Hunter Hydrawise HC Wi-Fi Controller

Quick verdict

A capable multi-zone Wi-Fi irrigation controller with an official Home Assistant integration, but it is cloud polling only. It is not local - included only as cloud-dependency filler; all control and the HA integration route through the Hydrawise cloud. It leans on the manufacturer cloud, so it's here mainly as a fallback when local options run short. Note that Hunter discontinued the HC controller in January 2023 (US and Australia models), pointing buyers to the X2 with WAND module, the Pro-HC and the HPC.

Last checked: 2026-06-02

Compatibility snapshot

Why it stands out

• Official HA integration and a polished predictive-watering app
• Comes in 6-zone (HC-600i) and 12-zone (HC-1200i) models
• Reliable mainstream brand with strong dealer support

Reasons to hesitate

• Discontinued by Hunter in January 2023 (US and Australia models); remaining stock only
• Cloud-only: the HA integration is Cloud Polling and needs a Hydrawise account
• No local API; control stops if Hunter's cloud is down
• Higher price plus account dependency

Best for

• Large yards already on Hydrawise wanting basic cloud-based HA visibility (last-resort filler)

Avoid if

• you want fully local control with no cloud account
• you want a currently-produced model - Hunter discontinued the HC and now points buyers to the X2 with WAND module, the Pro-HC and the HPC

Privacy and local-control notes

It is not local - included only as cloud-dependency filler; all control and the HA integration route through the Hydrawise cloud. This one depends on the Hunter cloud, making it the least private pick in its category.

Home Assistant support: supported · integration path: Hunter Hydrawise (HA core, cloud polling).

Buying reality check

Price notes: Around $170, but discontinued since January 2023 - remaining stock and used units only. A premium pick.

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