Ring Outdoor Smart Plug Review
Power Up Your Outdoors
Updated Jun 1, 2023
By Eric Patterson
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4.5/5
Smart Home by Design’s Verdict - The Ring Outdoor Smart Plug extends smart control to the outdoors, allowing for the automation of lights, pumps, and other appliances. Its durable, weather-resistant design and compatibility with the Ring ecosystem enhance both convenience and security outside the home. It’s an essential device for anyone looking to create a fully integrated smart home environment.
PROS
✅ Outdoor Rated: Designed to withstand the elements, making it suitable for outdoor use.
✅ Dual Outlets: Features two independently controllable outlets, allowing you to manage multiple devices simultaneously.
✅ Ring App Integration: Easily controlled through the Ring app, enabling remote access along with other Ring devices.
✅ Voice Control Compatibility: Works with Amazon Alexa for hands-free voice control.
✅ Scheduling and Automation: Supports scheduling and creating routines for your outdoor lights and devices, enhancing convenience and security.
✅ Easy Installation: Simple setup process, plugging into any standard outdoor outlet.
CONS
❌ Limited to Ring and Alexa Ecosystems: Best functionality within the Ring and Amazon Alexa ecosystems, potentially limiting integration with other smart home systems.
❌ Requires Wi-Fi Connection: Dependence on a stable Wi-Fi connection for remote control and automation features.
❌ Price Point: May be considered expensive for an outdoor plug, reflecting its smart features and durability.
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◦ Robust Outdoor Design: Engineered for durability, offering reliable smart control for outdoor appliances and lighting in various weather conditions.
◦ Independent Outlet Control: Enhances flexibility in outdoor setups by providing two outlets that can be controlled separately, ideal for diverse outdoor lighting and power needs.
◦ Seamless Smart Home Integration: Integrates smoothly with the Ring ecosystem, allowing for centralized control of outdoor security and convenience devices via the Ring app.
◦ Voice-Activated Convenience: Offers the added convenience of voice control through compatibility with Amazon Alexa, making it easy to manage outdoor devices hands-free.
◦ Automated Schedules for Outdoor Devices: Facilitates energy efficiency and security by allowing users to schedule turning devices on and off, mimicking presence and optimizing energy use.
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◦ Enhancing Outdoor Living Spaces: Ideal for automating lighting and power in outdoor living areas, such as patios and gardens, improving ambiance and functionality.
◦ Outdoor Security Lighting: Suitable for managing outdoor security lights, ensuring they are on during critical hours or in response to specific triggers from Ring security devices.
◦ Holiday and Decorative Lighting: Perfect for controlling holiday lights and other seasonal decorations, offering scheduling and remote operation for convenience and energy savings.
◦ Remote Management of Outdoor Systems: A great tool for remotely controlling irrigation systems or outdoor heaters, adding a layer of convenience and control to home management.
◦ Integration with Outdoor Entertainment Systems: Useful for powering and managing outdoor entertainment setups, such as sound systems or projectors, enhancing outdoor gatherings and events.
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What are the standout features of the Ring Outdoor Smart Plug?
The Ring Outdoor Smart Plug is designed to bring smart control to outdoor appliances and lighting. It's weather-resistant, ensuring durability against the elements. This smart plug features two individually controllable outlets, allowing users to manage multiple devices simultaneously. It integrates seamlessly with the Ring ecosystem, offering control through the Ring app and compatibility with Alexa for voice commands. Its built-in scheduling and timer functions enable users to automate outdoor lights and devices, enhancing convenience and security.
How does the Ring Outdoor Smart Plug integrate with smart home ecosystems?
This smart plug integrates with the Ring ecosystem and is compatible with Alexa for voice control, making it a versatile addition to any smart home. Users can manage it directly through the Ring app, setting schedules, turning devices on or off, and integrating it with Ring security devices for enhanced home automation and monitoring. Its Alexa compatibility also allows for hands-free voice control, adding a layer of convenience for managing outdoor devices.
Is the Ring Outdoor Smart Plug user-friendly for first-time smart home users?
Yes, the Ring Outdoor Smart Plug is designed to be user-friendly, suitable for first-time smart home users. The setup process is straightforward, with the Ring app guiding users through connecting the plug to their Wi-Fi network and configuring device settings. Its simple interface makes it easy to control outdoor devices, create schedules, and integrate with the Ring ecosystem, providing an accessible way to add smart control to outdoor spaces.
