Smart plugs add an unprecedented level of convenience to your daily life. You can even control old appliances from your phone via Wi-Fi. Some smart plugs can even be set on a timer and left to work automatically.
Others can be disabled if no movement is detected in the room. These are small, inexpensive devices that change the way we do routine tasks, but most of them are in no way weather-resistant.
When it comes to finding the right smart plug for the outdoors, the options are more limited. A street smart plug is useful for holiday decorations or even day-to-day use like turning on a security spotlight in your home, but it might seem like it isn’t if you can’t find a decent one. To help, we’ve rounded up the best outdoor smart plugs.
iDevices external key ( Amazon <
The iDevices outdoor switch gives you a level of control over your holiday light displays you never knew existed. The smart plug works with both Siri and Alexa, has two separate outlets for connecting devices, and is tested for outdoor use with an IP44 weather rating. This means it is safe to leave it in the rain, but it will not withstand a complete submersion.
There are several drawbacks, the main one being that you cannot control each outlet individually. Disconnecting power from one outlet turns off power to both. Still, it’s an inexpensive option for smarter handling of Christmas lights for $ 43.
Maxcio external Wi-Fi port ( Amazon )
The Maxcio outdoor Wi-Fi socket is one of the best outdoor smart plugs, as it checks a lot of parameters from the very beginning. It’s compatible with voice control via Amazon Alexa and Google Home and gives you individual control over each outlet.
You can also set schedules and timers for each outlet, although making the Christmas lights flicker may not be the best idea. Installation and setup takes just a few minutes, so the Maxcio external Wi-Fi socket can be plug and play.
Like the iDevices switch, the Maxcio socket is rated IP44 weatherproof. Although no central hub is required to operate, Maxio only operates on the 2.4 GHz band, not the 5 GHz band. The smart socket also measures voltage and energy leakage.
While you won’t get detailed reports on how much power each port is using, all devices connected to it will be protected. Maxcio is inexpensive, only $ 25 on Amazon
Kasa TP-Link smart external socket ( Amazon )
If you’re looking for brand awareness, it’s hard to find a company better known than Kasa. The Kasa TP-Link Outdoor Smart Plug gives you individual control over both outlets, as well as the ability to set schedules and timers.
But what really shines with the Kasa outdoor fork is its weather resistance. This IP64 rated outdoor smart plug has a much higher rating than others on this list. It’s designed to handle just about everything the weather can cause, except for total immersion.
The Kasa TP-Link smart street plug can be controlled via Google Home and Alexa. It is great for controlling something like a pool pump or electrical appliance. It also has a Wi-Fi range of up to 300 feet, which means you can use and control it far from home. The design and body are bulky, but provide ample space for connecting cords to each outlet.
Geeni External Smart Components ( Amazon )
Most of the best smart plugs on this list have two ports, but not everyone is looking for that. Sometimes you need a single port in a relatively narrow bezel for indoor use and you need it within budget.
In this case, the Geeni Outdoor Smart Plug is the best choice. This smart plug costs $ 19.99 on Amazon and has Wi-Fi built in – no hub required. It is compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Microsoft Cortana. You can also set up schedules and timers so that they only supply power at set times.
Although no IP rating is listed, it appears from the product description that an IP44 rating is the most likely bet. It may lack the bells and whistles inherent in some other smart plugs, but it provides a lot of utility for its low price tag.
Tonbux smart external socket ( Amazon )
Tonbux may be a relatively unknown company, but their outdoor smart plug sets them apart from the competition for one very understandable reason: It has three separate ports, each of which can be controlled independently of the others.
Tonbux is weatherproof with IP44 rating and can be controlled by Google Home and Amazon Alexa. According to the specs, each outlet can support 15 amps and 1875 watts on its own, which means you’ll have enough power for whatever devices you might want to control.
This smart plug is ideal for use under a carport or outside a tool shed where you may need to plug in multiple devices at the same time.
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