Hunter PRO-HC 6-Zone Wi-Fi Sprinkler vs Hunter HPC-FP Hydrawise Face Panel (2026): Key Differences
We compare the Hunter PRO-HC 6-Zone Wi-Fi sprinkler controller and the HPC-FP Hydrawise face panel. This guide breaks down their published specifications to help you decide which smart irrigation solution fits your system.
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The hunter pro hc 6 zone wi fi sprinkler vs hpc fp hydrawise face panel comparison highlights two distinct Hunter products. Both use Wi-Fi and the Hydrawise app for smart irrigation. The main difference is their function. Product A is a complete 6-zone controller with a touchscreen. Product B is a replacement face panel for existing Pro-C timers. You need to know which one fits your current setup before buying.
Product Type
Complete 6-zone controller
Replacement face panel
Zone Capacity
6 zones
Not listed
Compatibility
New or existing systems
Pro-C timers since March 2014
Screen
Full-color touchscreen
Full-color touchscreen
Sensors
Optional flow or rain detection
Built-in milliamp sensor
Choose the first if
- You need a new controller for up to six zones
- You want optional flow or rain detection sensors
- You are installing a new irrigation system
Choose the second if
- You have a Pro-C timer from March 2014 or later
- You want to add Wi-Fi to an existing controller
- You need a built-in milliamp sensor for wiring checks
Verdict
Choose the Hunter PRO-HC if you need a standalone 6-zone controller. Pick the HPC-FP if you are upgrading an existing Pro-C timer with Wi-Fi capabilities.
Side by side spec comparison
controller vs panel
Edge: Hunter PRO-HC 6-Zone Wi-Fi Sprinkler Controller
Product A is a complete 6-zone smart irrigation controller. It manages your entire watering schedule from a single unit. Product B is a face panel upgrade. It replaces the front of an existing Pro-C timer. You must already own a compatible base unit for Product B to function. Product A works as a standalone system. Product B is a retrofit part. Choose Product A if you need a new controller. Choose Product B if you are upgrading an older Pro-C timer installed since March 2014.
zone capacity
Edge: Hunter PRO-HC 6-Zone Wi-Fi Sprinkler Controller
Product A supports six separate watering zones. You can manage lawns, gardens, and flower beds independently. The data does not list a zone capacity for Product B. This is expected because it is a display panel, not a full controller. The number of zones depends on the base unit you attach the panel to. Product A gives you clear control over six stations right out of the box. Product B’s capacity is variable and limited by your existing hardware.
build and size
Edge: Tie
Product A measures 7 inches wide, 8.6 inches high, and weighs 3.06 pounds. It is designed for indoor or outdoor placement. Product B measures 8 inches wide, 4 inches high, and weighs 1.23 pounds. It is a thinner component meant for mounting inside an existing enclosure. Product A is heavier and taller. Product B is lighter and flatter. Your wall space and mounting location will dictate which form factor fits better. Product A stands alone. Product B blends into a larger system.
display and control
Edge: Tie
Product A features a full-color touchscreen for easy setup. You can test zones and adjust schedules directly on the device. Product B also includes a full-color touchscreen. It allows full programming at the controller level. Both products offer local control via touch. Product A’s interface is integrated into the main unit. Product B’s interface is part of the upgrade panel. You get similar tactile feedback on both. The difference lies in where the programming happens relative to the base electronics.
sensor compatibility
Edge: Hunter HPC-FP Hydrawise WiFi Face Panel
Product A is compatible with an optional flow meter and Clik sensor. These add-ons detect leaks and rain. Product B is compatible with an HC Flow Meter. It also includes a built-in milliamp sensor for wiring problem detection. Product B has an advantage here due to the integrated milliamp sensor. This feature helps identify electrical issues in the wiring. Product A requires separate purchases for similar monitoring capabilities. If wiring diagnostics are critical, Product B offers more immediate insight.
Which product fits your needs?
First-time smart controller buyers
Our pick: Hunter PRO-HC 6-Zone Wi-Fi Sprinkler Controller
You need a complete system. The PRO-HC includes a full-color touchscreen for easy setup and manages six zones directly. It handles indoor or outdoor placement. You get built-in weather adjustments without buying extra parts. This all-in-one unit simplifies your irrigation from day one.
Existing Pro-C timer owners
Our pick: Hunter HPC-FP Hydrawise WiFi Face Panel
You already have a compatible Pro-C timer. This face panel upgrades your existing hardware with Wi-Fi and Hydrawise connectivity. It features a full-color touch screen for local programming. The built-in milliamp sensor detects wiring problems. It is a direct replacement for older panels on compatible models.
Users wanting flow monitoring
Our pick: Hunter PRO-HC 6-Zone Wi-Fi Sprinkler Controller
You want immediate leak detection capabilities. The PRO-HC controller supports optional flow meters and Clik sensors for rain detection. You can track water usage and receive alerts for breaks. This integrated approach protects your yard from waste. You do not need to verify compatibility with an older base unit.
