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.
Plain look, fan heart: a look at new Matter air quality sensors
The SwitchBot Video Doorbell nails the basics: clear video, long battery life, fast response, and fully local storage with zero subscription traps. It’s great hardware, dragged only slightly down by half-baked Matter support.
They’re brighter, smarter, and “more sparkly” than the Xmas Strings 2 — and still DreamView and Matter compatible — but the complex app is starting to show signs that it's really not suitable for simple holiday displays.
Tthis Matter-enabled device offers flame-free ambiance, easy setup, dimming, and is a great way to introduce smart home comforts.
The new star of Matter sensors.
Govee’s Backlight 3 Pro is its brightest, most accurate, and most advanced TV bias lighting kit yet. The triple-lens HDR camera gives incredible coverage and brightness—but at a price, and with the usual camera-based caveats.
As an open and community-backed project, Home Assistant Voice Preview Edition is impressive, but it isn't without its quirks—or its bugs.
The first Matter-over-Thread presence sensor is here -- but is it what you want?
The Haijai Matter-over-Thread smart switch from DK-AI combines six programmable buttons, three relays, and a built-in motion sensor in a fully Matter-native design. It’s the most complete and reliable smart light switch I’ve tested—as long as your wiring supports it.
The Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Prism bring a bold new 3-in-1 LED design to the brand’s flagship lineup. With wider beams, smoother gradients, and vibrant dynamic scenes that appear to move, they deliver a premium lighting upgrade that stands out from the crowd. But with higher prices and wider module spacing, are they worth it over the Outdoor Lights Pro?
A plug-to-use smart switch bot with Matter and Thread support.
Looking to add some retro-style glow to your garden or patio without ditching smart control? Govee’s Clear Bulb Outdoor String Lights bring a vintage filament look with full Matter support, but they come with a few quirks you’ll want to know about before buying.
Govee’s modular Outdoor Garden Lights (H7086) are sleek, sturdy, and Matter-compatible, low-lying garden lights, offering surprising creativity and quality for outdoor lighting—but short cables and a steep price hold them back from perfection. Maybe wait for a holiday discount.
Thanks to Matter, these unsupported lights are still a decent purchase.
Outdoor lighting is often either boring or overpriced—but Govee’s new UpDown Wall Light hits that sweet spot between style, features, and affordability. It’s bold, smart, and bright enough to make a statement without turning your garden into a nightclub (unless you want that).
It's not for the masses yet, but if you're ready to give Home Assistant a try, this is as easy as it gets.
The Govee Uplighter Floor Lamp looks stunning and delivers a unique ripple lighting effect, but sacrifices control and colour accuracy. Matter support is present but clunky, limiting its usefulness as a truly smart lamp.
The Aqara G410 Doorbell is here, but Matter integration moving forward is currently a case of "wait and see."
The Honeywell Home Smart X2S Thermostat looks functional enough, but does its Matter-compatibility deliver the smart home integrations you need?