Lawn Sprinklers

The Top 8 Best Lawn Sprinklers In 2023

by Carl Anderson

Updated on Jul 11, 2023

Watering your lawn shouldn't be difficult. It should be easy. The last thing any man or woman wants to do after a long week at work is spend hours on end watering their lawn on the weekend. But a good-looking lawn is a good-looking lawn. 

Our Best Lawn Sprinklers for 2023

List of Services

  • Short on time? Here's the BEST LAWN SPRINKLER in 2023

Eden Oscillating Sprinkler - The best lawn sprinkler overall for your beloved front yard. It's lightweight and efficient with a hug spray area. Great for easy watering. Check it out here.

Things to Consider Before Buying

Type

The type of sprinkler is the most important choice you have to make when choosing a sprinkler. You need to consider your local climate. You need to be aware of the water conservation efforts nearby.


Do you have a freshly seeded lawn, or is it more established? We assume you don't want a sprinkler for a vegetable garden, but it's still something to consider. There are six types:

Material

Lawn sprinklers are primarily made up of four different materials: plastic, metal, rubber, and silicone. Obviously, metal sprinklers tend to be more durable however, some plastics can be heavy-duty. Some cheaper materials can be brittle will break easily after one or two seasons. With the metal sprinklers, you'll want something that is either stainless steel or rust-proof chrome. These are the best materials out there for sprinklers. Things that are prone to rust due to all the water. These metal sprinklers come with sealed ball-bearing connectors that are the most durable. 

Coverage Area

Modern sprinkler heads come with the ability to adjust the pattern and distance of their water spray. While some are designed to spray farther or in certain spray patterns, most can be adjusted to do both. You typically can do this by flicking a lever on top on top of the sprinkler head. Some of those fun patterns include: circular, rectangular, triangular, fan-shaped.

Water Conservation

Water conservation is a pretty big deal considering what's going on these days. You should contact your local municipal watering authority to determine if your area is in a drought or now. Regardless, we are water conservation advocates - that's why we like drip irrigation so much. It's efficient and saves water. 

The Top 8 Best Lawn Sprinklers Reviewed - Full Analysis (Updated for 2023)

For those just starting out with sprinkler shopping, don't be afraid. They might vary in quality, price and water pattern so much that it could seem complicated, but it's not. Some yards could need one sprinkler, others could need more. If you are scared, just follow our advice and stick to the best lawn sprinklers overall. 

eden oscillting
  • Type: Oscillating
  • Material: Metal
  • Coverage: 3600 square feet

We liked the Eden Lawn & Garden sprinkler as the best overall because its cheap, effective, and simple enough to use that most homeowners shouldn't have a problem with it. It's an oscillating lawn sprinkler that sprays straight up and straight out.


You will have to go out and move it yourself from time to time to different parts of your lawn. Shouldn't be a problem for most people.


It has a built-in nozzle cleaning tool, and you are going to want to clean it. Cheaper sprinklers tend to clog more, and this one is no exception but if you keep up a regular maintenance routine, your lawn sprinkler should work fine for years to come.


The heavy base keeps this sprinkler steady, and you'll be able to recognize its flow pattern as a typical sprinkler flow pattern. At 40 PSI you can get the farthest spray out of this sprinkler to cover the most square feet.


Again, the 16 Nozzle variation of the sprinkler isn't clog resistant so if you are looking for something a bit more heavy-duty, then be sure to check out this one.

PROS

  • Cheap
  • Sprays 3600 feet
  • Can adjust range

CONS

  • Clogs
raigrow lawn sprinkler on a box
  • Type: Rotary
  • Material: Metal
  • Coverage: 85 square feet

Most lawn sprinklers aren't too expensive. No one sprinkler should break the bank. The Raigro Lawn Sprinkler with metal head is no different.


It can spray out water in a 360 degree spray pattern. Not only that, but the sprinkler head is extremely customizable. With the flip of a lever you can go from high intensity to low intensity, short to far, change the water stream and so much more.



