Best outdoor smart plug
Updated June 2026Independently researchedNo paid placement.
The Kasa Smart EP25 is the best outdoor smart plug for most people thanks to its solid weather resistance, reliable app, and per-outlet control.
The Amazon Smart Plug is a fine budget choice if you only need basic on/off control from a protected outlet, while the GE Cync Smart Plug delivers the best per-outlet cost for outfitting multiple zones.
An outdoor smart plug lets you control lights, pumps, or decorations from your phone or voice assistant without standing in the rain. But not all models handle moisture equally: look for a weatherproof rating (like IP64) if the plug will sit uncovered, and confirm your hub or voice platform of choice works with it. Scheduling, energy monitoring, and individual outlets are nice extras, but durability and reliable Wi‑Fi connection matter most when the plug lives outside. For this roundup we focused on models that earn high marks from owners for build quality and steady performance. We excluded plugs that rely solely on proprietary hubs or have a track record of dropping offline. The three picks below cover the most common outdoor needs, from weatherproofing to home‑entertainment setups.
Kasa Smart EP25
the do‑it‑all default
4.7out of 5The Kasa EP25 combines a weatherproof enclosure (IP64), two independently controllable outlets, and a mature app that handles scheduling, away modes, and energy monitoring. It’s not the cheapest plug, but its reliability and feature set justify the cost for anyone who wants a set‑and‑forget outdoor solution.
Price range: $$
Check price on Amazon →Amazon Smart Plug
the budget button‑pusher
4.2out of 5The Amazon Smart Plug is a straightforward indoor plug that works fine under a covered porch or eave. Its strength is simplicity: plug it in, scan a code, and control it with Alexa. But it offers no energy monitoring, no weather protection, and only one outlet. For the price, it’s a solid backup for basic on/off needs, but not for exposed outdoor use.
Price range: $
Check price on Amazon →GE Cync Smart Plug
the multi‑pack champion
4.3out of 5The GE Cync Smart Plug is sold in multi‑packs that make it appealing for equipping several outdoor (or indoor) devices. It works with both Alexa and Google Assistant, and the app supports schedules and reminders. However, it’s also an indoor‑rated plug, so it’s best for covered use. The build quality is decent, but the lack of weather sealing and individual outlet control per plug limit its outdoor suitability.
Price range: $$
Check price on Amazon →| Award | Model | Our score | Price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Kasa Smart EP25 | 4.7 / 5 | $$ | Anyone who needs a durable, feature‑rich outdoor plug for year‑round use, especially for h | Check price → |
| Runner-up | Amazon Smart Plug | 4.2 / 5 | $ | Alexa users who want a cheap, reliable switch for lamps or small appliances on a protected | Check price → |
| Best value | GE Cync Smart Plug | 4.3 / 5 | $$ | Budget‑minded users who need multiple plugs for indoor or protected outdoor outlets, such | Check price → |
The picks in detail
1. Kasa Smart EP25: the do‑it‑all default
Best overallThe Kasa EP25 combines a weatherproof enclosure (IP64), two independently controllable outlets, and a mature app that handles scheduling, away modes, and energy monitoring. It’s not the cheapest plug, but its reliability and feature set justify the cost for anyone who wants a set‑and‑forget outdoor solution.
Pros
- Weatherproof design rated for direct rain and snow
- Two outlets can be controlled separately
- Reliable Wi‑Fi connection with few dropouts, according to owner reports
- Energy monitoring helps track appliance usage
Cons
- No Matter / Thread support; Wi‑Fi only
- App setup can be slightly slower than some competitors
- Bulky shape may block a second outlet on a tight duplex box
Who it’s for
Anyone who needs a durable, feature‑rich outdoor plug for year‑round use, especially for holiday lights, fountains, or pond pumps.Who should skip it
You need ultra‑compact size to fit under a low‑profile cover, or you require a Matter‑compatible smart home.2. Amazon Smart Plug: the budget button‑pusher
Runner-upThe Amazon Smart Plug is a straightforward indoor plug that works fine under a covered porch or eave. Its strength is simplicity: plug it in, scan a code, and control it with Alexa. But it offers no energy monitoring, no weather protection, and only one outlet. For the price, it’s a solid backup for basic on/off needs, but not for exposed outdoor use.
