10 Best Motion Activated Sprinklers Compared & Reviewed

 

Best Motion Activated Sprinkler Review – Top Rated Models with Buying Guide

 

The best motion activated sprinklers have features that are important to keeping animals away from your property. Therefore, being well-documented is a must. This is why our team has examined the most sought-after products on the market in order to help you choose a product that suits your needs, and has come to the conclusion that the Ortho ScareCrow Motion Activated Animal Repellent is a great choice. It is efficient at minimizing water consumption and it also works on one 9V battery. By using this battery alone, it will be able to protect your property for as long as 6 months. It is reliable and will keep animals of all sizes away which is great because people with all sorts of needs will be able to use it safely. However, if this product is not available in your area, the Orbit 62100 Yard Motion-Activated Sprinkler is also a great option.

 

 

Comparison table

 

 

 

10 Best Motion Activated Sprinklers (Updated Reviews) in 2024

 

 

For people who are looking for the best motion activated sprinkler, our team has analyzed the most popular products on the market in terms of animal repellent sprinklers by reviewing their efficiency, energy consumption, their durability, their quality, and their performance. Here you have several motion activated sprinkler reviews to look at.

 

 

1. Ortho ScareCrow Motion Activated Animal Repellent

 

If you are looking for a sprinkler that keeps animals away from your property and is also durable and efficient in terms of energy consumption, then the ScareCrow Motion Activated Sprinkler is what you are looking for. Using just one 9V battery, this sprinkler will keep unwanted animals away for up to 6 months.

It uses a system that involves motion, water, and noise in order to scare animals away. Due to the fact that they get scared, they will avoid coming back. It is able to detect all sorts of animals like cats, dogs, deer, raccoons, so it is a good companion that will not let invaders into your yard. 

It is very easy to assemble and you get all the instructions needed from the manufacturer. If you have a very large area that you need to protect, you should consider this animal repellent because it can keep an area of 1200 square feet free from intruders.

 

Pros

It is great in terms of conserving water because it uses between 2 and 3 cups of water per one activation.

It is energy-efficient and works for 6 months using only one battery of 9V so you will not have to worry about changing it often.

It will spray water up to 35 feet away, so it is a great choice for relatively large areas. 

The manufacturers have used materials that prevent the product from leaking, which is great news because this means that you will not lose unnecessary water, therefore you will not waste any money.

It is durable and reliable due to the one-lens detection system which is very efficient.

 

Cons

The problem that this product comes with is the fact that it does not work really well at detecting tiny animals, like mice. 

Also, the battery is not included in the package so you will have to purchase it separately.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

2. Orbit 62100 Yard Motion-Activated Sprinkler

 

While being one of the most popular products on the market, the Orbit 62100 really comes with amazing features that make it a great choice not only because it is popular, but because it does a really great job.

The great thing about it is that you have many options in terms of adjustability. So, you can set it to be used both night and day, only during the night or only during the day. The angle is adjustable on a 120-degree range and you can also adjust the timing of the cycles. 

It has a great variety of animals that it can repel and the other great thing about it is that it does not consume a lot of water, neither does it consume a lot of energy, so you will be able to use it for a very long time without giving up on energy consumption reduction.

 

Pros

It uses a sensing technology that will allow you to maximize battery efficiency in order to save energy.

The amount of water used for every sprinkle session is very low as it consumes 2 cups of water, allowing you to save it. 

The sensor is adjustable in order for you to be able to customize the sprinkler’s sensitivity according to your needs.

The energy efficiency is outstanding, using only 4 AA batteries in order to provide for 7,500 cycles.

It is very easy to control when it comes to angles, which means that you will be able to easily adjust it for small or large animals.

 

Cons

Even though the product is made of metal, some pieces are made of plastic and can deteriorate quickly.

Compared to other products, this sprinkler’s sensor is very sensitive so you will definitely need to adjust it in order for it to work properly.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

3. Havahart 5277 Motion-Activated Animal Repellent

 

If you are looking for a motion-activated sprinkler that you can use both night and day, this is a great choice especially because you will be able to use it as a normal sprinkle as well. The sensor that this product comes with has an outstanding detection range of 100 feet using infrared light. 

However, it will sprinkle water only on a range of 35 feet which is relatively well, but do not confuse it with the detection range. It is green, so it will blend well in your lawn and it is a great product to keep squirrels away from your property. 

Overall, it comes with great value for your money because it can keep deer away, it is very easy to assemble, and covers a relatively large area. The sensitivity can be adjusted on 4 levels and you can also turn it off or use it as a normal sprinkler by setting it on ‘sprinkle’.

 

Pros

This motion-activated sprinkler is great because it can serve you as a regular sprinkler as well, making it a great choice for your lawn.

In terms of energy, it is really efficient as it works on only 2 AA batteries.

