What Rachio does

Rachio, Inc. is a Denver-based smart irrigation technology company founded in 2013 that designs and sells WiFi-connected outdoor water-management hardware and the cloud software that runs it. Its core products are the Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller (8- and 16-zone models priced $199.99-$249.99), the Smart Hose Timer for hose-based watering ($79.99-$149.99), and a newer Smart Lighting Controller for low-voltage landscape lighting ($299) — the first outdoor lighting controller certified to the Matter smart home standard. The platform uses local weather data integration to automatically adjust or skip watering cycles via Weather Intelligence, Rain Skip, Seasonal Shift, and Heat Wave Boost, with EPA WaterSense certification validating at least 20% water savings versus conventional controllers.

Rachio operates a predominantly hardware-driven, consumer-direct business with no mandatory subscription fees; revenue comes from one-time device sales, premium add-on software features (notably Valve Monitoring at $29.99), accessories, and partner products from Tempest, EveryDrop, MySoil, Water Right, and Rain Bird. Distribution spans DTC e-commerce (rachio.com), Amazon, Costco, and bulk-pricing programs for irrigation contractors. A secondary go-to-market motion runs through water-utility conservation partnerships — including Moulton Niguel Water District, Las Vegas Valley Water District, City of Woodbury, and Liberty Utilities — that subsidize device purchases for ratepayers, plus a B2B installer channel.

As of October 1, 2025, Rachio operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of Rain Bird Corporation following an acquisition aimed at expanding Rain Bird's smart irrigation portfolio. The company maintains 51-100 employees, is headquartered at 1400 16th St. in Denver, has cumulatively helped users save over 200 billion gallons of water since 2014, and holds a 4.6/5 average across 2,851 product reviews.

Name

Rachio

Legal name

Rachio, Inc.

Website

https://rachio.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2013

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Rachio is a Denver-based smart irrigation company that sells WiFi-connected sprinkler controllers, hose timers, and a Matter-certified lighting controller to residential homeowners, irrigation professionals, and water utilities. It generates revenue primarily through one-time hardware sales, premium software add-ons, and utility-subsidized distribution.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Smart Irrigation Systems

NAICS

Automatic Environmental Control Manufacturing for Residential, Commercial, and Appliance Use (334512), Water Supply and Irrigation Systems (221310), Totalizing Fluid Meter and Counting Device Manufacturing (334514)

SIC

Lawn & Garden Tractors & Home Lawn & Gardens Equip (3524), Farm Machinery & Equipment (3523)

akta.pro primary industry

Controller/Timer & Smart Irrigation Setup (Wi‑Fi, Sensors) (HSAIAEAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Smart Irrigation & Outdoor Automation Integration (HSAHADAH), Water Leak Detection & Smart Shutoff Valve Systems (HSAHAGAA), Water Management, Leak Detection & Smart Plumbing (HSAPAPAL), Irrigation Monitoring & Sensors (Flow/Pressure Meters, Soil Moisture, Water Quality Sensors) (AFABAHAJ), Irrigation Control & Automation (Controllers, Valves, Sensors, IoT) (AFAAACAF), Irrigation Automation & Controllers (Timers, Solenoids, Control Panels) (AFABAHAI)

Keywords

• Smart irrigation systems
• WiFi sprinkler controllers
• Smart water management
• Outdoor lighting controllers
• Weather-based watering

Headquarters

HQ city

Denver

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Hardware Sales - Smart Sprinkler Controllers: One-time purchase revenue from selling Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controllers in 8-zone ($199.99) and 16-zone ($249.99) variants. Certified refurbished units available at discounted prices ($149.99-$199.99). Multi-pack bundles for pros and contractors.
2. Hardware Sales - Smart Lighting Controller: One-time purchase revenue from Smart Lighting Controller (3-zone, 200-Watt) at $299.00, featuring Matter smart home integration.
3. Hardware Sales - Smart Hose Timer: One-time purchase revenue from Smart Hose Timer systems. 1 Valve + WiFi Hub starter kit at $79.99, 2 Valves + WiFi Hub at $149.99, individual valves at $69.99.
4. Premium Software Features: Premium add-on features including Valve Monitoring ($29.99) for electrical checkups on solenoid valves. Heat Wave Boost premium feature for schedule adjustments during extreme weather.
5. Accessories and Add-ons: Weatherproof enclosures ($39.99), power supplies ($24.99), Tempest Weather System integration ($299.00), EveryDrop Flow Meters ($109.99), MySoil Test Kits ($34.99-$64.99), partner products (Rain Bird nozzles, Water Right hoses).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Rachio designs, manufactures (via contract manufacturing), and sells WiFi-connected smart irrigation controllers (Rachio 3), smart hose timers, and a Matter-certified smart lighting controller for residential outdoor use. The hardware is paired with a free mobile/cloud software platform that automates watering based on local weather data and integrates with major smart home ecosystems. Premium software features such as Valve Monitoring are sold as add-ons, and accessories including weather stations, flow meters, and partner irrigation products extend the ecosystem.

