Head-to-head · Best Smart Sprinkler Controllers

Orbit B-hyve XR Smart Indoor/Outdoor Sprinkler Timer (8-Zone) vs Rain Bird ARC6 Smart WiFi Sprinkler Timer

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) is the only one of the two with a published score (4.3); Rain Bird ARC6 Smart WiFi Sprinkler Timer has none, so this is not a close call so much as an unmeasured one. 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.

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 →

Ranked #5 in Best Smart Sprinkler Controllers

Rain Bird ARC6 Smart WiFi Sprinkler Timer

Unrated2 sources$90.13as of Sep 25

The Rain Bird ARC6 is an indoor smart WiFi irrigation controller that pairs intuitive local controls with a more capable mobile app. Reviewers noted it adjusts watering schedules automatically from weather data, which can cut water use by as much as 30%. It handles up to six stations and accepts a rain sensor, but it has to be installed indoors and needs 120V power. Residential users who want automated irrigation control with smart home integration are the natural buyers.

Strengths

— Accommodates up to six stations plus master valve/pump start relay and rain/rain freeze sensor
— Self-adjusting technology reduces water usage up to 30% based on weather forecasts
— Meets EPA WaterSense criteria and is independently certified by ICC-ES for efficiency

Watch-outs

— Limited to indoor mounting only

$90.13 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

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.

Rain Bird ARC6 Smart WiFi Sprinkler Timer

The Rain Bird ARC6 Smart WiFi Sprinkler Timer runs up to six stations, the same count as the Netro Smart Sprinkler Controller (6-Zone) and two fewer than the eight-zone Rachio WiFi Smart Sprinkler Controller, which costs more. It takes simple commands at the controller itself, where the Netro puts all controls in its app. It mounts indoors only.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Orbit B-hyve XR Smart Indoor/Outdoor Sprinkler Timer (8-Zone)	Rain Bird ARC6 Smart WiFi Sprinkler Timer
Zones	8	6
Connectivity	2.4GHz/5GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0	built-in
Programs	4	—
Voice Assistants	Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant	—
Weather Rating	IP65 (indoor/outdoor)	—
Power	120V AC input, 24V AC output	—
Dimensions	4 x 9 x 11 inches	6.63" x 6.75" x 1.69"
Warranty	2 years	—
Smart Home Integration	—	Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant
App Compatibility	—	Rain Bird 2.0 App, iOS 8+, Android 6.0+
Installation Type	—	Indoor
Weather Integration	—	Local weather forecast and historical averages
Power Input	—	120V
Voltage	—	120 Volts (AC)
Material	—	Plastic

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