Do I need a Thread border router?
Only if you own a Matter device that uses Thread. A Thread device needs a Thread border router on your home network; a Wi-Fi or Ethernet device never does.
Many Apple, Google and Amazon speakers, displays and streaming boxes already are one. This tool checks 48 models against their makers’ own lists and 1,984 Matter devices against their recorded network. Of the 690 Matter certified products we list with a verified US store link, 490 use Wi-Fi, 145 use Thread, 9 list both Thread and Wi-Fi, 22 list a wired Ethernet connection and 24 do not state a network.
As of October 28, 2026. Makers’ lists read October 16, 2026 (Amazon, Aqara and IKEA: October 1, 2026; Home Assistant: October 21, 2026). CSA certificates from the ledger read October 19, 2026. Updated October 28, 2026.
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1. Your Matter devices
Search for each device you have or plan to buy (up to 12).
Try:
2. Controllers and hubs you own
Tick the speakers, displays, streaming boxes, routers and hubs you already have. Each is checked against its maker’s own list.
Models and product lines come from each maker’s own page, read October 16, 2026. A model not listed here may still be one: check its maker’s page.
Apple4 models
Google10 models
Amazon Echo and eero13 models
Samsung SmartThings5 models
Home Assistant3 models
Aqara4 models
IKEA1 models
Other hubs8 models
3. The app you use for Matter (optional)
Google Home and Alexa name their own hubs as Thread border routers; Apple’s specifications, SmartThings and Home Assistant also accept third-party ones.
Your answer
Add a device to get your answer
Search for a Matter device you have or plan to buy. We check its recorded network: a Thread device needs a Thread border router, a Wi-Fi device does not.
What a Thread border router does
A Thread border router connects your Thread devices to your home network and the internet. It does not control devices: Home Assistant’s documentation puts it plainly, “The Thread border router does not control devices.” That job belongs to your platform’s Matter controller, the part that adds devices to Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa or SmartThings and runs them. One speaker, display or hub can do both jobs.
You need at least one border router if any Matter device you own uses Thread, and none if all of them use Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Of the 690 Matter certified products we list with a verified US store link, 145 use Thread and 490 use Wi-Fi.
Which Matter devices need one
The categories with the most Thread products are fans (36), locks (35) and lighting (26). The tool above reads each device’s network from its product page. By category, for the 690 certified products with a US store link:
| Category | Use Thread: need a border router | Use Wi-Fi: none needed |
|---|---|---|
| Fans | 36 | 17 |
| Locks | 35 | 6 |
| Lighting | 26 | 243 |
| Sensors | 22 | 9 |
| Switches | 9 | 61 |
| Plugs | 7 | 47 |
| Blinds | 6 | 2 |
| Remotes & Buttons | 3 | 2 |
| Climate | 1 | 7 |
The checker can look up 1,984 listed Matter devices. For 79 of them the network is not clear from our record (not stated, both listed, or the CSA ledger and the maker differ), and the tool says so instead of guessing. Every Thread device we list: Matter Thread devices. Thread against Wi-Fi: Matter over Thread vs Wi-Fi.
Which hubs, speakers and routers are Thread border routers
The tool checks the models below against what each maker’s own page says, read October 16, 2026 (Amazon, Aqara and IKEA: October 1, 2026). “Not” means the same page lists the model as Wi-Fi only, or its specifications list radios without Thread.
