Here are the best wifi water timers around. Read on for details!
Last update on 2020-09-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Contents
Best Wifi Water Timer
Wireless water timers are great tools for anyone with a lawn, patio plantings, or a drip irrigation system. Wifi timers allow you to control your watering system via your phone or computer! After a look at the current products available, we have found that Melnor’s RainCloud Smart Water Irrigation Timer is the best wifi water timer at the moment.
The Melnor RainCloud is:
- Easy to use
- Can be used for up to four different watering zones
- Works with standard garden hoses and faucets
- Compatible with iOS, Android, and Alexa, and web devices
This design means there is no need to create an underground system for watering. These are the primary factors that lead us to pick the Melnor as the top wifi water timer.
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We’ll review a few others below and look at the pros and cons to see why Melnor came out on top.
Smart Water Timers
Proper use and installation of a wifi smart water timer can lead to saving yourself time, and ultimately money. You will become more efficient with your water use, which is great for your wallet, for your garden, and for the environment.
Simply hook the wifi water timer to your existing faucet, download the corresponding app, and go through the process to sync your app to the faucet. From there, you are able to control the flow of water from your phone or computer using the wireless water timer interface.
Some of these products work significantly better than others, and the whole product category is pretty new. Whether its a smoother interface on the app, having more options to control it, or generally being easier to use, there are significant differences between products.
Smart Hose Faucet Timer vs. In-Lawn Sprinkler System Timer
We should note that the products we’re looking at here are smart hose faucet timer systems. They attach to a standard garden hose spigot, and are not the same as those that are used in conjunction with a lawn sprinkler system (such as the Rachio 3 Sprinkler Timer).
Generally, the systems that tie into professionally-installed lawn sprinkler systems are a bit more advanced, and in this article, we’re focusing more on the home DIY user who intends to hook up to a spigot.
Wifi Garden Hose Timer Reviews
Here we will look at four different wifi water timers, compare their capabilities, ease of use, interface, and flexibility, and pick our favorites. If you don’t want a WiFi model, see our information on standard programmable garden hose timers here.
1. Zilker Water Hose Faucet Timer
The Zilker Smarter Water Hose Timer is a really great water timer system that ties in with local weather data to water your garden and lawn as efficiently as possible. It also features a great leak-detection system, which is quite helpful.
Perhaps the biggest concern with this one at the moment is that there’s no Andriod app, and it is currently only compatible with iOS.
Key Points at a Glance
- Uses local weather data to target optimal soil conditions, moisture, rainfall, etc.
- Features a super-useful leak-detection system
- Offers one zone of control per system
- Currently only compatible with iOS
- No Android app or web dashboard currently available
- Includes a water flow meter
- Additional zone valves available (up to 8 per Bridge)
- Has a great range, due to a 900 MHz wireless radio Bridge
Dimensions and Specs
- Size: 8.7″ x 8.2″ x 2.6″
- Weight: 1.05 lbs
The Details
The Zilker Smart Water Timer is an incredibly easy to use, well-designed wifi water system that is an outstanding choice for those who want to carefully control their watering conditions.
The installation of the Zilker is very simple: just pop it onto your garden hose spigot, and connect the hose to the other end. Download the iOS app, and set up your watering schedule. Unfortunately, there’s no Android app, and it cannot be accessed through the web either. This, to us, is its major downfall at the moment.
The Zilker Wifi Timer carefully meshes local weather data with your requested schedule, and intelligently modifies watering amounts based on rainfall, moisture amount, winds, and the like. If it’s been hot, the Zilker will increase the water amount. If it’s rainy, the Zilker will skip this water cycle.
You can choose a local weather station, or if you have a wifi weather station on your property, you can tie the weather data into your Zilker for ultra-local detail!
