Wyze Plug Outdoor is the latest addition to the list of smart devices from the renowned company. Costing under $17, it is one of the most affordable options and a lucrative choice. Wyze Plug Outdoor is a smart device that can automate outdoor electrical equipment. It enables users to switch the connected devices on or off through the app, manually, based on a schedule, or according to the light conditions using the integrated photocell sensor. Its weather-resistant design makes it ideal for outdoor installation. The smart plug supports energy monitoring as well. In this Wyze Plug Outdoor review, we take a look at its specifications and features and determine its value proposition for the buyers.
Wyze Plug Outdoor Review – Design
Wyze Plug Outdoor has a simplistic design and is shaped like a rectangular box. It measures 4.0” (L) x 2.8” (W) x 1.4” (D) and weighs 7.2 ounces. The device can be plugged into a mains outlet through the 4-inch power cord with a 3-prong plug. Some homeowners may find the power cord a bit short. Wyze Plug Outdoor has two outlets, allowing the use of two devices. Each of the outlets can be controlled independently through the Wyze app. They have their own rubber covers to protect them from rain and water when they are not being used.
There are two backlit buttons provided on the Wyze Plug Outdoor for switching the power to the outlets directly from the plug. It can be a great option if you don’t have your smartphone at hand. A blue LED for Wi-Fi connection status is also provided. Wyze Plug Outdoor features an IP64 rating and is certified to be completely protected against dust and can withstand water splashes. It will tolerate rain but is not designed for immersion or water jets, such as those from pressure washers.
Wyze Plug Outdoor Review – Features
Wyze Plug Outdoor is featured-packed, to say the least. The device boasts of almost all the things that a user can expect in a smart outdoor plug. It has Wi-Fi (2.4GHz) and Bluetooth for connectivity. Users can connect it to a wireless network for remote access or pair it via Bluetooth for the initial setup process.
Wyze Plug Outdoor comes with an integrated light sensor. It can switch the outlets on or off according to the ambient light. The smart outdoor plug can turn on lights when it is dark and switch them back off once there is adequate sunlight. There is no need for a Wi-Fi connection as the sensor is built into the Wyze Plug Outdoor. It will turn lights on and off based on the environmental light conditions automatically. This feature is excellent and ensures that your lights work even when the Wi-Fi is down.
Wyze Plug Outdoor is rated for up to 15A and is ideal for outdoor lights, pond pumps, roof de-icers, and other outdoor electrical equipment. An electric motor with a maximum rating of 0.5HP can be used with the Wyze Plug Outdoor.
Wyze Plug Outdoor Review – Performance
The performance of Wyze Plug Outdoor is excellent. Like all other smart products from the company, users will need to install the Wyze app for operating the Wyze Plug Outdoor. The app is available for both iOS and Android platforms. It allows them to turn the outlets on or off manually or by setting schedules. They can remotely monitor the Wyze Plug Outdoor from their smartphone through the app.
The installation process is fairly simple. Users have to install the app and create an account if they don’t already have the same. They have to connect the Wyze Plug Outdoor to an outlet and turn it on. Once the Wi-Fi status LED starts blinking blue, they can add the device to the app. Next, the users will have to enter the Wi-Fi details to connect the smart outdoor plug to the wireless network. The installation is complete once the connection is successful. It will be automatically added to the Alexa and Google device lists as well. Its integrated Wi-Fi has a range of up to 300 feet. The range will reduce according to the obstacles between the router and the smart plug. Still, it is adequate for most home wireless network setups and will function without an issue.
The app’s interface is minimal and simplistic. It is easy to use and enables users to access and control their smart devices from the home screen. Additionally, there is a separate control panel for each outlet of the Wyze Plug Outdoor, listed as Socket 1 and Socket 2 in the app. Users can turn the plug on or off based on a timer. However, they can only set one timer per outlet at a single time.
Users can program the Wyze Plug Outdoor to work in tandem with other Wyze devices like security cameras, sensors, or lights. It supports energy monitoring and can log the power consumption of the outlets. They can keep tabs on the energy consumed by their outdoor devices in kWh on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. Homeowners can even set a notification to pop up when the total energy consumed crosses a level specified by them.
Wyze Plug Outdoor works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Users can access and control it through voice commands. However, a Wi-Fi network that enables Internet access is required for the same. It won’t work with Apple HomeKit either, and users invested in the ecosystem will have to look somewhere else. Wyze Plug Outdoor also supports the Vacation mode for switching the plugged-in devices randomly to make it seem like the residents are at home.
The performance of Wyze Plug Outdoor is excellent. It acknowledges commands from the app instantaneously, switching the outlets on or off as required. The ambient light sensor works well, and so do voice commands through Alexa and Google Assistant. Energy monitoring is pretty accurate as well.
Wyze Plug Outdoor Review – Pros and Cons
Before summarizing this review, let us go over the pros and cons of the Wyze Plug Outdoor.
Pros
- Affordable
- Feature-packed
- Two independently-controlled outlets
- Works with Alexa and Google Assistant
- Supports energy monitoring
- Integrated light sensor
Cons
- No Apple HomeKit support
Wyze Plug Outdoor Review – Is it Worth the Price?
Wyze Plug Outdoor is the latest offering from the company. It costs under $17 and is one of the most affordable smart plugs designed for outdoor use. Its IP64 rating and weather-resistant construction allow it to be used in all weather conditions. There are two independent outlets for connecting electrical devices. The integrated photocell sensor further enhances its value.
Wyze Plug Outdoor boasts of a wide range of features, including energy monitoring. The Wyze app from the company is already tried and tested. Alexa and Google Assistant voice command support is an added bonus. It comes with almost all the features that a user will require in a smart outdoor plug. Overall, Wyze Plug Outdoor is an excellent buy for users. It provides more features at a lower price as compared to the competition. We highly recommend Wyze Plug Outdoor for homeowners requiring a smart outdoor plug. Apple HomeKit users may consider alternatives that support their ecosystem.
Wyze Plug Outdoor: https://wyze.com/wyze-plug-outdoor.html
