Dial Pins, Dusk Sensors or Wi-Fi? The Best Outdoor Timer for Lights, Type by Type

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The best outdoor timer for lights is the one that switches your porch, string and holiday lights on and off the way you actually want, without you walking outside in the cold. There are four main types. Mechanical timers use push-down pins on a 24-hour dial. Digital timers run programs by day of the week. Photocell timers turn on at dusk on their own. Wi-Fi smart plugs take schedules and voice commands from an app.

We compared six outdoor timers and smart plugs from BN-LINK, HBN, TiFFCOFiO, DEWENWILS, Kasa and Amazon Basics, one of each type or better. For each, we quote the outlet count, load rating, weather rating and any safety listing (ETL or CSA) exactly as the listing states it, and we flag where a listing leaves the load rating out.

Whatever you choose, plug it into a GFCI-protected outdoor outlet and keep the total load under its listed rating.

Our Top Outdoor Timer For Lights Picks at a Glance

Price key: $ under $50 · $$ $50–$100 · $$$ $100–$175 · $$$$ $175+. Prices change often; check Amazon for today’s price.

1. Kasa Outdoor Smart Plug EP40: Best Outdoor Smart Plug Overall

Kasa’s EP40 is an outdoor Wi-Fi smart plug with two AC outlets you can switch independently. One outlet might run the porch string lights while the other runs a fountain pump or an inflatable, each on its own schedule. A waterproof cover is attached to keep dirt out of the outlet you aren’t using.

Day to day, you control it from the Kasa app on your phone, from anywhere, or by voice through Alexa or Google Assistant. Schedules and a countdown timer turn devices on and off automatically, and the sunset/sunrise offset lets lights follow the actual daylight instead of a fixed clock time, so you don’t have to adjust it as the days shorten in December.

Kasa lists a load rating of 15A/1875W max for each outlet and IP64 weather resistance. It needs a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network, and Kasa says a built-in power amplifier gives it a Wi-Fi range of up to 300 feet in open space. The specs give the plug as 4.9 x 2.38 x 2.29 inches, and the warranty field reads 2 years.

It suits anyone who already uses a phone or voice assistant to run the house and wants outdoor lights to follow sunset automatically, with two outlets to split between lights and decorations.

Why we like it

• Sunset/sunrise scheduling
• Two independent outlets
• Two-year warranty field

Watch out for

It depends on a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi signal outdoors, and the listing names no UL, ETL or CSA safety listing.

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2. BN-LINK 7-Day Programmable Outdoor Timer: Best 7-Day Outdoor Timer

BN-LINK’s 7-day outdoor timer is a digital plug-in timer with two grounded outlets under a weatherproof cover. You program it on its own buttons and digital display, so it needs no Wi-Fi, no app and no account.

It holds up to eight on/off programs, and settings can be as short as one minute. You can pick individual days or one of the preset day combinations, which makes it easy to run lights later on weekends than on weeknights. A single button switches to daylight saving time. Random Vacation mode varies the programmed times so the house looks lived in while you’re away, and a built-in backup battery helps keep your settings after a power interruption.

The listing says the timer is ETL listed and gives a full rating: 125V, 60Hz, 15A max, 1875W resistive or general purpose, 8A tungsten lamp, 1/2HP and TV-5. Both outlets are controlled at the same time, so they share one schedule. The warranty field reads 1 year manufacturer, and the specs list 0.62 pounds.

It suits households that want a schedule that changes through the week, or anyone who wants programmable timing without putting another device on the home Wi-Fi. Program it indoors before the season, then plug it in outside once the lights are up.

Why we like it

• Day-by-day programs
• ETL listed
• Vacation mode

Watch out for

Both outlets share one schedule, and there’s no light sensor, so adjust the on-time as sunset moves.

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3. HBN Dusk-to-Dawn Outdoor Light Timer: Best Photocell Outdoor Timer

HBN’s outdoor light timer pairs a photocell light sensor with a simple dial. The sensor detects dusk and turns your lights on, then either leaves them on until dawn or switches them off after the number of hours you choose. Two grounded outlets sit on the front.

There are seven settings in all: four countdown modes (on at dusk, off after 2, 4, 6 or 8 hours), always on, always off, and the photocell mode that runs from dusk to dawn. You turn the dial in either direction to pick one, and HBN says the design is easy enough for older users. Because it follows the light, you never need to reset it as the days get shorter.

The flat plug is meant to save space at a crowded outlet. HBN says the casing resists sun and water damage and advises mounting it vertically at least 2 feet above the ground for the best waterproof performance. The listing does not state a load rating in amps or watts, so check the packaging before connecting a heavy load. The bullets promise a 12-month warranty plus lifetime tech support.

It suits anyone who wants set-and-forget dusk lighting for holiday displays, string lights or a porch, and doesn’t want an app or a pin dial.

Why we like it

• Automatic dusk switching
• Simple dial
• Flat plug

Watch out for

With no amp or watt rating on the listing, confirm the rating on the device before plugging in anything heavier than light strings.