Unfortunately, the Zilker only works on one zone per unit. You can connect up the Zilker before a garden hose splitter and intelligently-water multiple zones at the same time. But if you want to use the system on individual zones, you’ll need to buy one Zilker Valve per additional zone, as shown here:
Using this design, you can control each zone in fine detail. But this will be a costly setup, compared to the Melnor RainCloud discussed below. In this example, you would need one of the main Zilker Wifi Water Timers, and two additional zone valves.
One of the coolest benefits of the Zilker smart water timer is the leak detection system. If one of your hoses springs a leak, or one of the gaskets fails, you won’t be wasting water through leaky pipes. This design is a huge plus for those who live in areas with ultra high water costs, or spots where water usage has been severely restricted.
If you occasionally have wifi service interruptions and the Zilker loses its signal, it will continue to water until the end of the cycle, and then shut off until it receives a new signal. If service is interrupted before a cycle is supposed to start, it will default to not water until it receives a signal to water.
Batteries usually last for about 1 year per unit, and can easily be changed (each Valve needs 2 AA batteries)
The Bottom Line: Best Wifi Water Timer for iOS Users
The Zilker Smart Water timer really is the best water timer out there, as long as you use iOS. It works wonderfully, the App is well designed, the smart leak detection is a big bonus, and the way it integrates with local weather data results in maximum watering efficiency.
We would put the Zilker in the top spot, even with its expensive price for a multi-zone system, however, the lack of any control other than through iOS is a problem. They are working on Android, Google Home, etc. integration, but it’s not available yet. Once that is available, we will likely move this one up to the top spot!
Last update on 2020-09-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. Melnor RainCloud Internet Controlled Smart Water Irrigation Timer
The Melnor RainCloud wifi water timer hooks up to a standard garden hose spigot and offers four zones of control for water output.
This system is quite a bit more flexible and powerful the other systems on our list and is even expandable if you want to go further.
Watering is controlled by Android or iOS app, and can be controlled by Alexa. The RainCloud has the best overall system of the four that we have reviewed today.
Key Points at a Glance
- Compatible with Android, iOS (Apple) or any web device
- Can be linked to Amazon Alexa to enable voice commands
- Water up to 4 different zones at once, or set them on independent watering schedules
- Compatible with standard garden hoses and above ground fixtures
- Approved for use in USA and Canada
Melnor has a 7-year warranty for RainCloud.
Dimensions
- 3.2 x 7.9 x 3.9 inches
- Item weight: 1.37 pounds
- Shipping weight: 2.35 pounds
The Details
Similar to the Orbit B-Hyve, Melnor RainCloud can sync up to Amazon Alexa for voice commands.
Functionally, it delivers the most consistent performance with its app, and how it syncs to the faucet or hose for smart watering.
You are able to set an exact time and day in order to begin watering and can water for up to 6 hours at a time.
There are three different methods to water, and up to four different zones.
You can pick the following schedule options:
- Automatic schedule (it will water zone “x” at a certain time)
- Manual schedule so that the zone will turn on immediately and water for up to 6 hours
- Immediate watering (you can turn the valve on and off yourself)
The Bottom Line: Best Smart Water Timer for Multiple Zones
While Melnor’s app doesn’t have as nice a UI or UX as the Zilker app, it is compatible with iOS, Android, and web devices. We find its design to be reasonably consistent and functional, and for the most part, works as expected. It allows you to water up to four different zones at once with varying methods, such as automatic, manual, or at the moment by yourself.
At the moment, it’s the best wireless water timer for everyone who doesn’t use iOS. However, if the Zilker puts out Android and web device apps, the Melnor Raincloud may well be knocked down to second place.
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3.Orbit B-Hyve 21004 Smart-Hose Faucet Timer with Wi-Fi Hub, Compatible with Alexa
The Orbit B-Hyve 21004 Smart-Hose Faucet Timer is pretty similar to the RainRobot, in that it attaches to a standard garden hose spigot and uses a wifi system to control watering.
There is a plug-in wifi hub that is needed, and control can be found through iOS, Android and even Amazon Alexa.
