Orbit B-hyve: My #1 Smart Controller Recommendation

Sprinkler System Calculator Zone Runtime Calculator
Orbit B-hyve Smart Sprinkler Controller

Why B-hyve is My Go-To Recommendation

After 25+ years installing irrigation systems, when homeowners ask me what controller to buy, I almost always say: Orbit B-hyve.

Three Simple Reasons:

  • Affordable - Premium smart features at half the price of competitors
  • Easy to Use - Intuitive app that homeowners actually understand
  • True Smart Controller - Uses ET data to automatically create run times based on real weather

What is ET-Based Watering?

ET (Evapotranspiration) measures how much water your landscape actually loses each day through evaporation and plant transpiration. B-hyve uses this data plus your soil type, plant type, and sun exposure to automatically calculate optimal run times. You set it up once, and it handles everything.

This isn't just a rain delay controller that turns off when it rains. This is a true smart controller that adjusts watering daily based on temperature, humidity, wind, and actual water needs.

EPA WaterSense Certified

B-hyve controllers save 30-50% on water usage and qualify for rebates from most water districts. Check with your local water provider for available rebates ($50-$200 typical).

Which B-hyve Model Should You Buy?

All B-hyve models have the same smart features. The only difference is the number of zones (stations). Count your current zones and add 1-2 for future expansion.

Model Stations Best For Shop
6-Station 6 Zones Small to medium yards (4-5 zones) Shop at Lowe's
8-Station 8 Zones Medium properties (6-7 zones) Shop at Lowe's
16-Station 16 Zones Large properties (10+ zones) Shop at Lowe's

Indoor or Outdoor Installation:

All models work indoors or outdoors. The controller comes with a weatherproof case for outdoor mounting. You'll need:

  • 120V power outlet (controller must be plugged in)
  • WiFi signal (works on 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks)
  • Access to valve wires

How to Set Up Your B-hyve Controller

Watch this complete setup guide that walks through installation, WiFi connection, and configuring your zones for ET-based watering:

Complete setup tutorial covering installation, app setup, and zone configuration for optimal ET-based watering.

Quick Setup Steps:

  1. Install controller - Mount it, connect zone wires, plug in power
  2. Download B-hyve app - Connect via Bluetooth, then to WiFi
  3. Configure zones - Tell it your soil type, plant type, sun exposure
  4. Enable WeatherSense - Let it automatically adjust watering daily
Controller Installation Guide Check Your Heads

Water Savings & Return on Investment

Smart controllers cost more upfront, but the savings are real:

Typical Savings:

  • 30-50% reduction in outdoor water use
  • $200-400 per year saved on water bills
  • Pays for itself in 1-6 months (after rebates)

Example ROI:

B-hyve 8-Station Controller $100
Water District Rebate (typical) -$75
Your Cost $25
Annual Water Savings (conservative) $250
Payback Period 1-2 months

Why B-hyve Instead of Rachio or Hunter?

B-hyve vs. Rachio

Rachio is a great controller, but B-hyve offers 80% of the functionality at 40% of the price. For most homeowners, B-hyve is the better value. Plus, B-hyve has physical controls on the unit (not just app-only like Rachio).

B-hyve vs. Hunter

Hunter makes excellent commercial controllers, but they're overkill for residential use. B-hyve provides everything a homeowner needs at a fraction of the cost.

B-hyve vs. Basic Rain Delay

Rain delay controllers just turn off when it rains. B-hyve adjusts for temperature, humidity, wind, and ET daily. That's the difference between 10% water savings and 40% water savings.

Shop Orbit B-hyve Smart Controllers

Ready to upgrade to smart, ET-based watering? All models available at Lowe's with fast shipping.

6-Station

Best For: 4-5 zone systems

Price: ~$99

  • WeatherSense ET technology
  • WiFi & Bluetooth
  • EPA WaterSense certified
  • Indoor/outdoor rated
Shop 6-Station

8-Station

Best For: 6-7 zone systems

Price: ~$119

  • WeatherSense ET technology
  • WiFi & Bluetooth
  • EPA WaterSense certified
  • Indoor/outdoor rated
Shop 8-Station

16-Station

Best For: 10+ zone systems

Price: ~$199

  • WeatherSense ET technology
  • WiFi & Bluetooth
  • EPA WaterSense certified
  • Indoor/outdoor rated
Shop 16-Station

Don't Forget Your Rebate!

After installation:

  1. Save your receipt
  2. Visit your water district's website
  3. Complete the rebate application online
  4. Upload receipt and photo of installed controller
  5. Receive rebate check in 4-8 weeks ($50-$200 typical)

Bottom Line: Get the B-hyve

After installing hundreds of controllers over 25+ years, I consistently recommend B-hyve for homeowners. It's affordable, easy to use, and delivers genuine smart watering through ET-based calculations.

Your lawn gets exactly the water it needs, automatically, every day. You save money on water bills. And you never have to think about seasonal adjustments again.

Why B-hyve:

  • Best value in the smart controller market
  • True ET-based watering, not just rain delay
  • Easy to set up and use
  • 30-50% water savings
  • Rebate eligible in most areas
  • Pays for itself in months
Shop B-hyve at Lowe's Contact Kevin