Most smart plugs and their app-based controls are designed for indoor use. For outdoor smart plugs, you need to find a specialized model — which is where our hours of testing at CNET come in handy. Outdoor smart plugs aren't only made for bad weather and rain — they also have scheduling, remote control and customization options that can take care of your holiday lighting, outdoor electrical features, Halloween decorations and plenty more.
If you're interested in that smart convenience, you'll find our top picks below along what that tricks they can do, from monitoring your energy use to syncing lights with music.
What is the best overall outdoor smart plug?
Kasa outdoor smart plug on colored background
TP-Link Kasa / CNETAfter reviewing multiple outdoor smart plug models from top brands, we chose the TP-Link Kasa EP40 as the easiest to use at the best price. However, we also included picks for plugs with more sockets, plugs that are better for Apple users and other innovative choices. View our list and check out a few facts to know before you buy.
Best outdoor smart plugs
Like
- Easy installation and use
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- Independent control of both outlets
Don't like
- Short cord
Kasa products are affordable, effective and have a user-friendly app so this lock quickly rose to our top recommendation after we reviewed it. The Kasa Outdoor Smart Plug offers two outlets that can be controlled individually and is rated to operate in temperatures from minus 4 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. You can choose from voice commands, schedules, timers, scenes or sunrise/sunset modes, as well as an Away feature that randomizes powering outlets on and off.
Kasa products work with Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa and at less than $30, it's a reasonably priced smart plug for your outdoor space.
Like
- Matter support including Apple
- Strong weather resistance
- Broad Wi-Fi reach
- Very affordable
Don't like
- Lower than usual amp support
Tapo has embraced Matter compatibility on many of its devices. Having Matter support on this outdoor plug means it works with not only Alexa and Google Home/Assistant, but also Apple Home and Siri. It’s one of the best options for Apple fans looking for outdoor devices -- and it’s also quite affordable. It also includes a dual antenna design to make reaching Wi-Fi through walls easier, so if you’re worried about getting a signal this is a plug to consider.
While the weather resistance on this plug is strong at IP65, note that its amp rating is a bit lower than standard, so you should use caution when plugging in larger devices.
Like
- Compact design
- Matter standard support
- Great app design for customization
Don't like
- Not quite IP65
We're including this outdoor plug from GE Cync for two reasons. First, we really like the GE Cync app, which is well-designed and filled with smart options to manage your lighting without an overly-complex UI. Plus, there's built-in Matter smart home standard support so you can choose strong compatibility with Apple Home, Amazon Alexa or Google Home.
Second, we light the compact, rounded design of this plug, which is made to sit right by an existing outdoor outlet without getting in the way or requiring any complex installations (anchor and screw included). GE Cync suggests staying within at least 80 feet of your router for best results.
Like
- Simple, affordable design
- Easy setup
- IP65 rating
Don't like
- Only supports Alexa
This Amazon plug is simple, affordable and offers two independent outlets with no hub required for operation. Since it’s an Amazon brand, it works very well with Alexa for both setup and controls. There aren't many extra features, but that makes the straightforward plug easy to learn. However, there’s no other voice assistant support so make sure you’re an Alexa user if you choose this model.
Like
- Innovate stake design
- 6 outlets
- Manual power button
Don't like
- Still need a nearby outlet, limiting placement
Most outdoor smart plugs are designed to dangle, which isn’t always convenient or reliable, especially if you’re worried about wind and other factors. BN-Link provides a sturdy, stake-based alternative with six total outlets. That makes it a great choice for larger outdoor decorating projects or bold patio lighting plans.
The plug supports both Alexa and Google Assistant, as well as scheduling and timers. There’s also a power button if you want to shut everything off at once manually. Note that it’s still corded so you will need a nearby home outlet.
What to consider when buying outdoor smart plugs
Use an adapter to add smart functionality to existing lights or fixtures.
Eureka/CNETWhatever smart plug you choose, it’s important to think about several key factors before clicking any buy buttons. Here’s what to look for.
Number of outlets
How many outlets do you need for your outdoor decorations or appliances? Most outdoor smart plugs come with two sockets, but some have three or four. Consider your plans carefully.
Weather resistance rating
Outdoor sockets should come with an IP rating that shows their weather resistance. Look for plugs that offer IP64 to IP66 ratings if possible, and avoid plugs that don’t list their IP ratings.
Amperage and voltage
You need a plug with the right amps and volts for the job, especially amps – which could cause breaker shutdowns if exceeded. Check the amp requirements for what you want to power. Most smart plugs offer a (U.S.) standard 15A. You can also look at the overall wattage of a plug, but it’s usually easier to find amps.
Cord length
Extension cords can help, but if you’d rather avoid them then make sure the smart plug has enough length to reach the cord of the device you want to power. Some plugs have very short cords, while others have longer versions.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi lets you control a plug from a distance with the app, and means that the plug is more likely to support voice assistants and other features. We favored plugs with Wi-Fi built in. You can add Wi-Fi to some plugs with an extra hub, but that’s a complication and more expensive.
Smart home compatibility
Check that the plug works with your desired voice assistant and smart home platform. Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant are fairly easy to find, Apple somewhat less so. A growing number of plugs come with Matter compatibility which includes support for all major platforms.
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