How to Set Up Your Smart Home: A Beginner's Guide - PCMag
From understanding connectivity protocols and voice assistants to picking the best products, setting up a smart home isn't as simple as you'd think. Here's ...
Matter
Other devices rely on more generic wireless protocols such as Zigbee and Z-Wave that help them communicate with a hub ( <anchor>Matter</anchor> is an emerging smart home standard to keep an eye on, too). The benefit of using a hub is that you can consolidate all of your smart home products under one app and control them from there, rather than using separate apps for your light bulbs and thermostat, for example.
What Is Matter? The Smart Home Standard, Explained | PCMag
What Is Matter? The Smart Home Standard, Explained \| PCMag[Skip to Main Content](#main "Skip to Main Content")

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# What Is Matter? The Smart Home Standard, Explained

Now that it's a year old, we check in on the 'industry-unifying' standard that aims to make it easier for your smart home devices to connect with each other. Is it working?

[![Angela Moscaritolo](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/authors/013Zka1ji0dTSohyQIpvwdR.fit_lim.size_100x100.v1723224829.png)](/authors/angela-moscaritolo)[![Andrew Gebhart](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/authors/04smPHZQBTUVlhROziBic0v.fit_lim.size_100x100.v1722455720.jpg)](/authors/andrew-gebhart)

By
Angela Moscaritolo

Angela Moscaritolo

Managing Editor, Consumer Electronics

* * *

My Experience

I'm PCMag's managing editor for consumer electronics, overseeing an experienced team of analysts covering smart home, home entertainment, wearables, fitness and health tech, and various other product categories. I have been with PCMag for more than 10 years, and in that time have written more than 6,000 articles and reviews for the site. I previously served as an analyst focused on smart home and wearable devices, and before that I was a reporter covering consumer tech news. I'm also a yoga instructor, and have been actively teaching group and private classes for nearly a decade.

[Read Full Bio](/authors/angela-moscaritolo)

&
Andrew Gebhart

Andrew Gebhart

Senior Analyst, Smart Home and Wearables

* * *

My Experience

I’m PCMag’s senior analyst covering smart home and wearable devices. I’ve been writing about tech professionally for nearly a decade and have been obsessing about it for much longer than that. Prior to joining PCMag, I made educational videos for an electronics store called Abt Electronics in Illinois, and before that I spent eight years covering the smart home market for CNET.

[Read Full Bio](/authors/andrew-gebhart)

Updated
October 25, 2023

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(Credit: iStock, onurdongel/Getty Images Plus)

As you shop for [smart home devices](https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-smart-home-devices) this holiday season and beyond, you might notice the new Matter logo on product boxes across various brands. But what is Matter, and why does it matter? Let's break it down.

* * *

## Matter Explained

Matter is a global, open-source standard that aims to simplify the smart home ecosystem by allowing internet-connected devices from different manufacturers to simply and securely communicate. This represents an important collaboration between competing companies working towards a common goal: to advance the smart home and make it more consumer-friendly.

Version 1.2 of the Matter smart home standard and certification program officially launched this fall, adding support for [nine new device types](https://www.pcmag.com/news/matter-smart-home-standard-to-play-nice-with-robot-vacuums-air-purifiers), including [air conditioners](https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-smart-air-conditioners), [air purifiers](https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-smart-air-purifiers), air quality sensors, dishwashers, fans, refrigerators, [robot vacuums](https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-robot-vacuums), smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and washing machines, bringing the total to 19 compatible device types. The list also includes door locks, gateways, lighting, motion blinds, occupancy sensors, [smart plugs](https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-smart-plugs-and-power-strips), weather devices, platform components, and software applications.

### Top-Rated Matter-Compatible Devices

![Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd gen, 2023)](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20120%2068'%3E%3Crect%20fill='%23f7f7f7'%20/%3E%3C/svg%3E)

[**Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen, 2023) Review**](/reviews/amazon-echo-show-8-3rd-gen-2023)

4.5

Outstanding

- [$149.99 at Amazon\
\
See It](https://cc.pcmag.com/v1/otc/01r1WRIAJykbQgN4oGQ8FSi?merchant=05kie42h3YvHwjr4G1w80Qq&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB0BLS3Y632&template=article-page&module=product-cards&element=product-card&item=buy-button&position=1&element_label=%24149.99+at+Amazon+See+It&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcmag.com%2Fexplainers%2Fmatter-explained&object_type=offer&object_uuid=03wv1NBlhhaCa6I5VlFN6Kr&product_uuid=04sJg3wNafGoflKQ3RuAWOl "(Opens in a new tab)")

![TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Slim With Energy Monitoring (KP125M)](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20120%2068'%3E%3Crect%20fill='%23f7f7f7'%20/%3E%3C/svg%3E)

[**TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Slim With Energy Monitoring (KP125M) Review**](/reviews/tp-link-kasa-smart-wi-fi-plug-slim-with-energy-monitoring-kp125m)

4.5

Outstanding

- [$22.99 at Amazon\
\
$39.99Save $17.00\
\
See It](https://cc.pcmag.com/v1/otc/01r1WRIAJykbQgN4oGQ8FSi?merchant=05kie42h3YvHwjr4G1w80Qq&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FKasa-Smart-Monitoring-Compact-Certified%2Fdp%2FB0BYGRLRS1%2F&template=article-page&module=product-cards&element=product-card&item=buy-button&position=2&element_label=%2422.99+at+Amazon+%2439.99+Save+%2417.00+See+It&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcmag.com%2Fexplainers%2Fmatter-explained&object_type=offer&object_uuid=04MwEkN4iJvaxh10oIRVoG3&product_uuid=04xQMcYesI8DYDTIY591qUh "(Opens in a new tab)")

![Apple HomePod (2nd Generation, 2023)](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20120%2068'%3E%3Crect%20fill='%23f7f7f7'%20/%3E%3C/svg%3E)

[**Apple HomePod (2nd Generation, 2023) Review**](/reviews/apple-homepod-2nd-generation-2023)

4.0

Excellent

- [$299.99 at Best Buy\
\
See It](https://cc.pcmag.com/v1/otc/01r1WRIAJykbQgN4oGQ8FSi?merchant=07ceq7iAfFfRlRYt8DCvPYM&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2Fapple-homepod-2nd-generation-smart-speaker-with-siri-white%2F6519349.p&template=article-page&module=product-cards&element=product-card&item=buy-button&position=3&element_label=%24299.99+at+Best+Buy+See+It&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcmag.com%2Fexplainers%2Fmatter-explained&object_type=offer&object_uuid=034PbYwCXaUEfQlW1LEuyEQ&product_uuid=03V4iVDeug8CJQ6IsTecsqd "(Opens in a new tab)")

![Leviton Decora Smart Mini Plug-In Dimmer D23LP-2RW](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20120%2068'%3E%3Crect%20fill='%23f7f7f7'%20/%3E%3C/svg%3E)

[**Leviton Decora Smart Mini Plug-In Dimmer (2nd Gen, D23LP-2RW) Review**](/reviews/leviton-decora-smart-mini-plug-in-dimmer-2nd-gen-d23lp-2rw)

4.0

Excellent

- [$42.58 at Leviton\
\
See It](https://cc.pcmag.com/v1/otc/01r1WRIAJykbQgN4oGQ8FSi?merchant=05ELrkH949nXHOmI3p4Wwkn&url=https%3A%2F%2Fstore.leviton.com%2Fproducts%2Fdecora-smart-wi-fi-mini-plug-in-dimmer-2nd-gen-d23lp-2rw%3Fvariant%3D39385812271286&template=article-page&module=product-cards&element=product-card&item=buy-button&position=4&element_label=%2442.58+at+Leviton+See+It&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcmag.com%2Fexplainers%2Fmatter-explained&object_type=offer&object_uuid=01U2d70bQjQBkZAZp7eDefR&product_uuid=06R9mPCjq0kbWSaY4jKkkGP "(Opens in a new tab)")

![TP-Link Tapo Mini Smart Wi-Fi Plug (P125M)](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20120%2068'%3E%3Crect%20fill='%23f7f7f7'%20/%3E%3C/svg%3E)

[**TP-Link Tapo Mini Smart Wi-Fi Plug (P125M) Review**](/reviews/tp-link-tapo-mini-smart-wi-fi-plug-p125m)

