I cut this part for time (and because I thought it was boring), but you might be interested in my thoughts on continued cloud service, particularly regarding OpenSprinkler: How do you protect yourself from being extorted for a monthly fee, or being left with an expensive paperweight attached to your sprinkler system? My advice to you is to go with company reputation, size and market share. Rachio, which was SkyDrop’s initial opponent in the early smart sprinkler system market has earned a huge market share, meaning the company is healthy, products will continue to be sold, and the cloud service will likely remain free and operational for the foreseeable future. Orbit, is a major player in all types of irrigation systems and has invested significantly in their BHyve line of controllers. The parent company, Orbit, is massive compared to startups like Rachio and Skydrop is not going out of business any time soon. Their significant investment in the BHyve line indicates a commitment to this future technology and that their cloud will continue to be functional and free. Rainbird is another huge player in the irrigation world, and while I can’t imagine Rainbird pulling the plug on their cloud servers since it would be a PR nightmare, I don’t think the Rainbird product is on par with Rachio and BHyve. Scotts is a huge company within the fertilizer industry. Due to their size they could easily shoulder the burden of keeping a failing cloud service alive, but their line of sprinklers: Gro, is actually just another startup like Skydrop that needed to be acquired by a larger company to help with ongoing costs. Scotts has no other market share in irrigation, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them cut their losses as sales of the Gro controller line stagnate and costs of maintaining the cloud remain constant. OpenSprinker seems like the safest option since it’s open source, but unfortunately I think it’s actually one of the worst. OpenSprinkler relies on free cloud services for weather, and as these services inevitably shut down or change their free APIs because they don’t make them any money. Originally the OpensSrinkler used Weather Underground data for weather based adjustments and when that service went away they switched to DarkSky. DarkSky was recently acquired by apple, meaning another modification will soon be needed to keep the open sprinkler functional. I love the concept of open sprinkler, but after using it and doing more research, I think any benefits that are gained by local control, smart home integration and open source software are far outweighed by the need to constantly troubleshoot a system that I just want to install once and never think about again.

Can we get a 2023 update?

I love the fact you cut out all the BS at the beginning and state, out of the gate, the one you recommend. Way better format than the path most others are taking!

I want to turn my sprinklers on when the house goes into alarm. Then I can tell the cops "The Bad guys will have wet pants." :)

Great timing on your video for me. I've spent all week digging holes in my new yard finding and fixing the abandoned sprinkler system and have been looking at smart controllers for a near future upgrade.

I went with a RainMachine. Uses the hyperlocal rain forecasts etc but...also fully independent from any internet connection if you want. If their service ever goes away you can still access over the internet.

Everytime I need a smart home device I come across your videos. Great recommendation, B-hyve 8 was just what I was looking for.

Man this video is the most thorough exploration of this topic I can find. Thank you for all the effort you put into it.

Nicely done video as always! I'd add that for anyone who is a resident in the Phoenix AZ area and customer of SRP the last couple years at their annual water conservation expo they've had the Rachio units with outdoor enclosures for $50. I got my Rachio 2 that way. This year they had the Rachio 3.

I'd love to see an in-detail review of the Bhyve controllers from you. Keep up the good work!

Big fan of your approach and time spent making these videos. Much appreciated! (It's to the point now where when I'm shopping for something new I HOPE that you've done a review on that category because they tend to be the most helpful and non-biased)

Great content , straight to the point info. Always like the information you make available.

You’re video should be a published standard in effectiveness and efficiency in presentation. Best review video ever!

I was waiting for this comparison even though I didn't know it ;) Great job! Thanks!

So you've never been bad on a good review I bought the Orbit BHyve Indoor 8 ...gotta say!....I love it...Was just what I was looking for to replace my old dumb controller and after a few months of use...It does what its suppose to do...Thank you very much!

I live somewhere near you in Wesley Chapel, so have similar weather conditions, lawn, etc. I had no desire to replace the standard Rainbird that came with my house until I saw your video. Thanks.

