Top 15 Smart Irrigation Controllers

If you have a lawn or outdoor plants like vegetables, shrubs and trees you need to water regularly, then a smart irrigation controller is a must have device and well worth the investment.

A smart irrigation controller will not only save you time and effort but also usually comes with advanced features and connectivity to allow you to water more efficiently and ultimately save money.

Many smart irrigation controllers can automatically adjust irrigation settings for events like rainfall and freezing temperatures. And their scheduling features can take into account customized date ranges and patterns, not just certain days of the week. These features surpass the capabilities of conventional irrigation controllers.

Let’s review some of the best smart irrigation controllers in the market and check out how they can help you.

RainMachine

Overview

RainMachine makes the top of my list and is actually the brand I ended up buying myself, specifically the TouchHD model.

The company currently offers 2 different models to choose from.

Both models connect with Apple HomeKit, an excellent feature. In addition to Homekit, the lineup supports a number of additional integrations via IFTT, including Alexa and Google Home amongst others. Alternatively, you can also use the company’s Android or iPhone app to connect to the controller.

Both of the models offer smart capabilities but they differ in terms of hardware, connectivity and the number of irrigation zones that are supported.

That said, the standout feature in the RainMachine line is the fact that they are cloud-independent, which means you can continue to operate them even without an internet connection. This is something that sets it apart from many competing products that require a cloud connection and will become useless if the manufacturer was to go out of business.

RainMachine Touch HD

This is my favorite model. It includes a big 6.5″ touchscreen, which you can use to update settings directly, even when you don’t have your phone on you.

There are actually two Touch HD models as you can tell by the names. The RainMachine Touch HD-12 model supports up to 12 irrigation zones (retail price $259). The somewhat more expensive RainMachine Touch HD-16 model supports up to 16 irrigation zones (retail price $269).

When it came out initially, RainMachine Touch HD was missing Apple HomeKit support and I give the company props for following through and adding HomeKit support later on.

HomeKit functionality was a recurring feature request on the RainMachine discussion board. The company never promised it would include this feature but they went out of their way to accommodate their users.

In a way, that gives me confidence that they will also continue to add more features to other products you buy from them. You are thus less likely to be left with an obsolete product soon after you buy it.

Personally, that makes me more likely to buy additional products from them and to recommend them to new customers as well.

RainMachine Pro

This model is technically newer than the Touch HD model but comes with a much smaller 1.77″ touch interface.

It’s available with support for 8 or 16 irrigation zones. These two versions retail for $169 and $199 respectively.

In addition to WiFi, it also offers Ethernet connectivity.

Other than that, the software capabilities and apps are comparable to what you get with the Touch HD model.

Takeaways

There’s lots to like about RainMachine smart irrigation controllers as you can see.

If there’s one thing that I don’t especially like about these controllers, is that they appear to be overengineered to some extent. By that I mean, there are numerous features built into their software but they are not always accessible in a user-friendly way or interact in a way that is easy to make sense of. I also noticed that in some cases, it took a bit of effort to make sure that updates were saved correctly. It wasn’t clear to me if that was because of glitches in the software or connectivity issues or something else. The user interface could definitely be improved.

At the end of the day, however, RainMachine products have been around for years and have proven themselves to be quite reliable. I am also confident that the company stands behind its products and found their customer service to be quite responsive. For that reason, I don’t hesitate to recommend their irrigation controllers wholeheartedly.

Of all their products, I’d recommend the TouchHD controller above all. For most users, the 12-zone version should be sufficient.

Rachio

Overview

Rachio is the current market leader and seems to to have wide distribution in retail stores.

Rachio 3

This is their flagship product and now includes numerous integrations, including HomeKit, Alexa, Google Assistant. You can also use their Android and iPhone smartpone apps.

It comes in two different versions, one with support for 8 irrigation zones (retail price: $199.99) and the other for 16 irrigation zones (retail price: $249.99).

There are just a couple of things you have to take into account. The onboard controls are rather basic. You will need to use your phone for most things. It relies on an internet connection primarily.

