Best Smart Irrigation Controllers: Rachio and Hunter?

The Smart Sprinkler Controller Brands We Researched

HOMR's research team reviewed 8 smart sprinkler brands for this article:

1. Hunter
2. HydroPoint
3. Netro
4. Orbit B-hyve
5. Rachio
6. Rain Bird
7. Weathermatic
8. Wyze

We ranked each brand's smart controllers on 6 key factors:

1. Optionality. Does your smart irrigation brand offer smart controllers that deliver quality lawn irrigation — no matter the size of your yard? We preferred brands whose 4-zone controllers were as impressive as their 14-zone controllers. 
2. Ease of Installation. Upgrading to a smart sprinkler system should be simple. We asked irrigation contractors to rate each brand on its ease of installation — how simple is it to upgrade your lawn irrigation system to their products?
3. Ease of Use. AI-driven bells and whistles aren't everything — are your controller's key features simple to use? Is the dedicated app reliable and easy to navigate? Does it pair with Google Home, Alexa and Siri?
4. Water Conservation. The average smart sprinkler controller eliminates 7,500 gallons of water waste per year. That equals annual water bill savings of roughly $430. Does your smart controller beat those averages?
5. Collection and Use of Weather Data. Weather-based irrigation controllers (WBICs) are best for most homeowners, due to their ability to monitor local weather conditions via WiFi. We rated each smart device on its ability to quickly convert local weather data into an automated watering schedule.
6. EPA WaterSense Certification.  Many towns and municipal areas have discounts and incentive programs for homeowners who purchase EPA WaterSense certified controllers. Your smart controller should be EPA WaterSense certified.

How much is your lawn irrigation system going to cost? Price your system by watering zone, labor and materials with our updated Lawn Sprinkler System Cost Guide.

🏆 Rachio: Best Overall Smart Sprinkler Brand

Rachio didn’t create a smart irrigation controller to replace its older models. Rather, the brand began as a smart sprinkler solution. 

This makes Rachio unique in its competitive space — it’s not “catching up” with smart irrigation innovation. It’s creating that innovation other brands are chasing.

As a B Corporation, Rachio is certified for its impact in environmental and social equity. Recycling, conservation and sustainability efforts are baked into their mission statement and product offerings.

Why We Like Rachio

Smart home enthusiasts love Rachio. “Rachio uses AI technology better than any other smart sprinkler controller brand,” one Dallas reviewer raved.

In a recent interview, Rachio CEO Kim Sentovich described the company as “a software company enabled through hardware products”. The Rachio app is as simple to use as any other smart irrigation app we reviewed — despite easily having the best fleet of program features.

(Prime example: It's easy to set up a weather-based smart watering schedule, but the Rachio controller's built-in “quick run” scheduling works fine for many homeowners.)

The Rachio 3 smart sprinkler controller currently holds “Best Overall” status from numerous publications, and the company is advancing forward off that success. The Rachio Smart Hose Timer aims to provide above ground smart irrigation solutions to homeowners who don’t have underground irrigation systems.

Rachio 3: Best Smart Controller Right Now

Read our full 8-Zone Rachio 3 review

Buy on Amazon: 8-Zone Rachio 3 ($195.00 at the time of writing)

Our reviewers believe the Rachio 3 3rd generation controller is the best smart sprinkler controller currently on the market. 

Rachio 3’s in-app water scheduling ranked ahead of all competing brands in our research. It’s incredibly responsive to sun exposure, a step past simple weather data collection. Rachio 3 also does a great job at adjusting to different types of plants and their unique watering needs.

Rachio 3 is excellent at identifying broken sprinkler heads and flow problems. This is due to the built-in flow meter detection system — check for issues from your phone, not from the garage wall.

Get a free quote on Rachio installation from a local provider — talk to HOMR!

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🏆 Hunter: Best For “Hands Off” Users 

Hunter Industries is a trusted, longtime name in the landscaping industry. Hunter made its major play in the smart irrigation space in 2015 with its acquisition of Alex-Tronix Controls. Since then, Hunter has increased its presence in the smart water space with a fleet of residential and commercial irrigation products. 

Hunter’s a massive brand, serving 120 countries with thousands of products. Their focus on custom manufacturing helps Hunter’s smart sprinkler controllers and other irrigation products win on functionality and durability.

Why We Like Hunter

Hunter topped our rankings for overall durability, withstanding simulated drops and sustained water impact better than other products. It also has a large number of EPA WaterSense certified products for landscapes with 14+ irrigation zones. This makes Hunter an ideal brand for homeowners with large yards.

Hunter’s sheer size allows it to offer complete landscape irrigation solutions to homeowners that want a “one brand, one stop” smart sprinkler system. Rotors, nozzles, spray bodies, remotes, sensors, valves — you can buy your whole system through Hunter.

(Golf lovers: Hunter’s got a series of golf irrigation products for you, too.)

Hunter Hydrawise X2: Best Contractor Support Features

Read our 6-Zone Hunter Hydrawise X2 review

Buy on Amazon: 6 Zone Hunter Hydrawise X2 ($98.20 at the time of writing)

Hunter ranked #1 among smart sprinkler installers in our HOMR survey. Longtime lawn irrigation pros like Tim Green of LSI value Hunter products for their contractor log-in option.

The Hunter contractor log-in feature allows irrigation pros to remotely manage your watering schedule — a fantastic option for homeowners who want to remain “hands off”, or if you already have a go-to sprinkler contractor.

Where does the Hunter Hydrawise X2 rate in our list of Top 5 Residential Smart Sprinkler Controllers? See if you agree with our rankings.

🏆 Orbit B-hyve: Most Improved Brand

In 2021, Platinum Equity sold Orbit Irrigation to Husqvarna in a deal reportedly worth $480 million. Both players in the deal significantly changed Orbit’s approach — making it a global leader in smart watering technology in a short time.

In 2019, Orbit B-hyve connected devices numbered 222,000. In less than 2 years, there were 1.4 million connected B-hyve devices. Orbit’s newfound commitment to smart irrigation paid off in a huge way.

Now, Husqvarna has positioned Orbit Irrigation (and the B-hyve brand) at the forefront of its Gardena division. With this level of investment, it’s reasonable to see Orbit challenging Rachio at the head of the smart controller table in a few years.

Why We Like Orbit

Read our 8-Zone Orbit B-hyve review

Buy on Amazon: 8 Zone Orbit b-hyve ($79.99 at the time of writing)

The investment that Orbit's made in its B-hyve smart irrigation brand is impressive. It's so noticeable that new adopters of smart watering tech often confuse the brand (Orbit) with the product line (B-hyve).

Orbit controllers utilize WeatherSense® technology to track local weather patterns and set watering accordingly. Our reviewers liked B-hyve’s indoor mounted irrigation controller.

Unsure about your purchase? As of this publication date, Orbit offers free returns on purchased products (with some restrictions).

Is Rachio, Hunter or Orbit best for you? Our 24/7 live reps are here to help!

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