Whether you’re looking for a plug with only a single outlet or a plug with two or more, our list has got you covered. Aside from the number of outlets, our picks vary in control options, scheduling settings, and power output. With all these choices at your fingertips, you can find the best outdoor smart plug for you.
Kasa Smart Outdoor Plug
Best Overall
This smart plug is simple and well-designed. It offers features like independent outlet controls, a sensor for sunlight, scheduling, timers, and compatibility with Alexa and Google Home — and Cortana if the mood strikes you. When there aren’t any obstacles in the way, you can place it up to 300 feet away from a Wi-Fi router. After connecting it to your Wi-Fi, the Kasa app can control the plug at any time from your phone.
On top of all that, the plug is weather-resistant since it can withstand sprays of water, dust, and fire. These are features that many of our favored smart plugs offer, but it’s good to see an option from a major smart device brand, which is an encouraging sign about this model’s quality and performance.
Why we love it:
- Outlets can be controlled one by one, so you can switch off one and leave another on
- There is a variety of control options, including voice commands, the Kasa app, and the device’s buttons
- Scheduling allows you to conserve electricity and the trouble of turning on your lights manually
Why we don’t:
- Obstructions can lower the Wi-Fi range
- The power cord has a short reach, you may need to get an extender cord
BN-LINK Smart Outdoor Outlet
Best Value
Need a plug with three outlets that you can activate all at the same time? You can use this plug to switch on three appliances concurrently, so it’s helpful for turning on sets of decorations, bulbs, fans, and more. It’s also weather-resistant as long as it’s used above the ground.
Not only does it have a button for turning it on, but it can also be controlled through its app, Alexa, or Google Assistant. You can set schedules or activate a timer to keep a specific device running with any of these three control options. You can use the app to name the outlet and control any additional plugs you buy of this type.
Why we love it:
- Saves you the hassle of having to turn on three appliances at once
- No need to connect it to a hub to use it
- Voice control and Wi-Fi compatible app allow you to operate it from far away
Why we don’t:
- Setting schedules requires using voice control or the app
Meross Smart Outdoor Plug
Best Compatibility
This two-outlet plug is ready for anything with the latest smart features for your garden, bathroom, porch, garage, laundry room — or wherever else you’d like to put it. It works with Apple HomeKit, Siri, SmartThings, Google Assistant, Alexa, and CarPlay. You can also control the plug via an app if you don’t care for voice commands. Schedules and timers are available for each socket independently, too.
The Meross plug also gets good marks for a strong Wi-Fi connection, which is great — smart plugs don’t work very well if they’re constantly dropping connections, and that can be more likely in an outside environment. As an added safety feature, it also has a big shape to lessen inner heating. It’s also resistant to water, so you can use it in areas where it might get damp.
Why we love it:
- Wireless controls are widely compatible with a variety of apps, allowing you to use the technology you have on hand
- The plug can be programmed to switch on or off with the sunrise or sunset to save energy
- Large shape lessens the chances of overheating
Why we don’t:
- The short plug may not work for outlets that are too high above the ground
Woods Outdoor/Indoor Wireless Remote Control Kit
Best Remote Control
This single grounded outlet is weather and water-resistant, and the wireless remote works up to 100 feet away. Using the remote control, you can stand in your kitchen or living room and easily control your outdoor lights. It even includes a safety cover for capping the socket to prevent anything from getting into it when it’s not in use.
For those looking for more features, such as app controls or more outlets, this may not be the best model for you. For quick setup and reliable performance, though, this plug is an excellent start for those looking to add smart functionality to their yards and porches.
Why we love it:
- Works with both on/off button and remote control with a good range
- Uses a flat battery which lasts longer and costs less to replace
- Can be paired with other remotes so that you have more than one way to control it
Why we don’t:
- There is only one outlet
Do smart plugs work in the cold?
It depends on the plug you’re using. Some plugs are rated for use in temperatures as low as -4 degrees Fahrenheit. Meanwhile, other plugs can only be used when temperatures are warmer than that. Be sure to check your plug’s instructions to see whether you can use it during the colder months.
Can smart plugs be used away from home?
If your smart plug only has a remote control, then you’ll be limited to controlling it from a certain distance. However, many smart plugs can be controlled from anywhere via an app and Wi-Fi. You might have to check if the plug is compatible with the type of Wi-Fi you have at home since some plugs do not support certain kinds of Wi-Fi like 5G.
About the Author:
Robyn Camilla has been a homeowner for over 20 years and has spent the last 15 years of her professional career in software development. Through this experience, she’s used a lot of different applications, both corporate and personal, as well as had to purchase and try tons of household appliances and more. Recently, she’s began making her older home smarter with new thermostats, plugs, lights and more. This experience has taught her a lot about these products, and now she’s working hard to share that information with you to help you make a smarter purchase the first time.
Why You Should Trust Us:
The Digital Trends team prides itself in offering expert product recommendations in ways that everyone can understand. Our team of experts is constantly using and reviewing the latest and greatest consumer tech, smart home gadgets, televisions, and so much more to offer insights to help guide your purchasing decision. We have vigorously tested thousands of different products across these categories, and we’ve distilled our lists to bring you the best of the best. If we feel a product does not live up to our expectations, it doesn’t make the list. We are humans though, and realize that not every recommended product will be perfect for everyone, so we do our best to call out important features that may impact your choices. Below our top picks we’ve included additional product information to ensure that you are making the right choice for your unique needs.
