Watering timers are beneficial devices that enable you to control the irrigation process in your garden, yard, greenhouse, or other areas where plants are cultivated.
Moreover, if you’re a busy person, you might’ve experienced forgetting to water your plants or forgetting if you did water them. This can result in over- or underwatering and consequently cause them to die.
This is where watering timers come into play. They’re the ideal solution to assist in your garden upkeep and can take care of your watering needs.
There are various types of water timers available in stores and on Amazon, making it challenging to select the right one for your garden.
But, don’t worry – we got you covered! Below, you can review the best watering timer we selected from Amazon and choose the one that best fits your needs.
Keep on reading!
Top Pick
Our top pick watering timer is the Rain Bird SST400IN. It doesn’t require complicated programming instructions to set up a customized schedule for different areas of your garden.
The rain delay is a great feature that allows watering to be stopped for up to 72 hours. Compared to its predecessors, this is a new model with improved characteristics.
Rain Bird is one of the best manufacturers of gardening products, so you can be sure to have a top-notch product in your possession.
Budget Pick
Orbit’s watering timer, model 62034, is our budget pick. It comes at a very affordable price, doesn’t require extra batteries, and it’s easy to use.
Its oversized dial provides comfortable use, and it can also help you save water. Moreover, it’s easy to install on any faucet.
Additionally, it features a durable construction and an ergonomic swivel, designed to last for many seasons.
Quick Navigation
Why is a Watering Timer Important?
Taking care of a garden isn’t an easy task, and it sometimes requires additional tools to make things more efficient.
That’s why a watering timer can be essential to help you manage your garden and save water along the way.
You’ll never forget to turn on or off your sprinklers since the timer will be there to do this for you. If you need to take a more extended trip away and don’t want to leave someone else in charge of your flowers, the watering timer can also be your best friend, helping with watering while you’re away.
Moreover, it can work as a security system while you’re away. The sprinklers will still be running while you’re away on vacation, and this can alert any thieves that you’re home, so that they won’t be showing up in your house.
Have in mind that this is just one more feature to add to your home security system, but it can’t be the only protection you have.
Before choosing the right timer for your gardening needs, please take a look at our helpful buyer’s guide.
How to Choose The Right Watering Timer?
Number of outlets
One of the first things to consider is the number of outlets your garden will require. Having more outlets will allow you to control the water in different sprinklers around your garden.
There are various options to consider, including single or multiple outlet options. Our review highlights some of these options, so it’s worth taking a look.
Before deciding how many outlets you need, ensure you understand your gardening needs. The size of the garden will tell you whether you need one or more outlets.
Rain delay
This is a handy feature for all those days when you know there’ll be rain. Why wastewater and overwater your garden if you know Mother Nature will be taking care of them today?
The rain delay feature allows you to set up your timer to turn off when rain is coming – afterward, the program comes back on automatically.
So, don’t forget to check for this feature when choosing a water timer, especially if you live in a rainy area.
Manual watering
Most of the timers we presented have the manual watering feature available. This feature allows you to manually water your garden without interrupting the already programmed settings.
Displays
You can purchase a water timer with an LCD that shows all necessary information related to the timer’s activities. Having a display allows you to have the information available at any time.
The LCD watering timers are typically new, modern versions and can be slightly more expensive.
Nevertheless, if this feature is too much for you, some options have a simple dial that you turn on, and it starts working. This doesn’t create any confusion. It’s straightforward to use.
Programming options
Some timers allow you to program irrigation cycles with various features. For instance, some will enable you to set the frequency and duration according to your needs.
Power source
This is another feature to consider when selecting the right timer. You can either purchase a battery-powered or mechanical timer, depending on your preference.
When it comes to battery-powered options, keep in mind that most products don’t include batteries, so you’ll need to purchase a set separately.
What about Lawn Size?
Another thing to consider when choosing the right watering timer is the size of the area you need to water. As we mentioned earlier, this can also help you decide between one or multiple outlets.
Whether you’re dealing with a vast lawn or flower beds, make sure your investment is practical and worthwhile.
These different areas have varying watering needs, so it’s essential to consider them carefully before making an informed decision.
It may take some time and thought, but having everything set up from the very beginning will undoubtedly save you a lot of trouble in the future.
Watering Timers Review
1. Rain Bird Watering Timer
Highlighted Features
- Easy to set up
- Simple settings
- Indoor installation design
- Rain delay option
- Sealed case
Rain Bird’s irrigation timer is easy to set up, allowing you to customize your irrigation with minimal effort.
