You plug in your new smart light. It says it works with Matter. You expect it to just… work.
Then your app needs an update. Your Wi-Fi blips. Your other devices aren’t showing up. You scroll forums at 1 am, wondering what’s gone wrong.
Matter was meant to make this stuff simple. And in many ways, it does. It gives smart devices a common language, so brands can play nice and your setup can grow over time. But there’s one piece that still does a lot of the heavy lifting behind the scenes: the hub.
A Matter smart home hub still handles the hard stuff. It links old and new devices. It keeps automations running even if the internet drops. It adds local control, privacy, and extra features you can’t get from the device alone.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best Matter hubs in 2025. We’ll cover various price points, platforms, and needs, so you can find one that makes life easier.
What Does a Matter Hub Do?
A smart hub is like the quiet middleman of your home. It helps devices communicate with each other, run automations, and stay connected, even when your internet connection is unavailable.
In the Matter world, a hub becomes something more specific. It acts as a Matter controller, helping devices join your network and stay organised. Some Matter hubs also function as Thread Border Routers, which means they connect Thread-based devices to the rest of your system.
If you're using Matter devices, you don’t always need a hub. However, having one adds speed, reliability, and features that you would miss without it, such as voice control, advanced automation, or smart alerts.
So when you hear “Matter hub,” you’re looking for something that can handle both Matter and Thread. It should be fast, secure, and ready to grow with your setup.
What to Look for in a Matter Hub (Before you Buy)
Not all Matter hubs are the same. Some work great with Apple. Others are built for Alexa or Google. A few models come with smart extras, such as cameras or built-in sensors. Here’s what to check before picking one.
Ecosystem Fit
Start with what you already use. If your home runs on Apple, get a hub that supports Apple Home. If you use Alexa or Google, stick with that. It keeps things smooth and avoids setup headaches.
Thread Support
Many Matter devices use Thread. That means your hub should act as a Thread Border Router. It helps Thread devices join the network and stay connected. Without it, you might miss out on what Matter does best.
Local Control & Privacy
Does the hub store data locally, or does it send everything to the cloud? If privacy matters to you, choose a hub that works offline and keeps your info in your home.
Extra Features
Some Matter hubs do more than just connect devices. Look for features like built-in cameras, alarm systems, motion detection, or even smart speakers. These extras can help reduce the need for extra gear.
Future Proofing
Smart homes keep changing. Select a hub that offers regular updates, supports new protocols, and has a proven track record. A good hub should last years, not months.
Best Matter Smart Home Hubs to Consider
1. Aqara Hub M3 (Future-Ready and Fully Loaded)
The Aqara Hub M3 is built for smart home users who want flexibility without complications. It doesn’t just support Matter. It also works well with Zigbee and Thread. That makes it one of the best options if you’re mixing brands or upgrading slowly over time.
You don’t need to worry about Wi-Fi dropouts or slow response. The M3 supports local control, so your automations keep working even if the internet doesn’t.
The Matter smart home hub is great for anyone who values privacy. The hub handles tasks locally and supports secure storage, so your routines and data stay in your home.
The setup is simple across ecosystems. It works with Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and of course, Aqara’s own app.
What makes it stand out?
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Full Matter controller + Thread Border Router
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Works with Zigbee, Thread, and Matter. Perfect for device bridging.
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Supports local automation and encrypted local storage.
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Plays nicely with Apple, Google, Alexa, and Aqara Home.
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Built-in speaker and IR blaster for wider control.
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Designed with future updates in mind.
This is the Matter hub for users who want it all. Speed, privacy, wide support, and room to grow.
2. Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro (Security Meets Automation)
If you want a Matter hub that does more than just sit in the corner, the Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro might be the one for you. It’s a hub, a security camera, and a remote control all in one small device.
You get Matter compatibility plus a built-in Thread Border Router. That means it plays well with newer smart home gear. It also supports Zigbee, so older Aqara devices remain compatible as well.
There’s a wide-angle camera with local AI processing. It can recognise faces, detect movement, and even alert you when something’s not right, all without needing the cloud.
The IR blaster is handy too. You can control older devices, such as your air conditioner or TV, through the Aqara app.
