The best irrigation controller is the one that waters your lawn and/or garden the ideal amount, precisely when it needs it. No more, no less. Whether you’re setting up a small courtyard dripper system, watering your typical residential block, or managing multiple (and varied) zones across a commercial site, this guide will help you choose the right irrigation controller for optimum performance, ease-of-use and budget.
At SunshowerOnline, we stock the brands professionals trust: Hunter, Rain Bird, Orbit, Irritrol, Toro and more. Across Wi‑Fi, residential (non-connected), battery-powered, solar and modular commercial controllers, plus accessories like expansion modules, pump start relays, remote controls and sensors.
Quick selector: Which controller type suits you best?
- I want remote control via my phone: Choose a Wi‑Fi irrigation controller.
- I don’t need an app, just a reliable wall controller: Choose a residential controller.
- I don’t have mains power at the controller: Choose a battery-powered controller.
- I need a low-touch, off‑grid option: Choose a solar-powered controller.
- I have many zones now or later: Choose a modular/commercial controller.
- I’m watering from a hose tap only: Choose a tap timer (or Bluetooth tap timer).
Key buying considerations (before you choose)
- Number of zones (now and future): Count your garden areas that must water separately. If you might add zones, consider a modular controller.
- Power and location: Do you have 240v power available? If not, look at battery or solar controllers. For exposed areas, choose an outdoor-rated enclosure.
- Connectivity and control: Do you prefer basic manual programming, Bluetooth (short‑range phone control) or full Wi‑Fi with remote access and weather adjustments?
- Water source and pump: If you’re running a pump, ensure pump start relay compatibility.
- Sensor compatibility: Rain, soil moisture and flow sensors can dramatically reduce water waste and detect leaks.
- Budget vs. value: Cheaper timers are fine for simple systems. For larger systems, durable brands with better scheduling, weather data and diagnostics pay for themselves quickly.
Main Controller Types
Wi‑Fi Irrigation Controllers (smart watering with real-time weather)
Best for: Homeowners, property managers and landscapers who want app control, remote access, alerts and smart schedules.
Why choose Wi‑Fi?
- Control from anywhere: Start/stop, pause for rain, adjust run times and see status from your phone.
- Weather‑based watering: Automatically adapts for rain, temperature, wind and evapotranspiration (ET) to save water.
- Diagnostics and alerts: Optional flow monitoring and fault alerts reduce surprises and damage.
- Shared access: Great for clients, strata or family homes.
Popular options we stock
- Hunter Pro‑HC (Outdoor Wi‑Fi, 6–24 zones): Rugged outdoor enclosure with full Hydrawise app control and advanced reporting. Ideal for premium residential or light commercial systems.
- Hunter HPC Modular (4‑base, up to 32 zones): Same software as the Pro-HC, compatible hardware to upgrade existing Pro-C installations. Fully expandable and optionally EZ‑Decoder capable for larger sites.
- Rain Bird ESP‑TM2 + LNK2: Simple, reliable controller that becomes Wi‑Fi smart with the LNK2 module (often bundled). Great entry to app control.
- Rain Bird ESP‑ME3 (modular, up to 22 zones; available in Wi‑Fi bundles with LNK2): Scale up as your garden grows, with intuitive programming.
- Rain Bird RC2 8 Station Controller: App-first control at an excellent price-point, no LNK2 required for Wi-Fi connectivity.
- Orbit B‑Hyve Wi‑Fi Controller (6 or 12 zones): App‑driven smart watering at a sharp price point.
When to pick Wi‑Fi over non-connected controllers: If you want weather‑based savings, remote troubleshooting, shared access, seasonal adjustments and future‑proofing.
Explore our full Wi‑Fi Controllers range here
Residential (non‑connected) Irrigation Controllers
Best for: Reliable, easy programming without app connectivity. Perfect when Wi‑Fi is unreliable or not required.
Why choose a residential (non-connected) irrigation controller?
- Simple interface: Physical dial/buttons many users prefer.
- Proven reliability: Long service life from known brands.
- Great value: Lower cost vs Wi‑Fi, but with robust scheduling.
Popular options we stock
- Hunter X‑Core (4–8 zones): Compact, dependable and installer‑friendly. Indoor options available.
- Hunter X2 (4–14 zones): Modern X-Core successor with optional WAND Wi‑Fi add‑on. Buy as basic today and upgrade later if needed.
- Rain Bird ESP-TM2 (4–14 zones): Rain Bird premium residential offering, with optional LNK2 Wi-Fi add-on. Buy as standard today, and upgrade later if needed.
- Orbit Easy‑Set Logic (4/6/12 zones): Straightforward, budget‑friendly scheduling.
- Irritrol Raindial R Series (6/9/12 zones): Durable and familiar interface.
Choose residential over Wi‑Fi when: You want set‑and‑forget reliability, have no interest in app control, or are on a strict budget.
Explore our full range of Residential irrigation controller here
Battery‑Powered Controllers (no mains power available)
Best for: Remote valves, nature strips, gardens without nearby GPOs, and retrofit jobs.
Why choose a battery powered irrigation controller?
- No 240v power available: Install at the valve box or wall without an electrician.
- Compact and simple install: Many mount directly on solenoid valves.
- Feature‑rich: Multiple programs, rain delay, sensor inputs, seasonal adjust.
