The 10 Best Irrigation Controllers, Tested And Researched

Sara Ryan By, Sara Ryan
Updated
Best Irrigation Controllers
Best Irrigation Controllers

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Orbit 57946 B-hyve Smart 6-Zone Sprinkler Controller

The Orbit 57946 B-hyve Smart 6-Zone Sprinkler Controller is a highly advanced and innovative product that offers a wide range of features for the modern gardener. You can also easily access the angled wiring terminals to use the swing panel. Read Review

2. Best For The Price: Rachio 8ZULW-C Sprinkler Controller

This Sprinkler Controller is an excellent product for anyone looking to take control of their lawn and garden watering. Its advanced technology and easy installation make it easy to keep your plants hydrated and healthy while saving water and money. Read Review

3. Best Versatile: Rain Bird SST1200OUT Irrigation Controller

Get superior irrigation control with the Rain Bird SST1200OUT Irrigation Controller. This controller is designed for long-lasting durability and features built-in surge protection and a weather-resistant cabinet to ensure protection from moisture, insects, and grime. Read Review

4. Best Adjustable: RAINPOINT Controller Irrigation System

This controller irrigation has an irrigation mode that is perfect for lawns and pools, while the mist mode is ideal for misting systems, summer outdoor cooling, and dust reduction. Read Review

5. Best Technology: Orbit 57985 B-hyve XR Smart Sprinkler Controller

This Sprinkler Controller is an excellent choice for anyone looking to save time and money on lawn care. It allows for automated adjustments to weather conditions and is EPA WaterSense certified to save on water usage. Read Review

Irrigation controllers are essential components of any landscape irrigation system, providing the necessary control to ensure efficient and effective lawn and garden watering. With so many options on the market, finding the best irrigation controller for your needs can be daunting. Luckily, we have put together a list of the best irrigation controllers on the market, with something for everyone.

You'll find it here if you're looking for an advanced controller with multiple zones, a budget-friendly model, or something in between. These controllers are designed to provide precise and efficient water management, helping you conserve water and save money. With programmable run times, rain delay, and water conservation settings, you can be sure you're getting the best irrigation controller for your needs.

We think the best irrigation controllers that is available now is Orbit 57946 B-hyve Smart 6-Zone Sprinkler Controller which is designed to be fully functional with android, iOS, or web devices, allowing you to control your sprinkler system from anywhere in the world. We also provide you with the Rachio 8ZULW-C Sprinkler Controller model that you may consider if the top product is not your choice. And bellow is the helpful buyer's guide to assist you in making your decision.

Our Top Picks

The controller is designed to be fully functional with android, iOS, or web devices, allowing you to control your sprinkler system from anywhere in the world. One of the standout features of this controller is its ability to be programmed through the B-hyve app and directly on the timer itself. Additionally, the weather-based software feature allows for automatic programming based on local weather conditions, saving time and water.

The B-hyve controller is also EPA WaterSense approved and certified, which will save you both water and energy. This can also make the controller eligible for local rebates, saving up to 100% of the cost of your timer. The swing panel provides easy access to the angled wiring terminals for convenient wiring and quick setup. The plug-and-go line cord can also be cut for hardwired applications. It should be noted that the controller does not have all the intelligent features that some other models may have. However, it can still be controlled with ease.

TOP Choice #2 Rachio 8ZULW-C Sprinkler Controller
Our Score:
9.7
Rachio

The Rachio 8ZULW-C Sprinkler Controller is a game-changing product for anyone looking to keep their lawn and garden healthy and hydrated. With its advanced technology, this sprinkler controller can give your plants the exact amount of water they need based on factors such as plant type, soil type, and sun exposure. This means no more thirsty plants and no more wasted water.

The controller watches the weather and automatically adjusts its watering schedule to ensure that your lawn and garden get the proper water. This saves you time and effort and helps lower your water bill. Additionally, the controller supports local water restrictions, so you can be sure that you're always in compliance. However, the signal can become difficult to pick up after prolonged use.

Installation of the Rachio 8ZULW-C is a breeze. The process is fast and easy and can be completed in 30 minutes or less with no special tools. This sprinkler controller is designed to replace 99% of existing sprinkler controllers, so you can easily upgrade your existing system. And, with Rachio's in-app installation tutorial, getting online and watering in no time is a breeze.