If you have a large property that you want to protect from intruders, this product is great because it can detect them at a range of 100 feet.

It has a knob that will not allow the sprinkler to activate when it is not necessary.

The product is very durable due to the metal that the spike is made of.

 

Cons

Animals will not be very scared of this sprinkler because it doesn’t make any sound when it starts sprinkling water.

You will not be able to customize the sprinkler’s head up and down, so you will not be able to adjust the angle in order to make a difference between small and large invaders.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

4. Havahart 5266 Spray Away Motion Activated Sprinkler

 

Havahart has many models of motion activated sprinklers in order to suit everyone’s preferences when it comes to features but also when it comes to costs. The Havahart 5266 is a great choice for people who want to be able to adjust the sprinkler’s sensitivity in order to be able to detect animals of different sizes which move at different speeds.

The materials that it is made of are heavy-duty, so the sprinkler reacts well to different temperatures without breaking or cracking. It can spray water in a range of 35 feet and it has the ability to keep invaders away in a 1,900-square-foot area without any problems. 

A great thing about this product is that it has a system that will draw your attention to the fact that the batteries are low, so you will not have the unpleasant surprise that the sprinkler is not working because you did not change them in time.

 

Pros

The sensor is equipped with 9 sensitivity options which will help you adjust the sprinkler according to the types of animals you want to repel.

The area that will be protected by this sprinkler can go up to 1,900 square feet.

You will be able to adjust the intervals at which the sprinkler starts watering in order to customize its use according to the habits of the animals around your home.

You can use it to repel any type of animal you want due to its adjustable features.

The great thing about it is that this sprinkler is one of the easy-to-set-up sprinklers and you will not need to do anything special in order to use it.

 

Cons

The manufacturers do not include the batteries in the package.

The materials that the sprinkler is made of are not the best when it comes to quality, but the product can do a good job if it is not used continuously.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

5. Abco Tech Activated Motion Sensor Water Sprinkler

 

If you are looking for a minimalistic activated motion sprinkler to repel the unwanted animals that might intrude on your property, this sprinkler from Abco Tech is the one that you need. It is very easy to assemble and use and you will be able to keep animals and birds away for a long time without harming them.

Its ease of use is outstanding and, combined with its sturdiness, this will be a great animal repellent. You can use multiple sprinklers if you have very large areas that you want to keep animals away from and it is a great practice to direct them differently in order to cover a 360-degree area.

Overall, this is an affordable product that will do a great job and you will be able to rest peacefully knowing that your property is protected and that intruders will not make a habit of feeding or resting in your vicinity.

 

Pros

It shoots water for only 5 seconds after detecting the intruder and it will reactivate only if it detects motion again, which will reduce water and energy consumption.

Unlike other similar products, this one has a metal stake that comes with 2 advantages: it makes the sprinkle durable and also very easy to install.

It also uses noise to scare the animals, which makes it more effective than other similar products which use only a water jet.

It is adjustable, so you will be able to get rid of the unwanted intruders effectively.

 

Cons

Although the sensor is adjustable, when it is set to a more sensitive option, it might turn on even if it detects rain, so make sure that you adjust the settings in order to reduce sensitivity.

The sensor does not move around so the product will be able to detect only the animals that come from the direction it is positioned toward.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

6. COSTWAY Scarecrow Motion Activated Animal Repellent

 

If you want to protect from invaders a property that is up to 1200 square feet, you will be very happy using this sprinkler because it comes with many great features that will help you keep the animals away. Using a lens, it is able to detect motion and when it does so, it shoots water toward it while emitting sounds.

The motion detector is very proficient and is able to detect all sorts of animals like squirrels, dogs, cats, and a lot more in order to offer maximum protection. It can spray up to 32 feet away which is a bit less compared to its top competitors, but still in a good range.

The sensor is able to move in a range of 120 degrees and the sprinkler also comes with adjustable time in terms of how often it moves around to spot animal invaders.

 

Pros

The perimeter that this sprinkle can cover is relatively large and it can easily have a place among the top products on the market.

It is manufactured in such a way that it will not leak, which will make the shots more water-abundant and powerful and will also reduce the amount of water it uses.

It is safe to use and you will not have to worry that it will activate by chance or when it is not set to be activated.

It comes with a battery that can charge with sunlight which is great because it will protect the environment and will reduce the amount of energy you use on it.

 

Cons

Even though this product has so many great features, it is not as durable as some of its competitors, which may not please some homeowners.

Also, the sensor is not very sensitive and it might miss small animals. Still, it is a great choice if you want to repel bigger ones.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

7. Contech Spray Away Electronic Pest Repellent

 

If you are looking for a product that comes with a great warranty period, then this sprinkler is for you. The 24-month warranty is proof of the quality of this motion-activated sprinkler. It is a great choice if you want to deter animals of all sizes like dogs, cats, foxes, rabbits, and others.

