Comparison of Smart Home Protocols: Matter vs Zigbee vs Thread and More!

Smart home ecosystems are becoming increasingly popular as homeowners work to make their smart devices, such as smart lights, thermostats, and security cameras, more interconnected. The first step in creating your smart home ecosystem is to find a central controller that works for you and your needs. This also requires understanding what protocols and technologies each control hub supports. In this guide, we explain several smart home protocols compatible with the major smart controller suppliers.

Before we begin, it is important to define a few key terms:

• Protocol: A smart home protocol is the language a device uses to communicate with other devices or the main controller.
• Interoperability: Interoperability is the ability of devices made by different manufacturers and operating on different systems to work together.
• Internet of Things (IoT): The Internet of Things is the connection of physical devices over a wireless network.
• Node: A node is a device in a mesh network that is capable of receiving and transmitting message to other nodes.
• Network topology: Network topology refers to the arrangement or layout of nodes and connections in a communication network, both physically and logically. IP-based protocols connect on a point-to-point network topology, which is a single-point connection between two nodes. A central hub connects devices in a star topology. In a mesh topology, each node is connected to at least one other node in the network.

Bluetooth LE is a common communication method between devices and is ideal for low-power, battery-powered devices that can survive on a small battery for a long period of time. This network uses a point-to-point network topology, with the most common use case for Bluetooth being between smartphones/tablets and the connected smart device. Operating on the 2.4 GHz spectrum, Bluetooth LE uses less bandwidth than traditional Bluetooth. One drawback, however, is that Bluetooth LE networks are typically short-range.

A Bluetooth mesh network is a type of wireless communication system that allows devices to communicate with each other using Bluetooth technology in a decentralized manner. Unlike traditional Bluetooth, which typically involves direct communication between two devices, Bluetooth mesh enables multiple devices, also known as nodes, to form a network where data can be relayed from one device to another. The mesh network allows messages to pass between nodes, creating a robust and scalable system. 

Compared to other mesh networks, Bluetooth mesh networks can support more devices to create large-scale network connections. With Bluetooth technology being native to all modern phones and tablets, it can often be more straightforward to create a functional smart ecosystem.

A Thread network is a low-power mesh network protocol that allows IP-based devices to communicate with each other. In a Thread mesh network, nodes pass messages to and from other connected nodes. If the intended node is out of range, the message is passed along to the closest connected devices until it reaches the intended node. This is also referred to as a "self-healing" network because it eliminates any single point of failure. To extend the Thread network, a Thread border router is needed along with the use of Mesh extenders, which are powered Thread devices. Thread battery-powered devices are able to be controlled through the use of Mesh extenders.

While similar to Bluetooth mesh, the main difference between the two lies in their communication methods. Thread devices communicate using the Internet Protocol, more specifically IPv6, enabling end-to-end routing. It works over a 2.4 GHz frequency, similar to Bluetooth LE and ZigBee protocols. Since its inclusion in the Matter smart home protocol (see below), Thread has become increasingly popular and widely used.

Created by the Connectivity Standards Alliance, Matter is a smart home protocol standard that has been adopted by a growing number of smart product manufacturers. Matter uses an open-source software development kit that allows device manufacturers to easily certify their products to the Matter protocol. This significantly improves on previous certification methods, where manufacturers would have to certify their product to the multiple smart home ecosystems they wanted to support. Matter supports Thread devices in its protocol. 

There are a variety of benefits to the Matter smart home protocol, including increased interoperability, simplified setup, future-proofing, end-to-end encryption, and an easier shopping experience. Even if you buy products from different smart home systems, as long as they are Matter-certified they will seamlessly work together. To get started, all you need is a Matter-certified controller and Matter-certified appliances. For more information on Matter, click here.

Zigbee is a widely adopted wireless communication protocol specifically designed for low-power, battery-powered applications. The Connectivity Standards Alliance (formerly the Zigbee Alliance) created it as a “complete IoT solution” to establish an open standard for wireless networking in smart homes and IoT ecosystems. Zigbee operates using a MESH network topology and works on a 2.4 GHz frequency band. 

