We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Home Products Outdoor & Patio Gardening Products The 15 Best Lawn Sprinklers of 2024 Getting the yard of your dreams just got easier. By Nor'adila Hepburn Nor'adila Hepburn Nor’Adila is a contributing writer for Real Simple. Her work has appeared in Better Homes & Gardens, Southern Living, US World News & Report, and Trip Advisor. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on April 10, 2024 Fact checked by Rich Scherr In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Final Verdict How to Shop FAQs Take Our Word for It Photo: Real Simple / Brian Kopinski If you dream of a lush lawn and a thriving garden, a lawn sprinkler will keep your grass in tip-top shape while saving you time and energy, allowing you to spend less time with a hose in your hand and more time enjoying your outdoor space and greenery. To find the best lawn sprinklers out there, we researched the various options on the market, considering type, coverage area, water pressure, and material. We also spoke to three different lawn experts—Kyle Leman, owner of Crossroads Foundation Repair, Anton Schwarz, CEO at Lawn Liberty, and Kody Ketterling, founder of K-IT Products—for professional guidance on what to look for when shopping for the right sprinkler for your lawn. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Aqua Joe Oscillating Sprinkler at Amazon $25 Jump to Review Best Budget: SYOOY 360 Degree Metal Spot Sprinkler at Amazon $9 Jump to Review Best for Large Yards: Gilmour Circular Sprinkler at Amazon $28 Jump to Review Best for Small Yards: Orbit Brass 3-Arm Adjustable Sprinkler at Amazon $22 Jump to Review Best for Garden Beds: Eden Sprinkler Set at Amazon $48 Jump to Review Best Oscillating: SALE Gardena 18714-80 AquaZoom Fully Adjustable Oscillating Sprinkler at Amazon $77 $45 Jump to Review Best Pulsating: STYDDI Metal Pulsating Impact Sprinkler with Metal Base at Amazon $29 Jump to Review Best Revolving: GrowGreen Rotating Lawn Sprinkler at Amazon $25 Jump to Review Best Stationary: Styddi Turret Pattern Sprinkler at Amazon $19 Jump to Review Best System: Rain Bird Automatic Sprinkler System at Amazon $173 Jump to Review Best Overall Aqua Joe Oscillating Sprinkler PHOTO: Amazon $23 at Amazon $43 at Walmart $25 at Home Depot What Stands Out This lawn sprinkler has adjustable nozzles you can tailor to your watering needs. What Could Be Improved The spray is delicate and may not water as effectively on windy days. The Aqua Joe Oscillating Sprinkler is our top pick to keep your lawn lush and green. Even though the body is made of plastic, it has metal nozzle fittings, plus a sturdy metal base to keep it in place as it sprays. You can adjust the range, angle, and width of the 16 nozzles, giving you more control as you water. To use, connect this sprinkler to any regular garden hose and choose your desired settings to unleash a fan-like stream of water. Whenever you need to adjust the range, push the sliding tabs on the side for a shorter or extended reach. The 16-inch Aqua Joe sprinkler covers about 3,600 square feet with a maximum spray distance of 70 feet, which is more than enough for a medium to large lawn or vegetable garden. (It’s also available in a 20-inch version that covers 4,400 square feet.) At around 2 pounds, you can easily bring this lawn sprinkler to other parts of your yard. Keep in mind that the spray is gentle and might not work as well on windy days. Type: Oscillating | Maximum Coverage: 3,600 square feet | Coverage Pattern: Fan | Material: Plastic, metal Best Budget SYOOY 360 Degree Metal Spot Sprinkler PHOTO: Amazon $9 at Amazon What Stands Out This sprinkler is a good option for small lawns. What Could Be Improved There are no adjustable settings to control distance or spray patterns. The Syooy 360 Degree Metal Spot Sprinkler has a low-pressure sprinkler head that rotates in a circle, shooting out a gentle rain-like spray up to 30 feet. Because of its limited reach, it is an ideal pick for those owning small lawns, gardens, or flower beds. It’s also a good sprinkler to use for irrigating swimming pools to prevent too much water from evaporating from them during hot, summer months. The best part about this sprinkler is that it is under $10, and it can easily be installed by yourself, which keeps costs low. Just note that it doesn’t have extra settings, so you won’t be able to adjust the distance or spray patterns, and if your water pressure is low, it won’t spray the maximum distance. Type: Stationary | Maximum Coverage: 30 feet | Coverage Pattern: Circle | Material: