A hose timer is an excellent tool to hydrate your lawn, garden, or greenhouse. And the best hose timer will take this to the next level you can easily control the water flow to provide the precise amount of water that each section of your yard requires.
But with so many options available, finding the right hose timer can be challenging. This is why we’ve compiled this guide to the best hose timer of 2022.
Budget options, automatic, electronic, mechanical-they’re all here, our top picks for the best hose timer in all categories.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
Orbit 62024 Single-Dial Hose Watering Digital Timer
Ideal Hose Timer For Lawns:
Orbit 58910 Programmable Hose Faucet Timer
Best Manual Option:
Gilmour 820054-1001 Mechanical Water Timer
Best Overall
Orbit 62024 Single-Dial Hose Watering Digital Timer
Another budget timer that packs a punch with its features is this digital timer from Orbit. It has a sturdy construction and is battery-powered using three AAA batteries.
It is equipped with a dial that controls watering frequency and duration. The device allows automated programming of two to 90 minutes with frequencies daily, alternating, or every third day.
Pros
- Works with a standard garden hose and outdoor faucet
- Affordable
- Stainless steel build
Cons
- No display
Ideal Hose Timer For Lawns
Orbit 58910 Programmable Hose Faucet Timer
This is the best hose timer for medium-sized lawns, as it has a durable plastic body that is water-resistant and will last many years. It comes with two outlets and operates with a rotary dial mechanism. It has a swivel connection and features a display screen.
The timer is battery-powered and retains all programmed settings even when the battery is removed. Its rain delay feature can pause watering for 24, 48, or 72 hours.
The watering duration can be set from one to 240 minutes, while the watering frequency is adjustable from every six hours to every seventh day.
You can also choose to manually water your lawn without disturbing your programming.
Pros
- Weather-resistant construction
- Two outlets
Cons
- No remote control
Best Manual Option
Gilmour 820054-1001 Mechanical Water Timer
If you do not need automatic programming for lawn watering, get this mechanical hose timer. It has a single outlet and a dial for convenient manual use.
The timer allows a watering duration from one to 120 minutes and shuts off automatically. This is a good deal if you have a small yard and enough time to operate the timer for every use manually.
Pros
- Metal body
- Two-year warranty
Cons
- Heavyweight
Raindrip R675CT Analog 3-Dial Water Timer, 1, Multi
From Raindrip, this is the best hose timer for homeowners with unpredictable schedules. You can use it for programmed watering, set for a rain delay, and manual override all at once without affecting other settings.
The device is battery-operated with three control dials and a low-battery indicator, making setup a breeze even if you aren’t tech-inclined.
All purchases come with a universal drip tubing adapter.
Pros
- Easy to operate
- Low-battery indicator
Cons
- No connectivity features
Orbit 21004 B-Hyve Smart Hose Timer
This best hose timer from Orbit is fully remote-controlled and super easy to set up and use. It has a weather sensor technology for more weather-conscious watering and complete usage analysis.
You can use the B-Hyve app to connect your hose to your Android phone, iOS device, and other gadgets. The device and app are a fantastic combination if you have little time and knowledge to water your lawn manually.
Pros
- Weather sensing
- Remote control using WiFi or Bluetooth
- Works with Alexa voice remote
Cons
- Tricky navigation for zonal management
Orbit 62034 Mechanical Watering Hose Timer
Another best hose timer that’s a hit with gardeners is this mechanical one from Orbit. It has a simple dial-up design and is adjustable from 15 to 120 minutes.
I recommend this one for those looking for a timer that will take care of their yard while they are off doing other chores. The affordable price is difficult to ignore!
Pros
- Easy to use
- Great price
Cons
- Manual operation
Melnor 65036-AAZ AquaTimer
This four-valve timer is the best hose timer for those with big lawns and no time to water them. It has four outlet valves, so zonal watering is a breeze. It is battery-powered (two AA batteries).
It has a one minute to six-hour run time, which can be adjusted to an hourly or weekly frequency. You can also delay scheduling by up to a week.
Pros
- Seven-day rain delays
- Four outlets
Cons
- No connectivity features
Instapark PWT-07 Outdoor Hose Timer
This sturdy timer is an excellent deal for its price. It has a rain delay feature, manual override, and flexible scheduling frequency and duration control. The frequency settings adjust from 10 seconds to a week, while the duration adjusts up to six hours.
The superior build is also power-optimized to run on two batteries for up to 12 months.
Pros
- Waterproof
- 24, 48, or 72 hours rain delays
Cons
- Single outlet
Gardena 31169 Mechanical Water Timer
A budget mechanical hose timer, the Gardena 31169 is a compact device suitable for tiny gardens. It features a large dial that controls watering duration and ranges from five to 120 minutes.
This device requires no batteries or power to operate.
