Whatever smart plug you choose, it’s important to think about several key factors before clicking any buy buttons. Here’s what to look for.
Number of outlets
How many outlets do you need for your outdoor decorations or appliances? Most outdoor smart plugs come with two sockets, but some have three or four. Consider your plans carefully.
Weather resistance rating
Outdoor sockets should come with an IP rating that shows their weather resistance. Look for plugs that offer IP64 to IP66 ratings if possible, and avoid plugs that don’t list their IP ratings.
Amperage and voltage
You need a plug with the right amps and volts for the job, especially amps – which could cause breaker shutdowns if exceeded. Check the amp requirements for what you want to power. Most smart plugs offer a (U.S.) standard 15A. You can also look at the overall wattage of a plug, but it’s usually easier to find amps.
Cord length
Extension cords can help, but if you’d rather avoid them then make sure the smart plug has enough length to reach the cord of the device you want to power. Some plugs have very short cords, while others have longer versions.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi lets you control a plug from a distance with the app, and means that the plug is more likely to support voice assistants and other features. We favored plugs with Wi-Fi built in. You can add Wi-Fi to some plugs with an extra hub, but that’s a complication and more expensive.
Smart home compatibility
Check that the plug works with your desired voice assistant and smart home platform. Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant are fairly easy to find, Apple somewhat less so. A growing number of plugs come with Matter compatibility which includes support for all major platforms.
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