What is the difference between Matter and eWeLink?

If you’re getting into smart home gear, you’ve probably seen both Matter and eWeLink thrown around like they’re part of the same system. But they’re not. One is a shiny new standard trying to get all your devices speaking the same language. The other is a cloud-based app that’s been quietly powering budget smart switches and plugs for years—mostly Sonoff stuff.

They’re both part of the same smart home conversation, but they show up to it in very different ways. Let’s break down how they actually work, where they overlap, and why one might fit your setup better than the other.

eWeLink: a smart home platform

eWeLink is a smart home platform and cloud service, best known as the default control system for Sonoff devices. Through the eWeLink app, users can control devices like thermostats, relays, switches, plugs, and lights. It supports basic automations, scheduling, and integrations with Google Assistant, Alexa, and IFTTT.

Devices connect primarily over Wi-Fi, with some support for Bluetooth and Zigbee depending on your whether you have a hub or not. All communication is routed through the eWeLink cloud.

eWeLink is best compared to Apple Home, Google Home, or Aqara Home—it’s a unified interface for controlling smart home devices, albeit one that leans more heavily on cloud services and is tied closely to the Sonoff brand.

Matter: a smart home standard

Matter, on the other hand, is not a smart home platform at all. You can't just download the Matter app (there isn't one). Instead, it’s a connectivity standard—an open set of rules developed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) and backed by Google, Apple, Amazon, Samsung, and others.

Matter defines how smart home devices communicate with each other, securely and locally, regardless of brand. It doesn’t replace Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Thread; it sits on top of them.

You can think of Matter as a universal language that lets your smart bulbs, thermostats, and locks talk to any major platform, without needing a separate cloud account or brand-specific app.

What’s the link between eWeLink and Matter?

eWeLink recently announced Matter support, meaning you can pair compatible Matter devices with the eWeLink app. But just like using Matter devices with Apple requires a HomePod or Apple TV as a hub, you’ll need an eWeLink-powered hub such as the Sonoff NSPanel Pro to use Matter with eWeLink.

The NSPanel Pro can act as the primary controller for new Matter devices, or you can use Matter’s Multi-Admin feature to import devices already paired to another ecosystem (like Google or Alexa).

There’s a catch, though: the NSPanel Pro doesn’t support Thread. That means it can’t act as a Thread Border Router, which is required for pairing low-power Matter-over-Thread devices like motion sensors or buttons. You’ll need to pair those with another Matter controller (one with an integrated Thread Border Router) first, then export them to eWeLink.

What about Sonoff?

Sonoff relay devices are well-known in the DIY community and work with eWeLink out of the box. Many users flash them with custom firmware (like Tasmota or ESPHome) to use with platforms like Home Assistant for more control and local operation.

That said, Sonoff has also released a few devices with native Matter support—but again, you’ll need to navigate the NSPanel Pro limitations if you want to use Thread-based devices.

Cloud vs. local control

Matter is designed to be local-first. Devices communicate directly over your home network, and automation still works when the internet goes down. Your data doesn’t have to travel to the cloud and back just to turn on a light. Of course, you'll need an internet connection if you want to remotely control or monitor devices when outside of your home, but basic features within your home do not.

eWeLink on the other hand is cloud-first. Most device communication goes via Coolkit’s servers, and automations or routines are stored on your cloud account. If your internet goes down—or their servers go offline—you may lose control. There are benefits to having a cloud-based system though, such as the eWeLink web app, which can provide a gorgeous dashboard to control and monitor your home through any web browser. 

Should you use eWeLink to control your Matter devices?

The eWeLink app has improved significantly in recent years, and Matter support is a big step forward in keeping it relevant against giants like Apple, Google, and Amazon. A web interface could even be the killer feature you've been looking for.

But unless you’re already deeply invested in the eWeLink ecosystem, I wouldn’t recommend using it as your primary Matter controller.

• The app still feels clunky.
• Many advanced features are paywalled behind a cloud subscription.
• It lacks full Matter support, especially for Thread devices.
• You’ll get better support and smoother integrations from Apple, Google, or Aqara.

If I were starting a smart home setup today, eWeLink wouldn’t make my shortlist—though it’s still a solid choice for managing Sonoff devices if you’re not ready to go all-in with Home Assistant.