The sprinkler has a metal base so it won't move or tip over despite its's erratic spray pattern. You can set it and forget it unlike some of the other sprinklers which could get stuck or clog or flip over. 

PROS

  • Rust-proof coated finish
  • 360-degree spray pattern
  • Fits all garden hoses

CONS

  • Need more than one to hit the whole yard
aqua joe oscillating sprinkler
  • Type: Oscillating
  • Material: Metal
  • Coverage: 3600 square feet

It's no secret that the Aqua Joe Oscillating Sprinkler is the best oscillating sprinkler in the game right now. You can't deny its capability and reputation as it has almost 30K positive reviews on Amazon.


We definitely would have put this sprinkler as the best lawn sprinkler overall but then we wouldn't have been able to list it as the best oscillating sprinkler.


This thing is an absolute unit. It can spray over 70 feet out. It's durable and clog-resistant. It can fit on to any standard garden hose connection, and it's really not that expensive. You can buy two of these without breaking the bank, and you probably should buy two of them.


The max pressure on this guy absolutely crushed the Eden sprinkler at 120 PSI. It was a water span of almost 40 feet and spray pattern common to the oscillating sprinkler. Definitely give this one a shot. 

PROS

  • 120 PSI
  • 3600 square feet
  • Amazon favorite

CONS

  • Requires monitoring
  • Type: Oscillating
  • Material: Metal & Rubber
  • Coverage: 2400 square feet

The Gardena Fully Adjustable is a beautiful piece of German machinery that's great for watering small to medium yards. It's a mighty little brute that can spray up to 2400 square feet with a 10 to 60 feet range of spray.


A great feature is that it's easy to clean. It has a removable filter which you can clean by tapping on the ground. It prevents dirt from entering the sprinkler so it doesn't clog.


For smaller ranges, you can lower it down to 96 square feet, which makes it great for gardens or small lawns. Not only that, but it prevents puddles from forming, keeping your lawn from overwatering as well as dry patches. Nothing better than a healthy lawn. 

PROS

  • Three adjustment options
  • 96 square feet to 2400 square feet
  • Sealed turbo gear

CONS

  • No customer support
rotary orbit
  • Type: Rotary
  • Material: Plastic & Metal
  • Coverage: 5620 square feet

The Orbit 6-Gear Drive Sprinkler is a magnificent beast. It seems tiny (and it is tiny) but it packs quite a punch being able to sprays water up to 5620 square feet in a 360-degree fashion.


That's at 80 feet in diameter if you set it to a full-circle spray. Not only that but it comes with 12 different spray patterns! Holy cow!


Do you really need that for watering your lawn? No, but we are irrigation dorks, and we like cool watering systems. 

PROS

  • 11 Spray patterns
  • Easy to use
  • Up to 65 PSI

CONS

  • Plastic
impact sprinkler on green tripod
  • Type: Impact
  • Material: Metal (Zinc)
  • Coverage: 5670 square feet

The Orbit Lawn Watering Impact Sprinkler is in its element when spraying large areas. Impact sprinklers are known for being able to spray the furthest, and this is no exception.


The uninterruptible water supply in the head is clog resistant and it can spray water even if you are irrigating from ponds or rivers. It sprays water up to 5670 square feet.


The best part about these impact sprinklers is the all-metal design. Unlike most sprinklers you buy, these were built to last.


We see these a lot for lawns or to cool off vegetable gardens or crop lines on a hot summer day (like in July). This sprinkler is a beast compared to other flimsy sprinklers and great for any irrigation system.

PROS

  • Deflector shield for backlash adjustment
  • Tripod that stands up to 37 inches in height
  • Easily connectable

CONS

  • Expensive
melnor for small beds
  • Type: Sprinkler Hose
  • Material: Plastic
  • Coverage: 1800 square feet

The Melnor Adjustable spike set sprinkler bundle is a great option for watering your garden. It covers up to 1800 feet with a gentle spray that's ideal for vegetable gardens or flower beds.


