Best Automatic Irrigation Controllers of 2026

Toby Butcher Avatar
Toby Butcher
Last Updated: 5 Feb 2026

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Automatic Irrigation Controllers are devices designed to automate the process of watering plants, lawns, and gardens. These controllers are a great solution for those who want to conserve water and save time by not having to manually water their plants. They come in various sizes and models, and can be programmed to water at specific times of the day or week. Automatic Irrigation Controllers are easy to install and operate, and can be used with different types of irrigation systems. They are perfect for busy gardeners who want to ensure their plants receive the right amount of water without having to constantly monitor and adjust their watering schedule.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

HOZELOCK Watering Timer Sensor Controller Plus Cover #TOP 1
HOZELOCK Watering Timer Sensor Controller Plus
ftb score rating icon 9.9
HOZELOCK Watering Timer Select Controller Cover #TOP 2
HOZELOCK Watering Timer Select Controller
ftb score rating icon 9.8
HOZELOCK Watering Timer with Light Sensor Cover #TOP 3
HOZELOCK Watering Timer with Light Sensor
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Automatic Irrigation Controllers

#TOP 1

HOZELOCK Watering Timer Sensor Controller Plus

Hozelock
2214 0000
Yellow
40x25x15 cm
HOZELOCK Watering Timer Sensor Controller Plus Cover
HOZELOCK - Watering Timer Sensor Controller Plus : Automatic and Easy Watering with its Light Sensor, Adjustable Watering at Sunrise and/or Sunset, Manual Watering Function [2214 0000]

The HOZELOCK Irrigation Controller is a tap-mounted device that automates your garden watering. It can schedule watering at dawn and dusk, ensuring your plants receive moisture at optimal times. You can customise the schedule to water once, twice, or every few days, giving you control over your garden's needs. Additionally, the manual water button allows you to water for 10, 30, or 60 minutes at your convenience, providing flexibility when unexpected weather arises.

What We Like
Automates watering schedule
Customisable frequency options
Manual watering available
Works with various irrigation systems
#TOP 2

HOZELOCK Watering Timer Select Controller

Hozelock
2220 0000
Standard
One Size
HOZELOCK Watering Timer Select Controller Cover
HOZELOCK - Watering Timer Select Controller : Automatic Watering, Easy To Use, 16 Pre-installed Programs, 2 to 60min Watering up to 4 Times A Day, Manual Watering Function [2220 1240]

The HOZELOCK Timer Controller is designed for ease of use, featuring six fixed daily watering options and an additional ten programmes to suit your needs. You can initiate immediate watering with a separate manual button, providing flexibility when you need it most. The limited rotation of the dial prevents accidental adjustments, ensuring your watering schedule remains intact. An LED light alerts you when the battery is low, so you can replace it in time and avoid interruptions to your garden care.

What We Like
Easy to set up
Manual watering button
Accidental start prevention
Low battery indicator
Compatible with water butt tanks
#TOP 3

HOZELOCK Watering Timer with Light Sensor

Hozelock
2212
Yellow
40x25x15 cm
HOZELOCK Watering Timer with Light Sensor Cover
HOZELOCK - Watering Timer Sensor Controller : Automatic and Easy Watering With Its Light Sensor, Daily Watering At Sunrise And/or Sunset, Manual Watering Function [2212 0000]

The HOZELOCK Watering Timer makes daily watering effortless. This tap-mounted controller automatically waters your garden at sunrise and sunset, ensuring your plants receive consistent care. The built-in daylight sensor adapts to changing light conditions, so you never have to worry about adjusting the schedule. Additionally, you can use the manual water now button for a quick 60-minute watering session whenever needed, providing you with ultimate convenience for your garden's needs.

What We Like
Automatic daily watering
Light sensor adjusts schedule
Manual watering option available
Easy to set up
Compatible with various irrigation systems
#TOP 4

Eve Aqua Smart Water Controller for Apple Home

Eve
20ECC8101
white, green
Eve Aqua Smart Water Controller for Apple Home Cover
Eve Aqua – Smart water controller for Apple Home app or Siri, irrigate automatically with schedules, easy to use, remote access, no bridge, Bluetooth, Thread, HomeKit, Silver (20ECC8101)

The Eve Aqua Controller offers effortless control over your irrigation system, allowing you to manage your garden's watering schedule remotely through the Eve app or Siri. You can set up automatic watering, so even while you're on holiday, your plants receive the care they need. With its auto shut-off feature, you can wave goodbye to overwatering and excess water bills. Additionally, it's compatible with various hose systems, making it an ideal choice for any garden enthusiast.

What We Like
Easy remote access
No bridge required
Automatic scheduling
Compatible with popular systems
100% privacy

Aqualin Waterproof Hose Water Tap Timer

YL21526
Orange
Aqualin Waterproof Hose Water Tap Timer Cover
Aqualin Hose Water Tap Timer Garden Irrigation System Controller Watering Computer Waterproof

The Aqualin Water Timer is designed for outdoor use, making garden irrigation effortless. Its swivel coupling allows for quick connection without any tools, saving you time and effort. With upgraded leakproof ball valve functions and a delay feature, you can conserve water while ensuring your plants receive the right amount. Enjoy the convenience of watering your garden up to eight times a day, tailored to your schedule with 15 different day combinations. This timer truly frees up your hands, giving you more time to spend with family.

