Thread Border Routers Explained: What They Do and Which Devices Have One

The short answer

A Thread border router connects Thread devices to the rest of your home network, so your phone, your smart speaker and your platform’s automations can reach them. Every Matter device that uses Thread needs at least one in the home; Matter devices that use Wi-Fi do not. You may already own one: 9 speakers, displays, streamers and routers we list are both a Matter controller and a Thread border router by their makers’ own pages (Amazon Echo Hub, Amazon Echo Show 8 (2025 release), Apple HomePod (2nd generation), Apple HomePod mini, Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) Wi-Fi + Ethernet, Google Home Speaker, Google Nest Hub (2nd gen), Google Nest Wifi Pro (Wi-Fi 6E) and Google TV Streamer (4K)). We also list 7 stand-alone hubs that their makers call Thread border routers. The table below names all 16.

Every Thread border router we list

One row per device in our catalog whose maker's own page says it is a Thread border router: what that page says it does, its Matter certification status, the US stores we link and the page we read. Apple's, Google's and Amazon's speakers, displays, streamers and routers have no CSA product certificate of their own: the CSA certifies their platforms' controller software, not the hardware. To compare these devices by current price, see the cheapest-options table in our hubs and bridges guide.

Which devices are Thread border routers?

If you own a recent Apple, Google or Amazon speaker, display, streamer or mesh Wi-Fi router, check this table first: many of them are Thread border routers. It lists 31 models and product lines that 6 makers name as Thread border routers on their own pages, and 6 that the same pages show are not. Names are as each maker writes them, and each row gives the date we read its page.

• Apple: Apple says iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max and later can control Thread accessories without a home hub, but still recommends a home hub. (source)
• Samsung SmartThings: SmartThings names TVs and refrigerators as product lines, not model numbers; check your exact model in the SmartThings app. (source)
• Philips Hue: The Hue Bridge Pro’s specifications list Bluetooth and Zigbee as its communication protocols, not Thread, and its page does not call it a Thread border router. (source)
• Google: Google’s own pages disagree about the Nest Wifi (the Wi-Fi 5 router and point, not the Nest Wifi Pro). Google Nest Help: Compare Wifi products says “Nest Wifi supports Thread and can be used as a Thread Border Router”, marks the Nest Wifi router and point “Yes” for Thread Border Router, and says Google no longer sells Nest Wifi. Google Nest Help: How Google products use Thread lists the Google devices that can act as a Thread border router, and Google’s Matter hub list (the Google row’s source) names its hubs; neither includes the Nest Wifi. We read all three pages on October 21, 2026. The Google row follows the Matter hub list, so it leaves the Nest Wifi out.

Announced, not yet available (as of October 21, 2026)

Three Apple home hubs announced on October 13, 2026 list Thread: Apple HomeView, HomePod mini 2 and Apple TV 4K (4th generation). None is available yet, and none is in the table above.

• Apple HomeView (Apple: pre-orders from October 13, 2026, available from November 13, 2026). Apple’s spec sheet lists “Thread networking technology”, with the footnote “Compatible with HomeKit- or Matter-enabled Thread accessories only.” Apple’s Home Collection announcement names it as a home hub: “a home hub like Apple HomeView, HomePod, HomePod mini, or Apple TV 4K”. Apple’s home hub support pages, read October 21, 2026, do not list HomeView yet, so we don’t call it a Thread border router until Apple does. Sources: Apple: HomeView technical specifications, Apple Newsroom: Introducing Apple Home Collection, Apple Newsroom: Meet Apple HomeView, Apple Support: 'Thread Border Router Required' alert, Apple Support: set up a home hub, Apple Support: Matter accessories.
• HomePod mini 2 (Apple: pre-orders from October 13, 2026, available from October 30, 2026). Apple’s spec sheet lists “Thread networking technology”, with the footnote “Compatible only with HomeKit- or Matter-enabled Thread accessories.” Apple’s announcement says “As a home hub, HomePod mini also lets users securely control accessories from the Home app on iPhone, whether they’re at home or away.” Apple’s list of Thread-enabled Apple devices names “HomePod mini” with no generation and was published on January 13, 2026, before this model was announced, so we don’t add it to the table until Apple’s list covers it. Sources: Apple: HomePod mini 2 technical specifications, Apple Newsroom: the next generation of HomePod mini, Apple Support: 'Thread Border Router Required' alert.
• Apple TV 4K (4th generation) (Apple: pre-orders from October 13, 2026, available from November 13, 2026). Apple’s spec sheet lists “Thread networking technology”, with the footnote “Compatible with HomeKit- or Matter-enabled Thread accessories only.” Apple’s announcement says “The new Apple TV 4K continues to serve as a powerful home hub, giving users control of their smart home accessories from anywhere.” Apple’s list of Thread-enabled Apple devices, read October 21, 2026, names “Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) Wi-Fi + Ethernet” and “Apple TV 4K (2nd generation)”, not this model, so we don’t add it to the table until Apple’s list does. Sources: Apple: Apple TV 4K technical specifications, Apple Newsroom: Apple unveils the new Apple TV 4K, Apple Support: 'Thread Border Router Required' alert.

