Are you trying to find irrigation controllers among various brands on the market but aren’t sure where to begin? To assist you in finding the right one, we’ve put together a list of the 7 best to help you pick the perfect one!
We investigated and evaluated a number of the top-selling irrigation controllers on the market in order to create our list of the best. Making a decision among the many options available is never simple. There are an infinite number of models available, each with a distinct price. And as you’ll find out, the best options aren’t usually the ones you imagine! This comparison is rich and relevant because of the numerous factors that were employed. You will find products featured in this ranking not only based on their pricing but also on their features and other customers reviews. To write this review, we completed 13 hours of research and did 22 irrigation controllers tests. You won’t need to pick products at random any more. If you’re unsure of what to look for, browse our list and consult the buying guide!
An overview of our top picks
Table of contents
The best irrigation controllers you can buy today
- 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 SST600IN timer replaces the Obsolete SST600I
- 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.
- WiFi Connectivity. By simply plugging in a Rain Bird LNK WiFi Module (sold separately), users can access, operate and monitor their irrigation system from anywhere.
- Internet-based weather information is used to make daily adjustments to the irrigation schedule, saving up to 30% in water.
- 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.
- SMART HOME WATERING - With our wireless sprinkler controller, you can adjust your sprinklers from anywhere, transforming your home into an intelligent oasis.
- VERSATILE AUTOMATIC IRRIGATION - Automatically control your sprinkler system, with automatic adjustment to weather conditions and plant watering needs.
- 5-STAR RATINGS. Amazon’s most- and highest-rated Wi-Fi sprinkler controller.
- Avoid watering in the rain. Exclusive weather intelligence automatically skips unnecessary watering with features like rain skip, wind skip, freeze skip, and more.
- Control from anywhere with the easy-to-use app. Run sprinklers, view upcoming schedules, and observe your estimated outdoor water usage.
- Experience fast DIY installation. Rachio Smart sprinkler controllers replace 99% of existing sprinkler controllers. Install in 30 minutes or less with no special tools needed. Our in-app installation tutorial helps you get online and watering in no time!
- Deliver all the water your plants need; no more, No less. Rachio creates tailored Smart schedules based on the specific needs of your lawn, including plant type, soil type, sun exposure, and more.
- Power source type: Corded Electric. No Hub Required for Voice Control
- Flexible Watering Options: With the Orbit 4 zone indoor sprinkler timer, you can easily set the water duration for each station between 1-240 minutes, ensuring your lawn receives the right amount of water every time
- Efficient Watering Schedule: Reduce water runoff and save money by having up to 8 start times per day; this irrigation timer is perfect for new lawns and maintaining established ones
- Rain Delay Feature: The Orbit sprinkler controller features a rain delay setting of 24, 48 and 72 hours, allowing you to easily pause your watering schedule during rainy weather conditions
- Water Budgeting Made Easy: Adjust your watering schedule with ease using the water budgeting feature, which lets you customize your run times based on seasonal changes
- Dual Watering Programs: The Orbit water timer provides independent dual watering programs, letting you customize watering intervals, days of the week and even or odd watering days; plus, with a rain sensor connection and power connector for the transformer, this sprinkler timer is a breeze to install and use (Rain sensor sold seperately)
- WATER YOUR YARD WITH EASE - Our Easy Set Logic sprinkler timer is the perfect choice for your yard, controlling up to 12 zones/stations for efficient irrigation.
- INDOOR AND OUTDOOR INSTALLATION - Engineered with a locking cabinet with two keys for both indoor and outdoor installation, our timer offers versatility and convenience for your sprinkler system.
- EFFORTLESS SETUP & OPERATION - With a swing panel and push wire terminals, installation and wiring are a breeze, allowing you to quickly set up tailored watering schedules.
- SMART WATERING FEATURES - Our timer allows you to create cycle and soak windows, stack overlapping runtimes, and even skip watering with the rain delay feature.
- VERSATILE AND RELIABLE - Compatible with 24 VAC valves from Orbit, Hydro-Rain, and other major brands, the timer simplifies automatic watering of your lawn and garden outdoors for your convenience and peace of mind.
- 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.
- WORRY-FREE WATERING - Our app helps tailor your watering schedule to the specific needs of your yard & plants.
- EXCLUSIVE WEATHER TECHNOLOGY - Patented Weather Intelligence automatically skips unnecessary watering with features like rain skip, wind skip, freeze skip, & more.
- SAVE MONEY & WATER - Rachio's intelligent app helps provide the right amount of water at the right time helping lower your water bill and conserve water at the same time!
