Best Smart Sprinklers for 2026: Irrigation the Easy Way - CNET

Our gifting experts are obsessively searching for holiday gifts that are unique, thoughtful and suitable for any budget. Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. We've tested smart sprinklers: Here's why you should have one, and which models proved the best. Senior Editor / Home Security and Smart Home Senior Editor / Home Security and Smart Home Article updated on June 4, 2026, 10:00 am EDT It may not be your first thought, but your sprinkler system is an excellent subject for a smart home upgrade. You won’t believe how useful it is to have irrigation that you can control by app no matter where you are, not to mention a controller that shuts itself off when rain is predicted. At CNET, we’ve tried these smart sprinkler systems, and we’re ready to recommend what impressed us the most, from controllers that can fit right where your old hub is to standalone smart sprinklers that you can install without any underground work. Rachio is an expert in smart sprinklers, and its third-gen model is one of the best I’ve tried, a step up in every way from past controll