The Best Outdoor Smart Plug for Your Smart Home in 2025

Welcome to Kjooz, where we turn complex tech into simple solutions. With over a decade of hands-on experience in the smart home industry, I’m here to guide you through the exciting world of outdoor automation. Let’s transform your garden, patio, or holiday display from ordinary to intelligent. Finding the Best Outdoor Smart Plug is the perfect first step, and it’s easier than you think. These rugged little devices can automate everything from your patio string lights to your pool pump, all while standing up to the elements.

An outdoor smart plug brings the convenience and control you love from your indoor smart home to the great outdoors. Imagine scheduling your festive lights to turn on automatically at sunset, or turning off the garden fountain with a simple voice command without ever leaving your couch. It’s about creating ambiance, improving security, and even saving a little on your energy bill.

Why You Absolutely Need an Outdoor Smart Plug

If you’re wondering whether an outdoor smart plug is a gimmick or a game-changer, consider these benefits. They offer a powerful blend of convenience, security, and efficiency.

• Effortless Automation: Set schedules for your devices based on time of day, sunrise, or sunset. Your landscape lighting can power on the moment dusk settles in and turn off at dawn, all without you lifting a finger.
• Voice and Remote Control: Connected to your home Wi-Fi, these plugs can be controlled from anywhere via a smartphone app. Or, pair them with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit for hands-free voice control.
• Enhanced Security: Use an “Away Mode” to randomize when your outdoor lights turn on and off, creating the illusion that someone is home. This is a simple yet effective deterrent for potential intruders.
• Energy Efficiency: Some models offer energy monitoring, allowing you to see exactly how much power your connected devices are using. You can identify energy hogs and create schedules that reduce unnecessary consumption.

Key Features in the Best Outdoor Smart Plug

Not all outdoor smart plugs are created equal. Navigating the options can be tricky, but focusing on these core features will ensure you get a reliable and effective device for your needs.

Weather Resistance: Your First Priority

This is the single most important feature. An outdoor plug must be built to withstand rain, snow, dust, and temperature fluctuations. This is measured by an Ingress Protection (IP) rating.

• What to look for: A minimum rating of IP64. The “6” means it’s completely sealed against dust, and the “4” means it’s protected from water splashes from any direction. This is sufficient for most covered and semi-exposed outdoor locations.

As smart home installer James Peterson often says, “A smart plug is only as good as its ability to withstand the elements. IP64 or higher is the non-negotiable standard for any device you plan to leave outside year-round.”

Connectivity and Smart Home Integration

How your plug connects to your network and integrates with your existing smart home ecosystem is crucial for a seamless experience.

• Wi-Fi: Most outdoor smart plugs connect directly to your home’s 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network. Ensure the signal is strong enough to reach the plug’s intended location. Some models boast an extended range of up to 300 feet.
• Compatibility: Check for compatibility with your preferred voice assistant. Most work with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. If you’re in the Apple ecosystem, look for HomeKit support or, even better, Matter certification, which is the new universal standard for smart home compatibility.

Outlet Configuration

Consider how many devices you want to control and how you want to control them.

• Number of Outlets: Most models come with two outlets.
• Independent Control: The best outdoor smart plugs allow you to control each outlet independently. This means you can have your string lights on one schedule and your water feature on a completely different one, all from the same plug. Cheaper models might only allow you to turn both outlets on or off simultaneously.

Advanced Features

Beyond the basics, these features can elevate your experience:

• Energy Monitoring: Track power consumption in real-time and view historical data. This is perfect for understanding the cost of running holiday lights or a pool pump.
• Dimming: A less common but highly desirable feature for ambient lighting. If you want to control the brightness of your dimmable outdoor string lights, you’ll need a plug specifically designed for dimming.
• User-Friendly App: A clean, intuitive app makes scheduling, setting timers, and creating routines simple and frustration-free.

Our Top Picks for the Best Outdoor Smart Plugs of 2025

After extensive testing and review, here are our top recommendations that deliver on durability, features, and value.

Best Overall: TP-Link Kasa Outdoor Smart Plug (EP40)

The Kasa EP40 hits the sweet spot for most users. It’s reliable, feature-packed, and backed by one of the most user-friendly apps in the business.

