If you want the best WiFi controlled sprinklers, you probably already know how valuable they can be for saving you time while helping your garden reach its full potential.
WiFi controlled sprinklers are an important part of the new smart gardening revolution. It can help to schedule watering in your yard, via a connected device, such as your smartphone.
The advantage of having one of these, thanks to efficiency, is that it can also help to be cost-effective. Although sprinklers aren’t brand new to the market, WiFi enabled sprinklers represent a relatively new way of working with water.
Whereas traditional sprinkler systems are operated by mechanical or electronic timers, smart ones can be operated much easier with the touch of a button – and even adapt to factors such as rain. For more easy swaps for your outdoor space, visit our guide to the best outdoor smart plugs.
This guide will detail the five best WiFi controlled sprinklers that we think you should consider. It is worth noting that as with any product, the specifications will vary as some will be more compatible with different smart assistants, while others may require more areas in the case of larger areas.
Your needs may vary depending on the size of your yard, budget, and how complex you want your controls to be.
Best WiFi Controlled Sprinklers in 2022
(image credit: rachio)
1. Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler
Overall Best Smart Sprinkler
Specifications
Region: 16
Smart Assistants: Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, Nest, IFTTT, Wink, Control4, Nexia and more
WiFi: 2.4 and 5GHz
reasons to buy
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Quick and easy to install
,
Easy integration with most smart assistants
,
great for saving water
,
Easy to use via phone
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The Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler stands out from the crowd with this third generation model. It is available in eight or 16 zones and is easy to set up. This can be done in under 30 minutes and without any special tools, while an in-app installation tutorial is provided for added support.
The product itself allows you to set up a smart watering schedule that automatically adapts to your preferences, soil moisture, climate and weather, providing added accuracy.
Its compatibility with a range of smart devices makes it an attractive product that can be controlled with the ease of your phone, be it Apple or Android, as well as a range of smart home devices using your voice alone.
The app can tell you all the latest information such as when was the last time you watered certain areas and when the next one was scheduled.
(image credits: Classroom)
2. Class B-Highway
Best for indoor and outdoor installation
Specifications
Zone: 6 or 12
Smart Assistant: Amazon Alexa, iOS, Android
WiFi: 2.4GHz
reasons to buy
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Can be set both outdoor and indoor
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Multiple Support Capabilities
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Available in 6 or 12 zones
reason to escape
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Weather data could be better
The Orbit B-Hive is an option that can be installed both indoors and outdoors and comes in either six or 12 zone variations. It’s a nice mix between traditional and modern, as it has what looks like a classic sprinkler control system, but feels very modern through smart technology.
This model is compatible with Amazon Alexa and can also be controlled remotely via iOS and Android devices. Installation is simple, with hardwiring even an option, while the app allows you to set timers with ease. On top of that, it comes with smart watering which means it can automatically react to rain, wind and freeze delay.
It comes with a lockable, weather-resistant cabinet that can be easily mounted indoors or outdoors and the sprinkler can be controlled from anywhere. One small drawback is that you need to be cautious when setting the location via the app for different weather conditions.
(image credits: Classroom)
3. Class B-Hive XR
Best for Extra Coverage
Specifications
Region: 16
Smart Assistant: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, iOS, Android
WiFi: 2.4 and 5GHz plus Bluetooth
reasons to buy
,
great for large properties
,
Can automatically adjust to weather changes
,
easy to set up
The Orbit B-Hyve XR is highly regarded and is ideal for those who have large areas to cover, providing 16 zones of control with this product. Winner of a CES Innovation Award, the B-Hyve XR has a solid reputation, although it’s quite expensive.
The B-Hyve XR, as its name suggests, features a Smart Hive-like design with full color LEDs and is easy to install both indoors and out as it is water resistant.
The WiFi-enabled B-Hive XR adjusts to local weather, can be controlled easily from your smartphone (both iOS and Android), and is also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
It can view weather forecasts via its WeatherSense technology and, like no other, shuts down during rain, wind and cold conditions – making it economical.
It’s a little buggy with its apps, the Rachio 3 is easy to navigate, but with its dual-band connectivity and a host of other features, it’s one of the best on the market.
(image credit: Rain Bird)
4. Rain Bird ST8I-2.0
best indoor wifi enabled sprinklers
Specifications
Zone: 8
Smart Assistant: Amazon Alexa, iOS, Android
WiFi: 2.4GHz
reasons to buy
,
easy to program
,
adjusts watering schedule
,
easy to use app
reason to escape
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Installation is not the easiest
Rain Bird is a well-known name in the irrigation world, and the Rain Bird ST8I-WiFi offers an easy-to-use alternative to some of the others on this list. It’s an indoor-only WiFi enabled controller and comes with on-unit controls, should you want to stick to the old-school way of doing things.
But the controller can also be controlled by an app, which can manage a variety of features and also makes it easy to enable notifications even if you’re away from home.
Unlike some of the others on this list, it is limited to the number of areas covered by just eight, although it may be more attractive for small to medium-sized yards.
Rain Bird ST8I-2.0 Self-adjusting for weather and weather, thanks to weather intelligence technology. Also, if you wish, you can adjust the water delay to last up to two weeks.
The slight downside is that installation isn’t the easiest, which is due to the AC adapter not being plugged into the socket, instead requiring two bare wire leads.
(image credit: Netro)
5. Netro Smart Sprinkler Controller
Best mid-range wifi sprinklers for water shortage
Specifications
Zone: 6 or 12
Smart Assistant: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, iOS, Android
WiFi: 2.4GHz
reasons to buy
,
Comes with lifetime cloud service
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easy installation
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fully automated
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Provides plant and soil figures
The Netro Smart Sprinkler Controller offers a solid option for those looking to reduce unnecessary water use. It is available in both zones 6 and 12, although it is not the cheapest, but sits well as a mid-ranger.
Like the others, you’re able to control WiFi sprinklers via your iPhone or Android smartphone, as well as Amazon Alexa and Google Home. But this product is fully automated and can adapt to weather changes through AI and is able to create personalized schedules for your garden.
Another unique feature of Netro is that it knows a wide variety of plants and soils with over 1,000 common species in the Netro Plant Database. It can help to optimize the schedule for your yard. It is able to automatically comply with any local water conservation regulations.
It is limited to 2.4GHz WiFi, but can be found with a few other flaws.
Choosing the Best WiFi Sprinkler for Your Yard
When choosing the best WiFi controlled sprinkler, be sure to assess the specifications before making a decision. You’ll probably want to start by looking at how many areas you’ll need, depending on the size of your yard. Another important factor may be compatibility with your smart home devices. Note, some will work with Amazon Alexa, but others might not.
It’s important to look at customer reviews as well, as it can often give you peace of mind or help you make your decision when choosing a WiFi controlled sprinkler.
Assessment of the set-up of some sprinklers should also be noted, as some are easier to install than others, while some may require more work and hardwiring.
Watching some online videos can be a good way to better understand the products and reduce the jargon involved.
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