Syrian media described the town as the gateway to the southern countryside of Idlib, to the main Damascus-Aleppo highway and to the city of Khan Sheikhoun.
The capture of al-Hobeit represents the most significant advance the army has made in the province since the start of its offensive three months ago.
Rebels have not yet commented on the fighting around al-Hobeit but this week acknowledged losing ground nearby as the army ramped up its offensive after a brief ceasefire.
Fighting on Saturday killed more than 100 militants as the army and its allies unleashed scores of air and artillery strikes against rebels dug into Syria’s northwest.
Idlib has been a haven for tens of thousands of militants and civilians who were forced to abandon their homes in other parts of western Syria that the government and its allies have recaptured from terrorists.