Thread, the low-power, low latency, wireless smart home networking protocol, plays a critical role in the IoT world and within Matter. With Thread, smart home devices communicate with one another, forming an ultra-reliable mesh network that doesn't require a proprietary hub from a device manufacturer.
However, although Thread doesn't need a "hub" in the traditional sense, you will still need another piece of hardware—a Thread Border Router—to take advantage of its benefits. So, if you are just starting a smart home or making the move to Matter, you'll need to know which devices act as Thread Border Routers.
Here's our complete list of all the Thread Border Routers on the market today.
Before we begin
For the purpose of this guide, we are going to assume that you are familiar with Thread Border Routers and how they connect smart devices to Matter and the various ecosystems. If you aren't, then we suggest taking a look at the following explainers: What is Thread and What is a Thread Border Router?
With that being said, the most important thing to keep in mind with Thread is that it is still early days for the nascent technology. While Thread Border Routers can operate across the various smart home ecosystems, early adopters have run into some frustrating compatibility issues.
We have seen reports of users experiencing problems stemming from having multiple competing Thread networks in their homes, device pairing failures, and general network instability. So with that in mind, we strongly suggest choosing a Thread Border Router that also acts as a Matter Controller for your desired smart home platform.
An all-in-one device like a HomePod mini smart speaker for Apple Home users provides a solid foundation for Matter in your home, and gives you the ability to expand with Thread in the future. And you won't need to worry about lock-in either, as you won't need any additional hardware to share your Thread devices to other platforms.
To help avoid any confusion, we've broken down all the available Thread Border Router/Matter Controller options by platform at the top of our list. Of course, there are Border Routers without Matter Controller support too, which we saved for the end.
Amazon Alexa Matter Controllers with Thread Border Router support
Amazon currently offers the most Matter Controllers with Thread Border Router support out of all the major smart home platforms. Available options include the latest Echo smart speaker and displays, as well as some mesh Wi-Fi routers from the company's eero line.
- Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen)
- Echo Hub
- Echo Studio
- Echo Plus (2nd Gen)
- Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen)
- Echo Show 15 (2nd Gen)
- Echo Show 21
- Eero Beacon
- Eero Pro
- Eero 6
- Eero 6+
- Eero Pro 6
- Eero Pro 6E
- Eero PoE 6
- Eero PoE Gateway
- Eero 7
- Eero Pro 7
- Eero PoE 7
- Eero Max 7
- Eero Outdoor 7
With so many compatible products on the market, you may already have an Amazon Matter Controller/Thread Border Router in your home. If you do, you'll just need to update it to the latest software version, and you’ll be ready to add a Matter-over-Thread device to the Alexa app.
Apple Home Matter Controllers with Thread Border Router support
Apple Home Matter Controllers/Thread Border Router combos are all centered around home entertainment. These include the most recent HomePod and HomePod mini smart speakers and certain Apple TV 4K set-top boxes.
Despite having two third-generation Apple TV 4K models that support Matter, only one supports Thread Border Router functionality. So if you are going the Apple TV route, make sure you get the slightly more expensive Ethernet+Wi-Fi version.
Google Home Matter Controllers with Thread Border Router support
Google provides Thread Border Router support in Matter Controllers like Nest Hub smart displays and Wi-Fi routers. Unfortunately, older Nest speakers miss out, although they can act as Matter Controllers minus Thread in the Google Home app.
The Nest WiFi Pro is an excellent choice for a Thread Border Router as its multiple access points provide a wide coverage area for both your internet and your smart home network.
SmartThings Matter Controllers with Thread Border Router support
Matter Controller/Thread Border Router combinations for the SmartThings platform are available directly from Samsung and through a joint hardware partnership with Aeotec. Several variants of the Aeotec Smart Home Hub 2 feature Thread including v3 and v4 models.
While it may look like your standard hub, the Samsung SmartThings Station offers unique features like Qi phone charging and customizable smart buttons.
Other Thread Border Routers
In addition to the four major platform holders, smart device vendors like Nanoleaf and Aqara can also include Thread Border Router capabilities in their products. However, they may not support Matter Controller functionality and they may experience compatibility issues with devices from other vendors. If you have the know-how, you can also build a DIY OpenThread 1.4 Border Router using a development board.
Aqara Hub M3
The Aqara Hub M3 is a Matter-compatible gateway that connects and manages up to 128 smart devices, facilitating local device automation without relying on Wi-Fi.
Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro
The Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro is an outdoor-ready surveillance camera with advanced AI features, True Color Night Vision, and wide platform compatibility, ensuring secure and intelligent monitoring for your property.
Aqara Hub M100
The Aqara Hub M100 is a compact, entry-level Matter Controller with Wi-Fi, Thread, Zigbee, and USB-A power, serving as a Thread Border Router and Matter bridge for Aqara and third-party devices.