Do I need a Thread border router?

Only if you use Matter devices that connect over Thread. A Matter device that uses Thread needs at least one Thread border router in the home; a Matter device that uses Wi-Fi or Ethernet never does. Of the 690 Matter certified products with a US store link in our catalog, 145 use Thread and need one, and 490 use Wi-Fi and do not. Each product page says which network the device uses.

Before you buy one, check what you already own against the makers’ table above: many Apple, Google and Amazon speakers, displays and streamers are already Thread border routers. On iPhone, Apple says “And with iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max and later, you can control thread-based accessories without a home hub”, but it still recommends a home hub (Apple Support). A border router alone does not add devices to your app; you also need your platform’s Matter controller, and many of those speakers, displays and streamers are both (see the table of every Thread border router we list, above).

Every Thread device we list, with filters by category and brand: Thread compatible devices. Which kinds of devices use Thread and which use Wi-Fi, and why: Matter over Thread vs Wi-Fi.

What Thread is

Thread is a low-power wireless mesh network built on IPv6 and maintained by the Thread Group. It is one of the networks Matter runs on, alongside Wi-Fi and Ethernet. Thread suits devices that run on batteries or send small amounts of data, such as door and window sensors, motion sensors, locks and buttons, and it is also used by some bulbs and plugs.

In a Thread mesh, plugged-in devices such as plugs and bulbs usually act as routers: they pass messages along and extend the network. Battery-powered devices usually do not route traffic, so they can sleep and save power.

What a Thread border router does

A Thread border router connects the Thread mesh to the rest of your home network over Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Without one, your phone, your smart speaker and your platform's automations cannot reach Thread devices. A Matter device that uses Thread needs at least one border router in the home. Matter devices that use Wi-Fi do not need one.

Being a border router is a different job from being a Matter controller, the hub that adds and runs devices in Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa or SmartThings. Many smart speakers, displays and streaming boxes do both, but not all of them. Nanoleaf says its panels' border routers do not act as a home hub, and some Google speakers are Matter hubs for Wi-Fi devices only. Our hubs and bridges guide explains the controller, border router and bridge roles.

Devices that include a Thread border router

These lists come from each maker's documentation, checked on October 1, 2026. Models and software change, so check the linked page for your exact device.

Apple

Apple lists the Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) Wi-Fi + Ethernet, Apple TV 4K (2nd generation), HomePod (2nd generation) and HomePod mini as Thread-enabled home hubs. The Wi-Fi-only Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) is not on that list. Apple also says that with iOS 18, iPhone 15 Pro and later models can control Thread accessories without a home hub, although it still recommends setting one up. Sources: Apple Support: Thread border router alerts and Apple Support: Matter accessories.

Google

Google's Matter hub list names the Google Home Speaker (2026), Nest Hub (2nd gen), Nest Hub Max, Nest Wifi Pro (Wi-Fi 6E) and Google TV Streamer (4K) as hubs that also support Thread. The Nest Mini, Nest Audio and Nest Hub (1st gen) are Matter hubs for Wi-Fi devices only. Source: Google Nest Help: Matter hubs.

Amazon

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), Echo Show 21 and several 2025 models, including the Echo Dot Max, Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen, 2025 release) and Echo Studio (2025 release). Many eero routers are on the list too, including the eero 6 and 6+, eero Pro 6 and Pro 6E, and the eero 7 family. Source: Amazon: smart home Thread support.

Samsung SmartThings

SmartThings' Matter overview (April 2023) says the latest SmartThings Hub, the SmartThings Station, Samsung TVs and Samsung Family Hub refrigerators have Thread border routers built in. The article describes recent models, so check your exact TV or refrigerator in the SmartThings app. Source: SmartThings: everything you need to know about Matter.

