every watering cycle.
Setup is genuinely simple. The app walks you through each zone, asking about plant types, sun exposure, soil type, and sprinkler head types. This information feeds into Rachio's algorithms for highly customized schedules. The app itself is polished and intuitive, with clear visualizations of your watering schedule and water usage trends.
Smart home integration is excellent. Rachio works with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, IFTTT, and more. You can skip watering with a voice command or tie irrigation to other home automations. The Hyperlocal Weather Intelligence uses data from multiple sources including nearby personal weather stations for accuracy down to your neighborhood.
Rain Bird has been a trusted name in irrigation for decades, and their smart controller brings that expertise to connected home systems. The ST8I-2.0 offers solid weather-based adjustments with Rain Bird's proprietary Simple to Set technology, which streamlines the programming process significantly.
The unit feels robust and professional-grade, unsurprising given Rain Bird's commercial irrigation background. The interface, both on-device and in-app, is straightforward without being overly complex. Weather adjustments happen automatically based on local conditions, and the system can handle seasonal changes without manual intervention.
One standout feature is the 5-year warranty, the longest in this roundup. Rain Bird clearly stands behind their hardware. The system also works with Rain Bird's LNK WiFi module for additional connectivity options. Customer service benefits from Rain Bird's established dealer network, though the app isn't quite as polished as Rachio's.
Hunter Industries, a leader in commercial irrigation, brings serious capabilities to residential use with Hydrawise. This controller is favored by professional landscapers for its robust feature set and reliable performance. The Predictive Watering system uses detailed weather forecasting to adjust schedules up to 24 hours in advance.
What sets Hydrawise apart is its granular control. You can configure cycle-and-soak settings to prevent runoff, set up precise precipitation rates for each zone, and create complex scheduling scenarios. The system tracks historical water usage and provides detailed reports. For data-driven users who want maximum control, Hydrawise excels.
The controller hardware is built to professional standards with excellent weather resistance for outdoor installation. Zone expansion is possible up to 24 zones, making it suitable for larger properties. The web interface complements the mobile app, offering desktop management for complex setups.
Orbit's B-hyve delivers impressive smart irrigation features at a significantly lower price point than competitors. EPA WaterSense certified, it automatically adjusts watering based on weather conditions, soil type, and plant needs. The WeatherSense technology pulls local weather data to skip watering when rain is expected.
Setup is relatively straightforward with the B-hyve app guiding you through zone configuration. The app itself is functional if not as polished as Rachio's. Smart Watering mode creates schedules based on your landscape profile, while Manual mode gives you direct control. The system supports Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control.
Hardware quality is good for the price. The controller is EPA WaterSense certified, meaning it meets efficiency standards. Battery backup keeps schedules running during brief power outages. For budget-conscious homeowners who want smart irrigation benefits without the premium price, B-hyve is hard to beat.
Wyze continues their tradition of making smart home technology accessible with their sprinkler controller. At under $100, it's the most affordable smart irrigation option available. Don't let the price fool you though; it includes genuine smart features like weather-based adjustments, app control, and basic scheduling intelligence.
The controller uses local weather data to adjust watering and can skip cycles when rain is detected. The Wyze app (also used for their cameras and other products) handles setup and control. Smart scheduling analyzes your zone settings to create efficient watering programs. Integration with other Wyze products is seamless if you're already in their ecosystem.
Hardware is basic but functional. It's designed for indoor installation only, so you'll need a protected location. The 8-zone limit works for most residential properties. Missing are some advanced features like flow monitoring or professional-grade weather algorithms, but for the price, it's impressive what you get.
Use this quick reference to compare key features across all reviewed controllers. Each excels in different areas, so choose based on your priorities.
| Feature | Rachio 3 | Rain Bird | Hunter Hydrawise | Orbit B-hyve | Wyze |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (8-zone) | $230 | $180 | $250 | $120 | $70 |
| Max Zones | 16 | 16 | 24 | 16 | 8 |
| Warranty | 3 years | 5 years | 2 years | 3 years | 1 year |
| WaterSense Certified | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| HomeKit Support | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Alexa/Google | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Outdoor Rated | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Flow Monitoring | Optional | ✗ | Optional | ✗ | ✗ |
| Subscription Needed | No | No | Optional | No | No |
| Our Rating | 9.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 | 8.3/10 | 7.8/10 |
Selecting the best smart irrigation controller depends on your specific situation. Consider these factors to match your needs with the right product.
