Best Smart Irrigation Controllers for 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best for every need

Published: August 15th, 2024

🌿Smart irrigation controllers are changing the way we care for our gardens and lawns by automating watering schedules based on the weather, soil moisture, and plant needs. After digging through tons of data and reviews, we've picked out the best smart irrigation controllers for 2024.

Whether you're a tech lover with a big lawn, a newbie gardener with a small backyard, or managing large commercial properties, we've found something great for you.

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Overall Best: Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller

Rachio 3: 8 Zone Smart Sprinkler Controller (Simple Automated Scheduling + Local Weather Intelligence. Save Water w/ Rain, Freeze & Wind Skip), App Enabled, Works w/ Alexa, Fast & Easy Install 08 Zone Controller

The Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller is our top pick for 2024. This WiFi-enabled device is celebrated for its intuitive interface and seamless integration with smart home systems like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Boasting Weather Intelligence Plus technology, it dynamically adjusts watering schedules based on local weather forecasts, ensuring optimal water usage and reduced utility bills. You can control the system remotely, receive real-time alerts, and customize watering zones to address specific needs across different sections of your garden or lawn. Reliable, feature-rich, and user-friendly, the Rachio 3 is an outstanding choice for both tech-savvy homeowners and those new to smart gardening.

View TLDR Review: Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller 8 Zone

The Rachio 3 earns a high score due to its impressive features such as intuitive app control and advanced Weather Intelligence technology that helps conserve water and optimize lawn care. However, it faces criticism for connectivity issues and complicated scheduling that can lead to inconsistent watering patterns, which some users find frustrating. Overall, while it delivers significant benefits, potential buyers should be aware of its setup and performance quirks.

7.95

Overall

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$159.00 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller 8 Zone? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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How much water/money can you save with the Rachio 3?

The Rachio 3 is pretty cool because it can help you save both water and money. According to the manufacturer, it can cut your outdoor water use by about 30-50%, thanks to its smart weather-based watering schedules. It adjusts how much water your yard gets based on local weather, the season, and your specific lawn's needs, so you’re not wasting water or cash by overwatering. Our research backs this up—many people noticed their water bills went down after they started using it. The real game-changer is its smart scheduling and skip features. The [Weather Intelligence Plus](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DWeather%2BIntelligence%2BPlus%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) feature will automatically skip watering if it’s raining, too windy, freezing, or if the ground is already saturated. This means you won’t be watering your lawn when it doesn’t need it. According to some folks, they saved thousands of gallons in just one season, which meant serious savings on their water bills. Money-wise, the Rachio 3 saves you by slashing your water usage, which is especially great if you live somewhere with pricey water bills or during dry seasons. People have mentioned seeing significant savings just in the first few months. Plus, some areas give rebates for installing smart irrigation controllers, so that can help cover the initial cost. In short, the Rachio 3 can be a smart pick if you’re looking to save water and money. Its intelligent features tweak your watering schedule to prevent waste, cut your bills, and might even get you a rebate. Whether you’re all about conserving water or just want to save some cash, it’s worth considering.

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What are common issues with WiFi connectivity for the Rachio 3?

Hey there! So, the Rachio 3 is a great smart sprinkler controller, but like any WiFi device, it can sometimes run into connectivity issues. Here are a few common problems people have and some tips to sort them out, based on our research and info from the manufacturer: 1. **WiFi Signal Strength:** If the WiFi signal is weak, that’s often the root of the problem. The manufacturer suggests placing your WiFi router as close to **Rachio 3** as possible. If that's not doable, you might need a [WiFi extender](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DWiFi%2Bextender%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) to boost the signal. 2. **Network Compatibility:** The Rachio 3 only works with 2.4 GHz WiFi networks. If your router is set to 5 GHz, the controller won’t connect. Make sure your router is set to support 2.4 GHz. 3. **Firmware Updates:** Sometimes, missing or outdated firmware can cause issues. The manufacturer regularly releases updates to fix bugs and improve performance. Check for the latest firmware updates and install them if needed. 4. **Router Settings:** Some router settings can mess with the Rachio 3’s connection. For example, using WPA3 encryption might cause issues since the Rachio 3 supports WPA2. Also, make sure your router's firewall isn’t blocking the controller. 5. **Interference:** Other electronic devices like microwaves, cordless phones, or even thick walls can interfere with the WiFi signal. Try to minimize obstacles between your router and the Rachio 3. 6. **App Integration Issues:** Sometimes, the issue might be with the mobile app. Make sure you have the latest version of the [Rachio app](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DRachio%2Bapp%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) installed. Restarting the app or your phone can also help. 7. **Power Cycles:** Sometimes, just turning the Rachio 3 and your router off and on again can fix things. According to our research, lots of folks have managed to sort out their connectivity issues using these tips. If you're still having trouble, you might want to reach out to Rachio’s customer support for more detailed help. They can guide you through advanced troubleshooting steps specific to your setup. So yeah, while WiFi problems can be annoying, they’re usually fixable with a few tweaks here and there. Hope this helps and your Rachio 3 works smoothly!

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How does the Rachio 3 adjust watering based on weather?

