Smart plugs are incredibly useful gadgets, allowing on/off functionality and automation of any device plugged in. But how do you find the best smart plugs for outdoor spaces? Especially since there are so many to choose from. That’s exactly what this guide seeks to help out with. So if you want smart home functionality outside via plugs, read on.
Summary of the top best smart plugs to make your home more connected outside
Now, as noted over in our article on the best indoor smart plugs, there are a lot of gadgets available in this particular category. That is, in fact, not least of all among the reasons for a separate piece for the best outdoor-specific smart plugs. But, as with indoor plugs, picking the best available devices is a non-menial task.
Moreover, different smart plugs for the outdoors, just as with indoor plugs, work with different smart home ecosystems. With a few noteworthy factors that really set apart the best of the best. So this list is split to showcase our picks for the best devices in the category for different ecosystems. Although many will work with more than one ecosystem.
With that in mind, it’s also worth bearing in mind that not every plug that may be worthy of a “best” list has been included. The list would, at that point, become too long. The following are simply our best picks, with longer descriptions below the summary.
| Price | Buy | |
| Wyze Plug Outdoor | From $17.98 | Amazon |
| TP-Link Kasa Outdoor Smart Plug | $26.99 | Amazon |
| meross Outdoor Smart Wi-Fi Plug | From $28.99 | Amazon |
| WeMo WiFi Smart Outdoor Plug | $39.99 | Amazon |
| GE CYNC Outdoor Smart Plug | $23.99 | Amazon |
| Ring Outdoor Smart Plug | $29.99 | Amazon |
| iDevices Outdoor Switch | From $50 | Amazon |
| POWRUI Smart Power Strip | From $25.47 | Amazon |
Best outdoor smart plug on a budget for Google Home
Wyze Plug Outdoor
- Price: From $17.98
- Where to buy: Amazon
- Works with: Amazon Alexa, Google Home, IFTTT
Now, Wyze Plugs have already appeared in our above-linked best indoor smart plugs list. So it’s not without good reason that they appear in our best outdoor smart plugs list too. As with the majority of gadgets here, these smart plugs don’t require an extra hub device to work. And they’ll work with both Amazon Alexa, as well as Google Home ecosystems.
For those who want a bit more from this IP64 weather-rated, 2.4GHz Wi-Fi-connected device, IFTTT is another option for creating automation with the Wyze Plug Outdoor. So, in addition to all of the app and voice commands anybody could want, there are options for automation outside of any given smart home ecosystem too.
BN-LINK WiFi Heavy Duty Smart Plug Outlet
Best smart plug on a budget for Amazon Alexa
TP-Link Kasa Outdoor Smart Plug
- Price: From $26.99
- Where to buy: Best Buy
- Works with: Amazon Alexa, Google Home
TP-Link Kasa Outdoor Smart Plug is another that’s appeared in other buyer’s guides on this site. It comes with many of the same features found in the above-mentioned Wyze device. In fact, it supports effectively all of the same features. With support for Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and even Microsoft’s Cortana.
An IP64 rating and individually-controllable sockets are further similarities between the two gadgets. Although, with the TP-Link Kasa, buyers also get on-device buttons for more manual control. Stacking atop voice and smart home integration controls.
TP-Link Kasa Outdoor Smart Plug
Best smart plugs on a budget for Apple HomeKit for outdoor spaces
meross Outdoor Smart Wi-Fi Plug
- Price: From $28.99
- Where to buy: Amazon
- Works with: Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings
Conversely, finding gadgets that aren’t Apple-branded that work with Apple’s HomeKit can be a real challenge. But connected home device maker meross has an Outdoor Smart Wi-Fi Plug to match the features found for Google Home and Amazon Alexa.
An IP44-rated weatherproof housing and socket covers make this a stand-out device. As do individually-controllable sockets complete with all of the smart features anybody could want. Aside from Apple HomeKit, which allows control via Apple’s smart home ecosystem, this outdoor plug supports other AI too. Namely, it supports Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and even Samsung SmartThings.