Count your irrigation zones first. If you have more than 8 zones, Wyze is out. More than 16 zones means Hunter Hydrawise is your only choice here. For varied landscapes with different plant types, sun exposures, and soil conditions across zones, Rachio's sophisticated algorithms deliver the best optimization. Simple lawns with uniform conditions don't need that complexity.
Your budget naturally narrows options. Under $100? Wyze is your pick. $100-200? Orbit B-hyve offers the best features per dollar. $200+? Rachio and Rain Bird compete on different strengths. Remember, even the "expensive" controllers typically pay for themselves in 1-2 seasons through water savings, making the price difference less significant long-term.
If you're invested in Apple HomeKit, Rachio is currently your only choice among top controllers. For Google or Alexa homes, all options work, but Rachio offers the deepest integration. If you already have Wyze cameras and sensors, their controller integrates seamlessly. Rain Bird and Hunter focus more on irrigation excellence than smart home connectivity.
If you want set-it-and-forget-it simplicity, Rachio or Orbit B-hyve with their smart scheduling modes work best. If you prefer detailed control and don't mind learning curves, Hunter Hydrawise provides the most granular options. Rain Bird falls in between with solid features but less hand-holding. Wyze is straightforward but less intelligent.
Most homeowners can install smart controllers themselves in 30-60 minutes. The process involves removing your old controller and connecting the same wires to the new one. Here are key tips for success.
Take a clear photo of your current controller's wiring before disconnecting anything. Label each wire with masking tape noting which terminal it connects to. Turn off power to the controller. Have the new controller's manual open to the wiring diagram. Most smart controllers use standard wire terminals, so existing wiring typically works fine.
Ensure your WiFi signal reaches the controller location. Many controllers are in garages or utility areas where WiFi may be weak. Test signal strength with your phone before installing. If weak, consider a WiFi extender. Most controllers need 2.4GHz networks, not 5GHz. Check your router settings if the controller won't connect.
Take time during initial setup to accurately describe each zone. The more information you provide about plant types, sun exposure, soil conditions, and sprinkler head types, the better the controller can optimize watering. This initial investment in configuration pays dividends in water savings. Run each zone manually first to verify wiring is correct.
Yes, in almost all cases. Smart controllers are compatible with standard 24VAC irrigation valves used in residential systems for the past 50+ years. You're replacing the controller (the brain) while keeping your existing sprinkler heads, valves, and pipes. The only requirement is that your existing wiring runs from controller to valves, which is standard in virtually all installed systems.
Controllers handle this differently. Rachio continues running its last known schedule but can't adjust for weather. Hunter Hydrawise and Rain Bird have similar fallback modes. Orbit B-hyve has battery backup for schedules. Without internet, you lose smart features but watering continues on preset schedules. Extended outages mean plants still get water, just not optimally.
Most don't require subscriptions for core features. Rachio, Orbit, and Wyze are completely subscription-free. Hunter Hydrawise offers optional premium features with subscription, but basic functionality works without it. Rain Bird has no subscription model. This is a major advantage over some smart home products that require ongoing fees.
Typical savings range from 30-50% on outdoor water use. For a household spending $100/month on summer water bills (half from irrigation), a smart controller could save $15-25 monthly during watering season. Over a 7-month watering season, that's $105-175 annually. At that rate, even the $230 Rachio pays for itself in under 2 seasons. Higher water rates mean faster payback. Use our calculator for personalized estimates.
Yes, and some systems handle this better than others. Rachio's app manages multiple controllers from one account seamlessly. Hunter Hydrawise excels here with professional-grade multi-controller support. If your property needs more than 16-24 zones, multiple controllers with unified app management is the solution. Each controller needs its own WiFi connection.
EPA WaterSense certification means the controller meets strict efficiency standards and has been independently tested. Certified controllers must provide weather-based scheduling, rain delay features, and multiple program cycles. Certification also makes products eligible for utility rebates. Non-certified options like Wyze may still save water but haven't undergone the same rigorous testing.