Popular options we stock
- Hunter NODE / NODE‑BT
- NODE (1–6 zones): Famous valve‑mount reliability; optional solar panel kit.
- NODE‑BT: Everything you get with a standard NODE + Bluetooth programming from your phone within range, great convenience on‑site.
- Hunter XC Hybrid (6 or 12 zones): A full‑featured controller in battery form, with optional solar panel kit.
Choose battery over tap timers when: You need robust flow/pressure handling, better scheduling, multi‑zone support and long‑term durability.
Explore our full Battery Powered Controllers range here
Solar‑Powered Controllers (off‑grid and low‑maintenance)
Best for: Sites with sun exposure and no convenient power supply; long‑term, sustainable installs.
Why choose a solar powered irrigation controller?
- Set‑and‑forget power: Onboard panel and rechargeable storage—no battery swaps.
- Off‑grid: Ideal for acreage, medians, community gardens and remote beds.
- Similar features to battery: Multi‑program scheduling, sensor inputs, seasonal adjust.
Options we stock
- Hunter NODE / NODE‑BT
- NODE (1–6 zones): Famous valve‑mount reliability; optional solar panel kit.
- NODE‑BT: Everything you get with a standard NODE + Bluetooth programming from your phone within range, great convenience on‑site.
- Hunter XC Hybrid (6 or 12 zones): A full‑featured controller in battery form, with optional solar panel kit.
Commercial Irrigation Controllers (scale up with confidence)
Best for: Large residential estates, schools, sports turf, commercial landscapes and councils.
Why choose a commercial irrigation controller?
- Scale as you grow: Start at 4 zones and expand with modules.
- Advanced scheduling: Multiple programs, cycles/soaks, master/pump control, sensor integration.
- Decoder‑ready options: Support long‑run cabling and many valves with fewer conductors.
Popular options we stock
- Hunter HCC (Hydrawise) Modular: Plastic & Metal cabinet options up to 54 zones.
- Rain Bird LXME2 Modular: Wi-Fi + Native 4G connectivity options, up to 48 zones.
- Rain Bird ESP-2WIRE: LNK2 compatible, and with 2-wire decoder compatibility.
- Hunter ACC2 Modular: Up to 54 zones; Centralus connectivity modules available.
- Hunter ACC2 Decoder: Up to 225 zones; Centralus connectivity modules available.
Tap Computers & Tap Timers (from simple manual to smart Bluetooth)
Best for: Balconies, courtyard pots, small garden beds and renters watering from a hose tap.
Not all tap timers are created equal…
- Mechanical/manual tap timers: Twist‑to‑set, run once, then off. Cheapest and simplest for temporary watering.
- Digital (non-connected) Tap Timers: Convenient, programmable tap-mounted control.
- Bluetooth (and Wi-Fi compatible) Tap Timers: Program schedules; Bluetooth lets you manage from your phone within range. Some options add Wi‑Fi via a hub.
Popular options we stock
- Orbit Single Station and 2‑Station Timers: Value‑driven, simple automation.
- Orbit B‑Hyve XD Bluetooth (1/2/4 stations) + Wi‑Fi Hub: App control and smart features from a tap.
- Rain Bird ESP‑HT2 Premium Tap Timer: A quality, durable digital tap solution.
- Orbit 2‑Hour Tap Timer: Great basic manual option.
Choose tap timers when: You don’t have an in‑ground system or valves, and you’re watering straight from a garden tap & you want to keep things simple.
Explore our full Tap Timers range here
Must‑have Accessories and Add‑ons
- Expansion modules: Increase zones on modular controllers (Hunter, Rain Bird).
- Pump Start Relays: Safely start larger pumps via your controller.
- Remote Control: For on‑site testing and manual start without app access.
- Sensors and flow monitoring: Save water and protect your garden.
- Rain sensors, soil moisture sensors, weather sensors and flow meters.
- Decoder systems: For large jobs needing long runs and many valves over two wires.
Feature checklist (compare like a pro)
To ensure you’re getting the right controller for your application, run through this helpful checklist we’ve put together & you’ll be put on the right track.
- Zones supported (base/maximum): e.g., “4 base, expandable to 22/32”
- Programs and start times: More flexibility for complex gardens
- Weather smart features: Local forecasts, ET, seasonal adjust
- Sensor inputs: Rain, freeze, soil moisture, flow
- Pump/master valve control: Required for pump‑fed systems
- Enclosure rating: Indoor vs outdoor; lockable; UV resistance
- Power: 240 V AC, battery, or solar
- Connectivity: None, Bluetooth, or Wi‑Fi/app
- App ecosystem: Hydrawise (Hunter), Rain Bird app (LNK2), Orbit B‑Hyve
- Warranty and support: Brand warranty plus SunshowerOnline setup help
Final Thoughts
It can be easy to overthink your needs. But thankfully irrigation controllers, manufacturers and dealers like us have been around for decades, so there is most definitely an ideal solution to fit your needs & we’re here to help if you need it. But ultimately, we return to the first line of this article: The best irrigation controller is the one that waters your lawn and/or garden the ideal amount, precisely when it needs it. No more, no less.
Next steps
- Explore our complete Irrigation Controllers range
- Need help choosing? Speak to our team on the live chat or get a Free INSTANT Irrigation Quote
- Building or renovating? We can design and quote your full irrigation system end‑to‑end.
