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Oscillating sprinklers are an ideal way to give your lawn the daily and weekly dose of water it needs to thrive. Unlike standard models, these sprinklers automatically fluctuate in direction while spraying water, creating a fan pattern that can cover large areas of grass. We recently tested seven oscillating sprinklers at different price points and with various coverage ranges, construction, and adjustability features. To find top performers, we watered grass, manually measured the sprinkler’s range and width, tried all adjustments, and even dropped the sprinklers on concrete to test for durability.
We rated the Eden 4,973 sq. Ft. Turbo Oscillating Sprinkler Set the highest due to its tough construction and easy-to-adjust settings that allowed us to change the range, water flow, and spray pattern. The Eden model wasn’t the only sprinkler that earned our stamp of approval, though. Read below to learn about some of the best oscillating sprinklers on the market.
- BEST OVERALL: Eden 4,973 sq. ft. Turbo Oscillating Sprinkler Set
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Orbit Pro Series 4,000 sq. ft. Oscillating Sprinkler
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR LARGE LAWNS: Aqua Joe 4,973 sq. ft. Oscillating Sprinkler
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR SMALL LAWNS: Gardena ZoomMaxx 2,300 sq. ft. Oscillating Sprinkler
↓ Jump to Review - BEST ADJUSTABLE: Rocky Mountain Goods 4,100 sq. ft. Oscillating Sprinkler
↓ Jump to Review - BEST ALL-METAL: Dramm ColorStorm 3,036 sq. ft. Oscillating Sprinkler
↓ Jump to Review - BEST HEAVY-DUTY: Eden 4,300 sq. ft. Turbo Oscillating Sprinkler Set
↓ Jump to Review
How We Tested the Best Oscillating Sprinklers
An oscillating sprinkler has a sled base that supports a long sprinkler head fitted with up to 20 nozzles that shoot water. These sprinklers can water up to 5,000 square feet of grass at once but are adjustable for more precise watering needs.
To find the best, we looked for oscillating sprinklers that could water large, small, and narrow yards to meet the demands of different lawn sizes. We also chose some adjustable options that work in all types of scenarios.
We tested the sprinklers by watering our lawns on the maximum width and range and then using all adjustable settings. We used marking paint and a tape measure to calculate each sprinkler’s range and width. We also performed a durability test, which included dropping the sprinklers on concrete and then hooking them back up to check for damage or leaks. We compiled all testing data in a rubric, which we tallied and used to assign each sprinkler a rating.
| Testing Stats | |
| Products tested | 7 |
| Hours spent testing | 5+ |
| Tests performed | 6 |
| Price range | $25 to $55 |
Our Top Picks
We chose our top picks based on extensive research and thorough testing. These are some of the best oscillating sprinklers in their specific categories, and any of these models can be a worthy choice for irrigating a residential lawn or garden.
Best Overall
Eden 4,973 sq. ft. Turbo Oscillating Sprinkler Set
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.
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Adjustability 5/5; Coverage 4.7/5; Durability 5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Coverage: 4,973 square feet
- Construction: Metal and plastic
- Adjustability: Range, water flow, and spray pattern
What We Like
- Durably constructed with a heavy-gauge metal base and sealed drive
- Quick-connection fittings make it easy to attach and detach from garden hose
- Multiple controls for adjusting oscillating range, water flow, and spray pattern
What We Don’t Like
- Sprinkler may require high water pressure to meet the listed coverage
Durable construction, broad range, and adjustability make this Eden model one of the best oscillating sprinklers on the market. Its 20 nozzles boast coverage of up to 4,973 square feet. A dirt-resistant turbo drive motor ensures the sprinkler operates smoothly for even coverage, and a sturdy metal base provides durability and prevents the sprinkler from shifting while in use.
Setting up this sprinkler was as easy as connecting a water hose and adjusting the settings.
Three adjusters allowed us to turn sets of nozzles off and on to control width, suiting yards and flower beds of different sizes. Two independent slide adjusters located on the size of the sprinkler head allowed us to set the range, and a flow-control knob allowed for adjustment of the size of the watering area.
This sprinkler claims to cover 4,973 square feet of lawn, but actual coverage depends on your water pressure. With our spigot all the way on and a water pressure of 90 pounds per square inch (PSI), this sprinkler had a range of about 51 feet and a width of 48 feet, falling far below the promised 4,973 square feet. However, we found this to be true for all the sprinklers we tested, not just this one. With coverage varying by hose size and PSI, multiple sprinklers may be required to meet your lawn needs.