Metal, Plastic Best for Large Yards Gilmour Circular Sprinkler PHOTO: Walmart $28 at Amazon $17 at Walmart $26 at Ace Hardware What Stands Out This sprinkler has an impressive coverage area ideal for large yards. What Could Be Improved We wish there were settings to control the water pressure. The Gilmour sprinkler has an adjustable rotating sprayer, making it ideal for circular lawns and yards with objects like fences or trees you want to avoid spraying. You can adjust the lever in the base of the sprinkler to change the amount of rotation, giving you ultimate control over the area and shape you want to water. In addition to the spray area, you can adjust the spray distance with the flexible disc inside the plastic base, so you don’t water your sidewalk or miss the edges of your lawn. At its highest setting, this model can spray up to 43 feet and cover 5,800 square feet. The only downside is that the water jets can be powerful, so it may not be ideal for garden beds or lawns with new grass seeds. Type: Impulse | Maximum Coverage: 5,800 square feet | Coverage Pattern: Circle | Material: Plastic Best for Small Yards Orbit Brass 3-Arm Adjustable Sprinkler PHOTO: Walmart $21 at Amazon What Stands Out This sprinkler has a small coverage area and an adjustable water flow you can tailor to your yard. What Could Be Improved It could also have an adjustable spray distance for further customization. Unlike other sprinklers on this list that can water more than 5,000 square feet, this one from Orbit covers a mere 450 square feet and sprays 24 feet in diameter, making it ideal for small- to medium-sized lawns. Made out of durable metal, this Orbit sprinkler features brass triple arms and a spinning head that swings water in a circle, so you can get the most coverage for your lawn. You can connect it to any standard garden hose, and it has a wheeled base that allows you to move it around your yard. If you want stronger or gentler coverage, turn the spray nozzles to adjust the water flow. Just keep in mind that if you have a medium-sized lawn, you might need to move it to different spots to water the entire lawn effectively. Type: Rotating | Maximum Coverage: 450 square feet | Coverage Pattern: Circle | Material: Metal Best for Garden Beds Eden Sprinkler Set PHOTO: Amazon $48 at Amazon What Stands Out This pick has individual sprinkler heads ideal for gardening. What Could Be Improved This sprinkler could have a larger maximum coverage area for large and medium lawns. While the Eden Sprinkler Set can water your lawn, it’s even better for watering garden beds because of its short spray range. The set includes four sprinkler heads, a three-way hose connector, and a 50-foot hose with a 1/2-inch diameter. To get the coverage you need, hook up the hose to the sprinkler heads. Each head has its own nozzle, which lets you adjust spray direction, water flow, and angle. You can also tailor the spray angle from 5 degrees to 360 degrees, giving you even more control over what area you water. Plus, you can use the included extensions to make the sprinklers taller if you have towering plants or need more reach. If you already have a water timer or purchase one separately, you can use it to schedule the days, times, and duration of watering, which is especially helpful when you're heading out of town or have a hectic schedule. While each individual sprinkler head covers 840 square feet, if you use all the sprinklers, coverage can expand to 1,638 square feet. Type: Impulse | Maximum Coverage: 1,638 square feet | Coverage Pattern: Circle | Material: Plastic Best Oscillating Gardena 18714-80 AquaZoom Fully Adjustable Oscillating Sprinkler PHOTO: Amazon $45 at Amazon $40 at Home Depot What Stands Out It has adjustable settings to control spray range and water flow. What Could Be Improved Its plastic build may not be as durable as metal sprinklers. The Gardena 18714-80 AquaZoom is an oscillating sprinkler featuring an extra-wide spray that covers up to 3,800 square feet. It’s a suitable option for flower beds and vegetable gardens, and it’s also great for ensuring certain areas on your lawn won’t have dry spots. This sprinkler features adjustable settings, giving you the flexibility to alter the width and range of the spray. It also has a water flow controller on the sprinkler to control water pressure and volume, which comes in handy to avoid overwatering your lawn or garden. The sprinkler is made out of plastic with a rust-free metal filter, so you won’t have to ever worry about oxidation over time. Overall, if you want a versatile sprinkler with basic, adjustable