# Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller (8-Zone) vs Netro Sprite Smart Sprinkler Controller (6-Zone): specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller (8-Zone) (Rachio) and Netro Sprite Smart Sprinkler Controller (6-Zone) (Netro) among smart sprinkler controllers. Netro Sprite Smart Sprinkler Controller (6-Zone) is the cheaper of the two at $178.16.

## Side by side

| Spec | Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller (8-Zone) | Netro Sprite Smart Sprinkler Controller (6-Zone) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $199.99 | $178.16 |
| Brand | Rachio | Netro |
| Released | 2018 | — |
| Zones | 8 | 6 |
| Hub required | No | No |
| Weather intelligence | Yes | Yes |
| Indoor outdoor rating | indoor; outdoor enclosure sold separately | indoor only (optional outdoor enclosure sold separately) |
| Works with alexa google | Yes | Yes |
| Works with homekit | No | No |
| Epa watersense | Yes | Yes |
| App control | Yes | Yes |
| Expandable zones | No | No |

## Key differences

- Zones: Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller (8-Zone) 8 vs Netro Sprite Smart Sprinkler Controller (6-Zone) 6
- Indoor outdoor rating: Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller (8-Zone) indoor; outdoor enclosure sold separately vs Netro Sprite Smart Sprinkler Controller (6-Zone) indoor only (optional outdoor enclosure sold separately)

## 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)
- Netro Sprite Smart Sprinkler Controller (6-Zone): https://www.netrohome.com/shop/products/sprite (netrohome.com, verified 2026-06-20)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/smart-sprinkler-controllers/rachio-3-8-zone-vs-netro-sprite-6-zone/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller (8-Zone) ($199.99) vs Netro Sprite Smart Sprinkler Controller (6-Zone) ($178.16) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/smart-sprinkler-controllers/rachio-3-8-zone-vs-netro-sprite-6-zone/
License: CC BY 4.0.