With many available options, it can seem daunting to pick the best wifi hose timer. While the best timer fits your watering needs, at a minimum, look for smartphone connectivity and compatibility, flexible programming, and adequate zones.

Hose timers are an invaluable tool for busy homeowners and gardeners. Smart hose timers attach to standard outdoor hose bibs and a hose (or hoses) to control one or several above-ground sprinklers. These valuable devices make it simple to keep your lawn and plants healthy and hydrated without having to remember to turn on the hose manually.

Hose timers are excellent for everyday use and much better for vacations or whenever you're away from home. When you choose a hose timer for your drip or lawn irrigation system, you should pick the one that best suits your watering requirements. However, selecting the best from so many options can be overwhelming.

Here are some features to look for to help you pick the best WiFI hose timers.

Features to look for in a hose timer

• Smartphone connectivity: See if the hose timer has a smartphone app so you can control and monitor your irrigation system remotely.
• Compatibility: If it has a smartphone app, check if it is compatible with your smartphone operating system (iOS or Android) and integrates with popular smart home platforms like Alexa or Google Assistant.
• Programmability: Look for a timer that offers flexible scheduling options, allowing you to set specific watering times, durations, and frequencies. Timers typically have a 24-hour, 48-hour, or weekly schedule for programming.
• User-friendly interface: Opt for an intuitive, easy-to-use control panel, making setting up and adjusting watering schedules easy.
• Weather sensing: Choose a timer with weather-based intelligence that adjusts when it waters based on local weather conditions, optimizing water usage. Ideally, you’d like a smart timer to skip or delay watering if rain is forecasted. You don’t want to be watering during a rainstorm.
• Multiple zones: If you have different watering needs for various areas, select a timer that supports multiple zones, each with its own customizable settings. Or look for one that will pair with another timer to cover more ground. Many hose-end timers on the market are designed to water a single zone, but a few can water multiple zones.
• Power source: Does the hose timer need to be plugged into an outlet? Or will it run on batteries or solar power? Timers that require an outlet limit where you can use them, or you need to invest in an all-weather heavy-duty extension cord. If it runs on batteries, consider the battery life. Some advanced models may have a solar panel on the timer somewhere, which can be a nice feature, but your faucet needs to be in direct sunlight for the solar feature to work.
• Durability: Choose a timer that is weather-resistant and durable, capable of withstanding outdoor elements. Some units have a protective plastic cover that seats itself over the controls. When you need to access them, simply flip the cover up out of the way.
• Manual override: Opt for a timer with a manual override feature, allowing you to control the watering manually if needed. If it doesn’t have a manual override feature, you’ll need to shut the timer off or disconnect it from the faucet to water or use the spigot.
• Installation ease: Look for a timer that is easy to install and compatible with standard outdoor faucets and hoses. They typically have two hose-end connectors, one on each side of the unit. One side attaches to the faucet (or a short lead-in hose), the other to your watering hose.
• Watering history: Some timers provide watering history data, helping you track water usage and make informed adjustments to your irrigation schedule.
• Security features: If the timer connects to your home WiFi network, check for security features such as encryption to protect your personal data.
• Notification alerts: Select a timer that can send notifications or alerts to your smartphone, keeping you informed about the status of your irrigation system.
• Cost: Determine your budget and find a WiFi hose timer that balances features and price. Standard hose-end timers can cost between $30 and $100. A wifi-enabled solar timer can run upwards of $300.
• Warranty: Choose a model from a well-known, reputable brand that offers an excellent product warranty. If there are any issues with the hose timer or it is damaged, you can easily get it repaired or replaced.