Outdoor smart plugs may seem trivial, but they can transform your home automation experience. While the convenience they offer may be subtle, the benefits they provide are anything but. From remote control and scheduling to weather-resistant durability and seamless voice integration, these devices elevate the functionality of your outdoor devices in ways you may have never imagined. Intrigued? Delve into our exploration of the 5 best outdoor smart plugs, and discover how they can streamline your home’s connectivity and enhance your overall living experience.
The GE CYNC Outdoor Smart Plug is a versatile and weather-resistant option for upgrading your outdoor devices. With its Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, you can control your lights, appliances, and more through voice commands with Alexa or Google Assistant. The plug’s three-prong design guarantees compatibility with a variety of outdoor devices. Its scheduling and scene-setting capabilities allow you to automate your outdoor setup, while the individually controllable outlets provide convenience. Rated for up to 15 amps, this smart plug can handle a wide range of outdoor devices. Whether you’re looking to enhance your patio lighting or automate your lawn sprinklers, the GE CYNC Outdoor Smart Plug offers a reliable and user-friendly solution.
Best For: Homeowners and renters looking to upgrade their outdoor electrical setup with smart home controls and weather-resistant functionality.
Pros:
Weatherproof design for reliable outdoor use
Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control
Scheduling and scene-setting capabilities for automation
Cons:
Some users reported initial setup challenges
Limited to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connectivity
May not be suitable for high-power outdoor devices exceeding 15 amps
Kasa Outdoor Smart Dimmer Plug for Outdoor String Lights
The Kasa Outdoor Smart Dimmer Plug is the perfect choice for those looking to remotely control and dim their outdoor string lights. Its exclusive design for dimmable lights, IP64 weather resistance, and long-range Wi-Fi up to 300ft make it a reliable and versatile option. You can use the Kasa app or voice commands with Alexa, Google Assistant, or SmartThings to adjust the brightness of your outdoor lighting. Group multiple dimmers and string lights for synchronized control, and set schedules to save energy. With its easy setup, 2-year warranty, and ETL certification, this smart dimmer plug delivers a convenient and secure outdoor lighting experience.
Best For: Homeowners and renters looking to add smart dimmable control to their outdoor string lights, landscape lighting, and holiday lighting.
Pros:
Reliable and easy to use
Compatible with popular smart home assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant
Heavy-duty and weatherproof design
Cons:
Requires a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connection
Wattage limitations may not accommodate all outdoor lighting setups
Some users reported connectivity issues in certain environments
Kasa Outdoor Smart Plug, Smart Home Wi-Fi Outlet Timer (KP401)
If you’re looking for an outdoor smart plug that can withstand the elements, the Kasa Outdoor Smart Plug, Smart Home Wi-Fi Outlet Timer (KP401) is an excellent choice. Boasting a long Wi-Fi range of up to 300 feet and IP64 weather resistance, this plug can handle the great outdoors. It supports up to 15A/1875W, allowing you to power a variety of outdoor appliances. With voice control through Alexa or Google Home Assistant and remote control via the Kasa app, you’ll enjoy the convenience of smart home automation. The plug’s heavy-duty construction and waterproof cover guarantee it’ll keep working even in harsh conditions. Setup is a breeze, thanks to the 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connection and the Kasa app’s guidance. With a 4.5-star rating and over 9,500 reviews, this outdoor smart plug is a reliable and versatile choice for your smart home needs.
Best For: The Kasa Outdoor Smart Plug (KP401) is best for homeowners or renters looking for a durable, weatherproof outdoor smart plug to power a variety of outdoor appliances and devices.
Pros:
Excellent weather resistance with IP64 rating
Supports high power loads up to 15A/1875W
Convenient remote control and voice assistant integration
Cons:
Requires a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network
May not be compatible with some older smart home platforms
Kasa Smart Outdoor Smart Plug KP400 (2 Sockets, Alexa & Google Home Compatible)
The Kasa Smart Outdoor Smart Plug KP400 is an excellent choice for homeowners who want to remotely control and automate their outdoor devices. This weather-resistant, dual-outlet smart plug allows you to control two outdoor devices individually or together, from anywhere. With its wide Wi-Fi range of up to 300 feet and compatibility with Alexa, Google Home, and IFTTT, it offers convenient and flexible smart home integration. The plug’s durable, fire-resistant construction guarantees reliable performance, even in harsh outdoor conditions. Whether you’re automating your outdoor Christmas lights or controlling a bird bath heater, the Kasa Smart Outdoor Smart Plug KP400 delivers a seamless smart home experience. Its intuitive mobile app and positive user reviews further solidify its status as a top choice for outdoor smart plug solutions.