settings, we definitely recommend this pick. The one downside is the plastic build, which may not be as durable as metal options in the long run. Type: Oscillating | Maximum Coverage: 3,800 square feet | Coverage Pattern: Fan | Material: Plastic Best Pulsating STYDDI Metal Pulsating Impact Sprinkler with Metal Base PHOTO: Amazon $29 at Amazon What Stands Out It has a powerful spray that sprays water up to 5,800 feet. What Could Be Improved You need to have a water pressure of 22 PSI for it to work properly. The STYDDI Metal Pulsating Impact Sprinkler is made out of brass and zinc alloy—rust-resistant materials that last for years with proper maintenance. It waters yards up to 5,800 feet and sprays up to 45 feet in diameter, making it a prime choice for large lawns. It has a strong spray that shoots out water in 20-degree sections up to full 360-degree coverage. The sprinkler is designed with convenience in mind: It comes with an adaptor, so you can connect easily to any hose, and a heavy-duty base, which serves as an anchor, making it less likely to tip over. It is also available in a wheeled version that can easily be moved around. As mentioned above, it has a powerful spray and requires a minimum of 22 PSI pressure to work effectively or else the water might cut off while it’s running. Because the sprinkler is all-metal, make sure the equipment is dry after each use to further combat rust. Type: Impact | Maximum Coverage: 5,800 square feet | Coverage Pattern: Circle | Material: Metal Best Revolving GrowGreen Rotating Lawn Sprinkler PHOTO: Amazon $25 at Amazon $20 at Wayfair $30 at Target What Stands Out This sprinkler is simple to set up and can double as a summertime activity for the kids. What Could Be Improved The spray distance is not very wide, so it might not be ideal for large yards. If you want to irrigate your lawn with a gentle spray, opt for the GrowGreen Rotating Sprinkler. It features a revolving head that sprays water in a circular pattern, so you don’t have to move it around. Plus, the 80 PSI water pressure increases the rotation speed and covers more area. While it can spray water up to 32.8 feet, you can adjust the nozzles to spray a shorter distance if needed. And although it's made of plastic, it has a metal base that keeps it weighed down. Setup is simple and takes a few minutes—just connect the hose to the water connector and your faucet. Besides watering your yard or garden, the gentle jets are also a great way for kids to cool down on a hot day. Overall, this sprinkler gets the job done at a low price. But for larger yards, you may want to look at other sprinklers on the list that have more coverage. Type: Rotating | Maximum Coverage: 3,600 square feet | Coverage Pattern: Circle | Material: Plastic Best Stationary Styddi Turret Pattern Sprinkler PHOTO: Amazon $19 at Amazon What Stands Out This sprinkler can water specific areas that need extra attention. What Could Be Improved This sprinkler could also have a rotating mechanism. If you want to water hard-to-reach areas or avoid the hassle of watering by hand, a stationary sprinkler like the Styddi Turret Pattern Sprinkler can make lawn and garden upkeep easier. It has eight spray patterns, including a range of low and high sprays in various shapes like hexagons, half-hexagon, narrow rectangles, circles, and upward rain jets. While it may not be ideal for large yards, it can cover smaller areas and garden beds. It connects to most standard garden hoses easily with a built-in metal swivel connection and has an adapter to connect to hoses of different sizes. The base is made from heavy-duty metal, so it won't easily fall over and lasts many seasons, and convenient holes at the bottom allow you to hang it up out of the way when not in use. Just be aware that it's fairly light and can flip over if you tug at the hose too hard. Type: Stationary | Maximum Coverage: 1,225 square feet | Coverage Pattern: Hexagon, half-hexagon, rectangle, circle, rain jet | Material: Plastic, metal Best System Rain Bird Automatic Sprinkler System PHOTO: Amazon $173 at Amazon $112 at Walmart $199 at Newegg.com What Stands Out This sprinkler system eliminates the hassle of daily watering with a schedule and timer setting. What Could Be Improved You can’t tailor the individual sprinkler head settings. With the Rain Bird Automatic Sprinkler System, you can save water and time by setting the watering schedule your lawn needs. It has a battery-operated timer to set when and how long it runs, or you can select the auto-function. With all settings, you can cancel your scheduled watering at any time. The