Matter: the smart home standard explained

The problem Matter solves

For years, buying a smart plug or bulb meant checking whether it worked with your particular system: Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa or Samsung SmartThings. Many devices only worked with one or two, and each needed its own app. Matter is an attempt to fix this with one shared standard.

Think of it like the USB-C plug for smart homes: one agreed way to connect, so devices from different brands fit together. See USB-C everywhere.

Who is behind it

Matter is managed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA), the industry group formerly known as the Zigbee Alliance. Its members include Apple, Google, Amazon, Samsung and hundreds of device makers. The first version was released in late 2022, and new versions have since added more device types, such as robot vacuums, energy meters and appliances.

How it works

• Runs on networks you already have: Matter works over Wi-Fi, Ethernet and Thread, a low-power mesh network used by battery devices such as sensors and locks.
• Local control: many actions happen inside your home network rather than going through a company's servers on the internet, so lights can still switch even if the internet is down.
• Security built in: each certified device has its own identity, and connections are encrypted. Setup uses a QR code or number on the device.
• Multi-admin: one device can be controlled from more than one system at the same time, for example both Apple Home and Google Home in a mixed household.

What to check before buying

1. Look for the Matter logo on the box.
2. If it uses Thread, check you have a Thread border router, a hub that links Thread devices to your network. Many recent smart speakers and hubs include one.
3. Keep the setup code safe. Take a photo of it or keep the box, in case you need to reset the device.
4. Check that the device type is supported by your chosen app; some advanced features may still need the maker's own app.
5. Check how long the maker promises security updates.

Tip: Put smart devices on a guest network or separate network where your router allows it, so a problem with one gadget cannot reach your laptops. See Your home network explained.

Is it perfect yet?

Not quite. Early on, some people found setup unreliable and features limited compared with brand-specific apps. Support has improved with each release, but it is still worth reading recent reviews for the exact device and app combination you plan to use. For a wider look at safety, read Are smart home devices safe?

Want the technical version? Read our note on Zigbee, Thread and Matter.

A quick glossary

Controller: the app or hub you use to run devices, such as a phone app or smart speaker. Thread: a low-power mesh network for battery devices. Border router: the hub that links Thread devices to Wi-Fi. Commissioning: adding a device to your home by scanning its code.