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Expert Picks for January 2026

Best Sprinklers

Your lawn deserves better than you standing there with a hose. We compared sprinklers from oscillating classics to traveling wonders—finding what covers evenly and what leaves brown patches.

Last updated: January 28, 2026

Best Overall Comparison All Products User Reviews Buying Guide FAQ

Best Overall Our top recommendation

Best Overall

Melnor

XT Turbo Oscillating Sprinkler

4.5 (32,567 reviews)

The oscillating sprinkler that actually oscillates reliably. That turbo motor keeps things moving even at lower pressure. Adjust the coverage pattern with tabs instead of fighting with the whole unit. This is the one.

Coverage

Up to 4,500 sq ft

Pattern

Rectangular

Adjustment

20 precision jets

Flow

Adjustable

Pros

✓ Covers up to 4,500 sq ft
✓ Infinity Turbo motor
✓ Adjustable pattern tabs

Cons

✗ Plastic construction
✗ Motor can fail after years
✗ Not for low pressure

$35

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Head-to-Head Comparison

Product	Rating	Price	Action
XT Turbo Oscillating Sprinkler Best Melnor	4.5	$35	View
Voyager II Traveling Sprinkler Orbit	4.4	$89	View
ZoomMaxx Oscillating Sprinkler Value Gardena	4.6	$28	View
Pattern Master Circular Sprinkler Gilmour	4.2	$14	View
Impact Sprinkler on Tripod Rain Bird	4.7	$62	View

* Prices may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

All Recommended Products

Best Overall

Melnor

XT Turbo Oscillating Sprinkler

4.5 (32,567 reviews)

Coverage

Up to 4,500 sq ft

Pattern

Rectangular

Adjustment

20 precision jets

Flow

Adjustable

Pros

✓ Covers up to 4,500 sq ft
✓ Infinity Turbo motor
✓ Adjustable pattern tabs

Cons

✗ Plastic construction
✗ Motor can fail after years
✗ Not for low pressure

$35

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Premium Pick

Orbit

Voyager II Traveling Sprinkler

4.4 (8,976 reviews)

The lawn tractor of sprinklers. Lay your hose in the path you want watered, set this little tractor rolling, and watch it follow the hose while watering everything in its path. For big lawns, it's pure magic.

Coverage

13,500 sq ft

Speed

3 settings

Arms

Rotating dual

Power

Water pressure

Pros

✓ Self-propelled coverage
✓ Covers 13,500 sq ft
✓ Three-speed transmission

Cons

✗ Needs hose path laid out
✗ Heavy
✗ Overkill for small yards

$89

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Best Value

Gardena

ZoomMaxx Oscillating Sprinkler

4.6 (12,345 reviews)

German engineering for your lawn. The ZoomMaxx covers small to medium yards with precision you can dial in exactly. That weighted base stays put instead of tipping over. Quiet enough that neighbors won't complain.

Coverage

Up to 2,800 sq ft

Pattern

Rectangular

Adjustment

Range and width dials

Base

Weighted

Pros

✓ Compact design
✓ Adjustable range and width
✓ Quiet operation

Cons

✗ Smaller coverage area
✗ Not for large lawns
✗ Plastic components

$28

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Budget Pick

Gilmour

Pattern Master Circular Sprinkler

4.2 (18,765 reviews)

Six patterns, one dial. This simple sprinkler does exactly what it promises without complexity or premium price. Metal spike base holds firm. For small yards or targeted watering, it's all you need.

Coverage

Up to 70 ft diameter

Patterns

6 spray options

Base

Metal spike

Head

Rotating

Pros

✓ Six pattern options
✓ Metal base
✓ Simple operation

Cons

✗ Limited range
✗ No fine-tuning
✗ Basic plastic head

$14

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Rain Bird

Impact Sprinkler on Tripod

4.7 (6,543 reviews)

The classic click-click-click sprinkler on a tripod. Rain Bird's impact head is what pros use because it just works—decade after decade. Height adjustment clears tall plants. Covers serious acreage.

Coverage

Up to 90 ft diameter

Height

Adjustable to 48"

Pattern

Full/part circle

Construction

Brass/zinc

Pros

✓ Adjustable up to 48" high
✓ Full or part circle
✓ Heavy-duty metal head

Cons

✗ Loud clicking sound
✗ Takes up space
✗ Tripod can tip on slopes

$62

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Buying Guide: How to Choose Sprinklers

How to Choose a Sprinkler

Your lawn is dying in patches and you're out there with a hose like it's 1952. Time for a sprinkler. But which one? The garden center has a wall of options and they all claim to be the best.

Types of Sprinklers

Oscillating
That back-and-forth wave pattern covers rectangular areas perfectly. Best for square or rectangular lawns. Look for models with adjustable tabs to customize coverage.

Impact/Impulse
The classic click-click-click your parents had. Covers huge circular areas and handles low pressure well. Loud but reliable. Great for large lawns.

Rotary
Spinning arms throw water in circles. Good coverage, less wind drift than oscillating. Available from simple to sophisticated.

Traveling
Self-propelled units that follow your hose path. Overkill for small yards but perfect for large, irregular shapes. The lazy gardener's dream.

### Matching Sprinkler to Yard

Small urban yard? Oscillating or stationary.
Medium suburban lawn? Oscillating or rotary.
Large property? Impact or traveling.
Irregular shape? Traveling or multiple units.

### Water Pressure Reality

Most sprinklers need 30-50 PSI. Low pressure homes (common with wells) need impact sprinklers or low-pressure specific models. Check your pressure before buying—a sprinkler rated for 45 PSI won't work at 25 PSI.

### Coverage Claims Are Optimistic

That "covers 4,500 sq ft" is under perfect conditions. In reality, expect 60-70% of claimed coverage for even watering. Better to overlap slightly than have brown strips.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sprinklers

Why does my sprinkler water unevenly?

Common causes: low water pressure, clogged jets, worn internal parts, or wrong sprinkler type for your yard shape. Clean the jets with a pin, check your pressure, and ensure coverage areas overlap. Oscillating sprinklers water edges more than centers—adjust tabs to compensate.

When is the best time to run sprinklers?

Early morning, 4-10 AM. Water pressure is highest, evaporation lowest, and grass has all day to dry (reducing disease). Evening watering leaves grass wet overnight, inviting fungus. Midday watering loses 30%+ to evaporation.

How long should I run my sprinkler?

Until you've delivered about 1" of water per week (total, not per session). Place tuna cans around your yard and time how long to fill them 1". Most lawns need 2-3 sessions of 20-30 minutes. Deep, infrequent watering beats daily light watering.

Can I connect multiple sprinklers?

Yes, but pressure drops with each connection. Two sprinklers on one hose typically works. Three or more usually results in weak coverage. Use a splitter with individual shutoffs to control which runs. Better: invest in traveling sprinkler for large areas.

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