What IP rating do I actually need for an outdoor smart plug?

IP44 is generally the floor for covered porch or eave use, IP64 (Kasa EP40/KP401) handles dust and splash from any direction, and IP65/IP66 (Tapo P400M, Minoston, ELEGRP) adds protection against low-pressure water jets and is more appropriate for fully exposed installations. Reviewers across the smart-home subreddits we read still recommend keeping any plug under some kind of overhang when possible, regardless of IP rating.