Which smart home platform is best on a Google Pixel?

Have a Google Pixel phone? Unless you're transitioning from an iPhone and have a Homekit-based smart home, all options are available to you. Let's consider them from the perspective of a Pixel owner. 

Google Home

Google Home comes preinstalled on every Pixel phone, making it the easiest option to try out first. Everything will integrate with Google services like Gemini and Google Assistant. Plus, the look of the app will be consistent with Android's design. You can also take advantage of Google's various Matter hubs. 

Google Nest Wifi Router

A powerful AC2200 mesh Wi-Fi router that delivers seamless, high-speed internet coverage up to 2,200 sq. ft., with the ability to expand for larger homes.

Buy at Amazon US for $40.00

Yet while Google Home does support Matter, it isn't necessity the best option. As far as Matter support goes, Google lags behind, meaning there are types of Matter products and features that Google's smart home platform doesn't yet support. It's worth considering other options before you commit. 

Samsung SmartThings

Samsung SmartThings ships on Galaxy phones, but it's also available to Pixel owners. As for Matter support, Samsung is one of the industry leaders, quickly adopting the latest versions of Matter shortly after they're released. This makes SmartThings the easiest recommendation for those setting up a Matter smart home for the first time, as you can see in our more in-depth SmartThings review. 

Are there any downsides? Well, you need to have a compatible Samsung TV, fridge, or something else that serves as a SmartThings hub for this to even be an option. SmartThings is also internet-dependent, even though the Matter standard is not. That alone is reason to consider our next option.  

Home Assistant

Most smart home platforms come from a corporation that wants to cement its place at the center of your home. Home Assistant is the largest exception. It's a free and open source project backed by a foundation that wants to provide you with a truly private way to manage your smart home. 

Home Assistant doesn't run in the cloud. Instead, you can install Home Assistant on a PC you may already have, or you can purchase an affordable box that has everything already good to go. Then you can control everything from your Pixel without sending any information to someone else's servers.

Home Assistant is the option to consider if you want the maximum capability to set up complex automations or the ability to access all of your smart home devices in one place, even if they're not Matter-compatible, due to various workarounds from the broader community.

Amazon Alexa

If you already have a bunch of Alexa speakers and are accustomed to talking to Alexa in general, you do have the option to install Amazon Alexa on your Pixel phone.

Like Google, Amazon's platform isn't the best option to consider from a Matter perspective. Even though you can add a Matter device to the Amazon Alexa app, Amazon doesn't support the full range of Matter devices and features. But if you're just trying to control lights and turn on ceiling fans, that's nothing Amazon's platform can't handle. 

TP-Link Deco

TP-Link produces a wide range of Matter-compatible products, with Tapo smart switches and smart outlets being some of the most affordable, reliable options in the market. We're pretty big fans of the Tapo S505 smart switch, which supports Matter over a Wi-Fi connection. There's also a dimmer version. 

TP-Link Tapo S505D Smart Wi-Fi Dimmer Switch

The TP-Link Tapo S505D is a smart Wi-Fi dimmer switch that allows for adjustable lighting control and integrates with Matter for enhanced device compatibility.

Buy at Amazon US for $14.61

More recently, TP-Link upgraded its Deco routers to serve as Matter hubs. If you happen to have Deco routers managing your home Wi-Fi, then you likely already have the Deco app installed on your Pixel. All you have to do is scroll down until you see the Matter badge within the app and start adding your devices, which will continue to be accessible through your router even if the internet connection goes down. 

Are there other options?

For sure. Matter has lowered the barrier for entry for new platforms, now that developers don't have to get other companies to buy into their specific options. Aqara, like TP-Link, creates a wide range of Matter devices and now also provides a hub. The IKEA Home Smart app works with the company's DIRIGERA hub to control your Matter devices. And if you prefer another Home Assistant-like option, there's Homey. In short, there are more Matter hubs available in the Play Store for your Google Pixel phone than there has ever been.