The best Matter devices we saw in 2025

2025 saw Matter move from aspirational to functional. After testing 40 devices, we've found the top 10 standouts that delivered on tech, value, and performance.

Best Matter smart home items 2025

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Was 2025 the year Matter truly came into its own? It’s difficult to call definitively, but it certainly felt as if things moved from aspirational to… well, functional.

Smart home users were inundated with new gear, but not all of them delivered on performance and value. Some were innovative, others relied heavily on what had come before, and others barely pushed Matter, preferring to rely on specifications other manufacturers had moved on from.

We reviewed around 40 Matter devices in 2025, from hubs and buttons to robot cleaners and, inevitably, LED strips. We’ve scoured the best reviews on Matter Alpha to highlight the ten devices that we think really delivered this year.

The top 10 Matter-enabled devices we reviewed in 2025

1. Aqara FP300 (4-in-1 Sensor)

This battery-powered sensor bundles four critical smart home functions into one compact, versatile package.

Supporting Thread and Zigbee, this sensor delivers battery-powered mmWave presence detection with long battery life. Our Aqara FP300 review felt: "The FP300 is a great upgrade if you are a Matter home builder coming from the previous Aqara Motion and Light Sensor P2," and exceeded expectations for a presence sensor, noting "The addition of temperature and humidity sensors is a major plus on top of the long battery life and solid build. I would say it is a good value sensor."

Key Takeaway: "The new star of Matter sensors."

2. Haojai Switch from DK-AI

A fully Matter-native wall switch that integrates extensive controls and sensing capabilities behind a single plate. When we reviewed the Haijai Matter-over-Thread smart switch, we found a "clean design, three independent relays, six multi-action buttons, and a responsive motion sensor. They extend your Thread mesh, pair instantly, and just work... the Haojai Switch from DK-AI is as close to perfect as a smart switch can get."

There is one thing to keep in mind, however: "The only real limitations are outside their control: you need neutral wiring, and there’s no safe workaround for that."

Key Takeaway: "The most complete and reliable smart light switch I’ve tested."

3. Govee UpDown Wall Light

Finally, an outdoor fixture that strikes the perfect balance between high-end style, advanced features, and an affordable price point. When reviewing the Govee UpDown Wall Light, James Bruce observed that "Outdoor lighting is expensive even without smart features, and with a little customization, you’ve got a classy fixture that delivers enough light for small gatherings all year round—but don’t expect it to flood your whole yard."

The Govee UpDown Wall Light is far better value than the Philips Hue Dymera, which does not include Matter support.

Key Takeaway: "Brighter, cheaper, smarter."

4. SwitchBot Candle Warmer Lamp

For those who want safety without sacrificing atmosphere, this Matter-enabled device adds easy smart control to a classic home comfort. It has simple onboarding, and is flame-free, while delivering scented candle aromas.  

It wasn't just me who was impressed by this piece of kit. I noted in the SwitchBot Candle Warmer Lamp review how it had surprised my wife: "The SwitchBot Candle Warmer Lamp is the first device we’ve had that impressed her straight out of the box (far more than our robot cleaner did)." This is a great gift if you want to get a reluctant partner to support your smart home aspirations.

Key Takeaway: A great way to introduce smart home comforts.

5. Govee TV Backlight 3 Pro

This is the latest iteration of Govee's ambient lighting technology, offering improved accuracy and incredible brightness for immersive viewing. We found it Govee’s "brightest, most accurate, and most advanced TV bias lighting kit yet. There’s no doubt that this triple-lens camera is the most accurate and reliable camera-based TV backlight system so far. If you’ve been frustrated with the previous or Lite models because they never quite saw your whole screen or the colors weren’t nuanced enough, then yes—this is a fantastic upgrade."

