3 Best 2‑Outlet Hose Tap Timers Australia – Automate Two Zones From One Tap (RAINPOINT vs DIIVOO vs Orbit B‑Hyve)
One outdoor tap, two areas that need water – classic Aussie problem. Whether it’s lawn plus veggie beds or hedges plus potted citrus, a solid 2‑outlet tap timer prevents dry patches and saves those 6am dashes. Below, I break down what actually works in our heat, UV and water‑restriction windows, and who should buy which model. For broader options, see Best WiFi hose timers or build a bigger plan with complete irrigation automation.
Quick Picks
- Best Overall: RAINPOINT 2‑Outlet Timer (with WiFi hub) – Balanced price, flexible app schedules, reliable for lawns + beds.
- Best Budget: DIIVOO 2‑Outlet Timer – Simple, affordable way to split one tap into two fully programmable zones.
- Best Premium: Orbit B‑Hyve XD 2‑Outlet – Durable build, excellent automation when paired with the B‑Hyve Wi‑Fi Hub.
RAINPOINT 2-Zone Water Timer with Large All-in-One LCD Display, Dual Ports for Rain Sensor & Solar Panel, Rain Delay, IP65 Waterproof Outdoor Hose Timer
$109.78 on Amazon
2 Outlet Sprinkler Timer, Programmable Water Timer for Garden Hose
$56.99 on Amazon
Orbit 24632 B-hyve XD 2 Port Sprinkler Timer, Gray
$102.58 on AmazonRAINPOINT 2‑Outlet Hose Timer (Bluetooth/WiFi)
Why it stands out
RAINPOINT’s 2‑zone design nails the everyday Australian scenario: one tap feeding lawn and drip to the garden bed. The app is straightforward, scheduling is flexible (odd/even days, multiple start times), and the hardware copes well with our high‑UV summers if mounted under a small shade or cover. Pair it with the RAINPOINT WiFi hub and you can tweak run times when a heatwave rolls across Adelaide or cancel watering from the office when Sydney gets an afternoon storm.
Real‑world use case
Great for a front‑yard buffalo lawn plus a hedge line. Run Zone A at 5:30am twice a week for longer cycles, and Zone B every second morning for short, frequent drips. If Melbourne throws four seasons in a day, just open the app and bump runtimes 10–20% or pause for rain.
Pros
- Flexible programs with multiple start times per zone.
- Works standalone via Bluetooth; add hub for full WiFi control.
- Easy seasonal tweaks without re‑programming everything.
Cons
- WiFi needs the brand’s hub (extra spend, but worth it for automation).
- Like all tap timers, prefers a simple inline filter and pressure regulation on drip lines.
Best for
Homeowners upgrading from manual watering who want app control and two cleanly separated zones without jumping to a full 24VAC controller.
Who should avoid
If you’re already planning four or more zones or want flow sensors and master valves, skip to a mains smart controller – compare options here: 24VAC smart sprinkler controllers.
DIIVOO 2‑Outlet Hose Timer
Why it stands out
DIIVOO keeps cost down while still giving independent programming per outlet. It’s a tidy fix for raised beds plus pots, or for renters who want a no‑fuss split without plumbing changes. The interface is simple, so if you hate fiddly menus, you’ll appreciate this.
Real‑world use case
Side‑yard veggie planters on Zone 1, patio pots on Zone 2. Short, daily cycles on the pots (hot Perth afternoons) and deeper, less frequent soaks for veggies.
Pros
- Low entry price for two true zones.
- Easy to set and forget; good for renters and holiday homes.
- Battery life tends to be solid with alkaline AAs.
Cons
- App and connectivity options are more basic unless you add the brand’s gateway.
- Plastic threads benefit from gentle hand‑tightening and a fresh washer.
Best for
Budget‑minded buyers who mainly want reliable, separate schedules for two areas without paying for premium automation.
Who should avoid
If you want deep integration (weather skips, remote edits on the fly), you’ll be happier with RAINPOINT + hub or Orbit B‑Hyve + hub.
Orbit B‑Hyve XD 2‑Outlet
Why it stands out
The B‑Hyve XD is built tough, with sturdy valves and a mature app when paired with the Orbit Wi‑Fi Hub. Weather‑based adjustments work well across Aussie capitals, and the physical controls are intuitive when you’re out at the tap. If you’re already in the B‑Hyve ecosystem, it’s the obvious choice.
Real‑world use case
Front lawn on MP rotator sprinklers (higher flow) and rear raised beds on 13mm pressure‑compensating drip. Run times differ a lot – this handles that split neatly, and with the hub you can lean on rain skips during stormy Brisbane weeks.
Pros
- Durable feel; buttons and screen are easy to read outdoors.
- Excellent automation once the Wi‑Fi Hub is added.
- Good for mixed systems (spray on one zone, drip on the other).