Key Points at a Glance
- B-Hyve app compatible with Android, iOS (Apple), or web devices for full control
- Utilizes WeatherSense technology which evaluates site conditions such as slope, sun and shade, rainfall, and live weather to enable smart watering
- Track water usage and measure by gallons or by time
- Compatible with Amazon Alexa for voice control
- EPA approved and certified
A manufacturer’s warranty can be requested on Amazon.
Dimensions
- 2.9 x 6.4 x 8.7 inches
- Item weight: 1.03 pounds
- Shipping weight: 1.06 pounds
The Details
The Orbit B-Hyve Faucet Timer achieves similar results to the RainRobot, albeit with its own set of pros and cons.
To start, its a relatively simple set up to install the app, attach the faucet to your hose, and ultimately get up and running.
From there though, it’s worth noting that the app itself is less than stellar, as its a bit clunky and occasionally buggy. We understand that these systems are still pretty new, but the typical RainBird style sprinkler interface should be pretty simple to emulate virtually!
It does have multiple zones which you can control via Amazon Alexa’s voice commands.
The Bottom Line: A Solid Smart Hose Faucet Timer
It seems that the hardware is great, while the software is less than stellar.
If you are the kind of person who places importance on the technology side of things, such as having an app that is easy to navigate, control, and use, then the Orbit B-Hyve might come up a bit short.
There is always room to improve the app on future updates.
Overall, the other three options are likely better, being more straightforward, easy to use, and functional. While the B-hyve is a good smart hose faucet timer, it’s outshined by the competition at the moment.
- CERTIFIED TO SAVE WATER: B-hyve is certified for the rigorous...
- FOR USE IN NORTH AMERICA ONLY: hose threads compatible only with North...
- COMPLETE CONTROL: The B-hyve app is fully functional for Android, iOS...
- SMART WATERING: Weather Sense technology provides watering based on...
- KNOW THE FLOW: Your B-hyve's built-in flow meter allows you to track...
Last update on 2020-09-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. RainRobot SC6400 Smart Irrigation Controller/Smart Hose Timer
Wrapping up is the RainRobot SC6400 Smart Irrigation Controller and Smart-Hose Timer.
This system connects to a garden hose spigot and is controlled with an app available on iOS and Android.
Times can be adjusted manually, but typically the app will be the center of control.
Key Points at a Glance
- Smartphone programmable irrigation controller, compatible with iOS (Apple) and Android
- Includes RainRobot app to allow you to manage the system from your phone, such as turning on/off water or setting a schedule
- Connects directly to faucet and hose, no tools needed
- Batteries last up to 2,000 on and off cycles
- App can pull information from local weather, allowing it to delay watering if rain is due
- Control up to 4 different watering zones
RainRobot includes an 18-month limited manufacturer warranty.
Dimensions
- 6 x 4.9 x 3.4 inches
- Item weight: 8.8 ounces
- Shipping weight: 12 ounces
The Details
For a reasonable budget option, or those looking to get into smartphone-controlled irrigation systems for the first time, this WiFi water timer from RainRobot will do the trick.
Like the Melnor and Orbit, the RainRobot can be accessed via an app on either iOS or Android.
Unfortunately, the methods in which the RainRobot controls irrigation can be a little tricky and less than intuitive.
Rather than being able to schedule a time of day for water to turn on or off, it can only be set in intervals – for example, every 1 hour, 8 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, and so forth. It requires the user to schedule ahead of time each time rather than inputting a command like “water at 1 pm on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday”.
We feel as if the technology is there to do so, as we have mentioned in the other products above, so this can be a major set back if a full-time functionality is what you are after.
The Bottom Line: A Decent Smart Water Timer
While RainRobot is a decent all-around smart irrigation system, it does come up short in a few major ways.
The lack of scheduling options, the clunky app, and the occasional bugginess of the system are all pretty significant negatives. All the pieces are there for a well-designed system, but the RainRobot needs some major UX updates and refinements, which we hope are coming soon!