It won't overpower your favorite flowers but will still get them the water they need to grow and thrive. You can use it with or without the sprinkler risers to get at higher plants if needed.


These are in-ground sprinkler systems, so you have to spike them into the earth, and that is where they stay. The direct post sprayer is perfect for so many different types of plants within the garden. 

PROS

  • In-ground system
  • Adjustable angle, range and direction
  • 2 Year Warranty 

CONS

  • Can't move
  • Type: Traveling Sprinkler
  • Material: Plastic & Metal
  • Coverage: 13500 square feet

A sprinkler on wheels. Bet you never thought you'd see the day. Did you think we were kidding when we said lawn tractors?


Traveling sprinklers truly are the best lawn sprinklers. That's because they look hilarious and they are mobile. And they are great for any lawn size.


Okay, enough of the chit-chat. Why is this the best lawn sprinkler? Because it can cover 13500 square feet. It sprays water up to 55 feet in diameter as it runs along the course of your yard.


It travels at a self-propelled neutral pace across your lawn, giving your grass the necessary water. At the very least, we know you will have fun watering your lawn with this tractor. 

PROS

  • Three-position speed control
  • Travels along hose path
  • Sprays 15 to 55 feet in diameter

CONS

  • Can get stuck

Sweet New Earth's Top Pick for Which Lawn Sprinkler is the Best

Although most homeowners will do fine with the best overall Eden sprinkler, we prefer the Aqua Joe Oscillating sprinkler as the best lawn sprinkler. It simply pacts more punch, it sprays water cleaner, and the sprinkler itself is clog resistant. The numbers don't lie.


On top of that, the upgraded version does just a bit better with 20 nozzles instead of 16, and it's only a bit more money. We believe Aqua Joe is a reputable sprinkler brand, and the people agree. It has the most reviews out of any sprinkler system, and they are all overwhelmingly positive.

CHECK AMAZON PRICE

How We Chose The Best Lawn Sprinklers

lawn sprinkler green grass

Choosing the best lawn sprinklers came down to four major factors:

  • Sprinkler Type
  • Material
  • Coverage Area
  • Water Conservation

Sprinkler Type

The type of sprinkler is the most important choice you have to make when choosing a sprinkler. You need to consider your local climate. You need to be aware of the water conservation efforts nearby. Do you have a freshly seeded lawn, or is it more established? We assume you don't want a sprinkler for a vegetable garden, but it's still something to consider. There are six different sprinkler types you can buy for your lawn. They are:

  • Stationary sprinklers
  • Oscillating sprinklers
  • Rotary or impact sprinklers
  • Sprinkler hoses
  • Traveling sprinklers
  • In-ground sprinklers


Stationary sprinklers

Everybody knows what stationary sprinkler heads do. They are the sprinklers that do not move. The design can change, and the range can change, but stationary sprinkler heads spray in one way and one way only: forward. If you want them to cover different parts of the lawn, you'll need to go out and move them. These will connect directly to the garden hose, and they can spray up to 15 feet. Their primary purpose is to water small yards and gardens.


Oscillating sprinklers

Oscillating sprinklers are sprinklers that oscillate. What does oscillate mean? It means back and forth. These sprinklers are the ones that move back and forth, side to side, and are some of the most iconic sprinklers from back in the day. They cover more water than stationary sprinklers because of the spray fans out into the yard.


Rotary or impact sprinklers

Rotary sprinkles and impact sprinklers are the ones that rotate 360 degrees. That means they spin in a circular pattern. Round and round. Rotary sprinkler heads typically have two more more watering arms that spray the water. Impact sprinklers have a single jet that will click as it does its full rotation. Impact sprinklers are known for spraying water the farthest.


Sprinkler hoses

Sprinkler hoses are just rubber hoses that have small perforations lined along the top of the rubber, which spray a nice fine, mist. It's a controlled spray. They work well with long and narrow patches of grass. These are hoses that you see stretched out over the ground like a vine.


