The Best Matter-Compatible Smart Speakers

As much as we love controlling our IoT devices from our phones, nothing beats the hands-free convenience of a smart speaker. With just a shout, smart speakers can bring a home to life by turning on the lights, firing up the TV, or queuing up your favorite music playlist.

Smart speakers also play an important role when it comes to Matter—the ability to act as a hub for all of your accessories. Picking the right speaker is crucial, so in this guide, we will explore all of their benefits and provide you with a few recommendations to help you choose the best for your smart home.

Matter-Compatible Speakers: Before We Begin

Before diving into our top picks we first need to discuss the term "Matter-compatible" as it can be a little misleading. Currently, smart speakers that work with Matter merely function as Matter Controllers—or hubs—for their respective ecosystems, enabling the hands-free controls and automation functions that we just mentioned.

However, Matter-compatible speakers are NOT universal speakers that will just work with any platform. This means that an Apple HomePod—while classified as a Matter Controller—cannot be added and used as a speaker with other platforms like Alexa or Google Home.

Whether this changes in the future is still unknown, but what we do know is that the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA)—the consortium that oversees Matter—is working on a smart speaker device category. We also know that the new category is separate from Matter Casting, which is seen more as a replacement for other streaming technologies like Apple's AirPlay so it may be a while before it makes it to the Matter spec.

Matter-Compatible Speakers: Controllers and Capabilities

The good news is that the above limitations only apply to the speaker side of things, and it doesn't affect a Matter-compatible smart speaker's ability to act as a Matter Controller. As previously mentioned, Matter-compatible speakers can control Matter smart home devices—as long as they both are paired to the same ecosystem.

Plus, with Matter's Multi-Admin capabilities, you can still share devices across ecosystems. For example, an Amazon Echo can control a device originally paired and connected to an Apple HomePod—it just needs to be added to Alexa first.

Additionally, some—but not all—Matter-compatible smart speakers work as Border Routers for devices that rely on Thread. Thread is the latest in the line of wireless connectivity protocols for smart home devices that offers performance comparable to Wi-Fi while consuming significantly less power.

With all that out of the way, its time to move on to our picks for the best Matter-compatible speakers.

The Best Matter-Compatible Smart Speakers: Our Picks

Amazon Echo Show 5

The Amazon Echo Show 5 combines the functionality of a smart speaker with a vibrant 5.5-inch touchscreen display. The built-in screen allows for video calls, recipe display, video streaming, and, of course, controlling your Matter smart home devices through a visual interface alongside voice commands.

While the Echo Show 5 acts as a Matter Controller, it isn't a Border Router so it doesn't support Thread-based devices. However, with hundreds of Matter-over-Wi-Fi accessories available, there are plenty of alternatives on the market that will serve any smart home well.

Apple HomePod (2nd Generation)

Apple's 2nd Generation HomePod is a sleek and compact speaker that delivers shockingly rich sound and deep bass for its size. It integrates seamlessly with Siri and the Apple Home ecosystem offering a privacy-focused approach to Matter smart home control.

In addition to serving as a Matter Controller, the HomePod also features Thread Border Router capabilities making it an excellent starting place for Apple fans wanting to build a smart home. Other highlights include Stereo Pairing with a second HomePod, a touch surface on top for quick adjustments, and audio Handoff which transfers music from nearby iPhones instantly.

Google Nest Mini (2nd Generation)

The Google Nest Mini smart speaker delivers a surprisingly balanced sound, making it ideal for music lovers and smart home enthusiasts on a budget. It boasts a stylish fabric design that blends well with any home decor thanks to four available color options, and its compact footprint allows for placement in bedrooms, kitchens, living rooms, and more.

As you might expect, the Nest Mini integrates seamlessly with Google Assistant and Google Home, allowing for voice control, playing music, controlling smart devices, and setting reminders and timers hands-free. The only things it's missing are an on-device display and a Thread radio, but its low price more than makes up for it as you can spread multiple units around for full home coverage.

Matter-Compatible Smart Speakers: Convenience and Control

Although they are best known for their media capabilities, Matter-compatible smart speakers are vital for building a robust, future-proof smart home. Not only do these tiny wonders deliver tunes and weather reports on demand, but they also allow for the seamless pairing of Matter smart home devices and they act as a central command station for automation.

For audiophiles entrenched in the Apple ecosystem, the second-generation HomePod with its room-filling sound and Thread capabilities makes it a must-have. If you prefer Alexa, the Echo Show 5's on-device display is incredibly handy for keeping an eye on timers, or for those on team Google, the Nest Mini's affordable price is an absolute no-brainer.