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Apple Home · Thread routers

Thread routers and border routers for Apple Home

Two kinds of device keep an Apple Home Thread network healthy. A border router connects the Thread mesh to the rest of your home network: in Apple Home that job belongs to HomePod mini, HomePod (2nd generation) or a Thread-capable Apple TV 4K, which Apple says Thread automations, notifications and remote control depend on. Powered Thread routers, such as some mains plugs, then relay traffic for battery sensors and locks further from the hub. This list only includes devices whose own documentation or our review states that Thread role; a Thread logo alone does not qualify.

8 Thread routers with Apple Home support

Newest launches first. Support reflects current manufacturer or platform documentation, not a hands-on test.

White Aqara Power Plug H2 EU with recessed Type F socket and blue-ringed button

Aqara Power Plug H2 EU (SP-P05E)

Type E/F smart plug with energy monitoring

Power Plug H2 EU is worth €32.99 when a 16 A Matter-over-Thread plug is the actual requirement, especially if the option to move into Aqara Zigbee is useful.

Thread€32.99
Needs a Thread border router
Gray Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro Wi-Fi camera beside a promotional phone display

Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro

Outdoor fixed camera with local detection and an Aqara hub

G5 Pro is most persuasive when you want local recognition, outdoor Aqara coverage and a camera position that suits its color night vision.

Matter bridgeFrom $199.99
No brand hub or Thread router required
Bosch Smart Plug Compact [+M]

Bosch Smart Plug Compact [+M]

Smart Plug & Energy Meter

A useful €44.95 plug when you want energy readings, automatic standby cutoff or a powered Thread device in the same location.

ThreadFrom €44.95
Needs a Thread border router
Gray Eve Energy Outdoor wall socket with its protective flap closed

Eve Energy Outdoor

Smart Outdoor Outlet & Power Meter

Eve Energy Outdoor makes sense as part of a permanent patio or garage electrical upgrade.

Thread€79.95
Needs a Thread border router
US and Canada Eve Energy plug with a single grounded socket and green control button

Eve Energy

Smart Plug & Power Meter

Eve Energy earns its premium when you want useful energy history and device schedules without an Eve account, in a home already using Thread.

Thread$39.95
Needs a Thread border router
Apple HomePod second-generation smart speaker

Apple HomePod (2nd generation)

Smart speaker, Matter Controller and Thread Border Router

The second-generation HomePod makes sense as an Apple-focused music or TV speaker with a home hub included.

Thread$349
No brand hub or Thread router required
Apple TV 4K Wi-Fi plus Ethernet

Apple TV 4K Wi-Fi + Ethernet (3rd generation)

4K media streamer, Apple home hub and Thread border router

Choose the 128 GB Apple TV 4K when you want both an Apple streamer and a Thread home hub, especially with Ethernet available near the TV.

Thread$249
No brand hub or Thread router required
Apple HomePod mini smart speaker

Apple HomePod mini

Smart speaker, Matter Controller and Thread Border Router

HomePod mini is the sensible first Apple home hub when you also want Siri and a small speaker.

Thread$129
No brand hub or Thread router required

Limited Apple Home support

These Thread routers reach Apple Home with documented caveats, such as a partial feature set or a bridge-dependent path. Read the review before buying one for an Apple-only home.

Black Aqara Hub M200 smart home hub

Aqara Hub M200

Matter Controller, Thread Border Router, and Aqara Hub

Matter bridgeFrom $69.99
No brand hub or Thread router required
Homey Pro mini smart home hub

Homey Pro mini

Matter Hub and Thread Border Router

ThreadFrom $249
No brand hub or Thread router required
Aqara Hub M3 smart home hub

Aqara Hub M3

Matter Controller, Thread Border Router, and Aqara Hub

Matter bridge$159.99
No brand hub or Thread router required

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