4.0

Excellent

- [$11.99 at Amazon\
\
$19.99Save $8.00\
\
See It](https://cc.pcmag.com/v1/otc/01r1WRIAJykbQgN4oGQ8FSi?merchant=05kie42h3YvHwjr4G1w80Qq&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FTP-Link-Tapo-Supported-P125M-3-Pack%2Fdp%2FB0BNWGZ545%2F&template=article-page&module=product-cards&element=product-card&item=buy-button&position=5&element_label=%2411.99+at+Amazon+%2419.99+Save+%248.00+See+It&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcmag.com%2Fexplainers%2Fmatter-explained&object_type=offer&object_uuid=032DDA0WM72oSgwDCD9aH93&product_uuid=061vjUCaC0nWI7Ul1Kj1wkz "(Opens in a new tab)")

![Google Nest Wifi Pro](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20120%2068'%3E%3Crect%20fill='%23f7f7f7'%20/%3E%3C/svg%3E)

[**Google Nest Wifi Pro Review**](/reviews/google-nest-wifi-pro)

3.5

Good

- [$149.00 at Amazon\
\
$199.99Save $50.99\
\
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![The Leviton Decora Smart Outdoor Plug-In Switch D2150 in the rain](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20120%2068'%3E%3Crect%20fill='%23f7f7f7'%20/%3E%3C/svg%3E)

[**Leviton Decora Smart Wi-Fi Outdoor Plug-In Switch (D2150) Review**](/reviews/leviton-decora-smart-wi-fi-outdoor-plug-in-switch-d2150)

3.5

Good

- [$54.99 at The Home Depot\
\
See It](https://cc.pcmag.com/v1/otc/01r1WRIAJykbQgN4oGQ8FSi?merchant=00PdyjRpqcbuGvEnK1Ylabm&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.homedepot.com%2Fp%2FLeviton-Decora-Smart-Wi-Fi-Outdoor-Plug-Matter-Enabled-Weather-Resistant-works-w-My-Leviton-Anywhere-Switch-Companion-D215O-R05-1RE%2F327042541&template=article-page&module=product-cards&element=product-card&item=buy-button&position=7&element_label=%2454.99+at+The+Home+Depot+See+It&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcmag.com%2Fexplainers%2Fmatter-explained&object_type=offer&object_uuid=00lv7b267VF8xdgWKSkIA47&product_uuid=06whdad1vRdes5w1aWT5i56 "(Opens in a new tab)")

Matter is still missing support for a couple of key product categories, most notably [security cameras](https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-indoor-home-security-cameras) and [video doorbells](https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-video-doorbells). But since its [initial launch a year ago](https://www.pcmag.com/news/your-smart-home-devices-may-soon-play-nice-with-each-other), some 1,214 hardware and software products have received certification (or are in the process of being verified) according to the Connectivity Standard Alliance (CSA), the nonprofit that oversees the standard. That number encompasses products from more than 300 companies and marks a big leap from the roughly 190 completed certifications around this time last year.

"The adoption of Matter in the market has been rapid, on a scale unseen among previous industry standards," the CSA says. “There are Matter products from popular and innovative brands across all initially supported device categories, with products and apps in users’ homes, on their smartphones and tablets, and on store shelves.”

Smart home devices are supposed to make your life easier and more convenient, but installing a bunch of disparate internet-connected devices that don't work together might complicate it instead. That's where Matter comes in.

Based on the internet protocol (IP), Matter is designed to help manufacturers more easily build devices that are compatible with Amazon Alexa, Apple Siri, Google Assistant, and other smart home and voice platforms, the CSA says. The idea is to break down walled gardens in the smart home and foster interoperability among devices, regardless of brand, so you can seamlessly set up and control them via your platform of choice.

"Matter changes the game—by making devices easier to set up, in the same way, every time, and work with other smart products in the home," the CSA explains. Matter-certified gadgets "can be controlled by whichever app, voice assistant, or device is the most convenient."

* * *

## Who Is Behind Matter?

Matter was born from a working group called Project Connected Home Over IP (Project Chip), which Amazon, Apple, Google, and other major players in the smart home space launched in collaboration with the Zigbee Alliance at the end of 2019.

![Matter Logo](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20768%20432'%3E%3Crect%20fill='%23f7f7f7'%20/%3E%3C/svg%3E)

(Credit: Matter)

In a 2019 [blog post](https://developers.googleblog.com/2019/12/project-connected-home-over-ip.html "(Opens in a new tab)") announcing the project, Google said the goal of Project Chip was to "build a new standard that enables IP-based communication across smart home devices, mobile apps, and cloud services."

