8 Best Outdoor Smart Plugs for a High-Tech Backyard

Whether you regularly entertain guests or spend a lot of time in the backyard, it’s distracting to have to get up and turn on a flood light or make sure the security camera is active. Thankfully, you don’t have to manually control all the devices you’ve set up in your backyard anymore. It’s 2022, and the accessibility of outdoor smart tech means you can do all of that from your smartphone with a smart plug.

These handy gadgets are a veritable lifesaver for anyone who’s found themselves getting up to close a garage door, flip on a light or activate sprinklers. Plus, outdoor smart plugs are super quick to set up and easy to use. Plug the outdoor devices you’d like to control from your phone into the smart plug, set up your smart plug via app, and you’ve got yourself a sweet, easy night to look forward to.

If you’re not sure which outdoor smart plug you should buy, you’re in luck. We’ve rounded up some of the best options to help you decide which one fits your lifestyle. Peruse our picks before you go shopping and we’ll make sure you have the best of the best to place outside your home.

What to Look for When Buying an Outdoor Smart Plug

When choosing the best outdoor smart plug for your needs, consider size, durability, number of outlets, device compatibility, connectivity options and, of course, whether the smart plug is actually meant to be used outdoors.

Most smart plugs on the market are made for indoor use. When purchasing an outdoor smart plug, be sure it’s rated for outdoor use and can withstand the elements. Look for water-resistant and dust-resistant ratings of IP44 to IP64, with higher ratings denoting more protection.

Check the plug’s size and number of outlets to be sure it will work for your needs. For instance, if you need to power multiple lights or devices, a plug with two outlets won’t cut it.

Similarly, be sure the plug is compatible with your smart home hub or corresponding smartphone app. Some outdoor smart plugs aren’t compatible with Amazon’s Echo devices and Alexa, for instance, while others are made to be used with them. Ensure the outdoor smart plug you choose works with the automation features you’ve already implemented or plan to implement in your home.

Some plugs can be set on a schedule to operate outdoor smart home devices automatically. Set your sprinklers to water the lawn on weekends or outdoor lights to turn on when the sun is going down. This type of automation is where outdoor smart plugs really shine.

Evaluation Criteria

When evaluating outdoor smart plugs, we looked for products with a positive reputation as well as an abundance of consumer and professional reviews. When we narrowed down our selection, we focused on these major points: price, reliability, compatibility and ease of installation. After analyzing each product, we chose one to fit each of the categories below.

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Best Overall Outdoor Smart Plug

Kasa Smart Outdoor Smart Plug

The Kasa Smart Outdoor Smart Plug is an affordable and convenient pick for any outdoor smart device user. This smart plug has two individually controlled outlets that you can manage straight from the accompanying smartphone app. Control devices remotely and set up schedules and countdown timers with ease.

Plus, this smart plug remains connected to a Wi-Fi network from up to 300 feet away. It’s weather-resistant with an IP64 rating, and it doesn’t require the use of a hub. Best of all, it’s compatible with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for simple voice control. Read more about why we love the Kasa Smart Plug.

Pros

• Easy set up is convenient
• Doesn’t require smart hub
• Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant

Cons

• Loud noise upon setup

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Best Value Outdoor Smart Plug

Wyze Plug Outdoor

You don’t need to spend an arm and a leg to add smart home integration to your backyard. The Wyze Plug Outdoor is a low-priced, user-friendly option that’s simple to set up and IP64-rated, which means it’s both splash and dust-resistant. It includes two outlets and comes with a litany of features.

Set up this smart plug with custom schedules, voice control with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant and control outdoor devices from up to 300 feet away from your Wi-Fi network. It even includes an energy monitor to help lower regular consumption. Track energy usage straight from the app and do your part for the environment.

Pros

• Affordable price point
• Simple set up and Wi-Fi connectivity
• Energy usage monitoring
• Support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant

Cons

• No support for Apple HomeKit

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Best Single Outlet Smart Plug

Geeni Indoor/Outdoor Smart Plug

If you don’t need to control multiple outdoor smart devices, a single outlet plug is the best option for your setup. The Geeni Indoor/Outdoor Smart Plug is not only smaller and slimmer than most of its competition, it’s one of the easiest ways to connect and control singular devices.

