Top-Rated Smart Plugs for Holiday Decorations: An Actionable Guide

The holiday season is a time for festive decorations, but managing those lights, wreaths, and displays can sometimes feel like a chore. Thankfully, with the rise of smart home technology , we now have smart plugs that make controlling holiday decorations easier than ever before. From remotely turning on your Christmas lights to creating automated schedules for your outdoor displays, smart plugs can help you bring the magic of the season without the hassle.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore how to select the best smart plugs for holiday decorations, what features to look for, and review some top-rated options available in the market.

Why Use Smart Plugs for Holiday Decorations?

1. Convenience and Remote Control

With smart plugs, controlling your holiday decorations becomes incredibly easy. Whether you want to turn on a string of lights or activate a holiday-themed air freshener, you can do it all remotely. These plugs are typically controlled through a smartphone app or voice commands, giving you the flexibility to manage your decorations from the comfort of your couch, your bed, or even while on vacation.

2. Energy Efficiency

Holiday lights can consume a lot of electricity, especially if you use multiple strings of lights or larger displays. By using a smart plug, you can automate when your lights turn on and off, ensuring they only run when necessary. For example, you can set your holiday lights to switch off during the day and turn on at dusk. Many smart plugs also come with energy monitoring features, allowing you to track the power usage of your decorations and optimize them for better energy efficiency.

3. Scheduling and Automation

One of the most valuable features of smart plugs is the ability to create schedules. You can program your decorations to follow a set routine, such as turning on your lights at sunset and turning them off at midnight. Some smart plugs even allow you to set random schedules, making it look like someone is home even when you're away, adding an extra layer of security.

4. Voice Control

Smart plugs are often compatible with voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa , Google Assistant , and Apple Siri. This means you can control your holiday lights with simple voice commands like "Alexa, turn on the Christmas lights" or "Hey Siri, turn off the outdoor decorations." Voice control adds a fun, hands-free element to your holiday experience.

5. Improved Safety

Many traditional outdoor holiday decorations are plugged in and manually turned on or off. This can sometimes lead to safety issues, especially when lights are left on for too long. With smart plugs, you can set timers or create schedules to ensure that your decorations are never left on for extended periods, helping to prevent overheating or fire hazards.

Key Features to Consider When Choosing a Smart Plug for Holiday Decorations

To get the most out of your smart plug for holiday decorations, there are several important factors to consider. Here are the key features to look for:

1. Power Rating

Holiday decorations, especially string lights and large displays, can require significant power. Make sure the smart plug you choose can handle the power needs of your decorations. Most smart plugs are rated for 15 amps or 1800 watts, which is usually sufficient for most lights and small appliances. However, it's essential to check the plug's power capacity to avoid overloading.

2. Indoor vs. Outdoor Use

When decorating outdoors, it's critical to select smart plugs that are rated for outdoor use. These plugs are weatherproof and can handle exposure to the elements such as rain, snow, and dust. If you're using smart plugs for indoor decorations, the weatherproofing isn't a concern, but it's still good practice to choose plugs that can handle heavy-duty loads.

3. Scheduling and Timer Functions

Look for a smart plug that offers scheduling features. This allows you to automate when your lights turn on and off, and you can create a routine that fits your lifestyle. Whether you want your lights to come on at sunset or have a special program for different days, scheduling adds a layer of flexibility to your holiday decorations.

4. Voice Control Compatibility

Since the holidays can be hectic, being able to control your lights with your voice is a game changer. Check for compatibility with popular voice assistants like Amazon Alexa , Google Assistant , or Apple Siri. This way, you can say things like "Alexa, turn off the outdoor lights" or "Hey Google, turn on the Christmas tree" without having to get up from your chair.

5. Energy Monitoring

Some smart plugs come with energy monitoring capabilities, which allows you to track how much power your decorations are using. This is especially useful if you're trying to keep energy consumption low during the holidays. You can adjust your decorations to make them more energy-efficient by monitoring their usage.

6. Size and Design

Smart plugs come in various sizes and designs. Some are bulky, while others are compact and can fit in tight spaces. Consider the size of the plug and whether it can accommodate the type of decoration you plan to use it with. Also, some smart plugs are designed to be stacked, so you can plug multiple decorations into the same outlet.

Top-Rated Smart Plugs for Holiday Decorations

Here are some of the best-rated smart plugs that can help you elevate your holiday decorations:

1. TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug (HS103)

• Price Range: $15--$25
• Key Features:
  • Power rating: 15 amps (1800 watts).
  • Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Microsoft Cortana.
  • Remote control via Kasa Smart app.
  • Scheduling and timer features.
  • Compact design, ideal for tight spaces.
• Why It's Great for Holiday Decorations: The TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug offers excellent value for money, combining reliability, ease of use, and scheduling features. It works seamlessly with Alexa and Google Assistant, and its compact design ensures it won't take up too much space, making it perfect for plugging in your holiday lights.

2. Meross Smart Plug

• Price Range: $20--$30 (2-pack)
• Key Features:
  • Power rating: 15 amps (1800 watts).
  • Energy monitoring.
  • Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit.
  • Surge protection.
  • Remote control via Meross app.
• Why It's Great for Holiday Decorations: The Meross Smart Plug is a fantastic choice if you're looking to monitor energy usage. Its energy monitoring capabilities make it perfect for holiday lights, especially if you're trying to keep your electricity bills in check. It also supports voice control and integrates well with all major smart home platforms.

3. Wemo Mini Smart Plug

• Price Range: $25--$35
• Key Features:
  • Power rating: 15 amps (1800 watts).
  • Compact and space-saving.
  • Scheduling and timer options.
  • Works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit.
  • Surge protection.
• Why It's Great for Holiday Decorations: The Wemo Mini Smart Plug is an excellent option for users looking for a compact plug that can handle holiday decorations. Its scheduling options allow for effortless automation, and the surge protection feature ensures that your decorations are safe from power spikes. It's also compatible with all major voice assistants, providing hands-free control for your holiday setup.

4. Amazon Smart Plug

• Price Range: $25--$30
• Key Features:
  • Power rating: 15 amps (1800 watts).
  • Simple setup with the Alexa app.
  • Direct integration with Alexa for voice control.
  • Surge protection.
• Why It's Great for Holiday Decorations: If you are already in the Amazon ecosystem, the Amazon Smart Plug is a natural choice. It integrates perfectly with Alexa and offers easy setup, making it a great plug-and-play option for your holiday lights. With surge protection and reliable power management, it's an ideal solution for indoor decorations.

5. Wyze Plug Outdoor Smart Plug

• Price Range: $25--$40 (2-pack)
• Key Features:
  • Power rating: 15 amps (1800 watts).
  • Outdoor-rated for weather resistance.
  • Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
  • Dual outlets for controlling multiple decorations.
  • Remote control via Wyze app.
• Why It's Great for Holiday Decorations: The Wyze Plug Outdoor is perfect for users who need to control multiple decorations in outdoor spaces. Its weatherproof design makes it durable for year-round use, while its dual outlets allow you to plug in multiple holiday displays. This plug works seamlessly with Alexa and Google Assistant, providing both convenience and flexibility.

How to Set Up a Smart Plug for Holiday Decorations

Step 1: Check Your Decorations' Power Requirements

Before plugging in your holiday decorations, make sure the smart plug can handle the total power load. String lights, inflatable decorations, and other displays can add up in power consumption, so ensure your smart plug is rated to handle it.

Step 2: Plug in the Smart Plug

Simply plug the smart plug into an electrical outlet and connect your decorations to the plug. If you're using an outdoor plug, make sure it's installed in a sheltered location to protect it from the weather.

Step 3: Connect the Smart Plug to Your App

Download the relevant app for your smart plug (Kasa, Wyze, Meross, etc.), and follow the instructions to connect the plug to your Wi-Fi network.

Step 4: Set Schedules or Timers

Using the app, set up schedules for your decorations. Decide when they should turn on and off, based on your preferences or the time of day.

Step 5: Control via Voice or App

Once your smart plug is connected and set up, you can control it through your smartphone or via voice commands. Whether you're adjusting the settings or simply turning your lights on and off, you now have full control over your holiday decorations.

By selecting the right smart plug, you can add convenience, energy savings, and enhanced control to your holiday decorations. With the options above, you can ensure that your lights shine brightly without the hassle of manual control or worries about energy consumption.