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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.

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The short answer

Rachio WiFi Smart Sprinkler Controller (8-Zone Irrigation Remote Control) comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.2 vs 3.9). Rachio WiFi Smart Sprinkler Controller (8-Zone Irrigation Remote Control) is best for: homeowners running up to eight zones who want weather-based scheduling. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Orbit B-hyve Indoor Smart Sprinkler Controller
Ranked #3 in Best Smart Sprinkler Controllers
Orbit B-hyve Indoor Smart Sprinkler Controller
1 source$84.18as of Oct 20

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
$84.18 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Rachio WiFi Smart Sprinkler Controller (8-Zone Irrigation Remote Control)
Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Smart Sprinkler Controllers
Rachio WiFi Smart Sprinkler Controller (8-Zone Irrigation Remote Control)
2 sources$199as of Oct 11

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
  • — Automatically adjusts watering schedules based on local weather conditions
  • — Easy installation taking 30 minutes or less with no special tools required
  • — Works with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Siri Shortcuts for voice control
Watch-outs
  • — Caps out at 16 zones, so large or commercial properties need a different controller
$199 · Check Price on AmazonFull 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.

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

The Rachio WiFi Smart Sprinkler Controller's app carries a 4.9 App Store rating, where the app for the Orbit B-hyve Indoor Smart Sprinkler Controller is described as finicky and confusing. Both run eight zones and mount indoors unless a weatherproof housing is bought, against six zones for the Rain Bird ARC6 Smart WiFi Sprinkler Timer. The Rachio costs more than the Orbit and the Rain Bird.

Specs side-by-side

SpecOrbit B-hyve Indoor Smart Sprinkler ControllerRachio WiFi Smart Sprinkler Controller (8-Zone Irrigation Remote Control)
Zones88-zone
ConnectivityWiFi and BluetoothWi-Fi
Smart Home IntegrationAlexa, Google Home, SiriAmazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT, Alarm.com, SmartThings
App CompatibilityB-hyve appiOS 10.3+ and Android 4.4+
Installation TypeIndoorIndoor (optional weatherproof housing for outdoor)
Weather IntegrationLocal dataWeather Intelligence Plus
Power InputPlug-inAC power adapter included
Dimensions7" x 8.75" x 3.5"9.1" x 5.5" x 1.4"
Voltage120 Volts120 Volts
MaterialPlasticPlastic
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