In May 2021, the Zigbee Alliance changed its name to the Connectivity Standards Alliance and rebranded Project Chip to Matter.

By January 2022, more than 200 companies were involved in the development of Matter. At the time, the CSA said "thousands" of engineers at participating companies were creating the specification and certification.

* * *

## What Is the Status of Matter?

The CSA aims to release two Matter updates per year, and they are on track so far. [Update 1.1](https://csa-iot.org/newsroom/matter-1-1-release-enhancements-for-developers-and-devices/ "(Opens in a new tab)"), released in May 2023, focused on incremental improvements and bug fixes, but version 1.2 greatly expanded the breadth of compatible product categories, though the depth of support within those categories is a work in progress.

With robot vacuums, for instance, you can now use your digital assistant of choice (Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri), to start cleaning or switch modes if your vacuum supports multiple settings like turbo suction, dry vacuuming, or [wet mopping](https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-robot-mops). Your assistant’s app can even show status updates on battery charging or cleaning progress.

That said, you can’t yet use your assistant to control more advanced robot vacuum functions like establishing virtual boundaries or deep cleaning zones. Matter takes care of the basics, but you still need your robot’s companion app to access the more advanced functionality of your machine.

This breadth-over-depth approach is somewhat by design, a Matter representative tells PCMag. The Alliance wants to build carefully and slowly without stifling innovation. Moreover, since member companies design the Matter protocols, they likely aren’t motivated to make their own apps obsolete.

Matter devices talk to each other using existing technologies, including Bluetooth Low decora d2Energy, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and the [Thread](https://www.threadgroup.org/What-is-Thread/Thread-Benefits "(Opens in a new tab)") networking protocol. Most use numeric/QR codes for setup, and with simple devices like switches, fans, and smart plugs, one setup in your chosen virtual assistant’s app may be all you need. That said, Matter does not currently help with functions such as grouping and scheduling gadgets.

We here at PCMag have already tested and reviewed quite a few Matter-compatible gadgets. In the early days of the standard's initial rollout, we faced some snags using the [second-generation Apple HomePod](https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/apple-homepod-2nd-generation-2023) as a hub to set up a Matter accessory, but after some troubleshooting successfully paired the device. More recently, the Apple Home app offered a seamless Matter setup experience for the [Leviton Decora D2150](https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/leviton-decora-smart-wi-fi-outdoor-plug-in-switch-d2150) outdoor smart plug.

Be sure to check out our reviews of other Matter-compatible devices such as the [TP-Link Kasa KP125M](https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/tp-link-kasa-smart-wi-fi-plug-slim-with-energy-monitoring-kp125m), the [Leviton Decora Smart Mini Plug-In Dimmer](https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/leviton-decora-smart-mini-plug-in-dimmer-2nd-gen-d23lp-2rw), and the [TP-Link Tapo P125M](https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/tp-link-tapo-mini-smart-wi-fi-plug-p125m) smart plugs to get a sense of how the standard affects individual gadgets. In all of our smart home reviews, we note when a product offers Matter support and detail its setup experience and performance.

Companies involved in the Matter initiative say it's taken a tremendous amount of effort to get to this point. The first Matter-certified hardware products were originally expected to launch in 2021, but that target was pushed back twice. Explaining the delay last [March](https://csa-iot.org/newsroom/matter-march-update/ "(Opens in a new tab)"), the CSA said it needed more time to "further improve code quality and stability."

Now that it's officially available, the standard promises to help developers more easily bring smart home products to market. Through Matter, smaller developers can, in theory, focus on developing interesting hardware without needing to build compatibility separately for the Amazon, Apple, and Google ecosystems.

"Matter lets developers build literally, once, and for all," the CSA says. "It’s a common language for today’s smart devices that lets them talk to each other, enabling simple, yet powerful experiences for consumers."

* * *

## How Amazon, Google, and Apple Are Supporting Matter

Amazon says it supports Matter on "well over 100 million devices" across 20 Echo products. This means you can set up and control Matter accessories from Echo [smart speakers](https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-smart-speakers) and [displays](https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-smart-displays). The [fourth-gen Echo](https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/amazon-echo-4th-generation) and the [third-gen Echo Show 8](https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/amazon-echo-show-8-3rd-gen-2023) also act as Thread border routers, allowing them to bridge signals from low-energy devices and sensors from your home to your Wi-Fi network and the cloud.