Get the Eden 4,973-square-foot oscillating sprinkler at Amazon.
Best Bang for the Buck
Orbit Pro Series 4,000 sq. ft. Oscillating Sprinkler
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Adjustability 3/5; Coverage 3.7/5; Durability 5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Coverage: 4,000 square feet
- Construction: Metal and plastic
- Adjustability: Oscillating range
What We Like
- Can adjust oscillating range to meet the needs of large or small lawns
- Durable metal base at an inexpensive price compared to similar models
- 19 precision jet nozzles cover a wide area of lawn
What We Don’t Like
- Covered 1,880 square feet during testing, falling far below the expected range
The Orbit Pro Series oscillating sprinkler is an inexpensive model that can cover areas up to 4,000 square feet. It features a sturdy, weatherproof metal base that keeps the sprinkler from tipping. Its sliding tabs allow for an easily adjusted oscillating spray range.
After hooking up the Orbit Pro Series sprinkler, we immediately noticed that it produced a much lower pressure water stream than the other sprinklers, even with our spigot all the way on. The low pressure resulted in slightly uneven coverage. After letting the sprinkler run on its maximum setting for 20 minutes, we adjusted the oscillating range using the sliding tabs. This allowed us to change the pattern in which the sprinkler sprayed, helping to avoid watering obstacles like sidewalks, houses, and streets.
Our durability test involved dropping the sprinkler on a concrete patio and hooking it back to our water hose to check for damage, which wasn’t apparent. While durable and inexpensive, the Orbit Pro Series won’t fit all needs. Since this sprinkler has no adjustable width, it’s not the best choice for narrow areas. Instead, it’s better suited for smaller yards or for big yards if you have strong water pressure.
Get the Orbit oscillating sprinkler at Amazon, Tractor Supply Co., Ace Hardware, or Walmart.
Best for Large Lawns
Aqua Joe 4,973 sq. ft. Oscillating Sprinkler
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Adjustability 5/5; Coverage 4.3/5; Durability 4/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Coverage: 4,973 square feet
- Construction: Metal and plastic
- Adjustability: Oscillating range, width, and water flow
What We Like
- Can change spray width from 20 to 14 jets for narrow spaces
- Has a water flow control knob and sliding tabs to adjust the oscillating range
- Features an indestructible metal base that won’t break, bend, or crack
What We Don’t Like
- Didn’t quite cover the advertised 4,973-square-foot area during our tests
Maintaining a lush lawn may require supplemental watering during the hottest months of the year. If you have a large lawn and don’t want to litter it with a dozen sprinklers, finding an option with good coverage is crucial. The Aqua Joe oscillating sprinkler features coverage of up to 4,973 square feet and comes with an indestructible metal base. It also had the greatest range out of all the sprinklers we tested.
After unboxing this oscillating lawn sprinkler, we hooked it to our hose and put it to work. It covered our yard evenly, providing extensive coverage. We then adjusted the width using the push buttons, which allowed us to cover a much more narrow space, ideal for in-between houses. We also changed the oscillating pattern by sliding the tabs and used the water flow knob to shorten the range that the water sprayed. All adjustable features worked smoothly and allowed for preciseness.
There wasn’t much we didn’t like about this sprinkler. The durable metal base didn’t break when we dropped it on a hard surface, and the adjustability was sensitive enough to meet many needs. The exact coverage will depend on your water pressure and the sprinkler settings. However, this is a good multiuse model.
Get the Aqua Joe oscillating sprinkler at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Best for Small Lawns
Gardena ZoomMaxx 2,300 sq. ft. Oscillating Sprinkler
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Adjustability 5/5; Coverage 4.3/5; Durability 3/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Coverage: 2,300 square feet
- Construction: Plastic
- Adjustability: Oscillating range, flow control, spray pattern
What We Like
- Capable of watering a very small area, making it ideal for gardens
- Sealed drive unit protects moving parts from dirt and debris
- Quick-connect fitting makes it easy to attach and detach from garden hose
What We Don’t Like
- Small maximum coverage area of just 2,300 square feet
- All-plastic construction not as durable as sprinklers with metal bases
By foregoing the traditional long and narrow design of most oscillating sprinklers in favor of a compact sprinkler head with multiple rows of nozzles, Gardena’s ZoomMaxx is suitable for watering smaller spaces. With its 2,300 square feet of coverage on 16 nozzles, it offers about half the coverage of other sprinklers in this category. However, the design has a smaller minimum coverage area—as little as 97 square feet—than a typical oscillating sprinkler. This small footprint allows it to water small yards, gardens, and flower beds without wasteful overspray.