You can set up different watering schedules for different yard areas with the zone-by-zone option. The product is designed for indoor installation, allowing you to set it up in your waterproof shed, home, or garage.
It also features a one-touch adjustment for seasonal watering time, increasing in dry months or reducing during rainy days.
The program is automatically set up to stop watering when it rains and then resumes automatically.
You’ll love the design, as the product features a durable, sealed casing that protects it from external influences such as moisture, dirt, and insects.
Finally, the manufacturer is the world’s leading provider of watering services and products, so you’ll have a professional product to help you manage your gardening activities.
2. Orbit 58910 Watering Timer
Highlighted Features
- 2 outlets
- Quick installation
- Durable materials
- Options for the rain delay
- 240-minutes cycles
This fantastic product from Orbit can help you turn your hose into a professional sprinkler system.
You’ll no longer have to worry about destroying your plants because you were busy with something else. Moreover, you’ll notice improvements in your watering bill, as it uses water more efficiently.
Furthermore, this timer is easy to install, program, and use – it doesn’t require any additional tools for setting up. Additionally, when changing the battery, you won’t lose your data, and you’ll have a large LCD screen to help you read the necessary information.
You can be sure never to overwater or underwater your precious plant,s and you can also use the function for manual watering with no interruptions to the program you set up.
Lastly, the watering cycle duration can go up to 240 minutes with a watering frequency of up to 6 hours.
3. Watering Hose Timer by Orbit
Highlighted Features
- Easy to use
- Saves water
- Big dial
- Sturdy construction
- Manual override available
Another great watering timer by Orbit. You won’t be struggling with overwatered lawns anymore, and you’ll see the improvements on your watering bill as well. This product doesn’t require a professional setup – it’s ready to use immediately.
Moreover, it doesn’t use batteries and features an ergonomic swivel and sturdy construction, ensuring long-term use.
For convenient use, the timer can be set between 15 and 120 minutes, and the oversized dial allows for quick and easy setup.
Happy customers confirm that this product is affordable, can save you time and money, and can help substitute expensive irrigation systems.
4. Instapark Outdoor Digital Watering Timer
Highlighted Features
- User-friendly setup
- Weather-resistant
- ABS premium construction
- Easy-to-read display
- Reduced power consumption
This digital watering timer by Instapark features a standard ¾-inch thread and provides precise control over watering frequency and duration. This is possible with the help of very straightforward, user-friendly, and simple programming.
Furthermore, the item is resistant to various weather conditions and is constructed from premium ABS material, offering high impact resistance, making it a perfect fit for gardens, greenhouses, and yards.
The large display is bright and very easy to read, showing both the timer status and the current time.
Additionally, you can select the rain delay duration between 24, 48, and 72 hours. It offers manual control, allowing you to preserve water without altering the programming itself.
Last but not least, the product doesn’t consume too much power, and it can work with two fresh batteries for up to 12 months.
5. Battery-Powered Watering Timer by DIG
Highlighted Features
- Adjustable duration
- Easy programming
- Large display
- Easy to use
- ¾ ″FHT inlet & MHT outlet
DIG’s watering timer provides precise control over all connected devices. It features six programmable buttons, and setup is easy.
The button on the proper controls manual on/off, the left one activates the “rain off” function, and the remaining four buttons in the middle are for programming.
Additionally, this product can be used with various types of sprinklers, as it only allows water to flow through it; the attachment on the other end doesn’t affect the functionality.
According to happy customers, this product works flawlessly, without leaks, and their programming is relatively stable.
However, you should have in mind that this product contains some chemicals which, in the state of California, are rated as causing cancer or birth defects. So, before purchasing, take a look at the additional health information.
6. LinkTap Remote Hose Watering Timer
Highlighted Features
- Wireless controlled watering
- Auto fault detection
- Reduced water bills
- Durable construction
- Easy setup
If you’re looking for a modern and innovative product to control watering in your garden, then this item will satisfy you.
LinkTap’s remote hose timer can help you automate the watering process, provide precision, and save your precious time.
Furthermore, it offers six distinct operating modes, including Instant Mode, Calendar Mode, Month Mode, Interval Mode, Odd-Even Day Mode, and Weekly Mode. All of these customizations can help you improve the watering process.
