Smart Home and Matter
Start with the basics of Matter, Thread and hubs, then pick devices that work with Apple Home, Google Home or Alexa.
Get started: Matter, Thread and hubs
- Matter vs. Thread Explained
How Matter and Thread differ, controllers vs border routers, and common myths.
- Do Smart Plugs Need a Hub?
When a plug needs a hub: Wi-Fi vs Matter, Thread border routers, Zigbee and Z-Wave.
- Best Thread Border Routers and Matter Hubs
Which Apple, Google, Amazon and other devices you may already own act as border routers, plus hub picks.
- Home Assistant Starter Guide
What Home Assistant is, Green vs a mini PC, and which Zigbee, Thread and Z-Wave adapters to add.
- Smart Home for Renters
A no-drill, no-rewiring setup with plugs, bulbs, retrofit locks, battery doorbells and sensors.
Pick smart home devices
- Smart Plug Buying Guide
Safety marks, electrical limits, Wi-Fi vs Matter and Thread, hubs and energy monitoring.
- Best Matter Smart Plugs
Compact Wi-Fi, energy monitoring, Thread and outdoor Matter plugs.
- Kasa vs Tapo
TP-Link's two smart home brands compared on apps, plugs, bulbs, cameras and Matter.
- Philips Hue vs Govee
Hue Bridge and Zigbee vs Wi-Fi, Matter support, apps, bulbs and light strips.
- Best Matter Smart Switches and Dimmers
Neutral wire checks, Thread vs Wi-Fi, 3-way circuits and when to call an electrician.
- Best Smart Locks with Matter
Matter locks with Thread or Wi-Fi, Apple home keys, hub needs and door-fit checks.
- Best Smart Thermostats
C-wire needs, HVAC compatibility, Matter and platform support, and rebate tips.
- Best Matter and Thread Sensors
Motion, door and window, water leak and climate sensors, plus the hub they need.
- Best Smart Smoke and CO Detectors
Nest Protect alternatives, safety listings, interconnect basics and what smart alerts can do.
- Best Smart Blinds and Shades with Matter
Retrofit motors and made-to-measure shades that work with Matter, and the hub each needs.
- Best Smart Garage Door Openers
myQ alternatives that work with your existing opener, plus compatibility and safety checks.
- Best Robot Vacuums with Matter
What Matter control covers vs the brand app, platform differences and Wi-Fi needs.
Tools
- Smart Home Compatibility Checker (interactive tool)
Check which assistants, hubs and protocols your devices need before you buy.
Other topics
Home Wi-Fi Help · Security Cameras and Doorbells · Brand Setup and Fixes · Recommended gear · Search all guides
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