X
CNET logo Why You Can Trust CNET

Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics statement

Take a look at iHome's Outdoor SmartPlug

The iHome Outdoor SmartPlug is a $40 outdoor plug that performs almost well enough to make up for those bulky looks.

headshot2
headshot2
Molly Price
ihome-outdoor-smart-plug-2
1 of 10 Chris Monroe/CNET

iHome Outdoor SmartPlug

The iHome Outdoor SmartPlug is a $40 single smart outlet intended for use in outdoor areas. A black, boxy 6-inch cord attached the plug to your existing outdoor outlet. 

img-1287
2 of 10 Screenshot by Molly Price/CNET

Connecting to Wi-Fi

The iHome Outdoor SmartPlug and the iHome Control app require a 2.4GHz internet connection to control the plug remotely and with voice commands. Connecting the plug to Wi-Fi is done through the iHome Control app once the plug is in place. 

ihome-outdoor-smart-plug-1
3 of 10 Chris Monroe/CNET

One smart outlet

The downside to the iHome Outdoor SmartPlug is the single outlet you'll get for $40. The plug works well with Siri, Amazon Alexa and the Google Assistant, but we wish there were two outlets. 

img-1289
4 of 10 Screenshot by Molly Price/CNET

Getting started

One the app finds the device, Wi-Fi connection setup is automatically completed. 

ihome-outdoor-smart-plug-3
5 of 10 Chris Monroe/CNET

Design disappointment

The iHome Outdoor SmartPlug looks a lot like the Outdoor Switch from iDevices. Both are bulky, black and a bit of an eyesore to mount on the exterior of your home. Maybe someday we'll see a good-looking outdoor plug, but today is not that day. 

img-1309
6 of 10 Screenshot by Molly Price/CNET

HomeKit compatibility

The iHome Outdoor SmartPlug works with Siri, and The iHome Control app displays the plug's information within your HomeKit rooms. It also shows customization options, rules and network settings. 

img-1308
7 of 10 Screenshot by Molly Price/CNET

Device settings

Within the iHome Control app, you can adjust settings and classifications for the Outdoor SmartPlug including name, room and home assignment. You can also view the power status of the plug from the app. The outlet icon displays as green for "on" and white for "off." 

ihome-outdoor-smart-plug-4
8 of 10 Chris Monroe/CNET

Indicators and physical controls

The iHome Outdoor SmartPlug includes a light on the side of the plug to indicated Wi-Fi connection status. It also includes a manual on/off button to control power to the plug. 

img-1307
9 of 10 Screenshot by Molly Price/CNET

Device power usage

The iHome Control app shows a device usage history for the Outdoor SmartPlug, with time-stamped data for each time the plug turned on or off. 

img-1311
10 of 10 Screenshot by Molly Price/CNET

iHome Control rules

With the iHome Control app, you can set time-specific rules for powering on or off the Outdoor SmartPlug. You can create rules that occur once or are repeated on certain days. There are no IFTTT integrations currently or options for other rule parameters other than time. 

More Galleries

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features and Settings on Your iPhone
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features and Settings on Your iPhone

18 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
Go Inside the Apple iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro: See How the New iPhones Look and Work
iphone 15 in different color from an angled view

Go Inside the Apple iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro: See How the New iPhones Look and Work

21 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos
Yamaha motorcycle and instrument designers trade jobs (pictures)
yamaha01.jpg

Yamaha motorcycle and instrument designers trade jobs (pictures)

16 Photos
CNET's 'Day of the Dead Devices' altar (pictures)
dia-de-los-muertos-3318-001.jpg

CNET's 'Day of the Dead Devices' altar (pictures)

9 Photos
2007 Los Angeles Auto Show: concept cars
conceptss01_440.jpg

2007 Los Angeles Auto Show: concept cars

14 Photos