The best smart sprinkler controllers of 2021 have overhauled lawn watering. They can overtake lawn irrigation from homeowners and automate the process. Most of them connect to existing sprinkler systems and replace their control unit. Users can set schedules and timers for watering their plants as desired. They don’t have to deal with issues like calculating the amount of water required and how long to irrigate their plants. These devices make lawn maintenance easy, taking out the guesswork.
What are Smart Sprinkler Controllers?
Smart sprinkler controllers are like traditional controllers but have a few outstanding features. They can be used to automate sprinklers like their less intuitive counterparts, turning them on or off according to a schedule. However, there are many user-oriented features in these devices for making lawn irrigation easier. The basic smart sprinkler controllers can be operated remotely through a smart device. They have Wi-Fi connectivity and can connect to a wireless network for internet access. Users can install an app on their smartphone and control the device remotely. It enables them to monitor and operate the unit even when they are not home. They can switch their sprinkler system on or off or monitor it as required. Most of them work with virtual assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri and can be operated through voice commands.
The best smart sprinkler controllers of 2021 come with advanced features. They use AI to determine the water requirements of your plants. An irrigation schedule is created automatically based on parameters like the plant species, soil type, the slope of the lawn, and the season. A few of them leverage weather forecasting to adjust the watering schedule accordingly. They may skip the schedule in rainy, windy, or freezing weather. Many of them work with soil and moisture sensors to prevent over or under-watering. It saves water consumption by ensuring judicious irrigation while adhering to local regulations. You get the lawn of your dreams while reducing water and energy consumption.
The Best Smart Sprinkler Controllers of 2021
Here are the best smart sprinkler controllers of 2021 that can assist you in automating your lawn irrigation while ensuring optimum conditions for vegetation growth.
1. Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller, 8 Zone 3rd Generation, Alexa and Apple HomeKit Compatible
Rachio 3 is easily one of the best smart sprinkler controllers of 2021. It is an intelligent device that features Hyperlocal Weather Intelligence Plus to recognize the local weather and skip watering plants in rainy, windy, or freezing conditions. Users can create schedules according to their lawn’s requirements. It ensures judicious consumption of water while lowering your monthly water bills, making it one of the best smart sprinkler controllers of 2021. Rachio 3 smart sprinkler controller considers parameters like plant type, soil conditions, and sunlight received, data input by users, and seasonal changes for determining optimum watering patterns. It is compatible with soil and moisture sensors. There are eight different zones supported by it. Rachio’s smartphone app allows users to monitor and control their sprinkler system from anywhere. The integrated Wi-Fi can be used to connect it to the home’s wireless network. It works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Samsung SmartThings, IFTTT, and Apple HomeKit and is one of the best smart sprinkler controllers of 2021 for HomeKit users. Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller is compatible with most existing sprinkler controllers and is easy to install.
2. Orbit B-hyve 4-Zone Smart Indoor Sprinkler Controller
Orbit B-hyve is an affordable option among the best smart sprinkler controllers of 2021. It makes use of WeatherSense technology for accessing live weather feeds and altering watering schedules accordingly. The device takes into account parameters like soil type, slope, amount of sunlight received, and historical data for smart irrigation. It supports four different zones, allowing users to create customized schedules for different areas of their lawn.
Orbit B-hyve has integrated Wi-Fi for remote access but can connect to a smart device through Bluetooth. Users can install the company’s B-hyve app on an iOS or Android device or control it through the web app. It even works without wireless connectivity by storing app-set programs, earning it a place among the best smart sprinkler controllers of 2021. Its manual override can be used to supersede the schedules without cancelling them. It works with most existing master valve and pump relay setups. As it is an indoor device, it will have to be installed in a shed or garden, where it is safe from rain and dust. An 8-zone variant of Orbit B-hyve smart sprinkler controller is also available.
3. Netro Sprite Smart Sprinkler Controller, Wi-Fi, Weather aware, Remote access, 6 Zone, Compatible with Alexa
Netro Sprite Smart Sprinkler Controller is a well-recommended item on the list of the best smart sprinkler controllers of 2021. It is an intelligent device that leverages weather forecasts and historical statistics for irrigating your lawn, flower beds, and trees. The device is fully automatic and comes with EPA WaterSense certification. It supports six different zones and allows users to create separate schedules for each one of them. They are adjusted dynamically based on weather, plant types, and lawn requirements. It helps to reduce water usage and ensures that you adhere to the local water regulations and restrictions, earning Netro Sprite a place among the best smart sprinkler controllers of 2021.