It is a good choice for people who want to protect a medium area in terms of size because it can protect up to 1000 square feet. If you have a larger property that you want to keep intruders away from, a great practice is to connect more products. 

The design that the manufacturers have made for this sprinkler makes it very efficient and also very easy to set up. It is also efficient in terms of energy, so it uses only one 9V battery in order to work properly. The quality of the materials is relatively good, this is why it comes with such a large period of warranty.

 

Pros

It has proven to be very effective in keeping large animals away from the protected property, so it does a great job of making them stay away from your yard or garden.

It is very easy to set up and install and you will not need the help of a professional to do it.

It works very well on small animals as well, like cats and squirrels, you just have to adjust it according to your needs.

It creates noise and motion that will take invaders by surprise which, combined with the water jet, make it really effective in giving unwanted animals a good scaring session.

 

Cons

The bad thing is that, like many other similar products, it is made entirely of plastic, which can crack and break very easily, so you will have to pay attention when you insert it into the soil, but also where you place it in order not to damage it.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

8. Tangkula Sprinkler Solar Motion Activated Animal Repellent

 

If you like the Scarecrow sprinkler but you feel like it is a little bit expensive for your needs, the Tanakula mimics its features but it is a little bit more affordable. Even if the price is lower, this sprinkler has a 120-degree angle on which it can detect motion and it also has an adjustable sprayer.

The great thing about it is that it charges on solar power and you will not need to invest in it in terms of batteries. The quality of the materials used to produce this motion-activated sprinkler is not very high, but it is a great option to keep animals from damaging your property because it does a great job of scaring them away.

If you are looking for an environmentally friendly device that comes at an affordable price, this is a great choice because it comes with great features and offers decent performance compared to its competitors.

 

Pros

The sensor is very versatile in terms of position and it can be moved vertically to be able to detect animals of all sizes, but also horizontally on a 120-degree angle that ensures greater coverage.

The solar power panel is great because it makes the product energy-efficient and also reduces your expenses and your worries about the functioning of the product.

You can connect it to other devices in order to be able to protect all of your property including your yard, lawn, and garden.

You can change the product if parts of it are not working properly because the manufacturers are offering full coverage of the expenses.

 

Cons

Some parts of this product are made of plastic, so it is not as durable as some of its competitors.

It is a bit unstable because the stake is short, which makes it prone to be knocked down.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

9. KKmoon Solar Powered Motion Activated Sprinkler

 

For people who are looking for a way to keep animals away but which will not be harmful to them, the KKmoon Motion Activated Sprinkler is a great option that is also environmentally friendly because it is solar-powered. This is also great because you will spend less money on batteries.

The thing that you will also like about it is that it has a sensor that will allow the device to know the difference between animals and plants like trees, therefore it will not activate when it does not need to, conserving energy and water.

It has an infrared induction angle of 120 degrees and it can cover an area of 90 square meters or 969 square feet without any problems. The time is also adjustable and you will be able to set it to spray water every 10 minutes, every 20 minutes, or every 30 minutes. Also, you can set it to be active during the day, during the night, or 24 hours a day.

 

Pros

You can customize its use according to the habits of the animals that you want to repel in order to make the product work for you.

It is pretty sturdy and you will be able to easily insert the stack inside the soil without worrying that it will break.

It uses a water jet combined with noise and motion to deter animals, which makes it a lot more effective than many other products in the line. 

The great thing about it is that you can adjust the distance at which you want the sprinkler to spray the water and also the size of the animals that you want it to deter.

 

Cons

The problem with this product is that some parts are made of plastic and the possibility of it deteriorating quicker than some of its competitors is pretty high.

You have to purchase a separate adapter for your hose because you will not be able to connect it otherwise.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

10. Melnor 15555 Jet Spray Animal Repeller

 

If you are looking for a great way to keep groundhogs away from your property, this jet spray from Melnor is a good choice because it does a really great job. It is relatively sturdy because it has a metal spike that is easier to be inserted into the soil, even if the soil is hard, without breaking it.

It is adjustable and can be fitted to your needs in terms of what animals you want to repel and it uses less water than some of its competitors while still being able to keep intruders away.

The manufacturers have come up with the idea of giving you the possibility of attaching it to a solar panel, which makes it environmentally friendly and also reduces your expenses. It is very easy to put together and install and you will not encounter any problems while using it if you follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

 

Pros

The fact that the sprinkler has a spike made of metal makes it one of the favorites in terms of sturdiness which is a really important feature because, if the sprinkler is not sturdy enough, it can not protect the area well.

You will be able to use it for a whole season which is pretty great because the products in the same price range are not always this good.

