Cheapest options
The cheapest ways to get a Matter controller and a Thread border router
A Matter-over-Thread device needs both jobs done. Each table lists the models sold in the US whose makers document the job, with the facts their product pages state, and sorts them by the latest checked price once prices load; where we have no current price it says “Check price”. Pair one with the cheapest Matter sensors or see which devices use Thread.
Already a Matter controller and a Thread border router
9 speakers, displays, streamers and routers sold in the US that their makers document as both. If you already own one, you need no hub for Matter-over-Thread devices on that platform. Controller capability is distinct from a retail product’s certification record: the CSA certifies these platforms’ controller software, not the hardware, so none has a CSA product certificate on file.
Current prices load here, lowest first. Amazon prices come from Amazon’s product data and show for 24 hours after retrieval; other stores’ prices show for 48 hours after our check. A price is for the pack the listing sells.
- Amazon Echo HubRole (maker’s page): Matter controller and Thread border routerConnections (its record): Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, ThreadMatter certification: No CSA product certificate on fileWhat else it needs: Nothing else for Amazon AlexaPlatforms the maker names: Amazon Alexa (per Amazon)
- Amazon Echo Show 8 (2025 release)Role (maker’s page): Matter controller and Thread border routerConnections (its record): Wi-Fi, Zigbee, ThreadMatter certification: No CSA product certificate on fileWhat else it needs: Nothing else for Amazon AlexaPlatforms the maker names: Amazon Alexa (per Amazon)
- Apple HomePod (2nd generation)Role (maker’s page): Matter controller and Thread border routerConnections (its record): Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ThreadMatter certification: No CSA product certificate on fileWhat else it needs: Nothing else for Apple HomePlatforms the maker names: Apple Home (per Apple)
- Apple HomePod miniRole (maker’s page): Matter controller and Thread border routerConnections (its record): Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ThreadMatter certification: No CSA product certificate on fileWhat else it needs: Nothing else for Apple HomePlatforms the maker names: Apple Home (per Apple)
- Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) Wi-Fi + Ethernet, 128GBRole (maker’s page): Matter controller and Thread border routerConnections (its record): Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, ThreadMatter certification: No CSA product certificate on fileWhat else it needs: Nothing else for Apple HomePlatforms the maker names: Apple Home (per Apple)
- Google Home SpeakerRole (maker’s page): Matter controller and Thread border routerConnections (its record): Wi-Fi, ThreadMatter certification: No CSA product certificate on fileWhat else it needs: Nothing else for Google HomePlatforms the maker names: Google Home (per Google)
- Google Nest Hub (2nd gen)Role (maker’s page): Matter controller and Thread border routerConnections (its record): Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ThreadMatter certification: No CSA product certificate on fileWhat else it needs: Nothing else for Google HomePlatforms the maker names: Google Home (per Google)
- Google Nest Wifi Pro (Wi-Fi 6E)Role (maker’s page): Matter controller and Thread border routerConnections (its record): Wi-Fi, Ethernet, ThreadMatter certification: No CSA product certificate on fileWhat else it needs: Nothing else for Google HomePlatforms the maker names: Google Home (per Google)
- Google TV Streamer (4K)Role (maker’s page): Matter controller and Thread border routerConnections (its record): Wi-Fi, Ethernet, ThreadMatter certification: No CSA product certificate on fileWhat else it needs: Nothing else for Google HomePlatforms the maker names: Google Home (per Google)
Stand-alone hubs that are Thread border routers
6 hubs sold in the US with a CSA record on file that their makers call Thread border routers. To use one in Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa or SmartThings you still add it with that platform’s Matter controller.
Current prices load here, lowest first. Amazon prices come from Amazon’s product data and show for 24 hours after retrieval; other stores’ prices show for 48 hours after our check. A price is for the pack the listing sells.
