Schedule and control each socket individually or grouped together. Select the bulb or plug youd like to set up. your two outlets on Cync outdoor plug in the app.GearBrain. You then repeat this process for the right outlet and update the firmware (if necessary) to complete the installation. But these smart devices do present problems to users because of where they are installed. Name your device: Type in thenamethat you want to use for voice commands. The app makes the setup process exceedingly simple; it works with Alexa, Google Assistant, SmartThings and IFTTT, and it has pretty good scheduling options for letting you turn your lights on and off at certain times including sunset and sunrise. You can add. For comparison, the $39.99 Wemo Wi-Fi Smart Outdoor Plug works with both of those platforms. To find the control screen for your device, open the Google Home app tap your device. On the front of the Ring is a large circular button thats blue in the center; you can press on either side of the button to control each outlet independently. Like most outdoor smart plugs, the Wyze Plug Outdoor is a black box, with a cord on one end and two outlets on the other. Name. If you want to turn exterior lighting, pool pumps, and other outdoor electronics into connected devices, the Cync Outdoor Smart Plug gets the job done. Set up integrations with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant in Cync app. However, Kasas app still lacks two-factor authentication. Extending from the body of the PowrUI are four plugs, all of which can be controlled independently. They can also help save you money on your energy bill by having them turn on/off at specific times. And, while it works with Alexa and Google Assistant, its not compatible with Siri. Plug in your device in the same room as your speaker or display. However, the dumbest thing about WeMos smart plug is that while it has two outlets, you cant control them separately. The plug is a substantial 4.9 x 2.4 x 2.3 inches, but housed inside its thick plastic housing is a Wi-Fi radio that should connect to your router from up to 300 feet away. An Alexa routine I created for one of the outlets to turn on when I unlocked a Utec Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro smart lock worked every time. It also lacks two-factor authentication, and I found the app crashed on me while I was using it on an iPhone running iOS 15. A smart outdoor plug's prongs should be able to fit easily into the outlet, and allow you to close the cover. From the Lighting panel on the home screen, you can turn each outlet on or off. Tip: make sure the names you use to identify each outlet on your Cync Outdoor Smart Plug are easy to remember and not cumbersome to say when using voice commands with a smart speaker or display. PCMag.com is a leading authority on technology, delivering lab-based, independent reviews of the latest products and services. The lights will turn red then back to blue. If you have a nearby Wi-Fi router, cordless phone, microwave, or Bluetooth speaker, move it further away if you can. PCMag, PCMag.com and PC Magazine are among the federally registered trademarks of Ziff Davis and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. We decided to go back inside and connect the plug to our Wi-Fi router by plugging it into an outlet within 4 feet of our router. However, if a smart plugs prongs are in line with its cord, then this often means that the cord will have to be bent 90 degrees in order for you to close the cover, which could lead to the smart plug wearing out sooner. Turn on your Cync (C by GE) device. This dual-outlet, weather-resistant smart plug lets you control each plug independently, and works with both Alexa and Google Assistant services. The Cync Outdoor Smart Plug uses a black, weather-resistant enclosure that measures 2.5 by 5.0 by 2.7 inches (HWD) and has a 5.9-inch three-prong power cord. You can configure the plug to control both outlets at the same time, or set them up to work independently of one another. According to our Cync customer service representative, the firmware could pose a problem for some. Hard to beat getting two outdoor smart plugs in one for less than $30. Make sure the outlet receivespower. This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. For more information about how we review products in general, please check out the Tom's Guide How We Test page. Try your light or plug and check if it works. GE Lighting recently renamed its C By GE smart home brand to Cync, and the Cync Outdoor Smart Plug ($29.99) is one of the first devices to bear that new moniker. Turn the device off for 10 seconds then turn it back on. That said, it doesn't support IFTTT or Apple's Homekit, and it cant generate power usage reports. Thats because the only button on the smart plug itself turns off all four plugs. If