5 Popular watering computers review

A garden watering computer is a device designed to automate the process of watering plants and maintaining their health.

It is a modern solution for gardeners who want to ensure that their plants receive the optimal amount of water without the need for manual intervention.

These devices typically consist of a programmable controller and a set of valves or outlets that can be connected to irrigation systems or hoses.

With the help of sensors, timers, and other features, garden watering computers can be programmed to deliver water at specific times, in specific amounts, and with specific frequencies, depending on the needs of different plants.

This technology has revolutionized the way we care for our gardens, making it easier, more efficient, and more effective than ever before.

In summary:

Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller:

The Rachio 3 is a top-of-the-line smart sprinkler controller that comes with four zones.

It is compatible with both Alexa and Google Assistant, and you can also control it via a mobile app.

The Rachio 3 uses weather data to adjust watering schedules and can save up to 30% on water bills.

The controller is also easy to install and set up, and the app is user-friendly.

The Rachio 3 is on the pricey side, but its advanced features make it worth the investment.

Orbit 57950 B-hyve Smart 4-Station Wi-Fi Sprinkler System Controller:

The Orbit B-hyve is another popular smart sprinkler controller that comes with four zones.

It is Wi-Fi enabled, and you can control it using the B-hyve app or Amazon Alexa.

The Orbit B-hyve also uses weather data to adjust watering schedules and can save up to 50% on water bills.

The controller is easy to install, and the app is intuitive.

However, some users have reported issues with the Wi-Fi connection.

Rain Bird ST8I-WIFI Smart Irrigation Timer:

The Rain Bird ST8I-WIFI is a reliable smart irrigation timer that comes with four zones.

It is compatible with both Alexa and Google Assistant, and you can control it using the Rain Bird app. The Rain Bird ST8I-WIFI also uses weather data to adjust watering schedules and can save up to 30% on water bills.

The controller is easy to install, and the app is straightforward to use.

However, some users have reported issues with the app’s reliability.

Hunter PRO-HC PHC-2400:

The Hunter PRO-HC is a reliable irrigation controller that comes with four zones.

It is Wi-Fi enabled and can be controlled using the Hunter app or Amazon Alexa.

The Hunter PRO-HC uses weather data to adjust watering schedules and can save up to 50% on water bills.

The controller is easy to install, and the app is user-friendly.

However, some users have reported issues with the app’s stability.

Netro Smart 4-Zone WiFi Sprinkler Controller:

The Netro Smart is a budget-friendly smart sprinkler controller that comes with four zones.

It is Wi-Fi enabled and can be controlled using the Netro app.

The Netro Smart also uses weather data to adjust watering schedules and can save up to 50% on water bills.

The controller is easy to install, and the app is straightforward to use.

However, some users have reported issues with the connection to the Wi-Fi network.

Overall, all five of these garden irrigation computers offer reliable performance and use weather data to adjust watering schedules.

However, the Rachio 3 and Orbit B-hyve offer more advanced features, such as compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant, and can save more on water bills.

The Rain Bird ST8I-WIFI, Hunter PRO-HC, and Netro Smart are also reliable options, but they may have some issues with their respective apps or Wi-Fi connections.

Ultimately, the best option for you will depend on your budget and specific needs.

Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller:

The Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller is an advanced irrigation system that comes with four zones.

It is designed to make watering your garden easy and efficient.

The Rachio 3 is a Wi-Fi-enabled device that can be controlled using a mobile app or by voice commands through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

One of the standout features of the Rachio 3 is its ability to use weather data to adjust watering schedules.

This feature is made possible through Rachio’s Weather Intelligence Plus technology.

The controller will analyze local weather data and adjust the watering schedules accordingly.

This helps prevent overwatering and can save up to 30% on water bills.

Installation of the Rachio 3 is straightforward and can be done by following the instructions provided in the manual or through the mobile app.

The mobile app is user-friendly and intuitive, making it easy to set up schedules, adjust watering durations, and view watering history.

The app also provides a visual representation of your garden, so you can easily see which areas are being watered and when.

Another feature of the Rachio 3 is its compatibility with other smart home devices, such as Nest, SmartThings, and IFTTT.

This allows for seamless integration with other smart home systems.