You can now set up Matter devices via the Alexa app on Android or iOS and Amazon products can talk to Matter devices over Thread, Zigbee, Bluetooth Low Energy, and Wi-Fi.

"This is an effort unprecedented in scale and complexity and we are excited about making our homes smarter and easier to use," Amazon's director of smart home and health Marja Koopmans wrote in a [blog post](https://developer.amazon.com/en-US/blogs/alexa/device-makers/2022/11/matter-works-with-alexa-introduction-november-2022.html "(Opens in a new tab)").

Setting up a smart light bulb can feel like it requires an engineering degree.
\- Anish Kattukaran, Google Home and Nest product management director

Google last year debuted a revamped Home app on Android and iOS with Fast Pair for Matter, which simplified the process of setting up compatible accessories.

"Setting up a smart light bulb can feel like it requires an engineering degree," Google Home and Nest product management director Anish Kattukaran wrote in a [blog post](https://blog.google/products/google-nest/google-home-app/ "(Opens in a new tab)"). "With Fast Pair for Matter, this will literally become plug and play. Your Android phone will automatically detect a Matter device and help you securely set it up quickly."

The Web giant has also updated its existing [Nest smart speakers](https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/google-nest-audio), smart displays, and routers to control Matter devices. That includes Thread-certified Nest devices, such as the [Nest Wi-Fi router](https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/google-nest-wifi-pro), the [Nest Hub Max](https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/google-nest-hub-max), and the [second-generation Nest Hub](https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/google-nest-hub-2nd-gen), which can serve as Thread border routers.

Google is now working on the forefront of Matter’s multi-admin feature which aims to streamline cross-platform control. [Samsung and Google have collaborated](https://www.pcmag.com/news/matter-smart-home-interoperability-rollout-continues-with-samsung-google) to make Matter-compatible SmartThings devices easy to import into the Google Home app and vice versa.

Apple, meanwhile, brought Matter support to iPhones as part of [iOS 16](/reviews/apple-ios-16).1 last October. With [iOS 17](https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/apple-ios-17), Apple expanded Matter support, making the tap-to-unlock and PIN code features of HomeKit-equipped [smart locks](/picks/the-best-smart-locks) available to Matter-compatible locks.

To view and manage the Matter accessories currently paired with your iPhone or iPad, navigate to Settings > General > Matter Accessories. Here, you can see all your Matter-compatible devices in one place, regardless of which app you initially used to set them up, as well as factory reset your gadgets, and delete pairings. Note: you must have at least one Matter accessory paired with your device to see this menu. In other words, if you already use a bunch of smart home devices, you won't see this menu in the iOS Settings app until they gain Matter support, or you set up a new Matter-compatible gadget.

"If a user sets up smart lights using one app, then sets up a smart lock using another, they’ll be able to see both of those distinct accessories together in the iOS Settings app and have full control of which accessories have joined their home network," Apple says. "When the user opens the smart lock app, they can also be presented with the option to add the lights that were previously set up in a different app, enabling users to connect both accessories together to create powerful scenes and automations so, for example, the lights turn on when you unlock the front door in the evening."

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[![Illustration of a house](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20400%20225'%3E%3Crect%20fill='%23f7f7f7'%20/%3E%3C/svg%3E)](/picks/the-best-smart-home-devices)

[The Best Smart Home Devices for 2024](/picks/the-best-smart-home-devices)

[![SmartThings](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20400%20225'%3E%3Crect%20fill='%23f7f7f7'%20/%3E%3C/svg%3E)](/news/what-is-a-smart-home-hub-and-do-you-need-one)

[What Is a Smart Home Hub (And Do You Need One)?](/news/what-is-a-smart-home-hub-and-do-you-need-one)

[![amazon echo pop surrounded by smart home devices](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20400%20225'%3E%3Crect%20fill='%23f7f7f7'%20/%3E%3C/svg%3E)](/how-to/how-to-easily-set-up-your-smart-home-devices-with-amazon-alexa)

[How to Easily Set Up Your Smart Home Devices With Amazon Alexa](/how-to/how-to-easily-set-up-your-smart-home-devices-with-amazon-alexa)

In addition to the second-gen HomePod, the more affordable [HomePod mini](https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/apple-homepod-mini) also works as a Matter hub.

