CNET’s expert staff has reviewed and rated several outdoor smart plugs that offer convenience and control for your outdoor devices. The best smart plugs for the outdoors allow you to turn regular lights and appliances into smart devices, offering features like remote control, voice commands with assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant, and automatic schedules. Outdoor smart plugs are weather-resistant and ideal for use with patio lights, bug zappers, outdoor speakers, and more. When shopping for an outdoor smart plug, consider your preferred voice assistant and the number of outlets you need.
The TP-Link Kasa Outdoor Smart Plug offers two individually controllable outlets and works with Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. It has a wide operating temperature range and provides features like voice commands, schedules, timers, scenes, and an Away mode. The Braumm Outdoor Smart Plug is a single outlet option that is weatherproof and compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa. It offers status, timers, scheduling, scenes, weather information, and the ability to share control with other users. The Wyze Plug Outdoor is an affordable option with two independently controllable outlets, energy monitoring, and voice control via Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
For HomeKit users, the WeMo Smart Outdoor Plug offers two outlets and voice control with Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant. It is priced at around $40 and is rated for temperatures from 32 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. While it lacks the ability to schedule or control each outlet individually, it is a solid option for those within its temperature range. Smart plugs are adapters that control the power supply to appliances plugged into them, allowing for remote control and automation. It is not recommended to use indoor smart plugs outdoors, as outdoor models are designed to withstand extreme temperatures and elements.
Most smart plugs require a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connection to enable features like voice commands and remote control. While some models may work with Zigbee, Z-Wave, or Bluetooth connections, Wi-Fi is typically needed for full functionality. Overall, outdoor smart plugs offer a convenient way to control outdoor devices and lighting, providing flexibility, automation, and peace of mind. Whether you choose the TP-Link Kasa Outdoor Smart Plug, Braumm Outdoor Smart Plug, Wyze Plug Outdoor, or WeMo Smart Outdoor Plug, you can enhance your outdoor space with smart capabilities and efficiency.
