Smart irrigation systems offer a modern and efficient way to water the garden optimally and save water, time and energy in the process. They are particularly helpful for optimizing water consumption through automation such as soil moisture and sun sensors or the integration of weather data. Smart systems can be conveniently controlled via an app or voice assistant, with connectivity (Bluetooth or WiFi) playing an important role. We went on a search and picked out the best irrigation system for various requirements.
Smart irrigation as part of the smart home
More and more companies are offering irrigation systems with a connection to the smart home. The huge demand proves them right. And that is completely understandable. In particular, people who already operate indoor devices such as robot vacuum cleaners, lamps and televisions with voice control or via an app usually have to adapt to analog systems in the garden. So if you are a fan of smart home solutions and are thinking about buying a new irrigation system, we recommend buying a smart system. This is not only future-proof, but above all convenient.
The best irrigation system: Orbit B-Hyve
A rather unknown player in the field of smart irrigation systems is the manufacturer Orbit. With its smart Orbit B-Hyve system, the manufacturer offers irrigation computers that enable automatic irrigation of lawns and plants. It can be conveniently controlled remotely from home using a suitable app for iOS and Android. If you want to take convenience to the extreme and access the system away from home, you will need to purchase an additional WiFi hub.
Friends of voice control, on the other hand, will be disappointed. After all, the system supports neither the Google Assistant nor Amazon Alexa. Apart from that, however, the range of functions is really impressive. For example, the in-house WeatherSense technology enables customized irrigation based on site conditions such as soil type or solar radiation. The system also benefits from access to live weather data for individual irrigation.
Savers will be delighted with the built-in flow meter. The mini meter registers how much water has already flowed through the system. This allows you to keep an eye on consumption and make adjustments if necessary. Coupled with helpful automation features such as a timer and the really uncomplicated installation, Orbit B-Hyve is well worth a recommendation. But even though there is a lot on offer here, other manufacturers are ahead in terms of value for money.
The best irrigation system: Royal Gardineer
The irrigation system from Royal Gardineer is much less conspicuous and also cheaper. It’s not just the shade of green in which the smart irrigation solution comes in that is regal. The technical features are also quite impressive. The robust timer in a slimline design can be conveniently embedded in your home Wi-Fi network using a ZigBee gateway and can therefore be accessed from anywhere. The practical app can then be used to ensure automatic plant watering.
But even when things need to be done quickly, the watering computer is user-friendly. A button on the housing can be pressed to start watering without having to go through the app. The amount of water used during watering can be viewed in the app. This allows you to keep an eye on consumption and costs. The app also allows you to synchronize weather data to enable individual irrigation of lawns and plants.
In contrast to the Orbit model, you also get Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa support here. A big advantage over other models is undoubtedly the slim design. The Royal Gardineer model doesn’t take up nearly as much space as comparable smart irrigation systems. However, the rather limited adjustability of the valve itself may be a downer for some. If you want to make detailed adjustments, you will have to use your smartphone.
The best irrigation system: LinkTap G2S
The LinkTap G2S system is a real bestseller on Amazon. If you take a look at the features on offer, it’s easy to see why. Firstly, there is the robust design. The irrigation computer offers weather protection to IP66 standard and relies on high-quality valve connections. Furthermore, the system naturally offers cloud-based irrigation so that the garden can be watered conveniently from anywhere.
LinkTap relies on the tried-and-tested ZigBee protocol, which not only makes it easy to set up, but also ensures a stable connection. Up to 15 devices can be integrated into one system with just one gateway. This means that even huge gardens can be fully watered without hesitation. The app offers a few practical gadgets to ensure that no water is wasted when sprinkling. For example, you can keep an eye on water consumption with the flow sensor. The system can also adapt the watering to the current weather conditions. When it’s hot, more water is sprinkled. On rainy days, the tap remains closed.
A real highlight and unique selling point is the automatic fault detection. If the flow or drop sensors detect an error, the user receives a direct push notification so that they can intervene quickly. The push notifications keep the user up to date on how the system is working at all times. Has LinkTap skipped a watering process because it rained beforehand? Then you will receive a notification on your smartphone.
The best irrigation system: Eve Aqua
Even at first glance, it’s clear that the Eve Aqua is a smart home gadget. If there were no water valves, you could easily identify the smart helper for watering the garden as a WiFi hub or something similar. The system is aimed specifically at owners of one or more Apple devices. After all, it was designed exclusively for use with the Apple HomeKit smart home ecosystem.
The system uses the Bluetooth and Thread wireless standards for signal transmission, which should ensure stable connections. A button on the valve itself is available for quick start or stop. Advanced system settings can be made using the app for iOS. Here you can not only set a schedule for watering. You can also take a look at the amount of water that has already been used. By using HomeKit, the system promises many advantages.
This should not only ensure ease of use for iPhone or iPad owners. The system also scores points for its lightning-fast setup. This is not least due to the fact that neither bridge nor gateway are required to put Eve Aqua into operation. We also like the fact that there is no account requirement or tracking. This ensures data protection and high security standards. Unfortunately, the price is also high.
