Best Outlet Timer Reviews 2020

We all know energy costs a lot of money so everyone’s constantly looking for ways to limit its use. One way to do this is by using outlet timers to control when our devices like lights, heating, and other appliances come on and go off. We spent some time doing in-depth research and selected five best outlet timer brands, and from each of these, we chose one product to review. This will help you get a good picture of what these brands can offer you so you can then decide if you want to check out their other products or simply get one of those reviewed.

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Overview

PROS

CONS

SPECS

Type

Size

Outlets

Program Time

Usage

Our Top Choice

Jasco myTouchSmart™ Digital Timer

Jasco strives to exceed customer expectations by offering innovative products with unique designs. Its main goal is to provide original solutions that enhance lives.

Its many features are very easy to program and use. Rugged build and is waterproof for outdoor use.

The cord is too short for outdoor use.

Digital plug-in timer

3.2" x 7" x 7.5" / 7.2 oz.

Two outlets, grounded

24 hours

General use

Best Value

Intermatic Heavy-Duty Mechanical Plug-inTimer

Intermatic focuses achieving perfection with its products. It strives to satisfy customer needs by evolving along with technological advancements.

Simple to install and schedules can be easily set up. Convenient override switch. Settings do not reset in a power outage. Solid and long-lasting.

The sound of the timer ticking can be overly loud.

Mechanical plug-in timer

3.2" x 3.1" x 3.1" / 5.6 oz.

One outlet

24 hours

Heavy-duty

GE Z-Wave Wireless Lighting Control

GE was founded to provide customers with creative solutions. It works to create innovative products that give customers a better living experience.

Straightforward installation process. Signal range is incredible, and the signal strength never falters. Programming always stores your previous settings.

The two outlets cannot be individually controlled.

Wireless plug-in timer

1.4" x 2.3" x 4" / 8 oz.

Two outlets

24 hours

General use

Century Heavy Duty Digital Programmable Timer

Century is an online retailer/wholesaler of consumer electronics, outdoor equipment, and home improvement products.

Very well built and super easy to set up. Has a wide variety of programs and the timer can be customized to very specific periods. Backed by great customer service.

Customers have complained that the instructions are unclear.

Digital programmable

3.9" x 3.7" x 3.4" / 8 oz.

Two outlets

7 days

Heavy-duty

Woods Outdoor 24 hour Photoelectric Timer

Woods is a leader in the electronics industry with an extensive record of innovations. It achieves this by collaborating with customers to deliver quality products.

Incredibly convenient to use. Instructions are easy to follow. Supports high tech gadgets. Remote control works without any issues.

It’s not very water resistant.

Photoelectric timer

9" x 5" x 7" / 9.6 oz.

Three outlets

24 hours

General use

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Watch Our Outlet Timer Review

What is the Best Outlet Timer?

Deciding on which outlet timer is best for you depends mainly on how and where you will be using it. There are different kinds of timers with different features as you have seen in the guide so far. Decide if you need it for general or heavy-duty use, whether outdoors or indoors etc. With these decisions made, you’ll be able to choose which is best for you.

Our Top Choice

The Jasco myTouchSmart™ Digital Timer is an economical and convenient way to control your lights. Being easy to install, easily programmable, and weather resistant, it makes automating your lights entirely stress-free. Need a more affordable outlet timer? Try GE 15076 24-Hour Plug-In Mechanical Timer.

Jasco myTouchSmart™ Indoor/Outdoor Plug-In Digital Timer

Features

Jasco is a company that strives to be the best in all of their activities and to always exceed customer expectations. It consistently offers innovative products with unique designs that provide original solutions. Its objective is to enhance and simplify the lives of every customer.

The Jasco myTouchSmart™ Indoor/Outdoor Plug-In Digital Timer is an economical, energy saving and convenient way of automating the controls of your lights according to your schedule. It‘s simple to install, easily programmable, and weather resistant. It provides a whole host of features to make automating your lights stress-free for when you require it the most. This product’s features include:

Easy to set up
Two outlets - grounded
Customizable Off/on time setting
Option for quick daily preset
24-hour programming
Blue LEDs indicate programs that are active
Sizable LCD display
Security application
Water resistance
Easy mounting with included bracket
Compatibility with CFL, incandescent, LED, and halogen lights

Jasco produces a wide array of outlet timers. Don’t like this one? Try another.

Best Value

The Intermatic Heavy-Duty Timer is a simple energy saving outlet timer that performs accurately and efficiently. It plugs into a standard outlet, and can handle substantial HVAC loads on up to three OFF and ON settings per day. Do you prefer a digital outlet timer? Try the Intermatic Programmable Digital Timer.

Intermatic Heavy-Duty 24-Hour Mechanical Plug-In Timer

Features

Intermatic is a family owned company that long ago undertook the task of achieving perfection in all its products. It strives to satisfy customer needs by meeting market demands and continuously evolving along with technological advancements.

