The best smart home hubs of 2026, and Matter explained
What Matter and Thread mean for your smart home, whether you need a hub at all, and which hub to buy for Alexa, Apple, Google or a mix.
Most homes don't need a separate hub for Matter: an Apple TV 4K, HomePod, recent Echo, Google Nest Hub or Google TV Streamer already acts as a Matter controller and, on most models, a Thread border router. Buy a dedicated hub if you have Zigbee devices or want one wall screen for everything. The Amazon Echo Hub is the pick for Alexa homes, and the Aqara Hub M3 for mixed brands.
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Do you need a hub?
Probably not a separate one. Matter needs a controller, and most homes already have one: an Apple TV 4K or HomePod, a Google Nest Hub or Google TV Streamer, a recent Amazon Echo, or a Samsung SmartThings hub. Many of these are also Thread border routers. Buy a dedicated hub if you have Zigbee or Z-Wave devices, want local automations that don't depend on a phone app, or want one screen to control everything.
| You use | Matter controller and Thread border router |
|---|---|
| Apple Home | Apple TV 4K (Wi-Fi + Ethernet model) or HomePod mini / HomePod |
| Google Home | Google TV Streamer, Nest Hub (2nd gen), Nest Hub Max or Nest Wifi Pro |
| Alexa | Echo (4th gen), Echo Hub and other recent Echo models |
| SmartThings | SmartThings Station or Aeotec Smart Home Hub |
Check the maker's list for your exact model; not every version of each device includes Thread.
Everything we recommend
The picks
Amazon Echo Hub
A control panel for the whole house. It runs Zigbee and Thread devices directly, so it replaces a separate hub for most Alexa users.
Needs a wall or stand and a power outlet nearby.
Apple TV 4K (Wi-Fi + Ethernet)
The steadiest Apple Home hub because it stays plugged in and can use Ethernet. See our Apple TV 4K (4th gen) review.
Buy the Wi-Fi + Ethernet model; the Wi-Fi-only version doesn't include Thread.
Google TV Streamer
Replaces a Chromecast and runs your Google Home devices locally, with a smart home panel on the TV.
Google Home automations still rely on the cloud for many routines.
Aqara Hub M3
Shares Aqara's Zigbee sensors and locks with Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa and SmartThings through Matter, and controls IR devices like air conditioners.
Best value if you buy Aqara sensors; other Zigbee brands may not show up.
Home Assistant Green
Runs automations on your own network with thousands of integrations, including devices that don't support Matter.
More setup than any other pick here.
Wi-Fi, Thread or Zigbee devices?
Smart devices connect in one of a few ways, and that decides whether you need a hub at all.
- Matter over Wi-Fi devices, such as most plugs and cameras, join your Wi-Fi network and count toward its device limit. They need no extra hub.
- Matter over Thread devices, such as many sensors, locks and blinds, use a separate low-power mesh. They need a Thread border router but take load off your Wi-Fi.
- Zigbee and Z-Wave devices need a hub that speaks those protocols, such as the Echo Hub or Aqara M3.
Adding a lot of smart devices? See how many devices your Wi-Fi can handle, and start with our picks for the best smart plugs.
Keep the QR code or setup code from every Matter device. You need it to add the device to a second app or to set it up again after a reset.
Questions
What is Matter?
Matter is a smart home standard backed by Apple, Google, Amazon and Samsung. A Matter device works with Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa and SmartThings, so you are no longer limited to one ecosystem.
Do I need a hub for Matter?
You need a Matter controller, which is usually something you already own: an Apple TV or HomePod, a Google Nest speaker or display, a recent Echo, or a SmartThings hub. Matter devices that use Thread also need a Thread border router, which most of those same devices include.
What is Thread?
Thread is a low-power mesh network for smart home devices. Thread devices don't use your Wi-Fi, respond quickly and keep working locally if your internet goes down.
Does Matter work without internet?
Mostly. Matter devices talk to your controller over your home network, so lights and plugs keep working on schedules and in the app at home. Remote control away from home needs internet.
Can I use Apple, Google and Alexa at the same time?
Yes. Matter lets you add one device to several apps. Each app shows the device and can control it.
- Connectivity Standards Alliance, Matter specification overview
- Apple, Google, Amazon and Samsung support pages for Matter and Thread hubs
- Engadget, "The best smart plugs in 2026"; Smart Home Explorer, "Best Matter Smart Plugs and Outlets 2026"
- Aqara and Home Assistant product pages
Prices and offers change often; confirm at your address before you order. How we research
Jean founded ShopHighSpeed after trying to find one straight answer about business internet in his own town. He has been a Comcast and Verizon Fios customer, and ranks providers on what they actually deliver, not on what they advertise.