It does have a user-friendly interface, however, and operates reliably.

Rachio 3e

This is a less expensive version sacrificing a number of features such as weather intelligence, HomeKit support and various other features. The only version available supports 8 irrigation zones (retail price: $149.99).

It seems to be an effort by the company to appeal to more customers by lowering the price. I would not recommend it if you can afford the higher end model. Last I checked the difference was only $50. An irrigation controller is something you will keep for many years and the price difference here is negligible.

Takeways

I can understand why Rachio has been so successful in the market. Personally, I’d still prefer RainMachine because it doesn’t require a cloud connection and offers more onboard controls. However, if these things are not important to you and you put more emphasis on the usability of the app, you cannot go wrong with Rachio either.

Orbit

Overview

Unlike Rachio and RainMachine, Orbit has a long history in the irrigation industry. They are especially well-known for their sprinkler heads and other irrigation supplies.

It’s a major company that I have no doubt will remain in business for decades to come and that certainly inspires confidence in their smart irrigation controllers as well.

That being said, their line of smart irrigation controllers arrived later and lacks some of the features you find with Rachio and RainMachine.

Notably, they don’t seem to integrate with Apple HomeKit at this time.

Orbit B-hyve Smart Indoor/Outdoor Irrigation Controller

This irrigation controller comes with a locking cabinet included and you can safely install it outdoors without the need to purchase a separate enclosure.

The irrigation controller comes in two versions. The one for 6 zones retails for $99.99. The one for 12 zones retails for $124.99.

Like Orbit’s other controllers, the software includes support for Google Home and Alexa or you can simply connect via the company’s own iOS or Android apps.

Other than the outdoor enclosure, this device also has full onboard capability to allow you to make changes directly on the device, not just the app. There is a traditional timer interface built in. It’s not a flashy touchscreen but still better than nothing and may be even preferred by some for durability.

Orbit B-hyve Smart Indoor Irrigation Controller

This device has a basic design without a touchscreen interface. It’s compatible with Alexa and Google Home.

It comes in 2 versions: one to support 4 zones (retail price: $59.99) and the other to support 8 zones (retail price: $79.99).

As the name suggests, it’s only intended for indoor use and lacks an outdoor cover.

You can only use it with an app. There are no onboard controls.

The main benefits of this device compared to the other Orbit models appear to be the small size, which allows it to fit in tight spaces, and the much lower price point.

Orbit B-hyve XR Smart Sprinkler Controller Indoor/Outdoor

This is Orbit’s most advanced irrigation controller.

The 2 versions that are available can support 8 and 16 irrigation zones respectively. These retail for $149.99 and $179.99.

It supports Amazon Alexa and Google Home. Alternatively, you can make use of Orbit’s Android or iPhone app to connect to it.

Orbit B-hyve Smart Hose Watering Timer

This is Orbit’s solution for those without a wired sprinkler system. You can connect it directly in between an outdoor spigot and a garden hose.

It runs on 2AA batteries which are supposed to last a year.

The device itself is very compact, which makes sense considering the practicality. This also means there are no onboard controls. You will have to use your phone to control it.

The default phone connection is via Bluetooth. The device requires a separate WiFi hub to connect to the internet.

Without the WiFi hub, it retails for $37.99 and with it it retails for $59.99.

Takeaways

The first choice for me would be the XR model but even then I have some reservations. I’d be more sold on the model if the company added HomeKit support.

Wyze

Overview

Wyze was founded relatively recently, just in 2017.

It was started by former Amazon employees and not surprisingly used Amazon as a platform to distribute its products.

In a short period of time, it has managed to release numerous smart home devices with a reputation for affordability.

Its most famous device is a camera but the sprinkler controller is not to be underestimated either.

Wyze Sprinkler Controller

This controller is quite affordable as it retails for only $57.98.

There’s no touchscreen but four control buttons on the device allow you to turn it on and off.

More advanced options require you to use a smartphone.

The Wyze Sprinkler Controller supports 8 irrigation zones.

