Best Outdoor Smart Plugs & Soltuions: 2025 Expert Review
OR Electrics
Fully Qualified 18th Edition Electrician
As the nights draw in early here in Leeds, managing outdoor lighting and security features becomes a daily routine. Nobody wants to be trudging out into the Yorkshire drizzle just to switch off the garden lights or reset a security camera. Smart plugs offer a brilliant solution, letting you control everything from your phone or voice assistant.
However, as an electrician, I see a lot of dangerous DIY setups. I've visited homes where usage of indoor plugs wrapped in carrier bags passed for 'weatherproofing'. This is a serious fire and shock hazard, especially given our damp climate. Electricity and water do not mix, and cutting corners isn't worth the risk.
In this review, I've selected three options for smart outdoor power control. We'll look at two versatile smart plugs that are excellent when paired with proper weatherproof enclosures, and one professional-grade hardwired socket for a permanent, robust solution.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "Weatherproof vs. Waterproof"
"Many people assume any 'outdoor' device can be left exposed to driving rain."
IP ratings matter. An IP44 plug handles splashes, but won't survive submersion or a jet wash. Standard smart plugs (like the Eightree or Tapo reviewed here) have ZERO water protection and MUST be used indoors or inside a certified IP66 dry box.
The Spec: "WiFi Range"
"If your phone connects in the garden, your smart plug will too."
Outdoor brick walls—especially the thick stone ones we have in Leeds—block WiFi signals significantly. Smart plugs often struggle on the edge of your network. You might need a WiFi extender for reliable outdoor operation.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
Smart Wifi Plug EIGHTREE, Alexa Wifi Plugs (2 Pack)
Eightree
This two-pack offers incredible value for homeowners who want to automate garden lights from an indoor socket (like a garage or conservatory). Whilst not waterproof themselves, they are compact enough to fit side-by-side in a double socket, making them ideal for managing multiple light strings.
The Good
- Excellent price for a twin pack
- Basic scheduling works well for holiday lights
- Compact design doesn't obstruct switch access
The Bad
- Not waterproof (strictly indoor use or dry box only)
- 2.4GHz only (requires splitting WiFi bands on some routers)
Installer Tip:
These are strictly indoor plugs. To use them for outdoor lights safely, plug them into your indoor garage socket where the outdoor cable feeds through the wall. Do NOT use these outside unless they are sealed inside a proper IP55+ weatherproof enclosure box.
Priced at £13.59 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonTapo P110 (4-Pack) Smart Plug with Energy Monitoring
Tapo
Tapo is a brand I frequently see in homes across Leeds because their app is reliable. The P110 stands out because of its energy monitoring feature. If you're running expensive outdoor heaters or high-wattage security lights, seeing exactly how much they cost to run is invaluable.
The Good
- Energy monitoring helps track running costs
- Reliable 'Away Mode' for security simulation
- Higher build quality than generic alternatives
The Bad
- Strictly indoor/dry environment only
- Not suitable for EV charging (continuous high load)
Installer Tip:
Use the 'Schedule' function to ensure high-draw devices like patio heaters can't be left on accidentally overnight. It saves money and reduces fire risk. As with the budget option, keep this plug indoors or in a dry, rated enclosure.
Priced at £27.00 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonSmart WiFi Waterproof Outdoor Double Socket
Knightsbridge
This is the proper way to do outdoor smart power. Instead of plugging an adapter into an adapter, this replaces your existing outdoor socket (or creates a new point). It's fully weatherproof and designed to live outside permanently. As an electrician, this is the solution I prefer installing.
The Good
- Genuine outdoor solution (no extra boxes needed)
- Controls two sockets independently
- Replaces standard outdoor sockets directly
The Bad
- Requires competent installation (electrical wiring involved)
- WiFi signal must be strong at the installation point
Installer Tip:
Installation requires drilling through the wall and connecting to the mains. If you are fitting this to a Victorian stone wall, ensure you use a drip loop on the cable to stop water running into the unit. You must also ensure the circuit is RCD protected at the consumer unit for safety.
Priced at £33.90 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Can I leave smart plugs outside in the rain?
Do outdoor smart plugs need a hub?
Are smart plugs safe for outdoor heaters?
Why won't my smart plug connect to my WiFi?
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