The best for HomeKit users
WeMo Smart Outdoor Plug (Update: Currently Not Available)
With summer backyard events continuing, lights and other appliances have become an important addition to the yard. But plugging them in and remembering to unplug them when you’re done can be an added hassle that you don’t necessarily want to deal with. Maybe you want to be able to control your outdoor appliances with your voice assistants, so you don’t have to keep running to the outlet. The best outdoor smart plugs keep your appliances safe and give you smart capabilities that add convenience.
With a smart plug you can connect regular lamps and appliances smart devicesso you can turn them on or off remotely. That’s a huge convenience outside the home. The best smart plugs also have more advanced features, like the ability to automatically run custom schedules and use commands with voice assistants like Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant. There are many smart plugs designed for indoor use There are smart plugs for outdoors, but there are also weatherproof options for outdoors.
Outdoor smart plugs are great for plugging in your summer patio lights, bug zapper, outdoor speakers, and more without having to search for the switch every time. Whether you have Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri in your home, there’s a plug that will work for you.
What to look out for
There are a few things you’ll need to decide when shopping for an outdoor smart plug. What voice assistant do you use? How many outlets do you want? Some models only have one outlet, and some have two. With these questions answered, you’ll be on your way to choosing the plug that best fits your setup.
TP-Link’s Kasa app is easy to use and Kasa devices are quick to set up. The Kasa Outdoor Smart Plug offers two independently controlled outlets and is rated for temperatures ranging from -4 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. You can choose from voice commands, schedules, timers, scenes, or sunrise/sunset modes, as well as an Away function that randomly turns outlets on and off.
Kasa products work with Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa, so you can ask your favorite voice assistant to turn on your lights. At around $20, it’s a reasonably priced smart plug for your outdoor space. Read our TP-Link Kasa Outdoor Smart Plug review.
If you’re looking for a single-outlet option, Braumm’s model works with both Google Assistant and Alexa to control a single device. Its $20 MSRP is a bit steep considering you only get one outlet to control, but it’s weatherproof and rated for temperatures ranging from -4 to 113 degrees Fahrenheit, so if you only need a single outlet outside, it’s a great solution.
In addition to status, timers, scheduling and scenes, the app also provides weather information, a useful addition to any outdoor device. You can also share control with other users if they also download the Braumm app on their mobile device.
At $18, this device from Wyze is about the most affordable outdoor smart outlet available, but it does have some promising features, especially for the price.
The Wyze Plug Outdoor includes two 15-amp outlets that you can control independently. It has an IP64 rating for protection against water and dust at a temperature range of -4 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. You can control the Plug Outdoor with physical buttons, voice control via Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, or through the Wyze app.
You can also set the plug to work on a variety of automations, such as dusk-to-dawn detection, vacation mode, custom schedules, and triggers based on other devices. Unlike most smart plugs, the Wyze Plug Outdoor includes energy monitoring. You can receive notifications when energy thresholds are exceeded and view usage history in the app.
WeMo’s Smart Outdoor Plug is a HomeKit-compatible option that offers two outlets and voice control with Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant. At around $40, it’s not the cheapest model you can buy, but WeMo’s app works well, and we’ve seen some good plugs and outlets from the brand over the years.
This plug is rated for temperatures ranging from 32 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit, so it might not be the best choice for cold climates. There are two outlets, but unlike the TP-Link model, they can’t be scheduled or controlled separately. That could be a deal breaker depending on your use case.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Outdoor Smart Plugs
Smart plugs are adapters that control the power supply to the device that is plugged into them. They do not make any changes to your existing electrical outlet. Smart plugs simply disconnect or reconnect the device when they receive a signal (via an app or voice command) to do so.
This is not a good idea. Outdoor models are optimized for extreme temperatures and have IP-rated housings that protect them from elements like rain and dust. It is much safer to use a plug that is specifically made for the outdoors.
Most smart plugs work to a limited extent with Zigbee, Z-Wave, or Bluetooth connections. However, to gain features like voice commands with Google Assistant, Siri, or Alexa, and to control your plug when you’re not around, you’ll need a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connection.
