What is Matter, and should you only buy Matter devices?

More and more smart home boxes carry the Matter logo. It is a real step forward, but it is easy to read more into it than it promises. Here is what it means in practice for someone planning a home.

What Matter is

Matter is an open standard for how smart home devices talk to each other and to the apps and hubs that control them. It is developed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance, the group behind Zigbee, with the large platform companies taking part. A Matter device can be added to any Matter-compatible platform, instead of only working with the ecosystem of the brand that made it.

Matter also works on the local network. Once a device is set up, commands between a controller and the device on the same network do not need to go through a cloud server.

Matter is not a radio

Matter describes the language, not the wireless link. Devices carry it over one of these:

• Wi-Fi — common for plugs, bulbs and devices that already have mains power.
• Thread — a low-power mesh network, well suited to battery sensors, locks and blinds.
• Ethernet — for hubs and bridges.

Thread devices need a Thread border router on your network. Some smart speakers, media boxes and hubs have one built in. Check this before buying Thread devices, otherwise they have nothing to connect to.

What Matter changes

• Multiple controllers: one device can be shared with more than one platform at the same time, so different family members can use the app they prefer.
• Less lock-in: if you change platforms later, Matter devices can usually be moved across instead of replaced.
• Bridges: some Zigbee hubs can expose their existing devices to Matter platforms, so older devices are not automatically left behind.

What Matter does not solve

• Not every device type is covered. The standard adds categories over time. Check that the kind of device you want is supported, not just the brand.
• Advanced features may stay in the brand's app. Basic on, off, level and status are standard; extra settings such as firmware updates, calibration or special modes often still need the maker's own app.
• Your controller still matters. Automations run on whichever platform you use, and platforms differ in what they support and how much they run locally.
• Setup codes matter. Each device has a pairing code, usually a QR code on the device and in the box. Keep a photo of it; you may need it to re-add the device later.

Common questions

Is Matter a wireless protocol?

No. Matter describes the language devices use, not the wireless link. It runs over Wi-Fi, Thread or Ethernet.

Do I need a Thread border router?

Thread devices need one on your network. Some smart speakers, media boxes and hubs have one built in. Check this before buying Thread devices, otherwise they have nothing to connect to.

Should I only buy Matter devices?

For new devices you expect to keep for years, Matter support is a sensible thing to prefer. It is not a reason to throw out working Zigbee or Wi-Fi devices, because a good central controller can combine them. Choose one controller for your home and check each device against it before you buy.

Should you only buy Matter?

For new devices, Matter support is a sensible thing to prefer, especially for things you expect to keep for years. It is not a reason to throw out working Zigbee or Wi-Fi devices — a good central controller can combine all of them. What matters more is choosing one controller for your home and checking each device against it before you buy.

Planning devices for a new home or renovation? Tell us what you already have and we will help you work out what fits together.