Matter, Thread, Zigbee and Wi-Fi: what the labels on the box actually mean

Every smart device has to answer two things: how does it physically talk to the rest of your home, and which apps can control it?

The first answer is the radio: Wi-Fi, Thread, Zigbee, Z-Wave or Bluetooth. The second used to depend on each brand’s own app and on deals with Amazon, Google and Apple. Matter changes the second answer, and that’s why it matters so much.

Wi-Fi devices connect straight to your router. There’s no hub to buy, and setup is usually a few taps in an app. That’s why cheap smart plugs and cameras almost always use Wi-Fi.

The trade-offs: every Wi-Fi device is one more thing your router has to juggle, battery devices on Wi-Fi need frequent charging, and most budget plugs and bulbs only connect on the 2.4 GHz band. If setup keeps failing, read our 2.4 GHz setup fix.

Thread is a low-power mesh network. Mains-powered Thread devices (plugs, bulbs) pass messages along for each other, so the network gets stronger as you add more, and battery devices like door sensors and locks can last a long time.

Thread needs a border router to connect it to your Wi-Fi and the internet. You may already own one: many recent smart speakers, streaming boxes and hubs from Apple, Google, Amazon and others include it. Check the spec sheet of the speaker or hub you have before buying a separate one.

Zigbee and Z-Wave are older low-power mesh standards with huge catalogs of sensors, bulbs and switches. They’re reliable, but your phone can’t talk to them directly. You need a hub that speaks the same language, such as a dedicated bridge from the bulb maker or a smart home hub with a Zigbee or Z-Wave radio built in.

If you already own a Zigbee or Z-Wave setup that works, there’s no need to rip it out. Many hubs can expose those devices to Matter apps.

Matter is not a radio. It’s a shared standard that runs over Wi-Fi, Thread and Ethernet, backed by Apple, Google, Amazon, Samsung and hundreds of device makers. A Matter device can be added to Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa or SmartThings, and even to more than one of them at the same time.

In practice, Matter means you’re no longer locked in. If you switch from an iPhone to Android, your Matter plugs and bulbs come with you. Setup is also more consistent: you scan the Matter QR code on the device or box with your home app. For a first shopping list, see the best Matter devices to start with.

• Keep the Matter setup code. It’s usually on the device and in the box. Take a photo of it before you install anything.
• Not every feature is covered yet. Advanced features such as energy graphs or camera recordings may still need the maker’s own app.
• Matter-over-Thread devices still need a Thread border router.

For most people starting today, the rule is simple:

• Plugs, bulbs and switches: Matter over Wi-Fi or Thread. Either is fine; Thread makes the mesh stronger.
• Sensors, locks and other battery devices: Matter over Thread, or Zigbee if you already have a Zigbee hub.
• Cameras and video doorbells: Wi-Fi, since video needs the bandwidth. Matter support for cameras is still arriving, so pick by the app you’ll actually use.
• Speakers and displays: pick the voice assistant you like, and check whether it’s also a Thread border router.