Hunter PRO-HC 6-Zone Wi-Fi Sprinkler Controller
Best for: small yards needing six zone management
- Zone Capacity
- 6 Zone
- Placement
- Indoor/Outdoor
- Local Control
- Full-color touchscreen
- Wireless Connectivity
- Wi-Fi
- Color
- White
- Control Method
- App Control
The Hunter PRO-HC is a 6-zone Wi-Fi sprinkler controller designed for indoor or outdoor placement. It features a full-color touchscreen for local setup and connects to the Hydrawise app for remote management. Built-in weather-based watering adjusts schedules automatically to save water. This model measures 7 inches wide and weighs 3.06 pounds, offering a compact footprint for standard residential irrigation needs.
- Wi-Fi connectivity for remote app control via Hydrawise
- Full-color touchscreen display for easy local programming
- Supports up to 6 separate watering zones
- Weather-based watering adjusts schedules automatically
- Compatible with optional flow and Clik sensors
- Limited to 6 zones, which is fewer than larger systems
- Weighs 3.06 pounds, making it heavier than basic timers
- Dimensions of 7 x 8.6 x 3.75 inches require dedicated space
- You need to manage six separate irrigation zones
- You want to adjust watering schedules from your phone
- You prefer a touchscreen interface for local setup
- You require more than six watering zones
- You do not have Wi-Fi access for smart features
- You need a controller with fewer than six zones
Verdict: The Hunter PRO-HC 6-Zone Smart Sprinkler Controller fits homeowners with small to medium yards who want remote control over six zones. It is best for users who value automated weather adjustments and app management.
Hunter HPC-FP Hydrawise WiFi Face Panel
Best for: Upgrading compatible Hunter Pro-C controllers
- Wireless Connectivity
- Wi-Fi
- Color
- White
- Dimensions
- 8 × 8 × 4 inches
- Weight
- 1.23 pounds
This is a white Wi-Fi face panel for Hunter Pro-C controllers. It features a full-color touch screen for programming at the device. It includes a built-in milliamp sensor for wiring detection and HC Flow Meter compatibility. It fits PC400, PC400i, and PCC Series models made since March 2014. The unit weighs 1.23 pounds and measures 8 by 8 by 4 inches. It suits users upgrading older modular controllers.
- Full-color touch screen for full programming at the controller
- Built-in milliamp sensor for wiring problem detection
- HC Flow Meter compatible for flow monitoring and alerts
- Wi-Fi connectivity for smart control
- Limited to retrofitting controllers manufactured since March 2014
- Requires existing ribbon cable with 2 rows of pins
- Heavier build at 1.23 pounds compared to basic panels
- You own a Hunter Pro-C controller made after March 2014
- You want full-color touch screen programming at the device
- You need wiring detection via the milliamp sensor
- You have a controller made before March 2014
- Your ribbon cable has only 1 row of pins
- You need a standalone controller rather than a face panel
Verdict: Hunter HPC-FP Hydrawise Face Panel is a specialized upgrade for compatible Pro-C controllers. It fits users who need on-device programming and wiring diagnostics for systems built after March 2014.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Hunter PRO-HC 6-Zone Wi-Fi Sprinkler Controller | Hunter HPC-FP Hydrawise WiFi Face Panel |
|---|---|---|
| Zone Capacity | 6 Zone | – |
| Placement | Indoor/Outdoor | – |
| Local Control | Full-color touchscreen | – |
| Wireless Connectivity | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi |
| Color | White | White |
| Keypad Type | Touchscreen | – |
| Control Method | App Control | – |
| Dimensions | 3.75 × 7 × 8.6 inches | 8 × 8 × 4 inches |
| Weight | 3.06 pounds | 1.23 pounds |
| Model | PHC-600 | HPC-FP |
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the HPC-FP panel with any Hunter controller?
No, the HPC-FP is a specialized upgrade for compatible Pro-C controllers only. It replaces the front of an existing timer rather than acting as a standalone unit. You must verify your system was built after March 2014 to ensure compatibility. It does not work with other Hunter models or third-party timers.
Does the PRO-HC controller support outdoor installation?
Yes, the PRO-HC is designed for both indoor and outdoor placement. Its white casing is built to withstand environmental conditions. This flexibility allows you to mount it in a garage, basement, or directly outside near your water source. The compact dimensions help it fit in tight spaces without obstructing access.
How many watering zones does the PRO-HC manage?
The PRO-HC manages exactly six zones. This makes it ideal for small yards that need precise water management. You can program each zone individually for different plant needs. The six-zone capacity is fixed, so it will not expand to accommodate larger landscapes with more than six distinct areas.
What type of screen does the PRO-HC feature?
The PRO-HC features a touchscreen keypad. You can navigate menus and adjust settings directly on the device. This interface simplifies setup and daily adjustments without needing to open the app. The touchscreen provides a clear view of your current schedule and status.
Is the HPC-FP panel a complete controller?
No, the HPC-FP is only a face panel. It does not contain the internal electronics to run a sprinkler system on its own. It must be installed onto an existing compatible Pro-C controller. Its purpose is to add Wi-Fi connectivity and on-device programming to your older hardware.
Which product is lighter and more compact?
The HPC-FP panel is lighter and more compact. It weighs 1.23 pounds and measures 8 by 8 inches. The PRO-HC controller is heavier at 3.06 pounds and has a deeper profile. If space is limited or you need a lightweight upgrade, the panel is the smaller option.
