Matter smart plugs compared

Matter is an open smart home standard backed by Apple, Google, Amazon and Samsung, among others. A device with the Matter logo can be added to any compatible system and even used in several systems at once (multi-admin). For you this means: if you buy a Matter plug today, you can switch ecosystems later without replacing the hardware.

Setup usually works via a QR code on the device or packaging. Control takes place locally on your home network, which allows fast response times and also works without internet – as long as your controller is reachable.

Matter devices communicate either via Wi-Fi or via Thread. Plugs with "Matter over Wi-Fi" connect directly to your router. For Thread devices you also need a Thread border router, which many current smart speakers, streaming boxes and hubs already have built in. In any case you need a Matter controller – usually a smart speaker, a hub or a smartphone with a suitable app.

Matter also defines readings for power and energy. Whether these values actually appear in your smart home app, however, depends on the ecosystem and its software version. That's why many manufacturers still offer their own app, where consumption history, schedules and firmware updates are fully available. If monitoring matters to you, it's worth checking where the data will be visible later.

As with all plug adapters, pay attention to the maximum load, the form factor and – with multipacks – the price per unit.

If you already use one ecosystem and want to stay with it, a classic Wi-Fi plug with the right app integration works fine too. Matter is especially worthwhile if different systems are used side by side in your household – for example iPhone and Android – or if you want to keep the option of switching later. The surcharge for Matter models is now small.