Start with station count — you need one station for each watering zone, plus a little room to expand, so count your zones before you buy. Modular controllers let you add station modules later as the system grows.
Then pick the cabinet and the smarts: indoor models mount in a garage or utility room, while outdoor models have a weather-resistant, lockable enclosure. A Wi-Fi “smart” controller adjusts run times from local weather and programs from your phone — handy where watering restrictions apply. New here? Our Hunter controller buying guide compares the X-Core, Pro-HC, and HCC families, and you can round out the install with controller accessories like sensors and modules.

Rain Bird ESPLXME2P

Rain Bird F44224

Hunter XC600I

Hunter X2600

Hunter X2800

Hunter X2400

Rain Bird F44232

Rain Bird F44228

Hunter XC800I

Rain Bird F44226

Rain Bird F48342

Hunter X21400

Irritrol KD600-INT

Irritrol RD900-INT-R

Irritrol RD600-INT-R

Hunter NODEBT100VALVE

Irritrol RD600-EXT-R

Hunter A2C75DM

Rain Bird F22100

Irritrol RD1200-EXT-R
One station for each watering zone. Count your zones and choose a controller with a few extra stations so you can expand later — modular models let you add station modules as the system grows.
Indoor models mount in a garage or utility room. Outdoor models have a weather-resistant, lockable cabinet rated for mounting outside — match the controller to where you’ll install it.
A Wi-Fi controller adjusts run times automatically from local weather data and lets you program it from your phone. It can help meet local watering restrictions and trim water use compared with a fixed schedule.
Usually yes. Label each zone wire first, then move each one to the matching station terminal on the new controller and keep the common wire on the COM terminal. The valves and field wiring stay as they are.
Many areas require a rain or soil-moisture sensor that pauses watering after rain; a smart controller can use live weather data instead. Add one from controller accessories.