302 buying reviews

Matter device reviews

Find a product for your home, then compare what is good, what is frustrating and whether it is worth buying.

Showing 6 of 258 reviews

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

Apple replaced this Apple TV 4K with a fourth-generation model in October 2026, but the 128 GB Wi-Fi + Ethernet box keeps its Thread home hub role and, in the US, Canada and UK, will get Apple's Siri AI beta.

Thread

No brand hub or Thread router required

Bosch Smart Home Controller II

Bosch Smart Home Controller II

Matter Bridge and Bosch Smart Home Hub

Worth buying when you want Bosch’s heating and alarm system, or need to share an existing Bosch installation through Matter.

Matter bridgeFrom €79.95

No brand hub or Thread router required

Black Sonos Beam Gen 2 compact soundbar

Sonos Beam (Gen 2)

Compact HDMI soundbar with virtual Dolby Atmos height effects

Beam Gen 2 remains a sensible compact TV soundbar when its 65 cm width, HDMI control and Sonos music features fit the room.

Wi-Fi$499

No brand hub or Thread router required

Google Nest Hub second-generation smart display

Google Nest Hub (2nd gen)

7-inch smart display, Google Home hub and Thread border router

Nest Hub second generation still makes sense as a bedside clock or kitchen photo display with useful touch controls.

Thread$99.99

No brand hub or Thread router required

Apple HomePod mini smart speaker

Apple HomePod mini

Smart speaker, Matter Controller and Thread Border Router

Apple replaced HomePod mini with HomePod mini 2 in October 2026, but the original still does the same Apple home hub and Thread job.

Thread

No brand hub or Thread router required

Google Nest Thermostat (2020)

Google Nest Thermostat (2020)

Programmable thermostat with app control

A sensible discounted Nest for a simple HVAC system when you want phone control and set your own schedule.

Wi-FiFrom $99.99

No brand hub or Thread router required