* * *

## Other Matter-Supported Devices

Most major smart home brands are supporting Matter in some capacity at this point. That list includes Amazon, Apple, Aqara (Lumi), Arlo Technologies, Belkin Wemo, Comcast, Eve Systems, Ikea, GE Lighting, Google, Infineon, Leedarson, LG Electronics, Mui Lab, Nanoleaf, Nordic Semiconductor, NXP Semiconductors, Philips Hue, Qorvo, Samsung SmartThings, Schlage (Allegion), Sengled, Texas Instruments, Tuya Smart, Universal Electronics, and Veea.

After update 1.2, that list will grow, though it can take some time once a category is added for brands behind those products to adopt the standard and announce compliance.

![Photo illustration of networked devices ](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20768%20432'%3E%3Crect%20fill='%23f7f7f7'%20/%3E%3C/svg%3E)

(Credit: hakule/Getty Images)

Before working with Google on multi-admin support, Samsung played a big part in bringing Matter to life. Last year, the company [launched](https://news.samsung.com/global/samsung-electronics-launches-matter-functionality-ushering-a-new-era-of-interoperability "(Opens in a new tab)") Matter functionality via its SmartThings hubs and Android app. "Through this update, SmartThings users can control their Matter devices from a single application, instead of using multiple apps from different device manufacturers," Samsung said.

The [Hue Bridge](https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/philips-hue-bridge-20) from Philips Hue, a smart lighting hub, is Matter certified. That means that most every Philips Hue light and accessory now works with Matter if connected to a Hue Bridge. The only exceptions are the Hue Play HDMI Sync box and the dial of the Hue Tap Dial Switch, both of which are not supported by the current version of Matter.

Existing Amazon and Google integrations in the Philips Hue app will continue to work as-is, but Apple HomeKit users need to reset and connect again via Matter, the smart lighting company says.

Philips Hue's parent company Signify said it has "actively participated in demos and periodically tested Matter interoperability of Philips Hue products with smart home partners, ensuring current and future Philips Hue users will have a superior and seamless connected experience."

* * *

## Do Your Current Smart Home Products Support Matter?

Right now, you can buy plenty of new products with a Matter logo on the box and Matter compatibility baked in, but what if you already have an existing smart home setup? Fortunately, Matter is backward compatible, to an extent.

![Smart home devices in a room](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20768%20432'%3E%3Crect%20fill='%23f7f7f7'%20/%3E%3C/svg%3E)

(Credit: Eoneren/Getty)

Matter support will vary by vendor and device, and not all devices will be capable of receiving the update. According to the independent [Matter-Smarthome](https://matter-smarthome.de/en/matter-faq-en/#equipment "(Opens in a new tab)") resource, "Among other things, there must be enough flash memory and processing power on the device to perform the update."

Older devices do sometimes receive the update, but support can be inconsistent within a category and even within a brand. For example, Google rolled out Matter compatibility to its [Nest Thermostat](https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/nest-thermostat) earlier this year, but those who use other models from the brand will have to keep waiting and hoping.

You'll likely receive an email or some other type of notification from the manufacturer of any products you own if and when a Matter update is available. Especially if you own a product in one of the recently added categories, know that integration takes time, but keep an eye on your inbox.

* * *

## One Standard to Connect Them All?

Once upon a time, [smart home hubs](https://www.pcmag.com/news/what-is-a-smart-home-hub-and-do-you-need-one) were meant to be one-stop solutions for unifying your connected gadgets and controlling them from a single app. That didn't quite work out as planned, as competing hubs adopted different connectivity protocols.

Hopefully, Matter will get things right where hubs went wrong, though only time will tell. A year after the official launch and two updates deep, Matter covers a lot of devices, brands, and product types. To fulfill its promise, more device types are needed, as are more functions within the existing categories.

Matter has the software in place to support true multi-admin functionality so that anything you can control with Alexa will also immediately work with Google Assistant and Siri. However, due to logistics such as different naming conventions on each platform, importing devices from one to the next is often a pain.

Matter is still very much a work in progress. A truly seamless smart home might still be a pipe dream, but with continued effort, Matter can hopefully come close to living that dream. We’ll update this story as progress warrants, so be sure to check back.