Key Takeaway: The Govee TV Backlight 3 Pro is the best camera-based TV backlight yet

6. Govee Table Lamp 2 Pro x JBL Speaker

An unusual collaboration that turns a table lamp into a speaker, complete with high-quality sound and dynamic, customizable lighting effects, we found the lamp more impressive than the speaker. Our review of the Govee Table Lamp 2 Pro x JBL Speaker determined that "The best use case for this is probably someone who already has a bunch of Govee lights in their room but would like another one for the table that can act as a music DreamView controller for synchronized party lighting—not necessarily to use the built-in speaker. That's just a bonus." 

However, note that it is "a bit on the big side."

Key Takeaway: A show-stopping centerpiece that syncs light to music.

7. ThirdReality Switch MT1

An accessible and future-proofed fingerbot that makes any traditional button or switch compatible with your Matter ecosystem via Thread. It uses a premium Thread chipset, too, which should ensure reliability. Our ThirdReality Switch MT1 review felt that "If you live in a region that primarily uses US-standard switches, and you don’t want to do any rewiring to convert your existing decor and lamps to work with smart home platforms, this is a top option... It is easy to install, compatible with different switch types, and has a long, eco-friendly battery life."

Key Takeaway: A next-gen fingerbot with Matter and Thread support.

8. Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Prism

The latest in permanent outdoor installations, these lights feature a striking 3-in-1 LED design that delivers exceptional depth and vibrancy. Govee has made a big mark in the Matter-compatible smart lighting market in recent months, and the Prism kit of outdoor lights (they're IP67 rated) comes in 100ft, 150ft, and 200ft lengths. After installing a set of lights on a community building, James Bruce stated that when it comes to outdoor smart lights "the Prism is an incredible place to start. It’s vibrant, precise, and packed with creative potential... easily some of the best-looking outdoor lights Govee has made so far."

Read our full review of the Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Prism.

Key Takeaway: Delivers a premium lighting upgrade that stands out from the crowd.

9. Flic Twist

When we reviewed the Flic Twist, we determined that this functional piece of kit is one of the best Matter remotes around. "It justifies its $80 price tag (plus the hub) with excellent build quality and sheer flexibility. The hardware feels intuitive, the dial is tactile, and the ability to pack 24 triggers and 12 dimmers into one device is impressive." There is a possible shortcoming with the Flic Twist, though: the range isn't suitable for whole house control. 

Key Takeaway: Calling the Flic Twist a Matter-compatible remote control button doesn’t really do it justice.

10. SwitchBot Air Purifier Table

There is more to this smart table than meets the eye. Beyond its floating surface (thanks to a stylish domed underside mount), the SwitchBot Air Purifier Table surprisingly combines a 10W Qi wireless charger and an essential oil diffuser with air purifying features and mood lighting.

In his SwitchBot Air Purifier table review, James Bruce considered the device to be ideal "if you have pets, a small to medium-sized room, or want a coffee table that earns its keep. Healthier air, better sleep, somewhere to put your drink, and charge your phone." But he went further: "I’m tempted to call this one of my favourite gadgets of the year."

One thing to note: not all features are Matter compatible.

Key Takeaway: Purifies air, holds your drink, and charges your phone.

What will Matter in 2026?

Release of Matter-compatible tech increased in 2025, and with the specification growing and more manufacturers adopting it, we don't expect this to change in 2026. But what smart home gear will we be looking back at in 12 months' time? 

About the Author

Christian Cawley

Christian Cawley

Editor in Chief

Christian has been writing about technology since the mid 2000s, and has been published in numerous publications, online and in print. These include Android Magazine, Linux User & Developer, Linux Format, Tech Radar, Tom's Hardware, and Computer Active. From 2014-2024, he was a section editor and later deputy editor at MakeUseOf, before joining the Matter Alpha team. Christian enjoys old video games (mainly C64, Amiga, and MS-DOS), classic TV, and telling everyone who will listen that they should have a robot cleaner. When he's not shaping articles, Christian is a dad to three dancers, collects Lego, and is an avid home chef.