We appreciated the easy-to-adjust settings on this garden sprinkler, which let us change the range between 10 and 60 feet and a width up to 40 feet. We used the maximum settings to cover the lawn and narrowed down the coverage area to keep our flower beds well watered.
To see if it could withstand the normal wear and tear of everyday life, we dropped the sprinkler on our concrete patio. While no pieces broke off, we noticed a minor leak after hooking it back up. Overall, it’s durable for a plastic oscillating sprinkler, but it didn’t fare as well as the metal options.
Get the Gardena oscillating sprinkler at Amazon or Walmart.
Best Adjustable
Rocky Mountain Goods 4,100 sq. ft. Oscillating Sprinkler
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Adjustability 5/5; Coverage 4.3/5; Durability 5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Coverage: 4,100 square feet
- Construction: Metal
- Adjustability: Oscillating range, width, and flow control
What We Like
- Push-button width control allows users to switch from 14 to 20 jet nozzles
- Heavy-duty metal construction stands up to drops and normal wear
- Can adjust oscillating range and water flow to prevent overspray
What We Don’t Like
- May not work well for those with low water pressure
Adjustable yard sprinklers allow for multiple uses. You can utilize them to water large freshly seeded lawns, narrow their coverage for newly planted flower beds, or use them as a garden water sprinkler. One great option for tackling these different jobs is the Rocky Mountain Goods oscillating sprinkler. It features sliding tabs to adjust the oscillating pattern, a water flow knob to control the range, and push buttons to adjust the width.
We set up this sprinkler by connecting it to our hose and then turned on our spigot to water the lawn. The coverage was even. We then adjusted the spray for our flower beds by using the push buttons to change the width and the flow control knob to lessen the range. All adjustable features worked well, allowing us to customize the watering area to prevent overspray.
The Rocky Mountain Goods sprinkler also fared well in our durability test, surviving several drops to the ground. With a maximum coverage of 4,100 square feet and a nice selection of adjustable features, it’s a solid option for lawns of all sizes.
Get the Rocky Mount Goods oscillating sprinkler at Amazon.
Best All-Metal
Dramm ColorStorm 3,036 sq. ft. Oscillating Sprinkler
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Adjustability 3/5; Coverage 4/5; Durability 5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Coverage: 3,036 square feet
- Construction: Metal
- Adjustability: Oscillating range, spray pattern
What We Like
- Features a built-in clean-out pin for clearing the brass jets
- Durable and long-lasting construction with metal base, sprinkler tube, and jets
- Easy to coordinate with other yard tools and decor with its 6 color options
What We Don’t Like
- Doesn’t have as many adjustment settings as other oscillating sprinklers
The Dramm oscillating sprinkler has coverage that maxes out at 3,036 square feet. It includes settings for adjusting the oscillating spray pattern and a flow-control knob that adjusts the range. There are also built-in pins at the ends of the spray tube for cleaning out the brass jets. This sprinkler is available in six colors. Consider going with green so it blends into the yard or picking bright orange to avoid accidentally running over it with the mower.
Right out of the box, the Dramm sprinkler’s all-metal construction felt durable, and it came out of our drop tests unscathed. We used it to water the lawn and then adjusted the settings so that the water spray concentrated on the flower beds on the side of our house. The coverage was even, and the sprinkler was a breeze to adjust.
Although well built, this sprinkler didn’t perform well with low water pressure. We used a water pressure gauge to adjust our hose to 30 PSI and then attached this sprinkler. Unfortunately, the range wasn’t more than a couple of feet, rendering it pretty useless. That said, it’s a good water sprinkler if you have higher water pressure and value durability.
Get the Dramm oscillating sprinkler at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or Walmart.
