Best Smart Sprinkler Controllers · head-to-head
Rain Bird ST8I-2.0 Smart Indoor WiFi Irrigation Timer vs Orbit B-hyve XR Smart Sprinkler Controller (8-Zone)
A sourced, side-by-side spec comparison. Rain Bird ST8I-2.0 Smart Indoor WiFi Irrigation Timer is cheaper at $169. Every spec and price links to its source.
Side by side
| Rain Bird ST8I-2.0 Smart Indoor WiFi Irrigation Timer | Orbit B-hyve XR Smart Sprinkler Controller (8-Zone) | |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $169 (Current price on store.rainbird.com (list price $199.23) as of 2026-06-20) | $169.99 (MSRP on orbitonline.com as of 2026-06-20) |
| Brand | Rain Bird | Orbit |
| Released | 2019 | 2021 |
| zones | 8 | 8 |
| hub required | false | false |
| weather intelligence | true | true |
| indoor outdoor rating | indoor only (ST8O-2.0 is outdoor variant) | indoor/outdoor (weatherproof enclosure) |
| works with alexa google | true | true |
| works with homekit | false | false |
| epa watersense | true | true |
| app control | true | true |
| expandable zones | false | true |
Sources — Rain Bird ST8I-2.0 Smart Indoor WiFi Irrigation Timer: store.rainbird.com (verified 2026-06-20). Orbit B-hyve XR Smart Sprinkler Controller (8-Zone): orbitonline.com (verified 2026-06-20).