Ring Outdoor Smart Plug Review: Dual Outlets for the Ring Ecosystem
The Ring Outdoor Smart Plug turns two outdoor devices into app- and voice-controlled outlets, with independent control for each socket, a weather-resistant housing and a manual button on top. It is a sensible add-on for a home already using Ring smart lighting, because its smart features depend on a Ring Bridge that is sold separately. Anyone who wants a direct Wi-Fi plug, energy monitoring or Google and Apple support should look elsewhere.
- Homes already using Ring smart lighting
- Alexa households
- Patio lights, string lights and holiday decorations
Pros
- Two grounded outlets, each controlled independently
- Weather-resistant IP66 housing, IP64 while in use
- Schedules, timers and Alexa voice control through the Ring app
- Manual button on top for quick local switching
Cons
- Requires a Ring Bridge, sold separately, for every smart feature
- No direct Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Z-Wave or Thread radio
- No energy monitoring and no USB charging
- No Google Home, Apple Home, SmartThings, Home Assistant or Matter support
Who is the Ring Outdoor Smart Plug for?
It suits a home that already has Ring smart lighting and a Ring Bridge: the plug then joins the same app, groups, schedules and Alexa routines as Ring lights, doorbells and cameras. It is aimed at patio lights, string lights, holiday decorations, fountains and other outdoor devices. It is a poor fit for someone who wants a standalone Wi-Fi plug, since the plug has no Wi-Fi radio of its own and needs the bridge for every smart feature.
What the Ring Outdoor Smart Plug offers
Two grounded outlets can be controlled together or independently, up to 15A and 1875W across both. The housing is rated IP66 with the covers closed and IP64 while in use, and it is built for US 110 to 120V circuits. Schedules and timers live in the Ring app, a circular button on top gives manual control, and Alexa can switch the outlets by voice. The unit measures 125 x 80 x 50 mm.
What to know before you buy
The Ring Bridge is required for smart controls and is sold separately, and only one bridge is supported per household. The plug does not connect directly to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Z-Wave or Thread: its only link is the proprietary connection to the bridge. It does not report energy use, has no USB ports, and does not work with Google Home, Apple Home, SmartThings, Home Assistant or Matter. The warranty is one year.
Is the Ring Outdoor Smart Plug worth it?
At its discounted price it is an affordable way to add two smart outdoor outlets when the bridge is already in the house. The value drops sharply if you have to buy the bridge as well, or if you want a plug that works on its own with Wi-Fi or Matter. For a Ring household it is a straightforward, weather-ready add-on; for everyone else, a direct Wi-Fi or Matter outdoor plug is the simpler choice.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Ring Outdoor Smart Plug need a hub?
Yes. Smart controls run through a Ring Bridge, sold separately, and one bridge covers the household's Ring smart lighting devices. Without a bridge the plug is only a manual outdoor outlet.
Is the Ring Outdoor Smart Plug weatherproof?
It is rated IP66 with the outlet covers closed and IP64 while devices are plugged in. It is designed for outdoor use on a weatherproof GFCI outlet, mounted with the outlets facing down.
Does it work with Google Home or Apple Home?
No. The plug works with Alexa and the Ring app, with no Google Home, Apple Home, SmartThings, Home Assistant or Matter support.
Can I control the two outlets separately?
Yes. Each outlet can be named and controlled on its own or grouped together, with separate schedules and timers in the Ring app.
How much power can it handle?
Up to 15A and 1875W across both outlets, including a 1/2 HP motor load, on 110 to 120V circuits.
Does it monitor energy use?
No. The plug does not report power consumption, so there is no energy monitoring in the Ring app.
