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. Two possible solutions are the Matter protocol and the Z-Wave mesh networking system. But both are slightly different.

The Best Matter-Compatible Lamps To Light Up Your Life

No smart home is complete without proper lighting that you can control from the couch or from across the world. And while you may think to look for a smart bulb, plug, or switch when building the connected home of your dreams, you may benefit more from an all-in-one solution like a Matter-compatible lamp.

What Is Zigbee? Is Matter Better?

Smart homes cannot work if the smart devices cannot communicate. Having Wi-Fi or Bluetooth support isn’t enough – devices need a way to message each other, a shared language, or protocol. Two prominent protocols are Zigbee and Matter. Current smart home devices and hubs support both protocols, but eventually one of them will be dropped. So which one will it be?

See Who's There, From Anywhere: The Best Matter-Compatible Smart Home Video Doorbells

The plain humdrum doorbell has undergone a high-tech transformation. Smart video doorbells combine the familiar chime with a built-in camera, letting you see who's at your door – even when you're not home. Now Matter has jumped into the ding-dong industry.

Can IKEA Become a Serious Smart-Home Player? An Analysis of Their Matter-Compatible Products

Matter is becoming the most significant smart home standard. But take a trip to IKEA, and things are a little different. Not only does the Swedish retailer have a wide selection of smart lamps and LEDs, it also has a hub. Can the Matter-compatible Dirigera hub and the rest of the Tradfri line turn IKEA into a player in the smart home?

The Best Matter-Compatible Buttons and Remotes

Instead of wading through potential distractions on your phone, or shouting to a voice assistant the next time you need to toggle the lights, consider a Matter-compatible button or remote. With just a click, Matter-compatible buttons and remotes can turn on the lights, close the blinds, or fire up a movie night scene with ease.

What is Matter Casting and Which Devices Support It?

You’ve probably used Chromecast or AirPlay, or any of the other wireless video casting systems. They’re useful for sharing media on your mobile device to a TV, whether video or photos. Smart home protocol Matter has its own casting technology, Matter Casting.

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.

The Best Matter-Compatible Strip Lights

LED strip lights are truly a smart home staple - and for good reason. These flexible wonders of light can bring color and ambiance to pretty much anywhere. Whether you are looking for a strip light for underneath the cabinets, or you want to amp up your holiday displays, you've come to the right place.

Matter 1.3 is Coming Out Spring 2024. Here's What to Expect

Spring 2024 is the expected timeframe for the release of Matter 1.3. This revision to the standard is likely to build upon the previous version, adding further interoperability, support for new device categories, and security enhancements.

How to Add a Matter Device to the Google Home app

If you are going with Google for all your smart home needs, you'll spend the bulk of your time managing devices in the Google Home app either on Android or iOS. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about adding your device to Google's smart home platform.

How to Add a Matter Device to the Apple Home App

For iPhone users, Apple's Home app serves as a one-stop destination for controlling and managing your Matter devices. We'll show you how easy it is to add your Matter devices so you can be up and running with Siri voice and Apple Home app controls in minutes.

The Best Matter-Compatible Door and Window Sensors

If you want to enhance your home's security or add an extra touch of automation, consider installing a Matter-compatible door and window sensor. These versatile sensors offer much more than their name or appearance might suggest.

Does Matter Share my Wi-Fi Credentials With the Smart Home Device?

When you add a new Matter device to your smart home setup, it requires access to your network. But does Matter share the Wi-Fi credentials with the device? If so, is this secure?

The Best Matter-Compatible Motion Sensors

With the ability to detect motion, send timely notifications, and automate your home's lighting, motion sensors are essential to the modern smart home.

Will Matter Cause Wireless Network Congestion?

The answer is complicated, but there are ways to mitigate any potential issues.

How Do Matter Devices Receive Updates?

Matter-compatible devices occasionally receive updates, adding new functionality and features, and ensure the devices remain secure. New versions of Matter have so far been released periodically, but how do these updates reach your existing Matter compatible devices?

What is a Thread Border Router?

Bridge, controller, border router—what does it all mean!? In this explainer, we'll do a deep dive into the Thread Border Router (and why you might already have one).

The Best Matter-Compatible Smart Room Heaters: Taking Control of Your Comfort

With the convenience, control, and potential cost savings they offer, Matter-compatible smart room heaters are poised to become a popular choice for creating a personalized and efficient heating experience in your home.

The Best Matter-Compatible Smart Speakers: Ushering in a New Era of Smart Homes

Smart speakers are one, if not one of the main ones, to benefit from Matter integration. If you're looking to invest in a smart speaker that won't be obsolete tomorrow, Matter-compatible options are the way to go.