The Best Smart Sprinklers and Irrigation Systems: In-Ground Sprinklers, Hose Timers (2026) | WIREDSkip to main contentMenuSECURITYPOLITICSTHE BIG STORYBUSINESSSCIENCECULTUREREVIEWSMenuAccountAccountNewslettersBest Android TabletsBest Smart RingsDyson VacuumsSmart Home SecurityChoose the Right LaptopDeals DeliveredSecurityPoliticsThe Big StoryBusinessScienceCultureReviewsChevronMoreExpandThe Big InterviewMagazineEventsWIRED InsiderWIRED ConsultingNewslettersPodcastsVideoLivestreamsMerchSearchSearchChristopher NullGearMay 23, 2026 6:38 AMThe Best Smart Sprinklers and Irrigation SystemsWe’ve tested almost a dozen options that handle everything from scheduling and weather changes to water conservation, so you don’t have to.Courtesy of AmazonCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyPlanting a garden or laying down sod for your yard is the easy part. Keeping that foliage appropriately hydrated, that’s the real challenge—and it’s one that just keeps going and going, only getting more complicated as the seasons change.In recent years, interior smart home technology has spilled outside, and you’ll now find dozens of wireless watering systems on the market that can take some of the confusion and complexity out of irrigating your plants. Whether you have a sophisticated in-ground sprinkler or drip irrigation system or you rely on an old-fashioned hose, multiple smart watering solutions are readily available. The good news: We’ve got you covered no matter what type of outdoor environment you have.Be sure to check out our other guides to backyard tech, including the Best Smart Bird Feeders, Best Grills and Smart Grills, Best Flat-Top Grills and Griddles, Best Coolers, and Best Pool Cleaning Robots.What Can Smart Irrigation Systems Do?AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronAcross the board, smart watering solutions are fundamentally designed around scheduling. While you can always initiate a manual watering run with one of these systems, their real value is in setting up a recurring schedule so you can basically forget about them. The best systems offer sophisticated scheduling tools that let you water on your chosen days of the week or month, along with the time of watering and the amount of water you want to deliver.Best of all, the more sophisticated solutions include what’s now commonly known as “weather intelligence,” a fancy way of saying they will check the internet for local weather conditions and adjust watering based on whether it’s going to rain or freeze. Many systems will also work with wireless soil monitors to give you even finer control over ground moisture levels—and help you conserve as much water as possible.What if I Have an Existing Irrigation System?AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronIf you already have an in-ground watering system with a traditional timer attached, upgrading to a smart irrigation system is pretty simple. You simply remove your old controller and replace it with the smart one, connecting the zone wiring leads to the terminal posts inside the smart controller, just as they were in the old controller, leaving the remaining infrastructure in place. (Make sure the controller you purchase has enough zones to handle your infrastructure; controllers typically support either 8 or 16 zones.)Photograph: Chris NullFrom there, you’ll use an app to configure your zones based on plant type, shade conditions, and soil type. Most apps will recommend watering durations for each zone based on this information, and you can fine-tune these durations as you go, zone by zone. For setups involving a garden hose, configuration is even easier. Smart sprinklers attach to the terminus of any standard hose and can be placed anywhere in your yard. Alternately, smart hose timers attach to the spigot; you then connect your own sprinkler (or, in some cases, drip irrigation) to the timer. Mobile app features will of course vary, but many are just as sophisticated as permanent smart sprinkler systems.How I Test Smart Irrigation SystemsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronI’ve been testing smart irrigation products since 2017 in yards as large as 1.3 acres in both California and Texas. My current sprinkler system is a permanently plumbed solution that spans 11 zones and includes both in-ground sprinklers and drip irrigation. For hose-based solutions, I test by connecting to a standard hose spigot, typically in both lawn and flower bed environments.Jump to SectionAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronBest Smart Controller for In-Ground Sprinkler SystemsBest Standalone Smart SprinklerBest Smart Hose TimerBest Smart Controller for In-Ground Sprinkler SystemsPhotograph: Chris NullSave to wishlistSave to wishlistRachio3 Smart Sprinkler Controller$239 $228 (5% off) Amazon (8-zone bundle)$286 Amazon (16-zone bundle)I’ve tested over a dozen smart sprinkler controllers with my underground irrigation systems, and this Rachio controller is the one I use every day. To be sure, there’s nothing remarkable about the hardware, though it’s easy to connect zone wiring thanks to spring-loaded clips instead of screws, and the onboard controls cover just the basics.The real magic is in Rachio’s app. Here, you define your zones based on vegetation type, nozzle/drip type, soil type, sun exposure level, and slope. If you want to get really wild, advanced options let you set everything from root depth to the amount of water depletion you wish to allow. Assign each zone a name and a photo, and they’re all presented in an intuitive grid, which you can use as a point-and-click interface for manual watering operations as needed.Rachio’s scheduling can be fixed based on day or date, or dynamic, with adjustments automatically applied based on rolling weather conditions. The app’s logging system is copious, detailing every run’s timing and duration—for each zone and each day. It’s also easy to share access with my professional irrigation team, so they can periodically test zones for leaks or other problems without needing physical access to my garage, where the controller lives.Other Solid Smart Controller PicksIrrigreen 3.0
Photograph: Christopher NullIrrigreen 3.0 Starting at $2,089: Irrigreen isn’t just a controller. It’s a pricey, complete irrigation solution that requires fresh plumbing and an upgrade of all your sprinkler heads to Irrigreen’s conservationist “water painting” system. I wouldn’t rip out an existing system for it, but if you’re installing sprinklers from scratch, it’s worth a strong look.Orbit B-Hyve XR Smart Indoor/Outdoor Sprinkler Timer for $128 (8-Zone) or $170 (16-Zone): Another outstanding app experience plus support for 5 GHz Wi-Fi makes this venerable irrigation system from Orbit a worthy contender.Moen Smart Sprinkler Controller for $180 (8-Zone) or $235 (16-Zone): Pair this system with Moen’s wireless soil sensors to get even more accurate weather intelligence about your yard.Yardian Pro Smart Sprinkler Controller for $140 (6-Zone): No-frills and better for smaller setups, this streamlined sprinkler controller supports Ethernet connections and features real-time leak monitoring.Best Standalone Smart SprinklerPhotograph: Christopher NullPhotograph: Christopher NullPhotograph: Christopher NullChevronChevronSave to wishlistSave to wishlistOtOSmart Sprinkler$589 $499 (15% off) Amazon$589 $499 (15% off) OtoThis is the best product in a very small category, a pint-sized device (weighing just a pound and a half) that lets you water your lawn intelligently but without an in-ground irrigation system. The OtO connects to a standard garden hose—and that’s it. The secret sauce is a solar panel on top of the device that eliminates the need for a power cable.OtO’s app lets you define the boundaries of your yard with a maplike interface in which you tap to drop points around the sprinkler until the area you want watered is fully outlined. From there, you can set up schedules to water that area as you see fit (with weather conditions taken into account automatically). The magic of a system like OtO is that the sprinkler only waters the area you define—no matter how oddly shaped the area is. That means you waste less water hitting driveways and decks than you would with traditional sprinkler systems.OtO isn’t cheap, but it’s a lot less expensive than installing in-ground irrigation—and it’s an excellent solution for renters who don’t have the ability to dig up the yard for something more permanent.Other Solid Standalone Sprinkler PicksAiper IrriSense 2
