The Best Lawn Sprinkler Systems of 2024, Tested
One of the keys to a healthy lawn and garden is having a reliable lawn sprinkler that effectively waters all the various spots in the landscape. We tested some of today’s top models to see which ones live up to their reputations. Some sprinklers require pulling a hose across the lawn to reach all the little corners and nooks, while others can be programmed to move around the yard, watering the grass while you tend to other matters. For stationary convenience, an underground sprinkler system with a sprinkler pump can run on a timer, and it will water all reaches of the yard.
We tested a variety of water sprinklers for lawns, and the Dramm 9-Pattern Turret Sprinkler came out on top thanks to its heavy base and nine spray patterns that fit different lawn and garden sizes or shapes. It wasn’t the only good option, though. Keep reading to better understand how the best lawn sprinklers can help meet the watering needs of your yard and to find out how each of the following models performed in our hands-on testing.
- BEST OVERALL: Dramm 9-Pattern Turret Sprinkler
Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Gilmour 60-Spot Circle Sprinkler
Jump to Review - BEST OSCILLATING: Eden 4,973 sq. ft. Turbo Oscillating Sprinkler
Jump to Review - BEST FOR SMALL LAWNS: Gardena ZoomMaxx Oscillating Sprinkler
Jump to Review - BEST FOR GARDEN BEDS: Melnor 65083-AMZ Multi-Adjustable Sprinkler
Jump to Review - BEST SMART SPRINKLER: OtO Lawn Sprinkler
Jump to Review - ALSO CONSIDER: Melnor XT Oscillating Sprinkler With Flow Control
Jump to Review
How We Tested the Best Lawn Sprinklers
To pinpoint which sprinklers were best for certain tasks, such as watering large areas of grass or keeping a flower bed well irrigated, we tested several sprinkler types. We individually tested each sprinkler by assembling parts (if necessary) and then attaching each to a garden hose. Next, we observed how each sprinkler operated and whether it met the manufacturer’s watering claims. For adjustable sprinklers, we selected and observed each of the different watering patterns, taking note of the size of the watering patterns as well as the distribution of water droplets.
The maximum water pressure at our outdoor spigot runs an average of 60 pounds per square inch (PSI), but we didn’t test all the sprinklers at maximum pressure. We adjusted the pressure to suit the individual sprinkler, meaning we used a lower water pressure to water small areas of the flower garden and full pressure when testing lawn sprinklers. Unless a spigot has unusually low water pressure, the sprinklers in this lineup should perform well in most residential settings.
| Testing Stats | |
| Products tested | 10 |
| Hours spent testing | 12-plus |
| Tests performed | 3 |
| Average price | $17 to $35 |
Our Top Picks
Yards and budgets vary, so no single above-ground sprinkler system will be suitable for every yard. Still, we were impressed enough by the following sprinklers and their performance to include them in this guide. We looked at the overall quality of the sprinkler and the potential durability of any moving parts. Part of our testing involved assessing how well each sprinkler lived up to the manufacturer’s description. After testing, the following sprinklers came out on top, and all are well suited to various watering tasks.
Best Overall
Dramm 9-Pattern Turret Sprinkler
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Coverage 4.3/5; Durability 4/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Stationary turret
- Material: Metal
- Coverage: Up to 575 square feet, depending on pattern used
What We Like
- Heavy-duty metal base is sturdy and prevents sprinkler from tipping over
- Quality enamel coating provides lasting protection from wear and the elements
- 9 different water patterns can suit a wide variety of garden shapes and sizes
What We Don’t Like
- Manual shutoff at sprinkler is less than ideal
- Lacks full range compared to other options; may not be ideal for large yards
This Bob Vila Approved product carries our brand’s highest level of recommendation.
Bob Vila Approved recognizes the household and DIY products that impressed us most in our real-world testing and that exemplify core values of the Bob Vila brand, including craftsmanship, innovation, and value for the dollar. Winners of this designation come recommended by our professional review team and are personally approved by Bob Vila.