Why the G5 Pro works so well
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Matter-compatible hub with built-in camera
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Thread Border Router + Zigbee support
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Local AI detection for face and motion alerts
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IR blaster lets you control traditional devices
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Works with Apple, Google, Alexa, and Aqara Home
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Great for renters or smaller spaces
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Easy to set up and doesn’t need much space
3. Apple HomePod Mini (Best for Apple Households)
If your home runs on Apple, the HomePod Mini makes smart home control feel effortless. It has full Matter support and a built-in Thread Border Router, which means your new smart gear connects fast and works well.
It’s more than just a hub. It’s a compact speaker with great sound for its size. You can play music, ask Siri for the weather, or control your lights.
Setup is easy if you're already using HomeKit. Devices pop up quickly, and automations are easy to create in the Apple Home app.
Why it Works
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Built-in Thread and Matter support
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Perfect fit for HomeKit users
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Reliable and fast device response
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Works as a Siri speaker with voice control
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Small, tidy design that blends in
If you already have an iPhone, the HomePod Mini adds smart home control with minimal effort.
4. Google Nest Hub 2nd Gen (Best for Google Homes)
If you use Google Assistant to control your smart home, the Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) is a solid pick. It supports Matter and acts as a Thread Border Router, so it plays well with new smart devices.
The display gives you a visual hub. You can check cameras, adjust lights, or see your calendar, all in one place.
It fits best in homes already using Google products. The Nest app and Google Home app work together for setup and control.
Why it Works
l Matter supports with Thread built in
l Great for Google Assistant users
l Smart display for visual control
l Good for Nest thermostats, cameras, and more
l Affordable, simple setup
For Google fans, this is the smart hub that brings it all together. It’s not overloaded with features, but it does what it’s meant to do.
5. Amazon Echo (4th Gen)
The Amazon Echo (4th Gen) isn’t just a speaker. It’s a Matter controller with built-in Thread support, which means it can communicate with your latest smart devices straight out of the box.
Setup is simple. Ask Alexa to turn on lights, lock the door, or run a routine. It handles voice commands well and supports a wide range of smart home gear.
The Echo excels in homes already equipped with Alexa. It ties in with Ring, Blink, and other Amazon services. If you’ve built your setup around voice control, it’s a natural fit.
Why it works
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Matter-ready and supports Thread
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Alexa voice control works reliably
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Huge library of supported devices
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Doubles as a quality speaker
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Easy to set up and manage with the Alexa app
For Alexa homes, the Echo (4th Gen) gives you Matter, Thread, and voice automation in one tidy unit. If you're already talking to Alexa every day, this hub fits right in.
Which Matter Smart Home Hub Should You Pick?
Aqara Hub M3
Great for privacy, local control, and mixed-protocol setups. Works with Zigbee, Thread, and Matter. Ideal if you want complete control without relying on the cloud.
Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro
A good choice if you want a hub and camera in one. It features Zigbee support and includes a built-in IR blaster for controlling TVs or air conditioners.
Apple HomePod Mini
The best option for Apple users. It has Thread built in and works perfectly with HomeKit. Not ideal if you're using Android or want Zigbee devices.
Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen)
Best for those already using Google Assistant and Nest devices. It supports Thread and Matter, but doesn’t offer Zigbee or camera features.
Amazon Echo (4th Gen)
A strong pick for Alexa users. It handles Matter and Thread well, with broad compatibility. It leans heavily on cloud control, so local-first setups might prefer other options.
One more thing. You don’t have to stick to just one ecosystem. If your devices support Matter, most hubs will talk to them. But keeping things under one roof often means fewer setup headaches later.
Final Thoughts
Matter was built to make smart homes simpler. But hubs still matter.
They keep your devices connected, your automations running, and your data in your hands.
If you want full control, the Aqara Hub M3 or G5 Pro offers more flexibility, privacy, and options. They’re built for people who want more than just the basics.
If you’re deep into Apple, Google, or Alexa, their hubs work well too, just know what they can and can’t do.
The goal isn’t to chase the latest thing. It’s to build a setup that actually works for how you live. Start there. Keep it simple. Keep it smart.
