Sprinkler heads are an important part of your irrigation system and believe it or not, they can make a huge difference when it comes to proper watering.
Furthermore, a malfunctioning sprinkler head can affect your finances as well as the long-term health of your lawn and plants.
Thus, if you’re searching for the perfect product you can 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 and because it produces large droplets it saves time and is cost-efficient.
Besides, it’s not the most expensive option but definitely 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 you can 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 good to get information on 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 4 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 full, 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 of them feature 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 models can disperse water to 40 ft. away.
Additionally, there are 2 kinds of rotary sprinkler heads:
The impact-driven 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 uses water force to turn more gears that spin the nozzle as it sprays.
It’s good to know that 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 plant’s base is the best place to install them.
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 useful and will help you save water:
Lower the Water Pressure
Regulating the water pressure will help you save water by providing your plants with just the right amount. If you want to go a step further, you can purchase a device that has 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 Defected Sprinkler Heads
As soon as the watering season starts make sure you’ve checked all sprinkler heads for defects or leaks. If there are some malfunctioning devices replace them as soon as possible to avoid further problems.
Consider Lawn Layout
Before purchasing consider your lawn layout in terms of size and form. This will help you choose the right kind of sprinkler head for your needs and save you from future problems.
Adjust the Watering in Different Seasons
When setting up the sprinkler heads, think about different weather conditions and different seasons. For instance, in spring and autumn, your lawn needs less water, while in the summer months you’ll 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 and long-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 think about purchasing one with a sealed gear drive to keep water in 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 will guarantee that the sprinkler head endures any wear and tear and different weather conditions.
Spring Retraction
Most of the 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 and some of these include 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, 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 packaging.
How to Combine My Lawn & Sprinkler Heads?
Your specific irrigation needs require a specific sprinkler head. If you don’t take this into account, you might end up with a useless product.
Previously, we outlined the types of sprinkler heads. Although there are multiple options available it’s important to match between lawn or garden with the product you’ll be using.
Moreover, different areas of your garden may require different treatments, so when setting up the watering think about zones.
Usually, one spray pattern fits one zone.
- For small and mid-sized lawns a pop-up or hidden sprinkler with a fixed pattern can do the job. Since there’s not much space to cover, the limitation in the spraying distance is not going to 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 when it comes to large or commercial landscapes. These tools are quiet and reach a distance of 55 ft. They can spray in rectangular or circular patterns and depending on the shape of your garden area you can use either one.
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 you won’t damage them while doing other gardening tasks.
To ensure they work properly you also have to cut the grass around them and clean any debris clogs.
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 which ensures your greenery is getting the water it needs for healthy growth.
This #1 best-seller is a high-quality product made of stainless steel, brass, and bronze. These materials guarantee improved durability when compared with the zinc sprinkler heads of competitor companies.
Adjusting the sprinkler head with 360⁰ full circle or 20⁰ to 340⁰ part circle is easy and it provides the ideal coverage.
The adaptable deflector flap can adjust the spray distance, so you can be certain it covers more square footage than you would expect.
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 large lawn gardens up to 4,500 sq. ft. while 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 as well as durability.
Besides, you can purchase the Quick-Connect accessory to help you attach and disconnect the sprinkler effortlessly.
The manufacturer has been on the market for more than 70 years creating innovative products. Because they believe in their product’s 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 size lawn or garden.
The adjustable diameter between 40-80 ft. as well as the swing arch can be changed with the included adjustment tool in a few seconds; thus, providing an angle of 40⁰ to 360⁰.
What’s more, this product contains a removable filter for keeping out debris and you can clean the sprinkler head fast and easily. Its enclosed body also prevents any dirt clogs.
The manufacturer offers extra nozzles for greater flexibility so you can easily customize the flow rate.
As a gear-driven sprinkler head, this product is quiet, water-powered, and water-lubricated which guarantees 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 that features 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 4 sprinkler heads, as well as an adjustment tool.
The Hunter sprinkler heads come with a pre-fixed #7 nozzle so you won’t deal with any additional installations.
The full circle adjustment allows you to set the movement between 50⁰ to 360⁰ and the dirty-water tolerance of the internal gear drive has been increased.
Remember, the packaging doesn’t include additional nozzle brackets in case 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 very 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 certainly get a top-notch product and if you prefer plastic over metal you’ll simply love it.
It’s strong, made of durable plastic, and can be used with hard water. However, have in mind that 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 are created for even coverage.
Another great feature is the removable spike nozzle that can be cleaned effortlessly and 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 can assemble with no trouble and is used immediately. With a 15 ft. spray radius it works perfectly with mid-size gardens and lawns. Moreover, it works quite well with medium-height grass.
It’s a stationary-spray head but can spin for a full circle and disperse water wherever you need it. Also, you can adjust the pattern and drop size.
Cleaning this sprinkle head is a breeze. You can do it when the sprinkler is working i.e. you can flush the debris out with water compression.
Gardeners who don’t enjoy instruction manuals will be happy to hear that you only need to plug in the sprinkler head and it’s ready to use. The installment process is as follows: make a hole in the soil, push the sprinkler in, and voila.
If you have a larger garden to take care of 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 that offers top performance, take a look at the Gilmour sprinkler head!
This sprinkler head can provide you with 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 will ensure the product withstands regular daily use, as well as different conditions such as rain, sun, and wind.
Additionally, the pulsating arm feature is amazing because it prevents any back and side splashes and this can help you 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 delivered throughout your garden. Hence, you can be certain to provide your lawn with equal watering.
Further, this product includes 8 low-angle and 8 standard-angle nozzles and the partial-circle pattern ideally covers medium to large-size lawns up to 50 ft.
The sprinkler head produces large water drops resistant to the wind which helps avoid misting and aerial evaporation.
To put it in layman’s terms, the appropriate amount of water is delivered at all times which in turn saves time and money.
Furthermore, since the built-in clutch mechanism allows a quick setup -the installation process is fast and won’t take up a lot of 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 have to check if it’s cost-effective, practical, and durable.
This product by Rain-Bird has an automatic shut- off which restarts the sprinkler system when it rains; thus, it saves both 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 with 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 and top-quality materials, so you can use it for your gardening activities for a long time.
This series offers an inclusive selection of pop-up heights and nozzle options, so you can irrigate your backyard bushes and small, unevenly shaped lawns.
Additionally, it features an adjustable pattern from 0⁰ to 360⁰ which offers great 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 before, you have to be smart when investing in your irrigation system. Make sure to consider your lawn size, shape, and the type of plants you need to water.
All of the different features we outlined, 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 has amazing performance.
The rain curtain nozzle will deliver an even spray pattern and water your lawn thoroughly.
Nevertheless, if you need a cheaper variant you can take a look at the Toro Fixed Spray 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!