For years, buying smart home gear meant checking a wall of logos: does it work with Alexa, Google Home, Apple Home, SmartThings? Matter and Thread were created to end that confusion. This explainer covers what they are, what you need to use them, and how to make sure a new device fits your home.
In one paragraph
Matter is a common language that lets smart home devices work with all major platforms. Thread is a low-power wireless mesh network many Matter devices use to communicate. To use Thread devices, you need a Thread border router — a device you may already own, like a HomePod mini, recent Apple TV, some Nest speakers and displays, or recent Echo devices.
What is Matter?
Matter is an open standard managed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance and backed by Apple, Google, Amazon, Samsung and hundreds of other companies. The first version launched in late 2022. A Matter-certified device can be set up with any Matter-compatible platform by scanning a code, and it communicates locally on your network — so it keeps working if the internet goes down.
Multi-admin
Matter devices can be controlled by more than one platform at once. For example, a smart plug can appear in Apple Home for one person and Google Home for another, without extra bridges.
What Matter covers
Common categories like lights, plugs, switches, locks, thermostats, blinds, sensors and robot vacuums are supported. Support for more complex devices such as cameras has been arriving more slowly, so check the specific product before assuming it works through Matter.
What is Thread?
Thread is a networking technology designed for smart home devices. Instead of every device connecting to your Wi-Fi router, Thread devices form a mesh: plugged-in devices relay signals for others, making the network stronger as you add more. Thread uses very little power, so battery devices like sensors and locks can last a long time, and it responds quickly.
| Matter over Wi-Fi | Matter over Thread | |
|---|---|---|
| Needs a hub? | No (just your Wi-Fi) | Needs a Thread border router |
| Power use | Higher | Very low — good for batteries |
| Network | Adds load to Wi-Fi | Separate self-healing mesh |
| Typical devices | Plugs, bulbs, cameras, appliances | Sensors, locks, plugs, blinds, buttons |
Do you already have a Thread border router?
- Apple: HomePod mini, HomePod (2nd generation), Apple TV 4K (Wi-Fi + Ethernet model).
- Google: Nest Hub (2nd generation), Nest Hub Max, Nest Wifi Pro, and some newer Google Home devices.
- Amazon: Echo (4th generation) and some newer Echo and eero devices.
- Samsung: SmartThings Station and some SmartThings hubs.
Support varies by model and firmware; check your device’s documentation.
Buying tips
- Look for the Matter logo on the box or listing, and whether it’s “over Thread” or “over Wi-Fi”.
- Check your platform’s supported device types — not every platform supports every Matter category equally yet.
- Keep the setup code (QR code) — stick a photo in your notes; you’ll need it to add the device to another platform.
- Existing hubs: some bridges (such as the Philips Hue Bridge) can expose older devices to Matter platforms.
- Add plugged-in Thread devices first to strengthen the mesh before battery sensors.
Good first Matter devices
- Smart plugs — cheap, simple and useful.
- Smart lighting — the most noticeable daily upgrade.
- Smart locks — Thread keeps battery life long.