# Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller (8-Zone) vs Hunter Hydrawise Pro-C HPC-400 WiFi Controller (4-Zone): specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller (8-Zone) (Rachio) and Hunter Hydrawise Pro-C HPC-400 WiFi Controller (4-Zone) (Hunter Industries) among smart sprinkler controllers. Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller (8-Zone) is the cheaper of the two at $199.99.

## Side by side

| Spec | Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller (8-Zone) | Hunter Hydrawise Pro-C HPC-400 WiFi Controller (4-Zone) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $199.99 | $200.33 |
| Brand | Rachio | Hunter Industries |
| Released | 2018 | 2023 |
| Zones | 8 | 4 |
| Hub required | No | No |
| Weather intelligence | Yes | Yes |
| Indoor outdoor rating | indoor; outdoor enclosure sold separately | indoor/outdoor (protected location) |
| Works with alexa google | Yes | Yes |
| Works with homekit | No | No |
| Epa watersense | Yes | Yes |
| App control | Yes | Yes |
| Expandable zones | No | Yes |

## Key differences

- Zones: Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller (8-Zone) 8 vs Hunter Hydrawise Pro-C HPC-400 WiFi Controller (4-Zone) 4
- Indoor outdoor rating: Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller (8-Zone) indoor; outdoor enclosure sold separately vs Hunter Hydrawise Pro-C HPC-400 WiFi Controller (4-Zone) indoor/outdoor (protected location)
- Expandable zones: Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller (8-Zone) No vs Hunter Hydrawise Pro-C HPC-400 WiFi Controller (4-Zone) Yes

## What reviewers say

**Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller (8-Zone)** — Two whitelisted hands-on testers rate the Rachio 3 the category's best. Reviewed names the 8-zone model Best Overall for its easy install and deep feature set, and TechHive (hands-on with the identical 16-zone variant, which shares the same hardware and firmware) calls it the world's best smart sprinkler controller. Neither source reports any lab measurements. (2 sourced reviews.)

## Sources

- Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller (8-Zone): https://rachio.com/products/rachio-3-8-zone (rachio.com, verified 2026-06-20)
- Hunter Hydrawise Pro-C HPC-400 WiFi Controller (4-Zone): https://bigirrigation.com/shop-products/irrigation/controllers/wifi-controllers/hydrawise-hpc-400-wi-fi-controller-hpc400-2023-model/ (bigirrigation.com, verified 2026-06-20)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/smart-sprinkler-controllers/rachio-3-8-zone-vs-hunter-hydrawise-hpc-400/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller (8-Zone) ($199.99) vs Hunter Hydrawise Pro-C HPC-400 WiFi Controller (4-Zone) ($200.33) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/smart-sprinkler-controllers/rachio-3-8-zone-vs-hunter-hydrawise-hpc-400/
License: CC BY 4.0.