What We Like
Easy tool-free connection
Water conservation features
Multiple watering schedules
Durable waterproof design
#TOP 6

Gardena Irrigation Valve 9 V with Bluetooth Control

01285-20
standard
one size
Gardena Irrigation Valve 9 V with Bluetooth Control Cover
Gardena Irrigation Valve 9 V Bluetooth: Irrigation controller that can be programmed with the Bluetooth app, range up to 10 m, six independent schedules (01285-20)

The Gardena Irrigation Valve 9 V offers reliable and flexible watering with six different schedules, allowing you to customise the timing and duration for your garden. You can control the system wirelessly from a distance of up to 10 metres, making it convenient to manage your watering needs. The Bluetooth connection enables you to operate the irrigation system directly from your smartphone using the Gardena app. With its user-friendly planning assistant, you will find it easy to set up and configure, ensuring your garden is well-watered at all times.

What We Like
Wireless control up to 10m
Six flexible watering schedules
Easy smartphone app setup
Customisable timing and duration
#TOP 7

Hunter Hydrawise X2 6-Station WiFi Irrigation Controller

Hunter
X2-600
White
Hunter Hydrawise X2 6-Station WiFi Irrigation Controller Cover
Hunter Company Hydrawise X2 6-Station Outdoor Irrigation Controller (X2-600)

The Hunter Hydrawise X2 Controller is a smart irrigation system that helps you save water efficiently. Its WiFi capability, enabled by plugging in a WAND module, allows you to control your watering remotely, ensuring optimal use of water. The easy-to-read backlit display means you can check and adjust settings clearly, even in poor lighting. With three flexible programmes and multiple start times, you can tailor your watering schedule to suit your garden’s needs. The built-in QuickCheck technology provides simple diagnostics, helping you quickly identify wiring faults and keep your system running smoothly.

What We Like
WiFi enabled for remote control
Clear backlit display
Flexible programming options
Quick wiring fault detection
#TOP 8

GARDENA Classic 6030 Irrigation Control for 6 Valves

1284
Estándar
GARDENA Classic 6030 Irrigation Control for 6 Valves Cover
GARDENA Irrigation Control Classic 6030: Water Computer for automatic irrigation, large display, for up to 6 valves (1284-20)

The GARDENA Classic 6030 is a handy irrigation controller designed for up to six 24-volt valves, allowing you to manage multiple watering zones with ease. It can be used indoors or in rain-protected areas, so you have flexibility in installation. You can set up to three different programmes per valve, giving you control over varied watering schedules to suit different plants. Additionally, the irrigation duration can be adjusted centrally from 10 to 200%, which means you can fine-tune watering times to save water and give your garden exactly what it needs.

What We Like
Supports six 24V valves
Indoor and rain-protected use
Three programmes per valve
Adjustable irrigation duration
#TOP 9

Orbit B-hyve Smart WiFi Sprinkler Controller

Orbit
57946Z
Grey
6-Zone
Orbit B-hyve Smart WiFi Sprinkler Controller Cover
Orbit 57946 B-hyve Smart Indoor/Outdoor 6-Station WiFi Sprinkler System Controller

The Orbit B-hyve Sprinkler Controller offers an efficient watering solution that saves you both time and effort by automating your garden's irrigation. Whether placed indoors or outdoors, this versatile system provides flexibility for installation in any space. You can easily manage your garden's watering needs with the user-friendly drip irrigation timer, ensuring your plants remain healthy. Additionally, the controller automatically adjusts to weather conditions and your plants' requirements, making it a smart choice for effective irrigation.

What We Like
Automatic watering saves time
Flexible indoor and outdoor placement
User-friendly drip irrigation management
Weather-adjusted irrigation

UseeLink Smart Water Valve with WiFi Control

AW-713
Pink
UseeLink Smart Water Valve with WiFi Control Cover
UseeLink Smart Water Valve, WiFi Water Valve, Smart Water Valve Shutoff Upgrade, Sprinkler Controller, Compatible with Alexa and Google, Smart Life APP Control, No Hub Required

The UseeLink Smart Water Valve offers a convenient way to manage your water supply. With WiFi connectivity, you can control the valve remotely through an app, making it easy to turn it on or off from anywhere. Voice control compatibility with Alexa and Google Home allows for seamless operation; simply speak your command. Additionally, the timing function enables you to schedule when the valve operates, ensuring efficient water usage without the worry of forgetting to turn it off.

What We Like
Easy remote control via app
Voice command functionality
Customisable timing options
Low power consumption
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are smart sprinkler controllers worth it?

A small yard won't need the same level of maintenance as a larger space, so the smart controller won't be as effective. However, if the functionality and control of a smart sprinkler can help you save money and time in your daily life, the transition will be both cost-effective and useful.

2. What is a smart irrigation controller?

Smart irrigation controllers tailor watering schedules and run times automatically to meet specific landscape needs. These controllers are a proven technology to improve outdoor water use efficiencies.

3. How do I choose an irrigation controller?

When selecting irrigation controllers, know how many stations the system needs. Choose a sprinkler timer with extra stations, in case of later expansion. The number of programs a controller or timer typically has can range from 1 up to as many as 4. They are usually labeled as Program A, B, C, and D.

Editor's Notes

During our automatic irrigation controller research, we found 277 automatic irrigation controller products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 82,418 customer reviews through our big data system to write the automatic irrigation controllers list. We found that most customers choose automatic irrigation controllers with an average price of £72.18.

The automatic irrigation controllers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of automatic irrigation controllers, including Hozelock, Eve, Aqualin, Gardena, Hunter.

Written by
Toby Butcher Avatar

Toby Butcher is a Horticulturist, and he earned his title as a Master Gardener in 2016. Toby has acquired a 25-year experience as a home gardener planting, designing, grooming vegetables and flowers. He is the leader of a plant group in Durham. Toby owns a blog where he publishes articles on growing and growing your flowers at home, in a vase, or in a garden.