Matter vs Z-Wave: What's the Difference?

Arguably the biggest problem with smart homes is the lack of compatibility between devices and hubs. Even where compatibility is used as a selling point, problems can occur down the line. Updates, reconfigurations, and the addition of other devices can "break" your smart home.

Two possible solutions are the Matter protocol and the Z-Wave mesh networking system. Both are intended to ensure smart home devices work as described, but they are slightly different - a direct comparison cannot be like-for-like.

What is a Smart Home Protocol?

A smart home protocol is a collection of standardized commands and signals that enable smart home devices to communicate. 
Various communication protocols are used within a typical smart home. Think Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, Ethernet for some hubs, and Zigbee. You’ve also got Thread, a low-powered mesh network that Matter supports, and Z-Wave.

As smart homes rely on wireless communication between devices, these protocols all attempt to ensure interoperability within the ecosystem. Unfortunately, as the evolution of the smart home has demonstrated, this hasn’t been easily achieved. So, where does Z-Wave come into this?

What is Z-Wave?

First introduced in 1999, Z-Wave is a low-energy mesh network protocol, intended for basic signaling between smart home devices. With a range of up to 800 meters, it can be used for smart lights, security systems, garage doors, thermostats, and more. It is particularly suitable for control and sensor applications.

Z-Wave was released with 128-bit AES encryption, and a single network wide key. Various vulnerabilities have arisen over the years, from smart locks being subverted to interference using a Z-Wave radio. 

The Z-Wave Alliance, established in 2005 and comprising 300 companies, ensures Z-Wave devices are compatible. While a large selection of devices can use Z-Wave, communication is slower than Zigbee. 

Various revisions have been issued, most recently Z-Wave Long Range, accompanied by a new chip. 

What is Matter?

Matter was established by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) as a free system for connecting smart home devices. Whereas Z-Wave is a protocol, Matter is a standard. Complete interoperability is the aim of Matter, which means that all devices should run from a single interface. Similarly, communication should be possible in both directions, where required.

The CSA was formed in 2002 (as the Zigbee Alliance) and comprises various large tech companies and smaller smart home and IoT (Internet of Things) manufacturers. Apple, Google, Amazon, Samsung SmartThings, and IKEA are all CSA members. 

Matter has been developed to sit “above” protocols like Z-Wave and Zigbee, and is currently limited to Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and Thread. As a newer technology standard, compatibility across the entire smart home market is currently limited, but expanding. With updates to Matter arriving twice a year, an increasing number of devices and features are supported. 

Matter also takes a more advanced approach to smart home security.

Matter vs Z-Wave: A Head-to-Head Comparison

So, Matter and Z-Wave are different, but how does that actually look? This table should help.

Matter offers wider support and superior security to Z-Wave. 

How Do You Choose Between Matter and Z-Wave?

As explained above (and in our guide to Matter vs. Zigbee), comparison isn’t like-for-like. Matter is an application layer, whereas Z-Wave, Zigbee, and other protocols are transport layers.

In layman’s terms, consider a car. The engine/motor type (ICE, hybrid, electric) are equivalent to the transport layer, while the dashboard and steering can be seen as the application layer. 

Consequently, Z-Wave, like Zigbee, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Thread, is a communication option that Matter can potentially use. However, continued development of Z-Wave indicates that it is considered "current" technology by the Z-Wave Alliance. This could slow integration and full compatibility with Matter.

At the time of writing, however, Z-Wave devices can only be used via a Matter bridge device. This is useful if you’re aiming to upgrade your smart home by introducing a Matter hub. Rather than spending money on new devices for every purpose, you can retain smart home equipment that works with Matter. 

Does Z-Wave Still Matter?

Smart home devices need interoperability so that they work as described and expected. Matter is the latest stage in the evolution of the smart home, and handles compatibility with various wireless and mesh network types. This includes Z-Wave, among others.

Z-Wave is still used, and revisions to the standard imply it will be around for a while yet. As Matter doesn’t support Z-Wave directly, a bridge is required to bring Z-Wave devices into a Matter network.