- Aqara Hub M100Role (maker’s page): Thread border router and Matter bridgeConnections (its record): Wi-Fi, Thread, ZigbeeMatter certification: CSA record on file; retail variant unverifiedWhat else it needs: Your platform’s Matter controller, to use it in Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa or SmartThingsPlatforms the maker names: None confirmed by the maker on file
- Aqara Hub M3 Smart Home HubRole (maker’s page): Thread border router and Matter bridgeConnections (its record): Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, ThreadMatter certification: Yes, Dec 19, 2023What else it needs: Your platform’s Matter controller, to use it in Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa or SmartThingsPlatforms the maker names: None confirmed by the maker on file
- Aqara Smart Hub M200, Matter Controller, Zigbee + Wi-Fi (HM-G03E)Role (maker’s page): Thread border router and Matter bridgeConnections (its record): Wi-Fi, Ethernet, ThreadMatter certification: YesWhat else it needs: Your platform’s Matter controller, to use it in Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa or SmartThingsPlatforms the maker names: Apple Home and Amazon Alexa
- Aqara Thermostat Hub W200Role (maker’s page): Thread border router and Matter bridgeConnections (its record): Wi-Fi, ThreadMatter certification: CSA record on file; retail variant unverifiedWhat else it needs: Your platform’s Matter controller, to use it in Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa or SmartThingsPlatforms the maker names: Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home and Samsung SmartThings
- IKEA DIRIGERA HubRole (maker’s page): Thread border router and Matter bridgeConnections (its record): Ethernet, Thread, Zigbee, Wi-FiMatter certification: Yes, May 21, 2025What else it needs: Your platform’s Matter controller, to use it in Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa or SmartThingsPlatforms the maker names: Apple Home, Amazon Alexa and Google Home
- MOES Matter Gateway with Zigbee and Thread (MZHUB-MS)Role (maker’s page): Thread border router and Matter bridgeConnections (its record): Ethernet, Thread, Zigbee, BluetoothMatter certification: Yes, Nov 28, 2023What else it needs: Your platform’s Matter controller, to use it in Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa or SmartThingsPlatforms the maker names: None confirmed by the maker on file
Is the SwitchBot Hub 2 a Thread border router?
No. The SwitchBot Hub 2 is a Matter bridge: it brings supported SwitchBot devices into your chosen Matter platform. It is not a Thread border router, so Matter-over-Thread devices need one elsewhere, such as the Aqara Hub M100 in this guide or a supported speaker, display or streaming box.
What SwitchBot’s own pages say
- SwitchBot’s Matter page, read October 1, 2026: names the Hub 2 as a Matter bridge for SwitchBot’s own devices: “Currently IR appliances can only support Matter via Hub 2, Hub Mini Matter Enabled.”
- SwitchBot’s Matter compatibility list, read September 16, 2026: the source of this guide’s Hub 2 entry: a Matter bridge for supported SwitchBot devices, with no Thread border router role.
- SwitchBot’s US Hub 2 page, read September 16, 2026: the connection we recorded from it: 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi.
01 / Before you buy
Three jobs. Sometimes one box.
“Hub” is a product name, not a guarantee of capabilities. A device may do one, two or all three of these jobs.
Matter controller
Adds and manages Matter devices in your chosen smart-home platform.
Start with the app you want to use. Your speaker, display or streaming box may already provide its controller.
Thread border router
Connects a Thread network to your home’s IP network.
Relevant for Matter-over-Thread devices. It does not, by itself, provide every platform’s Matter controller.
Matter bridge
Exposes supported non-Matter accessories to a Matter platform.
Useful for compatible Zigbee or Bluetooth devices. Check the bridge’s exact accessory list; radio support alone is not enough.
Check the hardware you already own
Google Home
Google requires a supported Matter hub. Nest Hub (2nd gen), Nest Hub Max, Nest Wifi Pro and Google TV Streamer also support Thread. A Nest Mini supports Matter over Wi-Fi but does not fill the Thread border-router role.
Check Google’s hub list →Apple Home
Apple documents local Matter control on iOS 18 or later without a home hub, with additional device-specific conditions for Thread. A suitable home hub is still Apple’s recommendation for the best experience. Check your exact iPhone, HomePod or Apple TV model and software.
Check Apple’s current requirements →Already using another platform? Check its supported controllers and your device’s setup instructions first. A Wi-Fi Matter accessory does not need a Thread border router just because it uses Matter. A bridge is useful only when you need to bring supported non-Matter accessories with you.