Moreover, in addition to the standard smart home scheduling, routines, and voice commands, it supports an accurate sunrise and sunset setting as well. So your outdoor lights, for example, can come on when the sun goes down and shut off when it rises. All without extra work.
Best standalone smart plug on a budget
WeMo WiFi Smart Outdoor Plug
- Price: From $39.99
- Where to buy: Amazon
- Works with: Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit
Combining all of the best features found in the above gadgets — with a slightly higher build quality — is the WeMo WiFi Smart Outdoor Plug. The hardware here is somewhat more robust, accounting for its more expensive pricing. Although it is worth pointing out that this plug doesn’t have individually-controllable sockets. So you can’t control the sockets separately.
That doesn’t present too much of an issue though, given that lighting is the most prominent use of outdoor smart plugs. Buyers can still set schedules, routines, and more via voice or the app using their favorite smart home ecosystem controls. Whether that’s Amazon’s Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit.
Best all-around outdoor smart plugs for Google Home
GE CYNC Outdoor Smart Plug
- Price: $23.99
- Where to buy: Amazon
- Works with: Amazon Alexa, Google Home
The GE CYNC doesn’t require any hubs to work, like every other plug on this list. But it plays well, all the same, with Google Home and Amazon Alexa. Aside from a unique design with three-prong outlets, and all of the smart features offered by those ecosystems, though, this plug does have some standout features.
Not only can the sockets be either individually or group controlled. And not only are they weatherproof. This GE smart plug operates via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Complete with schedules, routines, and any other features that would be expected for a Google Home-ready smart plug. It can also be used with other “Cync” and “C” branded GE devices such as switches, remotes, and motion sensors. Offering even more advanced automation options.
Best all-around outdoor smart plugs for Amazon Alexa
Ring Outdoor Smart Plug
- Price: $29.99
- Where to buy: Amazon
- Works with: Amazon Alexa, Ring
Among outdoor smart plugs that support full power load across two individually-controllable outlets, and among those that work with Amazon Alexa or Ring exclusively, the Ring Outdoor Smart Plug is as far as anybody needs to look.
These smart plugs don’t support Apple or Google ecosystems. But what they lack on those fronts, they gain via their focus on Amazon’s Alexa ecosystem. Arguably, you won’t find a better plug for the routines and features associated with Alexa. Up to and including ease of use with that ecosystem.
Stacking atop that, Ring’s outdoor plugs are rated at IP64 in terms of in-use ruggedization. And they are tested to continue operating in temperatures as low as -4 Fahrenheit. Or as high as 122-degrees.
Best all-around smart plug for Apple HomeKit
iDevices Outdoor Switch
- Price: From $50
- Where to buy: Amazon, iDevices
- Works with: Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Home
Returning to devices that support Apple HomeKit, iDevices Outdoor Switch is one of the best outdoor smart plugs you could buy. And that’s not just because it supports Apple HomeKit. It also supports Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and more.
What sets this iDevices plug apart isn’t its individual plug control or its remote access — without a hub — either. Instead, it’s the testing this plug undergoes. It brings all of the smart home features you’d expect from a smart home plug. But with a design that’s not just claimed to be durable. The design here is tested in the rain and marketed as safe to leave outdoors.
Best all-around standalone smart plugs for outdoor spaces
POWRUI Smart Power Strip
- Price: From $25.47
- Where to buy: Amazon
- Works with: Amazon Alexa, Google Home, IFTTT
Sometimes, more than two plugs are needed. And in those cases, with support for Alexa, Google Home, and IFTTT, the POWRUI Smart Power Strip comes into play.
Now, this plug doesn’t actually take the form of a power strip. But it performs the same functions as one. Complete with individual plug control and nearly all of the connected features found in other devices here. But the biggest selling point is arguably going to be that it comes with four plugs. And it’s one of just a very small number of outdoor smart plugs that comes with that feature — making it the best in its class.
It also comes with an IP44 rating, safety features including splash protection, and a durable design. Making it a great choice for outdoor smart plug needs.
2022-04-12 15:07:13