Pros
- Extremely easy setup with Alexa app
- Very affordable, often sold in bundles with Echo devices
- Compact size doesn’t block adjacent outlets
Cons
- Not weather‑rated; must be used in a covered, dry location
- No energy monitoring or scheduling beyond basic timer
Who it’s for
Alexa users who want a cheap, reliable switch for lamps or small appliances on a protected porch or garage.Who should skip it
You need a plug that can withstand rain, wet ground, or full sun, or you require Wi‑Fi scheduling and energy tracking.3. GE Cync Smart Plug: the multi‑pack champion
Best valueThe GE Cync Smart Plug is sold in multi‑packs that make it appealing for equipping several outdoor (or indoor) devices. It works with both Alexa and Google Assistant, and the app supports schedules and reminders. However, it’s also an indoor‑rated plug, so it’s best for covered use. The build quality is decent, but the lack of weather sealing and individual outlet control per plug limit its outdoor suitability.
Pros
- Multi‑packs offer the best per‑plug value on this list
- Works with Alexa and Google Assistant without a hub
- Compact design fits well side‑by‑side on a power strip
Cons
- Not weather‑resistant; for covered uses only
- Each plug has one outlet – no dual control
- Reports of occasional app sync delays after power outages
Who it’s for
Budget‑minded users who need multiple plugs for indoor or protected outdoor outlets, such as for holiday lights on a covered patio.Who should skip it
You need a weatherproof plug for an exposed location, or you want separate control of two outlets from a single unit.Best for specific needs
Best for all‑weather durability
If your plug will face rain, snow, or direct sprinklers, you need an IP‑rated enclosure. The Kasa EP25 is the only pick here that can handle that exposure confidently. Owners report it surviving harsh seasons without hiccups. For string lights, fountain pumps, or holiday displays left out for months, the EP25 is the clear choice. Our pick: Kasa Smart EP25.
Best for basic scheduling on a tight budget
When cost is the top concern and your outlet is protected from the elements, the Amazon Smart Plug gets the job done. It’s especially convenient if you already use Alexa. You won’t get energy monitoring or per‑outlet control, but for turning a porch lamp on at dusk and off at bedtime, it’s hard to beat the price. Our pick: Amazon Smart Plug.
Best for arming multiple outdoor zones at once
Covered patios, garages, and sheds often need several smart plugs. The GE Cync multi‑pack lets you wire up three or four spots for what a single premium plug costs. The trade‑off is no weatherproofing, so keep them dry. But if you’re outfitting a whole holiday light show under a roofline, this is the most economical route. Our pick: GE Cync Smart Plug.
Our verdict
For most people, the Kasa EP25 is the outdoor smart plug to buy. It’s the only one built to shrug off the weather, and its two‑outlet design plus energy monitoring make it genuinely useful. The Amazon Smart Plug works fine for covered, simple needs at a lower price. And the GE Cync multi‑pack is smart if you want to plug in three or four devices on a budget. Whichever you choose, make sure the plug’s weather rating matches where it will live, and you’ll get years of reliable control.
Frequently asked questions
What IP rating do I need for an outdoor smart plug?
Look for at least IP44, which means the plug is protected against water splashing from any direction, sufficient for covered porch or eave installations where direct rain exposure is limited. For exposed garden, deck, or yard installations where the plug might get rained on directly, IP65 is a stronger choice, providing protection against low-pressure water jets. Both ratings indicate the plug is weather-resistant, not waterproof for submersion, so don't leave them in standing water or fully exposed to heavy sustained rain without a protective housing. Outdoor smart plugs designed for the US market typically state their weatherproofing as 'weatherproof' or 'wet-rated' rather than quoting an IP number, though the underlying spec usually meets IP44.
How do I run an outdoor smart plug safely?
Use a GFCI-protected outdoor outlet, the type with the test and reset buttons. If your outdoor outlet isn't GFCI-protected, a licensed electrician can retrofit one, and it's worth doing regardless of whether you're adding smart plugs. Keep the plug's cover flaps closed when outlets are unused. Use extension cords rated for outdoor use (look for 'W' in the wire rating, indicating weather-resistant jacket) if you need to extend reach, and don't daisy-chain extension cords or overload a single circuit. For permanent holiday light installations or garden irrigation timers, scheduling the plug to turn off automatically at night or when not needed also reduces the time the circuit is energized.
Can I use an outdoor smart plug for a space heater or power tool?
Check the plug's wattage rating first. Most outdoor smart plugs are rated for 15 amps at 120 volts, or roughly 1800 watts continuous. A small space heater on low may fall within that limit, but a large 1500W heater running high is near the rated maximum and should be monitored carefully. Angle grinders, circular saws, and other power tools have high startup surge currents that can stress outlet-level electronics. Outdoor smart plugs are best suited for lighting, low-power irrigation timers, and holiday decorations rather than high-draw tools. If you need to control a high-draw outdoor circuit, a smart outlet switch wired into the junction box is the safer option.