02 / Find your fit
Choose around your devices.
These are different tools for different homes. The requirements below come from manufacturer documentation; we have not performed hands-on reliability testing.
For an Aqara home with Thread devices
Aqara Hub M100
A compact starting point if you want to manage supported Matter devices in Aqara Home and bring compatible Aqara Zigbee devices into another Matter platform.
- Role
- Controller · bridge · Thread border router
- Connection & power
- 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi · USB-A power
What you need
- Aqara Home for setup; check the exact child-device and platform support.
- An always-powered USB-A 5 V / 0.5 A power source and a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network.
Check before choosing
Aqara Zigbee support does not mean arbitrary third-party Zigbee support. This is the M100; it does not inherit the M3’s Ethernet or IR features.
Amazon
Aqara US
Aqara US is a direct non-affiliate link.
US single-hub offers. Amazon: HM-G02E. Aqara US: matching GTIN, 1 hub with manual; a separate power adapter is not listed. Confirm included accessories and retailer terms.
Product details →
For compatible SwitchBot devices
SwitchBot Hub 2
Bring supported SwitchBot devices into your chosen Matter platform. The Hub 2 also provides temperature and humidity readings and infrared control in the SwitchBot app.
- Role
- Matter bridge
- Connection & power
- 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi · USB power
What you need
- SwitchBot app, current firmware and a compatible Matter controller for your chosen platform.
- Check the compatibility list for your exact accessory and Hub 2; support varies by hub and feature.
Check before choosing
No Thread border router. Not every SwitchBot accessory or infrared function is exposed through Matter; some integrations are beta.
Amazon
SwitchBot
Hub 2 only. The US store offers pack options; confirm the pack you choose.
Product details →For an existing Hue lighting system
Philips Hue Bridge
Connect supported Hue lights and accessories through the Hue Bridge, then add the bridge to a Matter platform. If you already own the square Hue Bridge, check its software before buying another.
- Role
- Matter bridge
- Connection & power
- Ethernet · supplied power adapter
What you need
- Compatible Hue/Zigbee lights or accessories paired to the bridge and the Hue app for setup.
- A router Ethernet port; the linked standard white Bridge is distinct from Bridge Pro and the older round bridge.
Check before choosing
Not a Thread border router or a general-purpose controller for third-party Matter devices. Hue’s HDMI sync box and the Tap dial’s dial function are excluded from Matter support.
Amazon
US listing. Confirm model, included items and regional requirements at the retailer.
Product details →
For supported Zigbee devices — check your model and platform
SONOFF Bridge Max
The Bridge Max (Bridge-M) combines a Zigbee gateway for up to 128 Zigbee devices with a Matter bridge that exposes Zigbee, BTHome and eWeLink devices to Matter platforms. Check SONOFF’s documentation and your installed firmware for the devices and features you need.
- Role
- Matter bridge
- Connection & power
- Ethernet or dual-band Wi-Fi
What you need
- Compatible Zigbee, BTHome or eWeLink devices and a compatible Matter controller for your destination platform.
- An Ethernet connection or dual-band Wi-Fi.
Check before choosing
Not a Thread border router: it is a Matter bridge and Zigbee gateway with no Thread. Device support and exposed features vary by model, platform and firmware; do not assume every Zigbee device will work. It also has a siren of up to 90 dB. The Zigbee Bridge Ultra (ZBBridge-U) is a different model.
Amazon
SONOFF
US listing. Confirm model, included items and regional requirements at the retailer.
Product details →03 / Every option
Every Matter hub, bridge and Thread border router sold in the US
Beyond the four picks: every hub, bridge and gateway in our catalog with a verified US store link and a CSA record on file, grouped by the Matter role its maker’s own page states. A Thread border router connects Matter-over-Thread devices to your network; a Matter bridge brings the maker’s supported non-Matter accessories into a Matter platform. “Not reviewed” means we have no maker statement either way. Each row shows the product page’s own facts.