I'm a bit surprised you didn't include the Hunter Hydrawise system into this video. It's not quite as large as Orbit and RainBird, but they are still quite a large company, and in my opinion their smart controllers such as the Pro-HC are outright unmatched by anyone. I purchased an Orbit B Hyve at my last house, and really liked it, but with our new house our landscaper recommended Hydrawise, and he was bang on with his recommendation. It goes far beyond the B Hyve in both capability and functionality, but admittedly is a little bit more involved to set up. I agree with your recommendation for B Hyve for the average person, but if you really want to take control of your irrigation system and have a great looking lawn without wasting a drop of water, Hydrawise deserves a strong mention.

Thanks for the great video. It was straight to the point and very informative. Comes at the perfect time for me. I'm having a house built in the Tampa area and will be needing a system like this for sure. Thank again!

Most grass types like 1/2” of water twice a week, seasonal adjustments up and down 15-20% depending on season. Love that the Bhyve included catching cups that way you have a more tailored time for each zone based on its ability to put down 1/2”. I was hoping for a more stellar review of the Rainbird since I already have the base system and would just need to add the WiFi module. Thanks for the reviews bud! Loved your channel since BlueIris and Deepstack.

I have a Rainmachine pro 16 and it is amazing. Ethernet or wifi available. No cloud for logic. Connects to weather APIs such as NOAA and Weather Underground for adaptive watering. App is easy to use, but has on unit controls as well.

The RainMachine has been excellent for me the past 3 seasons. I love it. It would be interesting to see it in your next review.

Love my Orbit Bhyve indoor 8! It does everything you need at a great price.

Been thinking of getting one for a while now... I'm also in Tampa, and with all the recent rain, I'm constantly having to turn my system on and off. Good vid and very helpful.

Nice reviews as always. I'd have to disagree with your assessment of Open Sprinkler being risky. Being open source, it's much more likely that a weather service can be replaced, or new ones can be added. And it doesn't require the company to be behind it. This has already happened once. Although you make a fair point about ease of setup.

Thanks going with the bhyve I really appreciate the help

Fantastic video. Concise and to the point. I am going out tomorrow to buy the Orbit B-hive. Cheers!

Thank you for the review especially the factors considered are very practical!

Awesome review, thank you!

Thanks for giving your recommendation at the beginning of the video. I still watched all the way. It helped me make a buying decision. Looking forward to upgrading from the old Hunter system with the clumsy rotating dual to the bHyve.

damn what a great review! quick, efficient, transparent and very thorough!

great info man...I love the knowledge and honesty

Very helpful as I'm right about to buy a house and install a new sprinkler system

Dude! Great & to the point content!!!

Amazing video. The exact content to decide this purchase, thank you.

After searching on the 'net for several days, it dawned on me that I should search for a shoot-out comparison on YT. Yours came up. Duh! (I've spent a good amount of time watching your videos on home security cameras!) I 'liked' the video before even watching it, confident that it would deliver the goods. And it did. I don't know why I bothered searching anywhere else. Thanks!!

Another well done and relevant video- thanks. One big differentiator between Rachio and BHyve is not just setting up the app as you mentioned but in how well the app tells you what you want to know about ongoing system operations. I rarely buy Orbit brands anymore (too many quality problems) but on my prior BHyve system I did find the BHyve app much easier to routinely use than the Rachio app used for my current Rachio 3 setup. Rachio app has some nice features but ultimately is a pain to determine basic stuff like, “what’s running right now?”

VERY well done. Great reviews.

Really surprised you didn't have a Rain Machine. Big on local control, no cloud computing, and uses free weather data from NOAA or custom sources.

I have two zones that control misters in my horse stalls. Open sprinkler integrated well with home assistant so we can have easy button control over when to turn them on. If I get some time the thought is to allow HA to evaluate temp and wind and turn them on automatically.

open sprinkler is amazing and can do so much more. including automating more than sprinklers. i use mine to also open and close chicken coop doors based on sunrise and sun set. it also works without the internet just fine.