Cons
- Total cost climbs when you add the hub – worth it if you’ll use automation.
- As with all tap timers, keep debris out with a small filter upstream.
Best for
Buyers who value robust hardware and smart automations to reduce water waste and babysitting.
Who should avoid
If you rarely change schedules and just need two simple programs, DIIVOO can save you money.
Which 2‑outlet timer should you buy in Australia?
- Choose RAINPOINT if you want a strong balance of price, app control and flexibility. Add the WiFi hub to manage heatwaves or rain events remotely.
- Choose DIIVOO if budget is king and your schedules are straightforward.
- Choose Orbit B‑Hyve XD if you’ll invest in the hub and want durable hardware with weather‑aware features.
If you’re leaning toward more zones later, consider stepping up to a mains smart controller sooner: Rachio vs B‑Hyve XR vs Rain Bird.
Must‑know buying factors for Aussie yards
- Pressure and flow: Mains in AU can vary widely. Drip needs a regulator (often ~100–200 kPa) and filtration. If your rainwater tank is low pressure, a booster pump may be required.
- UV and weather: High UV degrades plastics. Mount timers vertical, use a short hose leader to reduce weight, and consider light shade.
- Connectivity: Bluetooth is fine at home; WiFi hubs let you adjust schedules when travelling and enable weather skips. See Bluetooth tap timer guide.
- Legal/backflow: Use vacuum breakers where required. If connecting to rainwater and mains, a rain‑to‑mains changeover is the safe route.
- System growth: Two zones today, four tomorrow? Plan manifolds and filtration now. For advanced monitoring, add a flow meter or leak detection later.
Recommended upgrades (small, high‑impact)
Add WiFi gateways for full remote control and weather automations. These are low‑effort upgrades that meaningfully improve reliability and water savings.
- RAINPOINT WiFi Hub
RAINPOINT Gen2 2.4GHz Mini WiFi Hub App Control,RAINPOINT Devices System Only,853ft Connection Range, Support Up to 39 Devices
$60.15 on Amazon - Orbit B‑Hyve Wi‑Fi Hub
Orbit B-Hyve Gen 2 Wi-Fi Hub
$85 on Amazon - DIIVOO WiFi Gateway
Orbit B-Hyve Gen 2 Wi-Fi Hub
$85 on Amazon
Building a new garden bed at the same time? Pair your timer with a pressure‑regulated drip kit so run times are predictable: raised bed drip kits.
Comparison: 2‑Outlet Hose Tap Timers (Decision‑focused)
| Product | Price band (AUD) | Best use case | Main advantage | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RAINPOINT 2‑Outlet (with hub) | Mid‑range | Lawn + bed with flexible app control | Great balance of features and cost | Requires brand hub for full WiFi |
| DIIVOO 2‑Outlet | Budget | Two simple schedules on one tap | Low cost, quick setup | Basic connectivity unless gateway added |
| Orbit B‑Hyve XD 2‑Outlet | Higher (with hub) | Mixed systems and weather‑aware watering | Durable hardware + smart automations | Higher total outlay with hub |
FAQs
Can a 2‑outlet tap timer run both zones at the same time?
Most run zones sequentially to protect flow and pressure. You set start times per zone; the timer staggers them to avoid starving the system.
Do I need a WiFi hub or is Bluetooth enough?
Bluetooth works if you adjust schedules while standing near the tap. Add the brand’s WiFi hub for remote control, weather skips and better reliability while travelling.
Will these timers handle low tank pressure or bore water?
They need adequate pressure and clean water. For low pressure, consider a booster pump. For bore or tank supplies, add filtration upstream to protect valves.
What about Aussie summer heat and UV?
High UV is tough on plastics. Mount the timer vertical, use a short leader hose to reduce strain, and provide light shade where possible.
Can I use one outlet for sprinklers and the other for drip?
Yes. Add a pressure regulator and filter to the drip outlet so it matches dripline specs, and keep sprinkler run times separate.
How often should I replace batteries?
Fresh alkaline AAs typically last a season or more. Replace at the start of summer and after any long pause in use.
Will weather‑based skips save much water?
In many cities, yes. Pairing the timer with its WiFi hub can cut unnecessary cycles during rain or cool spells, improving plant health and reducing bills.
When should I move beyond a tap timer to a mains controller?
If you foresee 3–6+ zones, want flow meters, master valves or complex schedules, step up to a mains system: smart controllers compared.
Bottom line
For most Aussie homes, RAINPOINT 2‑Outlet + WiFi hub is the best balance of control and value. DIIVOO wins on price for simple two‑zone splits. If you’ll lean on automation and want sturdy hardware, Orbit B‑Hyve XD + Hub pays off over summer. Planning a bigger retrofit? Map filtration, regulation and future manifolds now – this guide helps: complete irrigation automation.