Photograph: Christopher NullAiper IrriSense 2 for $400: The only other option in this market is almost as good as OtO, but the hardware is enormous in comparison and it lacks the solar panel, meaning you have to run an extra wire through the yard. It offers nearly identical watering quality, however.Best Smart Hose TimerCourtesy of AmazonSave to wishlistSave to wishlistRachioSmart Hose Timer$110 Amazon$110 Home DepotThis is a simple product in a simple category, designed to turn your garden hose on or off on a schedule. While the pint-sized product, powered by two AA batteries, has no physical controls beyond an on/off button, it’s once again the Rachio mobile app that does the heavy lifting, letting you leverage its crack weather intelligence system as you configure your hose-connected sprinkler, just as you would an in-ground system. Last year, I set up a unit and let it run for six months and never encountered any issues with the device—not even the need for a battery replacement.The only caveat is that while the timer is battery-powered, it needs a tiny hub, permanently connected to a nearby electrical outlet, in order to bridge communication with your home network. Like the timer itself, the hub is a simple device, but it does require a little extra installation effort and a dedicated wall socket for it. The good news is that a single hub will support eight hose timers, so most homes can get away with purchasing additional timers sans the hub for $20 less.Other Solid Smart Hose Timer PicksEve Aqua
Photograph: Christopher NullEve Aqua Smart Water Controller for $165: The Eve Aqua is larger, more expensive, and harder to install than the Rachio Smart Hose Timer, but it has one major thing going for it: Its Wi-Fi radio is built in, so you don’t need to install a separate bridge to use it. However, because of the extra power needed for the radio, you’ll likely run through batteries along the way a lot more quickly.Power up with unlimited access to WIRED. Get best-in-class reporting and exclusive subscriber content that's too important to ignore. Subscribe Today.CommentsBack to topTriangleChristopher Null, a longtime technology journalist, is a contributor to WIRED and the editor of Drinkhacker. Chris is among our lead laptop reviewers and leads WIRED's coverage of hearing aids. He was previously executive editor of PC Computing magazine and the founding editor in chief of Mobile magazine. ... Read MoreTopicsShoppingsmart homebuying guidesYardware UpgradeBackyardRead MoreThe Best Pool-Cleaning Robots for a Truly Automated SummerSend the pool guy packing. Let one of these robotic buddies maintain your water quality instead.Christopher NullThe Best Memorial Day Deals on Gear We LoveMemorial Day isn’t until Monday, but sales on our favorite gear are going on all weekend.Louryn StrampeUpgrade Your Grill. New Tech Lets You Smoke and Sear With Better ControlI grilled, smoked, seared, cleaned, and synced digital temp controllers to find the best grill option for every cookout and tailgate.Matthew KorfhageThe Best Smart Bird Feeders for Backyard BirdingThese bird feeders come with cameras and connected apps to let you see and learn about the birds in your neighborhood.Kat MerckNo Grill Left Behind: How to Make Dumb Grills Into Smart GrillsYou don’t need to buy a smart grill to make perfect meat. You can buy a dumb grill and send it to school with smart upgrades.Matthew KorfhageI’m a Normie. Can Normies Really Vibe Code?Apparently anyone can vibe code anything these days. So Claude and I tried to make a database for tracking the petty grievances of the masses.Chris ColinThe Best Flat-Top Grills and Griddles for Outdoor CookingA big backyard griddle can change a summer. I made dozens of tacos, burgers, and pancakes to find the best setup.Matthew KorfhageThe Best Mobile Gaming Controllers for Turning Your Phone Into a Mini ConsoleYour iPhone or Android phone can work overtime as a full-on gaming console with the help of these mobile controllers. Backbone makes my favorite.Louryn StrampeTop Petlibro Offers: 60% Off in MaySave on Petlibro essentials, including automatic feeders, water fountains, and accessories to keep cats and dogs fed, hydrated, and comfortable every day.Molly HigginsThe Best Smart Locks for Every Kind of DoorUpgrade your locks with fingerprint-scanning or a keypad, whether it’s at the front door or a sliding glass entryway. Nena Farrell What Should Be in Your Emergency Kit Before Disaster Strikes?We consulted preparedness experts and WIRED’s team of testers for the essential gear to keep on hand in case of wildfires, earthquakes, and lord knows what else.Matthew KorfhageWhich Litter-Robot Is Right for You?Whisker’s Litter-Robot name has become synonymous with the automatic litter box. We’ve tested the entire lineup and can help you choose the best model for your household.Molly HigginsWired CouponsSquarespace Promo Code10% Off Exclusive Squarespace Promo Code 