TOP Choice #3 Rain Bird SST1200OUT Irrigation Controller
Our Score:
9.5
Rain Bird

Those interested in automating their watering plan routine will find that the Rain Bird SST1200OUT Irrigation Controller is the most suitable option. It has many improved features, user-friendly programming options, and an LCD screen for easy configuration evaluation. Lightning strikes and power surges are not able to cause harm thanks to the improved surge protection that was incorporated right into the device.

The cabinet's ability to withstand adverse weather conditions, along with the case's hermetic seal, helps to ensure that the contents are protected from moisture, insects, and filth. Nevertheless, the Rain Bird SST1200OUT Irrigation Controller only works with solid wire; you may need to create jumpers out of solid wire to use it with stranded wire. Overall, the Rain Bird SST1200OUT Irrigation Controller is an excellent choice for those who want to automate their watering schedule easily.

4 RAINPOINT Controller Irrigation System
Our Score:
9.4
RAINPOINT

The RAINPOINT Controller Irrigation System is a must-have for anyone looking to save on water bills while maintaining a lush and green garden. The system's intelligent watering feature automatically delays watering when it rains or when the soil moisture is too high and starts watering when it is too low. This can save up to 50% on water bills and ensure that your garden always looks its best. One downside to the RAINPOINT Controller Irrigation System is that it needs to be paired with a WiFi soil sensor to get soil moisture, which is not included in the package.

The manual watering feature is also a great addition, allowing you to turn on the WiFi watering timer's manual watering for 1~59 minutes via the button on your phone or timer. This feature is convenient for washing your car or bathing your dog in the yard. The timed watering feature has three watering plans and two watering modes. Each project has a different start time, duration, and watering frequency, making it easy to customize your watering schedule to fit your needs. 

The Orbit 57985 B-hyve XR Smart Sprinkler Controller is an excellent product for those looking to save money and water while ensuring their plants are adequately taken care of. The controller's auto adjust feature automatically adjusts to weather changes, including rain, wind, and freeze delays, while using EPA WaterSense-certified technology to save water. 

The controller is also easy to program with the free B-hyve app, allowing you to create watering schedules, set duration times, get alerts and control everything from your smartphone. The multi-color LED light ring and three full-color digital displays make it easy to see the timer's status. Plus, the built-in manual watering override button allows users to start or stop watering without using the app.

The only downside is that this product is only compatible with North American 110V electrical outlets. However, this should not be a significant issue for most users. Overall, it is an excellent product for those looking to save money and water while ensuring their plants are adequately taken care of.

6 Hunter Sprinkler XC400 Irrigation Controller
Our Score:
9.2
Hunter Industries

The Orbit 57985 B-hyve XR Smart Sprinkler Controller is easy to install, operate, and maintain, and it provides three variable irrigation plans, each of which has four start times and run times that can last up to four hours. Additionally, this product is compatible with Hunter remotes, which simplifies managing irrigation systems over greater distances.

This user-friendly exterior controller ensures healthy landscapes for up to 4 stations with three adaptable programs and four start times, allowing you to customize the irrigation system. The maximum run time of up to 4 hours is perfect for most residential and light commercial irrigation systems, while its intuitive design makes it easy to use. The fact that this product does not come with an instruction manual for setting it up is the only drawback to purchasing it. The quick start guide is helpful, but to get the full manual, you will need to download it from the internet. Overall, this device still offers efficient and reliable irrigation control.

7 Wyze WSPRK1 Smart Controller
Our Score:
9.1
WYZE

With its advanced Smart Schedule algorithm, this controller uses hyper-local weather data to automatically decide when to water each zone, ensuring that your plants get the right amount of water at the right time. The EPA WaterSense test passed, meaning this controller is efficient and saves water yearly. This is an excellent feature for anyone looking to save money on their water bill or those who want to do their part in conserving water.

