If you’ve struggled with incompatible smart home devices or juggled multiple apps to control your connected home, Matter promises a solution you can’t ignore. This open, royalty-free smart home standard eliminates the fragmentation that has plagued the industry for years, enabling devices from different manufacturers to work together smoothly.
Launched in October 2022 after years of development, Matter represents a collaborative effort by tech giants including Apple, Google, Amazon and Samsung to create a unified standard for smart home connectivity. But what exactly is Matter, how does it work and should you build your smart home around it?
We’ll explore Matter’s architecture, capabilities and real world adoption to help you make informed decisions about smart home deployments in 2025 and beyond.
What Is the Matter Protocol?
Matter is an application layer connectivity standard that enables smart home devices to communicate locally and securely, regardless of manufacturer or ecosystem. Unlike proprietary protocols that lock you into specific brands, Matter creates a universal language for smart home devices.
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Type | Application layer standard |
| Underlying Protocols | Thread, Wi-Fi, Ethernet |
| License | Open source (Apache License 2.0) |
| Governance | Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) |
| Primary Focus | Smart home devices and IoT |
| Operation | Local network, cloud optional |
The Origins of Matter
Matter began as “Project Connected Home over IP” (Project CHIP) in December 2019, announced by the Zigbee Alliance (now the Connectivity Standards Alliance). The founding coalition included Apple (HomeKit), Google (Nest and Google Home), Amazon (Alexa), Samsung (SmartThings) and the CSA itself.
This unprecedented collaboration addressed a fundamental industry problem – the proliferation of incompatible smart home protocols creating friction for consumers and developers alike. Matter’s mission was to establish a single, vendor neutral standard that would work across all major ecosystems.
How Matter Works
Matter’s design centers on three core principles that set it apart from previous smart home standards.
Universal Interoperability
Matter certified devices can be added to multiple ecosystems without requiring manufacturer specific hubs or bridges, though available features may vary by platform. Your Google Nest Hub and Apple HomePod can both control the same devices without conflict and you can switch ecosystems without replacing hardware. For example, you can set up a Matter smart bulb in Apple Home and still control it from Alexa.
Local Operation
Unlike many smart home protocols that rely heavily on cloud services, Matter prioritizes local network communication. Turning lights on and off, locking doors and receiving sensor alerts usually work within your home network without Internet connectivity. If your Internet goes down, your lights and locks can still work locally, though voice assistants and remote access are a different story.
This approach means often faster response times (typically near-instant versus noticeable delays), enhanced reliability during outages, improved privacy and no mandatory cloud subscriptions. Some features like voice assistants, remote access and firmware updates may still require cloud connectivity depending on the platform.
Security by Design
Matter incorporates end-to-end encryption for all device communications, certificate based authentication to prevent unauthorized devices, secure commissioning with cryptographic verification, and privacy protections that limit data collection and sharing.
Matter Protocol Architecture
Understanding Matter’s technical architecture helps clarify how it achieves universal compatibility while maintaining security and performance.
Network Layer
Matter operates over three primary network transports, each suited to different device types.
Thread provides IPv6 based mesh networking with ultra-low power consumption for battery devices and self-healing topology. It requires a Thread Border Router, which is built into many hubs.
Wi-Fi uses standard 802.11 networks with higher power consumption but greater bandwidth, making it suitable for mains powered devices with no additional infrastructure needed.
Ethernet offers wired connectivity for stationary devices, delivering the highest reliability and lowest latency for hubs, bridges and always-on devices.
Application Layer
Matter defines standardized device types and capabilities through clusters that describe specific functionalities, such as On/Off Cluster (basic power control), Level Control Cluster (dimming and brightness), Color Control Cluster (RGB and color temperature), Lock Cluster (smart lock operations), Thermostat Cluster (HVAC control) and various Sensor Clusters (temperature, humidity, occupancy).
This cluster based approach means that a dimmer switch from one manufacturer can control a smart bulb from another, as both implement the same standardized clusters.
Device Commissioning
Adding Matter devices involves scanning a QR code or entering a setup code, selecting your primary ecosystem, exchanging credentials and certificates, optionally adding the device to additional ecosystems, joining the Thread or Wi-Fi network, and finally becoming operational for control and automation.
Matter Version History
This protocol has evolved rapidly since its initial release, with regular updates expanding device support and capabilities.
Matter 1.0 (October 2022)
The foundational release supported essential device types like lighting (on/off, dimmable, color), switches and dimmers, smart plugs and outlets, sensors (contact, occupancy, temperature), door locks, window coverings, thermostats and basic media controls.
Matter 1.1 (May 2023)
A maintenance release focusing on bug fixes, stability improvements, enhanced commissioning reliability and performance optimizations.
Matter 1.2 (October 2023)
Significant expansion adding nine new device categories including kitchen appliances (refrigerators, dishwashers, cooktops), laundry (washing machines, dryers), cleaning (robot vacuums and mops), air quality monitors and purifiers, plus fans, humidifiers and dehumidifiers. This version also improved energy reporting, multi-admin features and battery powered device optimizations.
