Head-to-head · Best Smart Sprinkler Controllers

Orbit B-hyve Indoor Smart Sprinkler Controller vs Rachio WiFi Smart Sprinkler Controller (8-Zone Irrigation Remote Control)

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

Verdict is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page are affiliate links — if you click through and buy, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our ratings are sourced from independent publications, not sponsors.

The short answer

Rachio WiFi Smart Sprinkler Controller (8-Zone Irrigation Remote Control) comes out ahead by a narrow margin (3.9 vs 4.1). The gap is mostly about homeowners running up to eight zones who want weather-based scheduling — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #4 in Best Smart Sprinkler Controllers

Orbit B-hyve Indoor Smart Sprinkler Controller

3.9

3 sources1 derived$85.97as of Aug 1

Orbit's B-hyve Smart Indoor Irrigation Controller is the budget-friendly entry in smart sprinkler control, and Wirecutter recommends it as a solid value pick. The essentials are there: weather-based scheduling and app integration with Alexa, Google Home, and Siri. Reviewers did find the app confusing. It's an indoor unit, though an optional housing adapts it for outdoor installation. Smaller to medium-sized yards running up to 8 watering zones are where this model makes sense.

Strengths

— Works with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Siri Shortcuts
— Uses local weather data to optimize watering schedules
— Includes on-device buttons for basic controls without phone

Watch-outs

— App can be finicky and confusing according to reviewers
— Limited to indoor installation unless weatherproof housing is purchased

$85.97 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Smart Sprinkler Controllers

Rachio WiFi Smart Sprinkler Controller (8-Zone Irrigation Remote Control)

4.1

3 sources$177.65as of Aug 1

The Rachio 3 is the default recommendation in smart irrigation, and the app is why: PCMag scored it 4.5 out of 5, with its reviewer calling it the best designed and easiest to use of the controllers he tested. Weather Intelligence Plus handles rain, wind and freeze skips with no subscription, it ties into Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT and SmartThings, and schedules keep running locally when Wi-Fi drops. CNET's take on the same hardware was more measured at 7.5 out of 10. The catches are practical: it needs the supplied AC adapter, it mounts indoors unless you buy the weatherproof housing, and it wants reliable Wi-Fi where the valve wiring is.

Strengths

— Intuitive and highly rated mobile app with 4.9 App Store rating
— Automatically adjusts watering schedules based on local weather conditions
— Easy installation taking 30 minutes or less with no special tools required

Watch-outs

— Requires the included AC adapter; DC transformers are not supported
— Caps out at 16 zones, so large or commercial properties need a different controller
— Needs solid Wi-Fi at the garage or utility wall where the valve wiring lands

$177.65 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Orbit B-hyve Indoor Smart Sprinkler Controller

The Orbit B-hyve offers a more affordable entry point compared to the Rachio 3 and Hunter Hydrawise X2, but its app is less intuitive than the Rachio 3's highly rated interface. Unlike the Netro controller, it lacks regulatory compliance features, and its indoor-only design means users must purchase additional housing for outdoor use.

Rachio WiFi Smart Sprinkler Controller (8-Zone Irrigation Remote Control)

The Rachio 3 outperforms the Orbit B-hyve and Wyze controllers in terms of app quality and integration capabilities, with a 4.9 App Store rating versus the others' more basic interfaces. While it shares similar zone capacity with the Hunter Hydrawise X2, the Rachio 3's weather-based scheduling and voice control support make it the most feature-rich option in this category.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Orbit B-hyve Indoor Smart Sprinkler Controller	Rachio WiFi Smart Sprinkler Controller (8-Zone Irrigation Remote Control)
Zones	8	8-zone
Connectivity	WiFi and Bluetooth	Wi-Fi
Smart Home Integration	Alexa, Google Home, Siri	Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT, Alarm.com, SmartThings
App Compatibility	B-hyve app	iOS 10.3+ and Android 4.4+
Installation Type	Indoor	Indoor (optional weatherproof housing for outdoor)
Weather Integration	Local data	Weather Intelligence Plus
Power Input	Plug-in	AC power adapter included
Dimensions	7" x 8.75" x 3.5"	9.1" x 5.5" x 1.4"
Voltage	120 Volts	120 Volts
Material	Plastic	Plastic

← See the full ranking of best smart sprinkler controllers