Ring Outdoor Smart Plug Review – Smart Home Made Easy
Comprehensive review of the Ring Outdoor Smart Plug: features, benefits, usability, and whether it’s the right smart home gadget for you. Learn about its weatherproof design, Ring ecosystem integration, and more.
Introduction
Tired of rushing back home to turn off forgotten outdoor lights or appliances? The Ring Outdoor Smart Plug provides a simple, secure, and weatherproof solution to control your garden, patio, or garage from anywhere. This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about energy savings, enhanced security, and reclaiming valuable time – all while integrating seamlessly into your smart home ecosystem.
Overview
The Ring Outdoor Smart Plug is a robust, weather-resistant smart plug designed to bring convenient control to your outdoor appliances and lighting. Combining a durable, IP66-rated housing with Ring’s reliable smart home connectivity, this plug allows you to monitor and manage your devices remotely via the Ring app. Specifically engineered for outdoor use, it’s a vital component for anyone looking to upgrade their outdoor living space with smart capabilities, providing both peace of mind and energy efficiency. It’s ideal for homeowners, renters, and anyone seeking a straightforward way to automate their outdoor environment.
Features
Weatherproof Design for Year-Round Reliability: The Ring Outdoor Smart Plug boasts an IP66-rated weatherproof housing, meaning it’s built to withstand rain, snow, dust, and extreme temperatures (-4°F to 122°F / -20°C to 50°C). This robust design ensures reliable operation regardless of the weather conditions, offering consistent performance and longevity.
Seamless Smart Home Integration: Requires a Ring Bridge, Ring Alarm Pro, Echo (4th Gen) or Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) for full smart functionality. With this integration, users unlock features like remote monitoring, customizable scheduling, and voice control through Alexa-enabled devices.
Customizable Smart Controls & Ring Ecosystem Compatibility: Connect your Outdoor Smart Plug to a Ring Bridge to unlock advanced features within the Ring app. It works effortlessly with other Ring smart lights, doorbells, and cameras, providing a cohesive and intelligent home security and automation experience.
Dual Outlet Capacity: Manage two appliances or lights simultaneously, optimizing your outdoor space with a single device. This maximizes convenience and minimizes clutter compared to using multiple individual smart plugs.
Powerful and Safe Operation: The plug handles loads up to 1875 watts and ½ HP motors, accommodating a wide range of outdoor appliances while remaining safe and reliable, thanks to built-in safety mechanisms.
IP66 Weather Resistance: Protection from rain, snow, and dust, ensuring dependability in harsh outdoor conditions. This is a notable advantage over standard indoor plugs.
Benefits
Remote Appliance Control: Never worry about leaving lights or appliances on again. Control them from anywhere using the Ring app, providing both convenience and energy savings.
Enhanced Home Security: Schedule lights to turn on and off automatically to deter potential intruders or create the illusion of occupancy when you’re away.
Energy Savings Through Scheduling: Program your lights and appliances to operate on a timer, reducing energy consumption and lowering your electricity bills.
Voice Control Integration: Effortlessly manage your outdoor devices using voice commands through Alexa-enabled devices for a truly hands-free experience.
Peace of Mind & Convenience: Simplify your outdoor living, create a welcoming atmosphere, and enhance your home’s security, all from the convenience of your smartphone or voice assistant.
Usages
Ideal for Holiday Lighting Displays: Effortlessly manage your holiday lights with scheduled on/off times and remote control, making decorating and enjoying the season a breeze.
Perfect for Patio Heaters & Fountains: Control your outdoor heating and water features remotely, ensuring comfortable outdoor spaces and conserving energy.
Great for Smart Irrigation Systems: Automate your sprinkler systems, ensuring your lawn and garden receive the right amount of water without constant monitoring.
Simplifies Outdoor Entertainment: Manage outdoor speakers, lighting, and other entertainment devices with ease, creating the perfect ambiance for any occasion.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Durable, weatherproof design
- Simple setup and use
- Seamless integration with Ring ecosystem
- Remote control and scheduling
- Dual outlet capacity
- Voice control compatibility
Cons
- Requires Ring Bridge or compatible Echo device
- Subscription may be required for full feature access
- Limited functionality without a Ring Bridge
- May not be suitable for very high-wattage appliances
FAQs
How do I set up the Ring Outdoor Smart Plug?: Connect the plug to an outlet, download the Ring app, and follow the in-app instructions to add the device. A Ring Bridge or compatible Echo device is required for full functionality.
What Ring devices are compatible?: The Outdoor Smart Plug is compatible with Ring Bridge, Ring Alarm Pro, Echo (4th Gen) or Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) for smart features and integration.
What is the weather resistance rating?: The Outdoor Smart Plug has an IP66 rating, which means it’s protected against rain, snow, and dust.
What is the maximum power load?: The Outdoor Smart Plug supports a maximum load of 1875 watts and ½ HP motors across both outlets.
Does the Ring Outdoor Smart Plug require a subscription?: The plug itself does not require a Ring Protect Plan. However, accessing advanced features and cloud recording capabilities through compatible Ring devices typically requires a subscription.
Product Specifications
| Dimensions | 4.92 in. x 3.14 in. x 1.96 in (125mm x 80mm x 50mm) |
| Power Input | 120VAC, 60Hz |
| Power Output | 120 VAC, 60Hz |
| Maximum Load | 15A; ½ HP motor load, 1875 watt (resistance) |
| Operating Conditions | -4°F – 122°F (-20°C – 50°C) |
| Weather Resistance | IP66 (IP64 in-use) |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi |
| Material | Weather-resistant plastic |
| Warranty | 1-Year Limited Warranty |
Ratings
| Ease of Use | 4.6 |
| Durability | 4.4 |
| Performance | 4.3 |
| Smart Home Integration | 4.5 |
| Value for Money | 4.2 |
Recommendation
The Ring Outdoor Smart Plug is an excellent choice for homeowners seeking a simple, reliable, and weatherproof solution to automate their outdoor appliances and lighting. Its seamless integration with the Ring ecosystem and ease of use make it particularly appealing to those already invested in Ring’s smart home platform.
If you’re looking to extend your smart home capabilities outdoors without a complex installation process, the Ring Outdoor Smart Plug is a standout performer. Its robust design and reliable connectivity make it an invaluable addition to any outdoor living space, offering both convenience and peace of mind. It’s a direct upgrade over traditional outdoor outlets, providing a level of control and efficiency previously unavailable.
Conclusion
The Ring Outdoor Smart Plug offers a straightforward and effective way to bring smart home convenience and security to your outdoor spaces. Its weather-resistant design, easy setup, and integration with the Ring ecosystem make it a valuable addition for homeowners of all technical skill levels. While a Ring Bridge or compatible Echo device is required for full functionality, the benefits of remote control, scheduling, and voice integration outweigh this minor limitation. It’s a smart investment for anyone seeking to simplify their outdoor living and enhance their home’s security.