Best Heavy-Duty
Eden 4,300 sq. ft. Turbo Oscillating Sprinkler Set
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Adjustability 3/5; Coverage 3.7/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.7/5
Product Specs
- Coverage: 4,300 square feet
- Construction: Metal
- Adjustability: Oscillating range, flow control
What We Like
- Heavy-duty construction with all-metal base and sprinkler bar with brass nozzles
- Comes with quick-connect fittings that make it easy to attach and detach
- Tab slide controls for setting the oscillating range and easy-to-adjust flow-control knob
What We Don’t Like
- Does not have controls to adjust the width of the spray pattern
This oscillating sprinkler has a metal base and sprinkler bar, so it can endure harsh weather and abuse. Its sealed drive prevents dirt and debris from interfering with its oscillating movement. This Eden metal oscillating sprinkler has a broad coverage area of up to 4,300 square feet and comes with quick-connection fittings that make it easier to attach and detach the sprinkler from a garden hose. There’s also a built-in cleaning tool for clearing the nozzles.
The classic design of this oscillating sprinkler was easy to set up and adjust. The sliding tabs set the oscillating range, and an easy-to-turn knob controlled the water flow. It evenly watered small and large spaces. Unfortunately, there were no controls for adjusting the width, which prevented us from using it on more narrow spaces.
To ensure this sprinkler lived up to its heavy-duty reputation, we dropped it on a concrete patio four times and then hooked it back up to check for defects. There were no visible marks, and the sprinkler worked like new, with no leaks.
Get the Eden 4,300-square-foot oscillating sprinkler at Amazon.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing an Oscillating Sprinkler
Lawn size, the adjustability of the spray pattern, water pressure demands, and sprinkler construction are some of the important factors to consider when choosing the best oscillating water sprinklers for lawns and gardens. Keep reading to learn more about these and other factors to consider when shopping for the best oscillating sprinkler.
Lawn Size
Lawn size will help determine the best sprinkler, as it’s helpful to purchase a sprinkler that will minimize the number of times it must be moved to cover the entire yard. It’s also beneficial to choose a sprinkler with a spray that’s not too big so you can avoid wasteful overspray.
To determine the square footage of the yard or garden, multiply its length by its width. Then use this number—the area—to shop for the appropriately sized sprinkler. For example, a lawn that is 75 feet long by 50 feet wide would need a sprinkler that can cover at least 3,750 square feet.
Since oscillating sprinklers have a square-shaped coverage area, nonrectangular yards will require multiple sprinklers or a rotating sprinkler for full coverage. A larger yard also may need multiple sprinklers to cover the entire area in one watering session. Keep in mind that homes with water pressure below the standard 30 PSI won’t have enough pressure to meet the sprinkler’s maximum coverage standard.
Material
Oscillating sprinklers for lawn watering consist of either plastic or metal parts, and each material has its pros and cons.
- Metal sprinklers will better endure accidental impacts from a lawn mower or errant soccer ball and serve as a sturdier base for the oscillating sprinkler head, but they are more prone to corrosion and rust.
- Sprinklers with plastic parts are more affordable but will not withstand impacts as well. If leaks occur, you may have to replace parts such as sprinkler heads or valves if applicable or purchase a new sprinkler.
Oscillating sprinklers use a mechanism that moves the head back and forth slowly. Sprinklers that keep this mechanism in an enclosed chamber are more durable than models that have a drive exposed to the elements.
Though this design is less expensive, the gears in an exposed drive can clog with dirt and debris, preventing the sprinkler from oscillating. With that in mind, a sprinkler with an open drive needs to be stored during inclement weather to protect these moving parts.
Sled Base
Unlike other lawn sprinkler types, sled bases are not rooted to the ground by a stake, which can damage the yard. This design also makes it easy to maneuver them around the yard to cover multiple watering zones, much like a portable sprinkler system. Most sled bases are made of metal or plastic with an attachment for a standard garden hose and controls that adjust the range on one end.
Most oscillating irrigation sprinklers have a long sled base that is about 15 to 17 inches long and 5 to 6 inches wide, although some oscillating sprinklers use a sled base with a circular design that is about a foot in diameter. This large base provides a stable foundation that keeps the sprinkler steady as the head oscillates back and forth.
