B-hyve XR vs Standard B-hyve Controllers

The B-hyve XR (57985 with 8 zones, 57995 with 16) differs from the standard controllers mainly in Wi-Fi bands, display, weather rating and zone capacity. The XR supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi. The standard indoor and indoor/outdoor models support 2.4 GHz only.

This is an independent guide. B-hyve is made by Orbit. Where this page and the manual for your exact model differ, follow the manual.

What is the difference between the XR and standard controllers?

Does the XR really use 5 GHz Wi-Fi?

Yes. The manufacturer lists a 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz dual-band connection with high-powered, long-range radios. It says this gives fewer signal drops from interference. Do not tell anyone that all B-hyve devices need 2.4 GHz only. That is true of the standard controllers and the hubs, but not of the XR.

What else is only on the XR?

Orbit documents these XR features:

• Four custom program slots, A, B, C and D, with multiple start times.
• Manual operation of one zone, selected zones or programs, or all zones.
• Support for wireless valves.
• A pump start relay connection.
• A digital lockout (the app's Manual Control Lock) and a lights-off display setting called Stealth Mode.
• A drought level for your area, shown so you can follow local watering restrictions.

Some of these exist on standard models too. For example, the 57925 supports a master valve or pump and up to 4 programs. The XR page is the one that lists these items together, so check your standard model's manual for each one.

What do the XR and standard models share?

• Direct Wi-Fi connection with no hub.
• Standard 24 VAC valves from Orbit, Hydro-Rain and other major brands (stated on the XR page; the standard models list 24 VAC outputs).
• WeatherSense smart watering.
• Alexa and Google Assistant.
• The same free B-hyve app.
• A 2-year limited warranty from an authorized dealer.

Which should I buy?

• Choose the XR if you have more than 12 zones, your controller will be outdoors, you want to join a 5 GHz network, or you want wireless valve support.
• Choose a standard indoor/outdoor model for 6 or 12 zones with a weatherproof case.
• Choose a standard indoor model for 4 or 8 zones inside a garage or utility room.

Are there known source conflicts?

• Orbit's XR family copy describes 8 and 16 zones. The 57985 is the 8-zone model and the 57995 is the 16-zone one. Check the model-specific manual before relying on a full specification for 57995.
• Orbit's XR page says some of its questions and answers are auto-generated. They should not outrank the manual.
• A few app reviewers say the XR has limited on-device manual operation, while Orbit's XR page lists manual operation of zones. If this matters to you, confirm the behavior in the XR manual.

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