- CONTROL FROM ANYWHERE - Manage your watering anytime with our easy-to-use app. Run sprinklers, set & view schedules, and see your estimated outdoor water usage.
- FAST & EASY INSTALLATION - DIY installation in 30 minutes or less with no special tools needed. Compatible with 99% of existing sprinkler controllers.
- Compatible with Hunter's ROAM Remote Control
- Control up to 6 Stations with 3 Programs and 4 Start Times each
- Hunter Quick Check helps troubleshoot field wiring issues
- Automatic Short Circuit Protection
- Easy Retrieve Memory
- Climate Logic ready - Automatically reschedules Rain Dial-R watering based on the weather
- Remote CONTROL ready - Compatible with CRR (Contractor Residential Remote) remote series
- Rain sensor ready - Sensor bypass switch and terminal for sensor hookup
- Three independent programs - Programming flexibility to meet the needs of a wide variety of plant material on the landscape site
- Water well recovery (delay between stations) - Option of pump circuit ON or OFF during
- Wi-Fi capable controller — simply plug in a WAND module to maximize water savings by converting to Hydrawise smart irrigation control
- Easy-to-read backlit display provides optimal visibility in any light
- 3 flexible programs with 4 start times each and run times up to 6 hours
- Built-in QuickCheck technology provides simple diagnostics of faulty field wiring
- Hide Programs option shows 1 program and 1 start time for ease of use
- Easily suspend irrigation up to 99 days during the off-season
- Short-circuit protection detects wiring faults and skips the station without damaging the system
- Easy Retrieve memory automatically backs up the full irrigation schedule in the event of a power outage
- Delay Between Stations for slow-closing valves or pump recharge
- Cycle and Soak prevents wasteful runoff in areas with elevation changes or compact soils
- Robust professional grade digital hose-end timer for use with hose-end sprinklers, Drip irrigation and soaker hose
- Simple-to-set automatic programming, 7-day scheduling and sophisticated functions provide worry-free watering convenience
- Extra-large dial and readout screen provide easy set-up and review of watering schedules
- One-touch override buttons for "Cancel Watering" (doubles as up to 96-hour rain delay) and "Water Now" (manual watering)
- Conveniently displays program status such as next scheduled water cycle, and time remaining on current cycle
- Provides maximum run time of 6-hours with up to 2-start times per day
- High 5 - 12 GPM flow rate operates up to (5) Impact Sprinklers
- Ideal for use with Rain Bird hose-end sprinklers and Drip irrigation kits
- Operates on two AA batteries (not included)
- Very Important** To prevent catastrophic damage remove timer from water supply when freezing temperatures are expected
- Remote control ready compatible with crr (contractor residential remote) remote series
- Rain sensor ready sensor bypass switch and terminal for sensor hookup
- Three independent programs programming flexibility to meet the needs of a wide variety of plant material on the landscape site
- Water well recovery (delay between stations) option of pump circuit on or off during
- Familiar, easy to navigate user interface
- Rain sensor input with bypass capability
- Master valve/pump start circuit
- 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.
- Hunter I2C-800PL 8 Zone Residential or Commercial Timer.
- Comes with 8 Stations only but can expand up to 38 with OPTIONAL ICM modules (not included). Second picture for reference only showing fully loaded with optional modules for 38 zones.
- Capable of running up to 4 independent programs with 8 Start times per program
- Max station runtime of 12 hours. 2 Simultaneous program operations
- Plastic Enclosure
- WiFi Remote: IIC-600-WIFI smart sprinkler controller has a built-in 2.4G WiFi module. You can set the watering schedule and monitor the watering process on INKBIRD app. APP compatibility--iOS 11.0+ and Android 5.0+. Note: If your router is a dual-band router, please independently enable the 2.4GHz WiFi band and name it differently from the 5GHz WiFi band.
- Non-volatile Memory: Non-volatile memory is embedded in the sprinkler controller, which could indefinitely save all settings even after a long time of power off. Therefore, you could always count on it to implement watering on schedules.
- 4 Cyclic Options & 6 Start Times: There are 4 options when determining how often the irrigation system controller will water-- days of the week (Mon, Tues, Wed, etc.), intervals (every “X” number of days), and odd days, or even days. You could separately program a watering schedule for each zone.Each zone can has 6 start times.
- Home management & Notification:INKBIRD APP allows to add family members and share the sprinkler management. Whenever the sprinkler controller is offline or the watering complete, you will receive a notification on the phone to deal with it in time.
