The Smart Home Compatibility Problem

For years, the smart home industry has been plagued by fragmentation. You buy a smart light that works with Alexa but not Siri. Your thermostat connects to Google Home but not HomeKit. Your smart lock requires yet another app. The result? A confusing mess of apps, hubs, and incompatible devices.

Matter was created to solve this problem once and for all.

What is Matter?

Matter is a unified connectivity standard developed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA), with backing from the biggest names in tech: Apple, Google, Amazon, Samsung, and over 500 other companies. It's not a new wireless protocol - it runs over existing technologies like WiFi and Thread - but rather a common language that all smart home devices can speak.

Key Benefits of Matter

• Universal Compatibility: A Matter device works with any Matter-compatible controller - HomeKit, Google Home, Alexa, SmartThings, and more
• Local Control: Matter prioritizes local operation, meaning your devices work even when the internet is down
• Improved Security: Built-in encryption and secure commissioning protect your devices and data
• Multi-Admin: Connect the same device to multiple ecosystems simultaneously
• Future-Proof: Industry-wide adoption means long-term support and updates

How Matter Works

Matter operates as an application layer protocol, sitting on top of IP-based networks. It can run over:

• WiFi - For bandwidth-heavy devices like cameras (coming soon)
• Thread - Low-power mesh network ideal for sensors, switches, and locks
• Ethernet - For hubs and bridges

Thread: Matter's Best Friend

While Matter can run over WiFi, Thread is where it really shines. Thread is a low-power mesh networking protocol that:

• Self-heals when devices are added or removed
• Uses very little battery for sensors and locks
• Doesn't congest your WiFi network
• Provides local control without a cloud connection

Many modern devices include Thread border routers, including Apple TV 4K, HomePod Mini, Google Nest Hub (2nd gen), and Amazon Echo (4th gen).

Matter Device Categories

Matter 1.0 and subsequent updates support:

• Lighting: Bulbs, switches, dimmers, and light strips
• Plugs & Outlets: Smart plugs and outlet controllers
• HVAC: Thermostats and climate controllers
• Locks: Door locks and access control
• Shades: Window coverings and blinds
• Sensors: Motion, contact, temperature, humidity, and air quality
• Bridges: Connect existing Zigbee/Z-Wave devices to Matter

Future updates will add support for cameras, robot vacuums, major appliances, and more.

The Multi-Admin Advantage

One of Matter's most powerful features is multi-admin support. A single Matter device can be controlled by multiple ecosystems simultaneously. For example, a Matter smart lock could be:

• Controlled via Siri on your iPhone
• Integrated with your Alexa routines
• Managed through the SmartThings app
• Automated using Home Assistant

All at the same time, with no conflicts.

What About Existing Devices?

Many manufacturers are adding Matter support to existing products through firmware updates or Matter bridges:

• Philips Hue: Hue Bridge update enables Matter for all connected bulbs
• Aqara: Hub M2 and M3 support Matter bridging
• IKEA: DIRIGERA hub brings Matter to TRÅDFRI devices
• Nanoleaf: Firmware updates added Matter to existing products

Shopping for Matter Devices

When shopping for smart home devices, look for the Matter badge on packaging or product listings. Key things to verify:

• Matter Certified: The device has passed official certification testing
• Thread Support: For battery devices and best mesh network performance
• WiFi vs Thread: Understand which transport the device uses

The Bottom Line

Matter represents the biggest advancement in smart home technology in years. By ensuring devices work across all ecosystems, it removes the biggest barrier to smart home adoption and protects your investment in connected devices.

Whether you're just starting your smart home journey or looking to expand an existing setup, prioritizing Matter-compatible devices will give you the most flexibility now and in the future.

Browse our product catalog to find Matter-certified devices for your home.