six rotary sprinkler heads have a water pressure of 45 to 75 PSI (the average for residential homes), but it’s recommended to have a minimum water flow of 6 gallons per minute. The spray has a reach of 15 feet and can cover medium to large yards of around 1,000 to 3,000 square feet. Even though installation is simple, it’s advised to check for electric or gas lines in the area before you dig to place the sprinkler line. The sprinklers retract into the lawn when they aren't in use and pop up when you turn the water on, so you don’t need to worry about tripping hazards. Although it can work year-round, the system may get damaged in freezing weather. Type: In-ground | Maximum Coverage: 3,000 square feet | Coverage Pattern: Circle | Material: Plastic Best With a Tripod Orbit Impact Sprinkler PHOTO: Amazon $38 at Amazon $35 at Walmart What Stands Out Its height makes this sprinkler a great choice for tall shrubs or small trees. What Could Be Improved Its metal parts are prone to corrosion over time. The addition of a tripod extends the Orbit 56667N’s reach, making it easy for those who have plenty of green lawn to water. The tripod is adjustable from 24 to 37.5 inches, making it a suitable option for watering tall shrubs or small trees on your property. This sprinkler covers a maximum 5,670 square foot area and sprays up to 85 feet in diameter, although you can change the range if you don’t need as much coverage. You can also choose whether you want big or small spray patterns by twisting the diffuser screw on the sprinkler. It oscillates and swivels in partial and full circles, so you can hit all corners of your yard, too. While the sprinkler head is made out of zinc, which is key to preventing rust from forming, the other metal parts are not, so it may be prone to corrosion if not maintained properly. Orbit also sells a gear-drive version that offers similar coverage but has more spray pattern options. Type: Impact | Maximum Coverage: 5,670 square feet | Coverage Pattern: Circle | Material: Metal Most Versatile Orbit 58573N H2O-6 Gear Drive Sprinkler PHOTO: Amazon $17 at Amazon $32 at Ace Hardware $23 at Tractor Supply Co. What Stands Out It features six different spray patterns with a diffuser to control water volume. What Could Be Improved It may leak periodically, so you need to keep an eye out for that to fix it. What makes the Orbit 58573N H2O-6 Gear Drive a versatile pick is that it features six different spray patterns in small and large sizes. Plus, it’s equipped with a diffuser that lets you customize it further by having it spray in drops or streaming jets of water. You also can control the exact angle you want the water to be sprayed for more precise watering. The sprinkler covers 5,026 square feet and sprays up to 80 feet in diameter in a partial or full-circle pattern. If your water pressure is low, we recommend using this sprinkler because it works with pressure as low as 15 PSI and up to 56 PSI. The sprinkler is available in three versions: on a wheeled base, a spike that you can drive into the ground, or with a tripod base. However, it tends to leak, so you may need to check on it periodically. Type: Gear-Drive | Maximum Coverage: 5,026 square feet | Coverage Pattern: Circle | Material: Metal Best With a Timer Melnor XT Turbo Oscillating Sprinkler with 2-Way Adjustment PHOTO: The Home Depot $59 at Amazon $34 at Home Depot View on HorseloverZ.com What Stands Out It has 20 precision nozzles, allowing you more control and flexibility over water coverage. What Could Be Improved It’s made out of plastic, which may not be as long-lasting as a metal sprinkler. If you’re keen on saving time and money, using a lawn sprinkler with an automatic shut-off timer is the way to go. This sprinkler from Melnor features a timer that you can set for up to two hours to water your lawn, and it will turn itself off after the job is done. The sprinkler sprays water in a fan-like pattern up to 4,500 square feet and is designed with 20 precision nozzles that allow you to control the length and direction of the spray. For example, the water can be sprayed backward, forward, or in both directions at the same time. You can also customize how far the water is sprayed on each side, so you can have the sprinkler spraying sides of equal or different lengths at the same time. Our only gripe is that it’s made out of plastic, which might get damaged more quickly than a metal sprinkler. Type: Gear drive | Maximum Coverage: 4,500 square feet |Coverage Pattern: Fan | Material: Plastic Best Traveling Orbit Traveling Sprinkler PHOTO: Amazon $65 at Amazon View