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4. TiFFCOFiO 24-Hour Mechanical Outdoor Timer (TF-1703): Best Mechanical Outdoor Timer

TiFFCOFiO’s TF-1703 is a classic mechanical outdoor timer: a 24-hour dial ringed with pins, a 6-inch heavy dual cord and two grounded outlets. There’s nothing to program and no battery to replace.

Each pin covers 30 minutes, giving 48 on/off settings across 24 hours. Push a pin down for on time and pull it up for off time, and the timer repeats that schedule every day. For holiday lights, that might mean on at 5 p.m. and off at 11 p.m., set once for the season. The listing names Christmas lights, yard lights, home devices and garden decorative lights among its uses, and the title mentions pool pumps.

TiFFCOFiO says it’s made with waterproof materials to resist extreme weather and severe cold, and advises mounting it vertically at least 2 feet above the ground. The title gives a 15A, 1/2HP rating and the listing says it’s CSA Listed. The specs give it as 1.77 x 2.67 x 3.54 inches and 0.44 pounds, and TiFFCOFiO promises after-sales help within 6 hours.

It suits anyone who wants the simplest possible timer for porch or holiday lights and doesn’t mind adjusting the pins by hand if the schedule changes. With no screen or app, there’s no program to lose in an outage, though the dial stops while the power is off, so check its time afterward.

Why we like it

• No programming
• CSA Listed
• Compact

Watch out for

It runs on the clock, not the sun, so lights won’t track the earlier December sunsets unless you move the pins.

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5. DEWENWILS Outdoor Timer With 100 Ft Remote (ODT12B): Best Remote-Control Timer for Christmas Lights

DEWENWILS pairs a light-sensor timer with a radio-frequency remote. The outdoor unit plugs into the outlet with a short grounded cord and offers two outlets, while the remote lets you switch it on or off from inside, which is handy when you want the display on early for guests.

The timer has several modes: always on or off, dusk to dawn, and on at dusk then off after 2, 4, 6 or 8 hours, with the schedule repeating daily. DEWENWILS says the RF signal reaches up to 100 feet in line of sight and isn’t blocked by doors, windows or walls, though real-world range depends on what sits between you and the timer.

The housing is PBT material described as waterproof, and the 6-inch SJTW14-3 grounded cord is rated up to 15 amps, according to the listing. Setup is simple: connect the included CR2032 battery and plug it in, with no programming or tools. The warranty field reads 1 year, and the specs list the unit at 7 x 5.2 x 2.1 inches and 1 pound.

It suits families with a big holiday display who want dusk timing most nights and the option to switch lights on or off from the living room without an app.

Why we like it

• 100-foot RF remote
• Dusk and countdown modes
• No app or Wi-Fi

Watch out for

The 100-foot range is a line-of-sight figure, so test the remote from where you’ll actually use it.

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6. Amazon Basics Outdoor Smart Plug: Best Outdoor Smart Plug for Alexa Homes

Amazon Basics’ outdoor smart plug adds Alexa voice control and scheduling to two outdoor outlets. Each outlet can be switched on its own, by voice or remotely, or grouped with other devices in the Alexa app.

Setup runs entirely through the Alexa app. Plug it in, open the app, and the listing says you’ll be notified when the device is found and connected; there are no hubs, third-party apps or skills to install. Schedules and routines live in the Alexa app, so the porch lights can turn on with an evening routine or when you say a phrase. It requires 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and works exclusively with Alexa.

The listing describes an IP65-rated enclosure that protects against low-pressure water jets from any direction, as well as condensation and water spray. The specs give it as 3.72 x 1.81 x 4.94 inches and 0.62 pounds. The listing doesn’t state a load rating in amps or watts or a warranty term, so check the packaging before connecting anything heavier than lights.

It suits homes already built around Echo speakers that want holiday and patio lights in the same routines as everything else. Google or Apple households should look elsewhere, since the listing says it works exclusively with Alexa and needs no other app.

Why we like it

• IP65 enclosure
• Two separate outlets
• Simple Alexa setup

Watch out for

It works only with Alexa, and the listing gives no amp or watt rating to plan your load against.

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How We Chose the Best Outdoor Timer for Lights

We kept only timers and plugs that were in stock and sold by Amazon.com or the brand’s own store, one per brand, then compared what each listing states:

• Control type: mechanical pins, digital weekly programs, photocell (dusk to dawn), RF remote or Wi-Fi app.
• Load rating: amps and watts as listed, and whether a listing leaves them out.
• Outlets: how many, whether they’re grounded, and whether they switch separately.
• Weather resistance: an IP rating where one is stated, otherwise the maker’s own wording.
• Safety listing: ETL, CSA or UL only where the listing names it.
• Warranty and rank: the warranty field or bullet, and the Amazon sales rank.

All six picks land in our lowest price tier, so price didn’t separate them; features did.

Outdoor Light Timer Buying Guide

Best Outdoor Light Timer Type: Mechanical, Digital, Photocell or Smart

A mechanical timer like the TiFFCOFiO repeats the same pin schedule every day and needs no setup beyond pushing pins. A digital timer like the BN-LINK runs different programs by day. A photocell timer like the HBN turns on at dusk on its own, and the DEWENWILS adds a remote. Wi-Fi plugs like the Kasa EP40 and Amazon Basics take app schedules and voice commands. For indoor plugs and more smart options, see our best smart plug guide.

