The 5 Best Matter-Compatible Light Switches

The advent of Matter, a groundbreaking smart home connectivity standard, has revolutionized the way we interact with our homes. Matter promises seamless compatibility between smart devices from diverse brands, eliminating the need for multiple hubs and complex configurations.

Among the many smart home devices embracing Matter, light switches have emerged as frontrunners, offering an enhanced level of convenience and control.

Benefits of Matter-Compatible Light Switches

Before you jump into buying a Matter-compatible light switch, it is worth considering the benefits, and how they will be to your advantage.

Cross-platform compatibility

Matter-compatible light switches can be controlled using a variety of smart home platforms, including Amazon's Alexa, Apple Home, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings, and Home Assistant. This means that you can use whatever platform you prefer, and you don't have to worry about compatibility issues or losing functionality if you switch phones.

Simplified installation and setup

Matter-compatible light switches are designed to be easy to install and set up. They typically require basic DIY electrical knowledge without the need for special tools, and they can be connected to your preferred smart home platform using a simple app.

Enhanced reliability and range

Some Matter-compatible light switches use Thread, a new wireless protocol that is designed for smart home devices. Thread is more reliable and has a longer range than Wi-Fi, so you can be confident that your light switches will always be connected and responsive.

Future-proof investment

Matter is a new standard, but it has already been adopted by a number of major smart home companies. This means that you can be confident that your Matter-compatible light switches will be compatible with future smart home devices.

Considerations Before You Buy

As previously mentioned, installing a Matter-compatible light switch is fairly straightforward. However, not all are created equal, and your home's wiring may ultimately decide which switch is the best for your home.

Here are a few things to consider if you are in the market for a smart light switch:

Features

Consider your home's needs and your current lighting. Some Matter-compatible light switches offer dimming which is great for creating ambiance or for situations where you just need a little light to get around.

As nice as smart dimmer switches are though, that extra functionality comes with an added price. If your light fixture is located in low-traffic areas or is used just for task lighting, you can save money by choosing a basic smart switch versus a dimmer switch.

Wiring requirements

Although there are a few smart light switches that can be used without a neutral in your electrical boxes, the vast majority of them require it along with your typical ground, line, and load wires. Unfortunately, a lot of older homes are missing this key component, so we suggest taking a look at your current wiring before purchasing a smart switch.

Multi-way switch compatibility

If you have a light fixture that is controlled by multiple switches in your home—most commonly found at the top and bottom of staircases—then you will need to look for a switch that advertises compatibility with three-way or multi-way configurations. Multi-way lighting adds traveler wires into the mix which can complicate installation, but with a little patience and proper labeling, it can still be accomplished for your average DIY'er.

To make the process simpler, some vendors sell companion remotes that can be used in conjunction with a smart switch. Some remotes can be connected to the wiring on one end of the multi-way circuit, while others can wirelessly communicate to the main smart switch bypassing the need for additional wiring.

The Top 5 Matter-Compatible Light Switches

With lighting being a smart home staple, there are quite a few Matter-compatible switches already on the market. Below you'll find our current top 5 picks to help you choose the perfect switch for your needs.

Tapo S505 Smart Wi-Fi Light Switch

The Tapo S505 Smart Wi-Fi Light Switch by TP-Link provides all the smart lighting essentials for just under $25, making it an incredible value. Despite its low price, the single-pole S505 switch includes everything you need for a speedy installation: pre-attached wires, mounting hardware, wire nuts, labels, and even a snap-on screwless wall plate.

In our recent review of the S505, we were impressed by its dependable Wi-Fi connection as well as its lightning-fast response times that made remote controls take effect almost immediately. We also loved Tapo's unique Delayed Shutoff feature that allowed for more time to exit a room after manually toggling the switch—something typically only found in dimmer switches.

Kasa Matter Smart Dimmer Switch

Another lighting option from TP-Link—the Kasa Matter Smart Dimmer Switch—goes one step further than the Tapo S505 by offering full 1-100% dimming capabilities. Dimming controls are available through the Kasa app, all Matter platforms, and via a set of handy on-device buttons that sit up and out of the way of the main rocker paddle.

Dimming also enables some pretty neat features such as an adjustable fading option that keeps the lights on for a brief period while you head out the door. The Kasa Smart Dimmer can bolster your home's security too with Away Mode which simulates everyday household activities by turning lights on and off randomly to scare off would-be intruders.

Leviton Decora Smart Switch (2nd gen)

Leviton—one of the most trusted electrical brands around—is all aboard the Matter hype train with its second-generation Decora Smart Switch. Leviton's upgraded switch offers a seamless hub-free setup experience thanks to Matter, scheduling, timers, auto-off mode, and a integrated locator light.

While it doesn't support dimming, Leviton's switch works with a variety of 15 amp electrical loads including ceiling fans, exhaust systems, 3/4 HP motors, pumps, and of course, lighting. The Decora Smart Switch can also be wired in three-way configurations and can take advantage of the convenience of the company's Anywhere Switch Companion Remotes.

Eve Light Switch

The three-way compatible Eve Light Switch is designed for use with the Thread wireless protocol, which offers superior reliability and range when paired with any one of the many available Border Routers. That's because Thread is a self-healing mesh networking technology that expands and strengthens as you add additional devices.

Thread isn't the only thing that the Eve Light Switch has going for it, as it also sports a clean modern design headlined by a large capacitive touch surface and integrated status light. Since there are no moving parts on this switch, you will never have to think about where to press when you want to physically control your lights—just tap anywhere.

Inovelli White Series Smart Dimmer

If you are looking for a switch that offers unprecendent customization and control then the Inovelli White Series Smart Dimmer is the one for you. This innovative light switch can serve as both a single-pole toggle or dimmer and it features a custom action button that you can program to control other Matter accessories.

Alongside the action button is an expansive multi-color LED bar that not only reacts to on-device changes but it can be independently controlled so you can use it as a separate night light or as a status indicator for your smart home. If all that wasn't enough, Inovelli's switch also supports Thread connectivity, so you can set it up without the need for an account or connection to the cloud.

Light Up Your Home With a Matter-Compatible Light Switch

As you can see, there are Matter-compatible light switch options available for almost any need. For simple single pole on/off toggle controls, we suggest the Tapo S505 Smart Wi-Fi Light Switch as it offers all the essentials at a price that won't break the bank.

For larger smart homes with many devices, we recommend going with Thread-based switches—like the Eve Light Switch or the Inovelli White Series Smart Dimmer. Thread offers the same speed and reliability benefits as Wi-Fi alternatives without clogging up your precious home network.