Matter hubs that are Thread border routers
MatterCatalog lists 14 hubs and controllers that are Thread border routers with a verified US store link; 4 are CSA Matter certified: Aqara Hub M3 Smart Home Hub; Aqara Smart Hub M200, Matter Controller, Zigbee + Wi-Fi (HM-G03E); IKEA DIRIGERA Hub and MOES Matter Gateway with Zigbee and Thread (MZHUB-MS). 2 more have a CSA record that we could not match to the exact retail model.
- Aqara Hub M3 Smart Home HubRoles (maker’s page): Thread border router and Matter bridgeMatter certified: Yes, Dec 19, 2023Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, Thread · Platforms: None listed
- Aqara Smart Hub M200, Matter Controller, Zigbee + Wi-Fi (HM-G03E)Roles (maker’s page): Thread border router and Matter bridgeMatter certified: YesWi-Fi, Ethernet, Thread · Platforms: Apple Home and Amazon Alexa
- IKEA DIRIGERA HubRoles (maker’s page): Thread border router and Matter bridgeMatter certified: Yes, May 21, 2025Ethernet, Thread, Zigbee, Wi-Fi · Platforms: Apple Home, Amazon Alexa and Google Home
- MOES Matter Gateway with Zigbee and Thread (MZHUB-MS)Roles (maker’s page): Thread border router and Matter bridgeMatter certified: Yes, Nov 28, 2023Ethernet, Thread, Zigbee, Bluetooth · Platforms: None listed
- Aqara Hub M100Roles (maker’s page): Thread border router and Matter bridgeMatter certified: CSA record on file; retail variant unverifiedWi-Fi, Thread, Zigbee · Platforms: None listed
- Aqara Thermostat Hub W200Roles (maker’s page): Thread border router and Matter bridgeMatter certified: CSA record on file; retail variant unverifiedWi-Fi, Thread · Platforms: None listed
8 more listings have no CSA certificate on file, so they are not in the table.
Matter bridges (not Thread border routers)
MatterCatalog lists 22 Matter bridges that are not Thread border routers with a verified US store link; 22 are CSA Matter certified.
- Aqara Camera HubRoles (maker’s page): Matter bridgeMatter certified: Yes, Aug 23, 2024Ethernet · Platforms: Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home and Samsung SmartThings (listed in its catalog record, unverified)
- Linkind Matter Smart Hub 2Roles (maker’s page): Matter bridgeMatter certified: Yes, Apr 29, 2026Wi-Fi, Bluetooth · Platforms: None listed
- Meross Smart Hub, MSH450MA US/CARoles (maker’s page): Matter bridgeMatter certified: Yes, Jun 14, 2024Wi-Fi · Platforms: None listed
- Motionblinds Matter Wi-Fi bridge CM-55Roles (maker’s page): Matter bridgeMatter certified: Yes, Oct 10, 2024Wi-Fi · Platforms: Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home and Samsung SmartThings (listed in its catalog record, unverified)
- Philips Hue BridgeRoles (maker’s page): Matter bridge; not a Thread border routerMatter certified: Yes, Nov 2, 2022Ethernet · Platforms: Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home and Samsung SmartThings
- SONOFF Bridge Max Smart Home Bridge (Bridge-M)Roles (maker’s page): Matter bridge; not a Thread border routerMatter certified: Yes, Mar 4, 2026Ethernet · Platforms: None listed
- SONOFF iHost Smart Home HubRoles (maker’s page): Matter bridge; not a Thread border routerMatter certified: Yes, Nov 16, 2023Ethernet · Platforms: None listed
- SONOFF NSPanel ProRoles (maker’s page): Matter bridge; not a Thread border routerMatter certified: Yes, Oct 10, 2025Ethernet · Platforms: Amazon Alexa and Google Home (named by the maker); Apple Home and Samsung SmartThings (listed in its catalog record, unverified)
