Hunter HPC400 — WiFi 4-Zone Controller with Hydrawise (Expandable to 32)

What is it and what's it for?

It's a controller that starts small (4 zones) but is built to grow: you add expansion modules as you add irrigation zones to your yard, instead of having to replace the entire controller.

Real-world use cases

• At home: You start by watering just the front yard with 4 zones, and next year you add the backyard by buying an expansion module instead of buying a whole new, bigger controller.
• In a business or workshop: A property maintenance manager for an apartment complex can keep expanding irrigation zones across the grounds with modules, without replacing the central controller every time a new section is added.

How to avoid buying the wrong one

• It starts at 4 zones, but each expansion module (sold separately, around $48) adds zones up to a maximum of 32 — figure out how much you plan to grow before choosing the base version.
• It has far fewer reviews than Rachio (156 vs 8,400+), so the backing from other buyers on Amazon is thinner, even though Hunter is a long-standing irrigation manufacturer.
• It uses the same Hydrawise app as Hunter's more expensive, semi-professional controllers, so you don't switch platforms if you upgrade within the brand later.