With the flexibility of delivering a narrow strip of water or a triangular spray, among other patterns, the Dramm sprinkler delivers just the right amount of water at the turn of a dial. It comes in several cheerful colors. We chose bright cherry red, and the first thing we noticed was that the paint was more like a quality enamel than a thin coating.
The Dramm sprinkler features a heavy-duty metal base that weighs 14.4 ounces, so it didn’t move—as flimsy sprinklers are prone to do—when we turned on the water pressure. It sat perfectly flat and did not shift. The sprinkler comes with an adjustable dial head that can be rotated between the nine different spray patterns. Users can water long, narrow areas; circular spots; or virtually any other spot in the yard or garden without inadvertently watering a neighbor’s yard.
We selected watering patterns with just a quick rotation of the black ring in the sprinkler’s center. Like many sprinklers, the width and distance were adjustable by lowering or raising the water pressure at the spigot. The spray patterns are accurately depicted on the dial’s face, and each one offers a uniform water spray.
Get the Dramm lawn sprinkler at Amazon or Blain’s Farm & Fleet.
Best Bang for the Buck
Gilmour 60-Spot Circle Sprinkler
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Coverage 3.5/5; Durability 4.5/5; Value 4.8/5
Product Specs
- Type: Stationary
- Material: Metal
- Coverage: 30-foot diameter circle
What We Like
- Sizing is ideal for small nooks, flower beds, or gardens
- Metal construction is durable and can stand up to frequent use
- Affordable; a fraction of the price of other sprinkler options
- Sprays in a circular pattern and works well in low water-pressure areas
What We Don’t Like
- Smaller coverage is not suitable for large yards and gardens
- Can only be adjusted by changing the water flow at the spigot
At first, we almost didn’t see this little water sprinkler in the bottom of the shipping box—it’s just 3 inches long by 4.5 inches wide and stands less than 1 inch tall. It’s made to last, however, with its long-wearing metal construction. The body is molded from metal, and a durable metal spray insert is firmly attached to the top. This Gilmour sprinkler isn’t suitable for watering large yards, but it’s just the ticket for watering small nooks and spots that other sprinklers miss.
The sprinkler head sprays in a circular pattern that adjusts only by increasing or decreasing the water pressure at the spigot. The spray pattern is almost a perfect circle, and at maximum water pressure, it emitted a circle larger than advertised—nearly 45 feet in diameter. The high water pressure caused the sprinkler to list slightly to one side, so we would recommend using lower pressure to avoid this issue, or inserting a nail into the small hole at the top to help it remain flat if watering with high water pressure. We opted to use relatively low water pressure instead.
This little gem produces a uniform spray and is best suited to watering small areas in landscaped beds, rock gardens, and anywhere else a bigger sprinkler would be overkill.
Get the Gilmour lawn sprinkler at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or MSC Direct.
Best Oscillating
Eden 4,973 sq. ft. Turbo Oscillating Sprinkler
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Coverage 4.8/5; Durability 5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Oscillating
- Material: Metal and plastic
- Coverage: Up to 4,973 square feet
What We Like
- Can adjust oscillating range, water flow, and width of spray
- Heavy-duty metal base prevents sprinkler from tipping from high water pressure
- Features 20 nozzles and a turbo drive motor for even coverage
What We Don’t Like
- Might not meet listed coverage area without adequate water pressure
The Eden oscillating lawn sprinkler set can reach up to 4,973 square feet of lawn or garden. Since it has an adjustable range, width, and oscillating pattern, it’s a nice choice for yards of all sizes. The sprinkler features a heavy-duty metal base to prevent tipping and a sealed turbo-drive motor. It also comes with a built-in cleaning tool for clearing the nozzles.
Hooking up this lawn water sprinkler was as easy as attaching it to a lightweight garden hose. It also came with a quick-connection starter kit that includes a twist-and-lock mechanism to prevent accidental hose disconnection. After hooking up the hose, we turned it on and watered our yard on its maximum setting. Even with full water pressure, the metal base never tipped or twisted. We then used the push buttons on each side to narrow the spray’s width. These push buttons allowed us to go from using 20 jet nozzles to only 14.
