Best Smart Plugs for Holiday Lights (Outdoor Rated)
Holiday decorating is a fun and festive tradition, but it can also be a lot of work. From untangling strings of lights to plugging them in and out every night, it can be a real hassle. But what if there was a way to automate your holiday lights and make your life a little easier? That's where outdoor-rated smart plugs come in.
What is an Outdoor-Rated Smart Plug?
An outdoor-rated smart plug is a special type of smart plug that is designed to be used outdoors. It's weatherproof and can withstand rain, snow, and extreme temperatures. With an outdoor-rated smart plug, you can control your holiday lights from your phone, set schedules, and even use voice commands with a compatible smart assistant like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
What to Look for in an Outdoor-Rated Smart Plug
When you're shopping for an outdoor-rated smart plug, here are a few things to look for:
- Weather Resistance: Make sure the smart plug is rated for outdoor use and is weatherproof. Look for an IP rating of IP44 or higher.
- Number of Outlets: Some outdoor smart plugs have a single outlet, while others have two or more. Choose a smart plug with enough outlets to accommodate all of your holiday lights.
- Compatibility: Make sure the smart plug is compatible with your smart home ecosystem. Most smart plugs are compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, but some also work with Apple HomeKit.
- Scheduling and Timers: The ability to set schedules and timers is one of the most useful features of a smart plug. Make sure the smart plug you choose has a robust scheduling feature.
- Energy Monitoring: Some smart plugs can monitor the energy usage of your holiday lights. This can be a great way to save money on your electricity bill.
Top Picks for the Best Outdoor-Rated Smart Plugs
Here are a few of our favorite outdoor-rated smart plugs for holiday lights:
- Kasa Outdoor Smart Plug (KP400): The Kasa Outdoor Smart Plug is a popular choice for a reason. It's easy to set up, it has two outlets, and it's compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. It also has a long Wi-Fi range, so you can control your lights from anywhere in your yard.
- Wyze Plug Outdoor: The Wyze Plug Outdoor is another great option. It's affordable, it has two outlets, and it's compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. It also has a built-in light sensor, so you can set your lights to turn on at dusk and off at dawn.
- GE CYNC Outdoor Smart Plug: If you're looking for a smart plug that is compatible with Apple HomeKit, the GE CYNC Outdoor Smart Plug is a great choice. It has two outlets and is also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
How to Set Up Your Outdoor Smart Plug
Setting up an outdoor smart plug is easy.
- Download the app: Each smart plug has its own companion app. Download the app to your smartphone and create an account.
- Plug in the smart plug: Plug the smart plug into an outdoor outlet.
- Connect to Wi-Fi: Follow the instructions in the app to connect the smart plug to your Wi-Fi network.
- Plug in your lights: Plug your holiday lights into the smart plug.
- Set schedules and timers: Use the app to set schedules and timers for your lights.
With an outdoor-rated smart plug, you can take your holiday decorating to the next level. You'll be able to control your lights from anywhere, set schedules, and even use voice commands. It's a simple and affordable way to make your holiday season a little bit smarter and a lot more convenient.