Spray and Adjustability
Oscillating sprinklers have a series of jets typically set in a line across an oscillating bar that sprays water up into the air. The jets are set at different angles to cover the watering area evenly. Most sprinklers have between 16 and 20 jets, with the latter providing the greatest amount of coverage. These jets oscillate back and forth at a consistent speed to allow for even watering across the entire coverage area.
The spray is also adjustable. Most oscillating sprinklers have an adjuster that controls how far the sprinkler head oscillates in either direction. Higher-end sprinklers usually allow the user to adjust the coverage area’s width, and some include a zoom knob that controls the size of the coverage area’s footprint.
Water Pressure
Most oscillating sprinklers base their maximum coverage on 30 PSI of water pressure, which suits a typical city water standard of about 30 to 50 PSI that most homes use. If the available water pressure is less, the sprinkler won’t be able to reach the stated maximum coverage. If the water pressure is too low, the water may not generate enough force to turn the oscillating sprinkler head. Those with homes with water pressure that falls below this 30 PSI threshold may want to consider a sprinkler designed for low pressure.
High water pressure also can have a negative impact on lawn sprinkler oscillating performance, causing the water to mist as it exits the nozzles. A pressure regulator attached between the garden hose and the sprinkler can reduce this pressure. The best way to determine a home’s water pressure is to use a water gauge or flow meter.
Water Conservation
Since an oscillating sprinkler can use about 17 gallons of water per minute, it’s important to look for features that help direct as much of that water to nourishing the lawn as possible. Oscillating sprinklers cover a fairly precise area, making it easy to position them to water-desired areas and only those areas. This helps conserve water and prevents wasteful watering of driveways and sidewalks. Those utilizing water from a pond or creek may need a sprinkler pump to facilitate proper water flow.
Some sprinklers include a built-in mechanical timer. A sprinkler with a timer allows the user to set the sprinkler to shut off after a set amount of time, making it a great solution for preventing overwatering for those who don’t have a sprinkler control system.
Convenience
Some oscillating sprinkler models include features that make them more convenient to use. This includes adapters that attach to the hose end, which make attaching and detaching the sprinkler easier. They eliminate the need to screw and unscrew the connector when it’s time to store the hose or the sprinkler.
Most oscillating sprinklers also include built-in strainers, which prevent debris from entering the sprinkler and clogging the nozzles. Higher-end oscillating sprinklers also have flow controls that allow the user to adjust water output. Some sprinklers include built-in timers, which will shut off the sprinkler after a preset period of time, preventing overwatering.
When faced with expensive sprinkler repair costs, the convenience and low cost of oscillating sprinklers can get you by until repairs to your permanent system are made.
FAQs
If you’re wondering how to best use an oscillating sprinkler, then read on for answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about these watering devices.
With its ability to cover 4,973 square feet, the Eden 4,973-square-foot oscillating sprinkler provides some of the broadest coverage of this sprinkler type, making it ideal for large yards. This sprinkler is also versatile. You can adjust it to cover a much smaller footprint to avoid overspray onto driveways and sidewalks. Another solid option is the Melnor sprinkler, which can cover 4,500 square feet.
Most oscillating sprinklers will produce about 1 inch of water per hour. At that rate, you’ll want to water your lawn for 1 hour, once a week, as most lawns need between 1 and 2 inches of water per week to stay healthy. When coming up with a weekly plan for how long to water your lawn, be sure to account for any rainfall and adjust the amount of time you run your oscillating sprinkler accordingly.
Oscillating sprinklers have adjusters that allow you to set how far the sprinkler head oscillates back and forth. After locating the adjusters on the sprinkler, slide the adjusters toward the sprinkler head to shorten the range or farther away from the head to broaden the range. Some sprinklers also have buttons or slide adjusters on the sprinkler bar that allow you to narrow or broaden the spray pattern.
Oscillating sprinklers can use up to 17 gallons of water per minute, depending on water pressure, hose size, and sprinkler settings.
Meet the Tester
Katie Barton has over 10 years of experience in product writing, has tested dozens of cleaning products, and has authored hundreds of articles for major media outlets. Her cleaning and organizing advice has been featured on GOBankingRates, Realtor.com, Yahoo!, Cabin Life, and more. She takes an unbiased approach to product testing, using each product multiple times or for several days/weeks to determine efficacy. Her goal is to help readers decide which products are worth their hard-earned money and which fall flat.
Additional research provided by Tony Carrick.
