There are many different types of sprinklers! Each comes with its own pros and cons, so you want to make sure you pick the one that best fits your needs.  Here's a little information on each type: 

Stationary - These work best for small lawns and spot watering as they don't move. Some are ring shaped with holes in the top while others spray unique patterns. These are a cheaper option but their holes are prone to clogging. 

Novelties - Brass "art" sprinklers have become all the rage. These are good of small lawns but not practical for a large area. 

Spinning - Also good for small areas and spot watering, these sprinklers deliver water through nozzles in a circular pattern. They reach anywhere from 5 to 60ft in diameter. If you choose one of these, be sure to get one with a stable base. The cheaper plastic ones tend to tip easily when delivering full water pressure. 

Rotary and Impulse - Both these options deliver water in potentially large circles or portions of circles. Rotary sprinklers are quiet, whereas impule sprinklers make that "tick tick tick" sprinkler sound we are all familiar with. Both types of sprinklers are ideal for large lawns, 5,000 square feet or more. Just pick a central location and let the sprinkler run. 

Oscilating - This best seller gracefull sweeps back-and-forth in an arc. They are not the most efficient options. Between wind gusts, evaporation, and their pause on each side, they tend to waste water and spread water disproportionately.

Hybrid - This sprinkler is buried at ground level and connects to your garden hose above ground. When you turn on the water, the sprinkler head rises and sprays water in a circular pattern. The sprinklers can attach to both male and female ends of a hose, allowing you to run multiple sprinklers at once.