When making homes smarter, most people stop at smart plugs and lights. That has long been the case, since before the arrival of Matter, and it’s time to stop.
Various newer device classes are supported in the latest Matter specifications, like robot vacuums, home appliances, and energy monitors. In addition, a selection of other device types have possibly been overlooked. So, if you’re wondering “What else can I automate with Matter?” these less obvious smart device types might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Window coverings
Opening and closing curtains and blinds can be tedious, especially on those days when the sun shines… then doesn’t… then does again. Having an automated solution that opens and closes remotely is a big advantage. With Matter, integrations enable window coverings to open and close depending on sun brightness and interior temperature (a feature that typically requires Matter-over-Thread).
This means when direct sunlight makes the room to warm, your Matter-compatible blinds or curtains can be automatically closed to compensate. If you’re looking for easy wins in your Matter smart home – perhaps to get more buy-in from your partner – Window coverings are the next step up from smart plugs and bulbs.
Matter support has been available for window coverings from the beginning, while Matter 1.5 adds superior support for multi-directional tracks and other advanced designs, as well as safety features.
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Read more about our ethics policyZemismart Matter-Certified Roller Shade Motor ZM25M
Control your window shades effortlessly with the Zemismart Thread Roller Motor, a Matter-certified device that enables smart operation through Wi-Fi connectivity.
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Read more about our ethics policySmartWings Window Covering
The SmartWings Window Covering is a Matter-certified smart shade.
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Read more about our ethics policySmartWings Trapezoid Window Shades
Motorized trapezoid cellular shade with 1 3/4 inch single-cell fabric, integrated rechargeable battery with optional solar, and a Matter over Thread motor option that works with Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, and SmartThings.
If you already own window coverings that you’re happy with, some Matter-compatible windows covering controllers are available, which retrofit your existing setup.
Air purifiers
Air quality is important, indoors and out. Allergens and other unwanted airborne matter can be handled with air purifiers, and these can be controlled via Matter. Various manufacturers have released air purifiers, with IKEA selling one of the most prominent in this class of device, the STARKVIND, which is available both as a standalone air purifier and a table. However, this is not a Matter device – instead, you need to connect it to an IKEA DIRIGERA hub, which is Matter-compatible, in order to expose the STARKVIND to Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, or Samsung SmartThings.
The STARKVIND is a good example of a device that is recognisable and available to buy, but has no native Matter support. However, if you want something you can control with Matter, Switchbot, AiDot, and Bosch are just some of the manufacturers releasing products in this class.
AiDot WELOV P100 Pro Smart Air Purifiers
AiDot WELOV P100 Pro Smart Air Purifiers with low Noise
GoveeLife Smart Mini Air Purifier
Matter air purifier control with all-around intake, quiet night mode, filter maintenance tracking, and an aromatherapy tray; Apple Home currently shows air quality as unknown.
Bosch Air 4000i
Bosch Air 4000i
Various integrations are possible with air purifiers and related devices. Matter-enabled temperature sensors and air quality sensors are also available, offering you a host of ways to trigger scenes (advanced integrations) to clean up the air in your home.
Door locks
Whether you want keyless entry, keycode entry, a physical key, fingerprints, or a combination, smart door locks are supported by Matter. Over the past few months, and increasing number of smart locks have been released that are Matter compatible, bringing your home’s security into the world of smart home integrations.
However, not all of these entry options are Matter compatible. For example, while pin code management has been available since Matter 1.4, fingerprint management requires the smart lock’s native app.
Your exit from the home could initiate cooler temperature within the property, or you could conceive “welcome home” routines. More in-depth possibilities include setting automated locking at a specified time, providing all occupants are present. Aqara, Dreame, and lock specialists Yale all produce Matter-compatible smart locks.
Aqara Smart Lock U400
Matter-certified Thread smart lock with UWB hands-free intent-based unlocking, Apple Home Key support, multiple access methods, auto lock via gyroscope, weather resistance, and a rechargeable battery.
Yale Smart Lock with Matter
Smart lock utilizing Matter-over-Thread technology for energy-efficient operation and integration with Google Home devices.
Dreame NAVO Smart Lock A10
Dreame NAVO Smart Lock A10 with BHMA Grade 2 security, long battery life, real-time alerts, access logs, and Matter over Thread support for fast, low-power control.
Current smart locks are incorporating not just Matter, but the Aliro security standard. However, you should choose your smart lock carefully, as while Matter might be supported, Aliro may be absent.
Robot cleaners
I am a huge fan of robot cleaners, and I’m thrilled to see their support improving with subsequent Matter releases. Since Matter 1.4, robot cleaners have been capable of running specific cleaning programs (e.g. rooms or zones) via Matter, which is a huge improvement over the initial on/off.
Robot cleaners are one of the great automation successes of the smart home era. When they’re not self-cleaning and recharging, these devices can be integrated with your smart home via Matter, offering possibilities like midnight cleaning, avoiding occupied rooms, and more. Many manufacturers produce robovacs, including SwitchBot, Roborock, and DJI.
Roborock Saros Z70 Robot Vacuum
The Roborock Saros Z70 is a high-end robot vacuum featuring a five-axis mechanical arm, powerful suction, AI-powered navigation, and smart home integration for a truly autonomous cleaning experience.
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Read more about our ethics policySwitchBot Robot Vacuum K11+
A compact, 6000Pa robot vacuum and mop with 90-day auto-emptying, laser navigation, and Matter smart home integration for efficient, low-maintenance cleaning.
If you’re interested in adding this item to your smart home, check our list of the best Matter robot cleaners.
Thermostats
If a robot cleaner seems unnecessary, and you're looking for something more practical that could potentially save you some money over the long-term, it’s time to look at smart thermostats.
In many cases, these devices are the third element of the smart home triumvirate that most people stick to: bulbs, plugs, and thermostats.
Wall mounted thermostats to control your boiler, paired with radiator controllers offers a more complete solution than a single thermostat. However, one radiator mounted thermostat can pay for itself within a few months of used efficiently. Aqara, Google, and Honeywell Home produce some of the biggest selling Matter thermostats.
Google Nest Thermostat
The Google Nest Thermostat, compatible with Matter, offers energy-saving temperature control and can be adjusted remotely via the Google Home app.
Aqara Thermostat Hub W200
Aqara Thermostat Hub W200 combines smart climate control, presence detection, and Matter hub capabilities in one compact device.
Add Matter integration, and you have a smart home that can respond to climate scenarios based on presence and temperature.
Note that the UK and Europe use a different wireless thermostat control protocol to the US. As such, take care when buying.
Take Matter to the next level
Smart plugs and bulbs are a great way to kick off smart automations at home, and Matter supports these devices pretty well. You’ve got basic switching, integrations with other devices, scheduling, and even energy monitoring. Basic smart home devices are covered, which means it’s time to start exploring more advanced solutions.
For example, with some of these devices you could configure quit an advanced automation scene. Picture it: the last person leaves the house, the smart lock activates, the lights switch off, and the robot cleaner emerges to vacuum and mop in your absence.
Smart locks and robot cleaners are some of our favorites, but you have a wealth of Matter device types to explore. Concerned they don’t support a key feature in Matter? Don’t let this put you off, as you will have access to that feature in the native app, and it will probably appear in Matter as the platform continues to evolve.
(Image credit: Anete Lusina/Pexels)