- SONOFF ZBBridge-U Zigbee Bridge Ultra (Zigbee to Matter Bridge)Roles (maker’s page): Matter bridgeMatter certified: Yes, Sep 25, 2025Ethernet, Zigbee · Platforms: Apple Home (listed in its catalog record, unverified)
- SONOFF ZBBridge-U Zigbee Bridge Ultra Matter GatewayRoles (maker’s page): Matter bridge; not a Thread border routerMatter certified: Yes, Sep 25, 2025Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Zigbee · Platforms: None listed
- SwitchBot AI HubRoles (maker’s page): Matter bridge; not a Thread border routerMatter certified: Yes, Nov 8, 2025Wi-Fi · Platforms: None listed
- SwitchBot Hub 2 (Bridge)Roles (maker’s page): Matter bridge; not a Thread border routerMatter certified: Yes, Aug 21, 2025Wi-Fi · Platforms: Apple Home, Amazon Alexa and Google Home
- SwitchBot Hub 3Roles (maker’s page): Matter bridge; not a Thread border routerMatter certified: Yes, Mar 13, 2025Wi-Fi · Platforms: Apple Home and Google Home (named by the maker); Amazon Alexa (listed in its catalog record, unverified)
- SwitchBot Hub Mini Matter Enabled (W0202203)Roles (maker’s page): Matter bridgeMatter certified: Yes, Aug 25, 2025Wi-Fi, Bluetooth · Platforms: None listed
- Tapo Smart HubRoles (maker’s page): Matter bridge; not a Thread border routerMatter certified: Yes, Sep 13, 2023Ethernet · Platforms: Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home and Samsung SmartThings (listed in its catalog record, unverified)
- Tapo Smart IoT & IR HubRoles (maker’s page): Matter bridge; not a Thread border routerMatter certified: Yes, Sep 17, 2024Wi-Fi · Platforms: Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home and Samsung SmartThings (listed in its catalog record, unverified)
- Tapo Smart IoT HubRoles (maker’s page): Matter bridge; not a Thread border routerMatter certified: Yes, Sep 3, 2024Wi-Fi · Platforms: Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home and Samsung SmartThings (listed in its catalog record, unverified)
- ThirdReality Smart Bridge MZ1Roles (maker’s page): Matter bridgeMatter certified: Yes, Oct 27, 2023Wi-Fi · Platforms: Apple Home, Google Home and Samsung SmartThings (named by the maker); Amazon Alexa (listed in its catalog record, unverified)
- TP-Link Smart HomeBaseRoles (maker’s page): Matter bridge; not a Thread border routerMatter certified: Yes, Jul 10, 2024Ethernet · Platforms: Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home and Samsung SmartThings (listed in its catalog record, unverified)
- Zemismart M1 Smart Home Hub, Zigbee 3.0 + Thread, WhiteRoles (maker’s page): Matter bridgeMatter certified: Yes, May 26, 2023Ethernet · Platforms: None listed
- Zemismart M6 Zigbee Hub with External AntennaRoles (maker’s page): Matter bridgeMatter certified: Yes, Aug 1, 2024Ethernet, Zigbee · Platforms: Apple Home, Google Home and Samsung SmartThings
Aqara Hub M2 (Bridge) had no in-stock US store at our last check, so it is not in the table.
Other Matter hubs and gateways
MatterCatalog lists 17 other hubs and gateways with a verified US store link; 6 are CSA Matter certified: Aqara Camera Hub G350; Disign Incorporated SMARTWIZ+ art; Levven Q Gateway with Matter (LCQ2M); Lockly Secure Link Wi-Fi Hub, PGH260; Qingdao Yeelink Information Yeelight Smart Home Hub and Tuya Smart M Gateway THP23-ZB-X. 2 more have a CSA record that we could not match to the exact retail model.