It’s usable, it’s functional, but there are better options out there.
- WATERING EVOLVED - RainRobot is a next-generation, smartphone...
- ULTIMATE CONVENIENCE - Turn on and off water, set up watering...
- SUPER EASY INSTALLATION - connects directly to your faucet and hose....
- LONG BATTERY LIFE - 2 AA batteries (sold separately) can last up to...
- WEATHER SMART - RainRobot's app knows your local weather, which can...
Last update on 2020-09-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Conclusion: Best Wireless Water Timer
When shopping for a WiFi water timer, the most important factor is to look into how consistent and functional both the hardware and software is.
Scheduling water cycles should be easy and efficient, helping you save both time and money in the long run by using a WiFi timer – therefore, it doesn’t make sense to buy one that is loaded with bugs, a clunky experience, or will fail within a short time of buying it.
We researched and came up with these three WiFi water timers top sellers in the current market, although each has their quirks and points of inefficiency.
Melnor’s Raincloud Smart Water Irrigation Timer came in as the most consistent across the board, with the best integration and balance between app and hardware. If you don’t use iOS, or you need multiple zones from the get-go, it’s your best bet.
However, if you are currently an iOS user, the Zilker Water Timer is almost certainly your best bet, as its system is better. If Zilker publishes Android and web apps, we will likely move the Zilker up to the top spot.
Last update on 2020-09-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
I have 2 of the valve units controlled by a single centrally located Control Unit.
When it works, it’s great. But the device relies on some Melnor RainCloud servers somewhere on the Internet, and they can be spotty. I wrote code to continuously monitor my Valve Units, and I see outages frequently. I email support with concerns, and will usually get a canned response that the servers had a lot of load– apologizing for the inconvenience.
I really wish they’d upgrade their servers to handle the load better. I’ve seen it go dark for several hours. But since I knew they were down, I was able to go outside and press the buttons to get the valves to turn on. A button press will turn on a valve for 1 hour.
If I didn’t have the luxury of the monitoring code, I’d never know whether my watering was taking place. This is a big deal in southern Arizona.
If I knew a way to totally bypass their servers, I’d be all over that. But unfortunately, we’re at the mercy of their servers and hope they are up most of the time.
I came to this site looking for a replacement for my Melnor Raincloud and if that’s the best there is to offer, stick with manual watering. The Raincloud is terribly unreliable, halting watering schedules with no notice at all – I lost quite a few plants because they dried up and died.
Good luck getting the base unit connected to your Wi-Fi network. It’s a daunting task with no clear directions or help (and I work in IT!). Melnor customer service is of no help at all; they just follow a script and if they don’t understand the problem you’re out of luck. Over the past year I needed to reconfigure the base unit three times and on the third go-round it never successfully connected so I threw the Raincloud in the trash.
Don’t make the same mistake and waste $100. Buy a manual timer; at least they’re reliable.
Sorry to hear you haven’t had a good time with the Melnor system! If you use iOS, you should check out the Zilker system. It really is a better design than the Melnor, but it’s iOS-only for the moment.
Good luck!
Nov 10, 2019 – Installed a large Zilker system with two hubs and 12 timers. Everything WAS great, now they are starting to leak internally and are failing one by one. I’m down to 6 operating units. I have opened a couple but haven’t been able to find the failure point yet. There is a large rubber diaphragm into which the solenoid valve fits which may be the problem, but I have to dissect it more. Also – it doesn’t know Daylight Saving Time vs Standard Time so for the next few months the time has to be set ahead 1 hour and then it will set itself back the hour when you do the “Save”.
Zilker is currently “Out of Stock”, both on Amazon and their website, so I have a feeling this product is a failure. Unfortunately a great idea with poor quality control or perhaps made with fragile parts.
Looks like the Zilker is kaput… Do you still recommend it if I can find one?