The sprinkler also has sliding tabs to adjust the oscillating pattern and a water flow control knob for changing the range. We appreciated that this sprinkler had enough versatility to water our large lawn and small flower beds without wasteful overspray.
Get the Eden lawn sprinkler at Amazon.
Best for Small Lawns
Gardena ZoomMaxx Oscillating Sprinkler
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Coverage 4.5/5; Durability 4/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Type: Oscillating
- Material: Metal, plastic, and rubber
- Coverage: Up to 2,300 square feet
What We Like
- Solid construction; stays firmly in place during use
- Can adjust the range, spray pattern, and water flow to suit different needs
- Flexible spray dimensions; great for watering narrow spaces without overspray
What We Don’t Like
- Adjustment nozzle can be stiff
- Knobs limit the sprinkler’s reach; not ideal for large lawns
The first thing we noticed about the Gardena ZoomMaxx was how solid it was, so it stayed firmly put when in use. This is a great little compact sprinkler that can be adjusted to water various sizes of square and rectangular areas, covering a small space of about 8-foot square up to an area nearly 50 feet long by 20 feet wide. We were able to adjust the dimensions of the spray to water a narrow strip in our side yard and then readjust it to water a broader expanse of lawn.
The ZoomMaxx features 16 rubber nozzles on an oscillating head that moves back and forth with the pressure of the water. In addition, the sprinkler features a removable washable filter for keeping debris out of the moving sprinkler parts. We were impressed by the quality of the materials on the Gardena—it seems to be built to stand the test of time.
Get the Gardena lawn sprinkler at Amazon.
Best for Garden Beds
Melnor 65083-AMZ Multi-Adjustable Sprinkler
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Coverage 4.5/5; Durability 4/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Fixed spike
- Material: Plastic
- Coverage: Up to 30 feet diameter per spike
What We Like
- Each sprinkler features a 360-degree circular pattern, offering great coverage
- Spikes push easily into the ground for fast installation
- Can connect multiple spike sets to suit any yard size
What We Don’t Like
- Lightweight plastic construction is less durable than metal options
It never fails; the direct-post sprayers that work so well for watering garden plants and flowers in spring are soon too short to spray over the growing plants to water the ones behind. These multi-adjustable sprinklers from Melnor offer a workable solution. Along with three spike sprinklers, we received three 5-inch risers to elevate the sprinklers when needed.
Each sprinkler comes with an adjustable head that allows the user to select anywhere from a small stream of water to a 360-degree circular pattern. In addition, each sprinkler features both a male and a female hose attachment end so all three can be connected via hoses. We found the plastic spikes to be well built and solid—they pushed easily into the ground, and we could adjust the spray on all three to where it watered our plants perfectly. Those with large or complex garden spots could save a lot of watering time by connecting two or more of these spike sets, eliminating the need to move a sprinkler around constantly.
Get the Melnor spike lawn sprinkler at The Home Depot.
Best Smart Sprinkler
OtO Lawn Sprinkler
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Coverage 5/5; Durability 4/5; Value 4.3/5
Product Specs
- Type: Impact, smart
- Material: Plastic
- Coverage: Up to 30 feet diameter; 2,800 square feet total
What We Like
- Users can set custom zones for precise watering of lawns, flower beds, and gardens
- Monitors the local weather and skips watering on rainy days
- Compatible with OtO’s line of lawn solutions, including fertilizer, odor eliminator, and insect repellent
- Features a solar panel to keep it powered; also includes a charger for manual charging
What We Don’t Like
- Requires a reliable 2.45 gigahertz (GHz) internet connection and minimum water pressure of 50 PSI
- Expensive compared to other garden sprinklers; may be cost prohibitive for large yards
The OtO lawn sprinkler is a smart sprinkler with a 30-foot 360-degree reach that can water up to 2,800 square feet. It connects to Wi-Fi and allows users to customize the areas they’d like watered through its companion app. It also monitors the weather and skips watering on rainy days. This sm