Nanoleaf

Nanoleaf says its Shapes, Elements and Lines panels can act as Thread border routers with current firmware, and that they do not act as a home hub, so you still need a Matter controller from your platform. Nanoleaf's list covers the panels only; Essentials bulbs and light strips are Thread accessories, not border routers. Source: Nanoleaf Support: Nanoleaf Thread border routers.

Stand-alone hubs

These hubs in our catalog are Thread border routers according to their makers. Each entry quotes the maker's page, linked after the quote.

• Aqara Hub M3: "This enhancement makes the M3 a versatile Matter controller and Thread Border Router" (Aqara).
• Aqara Hub M100: "Aqara Hub M100 acts as a Thread Border Router and a Mesh Extender" (Aqara).
• Aqara Hub M200: "The M200 acts as a Thread border router, bridging it to your Wi-Fi or Ethernet network" (Aqara).
• Aqara Thermostat Hub W200: "It also acts as a Thread Border Router and Mesh Extender to increase the coverage, speed, and reliability of your Thread network" (Aqara).
• IKEA DIRIGERA hub: "DIRIGERA includes Thread Border Router functionality to support them" (IKEA).
• Aeotec Smart Home Hub (works as a SmartThings hub): "Aeotec Smart Home Hub acts as border router in the Smart Home Thread network" (Aeotec).
• MOES Matter Wired Gateway (MZHUB-MS): "It features a built-in Thread Border Router and Matter certification" (MOES).

Popular hubs that are not Thread border routers

A Matter hub or bridge is not automatically a Thread border router. We checked each device below against its maker's documentation, and none of them is documented as one. Most are Matter bridges that bring the maker's own Zigbee, Wi-Fi or Sub-1G devices into your platform, so a Matter device that uses Thread still needs a border router from the lists above.

• Aqara Hub M2: no Thread radio; Aqara lists Zigbee 3.0, infrared, Bluetooth LE and Wi-Fi (Aqara).
• SwitchBot Hub 2: a Matter bridge for SwitchBot devices, over Wi-Fi (SwitchBot).
• SwitchBot Hub 3: SwitchBot describes a Matter bridge with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth LE, with no border-router claim.
• SwitchBot AI Hub: SwitchBot names a Matter bridge only.
• Philips Hue Bridge: a Matter bridge for Hue lights and accessories (Philips Hue).
• SONOFF Zigbee Bridge Ultra: a Matter bridge for supported Zigbee devices (SONOFF).
• Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen): a Matter thermostat that is not on Google's Thread border router list (Google).
• Bosch Smart Kitchen Dock: a Matter bridge with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth; the Bosch and Home Connect pages list no Thread (Home Connect).
• ORVIBO MixPad X: ORVIBO describes a Zigbee gateway, with no Thread border router claim.
• ORVIBO MixPad 7: ORVIBO lists Zigbee, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Ethernet, and no Thread.
• SONOFF iHost: Zigbee, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth only, as shipped.
• SONOFF Bridge Max: a Matter bridge and Zigbee gateway, with no Thread.
• SONOFF NSPanel Pro: Wi-Fi and Zigbee radios only.
• TP-Link Tapo H500 Smart HomeBase: TP-Link says "The Tapo H500 does not support the Thread protocol" (TP-Link).
• Tapo H200 Smart Hub: 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and Sub-1G, with no Thread.
• Tapo H100 Smart IoT Hub: Sub-1G and 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, with no Thread.
• Tapo H110 Smart IoT & IR Hub: Wi-Fi, Sub-1G and Bluetooth (for setup only), with no Thread.

We could not confirm these either way, because no maker page we found says whether they are border routers:

• Aqara Camera Hub G350: Aqara pages list a Zigbee/Thread radio and a Matter controller, but none says Thread border router.
• Tuya Smart M Gateway THP23-ZB-X: No official Tuya page for this model states Thread border router.
• geo SeeZero Display: No border-router wording on geotogether.com.

How many border routers do you need?

One is enough to start. Matter 1.4.2 requires Thread border routers certified under it to support at least 150 devices, more than most homes use (CSA: Matter 1.4.2). A second border router can keep Thread devices reachable if the first goes offline, as long as both are on the same Thread network.