2026Home Depot Promo CodeMemorial Day Appliance Deals + Up to an Extra $1000 Off + Free Delivery on appliance purchases $998+LG Promo CodeLG Promo Code: 20% Off Your First OrderDell Coupon Code10% Off Dell Coupon Code for New CustomersSamsung Promo Code30% Samsung Coupon - Offer Program 2026Doordash Promo CodeDoordash Coupon $20 OffWIRED is obsessed with what comes next. Through rigorous investigations and game-changing reporting, we tell stories that don’t just reflect the moment—they help create it. When you look back in 10, 20, even 50 years, WIRED will be the publication that led the story of the present, mapped the people, products, and ideas defining it, and explained how those forces forged the future. WIRED: For Future Reference.More From WIREDSubscribeNewslettersLivestreamsTravelFAQWIRED StaffWIRED EducationEditorial StandardsArchiveRSSSite MapAccessibility HelpReviews and GuidesReviewsBuying GuidesStreaming GuidesWearablesCouponsGift GuidesAdvertiseContact UsManage AccountJobsPress CenterCondé Nast StoreUser AgreementPrivacy PolicyYour California Privacy Rights© 2026 Condé Nast. All rights reserved. WIRED may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Condé Nast. Ad ChoicesSelect international siteUnited StatesLargeChevronItaliaJapónCzech Republic & SlovakiaFacebookXPinterestYouTubeInstagramTiktok

Smart watering solutions have emerged as a way to manage the complexity and ongoing challenges of plant hydration, moving beyond traditional methods to incorporate automation and environmental awareness. These wireless watering systems cater to various setups, including in-ground sprinklers, drip irrigation, and hose systems. The core functionality of these systems revolves around sophisticated scheduling, allowing users to define watering times, durations, and frequency. Advanced systems further enhance this capability by incorporating weather intelligence, which involves checking local weather conditions to adjust schedules based on anticipated rain or freezing, and by integrating with wireless soil monitors to provide finer control over ground moisture levels, thereby maximizing water conservation.

When upgrading existing infrastructure, the process can be streamlined. For in-ground systems with traditional timers, the transition involves replacing the controller while maintaining the existing zone wiring infrastructure. The user then utilizes an application to configure zones based on specific factors like plant type, soil composition, shade, and slope, often receiving recommended watering durations. For hose-based setups, smart sprinklers attach to standard hose ends, and smart hose timers connect to the spigot, with the mobile application providing the necessary configuration tools.

Testing these systems reveals significant variation in controller capabilities and performance. For in-ground setups, controllers like the Rachio system are highlighted for their advanced features, enabling zone configuration based on detailed environmental metrics and dynamic scheduling adjustments influenced by real-time weather data. Users can log and review all watering events through the application, and these systems allow for remote access for maintenance purposes. Other viable options include Irrigreen 3.0, which integrates a complete conservationist system requiring plumbing upgrades, and solutions like Orbit B-Hyve XR and Moen controllers that offer robust application experiences and integration with wireless soil sensors.

For users without existing in-ground plumbing, standalone smart sprinklers offer an alternative. The Oto system is presented as an excellent solution for renters or those avoiding permanent installations, connecting to a standard garden hose and utilizing a map-based interface to define watering boundaries, ensuring water is applied only to the desired area. Another option is the Aiper IrriSense 2, which provides comparable watering quality but involves larger hardware and external wiring.

Smart hose timers, such as the Rachio Smart Hose Timer, simplify hose-based irrigation by synchronizing the flow of water with the weather intelligence provided by the mobile application. While some systems, like the Eve Aqua, offer integrated Wi-Fi radios, they may require additional power sources or installation adjustments. The choice among these diverse systems depends on the existing infrastructure, the scale of the property, the desired level of automation, and the commitment to water conservation principles.