This protocol was specifically designed to conserve battery power, making it ideal for devices like smart locks, lights, sensors, strip light controllers, and other IoT products. Unlike Wi-Fi, which supports high data rates and consumes more power, Zigbee supports much lower data rates, making it more suitable for applications minimizing energy consumption. Another advantage is its interoperability. Since Zigbee is an open standard, products from different manufacturers can work together.

Backed by the Z-Wave Alliance, Z-Wave operates on the ISM band in the 900MHz range and utilizes a mesh network to interconnect nodes. However, this means that Z-Wave provides a limited bandwidth when compared to other communication technologies.

Wi-Fi is one of the most widely used wireless communication technologies, integrating into a variety of smartphone apps and smart devices. It typically uses a high bandwidth of up to 5 GHz and has a high power consumption, making it ideal for large environments. Nearly all residential and commercial properties have a W-Fi router, so deployment is easy.

Most smart home ecosystems require a central hub. To create a functional system, you should consider the types of products the smart home controllers support and which protocols they utilize.

Amazon Alexa and Echo devices enable voice and app control over smart home devices. Amazon Alexa's ecosystem is vast, with third-party support for various kits and products. The Alexa app allows users to automate tasks based on voice commands or schedules. Alexa can also control groups of devices simultaneously, perfect for smart lighting scenes or smart home security systems. Certain Amazon Echo speakers double as Zigbee hubs to support Zigbee versions 1.2 and 3.0.

Supported Protocols:

• Matter
• Zigbee
• Bluetooth LE Mesh
• Thread
• Wi-Fi

Apple Home integrates with other Apple-certified devices. It is controlled via the Home app through iPhones, iPads, or Apple Watches to provide centralized control over lighting, security cameras, thermostats, and more. In addition to Siri voice commands, Apple Home’s automation system allows users to create custom routines based on time, location, or sensor input. HomePod Mini and Apple TV 4K function as Thread border routers, and iOS 15.1 Apple devices support the Matter protocol.

Supported Protocols:

• Matter
• Thread
• Bluetooth LE
• Wi-Fi

Google Home offers voice, app, and display-based control of its smart home system and also allows integration with compatible devices and other Nest products, including speakers, security cameras, and doorbells. Users can set routines that control multiple devices simultaneously, making daily tasks more efficient. 

Supported Protocols:

• Matter
• Thread
• Bluetooth
• Wi-Fi

Meross produces a variety of smart home devices, including plugs, switches, garage door openers, and more. To seamlessly link their products with voice assistants, they offer devices compatible with popular smart home ecosystems like Amazon Alexa, Apple Home, Google Assistant, and SmartThings. Meross devices are primarily Wi-Fi-based, making them easy to set up without needing a dedicated hub.

Supported Protocols:

• Wi-Fi
• Matter

MiBoxer, previously known as MiLight, offers two main control systems: a smartphone with a Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi gateway connection or a remote control ecosystem. This smart home ecosystem provides a variety of capabilities, including scheduled timers, grouping, zone control, and third-party voice control using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. The MiBoxer gateway communicates using 2.4 GHz radio frequency to work with a range of landscape products, smart bulbs, downlights, and strip lights. Additionally, Miboxer’s Zigbee-enabled products allow integration with platforms like Amazon Alexa and Samsung SmartThings.

Supported Protocols:

• Wi-Fi
• Zigbee

The Philips Hue Bridge is primarily designed for controlling the Philips Hue line of lighting, offering easy control of bulbs, light strips, and outdoor lights through a star network topology. Through the Philips Hue app, users can set lighting scenes, schedule automations, and sync lights to music or movies. It is primarily Zigbee-based, allowing control of Hue and other Zigbee-compatible lights. Philips Hue Bridge also integrates with other smart home systems, including Amazon Alexa, Apple Home, and Samsung SmartThings. 

Supported Protocols:

• Zigbee
• Matter

Samsung’s SmartThings app offers versatile smart home control and is compatible with a broad range of third-party devices, including Philips Hue and Amazon Alexa devices. A central hub is not required for a SmartThings smart system. 

Supported Protocols:

• Matter
• Thread
• Zigbee
• Z-Wave