- Rain Sensor & Seasonal Adjust: This irrigation controller supports rain sensor, making it capable of skipping the watering schedules on rainy days to prevent overwatering. It supports seasonal adjustment, which enables you to manually adjust the watering time of all zones by one key as seasons change. Both are designed to save water and provide flexibility in garden watering.
How to choose a good irrigation controllers
Does the idea of finding a fantastic irrigation controllers make you anxious? When it comes to purchasing this product, specifically when deciding which model to select, has your head been spinning between options? You are not alone if that is the case. We are aware of the pressure involved in the purchasing process!
Your presence here indicates that you are interested in irrigation controllers. Before choosing which product would be the best for your needs after being inundated with information, locate a reliable source with genuine selections. You can get that information from a variety of sources, including buying guides and rating websites, word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family, online discussion forums where users can share their own experiences, product reviews that can be found all over the internet, and YouTube channels. You can only get the right product through exhaustive analysis. But you realize that’s not always simple. In order to ease your concerns, we have taken the time to develop a list of the top irrigation controllers products available right now. You might be wondering how we came up with the list. How was this buying guide developed?
First, we used our algorithms to gather as much reliable data as we could about these products. To verify all the data gathered, we used both artificial intelligence and a lot of algorithms.
Then, our experts used criteria that are recognized in the business to evaluate them according to their quality to price ratio, allowing us to choose the top irrigation controllers on the market right now!
The selection of the goods is not arbitrary. Before creating a list, we take into account a number of factors. Below are some of the criteria discussed:
Brand Value: What happens if you choose a dubious brand just because it appears to be a good deal? So the likelihood of receiving a product with a short shelf life increases. That is due to the fact that well-known brands have a reputation to uphold, while others do not. Top irrigation controllers brands strive to provide some distinctive traits that set them apart from the competition. So, hopefully one or more of the items on our list will be perfect for you.
Features: Useful features are all you need, not tons of them. We consider the important aspects and select the top irrigation controllers based on those.
Specifications: Numbers always help you measure the quality of a product in a quantitative way. We try to find products with higher specifications, but with the right balance.
Quality: A product’s quality may always be quantified with the aid of numbers. We look for goods with better standards that strike the proper balance. The best quality product that gets highly appreciated and recommended by experienced users.
Customer ratings: Would it be accurate to suggest that the irrigation controllers were used by hundreds of customers before you? Superior ratings indicate that many customers had better service.
Customer Reviews: Like ratings, provide you with accurate and reliable information about the product from genuine customers. Customer ratings are very important to all of us because they contain accurate and reliable information about the customer service we received from several hundred customers.
Seller Rank: This is very intriguing! Not only do you need a good irrigation controllers, you also need a product with rising sales that is trendy. It accomplishes two goals. First, the expanding user base proves the quality of the product. Second, given that number, producers must be able to offer greater quality and after-sales support.
Value: You get what you pay for, they say, so consider the value. Cheap isn’t always good and expensive isn’t always bad. However, that does not imply that spending a lot of money on a product that is flashy but underwhelming is a good idea. Before adding them to the list, we make an effort to evaluate how much value you can get for your money from your irrigation controllers.
Durability: Durability and reliability are closely related concepts. You will benefit from a strong and long-lasting irrigation controllers for months and years to come.
Product availability: Products come and go, and new ones replace the old ones. Most likely, a few new features and required changes were made. What use is it to use a supposedly good product if the maker no longer supports it? We make an effort to highlight products that are current and offered by one or more trustworthy sellers, if not more.
Negative Reviews: Yes, we do take that into account as well! The goods with the majority of bad reviews are filtered out and disregarded when we choose the best-rated one on the market.
These are the standards by which we selected our irrigation controllers. Do we end our process there? Hell no. The most crucial fact about us that you should be aware of is that we regularly update our website with current and pertinent information. We have one more layer of filtration since we place the greatest importance on reader satisfaction. Please let us know if any product included here is incorrect, irrelevant, subpar, or simply out of date. We always value your opinions, and we’ll work hard to make any necessary corrections to our list in response to them.
Why should you believe us?
There are now thousands of possibilities for these products on Amazon, but choosing the best one can be difficult and time-consuming. And what irrigation controllers should you purchase in 2022?
This guide is the result of more than 10 years of experience in researching, testing and writing about many topics. Each member of our team is an authority in their area. We read every article we could find online and every consumer review on every retail website for seven hours. Additionally, we discovered a ton of websites that offered helpful resources, including buying tips and thorough information on irrigation controllers.