Do I need a hub to use the Ring Outdoor Smart Plug?
The Ring Outdoor Smart Plug does not require a separate hub to connect to Wi-Fi if used on its own. However, to fully integrate with certain features of the Ring ecosystem and to enable Alexa voice control, it may need to connect through the Ring Bridge or a compatible Alexa device. This setup allows for smoother integration and control within the Ring and Alexa ecosystems.
How does the Ring Outdoor Smart Plug fare for enhancing home security?
The Ring Outdoor Smart Plug enhances home security by allowing users to automate lighting and devices, creating the appearance of someone being home even when they're not. Through the Ring app, users can set schedules or use the dusk-to-dawn feature for lights to turn on and off automatically, deterring potential intruders. Integration with Ring security devices further boosts home security, enabling a cohesive monitoring and control system for outdoor spaces.
Can the Ring Outdoor Smart Plug be used as part of a smart home routine?
Absolutely. The Ring Outdoor Smart Plug can be incorporated into smart home routines through its integration with the Ring ecosystem and Alexa. Users can create routines that include turning on outdoor lights or activating devices based on triggers like motion detection from Ring security cameras or doorbells, providing an automated and responsive smart home experience.
What are the installation requirements for the Ring Outdoor Smart Plug?
The Ring Outdoor Smart Plug requires a Wi-Fi connection and an outdoor electrical outlet. It's designed for easy plug-and-play installation, with no special wiring needed. The device is weather-resistant, making it suitable for outdoor use. Users will need the Ring app for setup and control, and optionally, the Ring Bridge for enhanced integration with the Ring ecosystem.
Does the Ring Outdoor Smart Plug support scheduling and timers?
Yes, it supports scheduling and timers, allowing users to automate the operation of connected devices. Through the Ring app, users can set specific times for devices to turn on or off, create dusk-to-dawn schedules for outdoor lighting, and manage timers, providing convenience and contributing to energy efficiency.
What makes the Ring Outdoor Smart Plug's app control stand out?
The Ring app's control of the outdoor smart plug stands out for its integration with the broader Ring ecosystem, offering users a unified platform for managing both security devices and smart home controls. The app allows for individual control of the plug's two outlets, scheduling, and the creation of routines, enhancing the convenience and security of outdoor spaces.
How does the Ring Outdoor Smart Plug perform in terms of reliability and connectivity?
The Ring Outdoor Smart Plug is praised for its reliability and stable connectivity, crucial for outdoor smart devices. Its weather-resistant design ensures durability, while its integration with the Ring app and ecosystem provides a consistent and seamless user experience. Users can depend on it to control outdoor appliances and lighting reliably, even in adverse weather conditions.
Specifications
Specification | Details |
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Compatibility | Designed for outdoor use with weather-resistant construction |
Connectivity | Requires connection to Ring Bridge for smart features (sold separately) |
Smart Home Integration | Works with the Ring app, Amazon Alexa for voice control |
Features | Dual outlets that can be controlled independently, Scheduling, Turn lights and other devices on/off remotely |
Power | Input: 120VAC, 60Hz |
Load Capacity | 15A general use, 1/2 HP motor |
Installation | Plug-and-play setup, Designed for standard outdoor outlets |
Dimensions | Approx. 3 in x 2 in x 1 in |
Warranty | 1-year limited warranty |
Come back later for our comprehensive review.
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I'm Eric, the founder of Smart Home by Design. Coming from a strong leadership background at GameStop, I discovered my true calling in bridging the gap between technology and everyday convenience, sparking my venture into the smart home industry. These experiences ignited my passion for smart technology and led me to create a company that focuses on enhancing people's lives through innovative smart home solutions. At Smart Home by Design, we do more than just install devices; we integrate technology into homes in ways that are meaningful and user-friendly, making your home smarter and your life easier.
Note, when you make a purchase through the retail links in our content, our team might receive a modest commission. Smart Home by Design never takes payment for editorial reviews, promoting only those products we have personally installed and evaluated in our homes. Read more about our policies here.
Email me: eric@smarthomebydesign.com