- Aqara Camera Hub G350Roles (maker’s page): Not reviewedMatter certified: YesEthernet · Platforms: None listed
- Disign Incorporated SMARTWIZ+ artRoles (maker’s page): Not reviewedMatter certified: Yes, Jul 31, 2025Wi-Fi · Platforms: None listed
- Levven Q Gateway with Matter (LCQ2M)Roles (maker’s page): Not reviewedMatter certified: Yes, Apr 29, 2026Wi-Fi, Ethernet · Platforms: None listed
- Lockly Secure Link Wi-Fi Hub, PGH260Roles (maker’s page): Not reviewedMatter certified: Yes, Dec 6, 2023Wi-Fi · Platforms: None listed
- Qingdao Yeelink Information Yeelight Smart Home HubRoles (maker’s page): Not reviewedMatter certified: YesWi-Fi · Platforms: None listed
- Tuya Smart M Gateway THP23-ZB-XRoles (maker’s page): Not reviewedMatter certified: Yes, Feb 11, 2025Wi-Fi, Ethernet · Platforms: Apple Home, Amazon Alexa and Google Home (listed in its catalog record, unverified)
- CANDY HOUSE Hub3Roles (maker’s page): Not reviewedMatter certified: CSA record on file; retail variant unverifiedWi-Fi, Bluetooth · Platforms: None listed
- EcoFlow PowerInsight Home Energy ManagerRoles (maker’s page): Not reviewedMatter certified: CSA record on file; retail variant unverifiedWi-Fi, Bluetooth · Platforms: None listed
9 more listings have no CSA certificate on file, so they are not in the table.
Which Matter hubs are Thread border routers?
MatterCatalog lists 14 hubs and controllers sold in the US that their makers’ own pages call Thread border routers. Stand-alone hubs: Aqara Hub M3, Aqara Hub M200, IKEA DIRIGERA hub, MOES Matter Wired Gateway (MZHUB-MS), Aqara Hub M100, Aqara Thermostat Hub W200 and Aeotec Smart Home Hub (works as a SmartThings hub); the table above lists the 6 with a CSA record on file. Speakers, displays, streamers and routers from Apple and Google: Apple HomePod (2nd generation); Apple HomePod mini; Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) Wi-Fi + Ethernet, 128GB; Google Home Speaker; Google Nest Hub (2nd gen); Google Nest Wifi Pro (Wi-Fi 6E) and Google TV Streamer (4K); they are Matter controllers with no CSA certificate on file, so they are not in the table. A Thread border router is what Matter-over-Thread devices need; a Wi-Fi Matter device needs only your platform’s Matter controller.
Which Matter hubs are also Matter bridges?
27 hubs sold in the US with a CSA record on file are Matter bridges by the maker’s own page: they bring the maker’s supported Zigbee, Bluetooth, infrared or other non-Matter accessories into a Matter platform. 6 of them are also a Thread border router: Aqara Hub M3, Aqara Hub M200, IKEA DIRIGERA hub, MOES Matter Wired Gateway (MZHUB-MS), Aqara Hub M100 and Aqara Thermostat Hub W200. A bridge shares only the accessories on its maker’s supported list, so check the exact accessory before you buy.
Which Amazon Echo devices are Thread border routers?
Amazon’s developer documentation lists a built-in Thread border router in the Echo (4th Gen), Echo Hub, Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen), Echo Show 15 (2nd Gen) and Echo Show 21, and in 2025 models including the Echo Dot Max, Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen, 2025 release) and Echo Studio (2025 release). Some eero routers have one too: the eero 6, eero 6+, eero Pro 6, eero Pro 6E and eero 7 family. A Thread border router is a different job from a Matter controller, the device that adds Matter devices to Alexa; Amazon documents Matter support on Echo devices on a separate page.
Sources, checked October 1, 2026: Amazon: smart home Thread support and Amazon: Matter support on Echo devices. Models and software change; check your exact device.
Devices in our catalog whose makers say they are Thread border routers: Aqara Hub M3, Aqara Hub M100, Aqara Hub M200, Aqara Thermostat Hub W200, IKEA DIRIGERA hub, Aeotec Smart Home Hub (works as a SmartThings hub), MOES Matter Wired Gateway (MZHUB-MS), Apple HomePod mini, Apple HomePod (2nd generation), Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) Wi-Fi + Ethernet, 128GB, Google Nest Hub (2nd gen), Google Nest Wifi Pro (Wi-Fi 6E), Google TV Streamer (4K) and Google Home Speaker. See them with their makers’ statements, or read which Apple, Google and SmartThings devices include one.
Before you connect it
Do I need a Matter hub?