Great review thank you!

I bought a rain bird st8 and it works great. $80 at menards. Great price and works great.

I've owned both B-Hyve and Rachio and firmly believe the Rachio is the superior product for a number of reasons: The B-Hyve app has a number of software problems that arise when attempting to modify advanced settings within the app. The cycle and soak feature on the Rachio is far superior to that of the B-Hyve in that the timings are much more optimal based on the soil type and gradient selected within the app. The Rachio makes it much easier to take weather and rain data from a personal weather station. The Rachio allows an external soil moisture meter to be used to determine when to water and how much. Lastly, ALL of the Rachios smart watering functions can be used while still specifying which days you'd like it to water while the B-Hyve can only use "Smart Watering" where it decides which days to water and how much OR a schedule of certain days and times that can only be skipped or not skipped as opposed to modified automatically by the prevailing weather conditions. B-Hyve might be the cheaper unit but for those who want more control or a superior/more efficient irrigation system, the Rachio trumps it in all categories except price.

It'll be great to see an update to this video in the future with a rain machine review

that was an informative video, I think I will go with Orbit B-hyve 8-Zone. I live in Tampa too

Great review. Thanks for sharing.

Great presentation.

As you know with smart home stuff you are never "done". I got the Rachio 2 years ago and it has been a top performer. I watched the video hoping to see something that may make me want to upgrade but they make good kit. The three is good for anyone who doesn't have the old ones or maybe even the Orbit kit but if you have old Rachio already it's a solid piece of kit.

I have the Rachio and use automations in Home Assistant with it. I have a few zones that trigger my security cameras when the zone is running. I use an automation to turn off the motion sensor when these zones are running and then turn it back on when the zone completes. I have to admit that I am not sure I have all of the soil types and sprinkler types properly set up and have to do some work to make sure I have all of it correct to take full advantage of the features.

Great video and very helpful. I’m building a new home right now with many smart features but not sure what the irrigation controller will be. I’m keeping your recommendations in mind if I need to upgrade from what I get.

My new sprinkler system came with a WiFi controller by Hunter called Hydrawise. Been using it for a year now with no complaints.

Thanks Rob.

Thank you for alerting me to the Flume water sensor, with integration to my B-Hyve irrigation controller. The Flume sensor installed easily to the water meter with only a strap and works accurately. No more surprise big (or small continuous) water leaks for me. Very well engineered, worth the $200 to me. I would have purchased it thru you with Amazon, but you did not have a link. Thanks!!

Thanks for the video

Newsome and USF graduate here! We had an obligatory hatred of Plant lol... wanted to comment that I just realized the easter egg LED concrete countertop here before its official reveal! Your patio video was incredible - we have a company starting our pool dig in a few weeks and I have a bunch of DIY projects to do including a similar bar with another counter for a couple mini fridges and some LED lighting in the enclosure... Keep up the great work, my favorite channel on youtube! I've been very happy with the Rachio for several years now. Flume for about a year. Let me know if you have any last minute tips for the pool/patio process!!

Wow! What an in depth video review, I think imma buy a skydrop.

hi Rob. nice video. I miss the home assistant integration part!

For the front garden, we went with a BHyve 8 and put it in a $40 wall-mounted outdoor enclosure.

I liked and commented immediately because you told me what i wanted to hear 30 sexonds into the video. I watched until the end but i appreciate someone not trying to force me to watch the full video.

Great review. I chose the Rachio originally because my homey pro hub contains the API, but I don' treally think I need to add it to my home automation network, as I can probably control it from my phone when I am travelling and feel like I need to make changes. I find it pretty entertaining the length to which people are willing to nerd out on home automation, and yard irrigation automation. Hats off to those who are willing to write code and create bitchen stuff though.