Best For: Homeowners who want to remotely control and automate their outdoor devices.
Pros:
Weather-resistant and durable construction
Compatibility with Alexa, Google Home, and IFTTT for smart home integration
Wide Wi-Fi range of up to 300 feet
Cons:
Potential issues with GFCI outlets or circuit breakers, depending on the setup
Limited to controlling two outdoor devices
May require some troubleshooting for optimal performance
For those looking to automate and control their outdoor electrical devices, the Wyze Plug Outdoor Smart Plug is an excellent choice. Featuring IP64 weather resistance, dual outlets, and 2.4GHz WiFi connectivity, this smart plug allows you to remotely manage your outdoor appliances and lights using the Wyze app or voice commands with Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT. The built-in light sensor enables automatic on/off based on ambient light, while the vacation mode adds an extra layer of security by randomly turning devices on and off. With a compact design, 1800W power capacity, and positive customer reviews, the Wyze Plug Outdoor is a versatile and reliable option for enhancing your smart home setup.
Best For: Homeowners and renters looking to remotely control and automate their outdoor electrical devices with weather-resistant smart plug technology.
Pros:
IP64 weather-resistant housing for outdoor use
Dual-outlet design with energy monitoring
Integration with Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT
Cons:
Some connectivity issues reported by customers
Lacks a 90-degree plug design
May require stable WiFi connection for reliable remote control
Factors to Consider When Choosing Outdoor Smart Plugs
When choosing an outdoor smart plug, you’ll want to ponder its weather resistance rating, wireless connectivity options, and voice control compatibility. Additionally, you’ll need to examine its energy monitoring capabilities and overall durability and build quality to guarantee it withstands the outdoor elements. These factors will help you select the right outdoor smart plug for your needs.
Weather Resistance Rating
Choosing the right outdoor smart plug requires considering its weather resistance rating. Look for a plug that’s rated for outdoor use and can withstand the elements. The Ingress Protection (IP) rating is a good indicator of a plug’s weather resistance. An IP44 or higher rating means the plug is protected against solid objects and splashing water. For areas with heavy rain or snowfall, an IP65 or IP66 rating would be better, as they offer protection against dust and powerful water jets.
Additionally, check if the plug has a sturdy, weatherproof housing. Metal or hard plastic casings are more durable than flimsy plastic. You’ll also want a plug that can handle temperature extremes, from freezing winters to scorching summers. Look for one rated for a wide operating temperature range. By considering the weather resistance rating, you’ll guarantee your outdoor smart plug can reliably and safely power your devices, regardless of the conditions.
Wireless Connectivity Options
Wireless connectivity options are a key factor when selecting outdoor smart plugs. Wi-Fi is the most common, with most devices supporting the 2.4GHz frequency and offering a range of up to 300 feet. Bluetooth connectivity is less common, but some plugs may offer it as an alternative or additional option.
Some outdoor smart plugs require a hub or bridge to connect to the internet, while others can connect directly to a Wi-Fi network. Plugs with Wi-Fi connectivity allow for remote control via a mobile app, letting you turn devices on and off from anywhere. However, the required connectivity can impact the placement and installation, with hub-dependent devices typically needing to be installed closer to the router.
When choosing an outdoor smart plug, consider your connectivity needs and the range of your Wi-Fi network. This will guarantee you select a plug that offers the right wireless options for your setup and provides the convenience and control you desire.
Voice Control Compatibility
Another important factor when selecting outdoor smart plugs is their voice control compatibility. Many modern smart plugs are designed to work seamlessly with popular voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. This allows you to control your outdoor devices simply by using voice commands, making home automation more convenient and hands-free. When evaluating voice control options, consider which virtual assistant you prefer and verify the smart plugs you choose are compatible. Some models may even offer multi-assistant support, giving you the flexibility to use whichever voice platform you have set up in your home. Beyond basic on/off controls, advanced voice commands can let you dim lights, set timers, or even create custom routines to automate your outdoor spaces. With voice control, you can easily manage your outdoor smart plugs without having to manually operate them, streamlining your smart home experience.
Energy Monitoring Capabilities
When selecting outdoor smart plugs, their energy monitoring capabilities should be a key consideration. These features allow you to track the real-time power consumption of your devices, helping you identify areas of inefficiency and make data-driven decisions to reduce energy waste. Some outdoor smart plugs can monitor usage down to the watt, providing a high degree of accuracy and precision.
The energy monitoring capabilities may also include historical data tracking, enabling you to identify patterns and trends in your energy usage over time. This can help you optimize your energy consumption and reduce your carbon footprint by replacing inefficient devices or adjusting your usage habits. Furthermore, accurate energy monitoring can detect potential issues with your devices, such as malfunctioning equipment, allowing you to take corrective action and prevent safety hazards.
