That makes it a solid choice for smart sprinkler controllers, especially if you like the familiarity of pressable buttons. The model we tested offers control over eight zones (sometimes called "stations"), though there's an additional model that supports up to twice that. This gives you complete control over the amount of water your smart sprinkler is using, which can help you avoid spending money on water when you don't have to. The Yardian app's layout is fantastic. It will download weather data to adjust watering schedules, so you dont overwater or underwater. Also, the power brick that's included in this particular kit is so bulky, we had to track down an extender to plug it into the outdoor outlet. The latter requires an electrician to run the line. We also looked at smart scheduling, notifications, and how many smart-home systems are compatible with the controller. By clicking on the products below, we may receive a commission at no cost to you. BobVila.com and its partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links. Nicholas Sutrich Instead of spring clips for connecting wires like the Rachio 3, the B-hyve uses recessed screws. For more accurate results, you can choose to sync the Rachio 3 with a personal weather station, like the Netatmo. The standard B-hyve indoor/outdoor smart spinkler controller offers a surprisingly large number of features despite its conspicuously low price. The Sprite doesnt require you to use up one of the included six or 12 stations (control zones) to be dedicated to a master valve like most others. Using one of your stations for the master valve leaves you with one less station to use for watering, so we appreciate the inclusion of an extra station for this purpose. The Rachio app has a busy interface, but it's easy to navigate. Some plants can only be put in the ground when it reaches a certain temperature, otherwise they simply won't grow well (or at all). She's written for Ars Technica, PC World, Android Central, The Verge, and Engadget. For a smart sprinkler controller to work, your home must have WiFi. That way, if someone tries to hack into your account, you will receive an alert and can quickly take care of the problem. Read our guide to securing your smart home. Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission. Read our full review of the Wyze Sprinkler Controller. The BlueSpray Wireless Irrigation Controller is also a pain to set up, made worse by the fact that the covering cannot withstand the outdoor elements. The following seven smart sprinkler controllers will work in various watering situations, and one will likely match your lawns watering requirements. You dont have to spend a lot of money to enjoy the convenience of a smart sprinkler controller. While manufacturer warranties vary from around one to three years, a high-quality smart sprinkler controller should last at least five years or longer. We also evaluated general operability, and whether the sprinkler system remained responsive and sent out notifications even while we were miles away from home. Unlike the original Blossom, the casing on this device isn't made to withstand the harsh outdoors, nor does it offer the additional power line feature. The Scotts Miracle-Gro smart watering controller is a cinch to use, though a bit limited in functionality. Forecasting helps Sprinkl understand when it needs to water and when mother nature is handling that for you. We didn't always find that to be the case, however, and still ended up using the manual scheduling function. Live video with free 24-hour cloud storage, App offers immense customization for optimal watering, No controls on the unit (have to control from the app), Limited watering controls on the unit itself, Requires waterproof enclosure (sold separately), Controls, LCD screen built right into the controller, Limited compatibility with third-party sensors, Great interconnection with smart home systems, Limited number of supported watering zones, App includes a lot of customization features, Best Value: Orbit B-hyve WiFi indoor/outdoor, Best for Small Yards: Orbit B-hyve Indoor Timer, Best for Homes with Gardens: Netro Sprite, For When You Only Have a Hose: Netro Pixie, Nick started with DOS and NES and uses those fond memories of floppy disks and cartridges to fuel his opinions on modern tech. The big caveat is that the Gro Connect app doesnt send push notifications after the system finishes watering, which makes it difficult to track whether the plants are being properly nurtured without physically checking the soil. If you decide you don't want to water your grass on a given day, altering the schedule is as easy as using the device's companion app. Some sync with smart home systems such as Amazons Alexa, which lets the user turn the water on or off via voice control. With a smart sprinkler controller, this issue wont come up. You can also fine-tune the schedules by entering the type of grass being grown, soil type, and even how much sun exposure a specific zone receives. Nevertheless, the Miracle-Gro controller is easy enough for anyone to install, provided your wires are properly labeledand if theyre not, Scotts includes a sheet of stickers precisely for labeling your sprinkler wires. Her reviews and how-tos can usually be found on Lifehacker, Tom's Guide, and Reviewed. The plan is $10 annually, which is a small price to pay for automatic watering, but still an extra to consider. However, there's one area where it truly excels at: gardens. The app walks you through most of the setup, and both Android and iOS apps worked