| Maker | Thread border routers | Not Thread border routers | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple | Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) Wi-Fi + Ethernet, Apple TV 4K (2nd generation), HomePod (2nd generation), HomePod mini | – | Apple Support: 'Thread Border Router Required' alert, read October 16, 2026Apple Support: Matter accessories, read October 16, 2026 |
| Google Home Speaker (2026), Nest Hub (2nd gen), Nest Hub Max, Nest Wifi Pro (Wi-Fi 6E), Google TV Streamer (4K) | Nest Audio, Nest Mini, Google Home Mini, Google Home, Nest Hub (1st gen) | Google Nest Help: Prepare your smart home for Matter, read October 16, 2026 | |
| Amazon (Echo and eero) | 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, eero 7 family | – | Amazon: smart home Thread support, read October 1, 2026 |
| Samsung SmartThings | The latest SmartThings Hub, SmartThings Station, Samsung TVs, Samsung Family Hub refrigerators | – | SmartThings: everything you need to know about Matter, read October 16, 2026 |
| IKEA | DIRIGERA hub | – | IKEA: Matter-compatible smart home system, read October 1, 2026 |
| Aqara | Hub M3, Hub M100, Hub M200, Thermostat Hub W200 | – | Aqara: Hub M3, read October 1, 2026Aqara: Hub M100, read October 1, 2026Aqara: Hub M200, read October 1, 2026Aqara: Thermostat Hub W200, read October 1, 2026 |
| Philips Hue | None named | Hue Bridge Pro | Philips Hue: Hue Bridge Pro, read October 16, 2026 |
| Home Assistant | Home Assistant Connect ZBT-1, Connect ZBT-2 and Yellow (their Thread radio, with Home Assistant’s OpenThread Border Router app) | – | Home Assistant documentation: Thread integration, read October 21, 2026 |
Hubs the same reviews found are not Thread border routers: Philips Hue Bridge Pro, SwitchBot Hub 2, SwitchBot Hub 3, Philips Hue Bridge, Aqara Hub M2, TP-Link Tapo H500 Smart HomeBase, SONOFF Bridge Max. The tool lists them under “Other hubs”, each with the reason.
The cheapest ways to get a Thread border router
Each table lists the models sold in the US that their makers document, 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”.
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: Apple Home
- 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
Questions people ask
Do I need a Thread border router for Matter?
Only if a Matter device you use connects over Thread. A Thread device needs at least one Thread border router on your network; a Wi-Fi or Ethernet device never does. Of the 690 Matter certified products we list with a verified US store link, 490 use Wi-Fi, 145 use Thread, 9 list both Thread and Wi-Fi, 22 list a wired Ethernet connection and 24 do not state a network.
Is a HomePod mini a Thread border router?
Yes. 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 act as a home hub, and Apple’s HomePod mini specifications say Thread-based accessories need a Thread-enabled home hub or a third-party Thread border router. Apple says an iPhone 15 Pro or later can control Thread accessories without a home hub but still recommends a home hub.
Is a Nest Mini or Nest Audio a Thread border router?
No. Google lists the Nest Audio, Nest Mini, Google Home Mini, Google Home and Nest Hub (1st gen) among hubs for Matter over Wi-Fi only. Its Thread border routers are the Google Home Speaker (2026), Nest Hub (2nd gen), Nest Hub Max, Nest Wifi Pro (Wi-Fi 6E) and Google TV Streamer (4K).
Which Amazon Echo devices are Thread border routers?
Amazon lists 13 models with a built-in Thread border router, among them the Echo (4th Gen), Echo Hub, Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen), Echo Show 15 (2nd Gen) and Echo Show 21. Amazon’s list also names eero routers. Models and software change, so check your exact device.
Is the SwitchBot Hub 2 a Thread border router?
No. SwitchBot Hub 2 is a Matter bridge over Wi-Fi with no Thread border router, by SwitchBot’s own pages and our hub review. A Thread device you add to a setup with a SwitchBot Hub 2 still needs a border router from another device.
Can Home Assistant be a Thread border router?
Yes. Home Assistant’s documentation says: “Home Assistant can act as a Thread border router. But it also supports third-party border routers.” With a Home Assistant Yellow, Connect ZBT-1 or Connect ZBT-2 you can use its Thread radio; we list no store link for those, so see Home Assistant’s own page.
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.
Do Wi-Fi Matter devices need a Thread border router?
No. A Wi-Fi Matter device joins your router directly and needs only your platform’s Matter controller. A Thread border router adds nothing for it.
Where this comes from
Every “is it a Thread border router” answer is the maker’s own statement: Apple, Google, SmartThings and Philips Hue pages read October 16, 2026; Amazon’s developer documentation, Aqara’s and IKEA’s pages and the hub review read October 1, 2026; Home Assistant’s documentation read October 21, 2026. A device’s network is the one its MatterCatalog product page states; where the page states none and the product has an exact CSA certificate, the CSA ledger’s record for that certificate (read October 19, 2026); where the ledger and the maker disagree we show both and make no call. We have not tested these devices hands-on. Prices are not in this page’s text: they load in your browser, with their time.
Found a mistake? Email team@mattercatalog.com with the device and what you expected. The MatterCatalog team