Durability and Build Quality
Considering the outdoor environment’s harsh conditions, the durability and build quality of an outdoor smart plug are paramount. To withstand rain, snow, and extreme temperatures, look for a plug with a weather-resistant rating of at least IP64. The material should be heavy-duty, such as heavy-duty plastic or brass, to handle rough outdoor conditions.
A compact design helps minimize the plug’s exposure to the elements, reducing the risk of damage. Additionally, the electrical contacts must be made of a conductive material like copper to guarantee reliable connections and minimize corrosion. Finally, a waterproof cover or seal is essential to protect the electrical components from moisture and prevent short circuits.
Scheduling and Automation
One key factor to ponder when choosing an outdoor smart plug is its scheduling and automation capabilities. Look for plugs that offer flexible scheduling options, allowing you to automate your outdoor lighting, appliances, or other devices based on time of day, sunrise/sunset, or even triggered by motion sensors. This can provide added convenience and energy savings, ensuring your outdoor space is illuminated when needed, and power is cut when it’s not.
Many outdoor smart plugs also integrate with popular smart home platforms like Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit, enabling you to control and schedule your outdoor devices via voice commands or app-based automations. This seamless integration can simplify your home automation and make it easier to manage your outdoor power needs from anywhere. Consider how the scheduling and automation features of each outdoor smart plug align with your specific needs and preferences to find the perfect fit for your home.
Aesthetics and Design
Beyond the technical capabilities, the aesthetic and design aspects of outdoor smart plugs are equally important considerations. For smaller spaces, a compact design is ideal, as it won’t obstruct other outlets or look unsightly. Weather-resistant materials like UL94-V0 PC are essential to prevent fire hazards and guarantee durability against the elements. The plug’s color and style should blend in with its surroundings, maintaining a clean and organized outdoor space. Some outdoor smart plugs come with removable covers or shells to protect them from dirt and debris when not in use. Additionally, the shape and size can affect functionality, with a 90-degree plug design offering more flexibility in tight spaces. Ultimately, the aesthetic and design of an outdoor smart plug should complement your outdoor living area, seamlessly integrating into the environment while providing the convenience of smart home automation.
Safety Certifications
When selecting outdoor smart plugs, safety certifications are a critical factor to weigh. The UL certification guarantees these devices meet rigorous safety and sustainability standards, while the ETL certification verifies compliance with North American safety regulations, including protection against moisture and rain exposure. Look for the IP64 rating, which indicates the plug is shielded against solid objects and splashing water.
For thorough compliance, opt for outdoor smart plugs with the cULus certification, meeting both Canadian and US safety standards. Weather-resistant ratings like IP64 or higher are essential to withstand the elements, from rain and snow to extreme temperatures. By prioritizing safety certifications, you can confidently choose outdoor smart plugs that safeguard your home and family while enabling convenient automation features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Outdoor Smart Plugs Be Used Indoors?
Yes, you can absolutely use outdoor smart plugs indoors. They’re designed to handle both indoor and outdoor environments, so they’ll work just as well plugged into an indoor outlet. Just be sure to check the product specifications first.
How Long Do Outdoor Smart Plugs Last?
Outdoor smart plugs are built to weather the elements, but their lifespan isn’t set in stone. Think of them as hardy workhorses – with proper care, they’ll serve you well for years, powering your outdoor gadgets through rain or shine.
Are Outdoor Smart Plugs Compatible With All Devices?
Outdoor smart plugs are generally compatible with a wide range of devices, but it’s important to check the specifications to verify compatibility with your particular devices. Some may have limitations on the types of appliances they can control.
Can Outdoor Smart Plugs Be Used in Extreme Weather?
You can use outdoor smart plugs in extreme weather conditions, as they’re designed to withstand rain, snow, and temperature fluctuations. Just guarantee they’re rated for outdoor use to avoid any damage or safety issues.
Do Outdoor Smart Plugs Require a Specific Wifi Network?
Outdoor smart plugs typically don’t require a specific Wi-Fi network. They can connect to your home’s existing Wi-Fi, allowing you to control and monitor your outdoor devices from anywhere.
Conclusion
Outdoor smart plugs are a game-changer, transforming your backyard into a technological oasis. With power at your fingertips, you’ll never again fumble in the dark or waste energy. These versatile devices are the key to accessing a world of convenience, allowing you to control your outdoor devices with a tap or voice command. Embrace the future and let these smart plugs work their magic, bringing your home automation dreams to life.
