By Claire WhitakerIf you have ever bought a smart light bulb only to find it does not work with your smart speaker, you have run into the compatibility problem that Matter was created to solve. Matter is a new smart home standard developed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance that acts as a common language for smart home devices. Instead of needing each device to speak the same proprietary protocol, Matter lets devices from different brands and ecosystems work together out of the box.
What Is Matter?
Matter is an industry-standard connectivity protocol designed to make smart home devices interoperable across different ecosystems. Before Matter, a smart plug from one brand might only work with a specific app or voice assistant. With Matter, that same plug can be set up and controlled from any Matter-compatible app, regardless of which company made the app or the device.
The standard was created by the Connectivity Standards Alliance, a group of hundreds of technology companies. You can learn more about the standard and its development on the official Matter page by the Connectivity Standards Alliance. The goal is simple: when you buy a device with the Matter logo, you can trust it will work with your existing smart home setup.
Matter supports a growing list of device types. As of the latest version, these include:
- Light bulbs and light switches
- Plugs and outlets
- Locks
- Thermostats
- Window coverings
- Sensors (contact, motion, temperature)
- Doorbells
- Speakers and media devices
- Controllers and bridges
Support for additional device types is added regularly, so the list continues to expand. When you shop for a smart home device, checking for the Matter logo is one of the simplest ways to ensure broad compatibility.
Matter over Wi-Fi and over Thread
Matter is not a wireless technology by itself. Instead, it runs on top of existing wireless protocols. The two main options are Wi-Fi and Thread. Both use the same Matter application layer, so your smart home app talks to the device the same way regardless of which wireless protocol it uses.
| Aspect | Matter over Wi-Fi | Matter over Thread |
|---|---|---|
| Network type | Direct connection to your Wi-Fi router | Low-power mesh network via a Thread border router |
| Power needs | Typically plugged-in devices with steady power | Ideal for battery-powered devices |
| Range | Limited by your Wi-Fi coverage | Extended through mesh networking |
| Best for | Lights, plugs, thermostats, doorbells | Sensors, locks, buttons, window coverings |
Matter over Wi-Fi is straightforward. Your device connects directly to your home Wi-Fi network, just like a phone or laptop. This works well for devices that are always plugged in, such as smart plugs and light bulbs. Because Wi-Fi is already in most homes, you do not need any extra hardware.
Matter over Thread uses a low-power mesh network. Thread devices talk to each other and to a Thread border router, which connects the Thread network to your home Wi-Fi. Thread is especially good for battery-powered devices like contact sensors and locks because it uses very little power. The mesh nature of Thread also means that devices can help relay signals, improving coverage in larger homes.
Some Matter devices support both Wi-Fi and Thread, giving you flexibility in how you set them up. Check the device specifications to see which protocols it supports.
Controllers and Border Routers
To use Matter devices, you need a Matter controller. A controller is a device that manages your Matter devices, stores their credentials, and lets you control them through your smart home app. Many recent smart speakers, hubs, and even some smart displays act as Matter controllers.
If you are using Matter over Thread, you also need a Thread border router. This is a device that bridges the Thread network to your Wi-Fi network. Many modern smart speakers and hubs include a Thread border router built in, so you may already have one without knowing it. If you are setting up a Thread-based Matter device and do not have a border router, you will need to get one. You can find guidance on whether you need a smart home hub on our site, which covers controllers and border routers in more detail.
When you buy a new smart speaker or hub, check the specifications to see if it supports Matter and Thread. Many recent models do, and having a single device that acts as both controller and border router simplifies your setup.
Using More Than One Ecosystem
One of the most useful features of Matter is multi-admin. This allows you to control the same Matter device from multiple apps or ecosystems. For example, you could set up a Matter smart plug in your primary smart home app and also control it from a secondary app used by another household member.
To enable multi-admin, you share access to the device from one app to another. The exact steps vary by app, but the process is generally straightforward. Once shared, the device appears in both apps and can be controlled from either one. This is especially helpful in homes where different people prefer different apps or voice assistants.
Multi-admin does not require any extra hardware. It is a built-in feature of the Matter standard. As long as both apps support Matter and you have the necessary permissions, you can share devices freely.