One of the best features of the Wyze WSPRK1 is its ability to start and stop watering from anywhere with the Wyze app. This means you can manually control your watering schedule from your phone, whether at home or away. You can also create fixed programs to water your plants on specific days of the week, including dedicated sunrise/sunset settings. This makes it easy to set up and maintain your watering schedule without having to worry about remembering to water your plants.

This controller is also straightforward to install. It replaces your existing controller in less than 20 minutes and automatically creates a schedule for you after setup. Even if you're not handy, you can still install this controller without any issues. The DIY installation makes it easy for anyone to install and start using this controller. The Wyze Cam lets you view live footage of your zone whenever and whenever you like, regardless of where you are. Nevertheless, it is not included with this product, so you must buy it separately.

More To Consider

Buying Guides For Efficiently Picking The best irrigation controllers

Experts advise that it is necessary to take a close look at the style, functionality, and value of the items you love. The most highly recommended way to know if a product is the best is by its quality checking.

The quality of the best irrigation controllers will be a vital factor, which plays a decisive role in your experience of this product. Moreover, you guys always wanna products with high-quality standards and valuable characteristics, which best suits your desired needs.

So, how can you know if your selected best irrigation controllers is of the best quality? The buying guide section below will present to you some tips for the most efficient purchase. Take a close look at the following guides!

Notifications

Smart controllers usually come with the ability to notify the user if anything goes wrong, such as a water shutoff, a faulty valve that's preventing the system from turning on or off, or excessive water flow, which could mean that a sprinkler head has broken. Some apps can be configured to send text messages or audio alerts to your phone, while others emit an audible signal to alert people in the yard.

Ease Of Installation

The smart sprinkler controller you choose will depend on your inclination for installation and your appetite for smart home technology. A smart sprinkler controller can be installed either through hardwire connections or by connecting to a hose outside. The former requires a compatibility check and an in-ground irrigation system. The latter is much more plug-and-play, making it possible to connect a sprinkler series to Wi-Fi.

Scheduling

Smart sprinklers now have automatic changes to watering schedules when heavy rain or drought conditions occur, so you don’t have to worry about changing the schedule. Zip code information is gathered and used to alter the schedule to compensate for weather changes in your area.

Operation

Smart sprinkler controllers come with apps you download to your smartphone or another digital device. Some sync which allows you to control the water using voice commands. You can adjust most sprinkler controllers from either a smart device or manually. You may control the water from your smart device or directly on the unit.

Zones

You can ensure that there is adequate water pressure in your sprinkler system's zones by setting up an underground sprinkler system in zones. There are more zones as the size of the lawn expands. To accommodate a specific number of zones, a controller may be as little as two or as many as 16. You may find zone setup diagrams on the inside of your existing watering system control box.

FAQs

What is an irrigation controller?

An irrigation controller is a device that is used to control the amount of water used for watering lawns or gardens. It typically consists of a timer, valves, and other components that allow you to program the amount of water and timing of the watering cycle.

How do I set up an irrigation controller?

Setting up an irrigation controller is relatively straightforward. First, you will need to determine the size of your yard or garden and the water requirements of your plants. Then, you can select a controller that meets those requirements. Once you have the controller, you will need to connect it to a power source and the water supply. Then, you will need to program the controller according to your needs.

How often should I water my lawn?

This will depend on the type of grass, climate, and soil. Generally, it is recommended that you water your lawn at least once per week, but more often in hot, dry climates. It is also important to adjust your watering schedule as needed based on the weather conditions.

Conclusion

In short, we’ve included all the most outstanding best irrigation controllers found on the market during this time. Simultaneously, the detailed description and useful tips for best irrigation controllers selection are shown with clarity. In case you cannot afford these options, then the Hunter Pro-C Modular Outdoor Irrigation Controller will be your new buddy. If you want more information about the best irrigation controllers, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team is always here to support you guys!

 


1 ratings

About Sara Ryan

Sara Ryan

Sara Ryan is a freelance writer for CampFireHQ and avid diver. She first discovered her love for diving while on vacation in the Caribbean and has been hooked ever since. Sara loves exploring new dive sites and observing the fascinating creatures that live beneath the waves. As a native of Colorado, Sara enjoys spending her free time hiking and camping in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. She also enjoys writing about her adventures in diving and wildlife conservation.

Read Sara's full bio