The best irrigation system: Gardena Smart Water Control
You don’t need to have green fingers to know the manufacturer Gardena. For over 60 years now, the traditional German company has stood for customized, convenient and, above all, high-quality product solutions for gardening. Of course, this also includes irrigation. Gardena has also succeeded in making the leap into the smart age. With Gardena Smart Water Control, the company offers what we consider to be the best system on the market. At a price of well over 100 euros, it is not a bargain, but in view of what it offers, the price is certainly justified.
On the one hand, this is due to the usual high Gardena quality. The proven valve technology is designed in such a way that you should be able to enjoy the smart irrigation system for many years. Operation via the Gardena Smart App ensures smart control. The smart gateway can be used to connect to the internet. This in turn enables the use of common smart home systems such as Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa and Apple Home. Special mention must be made of the now almost gigantic portfolio of additional devices that Gardena has to offer.
In combination with the Smart Sensor(just under 60 euros on Amazon), for example, you can ensure that watering is tailored to your needs and thus save water and money. The manufacturer’s outdoor sockets and even robotic lawn mowers can also be coordinated with the system, so they don’t get in each other’s way but work in harmony. Gardena therefore offers by far the most versatile and open system. But of course the whole thing comes at a price. Especially if you buy not only the water meter, but the entire irrigation equipment from Gardena, it can add up to large sums. But in return, you can enjoy the product for many years.
The best irrigation system: General information
Type of irrigation system
There are different types of irrigation systems, including drip irrigation, sprinkler systems and underground systems. The choice depends on the size of your garden, the type of plant and your individual requirements.
Rain Bird
Automation and smart control
Modern systems offer automation functions that optimize water consumption and reduce maintenance. Smart irrigation systems enable control via app or voice assistant and adapt the irrigation to current weather data. Pay attention to connectivity (e.g. Bluetooth or Wi-Fi) and compatibility with other smart home devices.
Installation and maintenance
Some systems can be installed by yourself, while others require professional assistance. Underground systems are often more complex to install and should be set up by professionals if necessary. Regular maintenance, such as checking nozzles and plug connections, ensures long-term functionality.
Compatibility with existing infrastructure
If an irrigation system is already in place, it should be checked whether new components are compatible with it. A standardized system from one manufacturer facilitates integration and operation.
Basic tutorials
Costs and budget
Prices vary depending on the system type, degree of automation and manufacturer. In addition to the purchase costs, also take into account any installation and maintenance costs.
The best irrigation system: important helpers
- Watering computer – Automates the water supply and enables individual schedules for efficient garden watering.
- Watering schedules – Structured schedules for optimum water supply to plants, adapted to weather, soil and plant type.
- Irrigation control – Enables centralized control of irrigation systems, often with sensors to adapt to weather conditions.
- Planter irrigation – Specialized systems for balcony and patio plants, often with water reservoirs for an even moisture supply.
- Smart irrigation systems – Wi-Fi or Bluetooth controlled systems that can be adjusted via app or voice control.
- Powered irrigation systems – Use electric pumps to efficiently distribute water from tanks or wells.
- Submersible pumps – Placed in reservoirs or wells to pressurize water into the irrigation system.
- Clay cones – Porous cones that are inserted into the soil and slowly release water from a reservoir to the plants.
- Drip irrigation – Efficient method of delivering water to the roots to minimize evaporation and water waste.
- Manifolds – Allow water to be distributed to multiple irrigation lines to supply different planting areas.
- Square sprinklers – Sprinklers for rectangular areas that provide even watering through oscillating nozzles.
- Water reservoir – Storage tank for rainwater or tap water, often with connections for automatic irrigation systems.
The best irrigation system: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does an automatic irrigation system require more water than manual irrigation?
No, a well-designed system can even save water as it irrigates in a targeted and needs-based manner. Systems equipped with sensors detect rain, for example, and adjust the watering accordingly.
Can I install an irrigation system myself?
That depends on the system. Some can be installed by yourself with the right instructions, while more complex systems, especially underground systems, are better installed by professionals.
How does automatic irrigation affect my water bill?
Efficient systems can optimize water consumption and therefore potentially reduce costs. Targeted irrigation means less water is wasted.
Are smart irrigation systems compatible with other smart home devices?
Many modern systems can be integrated into existing smart home networks and controlled with voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Check compatibility with your existing system before purchasing.
How often should the irrigation system be serviced?
Regular maintenance, such as cleaning nozzles and sensors and checking connections, should be carried out at least once a season to ensure optimal function.
Conclusion
Our buying guide for irrigation systems makes it clear that the market offers a wide variety of models. However, there are only a few real all-in-one solutions. If you want the full “smart home experience”, you must therefore expect follow-up costs. If you are not willing to spend that much money on an irrigation system, a conventional irrigation computer without app support may be sufficient. Here you simply set the irrigation schedule on the device itself.
Regardless of whether you opt for a smart system or a classic model – in our opinion, Gardena has the edge in both disciplines. Unfortunately, this doesn’t just apply to the equipment and features on offer. Unfortunately, the manufacturer also comes out on top in terms of price. However, you have to weigh up whether the high build quality is worth it. Especially if you install a sophisticated irrigation system with underground waterways, the structure should last for many years if possible.
