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.

Not sure where to start with smart plugs? At CNET, these are the tricks we use to make our homes smarter and routines faster.

My smart home extends to both my front and back yards. But I have only one weather-protected duplex outlet in each location, which isn’t enough to accommodate all the smart devices I need to plug in.

While the demand for smart homes is rising, cost is still a barrier. However, some devices can help you enjoy the benefits of smart technology without the trouble of a complete overhaul. You can use a ...

Forget to unplug the iron this morning? The best smart plugs, outlets, and power strips we've tested let you control anything you can plug into the wall from your phone. I'm PCMag's managing editor ...

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. When people think about smart home technology, they typically think of things inside the house such as a smart speaker or a smart thermostat.

Chris Wedel is a fan of all things tech and gadgets. Living in rural Kansas with his wife and two young boys makes finding ways to stay online tricky — not to mention making my homestead smarter.

If you have any kind of outdoor lights, Christmas lighting, speakers, or other outdoor electronics, chances are they aren’t really smart. And if you try to add smart home functionality, regular smart ...