The Best Matter-Compatible Temperature and Humidity Sensors

Keeping an eye on your home's climate is crucial for ensuring the comfortability of everyone in your household. While smart thermostats are a great place to start, they only monitor the room in which they are installed.

For expanded coverage, you may want to consider a Matter-compatible temperature and humidity sensor. However, there are many to choose from, so we are here to help with this guide.

What is a Matter-compatible Temperature and Humidity Sensor?

Unlike some smart thermostats with proprietary solutions, Matter-compatible temperature and humidity sensors put monitoring into your own hands. Simply place a Matter sensor into your desired room, and you will gain access to real-time updates via an on-device display, voice assistant, or app.

With up-to-date climate information, you can build automation or routines that include all sorts of devices - including thermostats, regardless of brand. For example, you can create an automation that automatically turns on a ceiling fan if the temperature rises above 75 degrees, or your home's heating if it drops below 68.

To differentiate themselves from competitors, some Matter sensors include extras that go above and beyond the basics. We have seen things such as motion sensing, air quality monitoring, and even infrared capabilities that make Matter sensors a much better value.

With Matter, you also won't be tied to a single ecosystem, phone, or vendor. So you can rest easy knowing that you will always be able to access the most important metrics even when you decide to switch things up.

What to Look For in Matter-Compatible Temperature and Humidity Sensors

Matter-compatible temperature and humidity sensors come in all shapes and sizes, with each having its own unique features. When shopping for a sensor, we suggest looking at three main factors: budget, features, and platform.

• Budget: Aside from the upfront price, you'll need to consider the overall cost of ownership when shopping for a sensor. Some sensors require an additional hub for operation, while others will need battery replacements.
• Features: On top of temperature and humidity, some Matter-compatible options offer extras like air quality monitoring and motion sensing. While these typically cost more, you may be able to save in the long run by removing the need for another device.
• Platform: While you won't need to worry about compatibility with the major smart home platforms, you may need to use a vendor's app to access additional features. This limitation also means that automation capabilities may be limited to devices from the same vendor.

The Top 5 Matter-compatible Temperature and Humidity Sensors

With quite a few temperature and humidity sensors to choose from, it can be difficult to narrow in on the perfect one. Here are our top five recommendations.

TUO Temperature Sensor

The TUO Temperature Sensor is the only option on the market that offers Matter-Over-Thread connectivity right out of the box. With Thread, this sensor does not have to rely on a specific hub, instead utilizing a Thread Border Router to connect to your smart home.

TUO's sensor runs on a single coin-cell CR2032 battery with an estimated life of over one year. The sensor can be wall-mounted with the included hardware, or sit on any flat surface with the removable magnetic stand.

Aside from temperature, the TUO Temperature Sensor also measures humidity and air pressure. Plus, through a future update to the Matter 1.2 standard, TUO will also be bringing air quality monitoring by enabling VOC measurements.

Aqara TVOC Air Quality Monitor

As you might have guessed, the Aqara TVOC Air Quality Monitor provides more than just temperature and humidity readings. By measuring VOCs (volatile organic compounds), Aqara's sensor will let you know when it is time to open a window or when to fire up an air purifier with just a glance.

The Aqara TVOC Air Quality Monitor is incredibly easy to place around the home thanks to its wireless design and built-in magnet. Wire-free connectivity comes in the form of Zigbee 3.0 here, but you will need an additional Aqara hub to get up and running.

The e-ink display comes with a downside, though - and that is battery life. Rated at just a year, the overall cost of ownership is high, especially since it requires two CR2450 batteries and the aforementioned hub for operation.

Aqara Temperature and Humidity Sensor

Alongside its TVOC sensor, Aqara also offers a smaller solution that forgoes the e-ink display and air quality monitoring. While it lacks the fancy extras, the Aqara Temperature and Humidity Sensor is one of the cheapest on the market at just under $20.

While the price of the sensor is low, you will need to factor in the cost of one of the company's Zigbee hubs, like the upcoming Aqara Hub M3 that was shown off at CES 2024. Batteries should also be considered, but thankfully, Aqara states that the required CR2032 battery should last around two years.

With Matter compatibility, you can view measurements from Aqara's sensor through Amazon's Alexa app, Apple Home, Samsung SmartThings, or Google Home. The Aqara Home app offers additional details such as a history log, and access to atmospheric pressure measurements.

SwitchBot Hub 2

Despite its high initial cost, the SwitchBot Hub 2 packs in some handy extras that make it a worthy investment. The first of which is a large, easy-to-read onboard display that puts your home's climate measurements front and center.

Another is a built-in IR blaster functionality that allows you to bring older devices, like window air conditioners or electric fireplaces, into Matter with ease. The SwitchBot Hub 2 also includes two touch-sensitive buttons on its display, which you can program to perform a variety of smart actions.

Perhaps the best feature of the SwitchBot Hub 2 is that it doesn't require any batteries. Instead, the hub uses a standard USB outlet and Wi-Fi so you will never have to worry about replacements.

Philips Hue Motion Sensor

Another all-in-one solution, the Philips Hue Motion Sensor, combines temperature and humidity monitoring with one of the fastest and most reliable motion sensors around. Motion sensors are a smart home staple with security and automation benefits, so you may only need one device to cover multiple needs.

The Philips Hue Motion Sensor features a flexible magnetic mounting system that only requires a single screw when placed on a wall. The sensor runs on two AAA batteries, which should be good for up to two years before needing to be replaced.

Of course, you will need a Philips Hue Smart Bridge to gain access to Matter and automation capabilities. That's because all Hue products use Zigbee for wireless connectivity, which, while rock-solid, is still another device to purchase and manage.

Monitor Your Home's Climate With a Matter-Compatible Temperature and Humidity Sensor

Matter-compatible temperature and humidity sensors make keeping an eye on your home's climate a breeze. Whether through an onboard screen or your favorite app on your phone, the best Matter sensors can help you balance temperatures so everyone is comfortable year-round.