Head-to-head · Best Smart Sprinkler Controllers

Netro Sprite Smart Sprinkler Controller (6-Zone) vs Orbit B-hyve XR Smart Indoor/Outdoor Sprinkler Timer (8-Zone)

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

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The short answer

Orbit B-hyve XR Smart Indoor/Outdoor Sprinkler Timer (8-Zone) comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.3 vs 4.1). Orbit B-hyve XR Smart Indoor/Outdoor Sprinkler Timer (8-Zone) is best for: homeowners who want detailed zone-by-zone watering control from a weatherproof wired timer. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #4 in Best Smart Sprinkler Controllers

Netro Sprite Smart Sprinkler Controller (6-Zone)

4.1

1 sourceall derived$79.99as of Oct 11

The Netro Smart Sprinkler Controller takes a minimalist approach to smart irrigation and is built to retrofit an existing system. Reviewed points to a simple setup process and effective use of local weather data, which both optimizes watering and keeps schedules in regulatory compliance. It connects over 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and works with Amazon Echo and Google Home. The functionality is straightforward, though some reviewers saw the 6-zone or 12-zone configurations as limiting for smaller irrigation setups. Homeowners after a no-frills smart irrigation solution will like it more than anyone hunting for extensive customization.

Strengths

— Connects to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi for remote operation and monitoring, per Reviewed
— Pulls local weather data to optimize watering schedules and minimize water waste
— Automatically updates with local government watering regulations for compliance

Watch-outs

— Minimal physical interface with all controls via app, which may not suit all users

$79.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Smart Sprinkler Controllers

Orbit B-hyve XR Smart Indoor/Outdoor Sprinkler Timer (8-Zone)

4.3

1 source$170as of Oct 17

The Orbit B-hyve XR is an eight-zone smart sprinkler timer in an IP65 indoor/outdoor housing, with dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, four programs and Alexa and Google Assistant support. GearBrain scored it 8.5/10 after a month of use, finding setup and wiring easier than Orbit's earlier B-hyve and the zone-by-zone smart watering more guided than most rivals. The Gadgeteer found it ran its zones exactly as programmed once a Wi-Fi setup snag was solved, but wanted a second button and a proper manual. It suits homeowners replacing an old wired timer who want detailed per-zone watering control; anyone who wants the app to report water savings should look elsewhere.

Strengths

— Push-button wire terminals make swapping out an old controller easier
— Connects on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi, with Bluetooth for setup
— Alexa and Google Assistant voice control worked as expected and was quick to set up

Watch-outs

— App does not track how much water is actually used
— Single front button makes manual control on the unit fiddly
— Advanced watering settings come with little documentation

$170 · 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

Netro Sprite Smart Sprinkler Controller (6-Zone)

The Netro Smart Sprinkler Controller (6-Zone) puts all controls in its app, where the Orbit B-hyve Indoor Smart Sprinkler Controller has on-device buttons and the Rain Bird ARC6 Smart WiFi Sprinkler Timer takes simple commands at the controller. It handles six zones like the Rain Bird, two fewer than the Orbit's eight. It also updates automatically with local government watering regulations.

Orbit B-hyve XR Smart Indoor/Outdoor Sprinkler Timer (8-Zone)

Like the Rachio 8-Zone, the B-hyve XR handles up to eight zones with weather-based scheduling, and it adds an IP65 housing rated for outdoor mounting. It is the newer, redesigned sibling of the Orbit B-hyve Indoor controller on this page, which GearBrain says it improves on for setup and wiring, and it covers two more zones than the six-zone Netro Sprite.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Netro Sprite Smart Sprinkler Controller (6-Zone)	Orbit B-hyve XR Smart Indoor/Outdoor Sprinkler Timer (8-Zone)
Zones	6 zones	8
Smart Home Integration	Amazon Alexa, Google Home	—
App Compatibility	Android/iOS	—
Installation Type	Indoor	—
Weather Integration	Real-time local weather data and forecasts	—
Power Input	24VAC, 50/60Hz, 800mA	—
Dimensions	5.7" x 5.7" x 1.2"	4 x 9 x 11 inches
Voltage	24 Volts	—
Material	Plastic	—
Connectivity	—	2.4GHz/5GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0
Programs	—	4
Voice Assistants	—	Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant
Weather Rating	—	IP65 (indoor/outdoor)
Power	—	120V AC input, 24V AC output
Warranty	—	2 years

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