The Rachio 3 also has a feature called Rachio Thrive, which provides customized lawn care recommendations based on your specific garden and soil conditions.

This is a subscription-based service that can be accessed through the mobile app.

Overall, the Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller is an excellent choice for those looking for a reliable and advanced irrigation system.

Its Weather Intelligence Plus technology, compatibility with smart home devices, and Rachio Thrive feature make it a standout product in the market.

Although it is on the expensive side, the savings on water bills and ease of use make it worth the investment for those who take their garden irrigation seriously.

Orbit 57950 B-hyve Smart 4-Station Wi-Fi Sprinkler System Controller:

The Orbit 57950 B-hyve Smart 4-Station Wi-Fi Sprinkler System Controller is a highly rated and popular choice for home garden irrigation systems.

This smart sprinkler system controller is Wi-Fi enabled and can be controlled through the B-hyve app or via Amazon Alexa, making it easy to control your irrigation system from anywhere.

One of the standout features of the B-hyve controller is its ability to adjust watering schedules based on real-time weather data.

This feature can help you save water and money by preventing overwatering, which can damage your lawn and plants.

The B-hyve also uses hyperlocal weather data, so you can be sure that your system is adjusting to the weather in your specific area.

The B-hyve controller also allows for manual adjustments, so you can customize your watering schedule based on your specific needs.

You can also set up custom zones and schedules for each zone, allowing you to target specific areas of your lawn or garden with the right amount of water.

The B-hyve app is intuitive and user-friendly, allowing you to easily set up and adjust your watering schedule, view watering history, and monitor your water usage.

The app also includes a helpful watering schedule preview, which shows you how long each zone will be watered and when.

The B-hyve controller is easy to install, with clear instructions and a simple mounting process.

It also includes a rain sensor, which can automatically pause your watering schedule if it starts to rain, further saving water and money.

One potential drawback of the B-hyve controller is that some users have reported issues with the Wi-Fi connection.

However, this is not a widespread problem, and Orbit offers excellent customer support to help resolve any issues.

Overall, the Orbit 57950 B-hyve Smart 4-Station Wi-Fi Sprinkler System Controller is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a smart, reliable, and customizable irrigation system controller.

Its advanced features, ease of use, and ability to save water and money make it a top pick for home gardeners.

Rain Bird ST8I-WIFI Smart Irrigation Timer:

The Rain Bird ST8I-WIFI Smart Irrigation Timer is a reliable and advanced irrigation controller that is designed to meet the watering needs of gardens, lawns, and other outdoor spaces.

It is a popular choice among homeowners, landscapers, and irrigation professionals due to its user-friendly interface and advanced features.

Design and Installation:

The Rain Bird ST8I-WIFI is a compact and sleek irrigation controller that can be installed both indoors and outdoors.

It comes with a four-zone capacity and is compatible with most sprinkler systems.

The controller is easy to install, and it takes less than 30 minutes to set up.

It has an intuitive interface that simplifies the installation process.

Features:

The Rain Bird ST8I-WIFI is equipped with several advanced features that make it an ideal choice for both residential and commercial properties.

The controller can be accessed remotely using the Rain Bird mobile app, and it can also be integrated with popular voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

The controller uses weather data to adjust watering schedules automatically, and it can save up to 30% on water bills.

It also has a seasonal adjustment feature that allows you to customize watering schedules based on the time of year.

Additionally, the controller has a manual override feature that allows you to manually control the watering schedule, and it also has a rain delay feature that suspends watering during rainy days.

The Rain Bird ST8I-WIFI also has a comprehensive alert system that notifies you of system issues, such as broken sprinkler heads or wiring issues.

The controller also has a Smart Watering feature that uses advanced algorithms to ensure efficient water usage and distribution.

User-Friendliness:

The Rain Bird ST8I-WIFI is user-friendly, and it has an intuitive interface that simplifies the operation process.

The mobile app is easy to navigate, and it provides a wealth of information and data regarding watering schedules, usage, and performance.

The controller is also compatible with various sensors, including soil moisture and flow sensors, which can be integrated with the controller for more efficient watering.

