Smart homes are evolving — and two new protocols are leading the charge: Matter and Thread.
Together, they aim to fix what’s broken with current smart home ecosystems: fragmentation, cloud dependence, and lack of interoperability.
What is Matter?
Matter is a unified open-source standard developed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (formerly Zigbee Alliance). It was launched with backing from tech giants like Apple, Google, Amazon, and Samsung.
Key Goals of Matter:
- 🔒 Local and Secure communication.
- 🌉 Cross-Platform Interoperability (Apple, Google, Alexa, SmartThings, Home Assistant).
- 🧩 Simple Setup with QR-code pairing.
- 🌎 Open Ecosystem that encourages brand collaboration.
Matter supports common device types like:
- Lights
- Switches
- Sensors
- Locks
- Thermostats
- TVs and more
What is Thread?
Thread is a low-power wireless mesh protocol that complements Matter.
Think of Thread as the network and Matter as the language devices speak.
Why Thread is Important:
- 📡 Mesh networking (each device extends coverage).
- 🔋 Low power usage (ideal for sensors).
- 🌐 IPv6-based (future-proof).
- 🛡️ Self-healing network with no single point of failure.
Thread-enabled devices typically need a Thread Border Router, like:
- Apple HomePod Mini
- Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen)
- Amazon Echo (latest)
- Home Assistant Yellow / Home Assistant SkyConnect
Matter + Thread in Action
Once set up, Matter devices using Thread can:
- Work locally without relying on the cloud.
- Respond faster and more reliably.
- Be controlled from multiple ecosystems at once.
Compatible Brands (as of 2025)
- Apple – HomePod Mini, Apple TV 4K.
- Google Nest – Hubs and routers.
- Amazon – Echo, eero routers.
- Nanoleaf – Shapes, Essentials bulbs and strips. View
- Eve – Motion, energy, and door sensors. View
- TP-Link/Kasa – Upcoming Matter-enabled plugs and switches. View
- Aqara – Matter bridges and sensors. View
Matter & Thread in Home Assistant
Home Assistant now natively supports Matter and Thread through:
- Home Assistant Green or Yellow.
- SkyConnect USB stick.
- Matter add-on with multiprotocol support.
This opens up your smart home to future-proof automation — all running locally, securely, and vendor-agnostic.