Doorbell Camera Hub G410
The Aqara Doorbell Camera Hub G410 is a 2K-resolution smart doorbell that doubles as a Matter-ready smart home hub, offering enhanced person detection with mmWave technology and broad ecosystem compatibility.
Aqara Camera G350
Aqara Camera Hub G350 blends high-resolution security monitoring, local AI detection, and Matter hub capabilities in one device.
Home Assistant Connect ZBT-1
A compact USB hub that strengthens Zigbee connections and preps your smart home for future Matter and Thread support.
Home Assistant Green
A compact, fanless Home Assistant hub with quad-core processing, 4 GB RAM, 32 GB storage, local data control and Thread USB expandability.
Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2
A USB adapter that unifies Zigbee, Thread, and Matter device connectivity directly within Home Assistant, emphasizing strong performance, broad compatibility, and a fully local smart-home experience
Homey Pro (Early 2023)
Homey Pro is a local-first smart home hub that unifies thousands of devices and technologies into one intelligent, privacy-focused automation system.
Homey Pro Mini
Smart home hub with Matter, Thread, Zigbee, and Ethernet built in, expandable via Homey Bridge, featuring Homey Flow automation, energy monitoring, alerts, voice integrations, and local or cloud backups with no subscription.
Homey Pro (2026)
Homey Pro (2026) is a local-first smart home hub that unifies seven wireless technologies into a single, powerful controller for advanced home automation.
ESP Thread Border Router Development Board
A versatile Thread Border Router and Zigbee Gateway development board with Matter support, expandable features, and robust networking capabilities.
GL-S20
A compact, PoE-enabled Thread Border Router for stable and efficient IoT network deployment.
GL-S200
A dual-protocol IoT gateway that bridges Thread and BLE networks to MQTT systems for efficient, low-power device management.
DIRIGERA
A Matter-compatible smart hub that connects and automates IKEA smart devices, enabling flexible control through the IKEA Home smart app, voice assistants, and remote triggers.
SmartWiz＋ Mirror
A sleek, wall-mounted smart mirror with a touchscreen and gesture controls, offering Matter-enabled connectivity for seamless smart home integration.
SMARTWIZ+ art
A sleek digital photo frame that also acts as a smart home visual notifier and Matter-compatible border router.
- Nanoleaf Lines
- Nanoleaf Shapes
- Nanoleaf Elements
- Tado Bridge X
- Tado Heat Pump Optimizer
- Tado Wireless Receiver X
- Tado Wireless Receiver X - Programmer With Hot Water Control And OpenTherm
- AQUILA PRO AI MS30
- Arcadyn TMO-G5AR
- CAME 842EC-0040
- nami mesh sensor
- Harman Kardon Virtuo
- Home Assistant Yellow
- LG ThinQ ON Smart Speaker HMAK4W
- LG SIGNATURE Smart InstaView Over-The-Range Microwave Oven MKEU2139T
- Delta DA-Q60T-222 TV
- SIEMENS OCT110.BR
- Sercom SAX2V1R
- Samsung Smart Monitors M80D, M80F, M90F, G95SD
- Samsung Smart Signage QPD-5K
- Samsung Soundbar HW-Q990D, HW-Q990F
- Samsung OLED Smart TVs, QLED Smart TVs, Neo QLED Smart TVs, Neo QLED 8K Smart TVs, Lifestyle Smart TVs ... Models Q90C, Q60D, Q60F, Q70D, Q70F, Q80D, QN80D, QN80F, QN800D, QN800F, QN85D, QN85F, QN87D, QN87F, QN90D, QN90F, QN900D, QN900F, QN95D, QN95F, S85D, S85F, S90D, S90F, S95D, S95F, LS01F, LS03D, LS03F
Some vendor Border Routers/Matter Controllers will unlock additional features for Thread devices. For example, Aqara’s P2 Door and Window Sensor gains the ability to trigger the built-in alarm when connected to the company’s Hub M3.
Start your Matter journey off right with a Thread Border Router
With new Matter-over-Thread devices hitting the store shelves every month, you'll need a Border Router to take advantage of all that the latest technologies have to offer. For the smoothest experience, we suggest picking a Thread Border Router that doubles as a Matter Controller for your favorite smart home platform.
For Apple Home users, we recommend the third-generation Apple TV 4K Wi-Fi+Ethernet with its hardwired capabilities and processing power. For fans of Google Home, it's hard to beat the Nest WiFi Pro's all-in-one package that will boost internet speeds and increase Thread range.
If SmartThings is your go-to platform, the Samsung SmartThings Station's Qi charging and programmable buttons make it a solid choice. And if you are all-in with Alexa, the Echo Hub's wall-mountable design makes it the ultimate smart home controller.