Product overview

Rachio offers a smart irrigation ecosystem centered on WiFi-connected controllers that automate outdoor watering based on weather data. The core product lineup includes the Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller (for in-ground irrigation systems in 8-zone and 16-zone variants), the Smart Hose Timer (for above-ground hose-based watering), and the new Smart Lighting Controller (Matter-certified landscape lighting control). The ecosystem is managed through the free Rachio App, which provides Weather Intelligence, automatic rain skipping, seasonal adjustments, and water usage monitoring. Premium features like Valve Monitoring and integrations with Tempest weather stations, EveryDrop flow meters, and MySoil test kits extend the platform's capabilities. Rachio also offers certified refurbished controllers, multipacks, and partner products including Rain Bird nozzles, Water Right hoses, and Davis weather stations. The company holds EPA WaterSense certification and was acquired by Rain Bird Corporation in October 2025, continuing to operate as a subsidiary.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller WiFi-enabled smart sprinkler controller for in-ground irrigation systems that automatically adjusts watering schedules based on local weather data. Available in 8-zone ($199.99) and 16-zone ($249.99) variants with app-based control, EPA WaterSense certification, and no monthly subscription fees.
• Smart Hose Timer Smart valve timer for hose-based watering that connects via Bluetooth to a WiFi Hub and enables remote scheduling through the Rachio App. Includes rain skip and flow detection, supporting up to 8 valves per WiFi Hub. Starter kits priced from $79.99.
• Smart Lighting Controller Matter-certified smart controller for low-voltage landscape lighting that delivers 15V of consistent power from a 200-watt controller. Controls up to three zones per controller with sunrise/sunset-based scheduling, dimming, and full Rachio App integration. Priced at $299.00.
• Valve Monitoring (Premium Software Feature) Premium software add-on for Rachio controllers that monitors the electrical health of solenoid valves and alerts users to detected issues. Sold as a one-time activation code for $29.99.
• Rachio App Mobile app for iOS and Android plus web app providing scheduling, monitoring, and control of all Rachio devices. Features Weather Intelligence, Rain Skip, Seasonal Shift, Quick Run, and advanced irrigation controls. No subscription fees required for core functionality.

Quantifiable outcome

• Saves 20% or more water compared to traditional controllers
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration11 records

AI capability5 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Rain Bird CorporationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025Rain Bird Corporation acquired Rachio, Inc. on October 1, 2025, making Rachio a wholly owned subsidiary. The acquisition aims to enhance sustainable irrigation solutions and expand product offerings. Rachio continues to operate as a subsidiary under Rain Bird's leadership.
• Matter Working Group / CSAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRachio co-authored the Matter specification for outdoor lighting controllers and developed the first Matter-certified outdoor lighting controller. This enables interoperability with Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, and Google Home platforms.
• Amazon AlexacoreTechnology or IntegrationAmazon Alexa integration allows users to control Rachio with voice commands, including turning on/off, running watering zones, or setting rain skips using 100+ different commands.
• Google HomecoreTechnology or IntegrationGoogle Home integration enables users to control sprinklers via voice commands through the Google Assistant platform.
• Tempest Weather SystemcoreTechnology or IntegrationTempest personal weather station integrates with Rachio to provide hyper-local weather data from the user's backyard, enhancing forecast accuracy and watering optimization. Sold by Rachio as bundle option.
• Moulton Niguel Water DistrictcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerUtility partner distributing Rachio 3 at discounted prices to residents through conservation programs. Provides virtual training sessions for customers on device features.
• Las Vegas Valley Water DistrictcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMajor water utility partner offering Rachio products to customers through conservation programs in the Las Vegas area.
• City of WoodburyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMunicipal utility partner in Minnesota offering residential smart irrigation controller rebates.
• Liberty UtilitiesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerInvestor-owned utility offering smart irrigation programs and rebates to customers.
• AWE (Alliance for Water Efficiency)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerRachio participates in AWE programs for water efficiency and conservation initiatives.
• Blue Star RecyclersminorOthersRachio partners with Blue Star Recyclers, a 501c3 social enterprise, to offer free recycling of old controllers (any brand) when customers purchase a new Rachio controller.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Hunter Industries (Hydrawise): Hunter's Hydrawise is a leading WiFi-connected smart sprinkler controller competing directly with Rachio 3 in residential and light commercial irrigation. Both target homeowners via app control, weather-based scheduling, and contractor channels.
• Orbit B-hyve: Orbit's B-hyve line is a direct consumer competitor to Rachio, offering smart sprinkler controllers and hose timers with weather-based scheduling at similar price points, sold through Amazon, Home Depot, and Lowe.

Broad incumbents

• Rain Bird Corporation: Rain Bird is Rachio's parent company and the largest U.S. irrigation manufacturer. Its LNK WiFi module and ESP-RZXe controllers overlap with Rachio's product line, particularly through professional and contractor channels where Rachio historically had limited presence.
• Toro: Toro is a broad incumbent in residential and commercial irrigation with smart controller offerings (Toro Evolution). Comparable to Rachio in residential category but also serves large commercial/landscape markets where Rachio has minimal share.

Emerging players

• Yardian: Yardian is a smart irrigation controller focused on HomeKit and Alexa integrations, competing in the same homeowner smart-controller niche as Rachio with overlapping weather-intelligence features.
• Skydrop (now Lono): Skydrop/Lono is a smart sprinkler controller targeting tech-forward homeowners, with comparable app-based scheduling and weather-skip features. Operates at smaller scale than Rachio but competes in the same DTC channel.
• Spruce Irrigation: Spruce offers a smart irrigation controller with soil-moisture sensor integration, targeting environmentally conscious homeowners. Overlaps with Rachio on weather-based scheduling but differentiates on real-time soil data.
• K-Rain: K-Rain manufactures smart-ready irrigation controllers and components, with pro-channel distribution overlap to Rachio's contractor base. Comparable on hardware but lighter on consumer app/software sophistication.

Regional players

• Netafim: Netafim is the global leader in drip irrigation with smart controllers for agriculture and landscape. Comparable to Rachio in precision-watering technology but operates primarily in agricultural and international markets where Rachio has limited presence.

Others

• Alarm.com: Alarm.com integrates with Rachio for irrigation control within its security/home automation platform. As a smart home platform, it represents both an integration partner and a potential competitive threat if it bundles irrigation directly into its own offering.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/_rachio
• Facebookfacebook.com/rachioco
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/rachio
• Instagraminstagram.com/rachioco

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds7 records

Investors17 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Rachio