Netro Sprite Smart Sprinkler Controller has integrated Wi-Fi for enabling remote access through the smartphone app and web browser. It sends you alerts and notifications via them. There are no buttons available on the unit for manual control and using the smartphone or web app is the only option. A 12-zone version of the Netro Sprite Smart Sprinkler Controller is also available.
4. Orbit 57950 B-hyve Smart 12-Zone Indoor/Outdoor Sprinkler Controller
Orbit B-hyve Smart 12-Zone Sprinkler Controller is an alternate option from the brand that is suitable for both indoor and outdoor installation. It is an intelligent device that makes lawn irrigation easy. The unit has a weather-resistant casing for protection. It supports 12-zones and is ideal for large lawns and yards that have a variety of plant species with specific irrigation requirements.
Users need to install the B-hyve app on their smart devices to access the controller and create schedules. There is an integrated Wi-Fi module for wireless connectivity. They can set the timers manually or let its intelligent weather-based software create a schedule automatically. It considers various parameters like plant and soil type, slope, amount of sunlight or shade, and live weather forecasts to adjust the water provided to plants. Orbit B-hyve Smart Sprinkler Controller also has an LCD and keyed controls for operating the unit. The device comes with EPA WaterSense certification and will reduce water consumption and save energy, making it one of the best smart sprinkler controllers of 2021. It works with Amazon Alexa virtual assistant and may be operated through voice commands. A 6-zone variant is also available.
5. Aeon Matrix Smart Sprinkler Controller 8 Zone with HD Security Camera
Aeon Matrix Smart Sprinkler Controller is a versatile device among the best smart sprinkler controllers of 2021. It allows you to irrigate your lawn automatically while keeping an eye on your premises with its integrated 720p HD security camera. You don’t need to buy a surveillance device separately. The sprinklers can be triggered to deter animals as well. Its Smart Program enables you to set a watering schedule according to the type of plant and soil. The Rain Skips feature prevents irrigation in rainy, windy, or freezing conditions, thereby ensuring judicious usage of water.
There is Wi-Fi connectivity in Aeon Matrix Smart Sprinkler Controller for enabling remote access through the Internet. You will need to install the company’s Yardian app on a smartphone to control the device and set schedules. It makes it easy to keep tabs on water usage and is one of the The proprietary water restriction database of the manufacturer ensures that you adhere to local municipal rules and regulations regarding water consumption. Aeon Matrix Smart Sprinkler Controller is compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Google Assistant, and IFTTT. It comes with free cloud storage (24-hour) for recording footage.
6. RainMachine Touch HD-16, Cloud Independent Smart Wi-Fi Irrigation Controller
RainMachine Touch HD-16 is a premium product among the best smart sprinkler controllers of 2021. The outstanding feature of this device is that it comes with a colored touch screen for easy operation. It supports Wi-Fi connectivity and enables remote access over the Internet through a smart device (iOS or Android) or a computer. The device will continue to work even when Wi-Fi is down as it stores all data locally, making it one of the best smart sprinkler controllers of 2021.
RainMachine Touch HD-16 controller adjusts irrigation schedules according to real-time weather. It can access various national or personal weather stations like NOOA, METNO, NetAtmo, and Open Weather Map for the same. Not only will it irrigate plants and lawn appropriately, but it will also prevent water wastage. These features earn it a place among the best smart sprinkler controllers of 2021. Users can create specific schedules for 16 different zones. Alexa, Google Home, Nest, IFTTT, Samsung SmartThings, and Wink are all supported. A 12-zone variant of the RainMachine Touch HD-16 smart sprinkler controller is also available.
7. Rain Bird ESP4ME3 Indoor Outdoor 120V Irrigation Controller LNK Wi-Fi Compatible ESPME3
Rain Bird ESP4ME3 Indoor Outdoor 120V Irrigation Controller is an excellent option among the best smart sprinkler controllers of 2021. The unit allows users to irrigate their lawns intelligently. They can set schedules based on requirements and program them to adjust according to seasons and weather sensors. It has a backlit LCD for information and a rotary knob and keypads for user control. Buyers can purchase the Rainbird 6 Station Module for adding Wi-Fi connectivity to the Rain Bird ESP4ME3 irrigation controller for remote access via a smartphone.
The unit supports four stations, although the number can be expanded to twenty-two by using station modules available for purchase optionally. Its non-volatile memory preserves all settings even if there is a prolonged power outage, making it one of the best smart sprinkler controllers of 2021. Rain Bird ESP4ME3 Irrigation Controller allows users to pause watering schedules for up to 14 days and automatically resumes them afterward. The one-touch manual watering feature enables the overriding of schedules for manual irrigation. Its only downside is that users have to pay extra for Wi-Fi connectivity.
