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.

Smart plugs can make older lamps, appliances, and outdoor lights easier to control, but setup matters. These top-rated picks ...

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 ...