flawlessly both over Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz connection required) and remotely. The intuitive app makes setup easy, and youll be able to see 90 days of water usage. Others have the option of being installed on an interior wall, such as a garage or foyer wall, so you can check the controller without having to go outdoors. The Netro Sprite Smart Sprinkler controller is very easy to use and a great value. The Scotts Miracle-Gro smart watering controller is basically a rebranded Blossom Smart Watering controller. It also works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use voice control as a hands-free way to manage your sprinkler system. Access to an electrical outlet to power the controller will be required, or the unit will need to be directly wired into your homes electrical system. Additionally, make sure to use a unique, strong password composed of multiple characters, numbers, and letters for each of your smart home accounts. Like most of the controllers we tested, the Sprite gathers local weather data from sources like Weather Underground, NOAA, and The Weather Channel, and asks for information specific to your lawn (like soil type, plant type, and amount of sun and shade) as you go through the app setup. However, there are plenty of other great sprinkler controllers on our list for you to choose from. In the same way that having an automated lawn mower will save you from time spent maintaining your lawn, a smart controller will make effective watering decisions, so you can spend more time doing the things you enjoy. A handy smartphone app controls everything and even delivers advanced water usage statistics and monitors your irrigation system for electrical and water flow issues. The feature is helpful if youre away from home and want to make changes to your current sprinkler scheduleor you simply want the convenience of setting it from your couch. The controller attaches to your existing in-ground watering system and syncs with your homes WiFi. There's only a simple set of buttons on the unit itself for watering single zones manually; you'll need to use the app to get the most out of it. Credit: Reviewed / Flo Ion, Credit: Reviewed / Florence Ion, Scotts Miracle-Gro Smart Watering Controller. While some homes might have intricate in-ground irrigations systems, some folks don't have the means (or the desire) to install something like that. That camera isn't just used for detecting would-be intruders though, as it can also be used to keep deer and other garden pests out by turning on a specific zone when the camera detects animals. You can even use Yardian's Repellant feature to automatically turn on sprinkler zones if motion is detected, keeping any unwanted human or animal off your lawn. You can even customize each zone to water for different soil types, sprinkler head types, various plant varieties, and even elevation. What makes them "smart" is their ability to connect to the internet for weather data, create custom schedules, and send you notifications. The Rachio 3 isn't perfect, as its higher price doesn't automatically mean you're getting more features. Program the controller remotely via the smartphone app or from the controller unit and receive alerts both on the unit and on your smart device. It will automatically adjust any schedules based on weather reports, and will even adjust your schedule to fit within any local mandates or watering restrictions without need for user intervention. We kept track of the vegetation to watch for any plants that were affected by the smart forecasting water schedules. Its smart home skills are also limited to a few Alexa commands, which can leave home automation junkies feeling unsatisfied. The Scotts Miracle-Gro smart sprinkler controller is also too barebones, even if you decide to spring the extra money for additional accessories, like the individual sensors. The B-hyve's smart watering algorithm consults the data you put in regarding the soil, the type of plants, and the amount of sun each zone receives to generate a water plan. Credit: There was a problem. A worthy intelligent irrigation system controller should be able to water between six and 16 zones. Sprinkler controllers don't control the flow of water. Orbit is a name you're probably familiar with, and that's because it makes a lot of different home irrigation products. Our team is here for one purpose: to help you buy the best stuff and love what you own. After testing out the top-rated remote irrigation systems, we found that the Rachio 3 (available at Amazon for $179.99) is the best smart sprinkler controller because Its simple to use and is loaded with instinctive watering features. If you have an underground sprinkler system, its likely set up in zones to ensure that theres sufficient water pressure to lift the sprinkler heads in a specific area of your lawn, one zone at a time. On top of the expected scheduling feature, Yardian can adjust the scheduling based on realtime weather tracking and knowing the water restrictions in your area. These WiFi-based controllers interact with weather data to adjust watering schedules, so your lawn is never overwatered or underwatered. It's easy-to-understand layout and well-marked features. last updated 4 March 22, Android Central's expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Recommendations are independently chosen by Revieweds editors. We tested each controller for several days, taking many screenshots and noting whether the smart watering schedule aligned with the actual forecast. Depending on