# Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller (8-Zone) vs Rain Bird ST8I-2.0 Smart Indoor WiFi Irrigation Timer: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller (8-Zone) (Rachio) and Rain Bird ST8I-2.0 Smart Indoor WiFi Irrigation Timer (Rain Bird) among smart sprinkler controllers. Rain Bird ST8I-2.0 Smart Indoor WiFi Irrigation Timer is the cheaper of the two at $169.

## Side by side

| Spec | Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller (8-Zone) | Rain Bird ST8I-2.0 Smart Indoor WiFi Irrigation Timer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $199.99 | $169 |
| Brand | Rachio | Rain Bird |
| Released | 2018 | 2019 |
| Zones | 8 | 8 |
| Hub required | No | No |
| Weather intelligence | Yes | Yes |
| Indoor outdoor rating | indoor; outdoor enclosure sold separately | indoor only (ST8O-2.0 is outdoor variant) |
| 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

- Indoor outdoor rating: Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller (8-Zone) indoor; outdoor enclosure sold separately vs Rain Bird ST8I-2.0 Smart Indoor WiFi Irrigation Timer indoor only (ST8O-2.0 is outdoor variant)

## 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)
- Rain Bird ST8I-2.0 Smart Indoor WiFi Irrigation Timer: https://store.rainbird.com/st8i-2-0-8-zone-smart-irrigation-wifi-sprinkler-timer-indoor.html (store.rainbird.com, verified 2026-06-20)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/smart-sprinkler-controllers/rachio-3-8-zone-vs-rain-bird-st8i-2-0/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller (8-Zone) ($199.99) vs Rain Bird ST8I-2.0 Smart Indoor WiFi Irrigation Timer ($169) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/smart-sprinkler-controllers/rachio-3-8-zone-vs-rain-bird-st8i-2-0/
License: CC BY 4.0.