Not always. Many homes already have a Matter controller: a supported smart speaker, display or streaming box, such as a HomePod mini, an Echo (4th gen) or a Nest Hub (2nd gen), and several of these are also Thread border routers. Buy a hub only for the job your home is missing.
What is the cheapest Matter hub?
Often the one you already own. If you need to buy one, match the role first: for Matter-over-Thread devices you need a Thread border router, and of the four hubs in this guide only the Aqara M100 is one; the other three are Matter bridges. Then compare the current store prices shown for each hub.
Is the SwitchBot Hub 2 a Thread border router?
No. The SwitchBot Hub 2 is a Matter bridge: it brings supported SwitchBot devices into your chosen Matter platform. It is not a Thread border router, so Matter-over-Thread devices need one elsewhere, such as the Aqara Hub M100 in this guide or a supported speaker, display or streaming box.
Which Amazon Echo devices are Thread border routers?
Amazon’s developer documentation lists a built-in Thread border router in the Echo (4th Gen), Echo Hub, Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen), Echo Show 15 (2nd Gen) and Echo Show 21, and in 2025 models including the Echo Dot Max, Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen, 2025 release) and Echo Studio (2025 release). Some eero routers have one too: the eero 6, eero 6+, eero Pro 6, eero Pro 6E and eero 7 family. A Thread border router is a different job from a Matter controller, the device that adds Matter devices to Alexa; Amazon documents Matter support on Echo devices on a separate page.
Which Matter hubs are Thread border routers?
MatterCatalog lists 14 hubs and controllers sold in the US that their makers’ own pages call Thread border routers. Stand-alone hubs: Aqara Hub M3, Aqara Hub M200, IKEA DIRIGERA hub, MOES Matter Wired Gateway (MZHUB-MS), Aqara Hub M100, Aqara Thermostat Hub W200 and Aeotec Smart Home Hub (works as a SmartThings hub); the table above lists the 6 with a CSA record on file. Speakers, displays, streamers and routers from Apple and Google: Apple HomePod (2nd generation); Apple HomePod mini; Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) Wi-Fi + Ethernet, 128GB; Google Home Speaker; Google Nest Hub (2nd gen); Google Nest Wifi Pro (Wi-Fi 6E) and Google TV Streamer (4K); they are Matter controllers with no CSA certificate on file, so they are not in the table. A Thread border router is what Matter-over-Thread devices need; a Wi-Fi Matter device needs only your platform’s Matter controller.
Which Matter hubs are also Matter bridges?
27 hubs sold in the US with a CSA record on file are Matter bridges by the maker’s own page: they bring the maker’s supported Zigbee, Bluetooth, infrared or other non-Matter accessories into a Matter platform. 6 of them are also a Thread border router: Aqara Hub M3, Aqara Hub M200, IKEA DIRIGERA hub, MOES Matter Wired Gateway (MZHUB-MS), Aqara Hub M100 and Aqara Thermostat Hub W200. A bridge shares only the accessories on its maker’s supported list, so check the exact accessory before you buy.
Will one hub connect every brand?
No. A shared radio or Matter logo does not guarantee that a bridge supports every accessory. Match the exact child device, its firmware and the destination platform’s supported device types.
Does Matter give me every feature in every app?
No. Manufacturer apps may expose features that the Matter integration does not. Check the functions you need—such as scenes, sensors or infrared control—before relying on a cross-platform setup.
Should I replace an existing bridge?
Check its firmware and current Matter support first. For example, Hue documents Matter support for the square Hue Bridge. Replacing working hardware may not add the role your setup is missing.
Is the Aqara M100 the same as the M3?
No. They are separate models. The M100 listing in this guide is the USB-A model; M3 specifications such as Ethernet and infrared control must not be attributed to it.
What is the cheapest way to get a Thread border router?