That condition matters when you mix ecosystems. Adding a border router from another company has often created a second Thread network, splitting your devices between two meshes that cannot use each other's border routers. Thread 1.4 added credential sharing, so border routers from different makers can join one network (Thread Group: Thread 1.4 features white paper). Whether a given border router supports it depends on the device and its firmware, so check the maker's notes.

Before you buy a Thread device

1. Check that you have a border router from the lists above, or plan to add one.
2. Check that your platform's Matter controller is set up. A border router alone does not add devices to your app.
3. Check the product page for the network: Matter over Thread needs a border router, Matter over Wi-Fi does not.
4. Keep Bluetooth on during setup; most Matter devices use it to join. Matter 1.4.1 and 1.6 add NFC options for some products.
5. Put the border router somewhere central, and remember that plugged-in Thread devices extend the mesh while battery devices do not.

Browse Thread devices in the catalog, or read how to set up Matter devices. To see which kinds of Matter devices use Thread and which use Wi-Fi, by category, read Matter over Thread, in short; for what each platform needs, see what works with what.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Thread border router?

A device that connects a Thread mesh network to your home’s Wi-Fi or Ethernet network, so apps, speakers and automations can reach Thread devices. A Matter device that uses Thread needs at least one border router in the home.

Do I need a Thread border router for Matter?

Only for Matter devices that use Thread. Matter devices that use Wi-Fi or Ethernet do not need one. Each MatterCatalog product page says which network the device uses and whether it needs a Thread border router.

Is a Thread border router the same as a Matter hub?

No. A Matter controller (often called a hub) adds and runs devices in Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa or SmartThings; a Thread border router connects Thread devices to your network. Many devices do both: 9 speakers, displays, streamers and routers we list are both, by their makers’ pages. A Matter bridge, such as the Philips Hue Bridge, is a third job and does not replace a border router.

How many Thread border routers do I need?

One is enough to start. A second one on the same Thread network can keep Thread devices reachable if the first goes offline.

Which Thread border routers can I buy in the US?

The table in this article lists all 16 we list: 9 platform speakers, displays, streamers and routers from Amazon, Apple and Google, and 7 stand-alone hubs, each with its maker’s page, its certificate status and the US stores we link.

Which Google Nest devices are Thread border routers?

Google lists the Google Home Speaker (2026), Nest Hub (2nd gen), Nest Hub Max, Nest Wifi Pro (Wi-Fi 6E) and Google TV Streamer (4K) as hubs that support Matter over both Wi-Fi and Thread. The Nest Audio, Nest Mini, Google Home Mini, Google Home and Nest Hub (1st gen) are on Google’s list of hubs for Matter over Wi-Fi only.

Which Apple devices are Thread border routers?

Apple lists the Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) Wi-Fi + Ethernet, Apple TV 4K (2nd generation), HomePod (2nd generation) and HomePod mini as Thread-enabled Apple devices that can be a home hub. Apple says iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max and later can control Thread accessories without a home hub, but still recommends a home hub.

Which Amazon Echo and eero devices have a Thread border router?

Amazon lists 13 models with a built-in Thread border router: Echo (4th Gen); Echo Hub; Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen); Echo Show 15 (2nd Gen); Echo Show 21; Echo Dot Max; Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen, 2025 release); Echo Studio (2025 release); eero 6; eero 6+; eero Pro 6; eero Pro 6E and eero 7 family.

Is the Philips Hue Bridge Pro a Thread border router?

Not according to Philips Hue’s own product page: its specifications list Bluetooth and Zigbee as the communication protocols, with no Thread, and the page does not call it a Thread border router. A Matter device that uses Thread still needs a border router from another device.

How we wrote this

This explainer is based on the manufacturer and standards documentation linked above, checked on October 1, 2026. An earlier version of this post listed every Apple TV 4K from the 2nd generation on as a border router and advised that more border routers always help; both statements were too broad and are corrected above. On October 5, 2026 we added the stand-alone hubs, the hubs that are not border routers and the ones we could not confirm, from the catalog's review of each maker's pages (checked October 1, 2026). On October 11, 2026 we added the short answer, the table of every Thread border router in our catalog (built from the same review and the makers' pages recorded on each product) and the questions above. On October 16, 2026 we added the table of Thread border routers by maker, from each maker's own page (Apple, Google, SmartThings and Philips Hue read that day; Amazon, IKEA and Aqara as read on October 1), the section on whether you need one (with the counts from our catalog) and four more questions. MatterCatalog does not test devices; see our editorial policy.