Head-to-head · Best Smart Sprinkler Controllers

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

Rachio WiFi Smart Sprinkler Controller (8-Zone Irrigation Remote Control) is the only one of the two with a published score (4.2); Rain Bird ARC6 Smart WiFi Sprinkler Timer has none, so this is not a close call so much as an unmeasured one. 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.

Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Smart Sprinkler Controllers

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

4.2

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 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

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.

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	Rachio WiFi Smart Sprinkler Controller (8-Zone Irrigation Remote Control)	Rain Bird ARC6 Smart WiFi Sprinkler Timer
Zones	8-zone	6
Connectivity	Wi-Fi	built-in
Smart Home Integration	Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT, Alarm.com, SmartThings	Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant
App Compatibility	iOS 10.3+ and Android 4.4+	Rain Bird 2.0 App, iOS 8+, Android 6.0+
Installation Type	Indoor (optional weatherproof housing for outdoor)	Indoor
Weather Integration	Weather Intelligence Plus	Local weather forecast and historical averages
Power Input	AC power adapter included	120V
Dimensions	9.1" x 5.5" x 1.4"	6.63" x 6.75" x 1.69"
Voltage	120 Volts	120 Volts (AC)
Material	Plastic	Plastic

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