Head-to-head · Best Smart Sprinkler Controllers

Orbit B-hyve Indoor Smart Sprinkler Controller 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.

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

Orbit B-hyve XR Smart Indoor/Outdoor Sprinkler Timer (8-Zone) comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.3 vs 3.9). 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 #3 in Best Smart Sprinkler Controllers

Orbit B-hyve Indoor Smart Sprinkler Controller

3.9

1 source$89.99as of Sep 25

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

— Uses local weather data to optimize watering schedules
— Includes on-device buttons for basic controls without phone
— Suitable for small to medium-sized yards with 8-zone capacity

Watch-outs

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

$89.99 · 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 →

How they stack up

Orbit B-hyve Indoor Smart Sprinkler Controller

The Orbit B-hyve Indoor Smart Sprinkler Controller runs eight zones, the same as the Rachio WiFi Smart Sprinkler Controller, and costs less. Its app is described as finicky and confusing, where the Rachio's carries a 4.9 App Store rating. Unlike the Netro Smart Sprinkler Controller (6-Zone), whose controls are all in its app, it has on-device buttons for basic control without a phone.

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	Orbit B-hyve Indoor Smart Sprinkler Controller	Orbit B-hyve XR Smart Indoor/Outdoor Sprinkler Timer (8-Zone)
Zones	8	8
Connectivity	WiFi and Bluetooth	2.4GHz/5GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0
Smart Home Integration	Alexa, Google Home, Siri	—
App Compatibility	B-hyve app	—
Installation Type	Indoor	—
Weather Integration	Local data	—
Power Input	Plug-in	—
Dimensions	7" x 8.75" x 3.5"	4 x 9 x 11 inches
Voltage	120 Volts	—
Material	Plastic	—
Programs	—	4
Voice Assistants	—	Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant
Weather Rating	—	IP65 (indoor/outdoor)
Power	—	120V AC input, 24V AC output
Warranty	—	2 years

← See the full ranking of best smart sprinkler controllers