Matter 1.3 (May 2024)
Focused on energy management with power monitoring, load management and time-of-use optimization. Added electric vehicle charging integration, additional appliances (ovens, cooktops, extractors) and water management (leak detectors, water heaters). Enhanced Thread network formation, handling of intermittently connected devices and scene/automation capabilities.
Matter 1.4 (November 2024)
Released in November 2024, Matter 1.4 focused on energy management and infrastructure improvements including Enhanced Multi-Admin (EMA) support, better device energy reporting, solar panel device types, heat pump controls, water heater integration and battery storage system support. This release laid important groundwork for whole home energy optimization.
Matter 1.5 (November 2025)
The highly anticipated Matter 1.5 release in November 2025 expanded the standard with support for cameras and closures (like garage doors, gates and window coverings), plus soil sensors and new energy management capabilities. Future releases will continue to expand device categories and refine existing features.
Platform Support and Adoption
Major smart home platforms have embraced Matter with varying levels of implementation. Apple Home offers strong privacy and reliable local control with comprehensive Matter support. Google Home provides excellent Android integration with a wide ecosystem reach. Amazon Alexa delivers robust voice control options across many device types. Samsung SmartThings excels at automation and multi-protocol support. Platform support varies by device type and feature, so check each ecosystem’s current Matter compatibility list before purchasing specific devices.
Hundreds of certified devices are now available from major brands like Philips Hue, Nanoleaf, Yale and Ecobee, but adoption faces some growing pains.
Current Limitations
Feature gaps across platforms: Not every ecosystem supports every Matter feature yet. Feature support varies by platform and device type, with each ecosystem implementing different portions of the Matter specification at different paces.
Legacy device compatibility: Older Zigbee or Z-Wave devices won’t become Matter devices. Some manufacturers offer Matter bridges (like the Philips Hue Bridge), but full functionality can vary.
Thread infrastructure required: Thread devices need a Thread Border Router, found in devices like HomePod mini, Nest Hub 2nd gen, Echo 4th gen or SmartThings Station.
Building Your Matter Smart Home
Here’s how to start building a Matter based smart home with minimal frustration.
Step 1: Set Up Your Infrastructure
You’ll need at least one Thread Border Router if you plan to use Thread based devices. Common options include Apple (HomePod mini, HomePod 2nd gen, Apple TV 4K 2021+), Google (Nest Hub 2nd gen, Nest Hub Max, Nest Wifi Pro), Amazon (Echo 4th gen, Echo Show 10, Echo Studio) and Samsung (SmartThings Station).
Step 2: Choose Your Primary Controller
Select based on your priorities. Apple Home for best privacy and reliability, Google Home for excellent Android integration, Amazon Alexa for strongest voice control and device variety, or SmartThings for mixed protocol households.
Step 3: Start Small
Begin with core functions – lighting, thermostat, locks, sensors, plugs. Scale up once everything runs smoothly.
Step 4: Verify Compatibility
Before buying, confirm the device shows the Matter logo, your controller supports the same Matter version, it connects via Thread or Wi-Fi (depending on your setup) and specific features work on your chosen platform.
Step 5: Commission Carefully
Add one device at a time, keep setup codes until devices appear in your app and test basic functions before automating.
Pro Tip: Start simple. Build automations gradually to ensure reliability and avoid debugging large rule sets.
Matter vs. Zigbee
Understanding how Matter compares to established protocols helps inform purchasing decisions.
| Aspect | Matter | Zigbee |
|---|---|---|
| Openness | Open standard, anyone can implement | Open standard but requires certification |
| Ecosystem | Cross-platform (Apple/Google/Amazon) | Requires hub or bridge |
| Networking | Thread or Wi-Fi | Zigbee mesh (IEEE 802.15.4-based) |
| Maturity | New (2022+) | Mature (2000s+) |
| Device Selection | Growing | Extensive |
| Power Efficiency | Excellent (Thread) | Excellent |
Choose Matter if you’re starting a new smart home or want multi-ecosystem control and future compatibility. Stick with Zigbee if you already own Zigbee devices and a compatible hub, or rely on device types not yet supported in Matter.
What’s Next for Matter
The Connectivity Standards Alliance maintains a biannual release schedule, steadily expanding what the protocol can do. With Matter 1.5 now released bringing long awaited security camera support, the focus shifts to refining existing features and expanding into even more new categories. Future releases are expected to enhance automation capabilities, add more energy management features and continue improving the user experience across all platforms. As Apple, Google, Amazon and Samsung implement these updates, device compatibility and feature parity will also continue to improve.
If you’re building a smart home for the long haul, this ongoing evolution works in your favor. Matter is a living framework that gets better with each update, which means your devices today will gain capabilities tomorrow without needing replacement.
It’s Simply a Matter of Progress
Matter represents the most ambitious attempt yet to make the smart home simple, secure and universal. With backing from every major ecosystem and an open source foundation, it’s already reshaping how IoT devices work together.
For consumers, it offers fewer apps, faster control and real privacy through local operation. For developers, it offers a single, unified path to reach users across all major platforms. As the standard matures and device selection expands, Matter is becoming the foundation for truly interoperable smart homes.