Pros:

Easy to install and use
Advanced features, including weather data integration and seasonal adjustment
Comprehensive alert system
Compatible with popular voice assistants
Smart Watering feature ensures efficient water usage and distribution

Cons:

Some users have reported issues with the app’s reliability.
May not be suitable for larger properties with more than four zones.

Overall, the Rain Bird ST8I-WIFI Smart Irrigation Timer is a reliable and user-friendly irrigation controller that offers advanced features and efficient water usage.

Despite some issues with the app’s reliability, it is still a top-rated irrigation controller that is suitable for most residential and commercial properties.

Hunter PRO-HC PHC-2400:

The Hunter PRO-HC PHC-2400 is a high-quality irrigation controller designed for residential and commercial use.

It is capable of controlling up to 24 zones, making it perfect for large properties with extensive irrigation needs. However, in this review, we will focus on the 4-zone version.

Design and Build Quality:

The Hunter PRO-HC PHC-2400 is a sturdy and durable device with a sleek design.

The controller has a glossy white finish and features a clear, easy-to-read LCD screen.

The screen displays all the necessary information, including the current watering schedule, date, and time.

The controller also has a built-in fuse to protect against power surges and is rated for both indoor and outdoor use.

Features and Performance:

The Hunter PRO-HC PHC-2400 is a Wi-Fi enabled device that can be controlled using the Hunter app or Amazon Alexa.

It uses advanced weather data to automatically adjust watering schedules, ensuring that your lawn and garden receive the right amount of water at the right time.

The controller can also save up to 50% on water bills, making it an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution.

The Hunter app is intuitive and user-friendly, allowing you to easily create and manage watering schedules, set up zones, and monitor the system’s performance.

You can also use the app to receive real-time alerts and notifications, making it easy to stay on top of any changes or issues with your irrigation system.

Installation and Setup:

The Hunter PRO-HC PHC-2400 is easy to install and set up.

The controller comes with a comprehensive user manual that provides step-by-step instructions for installation and programming.

You can also access installation videos and resources on the Hunter website, making it easy to get up and running in no time.

Conclusion:

The Hunter PRO-HC PHC-2400 is a reliable and efficient irrigation controller that offers advanced features, such as weather data integration and Wi-Fi connectivity.

It is easy to install, has a user-friendly app, and can save up to 50% on water bills.

The controller is also built to last, with a sturdy design and built-in fuse for added protection.

Overall, the Hunter PRO-HC PHC-2400 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality irrigation controller for their lawn or garden.

Netro Smart 4-Zone WiFi Sprinkler Controller:

The Netro Smart 4-Zone WiFi Sprinkler Controller is a budget-friendly option for those looking for a reliable and easy-to-use smart irrigation controller.

With four zones, it is suitable for small to medium-sized gardens, and it uses weather data to adjust watering schedules, helping to save up to 50% on water bills.

Installation of the Netro Smart is straightforward and can be completed within minutes.

All you need to do is connect the controller to your home Wi-Fi network, install the app on your smartphone, and follow the instructions to set up your zones and watering schedules.

The app is user-friendly and provides detailed information about your watering history and water usage.

The Netro Smart also has a weather adjustment feature, which automatically adjusts your watering schedule based on

local weather conditions, ensuring that your plants receive the appropriate amount of water without wasting any excess.

The controller also has a plant library, which helps you to identify the plants in your garden and provides you with specific watering recommendations.

One of the most significant advantages of the Netro Smart is its affordability.

Compared to other smart irrigation controllers on the market, the Netro Smart is significantly cheaper, making it an attractive option for those on a budget.

However, this affordability comes with some tradeoffs, such as the limited number of zones and the absence of compatibility with voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant.

One potential drawback of the Netro Smart is that it relies heavily on its Wi-Fi connection.

Some users have reported connectivity issues, which can disrupt the controller’s performance.

However, the Netro Smart team offers excellent customer support and can help troubleshoot any issues that may arise.

Overall, the Netro Smart 4-Zone WiFi Sprinkler Controller is an excellent option for those looking for an affordable and reliable smart irrigation controller for their small to medium-sized garden.

With its user-friendly app, weather adjustment feature, and plant library, it can help you save water while keeping your plants healthy and well-nourished.

You might also like these articles: