Sprinkler heads are an important part of your irrigation system, and believe it or not, they can make a huge difference in proper watering.
Furthermore, a malfunctioning sprinkler head can affect your finances and the long-term health of your lawn and plants.
Thus, if you’re looking for the perfect product, check out our extensive list of the best lawn sprinkler heads.
Our detailed review offers different product options for everyone, in terms of price, size, and coverage.
Keep reading to get more info!
Top Pick
Without a doubt, our top pick is the Rain-Bird rotor sprinkler head. It offers amazing performance and reliability.
The industry-leading rain curtain nozzle technology delivers a uniform spray pattern and ensures your lawn is thoroughly watered.
It works great with mid- and large-size lawns. Because it produces large droplets, it saves time and is cost-efficient.
Besides, it’s not the most expensive option, but it’s a high-quality product and a favorite among experienced gardeners.
Budget Pick
If you want a more affordable option, you can purchase the Toro fixed spray head, which can be assembled and used immediately.
It’s ideal for mid-size gardens and medium-height grass, plus you can use water pressure to flush out the gathered debris.
Moreover, it offers diversity in terms of the spray pattern and allows you to adjust the size of the drops.
Quick Navigation
What are the Different Kinds of Sprinkler Heads?
Before deciding on the right sprinkler head for your garden, it’s a good idea to learn about the most common types.
You have to take into account different factors to make the right purchase.
To help with your choice, below we discuss and explain in detail the four different kinds:
Pop-up Sprinkler Head
A pop-up or hidden sprinkler head is used in underground watering. The spring-driven head pops above ground from the grass, and as it does, it starts rotating in a complete, ¼, or ½ circle.
As soon as the water starts running, the head emerges from beneath the grass, and once you turn off the water, it goes back down.
Some features have adjustable spray patterns that can reach a width of up to 45 ft.
Pop-up sprinkler heads can vary in their elevation levels. Gardeners prefer to use them because they’re practical and have a great design.
Their elevation levels can vary from 2 to 20 inches, so you can buy one that suits your gardening needs.
Rotary Sprinkler Heads
These heads have a mechanical water-shooting nozzle, and the spray can be adjusted. The typical household model can disperse water 40 feet away.
Additionally, there are two kinds of rotary sprinkler heads:
The impact-driven mechanism rotates the nozzle with a spring-driven mechanism, and then water pressure spins the sprinkler head and diffuses the spray.
On the other hand, the gear-driven model uses water force to turn more gears, spinning the nozzle as it sprays.
It’s good to know they both work identically, but the gear-driven ones are not as loud.
Spot Watering
Bubblers or micro-sprinklers offer direct watering to delicate container plants with small root systems. The best place to install them is the plant’s base.
How to Save Water when Using a Sprinkler Head?
A quality sprinkler head can make a huge difference when it comes to water conservation, and there are some tips & tricks you can find helpful that will help you save water:
Lower the Water Pressure
Regulating the water pressure will help you save water by giving your plants the right amount. If you want to go further, you can purchase a device with a pre-installed pressure regulator.
Use Multi-stream Sprinkler Nozzles
The multi-stream nozzles will provide a more uniform spray pattern that reduces water waste and irrigates your plants properly.
Seal or Replace Defective Sprinkler Heads
As soon as the watering season starts, make sure you’ve checked all sprinkler heads for defects or leaks. If any devices are malfunctioning, replace them as soon as possible to avoid further problems.
Consider Lawn Layout
Before purchasing, consider your lawn’s size and form. This will help you choose the right sprinkler head for your needs and prevent future problems.
Adjust the Watering in Different Seasons
When setting up the sprinkler heads, consider different weather conditions and seasons. For instance, in spring and autumn, your lawn needs less water, while in the summer months, you’ll need to increase watering.
How can My Sprinkler Heads Last Longer?
Whenever purchasing a sprinkler head, you should know that some features can provide you with the best, longest-lasting product and make your investment worthwhile and stress-free.
Below, you can read more about them:
Protective Seals
To protect the sprinkler head from weather conditions, you might purchase one with a sealed gear drive to keep water and debris out.
Durable Materials
Clearly, quality material is another important feature, and some companies use UV-resistant plastic and stainless steel for their products. These materials guarantee that the sprinkler head endures wear and tear and different weather conditions.
Spring Retraction
Most pop-up sprinkler heads rely on gravity to push them down; however, for extra security, you should consider spring retraction.
Which Key Features to Consider?
Popular brands implement key features to improve their products, including the rain shut-off option, special spraying patterns, and irrigation kits.
Rain Shut-off
Sprinkler devices with a rain sensor turn off the watering system when there’s enough rainfall. Thus, you save more water and help the environment.
Special Spraying Patterns
Depending on your gardening needs, you can look for different spraying patterns, such as narrow patterns, spot-specific patterns, and end-strip patterns.
Irrigation Kits
Some manufacturers sell their products with additional items such as timers and connectors. This can shorten your shopping list because you get all you need in one affordable package.
How to Combine My Lawn & Sprinkler Heads?
Your specific irrigation needs require a particular sprinkler head. If you don’t consider this, you might end up with a useless product.
We previously outlined the types of sprinkler heads. Although multiple options are available, it’s essential to match the lawn or garden with the product you’ll be using.
Moreover, different areas of your garden may require different treatments, so think about zones when setting up the watering.
Usually, one spray pattern fits one zone.
- A pop-up or hidden sprinkler with a fixed pattern can do the job for small and mid-sized lawns. Since there’s not much space to cover, the limitation in the spraying distance will not be a problem. Optionally, you can use a hose attachment, and if you grow your plants in a container, you can use a micro pattern.
- Gear-driven rotor heads are the best choice for large or commercial landscapes. These tools are quiet and reach a distance of 55 ft. They can spray in rectangular or circular patterns, depending on the shape of your garden area.
What about Maintenance?
Last but not least, when purchasing a sprinkler head, consider the maintenance cost. For example, fixed sprinkler heads might be a more expensive option, but they are more durable and will not damage your lawn while you are doing other gardening tasks.
You must cut the grass around them and clean any debris clogs to ensure they work correctly.
Lawn Sprinkler Head Reviews
1. Rain-Bird Brass Impact Sprinkler Head
Highlighted Features
- #1 best-seller
- Classic impact sound
- Quality materials
- Easy to install & adjust
- High gallonage output
The Rain Bird can cover up to 5,200 Sq. Ft. and works well on lawns, gardens, and raised garden beds. The steady, wide range can provide consistent growth results for many seasons.
Moreover, the sprinkler head emits a classic impact sound, ensuring your greenery gets the water it needs for healthy growth.
This #1 best-seller is a high-quality stainless steel, brass, and bronze product. These materials guarantee improved durability compared with competitor companies’ zinc sprinkler heads.
Adjusting the sprinkler head with a 360⁰ full circle or 20⁰ to 340⁰ part circle is easy and provides the ideal coverage.
The adaptable deflector flap can adjust the spray distance, so you can be sure it covers more square footage than expected.
2. Melnor Turbo Oscillating Sprinkler Head
Highlighted Features
- 20 precision nozzles
- Infinity turbo drive
- Twin touch controls
- 3-way adjustment
- Lifetime guarantee
The 3-way adjustment and quick-connect sprinkler head by Melnor is one of the best products you can purchase to improve your garden.
It offers 20 precision nozzles that guarantee complete coverage for extensive lawn gardens up to 4,500 sq. ft.. At the same time, the twin touch controls adjust the range and width of the watering outline and can irrigate the entire lawn.
Additionally, it features an infinity turbo drive, which provides a smooth process for proper watering and durability.
Besides, you can purchase the Quick-Connect accessory to help you attach and disconnect the sprinkler effortlessly.
The manufacturer has been creating innovative products for more than 70 years. Because they believe in their products’ quality and functionality, they offer the Melnor limited lifetime warranty.
3. Orbit Voyager II Sprinkler Spray Head
Highlighted Features
- Long spray distance
- Compatible design
- Ideal for mid to large lawns
- Bonus nozzles included
- Adjustable coverage
The Orbit Voyager II sprinkler offers ideal variety and flexibility for any medium to large-sized lawn or garden.
The included adjustment tool allows for quick changes of the adjustable diameter between 40-80 ft. and the swing arch, providing an angle of 40⁰ to 360⁰.
What’s more, this product contains a removable filter to keep out debris, so you can clean the sprinkler head fast and easily. Its enclosed body also prevents dirt clogs.
The manufacturer offers extra nozzles for greater flexibility and the ability to customize the flow rate easily.
As a gear-driven sprinkler head, this product is quiet, water-powered, and water-lubricated, guaranteeing lifelong use without extra maintenance.
4. Hunter PGP-adj Rotor Sprinkler Heads
Highlighted Features
- Adjustment tool included
- 4 sprinkler heads
- Full-circle adjustment
- Improved dirty-water tolerance
- Pre-fixed nozzle
The amazing Hunter rotor sprinkler has been on the market for years, but now they have created an updated and enhanced version with an automatic arc return and a non-removable drive.
You should know that these are vital features since they ensure the head can spin without damage.
Moreover, the package includes four sprinkler heads and an adjustment tool.
The Hunter sprinkler heads come with a pre-fixed #7 nozzle so that you won’t deal with any additional installations.
The full circle adjustment allows you to set the movement between 50⁰ and 360⁰, and the internal gear drive’s dirty-water tolerance has been increased.
Remember, the packaging doesn’t include additional nozzle brackets if you need them.
5. Rain-Bird P5R Plastic Impact Sprinkler Head
Highlighted Features
- #1 selling plastic sprinkler head
- Double brass-weighted arm
- Saves water
- Removable nozzle
- Straight-through flow
Since its beginning, the Rain-Bird Corporation has worked on manufacturing the industry’s broadest range of high-quality irrigation products.
With this in mind, you’ll undoubtedly get a top-notch product, and if you prefer plastic over metal, you’ll love it.
It’s strong, made of durable plastic, and can be used with hard water. However, a metal sprinkler head is not always the ideal solution due to mineral formation.
The double brass weight arm allows improved water treatment and slower rotation, and small drops create even coverage.
Another great feature is the removable spike nozzle, which can be cleaned effortlessly. The infinite pattern adjustment with a partial or full circle provides amazing coverage for your garden, raised beds, and lawn.
6. Toro 4-Inch Pop-Up Spray Head
Highlighted Features
- 15 ft. spray radius
- Fixed-spray sprinkler
- Adjustable pattern
- Pops-up 4-inches
- Up to 360⁰ motion
The Toro fixed spray head is easy to assemble and can be used immediately. Its 15-ft. spray radius works perfectly with mid-size gardens and lawns and medium-height grass.
It’s a stationary spray head but can spin for a full circle and disperse water wherever you need it. You can also adjust the pattern and drop size.
Cleaning this sprinkler head is a breeze. You can do it when the sprinkler is working, i.e., flush the debris out with water compression.
Gardeners who don’t enjoy instruction manuals will be happy to hear that the sprinkler head is ready to use after only plugging in the soil. The installation follows: make a hole in the soil, push the sprinkler in, and voila.
If you have a larger garden to maintain, this is not the correct choice due to coverage limitations. Plus, if you don’t mount the sprinkler with precision, it can spray the surrounding paved areas.
7. Gilmour 167H Sprinkler Head
Highlighted Features
- 5,800 sq. ft. coverage
- Durable material
- Fits standard ½ connection
- No back or side splash
- Easy adjustments
If you’re looking for a reliable product with top performance, consider the Gilmour sprinkler head!
This sprinkler head can provide full or partial coverage, depending on your requirements. It covers up to 5,800 sq. ft. and has a 43-ft. radius.
The sturdy metal design ensures the product withstands regular daily use and different conditions such as rain, sun, and wind.
Additionally, the pulsating arm feature is amazing because it prevents back and side splashes, which can help preserve water.
8. Rain-Bird 5000 Series Rotor Sprinkler Head
Highlighted Features
- Reliable performance
- Time & cost-efficient
- Fast installation
- Solid construction
- Easy maintenance
Avid landscapers enjoy working with top-performing and reliable gardening tools.
The Rain-Bird manufacturer created the curtain nozzle technology to provide a uniform spray pattern throughout your garden. Hence, you can be certain that your lawn receives equal watering.
Further, this product includes eight low-angle and eight standard-angle nozzles, and the partial-circle pattern ideally covers medium to large-sized lawns up to 50 ft.
The sprinkler head produces large water drops resistant to the wind, which helps avoid misting and aerial evaporation.
In layman’s terms, the appropriate amount of water is delivered at all times, saving time and money.
Furthermore, since the built-in clutch mechanism allows for quick setup, the installation process is fast and will require little time and effort.
9. Rain-Bird Wired Rain Sensor Spray Head
Highlighted Features
- Auto shut-off
- Quick & easy install
- Saves water & money
- Adjustable side vent
- Durable, UV-resistant
As we mentioned earlier, when purchasing a sprinkler head or any other product for your garden, you must check that it’s cost-effective, practical, and durable.
This product by Rain-Bird has an automatic shut-off that restarts the sprinkler system when it rains, saving money and water.
With just one turn of the handle, you can regulate the precipitation settings from 1/8 to 3/4 inches.
The adaptable side vent allows the sensor to dry out once it accumulates water, and you can easily connect the head to any irrigation system regulators.
It consists of durable, high-grade, and UV-resistant materials, has an aluminum support base, and can withstand different weather conditions.
The packaging includes 25 inches of UV-resistant extension wire.
10. Rain-Bird Professional Pop-Up Sprinkler Head
Highlighted Features
- #1 commercial-grade spray head
- 4-inch pop-up height
- Adjustable spray distance
- Easy to clean
- Quality material
The professional pop-up sprinkler head by Rain-Bird is reliable and versatile. It’s made with resilient, top-quality materials, so you can use it for a long time for your gardening activities.
This series offers a selection of pop-up heights and nozzle options to irrigate backyard bushes and small, unevenly shaped lawns.
It also features an adjustable pattern from 0⁰ to 360⁰ °, offering excellent coverage.
It consists of a co-molded wiper cover that provides supreme grit and pressure resistance, and the UV and corrosion-resistant materials guarantee its longevity.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, we hope our article gave you an idea of what kind of sprinkler head you need to buy.
As mentioned, you must be smart when investing in your irrigation system. Consider your lawn’s size, shape, and the type of plants you need to water.
All the outlined features can help you make a good decision and purchase quality tools that last for many seasons.
We highly recommend the Rain-Bird Rotor lawn sprinkler head as our best pick. It’s reliable, durable, and performs amazingly.
The rain curtain nozzle will deliver an even spray pattern and water your lawn thoroughly.
Nevertheless, if you need a cheaper variant, you can consider the Toro Fixed Spray Head. With this head, your mid-size garden will receive proper watering with diverse spraying patterns.
Plus, you can clean any gathered debris just by using water pressure.
Have fun and happy gardening!