your lawns actual water needs, the Netro controller will adjust watering schedules to ensure a lush, healthy yard. The program offered to us suggested two 10-minute watering intervals, six days a week. It comes with lifetime cloud service, and you can access the data via your smart device or even from a web browser. Rachio's excellent automated water algorithm learns and adapts over time, changing the watering patterns up for different temperatures, seasons, and weather types. To help safeguard your smart home, there are some steps you can take. Most sprinkler controllers ask for your home address during setup so that they can best determine the forecast to avoid overwatering. New York, And it should have an app thats simple to understand and will allow you to configure the controller and then relax and let the controller do all the rest. NY 10036. The Weather Intelligence Plus feature on the Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller comes with local weather integration to make watering your yard more efficient. While Orbit's larger model is great for homes with a decent sized yard, not every home has a lot of yard space. This smart sprinkler controller will handle up to six separate watering zones. Poor garden. Rachio is one of the biggest names in the smart sprinkler business, and for good reason. The Netro Pixie is powered by a removable rechargeable battery that charges via the on-board solar panel, and even features a USB port in case there's too much shade. Is it automated scheduling, or the ability to control your home's sprinklers from afar? Get the best of Android Central in in your inbox, every day! I've been fiddling with new tech since the bag phone. When it comes to price and capability, there is no other smart sprinkler system that offers quite as much as the Yardian. Fortunately, it doesn't matter which way you plug them in as long as they go into the power slot. How Much Does a Lawn Sprinkler System Cost? Two things kept it from being our top pick: It is intended for indoor installation, so if your control box is outside, you will need to purchase a protective cover. They can be placed around your property and will monitor individual zones for moisture, helping reduce over or underwatering. That puts more cash back in your pocket, making a smart sprinkler worth the investment. Outside of these key features, you're getting the same great smart watering features, the same great app with remote connectivity and water usage stats, and the same piece of mind knowing that B-hyve will only water your lawn or garden when it makes sense. Mounting is relatively simple, as the new smart controller works in conjunction with the existing controller. We looked at on-device and app controls and finally, we noted when a controller included the EPA WaterSense label, indicating its water-saving capability. Netro goes so far as to provide a database with over 1,000 common species of plants with very specific watering schedules, and the system will adjust watering times and volume depending on the needs of these plants. Email us and we'll compare notes. RainMachine Pro-16 Touch Irrigation Controller, Orbit 57946 B-hyve Indoor/Outdoor Smart Controller, Orbit 57946 B-hyve Indoor/Outdoor Controller, 9 Famous Gardens to Inspire Your Next Project, The Best Sprinkler Controllers for Lawn Care. The Netro Sprite setup procedure is simple and intuitive. Florence Ion is a freelance journalist and prolific podcaster. That might be an issue for the less tech-savvy or your sprinkler maintenance person, but frankly, we did not miss this capability in the least. It will alert you if a problem occurs, such as the unit falling, a water shutoff, or a broken valve allowing water to flood out. A professional installer should install an inground watering system. It's all very confusing and not easy to use in a rush. Well, depending on where you live, you may be eligible for a rebate for buying one that monitors the weather and, ultimately, uses less water to make your lawn look good. More than once, we accidentally shut off the system without realizing it wouldn't water until a few days had passed. Theyre also good if you have a lawn you want to put on autopilot so that it doesnt brownout. So if you have an existing smart home system, consider a compatible controller. We spent nearly a year using the Wyze Sprinkler Controller before writing our review, and after nearly 365 days of hands-on experience, the device is one of the best smart sprinkler controllers you can buy if you want to automate your lawn care. All rights reserved. The app itself is pleasant to use, and it works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so we werent bothered by the lack of other control options. Rachio's app is not only super easy to use, but it's also highly customizable. The controller is compatible with Alexa and can gather weather data from your choice of national weather stations or even your own private weather station, plus save your data locally. Better yet, the battery on each Sprinkle Sense is designed to last up to six years before needing to be replaced, further reducing the maintenance on your yard. The Orbit 21004 B-hyve Smart Sprinkler is designed for use with a traditional hose. Other benefits like remote access via the device's companion app and voice control with popular smart assistants like Alexa and Google give you even more ways to help your garden grow. The Wyze Sprinkler Controller is full of customizable and intuitive features that water your yard efficiently, helping to keep the grass green while