One noticeable difference compared to other irrigation controllers is that Wyze requires a separate subscription for weather-based scheduling (1 year is included free).

Takeaways

The Wyze irrigation controller has a great price point.

If there is one thing that makes me hesitate, it’s the fact that they introduced a subscription service.

The push to have hardware customers sign up for separate software subscriptions is increasingly commonplace but it changes the value proposition quite a bit.

Rain Bird

Overview

Rain Bird is an established company in the irrigation industry. I’d compare it to Orbit in many ways.

There are two different versions of basically the same device: one for outdoor use with a cover and one for indoor use.

Both come with onboard controls as well as the ability to manage via a smartphone app.

Oddly enough, Rainbird’s product specifications make no direct mention of compatibility with smart home platforms. However, the Rainbird website does mention Alexa and Google Home, presumably later additions. There is no mention, however, of Apple HomeKit.

Rain Bird ST8-2.0 Irrigation WiFi Sprinkler Timer Indoor

The indoor version retails for $161.99.

Rain Bird ST8-2.0 Irrigation WiFi Sprinkler Timer Outdoor

The outdoor version retails for $184.99.

Takeaways

I’m a big of Rain Bird products. That said, I’m waiting to see more improvements to this line of products.

Compared with Orbit for instance, I get the impression these smart irrigation controllers are less developed, at least for retail customers.

Eve

Overview

Eve is a company that specializes in smart home products similar to Wyze.

Their irrigation controller is just one of many products they carry.

It has made a name for itself releasing HomeKit compatible product in particular and this product is no exception.

Eve Aqua Smart Water Controller

Eve Aqua is in some ways very similar to Orbit’s Smart Hose Watering Timer. You connect it between an outdoor spigot and a hose.

Thus it’s not a solution for a full-fledged wired irrigation system.

If you want to access it remotely, you will need to have a HomeKit hub.

Eve Aqua includes support for Bluetooth and Thread, meaning it should be ready for the upcoming Matter standard.

That said, the company makes no mention of Google Home or Alexa.

It currently retails for $99.95, which is more than Orbit’s device.

Takeaways

Given the intended application, the main comparison would be with Orbit.

Unless you can get it at a discount or you absolutely require Apple HomeKit, it’s a tough call to go with it over much more affordable products.

Then again, if it ends up supporting Alexa and Google Home via the new Matter standard, then this product suddenly becomes a lot more valuable.

Yardian

Overview

Unlike the previous companies, Yardian is a smart tech company that specializes in irrigation controllers. It hasn’t (yet) branched out into other domains.

Yardian offers two devices. Its Pro device includes HomeKit compatibility but misses the camera feature in the original Yardian (One) device.

Yardian Smart Sprinkler Controller

The 8-zone version retails for $179.99. The 12-zone version retails for $199.99.

This Yardian device is compatible with Alexa and Google Home.

It also includes an HD camera that you can use as a security or surveillance camera. Depending on which way your controller is facing, this can be very practical.

Yardian Pro Smart Sprinkler Controller

The 8-zone version costs $149.99 and the 12-zone version $169.99. It’s less expensive than the original Yardian device but also doesn’t come with a camera.

On the other hand, Yardian Pro is compatible with HomeKit as well as Alexa and Google Home.

Takeaways

The camera feature is quite ingenious and that model appears to be selling quite well. It’s not clear why Yardian does not include it in the Pro model but it’s something it should consider for future releases.

Netro

Overview

Netro is another company that focuses on smart irrigation.

It recently introduced a new type of smart sprinkler controller with more local controls.

Netro Spark Smart Sprinkler Controller

This device includes support for up to 16 zones.

It’s compatible with Google Home and Alexa.

The retail price is $179 for the 8-zone version and $199.99 for the 12-zone version.

One of the features included in this device that I haven’t really seen with other devices is a diagnostic of your irrigation wiring, specifically checking for faulty solenoids.

Takeaways

This is one of the smaller companies in the market but they appear to be quite innovative and I’m looking forward to more product releases.