Innr Smart Plug vs Innr Outdoor Smart Plug: Which Zigbee Plug Should You Buy?

Quick answer

If you need to control indoor lamps and small appliances with power monitoring, choose the Innr Smart Plug (Black). For outdoor plug-in lights that must withstand weather, the Innr Outdoor Smart Plug 16A with Power Metering is the right pick, though note that power metering isn't supported by Philips Hue. Both plugs work with Zigbee bridges, but they serve different environments.

When building a smart home with Zigbee, plugs are often the first step. They turn ordinary lamps and appliances into controllable devices. Innr offers two popular options: the indoor Innr Smart Plug (Black) and the Innr Outdoor Smart Plug 16A with Power Metering. While they share the same Zigbee foundation, they are designed for different environments and use cases.

This comparison breaks down the key differences—from weather resistance to power monitoring—so you can choose the plug that matches your needs without overpaying or compromising on functionality.

Key differences at a glance

The most obvious difference is the intended location. The Innr Smart Plug (Black) is designed for indoor use, while the Innr Outdoor Smart Plug is weatherproof, making it safe for outdoor sockets. This distinction affects not only durability but also the types of devices you can connect.

Another difference is power handling. The outdoor plug supports 16A, which is higher than typical indoor plugs. This makes it suitable for heavier outdoor appliances like lawn mowers or string lights. The indoor plug, while not specified for 16A, is fine for standard indoor lamps and small electronics.

• Check your local socket type: the outdoor plug is type F, while the indoor plug is also type F but may vary by region.

Power monitoring: a feature to consider

Both plugs offer power monitoring, but with a crucial caveat. The Innr Outdoor Smart Plug 16A includes power metering, but it's not supported by Philips Hue. This means if you're using a Hue bridge, you won't see energy usage data. The Innr Smart Plug (Black) also has power monitoring, and it works with Philips Hue, Samsung SmartThings, and the Innr bridge.

If tracking energy consumption is important, the indoor plug is more flexible across ecosystems. However, if you're using the Innr bridge or another Zigbee coordinator that supports metering, the outdoor plug can still provide valuable insights.

Compatibility and setup

Both plugs are Zigbee 3.0 devices, so they work with Philips Hue, Samsung SmartThings, and the Innr bridge. Setup is straightforward: plug in, pair with your bridge, and control via the app. Voice control with Alexa and Google Assistant is supported on both.

The outdoor plug's weatherproof design means it can be placed in gardens, patios, or balconies without worry. The indoor plug is best kept away from moisture and extreme temperatures.

Trade-offs to consider

• Weather resistance: The outdoor plug is weatherproof, while the indoor plug is not. If you need to control lights in your garden, the outdoor plug is essential. Choose outdoor for garden, indoor for home.
• Power monitoring with Hue: The outdoor plug's power metering isn't supported by Philips Hue, so you won't see energy data in the Hue app. The indoor plug supports it. If Hue is your main hub, the indoor plug offers better integration.
• Load capacity: The outdoor plug supports 16A, which is higher than typical indoor plugs. This allows it to power larger outdoor appliances. For heavy-duty outdoor use, the outdoor plug is more capable.

Product facts: what the catalog tells us

• Innr Smart Plug (Black): The smart wireless Zigbee 3.0 switch, type F, with power monitoring, now in black. Works with Philips Hue, Samsung SmartThings, and our own Innr bridge. This plug is a versatile indoor option that integrates with multiple ecosystems and provides energy monitoring, making it a great choice for smart home enthusiasts.
• Innr Outdoor Smart Plug 16A with Power Metering: Smart control for your plug-in outdoor lamps. Weatherproof, supports 16A, and includes power metering (not supported by Philips Hue). Designed for outdoor use, this plug can handle heavier loads and weather conditions, but if you rely on Hue for energy data, you'll miss out on that feature.

Which plug is right for you?

Best for

• Indoor smart lighting and small appliances with power monitoring across multiple ecosystems
• Users who want a plug that works seamlessly with Philips Hue and provides energy data

Not for

• Outdoor use where weatherproofing is required
• Controlling high-power outdoor devices that need 16A support

In summary, the Innr Smart Plug (Black) is your go-to for indoor convenience and energy tracking, while the Innr Outdoor Smart Plug 16A is built for the elements and heavier loads. Assess your environment and ecosystem needs to make the right choice. If you're leaning toward indoor control, explore the Innr Smart Plug (Black) to get started.