Traveling sprinklers

Traveling sprinklers are the ones you take with you on holidays. That's a joke. Just a joke. These are sprinklers that move around the lawn. How do sprinklers magically move around the lawn? They are called lawn tractors for a reason. They water the lawn like a lawn mower cutting the grass.


In-ground sprinklers

In-ground sprinkler systems are our favorite. As you know, when it comes to watering the garden, we like to set it and forget it. You can get your lawn on a tight watering schedule with in-ground watering systems. It's a pain in the rear to dig up the lawn with trenches, to map out the watering system, connect it to the main, and all that. But once you have them in the ground, you aren't going to regret it. You can even hook it up to a smart watering system to run your watering schedule from the couch using WiFi. This is the way. 

Material

Lawn sprinklers are primarily made up of four different materials: plastic, metal, rubber, and silicone. Obviously, metal sprinklers tend to be more durable however, some plastics can be heavy-duty. The heavier duty the material, the less the sprinkler will fade in color, and the more seasons of watering you'll get out of them. I feel like my Dad watered with the same sprinkler for 20 years. Some cheaper materials can be brittle will break easily after one or two seasons.


With the metal sprinklers, you'll want something that is either stainless steel or rust-proof chrome. These are the best materials out there for sprinklers. Things that are prone to rust due to all the water. These metal sprinklers come with sealed ball-bearing connectors that are the most durable. 

Coverage Area

Modern sprinkler heads come with the ability to adjust the pattern and distance of their water spray. While some are designed to spray farther or in certain spray patterns, most can be adjusted to do both. You typically can do this by flicking a lever on top on top of the sprinkler head. Some of those fun patterns include:

  • Circular Pattern
  • Rectangular Pattern
  • Triangular Pattern
  • Fan-shaped Patterns


Water pressure will dictate the range in which you can water your lawn. However much pressure on the hose will determine how far the sprinkler sprays. Taken to the extreme, if you turn a hose spigot close to off you'll notice the sprinkler begins to drip water. That's because of water pressure in the line.


If a distance impact sprinkler can shoot water over 15 yards, but the water pressure is low or the hose is off - the water isn't going to go anywhere. This seems like common sense but most people don't understand watering systems. Residential water supply usually sits between 30 and 60 PSI, and sprinklers are usually set to far less than that. All depends on the sprinkler heads. 

Water Conservation

Water conservation is a pretty big deal considering what's going on these days. You should contact your local municipal watering authority to determine if your area is in a drought or now. Regardless, we are water conservation advocates - that's why we like drip irrigation so much. It's efficient and saves water.


Watering your lawn is going to take a lot of water. Some sprinklers are designed to conserve water, or at the very least, they have a feature you can use to conserve water. In-ground sprinklers and above-ground sprinklers both come with different features you need to consider to water the lawn you'd like.

FAQs

  • How much time should you water your lawn?

    You should water your lawn enough time to average about 1 inch of water a week. 

  • What kind of sprinkler covers the most area?

    Sprinklers that cover most areas are traveling sprinklers. They start at one side of the lawn and work their way all the way to the other. Most people don't have traveling sprinklers. Second to these are oscillating sprinklers because they can spray water in a 360-degree pattern, and third would be impact sprinklers because they can usually spray at a distance. 

  • What should I look for in a sprinkler system?

    You should look for quality and efficiency in a sprinkler system. No point in buying a system that will break down after a few seasons, and no point in buying one that doesn't water the lawn well. Pick out the right system for your lawn to water without worry. 

Before you go...

Now that you know all about the best lawn sprinklers for your lawn, you realize that watering the lawn can be easy and efficient. Be sure to read our next guide on the best drip irrigation systems you can run through your garden to make watering your potted plants or raised beds easy too. Never worry about watering again...


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sweet_new_earth_owner_carl_anderson

Carl Anderson is the main author of Sweet New Earth. He is an avid outdoors enthusiast who loves gardening. He spends his time reading, hiking and learning about new ways to optimize his garden. You can learn more about him here.

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