the factory reset is successful, the bulb youre about to setup should blink 3 timesor the plug light should blink blue. Here, you can also create schedules for the plug to turn on or off at a specific time of day. The Cync plug supports Alexa and Google Assistant commands and routines, but lacks support for Apple HomeKit and the numerous third-party integrations that you get with IFTTT. You can connect up to 6Cync (C by GE) bulbs and plugs with each speaker or display. For voice commands, Cync devices work with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant enabled devices. If the lights you want to control are up all year-round, you dont want to have to keep fiddling with the app as the days get longer and shorter. Regardless, you should always try and mount an outdoor smart plug so that its outlets are facing down, and cover up the plugs that aren't being used. It'srecommended to use a contextual name like "reading light"or "coffee maker plug." Aside from the hardware, it's TP-Link's Kasa app that sets this device apart from other smart outlets. And while you can configure some third-party smart home devices to trigger one or both outlets with an Alexa routine, our Editors' Choice winner, the $11.99 Wyze Plug Outdoor, offers far more integrations options at a more affordable price, and is also capable of producing energy usage reports. GearBrain helps you find, buy and connect any smart device. Your Cync outdoor plug should connect quickly like ours did when we did the factory reset. After testing a number of devices, we think the Wyze Plug Outdoor is the best outdoor smart plug around. The Ring also comes with three screws and wall anchors. And it can control more than one strand of lights separately using one outlet. The Cync app is available for iOS and Android devices. Backed by the manufacturer's 2-year limited warranty. A smart outdoor plug should be built to withstand the elements, which is why we look for an IP64 rating or better. Once the app identifies the plug, tap Setup to give it a name and to connect it to your network SSID. You can create schedules for the plugs to turn on and off at scheduled times, but theres no sunrise or sunset option, for instance (you could do this with Alexa, but thats a separate step). Most outdoor outlets have a protective cover of some sort that shields them from the elements; some covers can close even when something is plugged in to the outlet. Follow the in-app instructions to complete setup. He has worked at Tom's Guide for many a year; before that, he was the Reviews Editor for Laptop Magazine, a reporter at Fast Company, and, many eons back, an intern at George magazine. In all, the Ring Outdoor Smart Plug is a good device for those invested in the Ring ecosystem. You can also use other Wyze products as triggers for example, having the plug turn on a light if a Wyze Cam detects motion. By updating the firmware, it can help eliminate many issues. Whether it's for your backyard lights, stereo, or security system, one of the best outdoor smart plugs can make controlling it all that much easier. Cync app will walk you through the setup process. He oversees all evergreen content as well as the Homes, Smart Home, and Fitness/Wearables categories, but also tests out the latest standing desks, webcams, drones, and electric scooters. As of this writing, the Wyze Plug Outdoor works with Alexa, but not Google Home. This action also factory resets the device. Rubber covers protect each of the three-prong, downward-facing outlets. Tom's Guide is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. What's more, outdoor smart plug apps let you create schedules for when things should turn on and off, and can be linked to other smart home devices. Your deviceblinks when selected. You will be able to turn devices on and off or set scenes and schedules from anywhere using the Cync app. Another nice feature of this outdoor smart plug is the individual outlet control. It is only available in Black. You can also use your voice if you have either an Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant enabled device. Its not the most attractive, but it gets the job done. If the bulbor plug light doesnt blink, it means youneed to factory reset each, Choose a home to set up the device in and tap. A green LED above each plug indicates whether its on or off. Tap the Scenes button on the home screen to set up an automation that lets you control both the plug and other Cync devices with the tap of a button. Its easy to setup and control your outdoor lights or devices. The Routine should still start automatically at the time you schedule. And, not only does WeMos plug work with Alexa and Google Assistant, but its also compatible with HomeKit the only outdoor smart plug on this list with that ability. For best results, dont include the room name in the device's name. 