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Although you may think of smart home devices as indoor gadgets, there are plenty of outdoor smart devices as well, like security cameras, video doorbells, and even holiday lights. However, you will need an external smart plug to keep your external smart accessories connected. Fortunately, we’ve found the best outdoor smart plugs to withstand the elements and make your life easier.
With the holiday shopping season upon us, outdoor smart plugs are saving time Great late holiday gift For their loved ones. These relatively simple devices work by making almost any device smarter and easier to use. An outdoor smart plug is an affordable option to buy for anyone who uses wired appliances — such as patio lights, bug zappers, outdoor speakers, or electric grills — in their backyard. If you’re in the market for one, we’ve compiled this list to help make your choice easier.
For those who may not be familiar, A Smart plug It is a regular power socket that can be controlled remotely. You can use an app or digital platform to monitor plugged in devices, check if the plugs are still active and turn them off completely if desired. The plug is usually very easy to track down, as you will be able to turn it off, and although most outdoor smart plugs are designed to withstand very bad weather, they give you peace of mind to control your devices when needed. to.
So, whether you’re looking to use Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri to control your smart home, we’ve compiled a list of the best outdoor smart plugs on the market.
What to consider
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 ports do you want? Some models have only one port, others have two. After answering these questions, you’ll be on your way to choosing the plug that best suits your setup.
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TP-Link’s Kasa app is easy to use, and Kasa devices are quick to set up. The Kasa Outdoor Smart Plug offers two individually controllable outlets and is rated to operate in 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 feature that turns power outlets on and off randomly.
Kasa products work with Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa, so you’ll be able to ask the voice assistant of your choice to turn on your lights. At under $30, it’s an affordable smart plug for your outdoor space. Read our TP-Link Kasa Outdoor Smart Plug review.
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If you’re looking for a single outlet option, the Braumm model works with Google Assistant and Alexa to control a single device. The sub-$20 list price is a bit high since you only get one outlet to control it, but it’s weatherproof and rated from -4 to minus 113 degrees Fahrenheit, so if one outdoor outlet is all you need, you’ll Gets the job done.
In addition to status, timers, scheduling, and scenes, the app also provides weather information, which is 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 devices.
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This $14 device from Wyze is as affordable as third-party smart plugs, but it has some promising features — especially for the price.
The Wyze Plug Outdoor includes two 15-amp outlets that you can control independently. It is IP64 rated for water and dust protection in a temperature range of 4 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. You can control the Plug Outdoor using physical buttons, voice control via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or through the Wyze app.
You can also set the plug to run on various automations, such as dusk-to-dawn sensing, vacation mode, custom schedules, and triggers based on other devices. Unlike most smart plugs, the Wyze Plug Outdoor includes energy monitoring. You will be able to receive alerts when power limits are exceeded and view consumption history in the app.
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WeMo’s Smart Outdoor Plug is a HomeKit-compatible option that offers two outlets and voice control for Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant. At around $40, it’s not the cheapest model you can buy, but the WeMo app works well and we’ve seen several good plugs and outlets from the brand over the years.
This plug is rated for temperatures ranging from 32 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit, and may not be your best bet for colder climates. There are two sockets, but unlike the TP-Link model, they cannot be scheduled or controlled individually. This can be a deal breaker, depending on your use case.
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Top FAQs about third-party smart plug
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Smart plugs are adapters that control the power supply of the device they are connected to. They do not make any changes to your existing port. Smart plugs simply unplug or reconnect a device when they receive a signal (via app or voice command) to do so.
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This is not a good idea. Outdoor models are optimized for extreme temperatures and have IP-rated housings to protect them from the elements like rain and dust. It is safer to use a plug made specifically for outdoor use.
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Most smart plugs will work in limited capacity with Zigbee, Z-Wave, or Bluetooth connections. However, for features like voice commands using Google Assistant, Siri, or Alexa and to control the plug when you’re not nearby, you’ll need a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connection.
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