Intermatic’s Heavy-Duty Timer TN311 is a simple, energy saving outlet timer that can be relied upon to perform consistently and efficiently. It plugs into a standard outlet, and can handle HVAC loads of up to 15 Amps resistivity and power rating of 1750 Watts tungsten on as many as 3 OFF and ON settings per day. This product’s features include:

3 Off/On daily settings
Grounded timer for heavy-duty use
3-pin plug outlet
Direct plugin into wall outlet
Manual override
Twenty four Hour programming
Addition of extra-trippiers for more off/on options
30-Minutes minimum On/Off time

This device comes in one or two pack set depending on your needs.

Not sold on this model? Take a look at Intermatic’s wide selection of outlet timers and choose the one that’s right for you.

The GE Z-Wave Wireless Lighting Control grants you the ability to control any floor or table lamp in your space from any location and at any given time. Its smart functions let you create custom schedules. If you’d rather have a non-wireless outlet timer, try the GE MyTouchsmart Indoor Plug-In Digital Timer, 26892.

GE Z-Wave Wireless Lighting Control & Appliance Module – Two Outlets

Features

Founded on principles of creative solutions and constant reimagining, GE is a technologically forward company that works to produce creative solutions. It creates innovations that give a generally better living experience to customers within economically conscious price ranges.

The GE Z-Wave Wireless Lighting Control is a technologically advanced outlet timer. It grants you the ability to operate any floor or table lamp in your space from any location and at any given time. Smart functions allow you to create custom schedules and scenes whether you’re home or away. This product’s features include:

Operational manual
Wirelessly created custom schedules and scenes
Control for two small devices or lamps remotely with a mobile device
2 controlled outlets
Daily repeated schedules
Compact design
Wireless range improved by 50%
Processor faster than other Z-Wave products by 250%
400% improved memory
Uses Smart Hub

If you want to check out other GE outlet timers before making a final decision, see what else they have.

The Century Heavy Duty Digital Timer can manage your system each day, every few days or many times in a single a day. Its ability to automate hydroponic systems as well as lights makes life easier for you. Do you prefer a mechanical timer? Then try the Century Heavy Duty Mechanical Timer Dual Outlet - 24 Hours.

Century 7 Day Heavy Duty Digital Programmable Timer - Dual Outlet

Features

Century is an online retailer/wholesaler of consumer electronics, outdoor equipment and home improvement products. With the focus of always putting customers first, Century works every day to give its customers the best online shopping experience.

The Century Heavy Duty Digital Timer is a high efficiency, dual outlet timer that can manage your system each day, every few days or many times in a single day. Able to automate lights or hydroponic systems, they add convenience and consistency to both.

This product’s features include:

8 off/on programmable settings
LCD digital screen
Two grounded outlets
Automatic settings backup when there is power failure
Days, hours, minutes and more set independently
Ideal for HVAC, sprinklers, lights, electronics, hydroponics, and more
Timers required for any hydroponic system use
Automatic daily repeats of settings
Approved by UL

We love what this model has to offer, but take a look at other Century outlet timers if this one isn’t the one for you.

The Woods Outdoor Photoelectric Timer lets you control both indoor and outdoor lights with ease. Using the wireless controller, you can operate the lights, automate a light schedule or override the timer. Need a timer with a longer programmable time? You should try the Woods 50008WD Indoor 7-Day Digital Outlet Timer.

Woods 24-Hour Photoelectric Outlet Timer with Remote Control – 3 Outlets

Features

For over 75 years, Woods has been a leader in the electronics industry, with an extensive record of innovations. It achieves this by regularly collaborating with customers to deliver quality products. Woods develops products for consumers and professional contractors, and regularly collaborate with customers to deliver quality results.

With the Woods Outdoor Photoelectric Timer, you can control both indoor and outdoor lights from inside your home with just the push of a button. With the convenient wireless controller, you can operate the lights, automate a light schedule or override the timer, all from as far away as up to 60 feet. This product’s features include:

Remote Control
Photocells that sense dusk and darkness to automatically turn lights on
Turning lights off according to your preset schedule
3 Outlets
Automatic daily repeat of settings
Easy changing of settings
Weather resistant design
Power rating: 120-Volts and 8.3-Amp

This timer comes in a pack of 1, 2, 4 or 6. You choose based on your need.

While this model is packed with great features, if it’s not the right one for you check out Woods’ other outlet timers.

How Do I Choose the Best Outlet Timer?

Let’s say you’re a burglar, casing a neighborhood for vulnerable homes. You’ve picked the street where houses will have things worth taking, and now you’re watching it at night. One house stands out because, even during the period where it’s just getting dark, there are no lights on. In the other houses, lights come on and go off so it seems somebody’s at home. You choose to steal from the house that’s always dark, because the occupants must be on vacation or away.