The BHyve 8 does have control directly on unit but limited but can activate program, delay, cancel and more.

I have found several ways to integrate the B-hyve controllers into home assistant. The first one is a HACS add-on which allows you to turn stations on and off as well as set rain delays with automation. I don’t need the automation, so I have a webpage window in Lovelace UI that shows the b-hyve web interface. From my experience it works perfectly on my android tablet that I have mounted on the wall (I access HA there with fully kiosk), but on every other device I have to input my login credentials for b-hyve every the page reloads.

Orbit B-hyve has integration on home assistant! I have both working on my setup! It works very well, I can even use my HA mobile app to turn on and off sprinklers without having to walk back to the base or use their app. This is nice when I have to find and fix leaks that my wife made in our side garden’ drip setup.

Love the SSID names.

Thanks!

Thank you

Was wondering if Hyve is good. Thanks for info. Personally I have Rachio. I use HA and need it as I used one of unused zones as a mist to the patio with small little button to turn it off/on. One point to make is also - Rachio support HomeKit. Which is local and if you use homekit to connect it to smart hub you do not need to care about the cloud support - you can still use it thru smart hub and keep it smart even if company goes down.

Another great video, keep them coming! Although not well publicised, one of Rachio's best features SEASONAL SHIFT only works in USA and Canada so if you are in Europe, there's no point in enabling it as it doesn't actually change anything as it has no access to historical weather data outside USA/Canada. And although Rachio does integrate with Home Assistant, it does not expose watering times so you can't use HA to change the watering times on a monthly basis either. In summary, it seems that a Rachio is not very smart outside of USA and Canada :-( I haven't tried any of the others as I have already invested in two Rachios...

Holy moly. I just finished making something like this from scratch not knowing these even existed! Water shortage here in Auckland so I made a system to harvest the rainwater and water the garden accordingly to soil moisture and weather predictions plus some conditional logic/UI. Looking forward to the video!

Good overview as always! I went with Rachio3 at the beginning of summer. Quite happy with my purchase. It does integrate into HA but really there is no reason for the integration as the solution is a set it and forget it. Works flawlessly and has saved a ton of money compared to my DIY open sprinkler solution I was using previously years. Just an FYI I am seeing ~$100/mo savings using Rachio3 over open sprinkler and my lawn is very green. Might be because of the smart sensors for moisture saturation and the smart sprinkling Rachio3 does to prevent runoff. Anyways, that was my pick after a lot of research. Wish the video was around a year ago. Would have still made the same decision.

As always awsome content Rob. Would you consider building a DIY version? I have a project in mind and I already have parts using a moisture sensor connected to a esp8266 to measure if the lawn needs to be watered. I was thinking it would be cool to send the info to homeassitant and run the sprinklers though a automation like if it was going to ran don't water but if I wasn't do water at 2am. That way no cloud needed.

Rob, where was this video 3 months ago? I needed coverage for one additional drip irrigation zone I added and didn’t want to blow a bunch on another Rachio.. so I found a Skydrop on eBay. Thank god I didn’t need it to do much, but I’ve regretted the $25 spend since I turned it on and 3/4 of the features were absent. Hope all is well, thanks for all your great informative videos!!! 😀

Great video. Have you ever thought of doing a DIY project for this?

I have actually used open sprinkler for a while. I put it onto a raspberry pi. It seems to be a great buy and was very cheap. (Of course though I have the computer side done I have yet to lay any pipes in the yard!)

You make awesome videos, you will be at 1 million subscribers one day

I had open sprinkler for years and it was great but my board finally died so I went to RainMachine so I would have at the box control (I have the version with the screen) and it's amazing, the screen sets it apart from the others. It's a more expensive product but you get what you pay for (IMHO).

Hey dude, Definitely the BEST video on choosing a sprinkler controller system! Thanks so much! Do those systems work for lan sprinkler systems and drip also?