Use one you already have, if you can: Amazon Echo Hub; Amazon Echo Show 8 (2025 release); Apple HomePod (2nd generation); Apple HomePod mini; Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) Wi-Fi + Ethernet, 128GB; Google Home Speaker; Google Nest Hub (2nd gen); Google Nest Wifi Pro (Wi-Fi 6E) and Google TV Streamer (4K) are each a Matter controller and a Thread border router, by their makers’ own pages. To buy a stand-alone hub instead, Aqara Hub M100, Aqara Hub M3, Aqara Hub M200, Aqara Thermostat Hub W200, IKEA DIRIGERA hub and MOES Matter Wired Gateway (MZHUB-MS) are Thread border routers by their makers’ pages. This guide’s cheapest-options table sorts them by the latest checked price and says “Check price” where we have no current price.
What is the best Matter over Thread hub?
One that is both the Matter controller for the platform you use and a Thread border router, so you need nothing else: for Amazon Alexa, Amazon Echo Hub and Amazon Echo Show 8 (2025 release); for Apple Home, Apple HomePod (2nd generation); Apple HomePod mini and Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) Wi-Fi + Ethernet, 128GB; for Google Home, Google Home Speaker, Google Nest Hub (2nd gen), Google Nest Wifi Pro (Wi-Fi 6E) and Google TV Streamer (4K), by the makers’ own pages. For a stand-alone hub, the Thread border routers we list are Aqara Hub M100, Aqara Hub M3, Aqara Hub M200, Aqara Thermostat Hub W200, IKEA DIRIGERA hub and MOES Matter Wired Gateway (MZHUB-MS). We compare documented roles, certificates and prices; we have not tested these hubs hands-on.
What is the best Matter bridge?
The one made for the devices you already own: a Matter bridge brings only its maker’s supported Zigbee, Bluetooth, infrared or other accessories into a Matter platform. 27 Matter bridges sold in the US have a CSA record on file, by brand: Aqara (5), SONOFF (5), SwitchBot (4), Tapo (3), Zemismart (2), IKEA (1), Linkind (1), Meross (1), MOES (1), Motionblinds (1), Philips (1), ThirdReality (1) and TP-Link (1). 6 of them are also Thread border routers: Aqara Hub M3, Aqara Hub M200, IKEA DIRIGERA hub, MOES Matter Wired Gateway (MZHUB-MS), Aqara Hub M100 and Aqara Thermostat Hub W200.
How many Matter hubs are there?
MatterCatalog lists 52 hubs, bridges and controllers sold in the US with a verified store link: 14 are Thread border routers by their makers’ pages, 21 are Matter bridges that are not, and 17 are other hubs and gateways, including the Amazon Echo Hub and Amazon Echo Show 8 (2025 release), which their makers document as Matter controllers and Thread border routers. The tables under “Every Matter hub, bridge and Thread border router sold in the US” name each one with a CSA record on file.
How we checked
We read manufacturer documentation and matched the US store listings on September 16, 2026. The Aqara M100 model numbers, single-hub listings and certificate scope were checked September 20; the other store listings were matched September 16. On October 6, 2026, the SONOFF Bridge Max replaced the SONOFF Zigbee Bridge Ultra (ZBBridge-U), whose Amazon listing has been out of stock since at least October 1; the Bridge Max’s SONOFF US store page and Amazon listing were both in stock that day. This is an editorial fit guide, not a lab test or an exhaustive ranking. Manufacturer capabilities and a consumer listing are separate from a specific CSA certification record. On October 5, 2026, we added the Amazon Echo Thread border router answer, from Amazon’s developer documentation as checked on October 1, 2026. On October 10, 2026, we added the list of every Matter hub, bridge and Thread border router sold in the US, from our catalog records and the makers’ statements in our Thread border router and Matter bridge reviews. Also on October 10, 2026, we added the cheapest-options comparison, priced only in your browser from store prices we checked in the last 48 hours or Amazon prices retrieved in the last 24 hours, and the SwitchBot Hub 2 answer from SwitchBot’s own pages as we read them on the dates shown.
Prices, stock and promotions change. We use “Check price” so you can confirm the exact variant and current terms with the retailer. Models without a sufficiently clear match are left out of these recommendations; their catalog records remain available.
Looking specifically for M3 features? Read Aqara’s separate M3 specifications. Read our editorial policy.
Head-to-head comparisons
Two models side by side, from their catalog records and the makers’ own pages.