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.

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 ...

Outdoor outlets serve as a reliable power source for speakers, lighting, and tools to help maximize your outdoor living space. However, many homeowners have none or very few throughout their home's ...