Lost the Matter pairing code? Try this before binning the device

Lost your Matter device pairing code? You might not actually need it — and if you do, there are still ways to recover it before your smart home gadget becomes e-waste. Here’s how to check the device, dig through the manufacturer’s app, and get a new code from support, plus tips to make sure you never lose one again.

The most modular outdoor lights ever? Govee’s Garden Lights (H7086) reviewed

Govee’s modular Outdoor Garden Lights (H7086) are sleek, sturdy, and Matter-compatible, low-lying garden lights, offering surprising creativity and quality for outdoor lighting—but short cables and a steep price hold them back from perfection. Maybe wait for a holiday discount.

Forget Hue—Govee’s new UpDown Wall Light is brighter, cheaper, smarter

Outdoor lighting is often either boring or overpriced—but Govee’s new UpDown Wall Light hits that sweet spot between style, features, and affordability. It’s bold, smart, and bright enough to make a statement without turning your garden into a nightclub (unless you want that).

What is the Matter smart home standard?

Matter is an open, IP-based standard designed to unify smart home devices across platforms, with local-first control and strong security baked in. It eliminates vendor lock-in by ensuring interoperability between certified accessories, regardless of brand or ecosystem.

Why are manufacturers using Matter over Wi-Fi, and not Thread?

Despite Thread being a technically superior protocol for Matter devices, most manufacturers and consumers still prefer Wi-Fi due to confusing setup requirements, extra certification costs, and the need for additional hardware like Thread Border Routers.

The Govee Uplighter Floor Lamp will confuse and delight you in equal measure

The Govee Uplighter Floor Lamp looks stunning and delivers a unique ripple lighting effect, but sacrifices control and colour accuracy. Matter support is present but clunky, limiting its usefulness as a truly smart lamp.

Philips Hue prices have gone up: here are the best alternatives with Prime Day deals!

Philips Hue once led the smart lighting game, especially with immersive Ambilight TV setups—but skyrocketing prices and vendor lock-in make it hard to recommend today. With Matter-compatible alternatives from Govee, Linkind, and Aqara offering similar features for a fraction of the price, it’s time to switch.

These are the best Matter-compatible smart lighting kits I've seen

I live for smart lighting—and after testing hundreds of bulbs, strips, and panel, these are the ones that truly shine.

The lava lamp makes a digital comeback: Govee Table Lamp 2 Pro x JBL Speaker reviewed

A bold fusion of RGB lighting and Bluetooth audio, the Govee Table Lamp 2 Pro with JBL speaker is a show-stopping centrepiece that syncs light to music.

SwitchBot K10+ Pro Combo review: Does doing more mean doing less?

A clever combo of robot and stick vac with Matter support, the K10+ Pro Combo excels at convenience — but not at deep cleaning.

The SwitchBot Hub 3 review: A universal remote with an identity crisis

The SwitchBot Hub 3 is a temperature and humidity sensor, motion detector, Bluetooth bridge, universal IR remote, virtual Matter buttons, and more… but is it too much?

Govee Outdoor Lamp Post review: Bringing the magic to your garden

The Govee Outdoor Lamp Post is a dramatic and feature-packed smart outdoor lighting fixture post that shines best after dark – but won’t win any awards for elegance or brightness.

Govee Skyline review: the ambient light fixture your walls have been waiting for

The Govee Skyline is a beautifully subtle, wall-mounted ambient light strip that fills hard-to-illuminate ceiling gaps with soft, customizable projection lighting.

What is the difference between Matter and eWeLink?

Matter and eWeLink both play key roles in the smart home ecosystem, but they tackle the problem from different angles. Matter is a universal standard for device compatibility, while eWeLink is a platform built to manage and control smart devices—especially Sonoff hardware, but also Matter devices.

Flic Twist review: the ultimate all-in-one remote, button, and dimmer

The Flic Twist is a compact yet powerful smart home controller that combines a clickable button, a rotating dial, and 12 selectable modes into a single device. With support for up to 24 trigger and 12 analog controls, it offers an impressive level of scene and device management.

Flic 2 Button review: Everything’s better with Matter (sort of)

Flic 2 brings physical control back to your smart home with customizable click actions and new Matter support—sort of. While still useful for niche scenarios, aging hardware, clunky app design, and limited integrations leave it feeling a little… stuck in 2015.

Linkind A19 Matter Smart Bulbs review: cheap, colorful, Matter over Wi-fi that actually works

It’s a smart bulb. It does the thing that smart bulbs should do. Unlike some pricier options, the Linkind Smart Bulb just works — with Matter, colors, and no hub drama.

SwitchBot Air Purifier Table review: genius dual function AND wireless phone charging

Why settle for a dumb table when your side table can also purify the air, charge your phone, and glow with mood lighting? The SwitchBot Air Purifier Table is a surprisingly clever multi-tasker that blends smart home features with everyday utility.

These smart outdoor lights made my house look insane: Govee Flood Lights 2 review

Brighter, smarter, and now with Matter support — the Govee Outdoor Flood Lights 2 bring bold, dynamic lighting to your garden.

Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro review: almost perfect

The Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro isn’t just a superb security camera with plenty of AI smarts—it’s a full-fledged Matter-compatible smart home hub squeezed into an outdoor-ready package.