Setting Up a Matter Device
Setting up a Matter device is designed to be simple. Here is the typical process:
- Unbox the device and plug it in or install batteries according to the manufacturer instructions.
- Open your smart home app and look for an option to add a new device.
- Scan the QR code or enter the setup code printed on the device or its packaging. This code contains all the information the app needs to pair the device.
- Follow the on-screen prompts. The app may ask you to confirm the device type and assign it to a room.
- Once paired, the device appears in your app and is ready to use.
The setup code is a critical part of Matter security. It ensures that only you can add the device to your network. Keep the code in a safe place in case you need to re-pair the device later. Some devices also support NFC tap-to-pair, which works similarly.
If you run into issues during setup, check that your controller and app are updated to the latest firmware and software versions. Manufacturer instructions are the best source of troubleshooting steps for your specific device.
Older Devices and Bridges
Matter is designed to work with new devices, but that does not mean your existing smart home gear becomes obsolete. Many older devices that use Zigbee, Z-Wave, or proprietary protocols can still be used with Matter through a bridge. A bridge is a device that connects to your network and translates between the older protocol and Matter.
For example, if you have a set of Zigbee light bulbs and a Zigbee hub, the hub may receive a firmware update that makes it a Matter bridge. Once updated, you can control those bulbs through any Matter-compatible app. Not all hubs support this, so check with the manufacturer for update availability.
Bridges are a practical way to extend the life of your existing smart home devices while still enjoying the interoperability benefits of Matter. When shopping for a new hub, look for one that explicitly supports Matter bridging if you plan to keep older devices in your setup.
What to Look for When Buying
When you are ready to buy a new smart home device, here is what to check to ensure it works with Matter:
- The Matter logo. Look for the Matter logo on the box or in the product description. This is the clearest indicator that the device supports the standard.
- Protocol support. Check whether the device uses Matter over Wi-Fi, Matter over Thread, or both. This affects how you set it up and whether you need a Thread border router.
- Ecosystem compatibility. Even with Matter, some devices may have additional features that only work in a specific app. Read the product details to understand what is available through Matter and what may require a proprietary app.
- Firmware updates. Matter support can be added or improved through firmware updates. Check the manufacturer website for update policies and history.
For a deeper look at how Matter fits into the broader smart home compatibility landscape, visit our Matter compatibility page. You can also read our general guide on compatibility and protocols to understand how Matter compares with other standards like Zigbee and Z-Wave.
If you are shopping for specific device types, such as bulbs or plugs, check our buying guides. For example, our guide on how to choose smart bulbs covers what to look for in a Matter-compatible bulb.
When you are ready to buy, look for Matter smart plugs to get started with a simple device that works across ecosystems. If you need a Thread border router, first check whether a smart speaker, display or router you already own includes one.
FAQ
Do I need a new hub for Matter?
Not necessarily. Many recent smart speakers, hubs, and smart displays already support Matter as controllers. If you have a device that acts as a Matter controller, you can use it to manage Matter devices. For Thread devices, you also need a Thread border router, which is often built into the same devices. Check your existing hardware specifications before buying new equipment.
Can I use Matter with my existing smart home devices?
It depends. New devices with the Matter logo are designed to work with Matter from the start. Older devices may work through a bridge if the manufacturer provides a firmware update. Check with the device manufacturer to see if a Matter bridge update is available for your hub or controller.
Does Matter work with my voice assistant?
Matter is designed to work with any voice assistant that supports the standard. If your voice assistant device is a Matter controller, you can use it to control Matter devices by voice. The specific commands and features may vary, so check the assistant documentation for details.
Is Matter the same as Thread?
No, they are different. Matter is an application-layer standard that defines how devices communicate. Thread is a low-power wireless mesh networking protocol. Matter can run over Thread, but it can also run over Wi-Fi. A device can be Matter-compatible without using Thread, and vice versa.
Matter represents a significant step forward for smart home compatibility. By choosing devices with the Matter logo, you make it easier to build a smart home that works together, regardless of which brands or ecosystems you prefer. As more devices adopt the standard, the smart home becomes simpler to set up and more reliable to use every day.
About Claire Whitaker
Claire Whitaker is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our smart home guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