Best Photocell Outdoor Timer for Dusk to Dawn

Photocell timers follow the daylight, which is why they suit holiday lights: as sunset moves earlier through November and December, the lights move with it. The HBN and DEWENWILS both offer dusk-to-dawn and dusk-plus-hours modes (2, 4, 6 or 8 hours). The Kasa EP40 does something similar through its app with a sunset/sunrise offset. Mount a photocell where porch lights or streetlights won’t shine on the sensor.

Best Outdoor Timer for Christmas Lights

Count the strings and add up their wattage before you choose. The BN-LINK lists 1875W resistive, the Kasa lists 15A/1875W per outlet, the TiFFCOFiO lists 15A and the DEWENWILS cord is rated up to 15 amps; the HBN and Amazon Basics listings give no load rating at all. Then match the control to the display: a remote (DEWENWILS) for switching from the couch, a dusk sensor (HBN) for no-touch evenings, or an app (Kasa) for both. Planning the display itself? Our best outdoor string lights guide and best light clips guide cover the rest.

Best 7 Day Outdoor Timer

If you want lights later on Fridays and Saturdays, or off on weeknights entirely, you need a weekly schedule. The BN-LINK is the only dedicated weekly timer here, with up to eight programs, one-minute steps and a random vacation mode. Both Wi-Fi plugs can also run day-specific schedules through their apps.

Best Outdoor Smart Plug: IP Rating, Outlets and Platform

Both smart plugs have two separately controlled outlets. The Amazon Basics lists IP65 and works only with Alexa. The Kasa EP40 lists IP64, works with Alexa and Google, and adds sunset/sunrise scheduling and a 2-year warranty field. Both need 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, so check your signal at the outdoor outlet first.

Outdoor Electrical Safety for Timers and Holiday Lights

NFPA’s Outdoor Electrical Safety tip sheet says to make sure all your outside electrical receptacles are GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) protected to prevent electrical shock, to use lighting that is listed by a qualified test laboratory and made for outdoor use, and to use extension cords that are listed and marked for outdoor use. It also says to check lighting and extension cords for damage before using them and notes that extension cords are not meant for long-term use. If you aren’t sure an outlet is GFCI protected or wired correctly, an outlet tester can tell you.

NFPA’s Winter Holiday Safety tip sheet adds that some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, not both, that you should read the manufacturer’s instructions for the number of light strands to connect, and that you should turn off all light strings and decorations before leaving home or going to bed. A timer handles that last step for you. The U.S. Fire Administration’s appliance and electrical fire safety page says not to overload power strips and to replace worn or damaged extension cords right away.

Two practical habits help too: keep the timer and every plug connection off the ground and out of puddles and snow, and never load a timer beyond the rating printed on it. The HBN and TiFFCOFiO listings both advise mounting the timer vertically at least 2 feet above the ground.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best outdoor light timer for holiday lights?

It depends on how you want to control them. The HBN photocell timer turns lights on at dusk with a dial, the DEWENWILS adds a 100-foot remote, the BN-LINK runs weekly programs, and the Kasa EP40 smart plug follows sunset through an app.

What is the best outdoor smart plug?

The Kasa EP40 has the best sales rank here, two independent outlets, IP64 weather resistance, a listed 15A/1875W per outlet and a 2-year warranty field. Alexa-only homes may prefer the Amazon Basics plug, which lists IP65.

How does a photocell outdoor timer work?

A light sensor detects dusk and switches the outlet on. Depending on the mode, it stays on until dawn or turns off after a set number of hours. The HBN and DEWENWILS both offer dusk to dawn and 2, 4, 6 or 8-hour modes.

Do outdoor timers need a GFCI outlet?

NFPA’s Outdoor Electrical Safety tip sheet says to make sure all outside electrical receptacles are GFCI protected to prevent electrical shock. Plug any outdoor timer into a GFCI-protected outlet and test it before the season.

Can a 7 day outdoor timer run different schedules each day?

Yes. The BN-LINK 7-Day timer holds up to eight on/off programs, lets you pick individual days or preset day groups, and has a random vacation mode. Its two outlets share the same schedule.

The Bottom Line

For most homes, the Kasa EP40 is the best outdoor timer for lights if you want app control, with two independent outlets and sunset scheduling. The BN-LINK 7-Day runs weekly programs without Wi-Fi, the HBN photocell switches on at dusk with a single dial, the TiFFCOFiO mechanical timer keeps it simple with pins, the DEWENWILS adds a 100-foot remote, and the Amazon Basics plug suits Alexa homes with an IP65 rating. Whichever you choose, use a GFCI-protected outlet and stay under the listed load.

Putting up a bigger display this year and wondering how your policy treats an electrical or decoration fire? Ask your agent: call Jeff Smith’s State Farm office at (740) 354-7747 or set up a free coverage review, and see our Ohio homeowners insurance guide or renters insurance costs in Ohio.