The Best Outdoor Smart Plugs
When dealing with outdoor electronics, switches can be obscured by brush or rendered inaccessible in inclement weather conditions. If you're sick of bending over to turn off light strips and outdoor appliances, weatherized smart plugs make a perfect gift for homeowners and apartment dwellers alike. Smart plugs immediately turn outlets into easy-access wireless switches, controllable from the comfort of your personal computer or smartphone. Our top smart plugs deliver consistent connectivity for affordable prices.
Minoston WiFi Plug
Brighten Up The Backyard
Minoston’s Wifi Plug is a stupendous smart device that keeps the party going and changes the mood as it progresses. While most smart plugs have one set function, Minoston offers compatibility with dimmer bulbs for maximum ambiance control. You won’t miss a beat when the vibes change either because this nifty outlet is controlled via voice commands. Besides functionality, this unit can handle jets of water, giving you the ultimate peace of mind when storms strike. When you’re upgrading your backyard with the latest electronics, remember Minoston for unwavering connectivity.
Pros:
- Recurring schedule feature
- Available with dimmer or two outlets
- App setup and download takes seconds
Cons:
- It may require a factory reset in the event of a power outage
Meross Outdoor Smart Plug
Rein In The Rainstorms
If inclement weather or inconvenient obstacles stand between you and your wall outlet, Meross’s Outdoor Smart Plug will keep you in the loop. We love this plug because of its unmatched versatility across operating systems and performance under stress. This unit is compatible with Amazon, Google, and Apple assistants and can operate in all environments save for blistering heat in direct sunlight or blizzard conditions. The water resistance isn’t the absolute best, but as long as idle plugs are covered and the outlet isn’t sitting in pooling water, Meross will withstand the elements.
Pros:
- Dual outlets can be controlled independently
- The perfect companion for holiday lights and sound systems
- Can handle powerful electronics with 125V max load
Cons:
- The app’s user interface is unattractive but works consistently
BN-Link Heavy Duty Outdoor Smart Outlet
Complete Convenience
When it’s that time of year where temporary decorations and merriment pop up around the neighborhood, electric bills can soar. If you need an inexpensive hedge against your light-up candy canes or inflatable pumpkins, BN-Link’s Heavy Duty Smart Outlet will make sure your decorations don’t stay on during the graveyard shift. This outlet boasts formidable water resistance and easy setup, but there are some drawbacks. If your device has a wide plug, you may want to look elsewhere because of the tight angles around the three outlets. If, however, your plugs are small and you don’t need individual outlet control, BN-Link’s scheduling control and durability keep your devices going through holidays and barbeques.
Pros:
- Excellent value for the price
- Top-class customer service team
- All outlets are grounded
Cons:
- The instruction manual is difficult to understand
Gosund Mini Wifi Outlet
Control From Every Corner
If your wireless needs aren’t limited to one outlet in one corner of your home, Gosund’s Mini Wifi Outlets will come as a masterful stroke of convenience and portability. While extension cord-style smart plugs are useful for tight-knit appliances, controlling multiple light sets for maximum coverage can be an issue. All four outlets can be controlled individually with the Gosund smartphone app for a totally enveloping radius of light and sound. Surge protection, away-from-home access, and synchronized control for the whole family are just a click away with Gosund.
Pros:
- Combine lights and appliances into ‘scenes’ for simultaneous operation
- Share access with family members easily
- Set daily and weekly schedules with timer options as well
Cons:
- Cannot handle larger appliances like microwaves or AC units
Gosund Smart Wall Outlet
The Prevailing Power Package
Gosund’s Smart Wall Outlet is the go-to machine for addressing the age-old conundrum of too few wall outlets. This bulky unit boasts three ways to charge and can handle up to nine devices simultaneously. When you need versatility, this gorgeous gadget by Gosund is a no-brainer. It’s a top-notch option for workshops, outdoor study sessions, or AV equipment. There’s no need to worry about malfunctions either. With a fireproof shell and short-proof circuitry, Gosund goes the extra mile to protect your devices from harm in the event of surges, dust storms, or monsoons.
Pros:
- Compatible with virtually any wall outlet
- USB ports controlled collectively, smart plugs controlled individually
- You don’t need to be on the home network to connect
Cons:
- Will not work with Apple products
Frequently Asked Questions
What devices will not work with a smart plug?
Smart plugs are revolutionizing the way we control our appliances, but unfortunately, there are some limitations. Since smart plugs are more or less an electronic ‘gate’, manual input is required to activate your device. When working with ‘always on’ devices such as light strips or physical switches, this is never an issue. However, devices that utilize electric switches themselves cannot work with smart plugs.
Do smart plugs protect against electric surges?
Smart plugs are incredibly invaluable devices because they can safeguard against a variety of external factors. If you want to protect yourself against electronic overload, make sure that your smart plug manufacturer says that the ground is built in. Grounds in power outlets typically have a metal oxide varistor, or MOV, which automatically redirects excess voltage of the powerline and harmlessly into the ground.
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.