Most smart plugs and their app-based controls are designed for indoor use. For outdoor smart plugs, you need to find a specialized model — which is where our hours of testing at CNET come in handy.

Smart plugs serve a specific purpose, and an outdoor smart plug will make it so much easier when you need an outdoor connection regardless of the weather. They allow you to control old appliances ...

If you don’t have an outdoor plug socket, it's hard to appreciate the benefits they offer. But I can tell you, once I had one installed, I didn’t know how I managed without one. No more dragging cable ...