Best HomeKit Sprinkler Controllers iMore 2021

Apple's HomeKit can add automation magic to pretty much every part of your home, including your sprinkler controllers. With the best HomeKit sprinkler controllers, you'll be able to, literally, make it rain anytime, anywhere. Whether it's your front lawn or your back, a little HomeKit automation) goes a long way, because you can make scenes, use Siri, and control everything right from the Home app. Here are a few of our favorites.

Eve Aqua

Super spigot: Eve Aqua Smart Water Controller with Apple HomeKit Technology

Staff Pick

The Eve Aqua is the only HomeKit compatible irrigation solution that connects directly to a standard hose spigot. This allows the Aqua to work with standard above-ground sprinklers and irrigation systems, making it highly flexible. The Aqua is also incredibly easy to install with no wiring needed, so you can begin watering in no time.

Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller next to an iPhone

Highly compatible: Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller 8-Zone 3rd-Generation with Alexa and Apple HomeKit

Rachio's 3rd generation irrigation controller takes the place of traditional in-ground sprinkler systems. Once set up, the Rachio 3 can work with all of the major smart home platforms, including HomeKit. This controller also uses weather data to determine the optimum watering times, saving you money in the long run.

Rachio 3 16 Zone Irrigation Controller

Sweet 16: Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller 16-zone 3rd-Generation with Alexa and Apple HomeKit

Rachio's 16 zone unit has all of the same capabilities as its smaller sibling, but it provides an additional eight zones of watering. This makes it perfect for large lawns or business use, and it promises to save 30-50% on your watering bills thanks to its smart scheduling features. The Rachio 3 prevents your system from running on rainy days, but it also uses wind speeds and directions to figure the perfect time for your lawn.

RainMachine Pro 8 Irrigation Controller

Local connection: RainMachine PRO-8 Weather Aware Smart WiFi Irrigation Controller 8-Zones

The RainMachine PRO-8 features a sleek design, complete with an onboard LCD panel. This allows you to easily understand operation on the controller instead of using knobs and switches like older controllers. RainMachine's controller also keeps your privacy in mind, by storing all of your schedules and data locally and not on a server in the cloud.

Rainmachine Pro 16 Irrigation Controller

Wider coverage: RainMachine PRO-16 Weather Aware Smart WiFi Irrigation Controller 16-Zones

RainMachine's controller for larger lawns, the PRO-16, is an easy-to-install solution that takes as little as 15 minutes to get up and running. This controller shares all of the same features as the Pro 8, such as free weather data and smart scheduling capabilities. The PRO-16 is also EPA Water Sense Certified for its efficiency and performance, saving up to 80% on your monthly watering costs.

Aeon Matrix Yardian Pro Smart Sprinkler Controller Alexa Google Homekit

Works with everything: Aeon Matrix Yardian Pro Smart Sprinkler Controller with Instant Button Control, 12-Zone, Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, and IFTTT

This smart sprinkler controller from Yardian is compatible with pretty much any virtual assistant, so you don't need to worry, even if you switch. With the Yardian Pro, you can set up your smart programs schedules, monitor skip rules, check water usage, and so much more from the Yardian app. It covers 12 zones, so it works with most yards, and there are instant buttons in case your Wi-Fi doesn't work. Setting it up just takes 15 minutes and you're good to go.

Make it rain with the best HomeKit sprinkler controllers

HomeKit sprinkler controllers are an awesome way to keep tabs on your lawn or garden. When you use the best HomeKit sprinkler controllers with your other HomeKit accessories, you're allowing your sprinklers to work with automations, scenes, and Siri voice control, making them one of the best convenience devices you can buy. After all, why not make your life easier whenever possible?

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Our favorite is the Eve Aqua thanks to its ability to work with the typical hose spigot, making it a breeze to install. The Aqua connects to HomeKit directly via Bluetooth, which means that integration with Siri and the Home app is just a simple HomeKit code scan away.

Looking for a HomeKit sprinkler controller that works with your existing in-ground sprinkler system? Then check out the Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller 8-Zone. This small unit can cover small lawns nicely and incorporates local weather data to determine the best time for watering.

If you want to go the smart controller route but have some reservations about your data, then the RainMachine PRO-8 Weather Aware Smart WiFi Irrigation Controller 8-Zones is the best option for you. This unit utilizes weather data from various sources, but keeps all of your scheduling and watering data locally, meaning it never touches the cloud.

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