What you didn’t know was that two other houses were also empty, but they were using outlet timers, programmed to activate lights at set times during each day. They stayed safe and secure because it seemed as though they were occupied.

This is just one very useful application of the outlet timer. We all know how expensive energy costs can be. These devices help us keep our costs down by turning off certain utilities we may not be using all the time. So, whether you need an outlet timer to help schedule when your floor lamp or table lamp comes on or you want to conserve your energy bills by ensuring your home heater does not stay on for longer than necessary, we will help you pick out the best outlet timer for your needs.

Stay with us on this guide as we explain certain features to look out for and help you identify which outlet timer will serve you best. After the guide, we will look at some products together. You may just find what you need as we review these products.

Price

These very useful devices do not cost much. For between $10 and $50, you will get a good outlet timer. Of course, what you regard as good will be primarily determined by what you need it for. There are outlet timers that cost far more than $50 and there are cheap outlet timers that will cost less than $10. We decided to stay within this range to ensure a wider range of people can access quality products.

While you will surely get very good products for more than $50, the cheap outlet timers may make you wish you had not gotten them. Anything that is worth doing is worth doing well. We have chosen a wide range of outlet timers, suitable for different applications. So, if you need something with more programmability or something for heavy-duty usage or general usage, we have you covered. The more features you want, the more you will have to pay. Just rest assured that we’ve only listed top quality, good value products for your consideration.

Features

When choosing an outlet timer, there are a few questions that need to be asked and answered. These questions and the answers received will help you choose the product best for you. We will list certain features that will help you answer the important questions correctly.

Some of the features that you should consider when choosing an outlet timer include:

Outdoor or Indoor
Type – Mechanical, digital etc
Heavy-duty or general use
Program time
Number of outlets

Construction and Design

Now that we have a general idea of the features, let's take a look at the questions you need to ask yourself to determine what ones are most important for you.

Do you want to use this device indoors or outdoors? Of course, a device that will be suitable for outdoor use will be constructed differently from one that is to be used for indoors. Most outdoor outlet timers will be constructed more ruggedly and built to be weatherproof. So ask and answer and then watch out for the appropriate device.

Do you need it for heavy-duty or general use? Timers can be used for indoor lamps, Televisions, etc. They can also be used for your HVAC (heat, ventilation and air conditioning), high energy lights, pumps, motors etc. A heavy-duty outlet timer will be built for heavy-duty use while a general purpose timer will not handle heavy-duty use. Take note of this.

What type of timer do you want do you want? There are different types – digital, mechanical, wireless, sensors etc. – and they each have their own pros and cons.

A digital timer will give you better precision and more programmability. It is only with a digital timer that you can have multiple on and off settings at different times of the day and different days of the week.
A mechanical timer is simply a countdown timer that will trigger an action once the timer runs out. This is usually useful for turning off bathroom fans or other such activities.
A wireless timer is self-explanatory. With this type of timer (like the GE Z-Wave Wireless Lighting Control which can be controlled from anywhere from your mobile device), you can control the functions remotely. This is aside from the regular programming that you can do.
A timer with a sensor responds to specific stimuli. Some, like the Woods Outdoor Photoelectric Timer, respond to light and will turn the light on when it gets dark and then turn it off when natural light comes on. Others will respond to movement or other stimuli.

How long do you want your programs to last for? Many outlet timers are based on 24-hour programs. There are, however, more complex ones that can be programmed over a week. Your needs again will determine which is best for you. If you will be away from your home for a while, a 7-day programmable timer will suit you better.

Performance and Ease of Use

There are some factors that can make the use of your outlet timer easier and more efficient. One of them is its programmability (as stated above). The more options you have, the more creative you can get. It can, however, be annoying, to say the least after you have spent time programming your settings only for something to happen and it all resets. There are timers that store your settings such that even when there is a power outage, it still retains the settings. This surely is very convenient.

Another thing to look at is the number of outlets a timer has. Some timers have just one outlet meaning you can only use it for one device. Some have two or more outlets and so can be used for different devices. This, of course, provides more convenience. It is however important not to just stop at checking if it has more than one outlet. Some timers have more than one outlet but are controlled as one. This means that though you have two outlets, you cannot control each outlet separate from the other.

After considering all the factors and weighing them against your needs, you will find that choosing the right outlet timer will become easier.

Go back to the start of the reviews

Get the Best Outlet Timer of 2020!

We are excited you took the time to read through this guide and review. We are happy we could provide you with this information and we hope you found it helpful. If you’re still undecided, have a look what else is available from these trusted brands, and you’ll be saving energy before you know it!

Our Top Choice

Jasco myTouchSmart™ Digital Timer

Best Value

Intermatic Heavy-Duty Mechanical Plug-inTimer

GE Z-Wave Wireless Lighting Control

Century Heavy Duty Digital Programmable Timer

Woods Outdoor 24 hour Photoelectric Timer

Go back to the start of the reviews

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