Protocol guide
What Is Matter?
The industry-wide smart home standard backed by Apple, Amazon, Google, and Samsung — and what it means for your devices.
The basics
What is Matter?
Matter (formerly Project CHIP — Connected Home over IP) is an application-layer standard developed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA), with founding members including Apple, Amazon, Google, and Samsung. Matter 1.0 launched in October 2022; Matter 1.3 is the current specification as of 2024, adding support for additional device categories including energy management, electric vehicle charging, and more appliance types.
The core promise of Matter is radical simplicity: a device certified for Matter works with every major ecosystem simultaneously. Rather than choosing between Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Home, or Samsung SmartThings when buying a smart plug, you can add the same plug to all four — each platform controls it independently without conflict.
Matter is an IP-based standard: all communication uses standard internet protocols (IPv6) over either Wi-Fi or Thread. This is a deliberate departure from proprietary protocols. By building on open networking infrastructure, Matter enables true interoperability without manufacturer lock-in.
Two properties distinguish Matter from previous smart home standards. First, local control: Matter devices communicate directly on your home network by default, with no cloud round-trip required for basic commands. Turning on a light is near-instant. Second, multi-admin: one physical device can be simultaneously controlled by multiple ecosystems — a feature that did not exist in any prior consumer smart home protocol.
Transport layer
Matter over Wi-Fi vs Matter over Thread
Matter runs over two different wireless transports depending on the type of device. Understanding which one applies saves a lot of setup confusion.
Matter over Wi-Fi
Mains-powered devicesDesigned for devices that are always plugged in — light bulbs, smart plugs, switches, and thermostats. These connect directly to your home router using standard Wi-Fi. No additional hardware is needed beyond the device itself. Range is limited by your existing Wi-Fi coverage.
Examples:
Smart plugs, light bulbs, thermostats, light switches
Matter over Thread
Battery-powered devicesThread is a low-power mesh protocol purpose-built for battery-operated devices. It consumes far less power than Wi-Fi, enabling sensors and locks to run for months or years per battery. Thread forms its own local mesh network — similar in concept to Zigbee. To use Thread devices, you need a Thread border router, which is built into Apple TV 4K, Echo Hub, Aqara Hub M3, and HomePod 2.
Examples:
Door sensors, motion detectors, smart locks, remotes
Key feature
How Multi-Admin Works
Before Matter, buying a smart device meant making a permanent ecosystem commitment. A smart plug sold as "Works with Alexa" would not appear in Apple HomeKit. A sensor certified for SmartThings would require workarounds to use with Google Home. Every device was a fork in the road.
Matter's multi-admin feature dissolves this constraint entirely. During setup — a process called commissioning — you can add the same physical device to as many ecosystems as you like. Each ecosystem receives its own secure credential and can read the device's state and send commands to it.
The result: an Alexa routine, a HomeKit automation, and a Google Home shortcut can all reference the same smart plug, independently and simultaneously, without any conflict or synchronisation overhead. The device receives commands from whichever controller sends them and responds accordingly.
Before Matter
Choose one ecosystem at purchase. Switching later often means buying new hardware.
With Matter
All three ecosystems see and control the same device simultaneously. No duplication, no conflict.
Ecosystems
Matter-Compatible Ecosystems
All four major smart home ecosystems support Matter. Here is how each differs and which household it suits best.
Apple HomeKit
Best for iPhone householdsThread border router built into Apple TV 4K (3rd gen), HomePod 2, and HomePod mini. Prioritises privacy and local control. Automations run on-device without cloud.
Amazon Alexa
Largest device libraryThread border router in Echo Hub (4th gen), Echo (4th gen), and Eero routers. Broadest voice command support and largest selection of compatible devices.
Google Home
Best for Android householdsThread border router in Nest Hub Max, Nest Hub (2nd gen), and Nest WiFi Pro. Deep Android integration and strong routine-building tools.
Samsung SmartThings
Best for Samsung appliancesMatter controller in the Aeotec Smart Home Hub and SmartThings Station. Excellent integration with Samsung TVs, refrigerators, and washing machines.
Hub guide
Best Hubs for Matter
To use Matter devices — especially Matter over Thread — you need a compatible hub or border router. These are our top picks.
FAQ
Matter
Questions
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