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.
James Bruce
Explainer
259 articles
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Matter bulbs, sensors, and hub: Everything we know about Ikea’s big plan
It looks like Ikea has plenty of Matter smart home treats in store.
Ward Zhou
Why your Matter smart home needs newer, mesh Wi-Fi
Traditional Wi-Fi routers are units that you stick in a single place in your home. Times have changed.
Bertel King
The 5 biggest smart home trends that Matter is enabling in 2025
If Matter is the future of the smart home, these are the trends you should be following.
Bertel King
The best Matter-compatible garage door openers
Can't recall if you closed the garage door? That common homeownership dread can be solved! A Matter-compatible garage door opener is a smart home essential.
Christopher Close
Too many Matter devices still require you download another app first
Matter promises a smart home that you can set up and manage entirely offline - but are we there yet?
Bertel King
Installing a smart switch or outlet is easier than you think
Installing smart switches doesn't mean rewiring your house.
Bertel King
Aqara introduced local control via app: Does it matter?
Aqara introduces App Localized Control for hubs, enabling local management of Matter and Zigbee devices even during server outages, boosting reliability... eventually.
Ward Zhou
What is Apple homeOS, and what does it mean for Matter?
Apple's rumored homeOS, a unified smart home OS, could transform its Matter experience. Though not at WWDC 2025, signs point to its continued development.
Christian Cawley
iOS 26: What's new for the Apple Home app and Matter?
The first iOS 26 betas are here, and with it are some small, but significant, improvements to Apple's Home app. Here's what we've found so far.
Christopher Close
What is the Connectivity Standards Alliance?
The Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) plays a leading role in the development of Matter and Zigbee. But that's just the beginning...
Christian Cawley
Smart relays vs smart switches: which is right for you?
If you're looking for a new smart home lighting solution, the answer isn't as straightforward as you might think.
Bertel King
Which smart home platform is best on a Google Pixel?
Pixel users have multiple Matter smart home hub options: Google Home, SmartThings (Samsung hub needed), Home Assistant (privacy-focused), Amazon Alexa, or TP-Link Deco routers.
Bertel King
Which smart home brands are truly investing in Matter? (And which just slapped a logo on the box...)
Save yourself the frustration and shop brands that are all-in on Matter.
Bertel King
It's time to fix the labeling on bridged Matter devices
The badging of certain smart home devices as "Matter" compatible when they require a bridge is causing concern and confusion among smart home users.
Ward Zhou
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.
James Bruce
This one thing makes most smart home platforms vulnerable
Most smart homes get a lot less smart when the internet goes out. Not all Matter-compatible platforms are affected by this, but it's something you should plan for.
Bertel King
Zigbee, Z-Wave, or Thread? What to know before buying your next smart home device
If you're building a smart home, you might be confused: Zigbee, Z-Wave, or Thread? Well, the answer is straightforward -- when in doubt, look for Matter.
Bertel King
Google Home vs. Apple Home - How do they differ & which one is better?
Should you embrace the smart home platform that comes with your phone? We take a look at Google Home and Apple Home.
Bertel King
A look at controlling Matter with a smartwatch
A smartwatch is like a smart speaker that's always on your wrist, plus it has a screen, making it perfect for controlling your Matter smart home.
Bertel King