Great video, very informative. I've been looking at the Irrigreen system and would like your feedback. Thank you

Hi and thanks for your detailed review of both hardware and software for these units. Have you had a chance to test the B-Hyve, the 12 zone indoor/outdoor unit? Thanks

I love my b-hyve! But I did notice that during the peak of Florida summer it did a rain delay a few more times than I would have liked. It got a little dry but I just overrode the delay a few times and it was back to normal.

Every spring I open my Skydrop app with fingers crossed it still works 😬

I have had nothing but issues with the orbit bhyve. First one had wifi connections issues about 4 months into use and got it replaced under warranty and that one after 3 months. Orbit gave me some credit for new controller and going try out the new xr controller...Wifi and timer acting erratic are known issues with the bhyve 8 zone. Orbit Forums are full of customers having same problems I had.

The main reason I’m looking for one is because app navigation is much easier and more intuitive than some of the device controls to set things up. I don’t need the device to think for me but it’s nice to be able to change settings more easily. Is there a way to turn off the calculating features to reduce lag and improve reliability? Are there any charges for those cloud functions anyway? Also, would love to see an updated video with the Waze smart timer, as they are maybe not top dogs in irrigation but definitely up there with smart home devices.

I have the Rachio and it's nice but I think you should look into and review the Irrigreen system. You can replace multiple heads with just one and it waters exactly where you need it. Kinda expensive but it looks premium and an engineer's dream.

would like to so an update on this topic as their are so many newer smart controllers out now.

Please review also Netro smart system. I have one and I feel very comfortable using it. It is similar to bhyve. It has moisture sensors and adjust watering based on soil type, plant type and forecast. It allows also to set up manual watering.

Thanks for the video. Though how come you didn’t include the hunter hydrawise controller.

Network reliant controllers can loose connection when power goes off (Rachio).

Excellent informative video. Is there any reason to pick the B-hyve XR over the B-hyve indoor if your sprinkler system is indoors?

Would love to see an update to see what you used long term and how it’s working out. I’m curious why you said the Rachio 3 was best if your hooking into home assistant, looks like there is a bhyve integration so maybe that playing field has been leveled?

Surprised RainMachine was not reviewed. Local control, automatic irrigation calculations, touchscreen. Also HA integration. It should be the top choice. Downside is price

Missing RainMachine to be a top notch review but probably the most encompassing review out there. Although I already own RainMachine I still like to be kept up to date with features of other controllers. Still I disagree that Rachio is top for integrations. There is a difference between having a lot of useless integrations like with smoke detector and having powerful integrations. For example every action is available on RainMachine for IFTTT and also all triggers not just "zone started" "zone finished". This really allows me to integrate with other smart devices in my house, to stop leaks, stop pump, pause on wind etc.

Good info here! Any additional yard automation? Soil moisture sensor or anything else to add on to the system… if that is even needed?

Missing rainmachine. Have been using it for years and it works great.

One of the reasons to integrate to central home automation is the long term reliability of the cloud service. There is no question Google and Apple will be around longer than any of the other company’s services.

OK, my rainbird app has to download every time I connect to it, it then looses connectivity and I have to just try again later because it says there is already an active user. Sounds like you had the same issues as well. Assuming Bhive and Ranchio has a more seamless integration than rainbirds poor integration. Thanks, great vid

i'd be interested to see a comparison the app interfaces and ease of use vs. functions if that's something you recorded?

I purchased the Gro sprinkler controller wham it was still called Blossom. I didn’t have any issues with the first one until it was killed by a lightning strike. The second one works good but I have issues with getting the soil sensor to connect. Otherwise it works pretty well except when I wake up and it’s raining and my sprinklers are running. 😡

You could probably automate the rainbird in node red. I know that rainbird has home assistant integration.

What do you think about a sonoff 4ch for 4 zones? Adding a small display on it? Then you don't rely on cloud and can use it in home assistant and tell it not to water while the robot mower is going :) with that you also can just use a home assistant weather service.