Pros
- Compact device
- No batteries needed
Cons
- Single outlet
Gilmour 804014-1001 400GTD Outlet Electronic Timer
The Gilmour is the best hose timer for those looking to automate watering for their medium-sized lawns.
It features a durable body with a display, dial, and an automatic function that shuts the water off when the battery is low. You can set durations between one to 360 minutes. It also has an automatic rain delay of 24, 48, or 72 hours.
You can program either outlet separately for flexible watering functionalities.
Pros
- Two outlets
- Automatic functions
Cons
- Battery-powered
What is a Hose Timer, and Why Do You Need It?
A hose timer is a device you can use to control the water flow for a more flexible watering cycle.
Why do you need one?
It Saves Water
When you can control water flow, you will only use what you need, nothing more.
It’s Convenient to Use
Hose timers provide maximum convenience for homeowners who don’t have time to water their lawn manually.
8 Things to Consider Before Buying a Water Hose Timer
There are many types of water hose timers available today. Continue reading to understand their many features and specific purposes.
Mechanical vs. Automatic Timers
If you want a timer that does not require electricity, a mechanical timer is the obvious choice. These are manually operable, easy to use, and do not need a battery.
Automatic timers run on power sources and are programmable to different watering schedules. You can even connect them to your smartphone or smart devices.
Power Sourcing: Electronic vs. Solar Hose Timer
The next element to consider is the power source. Solar-powered timers may seem like a better deal as they are more eco-friendly. But these need to be placed where the solar panel can receive enough sunlight. This can be a problem if your region remains shaded during certain seasons.
Electronic timers are powered with one or more AA batteries. Unfortunately, these may not be the best choice for the environment.
A manual timer that requires no power to operate is also an option.
Wifi-Enabled or Bluetooth-Enabled
Hose timers also support smart technology, so users can automate their functions through a smartphone, tablet, or smart home device with a WiFi or Bluetooth connection.
WiFi connectivity allows users to connect to multiple devices at once. With Bluetooth, you can only connect to one device at a time, and you will need a specific mobile app to control the settings.
Water Sourcing and Number of Hose Outlets
Your water source must be compatible with the following:
Hose Timer
Water source and hose timer compatibility depends on water pressure level, water valve size and threading, and timer functionality.
Water Pressure
Hose timers come with pressure limitations specified by the manufacturer. This refers to the maximum water pressure of water faucets compatible with the timer. This rating depends on property type or pressure (noted in psi).
Water Valve Type
Water valve and timer compatibility is dependent on the size of the water valve outlet and its threading type.
Automation – Zoning and Programmability
A timer that supports multiple zones is beneficial if you have a large yard or garden with many different plants in shaded and non-shaded areas.
Some timers have advanced programmability features that allow users to set multiple water schedules and cycles that can be set for weeks, months, or even years at once.
Such devices are a must for drought-prone locations and areas with strict water conservation regulations.
Rain Delay/Sensing/Forecasting Technology
Hose timers are also well equipped to handle the demands of changing weather.
Rain-delay functionality allows users to either manually or remotely delay the watering schedule for a certain period.
Complex functions include forecasting and rain-sensing. With weather forecasting, the timer aligns the watering schedule with local forecasts. And with rain-sensing, the system aligns watering with soil saturation levels. These features can significantly conserve water and optimize resources.
Waterproof Ability
Most hose timers aren’t waterproof, which shortens the device’s lifespan. Especially vulnerable are timers that run on batteries or contain digital components.
A waterproof timer might be better since it will likely prolong the life of your garden hose timer.
Watering Tips and Tricks
- Make sure water reaches the plant roots.
- Water gradually to prevent soil run-off.
- Use drip irrigation systems to save water.
- Water your plants early in the morning or before sunset.
- Water less often with more water (ideally, only once or twice a week).
- Allow the soil to dry out between watering cycles.
FAQs About Hose Timers
Are hose timers waterproof?
No.
Hose timers aren’t waterproof, and they are not meant for submerging in water. These devices are water-resistant at best and can handle light water sprays.
Do hose timers need maintenance?
Yes.
Depending on the frequency of usage, inspect your hose timer at least once a month.
How long do hose timers last?
A properly maintained hose timer can last up to three years.
Wrapping up the Best Hose Timers For 2022
This complete coverage of the various types of hose timers for every gardener is meant to equip you with all the information needed to select the best hose timer for your needs.
You can’t go wrong with any of the choices on our list, but we think you’ll be especially happy with the Orbit 62024, our pick for Best Overall.
Hose timers are just one tool that helps you keep your garden hydrated and healthy. Want to become an expert on watering? Then visit our Garden Watering page where you’ll find lots of resources about the best products and methods for satisfying your garden’s watering needs.
Shopping for your garden can get overwhelming, fast. So if you’re looking for advice on garden tools and garden supplies, then you’re in the right place!