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Follow these steps to reset your Cync (C by GE) lights and plugs: New to smart lights? Your bulbs or plugsmight also use older firmware,so follow the second factory reset sequence if the first sequence doesnt work. Might have to do a factory reset to pair your Cync outdoor plug with your home Wi-Fi Network.GearBrain. To do a factory reset, you must plug in your Cync Outdoor Smart Plug and hold down the two buttons on top of the plug for 15 seconds. It responded immediately to app-based and Alexa requests to turn on and off, and the physical power buttons worked well. Turn the bulbor plug off and on. Yourdevice may receive an update and blink a few times. For our tests, we wanted to see how the Cync Outdoor Smart Plug would work with our holiday lighting. However, like TP-Links other outdoor plug as well as all of its other smart home devices the Kasa app lacks two-factor authentication, which makes it easier for hackers to potentially break into your account and take control of your smart home devices. Use a name like "reading light"or "overhead light." Patent No. GEs app is intuitive icons are large, bright, and instructions easy to follow but its a bit simplistic. Wyze has built a reputation on making good low-cost smart home devices, and the Wyze Plug Outdoor is another such product. It seemed we had to do two things: factory reset the plug and update the apps firmware. Not many homes have good Wi-Fi signals outside and you need a good wireless connection to your router for the smart plug to work properly. Cyncs new outdoor smart plug works as two smart plugs in one to control all your outdoor lights and devices with one app or voice. If you're looking to keep your yard lit up, be sure to check out our picks for the best solar lights. Pair your smart outlet with a voice assistant for quick on/off with a simple word. But the best feature of this outdoor smart plug is the cost. No hub is required. We recommend setting up the Cync plug close to your Home Wi-Fi router before taking it outside. Make sure your bulbs or plugsare powered on. The Smart Light Starter Kit is your first step to home automation with aGoogle Nest Mini (2nd gen) or a Google Home Mini (1st gen), and a GE Soft White Smart Bulb in one package. An outdoor smart plug connects to the cloud via your home Wi-Fi network, allowing you to control it remotely from your smartphone. Tip: The name you give your device is used for voice commands. We liked how we could use one outdoor outlet to plug in our smart plug and then control two different strings of lights, one in the front and the other in the backyard. While the WeMos prongs are perpendicular to the cord, theyre not angled like the GE Cync plug, so it may be more difficult to fit two to an outlet. The app also lets you create scenes and automations to work with other Kasa devices. However, its high price of $80 four times that of other outdoor smart plugs and the fact that it only has one plug for its massive size moves it well down our list. Editor-in-Chief for Toms Guide. While less applicable for outdoor lights, its a good feature for indoor smart plugs. Chances are, youve got more than one thing to plug in outdoors, so the better smart plugs have at least two outlets. PCMag Digital Group. Note: Youneed to enter a voice command for your Routine. Whatever your purpose, an outdoor smart plug is an inexpensive, yet handy smart home gadget. You might have too many Cync (C by GE) devices in one Home app home. You will setup these integrations in the Cync app. The plug would not pair with our home Wi-Fi. Once connected to your home Wi-Fi, you can control any device you plug into the outdoor plug. The smart outdoor plug should also be flexible enough to allow you to use both receptacles in the outlet. You will receive a verification email shortly. Being outside your home and far from your Wi-Fi router, you can experience a weak wireless connection. 1996-2022 Ziff Davis. The Wyze Plug has two sockets; at the top of the front of the Plug are two buttons to control each socket, with small LEDs that show which is active. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, Sign up for Lab Report to get the latest reviews and top product advice delivered right to your inbox. Our top pick for outdoor smart plugs remains the Wyze Plug Outdoor, which integrates with more third-party platforms, produces energy reports, and costs about a third of the price, earning it our Editors' Choice award. ESR Deal: Only $17 + Free Shipping ESR iPhone 12/13 Series HaloLock Wallet Stand, Amazon Halo Deal: Get 15% off Amazon Halo Band - Measure how you move, sleep, and sound. You might not be a member of the home that the Cync (C by GE) device was set up in. There was a problem. In order to determine which are the best outdoor smart plugs, we install them outside our home, and evaluate a few key factors: Ease of setup and security Dont include the name of the room when you name the device. Like the Cync Indoor Smart Plug, the Outdoor plug pairs with the Cync mobile app (available for Android and iOS). We take these, as well as other factors such as the price into consideration, and then compare that to competing devices to determine our final rating. And if you want an extra layer of protection, one of the best outdoor security cameras can help. We got to test one of the new Cync products, Cync Outdoor Smart Plug on a real home with normal connectivity. Is it well designed? imilab deal: $99 for imilab Smart Video Doorbell with 90 days free video storage. These too, can be time-based, but you cant specify if something should work only after it gets dark out. Note: You can't unlink individual Cync (C by GE) lights or plugs. Cync does require the outdoor plug be within 40 feet of your router. One of the features we look for in the best outdoor smart plugs is the ability to schedule them to turn on at sunset and off at sunrise. After this, the app prompts you to set up the left outlet by giving it a name and assigning it to a group. The LEDs glow green when the outlet has power and flash blue during setup. If you tap the gear icon in the upper right corner, you can configure Wi-Fi settings, edit the names of each outlet, and disable the status LEDs. Most outdoor outlets have a protective cover to shield them from the elements. How to Find Products in The GearBrain, Our Compatibility Find Engine for Smart Devices Fortunately, WeMos app is pretty robust. Here are the results from our testing. If youre invested in the Lutron Caseta family of smart light switches and smart plugs, then its worth taking a look at its outdoor smart plug. For homes that dont have many outdoor outlets to power outdoor lighting or devices, this new Cync outdoor smart plug can help solve this problem by providing two smart plugs for each outdoor outlet. There also should be a reasonable amount of security, in the form of two-factor authentication. Once you download the mobile app and create an account, tap the Add Devices panel on the home screen. A big challenge for many outdoor smart devices is connectivity. https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/ge-cync-outdoor-smart-plug, Supports Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands, Read Great Stories Offline on Your Favorite, PC Magazine Digital Edition (Opens in a new window), How to Free Up Space on Your iPhone or iPad, How to Save Money on Your Cell Phone Bill, How to Convert YouTube Videos to MP3 Files, How to Record the Screen on Your Windows PC or Mac, Read Our ConnectSense Smart Outlet 2 Review, Read Our D-Link mydlink Outdoor Wi-Fi Smart Plug (DSP-W320) Review, Read Our Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Outdoor Plug KP400 Review, Read Our TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip HS300 Review, Read Our TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini EP10 Review, Read Our Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Outdoor Plug-In Dimmer (KP-405) Review, Read Our Wemo Wi-Fi Smart Outdoor Plug Review, The Best Smart Plugs and Power Strips for 2022, Alexa, Show Me the Best Amazon Echo Show Tips and Tricks, 8 Simple Robot Vacuum Tips to Help Keep Your Floors Clean Without Lifting a Finger, Arlo Go 2 LTE/Wi-Fi Security Camera Review, Asustor Lockerstor 2 Gen2 (AS6702T) Review, TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Slim (EP25P4) Review. The GE Cync Outdoor Smart Plug is a rugged, two-receptacle model without outlets you can control independently of one another with your phone and voice. New York, The Cync app will allow you to setup custom schedules and connect with other compatible devices, including the smart speakers and displays which can act as your smart home hub if desired. Control your outdoor lights via your smartphone, set schedules and even sync them to other smart home devices. Annoyingly, though, it all has to be done through the generically named Smart Life app (available for Android and iOS). The PowrUI Smart Power Strip is built for those Clark Griswold types who have a lot of outdoor smart lights, and not enough outlets. Ive been working with computers for ages, starting with a multi-year stint in purchasing for a major IBM reseller in New York City before eventually landing at PCMag (back when it was still in print as PC Magazine). It was the perfect time to test this type of smart home device. Heres why you can trust us. Read on to see what we liked about the best outdoor smart plugs. How well does it fit into an outdoor outlet? If you click an affiliate link and buy a product or service, we may be paid a fee by that merchant.
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