• Outlets: 2, independently controlled
• Weather Resistance: IP64
• Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, SmartThings
• Why we like it: The Kasa app is incredibly intuitive for setting up complex schedules, timers, and sunrise/sunset routines. The plug has a strong Wi-Fi connection and responds instantly to commands. It’s the go-to workhorse for outdoor automation.

Best for Long Range & Features: Wyze Plug Outdoor

If your outdoor outlet is far from your router, the Wyze Plug Outdoor is your best bet. It boasts an impressive Wi-Fi range and packs in premium features at a great price.

• Outlets: 2, independently controlled
• Weather Resistance: IP64
• Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant
• Why we like it: With a Wi-Fi range of up to 300 feet, connectivity issues are a thing of the past. The Wyze app includes energy monitoring, allowing you to track your power usage. It’s a feature-rich plug that offers exceptional value.

Best for Apple & Matter Users: Tapo P400M Outdoor Smart Plug

For those invested in the Apple ecosystem or looking to future-proof their smart home, the Tapo P400M is an excellent choice thanks to its Matter certification.

• Outlets: 2, independently controlled
• Weather Resistance: IP64
• Compatibility: Matter, Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant
• Why we like it: Matter support means it works seamlessly with virtually any major smart home platform, including Apple HomeKit. It’s affordable, reliable, and offers the ultimate in cross-platform compatibility.

Best for Dimming: Kasa Smart Outdoor Dimmer Plug (KP405)

When you need to set the perfect mood with your outdoor lighting, a simple on/off switch won’t do. This is where Kasa’s dimmer plug shines.

• Outlets: 1, with dimming control
• Weather Resistance: IP64
• Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant
• Why we like it: It’s one of the few reliable outdoor plugs that offers full dimming capabilities. You can adjust the brightness of your connected lights from 1% to 100% via the app or voice commands, giving you total control over your outdoor ambiance.

How to Set Up Your Outdoor Smart Plug

Getting started is typically a simple, five-minute process:

1. Download the App: Find the manufacturer’s app (e.g., Kasa Smart, Wyze) on the iOS App Store or Google Play Store and create an account.
2. Plug It In: Mount the smart plug to your outdoor wall outlet. Ensure the outlets face downward to prevent water from getting in.
3. Connect to Wi-Fi: Follow the in-app instructions to add a new device. This usually involves selecting the plug from a list and entering your 2.4GHz Wi-Fi password.
4. Name Your Devices: Give each outlet a logical name, such as “Patio Lights” or “Holiday Display,” to make voice commands easy.
5. Automate: Dive into the app to set schedules, create timers, or link the plug to your preferred voice assistant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can outdoor smart plugs be left in the rain?

Yes, as long as they have an appropriate IP rating, like IP64 or higher. This ensures they are protected against water splashes. However, they should not be fully submerged in water. For best results, use them with a GFCI outlet that has a weatherproof cover.

How far can an outdoor smart plug be from my Wi-Fi router?

This varies by model. Standard plugs work well within 50-100 feet, but models like the Wyze Plug Outdoor are designed for a longer range, up to 300 feet in open space. Walls and other obstructions will reduce this range.

Do outdoor smart plugs use a lot of electricity when idle?

No, their standby power consumption is extremely low, typically less than 1 watt. The energy used by the plug itself is negligible compared to the devices it controls.

Can I control each outlet on a smart plug independently?

Most high-quality dual-outlet smart plugs offer independent control. This is a key feature to look for, as it allows you to run two different devices on two different schedules. Always check the product specifications to confirm.

What is a good IP rating for an outdoor smart plug?

A rating of IP64 is the recommended minimum. This provides robust protection against dust and splashing water, making it suitable for most outdoor environments.

The Final Word

Choosing the best outdoor smart plug opens up a new world of convenience and control for your home’s exterior. By focusing on critical features like weather resistance, reliable connectivity, and the right number of outlets, you can bring smart automation to your patio, garden, and seasonal displays with confidence. Whether you go for the all-around excellence of the TP-Link Kasa EP40 or the long-range power of the Wyze Outdoor, you’re making a small investment that will pay big dividends in ambiance and ease of use. Now go ahead, and make your yard a little smarter.