There’s no hub required for setup. Just plug the Geeni in, connect it to your Wi-Fi network and download the corresponding app. It’s suitable for use in all types of weather, and you can use it in much the same way as more expensive, multi-outlet options. It syncs with your favorite home assistant and you definitely won’t have to break the bank to pick one up. Another simple smart home device? A smart doorbell.

Pros

• Single plug doesn’t take up space
• Budget-friendly
• No hub required
• Suitable for all-weather use

Cons

• No support for Apple HomeKit

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Best Apple HomeKit Smart Plug

Wemo Mini Smart Plug

Many outdoor smart plugs include Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and even Microsoft Cortana support. But there are a wide variety that aren’t compatible with Apple HomeKit. For that reason, the Wemo Mini Smart Plug is the best option for anyone who relies on HomeKit to control all of their smart devices, inside and out.

The Wemo Mini Smart Plug is a compact option that requires no hub. Control it from anywhere, straight from your phone. Simply plug it in, connect to Wi-Fi and download the app to get started. Turn on automatic scheduling, use the included light randomizer to make it seem as though you’re home when you’re away and set up voice control with the virtual assistant of your choice. Plus, you’ll spend less cash on one of these plugs than you would a fancy dinner out.

Pros

• Apple HomeKit compatibility
• Randomizer is a cool security feature
• Compact size
• No hub required

Cons

• Requires Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz to connect

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Best Compact Multi-Outlet Smart Plug

Meross Smart Outdoor Plug

There’s never enough outlet space. The Meross Smart Wi-Fi Dual Plug is the perfect solution. It’s horizontal, two-plug design allows you to plug in multiple devices without blocking the other outlet. With two of these smart plugs, you can instantly turn two wall outlets into four. 

Control the plug via the accompanying Meross app, and issue voice commands by way of Apple Homekit, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant or Samsung SmartThings. Create on and off schedules and use your plug as a remote control to make your backyard your happy place. 

Pros

• Two sockets for one outlet
• Compatible with most smart home hubs
• Waterproof

Cons

• Only supports network with Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz connectivity

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Best Surge Protector Smart Plug

Powrui Outdoor Surge Protector Smart Plug

If you have a bounty of outdoor devices to control, look no further than the Powrui Outdoor Surge Protector Smart Plug. From the same brand that makes our favorite multi-plug outlet comes an outdoor smart plug with four individually controllable outlets and a flexible cord attachment so you can move around each device as you see fit. This plug is also weather-resistant and IP44-rated, so it handles just about any weather that comes your way. 

Aside from controlling smart devices with your favorite voice assistant, you can use this plug as a traditional surge protector. In the event of an electrical surge or storm, rest assured knowing what you’ve connected to each outlet won’t be damaged. 

Pros

• Doubles as a surge protector
• Flexible cords for you to arrange plugged-in devices
• Easy connectivity to smart home hubs

Cons

• Like several other plugs, requires Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz to connect

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Best Outdoor Lighting Smart Plug

Treatlife Smart Dimmer Outdoor Plug

Outdoor smart plugs are perfect for controlling your backyard lighting setup. The Treatlife Smart Dimmer Outdoor Plug is excellent for dimming, turning off and turning on lights attached to your outdoor setup. It has a special smart dimmer feature that lets you control dimmer lights via your smartphone app. Choose a setting percentage between 1 and 100, or use presets to set the atmosphere the way you like it. 

This smart plug has all the other capabilities you’d expect, too. It’s IP44-rated for inclement weather, compatible with 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks and connects to the accompanying app or a voice assistant. 

Pros

• Special dimming features perfect for outdoor lighting
• IP44-rated for inclement weather
• Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant

Cons

• No Apple HomeKit support

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Best Heavy Duty Smart Plug

BN-Link Smart Wi-Fi Heavy Duty Outdoor Outlet

If inclement weather is often a problem where you live, or you need something a little more rugged for your outdoor activities, the BN-Link Heavy Duty Outdoor Outlet is an excellent choice. Its hardy construction makes it the best way to hook up everything you need outside. 

This plug is ideal for controlling devices you plan on using a few of, such as clusters of lights or multiple speakers around a backyard gazebo that you need to turn on and off together. Plus, its weatherproof rating means it’s suitable for both indoor and outdoor use should you want to bring some of your devices inside. Next, check out our collection of backyard gazebo ideas for summer.

Pros

• Rugged construction stands up to tough weather
• Multiple outlets 
• Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant

Cons

• Plugs aren’t individually controllable

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