The possibility of attaching it to a solar panel makes it environmentally friendly and a great choice if you want a low-maintenance product.

It is very easy to put together and install, which will reduce the time you spend on it.

 

Cons

The motion sensor is not very sensitive and it might not be as efficient in detecting very small animals. So you have to pay attention to point it in the right direction when you use it.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

Our Comprehensive Buying Guide

 

There are a lot of products on the market that promise that they will keep any type of animal off your property, but what really makes a motion activated sprinkler a good one? 

Is an Orbit motion activated sprinkler better than a Havahart motion activated sprinkler or are they the same in terms of performance? Should you buy a Melnor sprinkler or an Orbit sprinkler or should you go for a Scarecrow sprinkler motion-activated repellent? What is a motion activated sprinkler no hose attached?

These are questions that every person who wants to protect their property in a safe way for both the environment and the animals is asking and, after you read this buying guide, you will be able to know what features to look for in order to buy a product that fits your needs.

Materials that a motion activated sprinkler animal repellent is made of

When you choose a good sprinkler, it is very important to pay attention to the materials that it is made of, especially to the spike. If it is made of plastic, it is possible that it will break or crack when you insert it into the ground. 

Also, a spike made of metal will offer greater stability and sturdiness which is really important because if the spike is not stable when the water strikes out of the sprinkler, it might fall over, especially if the spike is also short.

Good seals are also essential because if the sprinkler leaks, it will consume more water which will not make it very efficient and your costs will increase.

 

Where does the motion activated sprinkler get its power from?

This matters also in terms of energy efficiency. Most products work on batteries. Some use AA batteries, 2 or 4, and others use 9V batteries. The most efficient ones can be connected to a solar panel or have a smaller panel attached in order to charge during the day.

Why water matters

Actually, the jet is the most important and the essential thing about it is its adjustability. While you want to repel animals, you don’t want to hurt them. So if the jet is not adjustable, it might hit a bird with the same amount of water that it would use on a deer, and the bird could easily get hurt. This is why it is important to be able to adjust the jet according to your needs.

 

What can the sensor detect, is the sprinkler adjustable, and why does it matter?

A good motion activated sprinkler for dogs can also detect very small animals that move fast or slow. However, not all sprinklers have a great motion sensor and its sensitivity is essential. A performant motion activated sprinkler system has a sensor that can be adjusted. 

For example, you might have pets around your yard which are outside during the day, but during the night you might not want any raccoons or deer to damage your yard. Therefore, a sprinkler that can be adjusted to work only during the night or only during the day comes as a great helper.

Another important thing when it comes to the sensor is its ability to detect small or large animals on a wide range. So you should look for sprinklers that have a wide angle for detecting intruders and that are also able to detect animals in a large area.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q: How does a motion activated sprinkler work?

Even if there are a multitude of sprinkle repellents on the market, a motion activated water sprinkler has a simple mechanism that it uses in order to repel animals. The essential thing about it is that it has a sensor that detects motion or heat in the area that the sensor covers. It usually uses infrared light to do so.

After it has detected an intruder, the device shoots water toward its target in order to scare it, so that the animal will go away and also remember the experience in order to avoid your property. There are sprinkles that also have the option of being used as a normal sprinkler by adjusting their settings.

Most affordable motion activated sprinklers also use noise in order to make the experience of the animal even scarier. There are cheap motion activated sprinklers that do not use this feature, so they are not so effective in keeping animals away.

Q: Do motion activated sprinklers work for deer?

It depends on how much you want to invest. A cheap motion activated sprinkler will not have the option of adjusting the sensor in order to detect large animals, so before you decide to purchase one you should look for a model that is made for deer as well. It is not enough for a sprinkler to be designed for animals, you have to look for one that has deer written on the label.

As you probably know, deer are not very fond of interaction and they prefer to remain in the shadows – that is why you can barely see them. So after experiencing a water shot that is also combined with noise, they will definitely want to avoid your property. In order for a sprinkler to be effective on deer, it’s a must for it to have a noise emitter.

An affordable motion activated sprinkler will most definitely be able to keep deer away so you will not have to worry about it.

 

Q: How long do motion sensors last?

As you have probably read in every motion activated sprinkler review, this type of product has a sensor that can detect motion but can also make an assessment about how big the animal is. Most motion-activated sprinkler producers will not tell you everything about the product, but the sensors, if the sprinklers are cheap, will deteriorate quickly.

Therefore, when you decide to buy such a product, you should consider that the quality of the sensor will determine the lifespan of a sprinkler. If you get a high-quality product, the motion sensor can work properly even for 2 years in a row without damage. However, it is also important that the other parts of the sprinkler work properly in order to protect it.

If you get one that leaks water and the sensor is not well protected, it might deteriorate quicker and you will need to replace the whole product. This is why it is important to look for a good quality product.