on Tractor Supply Co. $65 at Ace Hardware What Stands Out It can travel up to 200 feet along a hose. What Could Be Improved It doesn’t come with an app, so you’ll have to manually stop it when you want to turn it on and off. When you don’t want to haul a sprinkler around your yard, we recommend taking it easy and choosing a traveling sprinkler like the Orbit 58322. This sprinkler is designed with tractioned wheels that can roll through muddy grassy areas and even uphill on slopes. It is self-propelled (not remote controlled) and uses water pressure from a hose to push itself around your yard. It can move up to 200 feet along a hose, but keep in mind that you’ll have to lay out the path and direction for it to go. This sprinkler sprays up to 13,500 square feet, making it an excellent choice for irrigating large areas. The sprinkler features low, high, and stationary water settings to ensure that your lawn gets the right amount of water and won’t get waterlogged. The spray range ranges from 15 to 55 feet in diameter, which can be adjusted by twisting the arms around. It is controlled manually and not by any app, so you’ll have to stop it yourself with ramp stops included with the sprinkler that automatically turns it off when the sprinkler hits them. Type: Self propelled | Maximum Coverage: 13,500 square feet | Coverage Pattern: Circle |Material: Plastic, metal Best Controller Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller PHOTO: Amazon $158 at Amazon $199 at Home Depot $150 at Rachio.com What Stands Out This sprinkler controller gives your yard adequate water based on weather and climate and can be controlled via an app. What Could Be Improved We wish this smart controller could also connect to Apple Home Kit. If you want an energy-saving option that lets you know when and how much water your lawn needs, then it’s time to upgrade your sprinkler setup with a smart controller. The Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller automates your watering schedules, so you only have to program it initially for it to follow the watering schedule you created. If you’re unsure of the optimal schedule for your lawn, the Rachio can assess factors like location, plant types, and sun exposure to provide you with the best times to water your lawn or garden. Additionally, the sprinkler controller can assess local weather conditions and adjust watering schedules accordingly. For example, if there is rain in the forecast, it won’t water your lawn that day. You can also control watering remotely through the connected app, so you don’t have to be at home to turn it on or off. The Rachio is compatible with Google Home and Alexa but does not integrate with Apple Home Kit. Also keep in mind that this product does not come with its own lawn sprinklers. Type: Smart controller | Maximum Coverage: N/A | Coverage Pattern: N/A | Material: Plastic Final Verdict We chose the Aqua Joe Indestructible Metal Base Oscillating Sprinkler as our top pick for its versatile oscillating sprinkler that sprays water in gentle fan-like patterns. If you have a large yard, a better option would be the Gilmour Pattern Master Circular Sprinkler because it can cover 5,800 square feet and comes with adjustable settings that switch from a soft mist to a solid stream of water. How to Shop for Lawn Sprinklers Like a Pro Type There are a number of sprinkler types including oscillating, rotating, stationary, in-ground, and impact. Leman says the best sprinkler for your lawn will depend on the size and shape of your lawn, the types of plants you have, and your personal preferences. Oscillating sprinklers look like long tubes and have gentle, fan-like sprays. They are ideal for rectangular or square lawns and gardens, Schwarz says. Rotating sprinklers have metal arms that shoot water in a circular pattern and can have an impressive spray area, making them ideal for large lawns. Still, be sure to cross-check the coverage area of the rotating sprinkler with your lawn size. Stationary sprinklers are typically inexpensive and designed to spray specific areas. They are best for small lawns or gardens, as they do not move and have a limited spray range, Schwarz says. In-ground sprinklers are installed below the ground and pop up to spray water across your lawn. These are the most expensive, as a whole system will need to be installed so you can get coverage across the entire landscape, Schwarz says. However, these are most effective because of the various types of sprinklers that can be used and can be adjusted for different spray patterns and distances, he adds. Impact sprinklers