To set up the Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller (16-Zone), simply remove the magnetic cover to see 16 wire clip terminals. The DIY installation should take around 30 minutes to complete, including syncing with the Rachio app. Here you can configure watering zones based on the type of soil, vegetation, and sun exposure, which is incredibly useful and detailed.

Using Rachio’s Weather Intelligence Plus technology, you can set schedules manually or automatically. You can also determine no-watering zones which means the Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller (16-Zone) will skip watering if it’s too windy, wet, or if there’s potential frost on the way.

There’s no hiding the fact that this smart sprinkler controller is expensive. But, if you want to control it from your phone and have ultimate control over your garden’s watering schedules, you won’t find much better than the Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller (16-Zone). Additionally, if you are gearing towards a smarter home, this smart sprinkler controller is also compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and other smart home devices.

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With a waterproof case and compatibility with Amazon’s Alexa, the Orbit B-hyve XR (8-Zone) rivals the Rachio 3 controller but comes in at half the cost. While this smart sprinkler controller doesn’t have as vast smart scheduling features as its rival, it does work well if you need something more affordable.

Setting up and inserting the wires into each port is fairly straightforward. It’s definitely an improvement over the previous model, and the Bluetooth connection makes the process of syncing the device much easier. It’s pretty intuitive, and the Orbit B-hyve XR (8-Zone) now works with Wi-Fi 2.4GHz and 5GHz connections. Similarly, you can also use Alexa and Google Assistant-enabled devices to use voice commands.

From the app, you can turn watering zones on/off, turn your timer on/off, set different watering modes, and adjust thresholds. Similar to the Rachio app, you can determine what type of turf you have in your garden, the type of flowers, trees, and more.

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With a series of eight lights on the front of the unit, it’s easy to see which zones are active using the Wyze Sprinkler Controller. It’s one of the most affordable smart sprinkler controllers on the market, allowing you to control stop/start watering manually, or with slightly more advanced settings using the app.

From the app, you can configure different water zones, and schedules, or manage your watering using localized weather. However, some features require the Sprinkler Plus add-on which is a subscription service. This is how Wyze manages to keep its Wyze Sprinkler Controller costs down initially.

If you’re in the market for a smart sprinkler controller that isn’t too complicated, nor is it fancy, the Wyze Sprinkler Controller should do the trick. It’s friendly on the wallet too, so it’s a great entry-level device.

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The first thing you’ll need to know about the Netro Smart Sprinkler Controller (12-Zone) is that it isn’t weather resistant. This means you’ll need to install it indoors to ensure it doesn’t get damaged. With that out of the way, installing this smart device is easy since you can use the companion app to get it set up.

By using the Netro Smart Sprinkler Controller (12-Zone), you’ll get accurate local weather alerts, the ability to control your watering schedules from anywhere around the world, and alerts when there are watering restrictions in your area. But, if you want to take this smart sprinkler to the next level, you’ll need to invest in the Netro Whisperer so you can keep track of the temperature, sunlight levels, and moisture levels to determine the right amount of irrigation for your lawn.

If you have a seriously large yard, or you want to control more than 12 zones, you can link multiple Netro Smart Sprinkler Controllers together using the Netro app. It’s a pretty versatile device as long as you’re comfortable with the lack of manual controls.

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Using the app or by using voice commands, you can instruct the Rainpoint Smart Sprinkler Controller to turn on/off the water. Since it only has one zone, setup is incredibly simple, allowing you to get the device ready in under five minutes.

Whether you need to manage the watering of your yard at home or in a vacation property, the Rainpoint Smart Sprinkler Controller can help you to save money and water. If it rains, the timer will delay watering for either 24, 48, or 72 hours, offering more control over your water bills.

If you do need to expand the system later down the line, the Rainpoint Smart Sprinkler Controller is compatible with two-zone sprinklers. It’s certainly a more affordable way to water your lawn and plants if you’ve only got a small area.

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Since the Eve Aqua only works with Apple devices and Apple HomeKit, steer away if you’re an Android user. To install, the device needs two AA batteries and needs to be mounted to your spigot. After this, use your smartphone to connect to the smart sprinkler controller via Bluetooth.

Using the Eve app, you can control your sprinkler or irrigation system. Here you can set up schedules so that you know your garden will always be watered, even if you’re not at home.

While this smart sprinkler controller does offer some basic features, it’s in no way as in-depth as other systems like Rachio or Orbit B-hyve. This may have something to do with the large number of smart devices you can purchase from Eve, so if you want to stick with the same ecosystem, it makes sense.

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Starting at a lower price, the Rain Bird ST8I-2.0 is the indoor version of this smart sprinkler controller. If you do want to upgrade and invest in waterproof housing, then the outdoor version will cost a little more. Either way, both units are incredibly robust and offer the ability to adjust your sprinklers or irrigation systems from anywhere using the app.

There are lots of features that stand out on the Rain Bird ST8I-2.0, but it’s worth noting that not all of them are available unless you have other devices installed, for example, a wired rain sensor. However, based on the season and local weather, this controller can adjust daily watering schedules based on the data to ensure your plants and lawn are watered when needed.

Installation is a little more tricky compared to other smart sprinkler controllers, but once it has been setup, you’re good to go. There’s support for iOS and Android, and you can opt-in to notifications so you get alerts on your phone when the water has been adjusted, or if an error has been found.

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