This is because most smart plugs are not water-resistant and cannot sustain extreme temperatures. If you want to control your outdoor appliances and devices, we’ve compiled a list of the best outdoor smart plugs with Alexa that you can buy in the UK. This way, you can use your voice to control your devices without being worried about rain or snow ruining your plug. Before we recommend the smart plugs though, here are some other articles you may be interested in –
Since the holiday season is right around the corner, take a look at some of the best smart string lights for Halloween and Christmas. Here’s a quick comparison between smart plugs and smart outlets to help you decide which one’s better for you.
With that out of the way, let’s take a look at the products.
1. Kasa Outdoor Smart Plug
The Kasa outdoor smart plug has a unique design that looks different as compared to typical smart plugs. It has a rugged exterior that makes it weatherproof even in wet conditions. You can plug in a maximum load of 15A which should be sufficient for most appliances. Since it connects to Alexa, you can either control it via the app or via your voice. You don’t need any hub to control the Kasa outdoor smart plug. It connects to your Wi-Fi network directly and can establish a connection even from 300ft away. It’s also fire retardant which is great if there is a short circuit due to water. One complaint that some users have mentioned in the reviews is that the waterproof cover breaks easily which makes it hard to protect the socket in case there’s heavy rainfall. You get 2 years of warranty from the brand but we’re not sure based on what conditions you will be able to claim it.
2. Woox Smart Plug
The Woox smart plug is rated for 13A of current, slightly lower than the 15A rating of the Kasa plug but should be good enough for most use cases. However, it’s way more rugged, both in terms of how it looks and the actual protection that it offers against extreme conditions like heavy rainfall or snowfall. You get a weatherproof exterior along with a flap on the front that goes over the plug you connect. This way, the water stays out of the plug’s contacts, ensuring there’s no chance of a short circuit. This Alexa outdoor smart plug doesn’t require a hub either and connects directly to your Wi-Fi network. While most reviews are good, some users have complained that the instructions provided with the package aren’t useful. So, you might have to figure out the setup process yourself. Some users have also suggested that there’s a slight lag between when a command is given and executed.
3. Meross Outdoor Smart Plug
The Meross outdoor smart plug is an easy recommendation purely based on the features it provides. The two sockets support a maximum load of 13A. The plug enclosure is IP44 rated so it should be fine with rain and the occasional splash. If it rains heavily, you will have to close the flaps by disconnecting the plugs to ensure water doesn’t enter the sockets. However, a better IP rating would have sealed the deal (and the plugs too). You get a single power button at the center to manually turn the smart plug on and off. In all, this is a good heavy-duty smart plug with Alexa for most conditions. Some people have reported that the commands given through the app have failed at times, but that could also depend on your network connection.
4. Knightsbridge Smart Wi-Fi Plug
While the Meross smart plug is easy to set up and has more features, it’s not truly waterproof like this smart plug from Knightsbridge. That factor alone can sway some people in the direction of the Knightsbridge smart Wi-Fi plug. You get two sockets next to each other with a water-tight door that seals the plugs. This additional safety is what makes this plug waterproof. While the Meross plug also has a cover, you can only use it when the sockets are empty. However, the cover on this smart plug can be used even with appliances plugged into the socket. It works with Alexa and Google Assistant too so there’s no real compromise in terms of smart features. Some users have mentioned that it is slightly tricky to set up initially, though, and that some units have stopped working after a few months. The latter, however, depends on several factors including quality control, usage patterns, etc.
Keep Your Plugs Safe and Smart
It’s important to ensure that the sockets and devices you’re using outdoors remain safe throughout the year, regardless of the weather outside. These outdoor smart plugs with Alexa are a great way to ensure that your plugs and appliances remain secure through the bright sunshine and the heavy rainfall in the UK.