The Rachio 3 is all about smart, weather-savvy watering for your lawn. It adjusts your watering schedule based on the current weather conditions, making sure your lawn gets exactly what it needs without any waste. Here's a bit more on how it works and some tips if you're on a mesh network. ### Weather-Based Adjustments Rachio 3 uses really local weather data from over 300,000 personal weather stations and various weather services to tweak your watering schedule in real-time. According to the manufacturer's product description, it checks the weather forecast and soil moisture levels to decide when to water and how much. So if rain’s on the way, it’ll hold off watering. If it’s hotter or cooler than usual, it adjusts accordingly. ### Wi-Fi and Mesh Network Compatibility We’ve found that Rachio 3 works with both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi networks, which most mesh systems support. But according to our research, folks sometimes run into hiccups when setting it up on a mesh network because these systems often merge the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands into one SSID. For example, someone had trouble connecting their Rachio 3 to a [Netgear Orbi](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DNetgear%2BOrbi%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) mesh network (which combines both bands under one SSID). They got it working by temporarily switching their phone to a 2.4GHz network and using an Android device. Another person had no issues using their [Google Nest](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DGoogle%2BNest%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) mesh network. ### Tips for a Smooth Setup To smooth things out, try these tips: 1. **Connect to 2.4GHz Network:** Make sure your phone is on a 2.4GHz network during setup. You might need to temporarily split your 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands into separate SSIDs. 2. **Temporary SSID:** If setup’s still a hassle, create a temporary 2.4GHz SSID just for setup, then switch back to your main network afterward. 3. **Customer Support:** If you get stuck, reaching out to Rachio’s customer support can help. We've seen mixed reports on their response times, but it's worth a shot. Following these steps can help you get your Rachio 3 set up without too much fuss. Once it’s up and running, you’ll love how it keeps your lawn looking great by adjusting the watering schedule based on the weather.

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Runner-up: Orbit B-hyve Smart Indoor/Outdoor Sprinkler Controller

Orbit B-hyve 12-Zone Smart Indoor/Outdoor Sprinkler Controller 12 Zone Controller Sprinkler Controller

The Orbit B-hyve Smart Indoor/Outdoor Sprinkler Controller makes an excellent runner-up, offering a host of robust features at a slightly lower price point. It comes with weather-based scheduling, WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, and Alexa voice control. The B-hyve app simplifies setup and management, letting you control the system from anywhere. Plus, its dual indoor and outdoor design adds versatility. Combining affordability, usability, and smart functionality, the Orbit B-hyve is a stellar option for budget-conscious users who don't want to compromise on quality.

View TLDR Review: Orbit B-hyve 12-Zone Sprinkler Controller

The Orbit B-hyve Smart Sprinkler Controller achieves a moderate score due to its innovative features such as advanced weather-sensing technology and ease of app-based control, praised by many users for installation and usability. However, concerns around unreliable smart watering functionalities and inconsistent customer support diminish its value, leading to mixed customer experiences. Overall, its affordability relative to competing models presents a compelling option for budget-conscious consumers.

7.85

Overall

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$89.00 at Amazon

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Budget Pick: Netro Sprite

Netro Smart Sprinkler Controller, Pearl White, Sprite-12, WiFi, 12 Zone, WaterSense Certified, Compatible with Alexa

The Netro Sprite Smart Sprinkler Controller is our leading budget pick. Despite its lower price, it packs a powerful punch with comprehensive weather-based scheduling and full Amazon Alexa compatibility for voice control. The user-friendly Netro app allows for easy setup and management of your watering schedule. Ideal for smaller gardens and lawns, the Netro Sprite makes smart irrigation accessible without the hefty price tag, ensuring efficient water use while helping you save money.

View TLDR Review: Netro Sprite-12 Sprinkler Controller

The Netro Smart Sprinkler Controller receives a moderate score due to its user-friendly installation and effective watering capabilities, especially noted in positive reviews about app control and weather integration. However, many users report significant frustrations with its interface and lack of manual controls, alongside inconsistent scheduling performance. While praised for good customer support, the product's app reliability and dependency on internet connectivity create concerns for some users, suggesting it may not meet everyone's needs.

7.1

Overall

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$119.99 at Amazon

Best for Customization: Wyze Sprinkler Controller

Wyze WSPRK1 Smart Controller, Smart Sprinkler Timer with EPA Watersense, 8-Zone WiFi (1 Year of Automatic Weather-Based Watering with Sprinkler Plus Included), Black Controller Box Sprinkler Controller, 8-Zone WiFi Smart Sprinkler Controller (1 Year of Automatic Weather-Based Watering with Sprinkler Plus Included)

For those who love to customize and fine-tune their systems, the Wyze Sprinkler Controller is the perfect choice. Supporting up to 8 zones, it offers detailed scheduling and weather-based adjustments to cater to the unique needs of various sections of your garden. The straightforward DIY installation makes it easy for beginners and tech enthusiasts alike. If you thrive on tweaking and optimizing your irrigation setup, the Wyze Sprinkler Controller’s versatility and customization options won't disappoint.

View TLDR Review: WYZE Smart Sprinkler Timer

The WYZE WSPRK1 Smart Sprinkler Controller receives a moderate overall score, reflecting its strong performance and user-friendly installation praised in professional reviews, as well as customer satisfaction with its price point and functionality. However, significant concerns about the app's usability and inconsistent performance, particularly features dependent on Wi-Fi connectivity and customer support issues, dampen overall sentiment. Despite these drawbacks, the product offers considerable value for tech-savvy users eager to enhance their gardening experience.

8.4

Overall

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$77.74 at Amazon

Best for Large Landscapes: Hydro-Rain HRC 900 Series

Managing a vast property requires a powerful tool, and the Hydro-Rain HRC 900 Series stands out as the best for large landscapes. Capable of controlling up to 63 zones, it’s ideal for extensive areas. With multiple connectivity options—WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular, and radio frequency—it promises reliable performance even in regions with inconsistent internet. It also includes built-in audit features to assist with water conservation. Though the manual rain delay setting might be a minor inconvenience, its high capacity and advanced functionalities make it a reliable choice for large-scale irrigation.

Available at Amazon

View at Amazon

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