Skydrop Halo Vs Rainmachine: Which Is The Best

Most of us, want our lawn to look greener so we put sprinklers. But making sure, the sprinkler is providing equal water to the entire lawn is a big task. Using, sprinkler controlling device makes sure that your entire lawn gets equal water. The two best devices that we found were Skydrop Halo and Rainmachine. This article will provide you a comparison of the two systems, simplifying it for you to make a choice.

Our Verdict

Both the products are efficient to keep your lawn greener with the least wastage of water. Skydrop has a weather tracking application that tracks weather hourly. Skydrop is very compact, which makes it very easy to install. Skydrop Halo is could dependent system, so your system will only work with WiFi which can be a disadvantage. Rainmachine is a cloud independent system, so one need not worry about the effect of Wifi on the system.

Rainmachine has humongous source of weather data, so you can use it outside the US. Considering the cost point of view, there is a huge price difference between the two. Rainmachine is costlier than Skydrop but it offers more benefits.

Skydrop Vs Rainmachine: Comparison Chart

Differences

1. Zones Coverage

The Skydrop Halo covers 8 zones, if there is rise in zones, then you need to buy an extender. Skydrop covers maximum 16 zones. Rainmachine, doesnot have provide extender like Skydrop but it has different models. Rainmachine also covers maximum 16 zones.

2. Installation

The Skydrop Halo Device is very compact, which makes it very easy to install. Rainmachine on the other end is complex and difficult to install.

3. Security Code

Security is one of the major aspects we keep in mind when we buy a product. Skydrop does not provide a security code where as Rainmachine, has security code to start.

4. Sensor

We all believe in backups in life, Rainmachine comes with a backup too.

Rainmachine has rain sensors, which act as a backup to weather tracking system. Rainmachine has many high precision sources for tracking weather conditions. So, we can say that RainMachine provides accurate weather information. Accurate weather information and rain sensor saves water, saves money and conserves nature.

Skydrop customises watering schedule of the lawn. The customisation is done based on the current local weather updated hourly . This makes sure that the lawn receives exactly the amount of water required. Skydrop Halo does not have rain sensors which can act as a disadvantage since there would be no backup.

5. WiFi Connect

Rain Machine and Sky drop both integrate with WiFi. Let’s have a look at the ways in which each of the devices handles the WiFi interruption.

Skydrop device being a Cloud dependent system, completely depends on Wifi for functions. If your WiFi interrupts, the watering schedule has to be set manually. This is a disadvantage that skydrop has over Rainmachine.

RainMachine is a Cloud independent system. Rain Machine uses Local connect having no effect on the watering schedule.

6. Dimensions

The Skydrop Halo is of 11″ x 4.875″ x 4″ and weighs 24lbs. The Rainmachine is of 6″ x 4″ x 1″ and weighs 0.7 lbs. This means that Skydrop is a lot more buckier and big in size than Rainmachine.

7. Casing

Skydrop comes with a weatherproof casing that allows installation in the outdoors easier. RainMachine has a non-weather proof casing making it essential to install it indoors.

Similarities

1. Manual Control

Both Skydrop Halo and Rainmachine provide manual control on the unit. This manual control has many uses. It is used to switch the system on and also to control various features if the Wifi interrupts.

2. Amazon Alexa Enabled

Both devices can be integrated with Amazon Alexa. All you need to do is ask Alexa to turn on your device and your lawn will be watered.

3. Google Assistant-Enabled

Skydrop and Rainmachine both the devices can be integrated with Google Assistant. All you need to do is say “Ok Google to turn on Skydrop / Rainmachine” and your lawn will be watered.

4. Operating System

Most of us often face issue of not purchasing the device that we like the most because our phone operating system doesn’t support it. This issue has taken care by both the manufacturers.

Both, the devices work on the ios platform and Android application. You don’t need to think about which operating system does your phone work.

5. EPA Water Sense Certified

Both the products are EPA water sense certified. With the help of these devices you can save up to 50 percent of your outdoor water bills.

Features And Specification Of Skydrop

1) Gunmetal grey box with stainless steel LED lit dial, which lights up when the system.

2) Skydrop comes in a dimension of 24.69×8.56×4.75cm.

3) The weight of Skydrop is 2.5lbs/1.77kg.

4) 8 zones coverage

5) Optional expansion unit for extra zones.

6) Program and test all the zones with the help of an application on your phone or with the help of WiFi or manually from the device.

7) It controls the watering schedule with the help of current local weather which updates hourly.

Features And Specification Of Rainmachine

1) It is a white box with a black display screen on top.

2) Rainmachine has a dimension of 10x10x2.5cm

3) The weight of Rainmachine is 0.5lbs/0.22kg

4) 8 zone coverage.

5) For more zone, there is a new product.

6) Rainmachine adjusts your watering schedule using the seven-day weather forecast.

7) Rainmachine provides you with a 7day precision precipitating forecasting.

What You Get With Each Box

Skydrop

• Skydrop controller with 4.3″ LCD screen.
• Wall plate with tool-free wiring.
• Wall mount screws.
• 24V AC power supply.

RainMachine

• RainMachine device
• 24VAC power adapter (cable 1.5m length)
• 2 drywall screws
• Printed “Quick Start Guide” booklet

Overview Of Skydrop

Considering all the aspects, Skydrop Halo is best suited for people who don’t want to invest much but still want to enjoy the luxury of a greener lawn. It is compatible with any operating system, so on one click, the command will be given to water all your zones. One of the disadvantages is that it is WiFi dependent, if your WiFi interrupts then you will have to control the watering schedule manually. The controller can cover maximum of 16 zones.

Skydrop uses current local weather and updates it hourly. According to the data feed, the watering schedule is controlled.

The Skydrop product installation is a lot easier as compared to other devices. The casing offered is weatherproof so you can install it outdoors.

Overview Of RainMachine

Rainmachine falls in the range of luxury products because of the cost. But, consider this as one might invest in a product that is best for taking care of your lawn. RainMachine is Wifi independent, you can use it’s features even if there is WiFi interruption. If you want to use this out of the U.S. you can since it has a wide range of sources through which it collects the weather information of that area. RainMachine has 7-day precision precipitation forecasting. The precipitation forecasting, includes weather information per day per hour . It also comes with a rain sensor which is the highlight of RainMachine. Rain Machine acts as a backup for weather system.

FAQs

Final Talk

We have given you a brief from our experience and research and tried to cover each aspect of it. Rainmachine and Skydrop Halo are best in their own aspects. They would give you an idea of how the sprinkler system work. Prefer choosing the one that meets your need and expectations.