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### About Angela Moscaritolo

#### Managing Editor, Consumer Electronics

![Angela Moscaritolo](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/authors/013Zka1ji0dTSohyQIpvwdR.fit_lim.size_200x200.v1723224829.png)

[Angela Moscaritolo's Email](/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#05646b626069645a686a766664776c716a696a4575666864622b666a68)

[X (Opens in a new tab)](https://twitter.com/amoscaritolo "X (Opens in a new tab)")

[LinkedIn (Opens in a new tab)](https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-moscaritolo-b6037a16 "LinkedIn (Opens in a new tab)")

I'm PCMag's managing editor for consumer electronics, overseeing an experienced team of analysts covering smart home, home entertainment, wearables, fitness and health tech, and various other product categories. I have been with PCMag for more than 10 years, and in that time have written more than 6,000 articles and reviews for the site. I previously served as an analyst focused on smart home and wearable devices, and before that I was a reporter covering consumer tech news. I'm also a yoga instructor, and have been actively teaching group and private classes for nearly a decade.

Prior to joining PCMag, I was a reporter for SC Magazine, focusing on hackers and computer security. I earned a BS in journalism from West Virginia University, and started my career writing for newspapers in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

[Read Angela's full bio](/authors/angela-moscaritolo)

#### Read the latest from Angela Moscaritolo

- [Slimmer and More Comfortable Than Ever: Hands On With the Apple Watch Series 10](/news/hands-on-with-the-apple-watch-series-10)
- [Hands On With the iPhone 16 Lineup: Apple Intelligence, Bold Colors, and Quick Camera Controls](/news/a-bright-pink-iphone-16-yes-please-hands-on-with-apples-latest-iphones)
- [Hands On With Peloton's Strength+ App: Machine Learning Workouts for the Gym](/news/hands-on-with-pelotons-strength-plus-app-machine-learning-workouts-for)
- [The Best Robot Mops for 2024](/picks/the-best-robot-mops)
- [The Best Robot Vacuums for 2024](/picks/the-best-robot-vacuums)
- [More from Angela Moscaritolo](/authors/angela-moscaritolo)

### About Andrew Gebhart

#### Senior Analyst, Smart Home and Wearables

![Andrew Gebhart](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/authors/04smPHZQBTUVlhROziBic0v.fit_lim.size_200x200.v1722455720.jpg)

[Andrew Gebhart's Email](/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a2c3ccc6d0c7d5fdc5c7c0cac3d0d6e2d2c1cfc3c58cc1cdcf)

I’m PCMag’s senior analyst covering smart home and wearable devices. I’ve been writing about tech professionally for nearly a decade and have been obsessing about it for much longer than that. Prior to joining PCMag, I made educational videos for an electronics store called Abt Electronics in Illinois, and before that I spent eight years covering the smart home market for CNET.

I foster many flavors of nerdom in my personal life. I’m an avid board gamer and video gamer. I love fantasy football, which I view as a combination of role-playing games and sports. Plus, I can talk to you about craft beer for hours and am on a personal quest to have a flight of beer at each microbrewery in my home city of Chicago.

[Read Andrew's full bio](/authors/andrew-gebhart)

#### Read the latest from Andrew Gebhart

- [Apple Watch Series 10 vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2: What's the Difference?](/comparisons/apple-watch-series-10-vs-apple-watch-ultra-2-whats-the-difference)
- [Apple Watch Series 10 vs. Samsung Galaxy Watch 7: Which Watch Reigns Supreme?](/comparisons/apple-watch-series-10-vs-samsung-galaxy-watch-7-which-watch-reigns-supreme)
- [Apple Watch Series 10 vs. Google Pixel Watch 3: Which Smartwatch Is Better?](/comparisons/apple-watch-series-10-vs-google-pixel-watch-3-which-smartwatch-is-better)
- [Google Pixel Watch 3 Review](/reviews/google-pixel-watch-3)
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- [More from Andrew Gebhart](/authors/andrew-gebhart)

## Table of Contents

Table of ContentsTable of ContentsMatter ExplainedWho Is Behind Matter?What Is the Status of Matter?How Amazon, Google, and Apple Are Supporting MatterOther Matter-Supported DevicesDo Your Current Smart Home Products Support Matter?One Standard to Connect Them All?

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### Apple

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