Moreover, the watering cycles can be set up to 100 per day, and the duration can vary from 1 minute to 23 hours and 59 minutes.
It operates within a pressure range of 2.9 to 116 PSI and features auto fault detection, so any issue in the system is immediately detected.
The remote control allows you to have peace of mind when traveling or to set it up in your weekend house.
7. Orbit Single-Dial Watering Timer
Highlighted Features
- Auto operation
- Saves water
- Easy to use
- Multiple settings options
- Single-dial control
You’ll never have to worry about forgetting to water your garden with the help of Orbit’s automatic timer.
It has a large single-dial that can be manually set up to water every day, every 2nd, or every 3rd day, depending on what your garden needs.
What’s more, it’s easy to set up and fits any standard garden hose or hose faucet. Additionally, there are 16 options for the duration of watering, ranging from 2 to 90 minutes.
Please note that the product requires 3 AA batteries; however, they’re not included in the package, so ensure you obtain a set before installation.
Customers love its simplicity and the fact that you don’t need to go through a complicated instruction manual to set it up.
8. Gideon Digital Gardening System
Highlighted Features
- Up to 240 minutes duration
- Easy & quick connection
- Manual options available
- Easy skip option
- Solid construction
Garden irrigation has never been easier. With the help of Gideon’s irrigation water timer, you’ll experience simple, easy, and flexible watering that can meet all your gardening needs.
The product can be set up with a precise duration and frequency – it knows when to start and stop watering, and you can adjust the watering sessions for up to 240 minutes, with no limitations on how many times per day.
Thanks to the rotation coupling, you won’t need any additional tools for installation. The large LCD screen displays detailed information, including the start of the watering cycle, remaining time, and other relevant details.
Additionally, on rainy days, you can skip watering sessions without interrupting the already programmed watering schedule. You need to select the hours or days you want to skip watering, and they’ll be paused.
Most importantly, your garden will be greener than ever and optimally watered.
9. Analog Water Timer by Raindip
Highlighted Features
- Easy to set up
- Fits different connections
- Indicator for low battery
- Requires minimum PSI
- 3 dial
The Raindip analog water timer is easy to set up and can be connected to different types of garden hoses or outdoor faucets.
It also features an on/off control for the solenoid and diaphragm valve, and the setup program won’t get erased while replacing the batteries.
When it comes to the batteries, make sure to purchase a pair of 2 AA alkaline batteries, as they’re omitted.
This product requires a minimum pressure to work correctly, so ensure your water pressure is at the necessary level when using it.
Satisfied gardeners confirm that this product works well and it’s easy to set up with no complicated instructions.
Some of them have even used it season after season, and it still works great, providing excellent value for money.
10. Electronic Watering Timer by Gilmour
Highlighted Features
- Dual outlets
- Easy to install
- 2-year warranty
- Rain delay
- Auto shut off
Choosing a watering timer for your garden can help streamline your gardening activities, saving you time and money.
This fantastic product by Gilmour can prevent overwatering and can be set up in any way you please. As soon as you do this, please sit back, relax, and watch it do all the hard work for you.
Moreover, the product is easy to program and set up. Its prominent display allows you to read the numbers and text easily, and it also features an auto shut-off when the batteries are low.
Additionally, it features a rain delay option, allowing you to set it for 24, 48, or 72 hours. You can be sure to use this product for years since it’s made of durable plastic material that won’t break easily.
Lastly, the manufacturer has been on the market for over 50 years, continually providing its customers with improvements and innovations in the watering industry. They constantly improve their products, ensuring you deal with a top-quality timer.
Final Thoughts
As you’ve seen by now, watering is one of the essential tasks when it comes to garden upkeep. You must ensure that your garden is appropriately watered to keep your plants alive and healthy throughout the year.
Nowadays, there are many different types of tools that can make your gardening life easier, and one of them is the watering timer.
Instead of standing in the scorching hot weather to water your garden, you’ll have this tool to do this for you.
The products we reviewed are among the best watering timers, which are easy to install and can be used with a standard sprinkler or hose.
If you’re struggling to choose one option, we recommend the Rain Bird SST400IN. It’s easy to set up and provides customized settings for different garden zones.
It features a rain delay option and is an improved version of its predecessors.
Nevertheless, if you need a more affordable option, you’ll love Orbit’s 62034 watering timer. Its great options and affordable price make it a great product.
It’s easy to set up, made of durable materials, and provides a comfortable user experience.
Happy gardening!