saving you money. Read More, Orbit's sprinkler controller is an affordable choice as long as you don't mind the bulky, industrial design. Read More, The Netro Sprite is a fully-automatic irrigation controller that works with Alexa and Google Assistant. For those situations, you'll want to get the Netro Pixie Smart Hose Faucet Timer, which can intelligently control water flow to a hose-end sprinkler or drip irrigation system. Outside of its waterproofing deficiencies and its complete lack of smart assistant integration of any kind, the Wyze Sprinkler Controller stands out as an ideal component to automate your in-ground sprinkler system on the cheap. We do not accept free products from any companywe only review products we love. It should also have a backup option for when the internet goes down, offer some smart-home integration by way of a hub or a digital assistant, and be well-built so that it can live outside the house. By After you've hooked up the wires, it's time to connect the BlueSpray controller to your Wi-Fi network, which requires using the service switch in the bottom-left corner of the controller board. It was intimidating to use even for us. Over the course of his decades-long career, Bob Vila has helped millions of people build, renovate, repair, and live better each daya tradition that continues today in the expert yet accessible home advice at the heart ofBobVila.com. In that case, the controller will automatically adjust the watering schedule to provide an additional an inch rather than a whole inch that week. At less than half the cost of most smart sprinkler systems, you might be surprised to find out that the Orbit H-hyve indoor/outdoor controller might actually pack in more important features for some situations. You can even pair the Netro Pixie with Netro Whisperer sensors, which retail for a great price at Netro. During our tests, the water automation features went off without a hitch every time. Additionally, you can turn the water on or off from your smartphone while away, and you can monitor water usage, too. We considered the number of zones a controller could manage and whether the controller was suited for indoor and outdoor use. Netro Whisperers monitor soil moisture level, the amount of sunlight plants get, and can even tell the temperature, ensuring your garden only gets watered when it actually needs it. Smart controllers work best with wired sprinkler controllers and are not recommended for use with battery-powered controllers. This affordable controller is also WeatherSense certified, so it will adjust watering to suit your areas current weather conditions as well as gather information about local watering ordinances. First and foremost is the support for only four zones at maximum. Rankings are generated from thousands of verified customer reviews. Its sprinkler controller is an affordable choice as long as you don't mind the bulky, industrial design. Android Central is supported by its audience. The biggest complaint with Yardian is the inability to add more cameras to the system. It also qualifies for the EPA WaterSense program for rebates on water usage, as well as being aware if there are watering restrictions in your area. There's also a feature that lets you "hibernate" the sprinkler system, in case there are months where you live when there's no use in watering at all. We use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. If you want to mount a controller unit indoors, consider the Orbit Indoor/Outdoor Smart Sprinkler Controller since it doesnt need to be mounted right by the watering system. For example, suppose you configure your controller to water all parts of the lawn with 1 inch of water per week, and it rains an inch. A smart controller works with your existing sprinkler system to automatically water the grass based on local weather conditions, giving your grass the right amount to drink every time. There are also smart hose timers, which work similarly to smart sprinkler controllers, but are meant be used with garden hoses instead of in-ground irrigation systems. When using any devices with smart assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri, you can further protect your privacy by regularly deleting your voice recordings and muting the speakers mic when its not in use. We experienced one instance where the controller inexplicably lost power, but Wyze built in a fail safe that runs the sprinklers on the last recorded schedule before things went dark. Works with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. By Glenda Taylor | Updated Jul 25, 2022 10:05 AM. You can also set certain weather conditions that prompt Wyze to skip watering, such as temperature, wind speed, rainfall, and saturation levels. The Rachio Controller is the best because it offers fine-tuned scheduling, robust automation abilities, and works with Alexa and Google. That even includes automatic watering adjustments based on the weather outside. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, 2022 Reviewed, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network LLC. Android Central is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Like the Sprinkl Sense, the Netro Whisperer detects soil moisture levels and can be used to water your garden or lawn only when it actually needs water. This is where you can set fixed watering schedules or opt to automatically run the sprinklers on an as-needed basis (based on local weather data). Rachio prides itself on the accuracy of its weather network, which is made up of over 300,000 sensors throughout the U.S. They automate the task of opening and closing individual valves, like a traditional electronic or manual sprinkler controller. Your results will vary with features like smart watering, as it depends entirely on the climate in your region and what you have growing. It can tap into a database of weather stations to get an accurate forecast of your area and adjust watering as needed, and will automatically adjust the schedule to comply with any regulations or watering restrictions in your area. The B-hyve's main design draw is its outdoor-friendly chassis, which comes with a keyed lock to keep the LCD control panel covered. Netro utilizes an AI-based algorithm that's said to save up to 50% by watering only when evaporation is minimal and by preventing runoffs caused by long watering cycles, which also helps penetrate deeper into your plants' roots. He's been writing about tech since 2011 and loves robot vacuums, home automation, virtual reality, and any kind of gadget that's connected to the Internet. Netro Pixie can be set to water on a schedule, automatically adjust for weather conditions, and even help you control your water usage by giving detailed statistics. Sprinkl Control supports up to a whopping 16 zones for each controller, but that's not why it's the best pick for big yards. While it controls only a single hose, you can attach a multiple-faucet sillcock to your exterior faucet and add an Orbit controller to each head for more watering options. You can also toss your zip code into the mix so that it factors in the weather. Smart sprinkler systems can also help save water by intelligently water your yard, garden, or flower beds with individual settings to cater to the types of plants, soil, and even real-time weather in your area. By continuing to browse this site you're agreeing to our. This particular model is only made for North America, so be sure to purchase one of the international versions if you live elsewhere. With many of todays smart controllers, you wont have to worry about changing the watering schedule during times of heavy rain or drought. Data breaches feel like the norm as of late, making it all the more important to use different passwords across multiple websites and apps. It can be controlled remotely via a handy smartphone app and can be programmed to water on a set schedule. The B-hyve Wi-Fi sprinkler is Orbit's initial venture into the smart sprinkler realm, though the company has been in this business for 40 years. And with additional features like weather intelligence, our top pick, the Rachio 3, can also help save you money on your water bills by automatically skipping a session if rain or excessive wind is underway. Pixie hooks right up to one of your home's water spigots, and the opposite end has a standard garden hose thread for your hose. Many smart sprinkler controller units are installed on the exterior of your home. By uploading photos and entering details about things like soils and sunlight, you can then set a custom schedule, or have the Rachio app figure one out based on the details you entered. For something cheaper, the Netro Sprite Smart Sprinkler Controller (available on Amazon) is a value-packed choice. That's because Netro makes a companion device called the Netro Whisperer. It's not only more affordable than many other options on the market, but it offers additional security capabilities and a few quiality-of-life features as well. To understand that, you'll first need to know about Sprinkl Sense, an in-ground moisture sensor that Sprinkl sells for a great price. The controller syncs with your homes router. However, Miracle-Gro is very much its own product. It also doesn't feature extras like integration into your smart home security system or additional external sensors for soil moisture level monitoring. Yardian's app can be used to not only name your zones, but also to assign a picture to them that you've taken, helping you better identify each zone that needs to be watered. Thank you for signing up to Android Central. You can also configure the app to consider soil type, grass type, and site conditions, such as whether your yard slopes. Many of the systems on this list will only notify you when water is finished, or maybe not at all. The second-generation Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller is currently topping our list because it offers a ton of easy-to-use options and isn't intimidating to install. The Sprite is Netro's most popular smart spinkler controller, and for good reason since it's affordable and competitive in terms of features. Read More, The Wyze Sprinkler Controller offers a deep lineup of features and functionality that make keeping your grass green a walk in the park. It is also WeatherSense certified for conserving as much water as possible. The Rachio 3 offers the most features while still being easy enough for anyone to use. Regulate watering schedules based on rainfall and other weather conditions. Watering can be done with just your voice via your favorite virtual assistant too. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. If you have an inground sprinkler system and dont have a smart controller, your sprinklers could end up watering at the same time its raining. It's possible. It also only offers interconnectivity with Orbit's own brand of weather sensors, so you'll need to stay in-house in order to get the most of a full system. And with every unit, I determined whether the setup process would work for those who might be tech-averse.
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