are a popular choice because they use a rotating head to spray water in a circular pattern and are suitable for large areas, Leman says. They are also durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions. Coverage Area When you're looking for a lawn sprinkler, check how much area it can cover. For small lawns and gardens, a sprinkler with a coverage area of 500 to 1,000 square feet may be efficient, Leman says. However, for larger lawns, you may need a sprinkler with a coverage area of up to 5,000 square feet or more. Water Pressure To ensure your lawn sprinkler works properly, you need adequate water pressure that matches the manufacturer's recommendations. If the water pressure is too high or too low, the sprinkler system won't work right or will waste a lot of water. “In general, most lawn sprinklers require a water pressure between 30 to 50 PSI (pounds per square inch) to operate effectively,” Leman says. “However, it is important to check the manufacturer's specifications for your particular sprinkler to determine the recommended water pressure.” Material “PVC (plastic) is the most common material used for sprinkler systems because it’s easy to install, resistant to corrosion and UV rays, and can withstand high water pressure,” Leman says. However, Schwarz adds that many above-ground sprinklers have galvanized steel or brass components. “These are typically more expensive and prone to corrosion but still a better option than plastic which can weaken if left out in the sun.” He says that drip irrigation systems are usually made from polyethylene tubing, as it is flexible and durable. Questions You Might Ask Which lawn sprinkler covers the most area? Most experts agree that impact sprinklers typically cover the most surface area. Not only do they spray water in a circular pattern, but you can also tweak the distance and arc pattern to focus on the grass that needs watering. “Some high-performance rotary or impact sprinklers can cover areas up to 150 feet in diameter or more, which are great for larger lawns if you have a limited budget to spend on sprinklers,” Schwarz says. How many sprinkler heads should you have? Lehman says you should have enough sprinkler heads to cover the entire area of your lawn evenly without leaving any dry spots. “A common rule of thumb is to space sprinkler heads 8 to 15 feet apart for most types of sprinklers," he adds. "For example, if you have a lawn that is 60 feet wide by 80 feet long, you would need a minimum of six sprinkler heads placed 10 feet apart in each direction to cover the entire area.” How often should you run sprinklers? “How often you run your sprinklers depends on factors such as climate, soil type, the type of plants, and the specific sprinkler system,” Leman says. If you live in areas that typically have hot temperatures, you might have to water every one to two days. However, if temperatures are cooler, every three or four days (twice a week) is probably sufficient. “It is recommended to water lawns deeply and infrequently to encourage deeper root growth and avoid overwatering, which can lead to disease and other issues,” Leman says. Which sprinklers are best for sloped lawns? When watering sloped lawns, water naturally tends to flow downhill due to air pressure, leading to excess water pooling and erosion. Ketterling says for sloped lawns, check if sprinklers are equipped with a check valve which is a rubber gasket that prevents water run-off at the bottom of the slope.“A check valve keeps water right at the sprinkler head,” he says. Additionally, Ketterling recommends that homeowners use rotary sprinklers which make even, circular patterns. “We find that these work best on the lawns with slope.” Can you use a lawn sprinkler if you have low water pressure? If your water pressure is low, you can still irrigate your lawn, provided you use impact sprinklers, which gently spray water in a circular design. However, Ketterling points out that low pressure would likely prevent you from using as many sprinklers on one line. He also says, “If you have extremely low pressure I would recommend getting a booster pump to allow you to use the sprinklers to water the lawn.” Take Our Word for It This article was written by Nor’adila Hepburn, a contributing writer for Real Simple. To compile this list, she researched and compared lawn sprinklers to see which ones were best suited for lawns, yards, and gardens. She also consulted with home improvement experts Kyle Leman, owner of Crossroads Foundation Repair, Anton Schwarz, CEO at Lawn Liberty, Kody Ketterling, founder of K-IT Products.