Protocol guide
Matter, Thread and Zigbee compatibility matrix
Matter is a common application layer; Thread is a low-power mesh radio often used with Matter; Zigbee 3.0 is the mesh protocol Hue and Aqara use natively. Status depends on firmware — check the SKU before buying.
Legend: Native = built-in; Partial = firmware/hub dependent; Via hub = exposed through a bridge; No = not supported.
| Brand | Product | Matter | Thread | Zigbee 3 | Home Assistant | Apple Home | Alexa | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philips Hue | White & Color bulbs | Via hub | Via hub | Native | Native | Via hub | Via hub | Via hub | Zigbee via Bridge; Matter on Bridge v2 (recent firmware) |
| Philips Hue | Hue Bridge | Native | Partial | Native | Native | Partial | Partial | Native | Matter controller for supported Hue lights |
| Aqara | Hub M3 / M2 | Native | Native | Native | Native | Native | Partial | Partial | Thread border router + Zigbee hub |
| Aqara | H1 switch (no neutral) | Partial | Partial | Native | Native | Via hub | Partial | Partial | Matter exposure depends on hub firmware |
| Govee | Wi-Fi RGB bulbs | Partial | No | No | Partial | Partial | Partial | Native | Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz + Bluetooth; check Matter on newer SKUs |
| Shelly | Plus 1 / Dimmer 2 | Partial | No | No | Native | Partial | Partial | Native | Wi-Fi relays; Matter on Gen3 select models |
| Nanoleaf | Essentials / Shapes | Native | Native | No | Partial | Native | Native | Native | Matter over Thread on Essentials |
| IKEA | DIRIGERA hub | Native | Native | Native | Native | Partial | Partial | Partial | Replaces TRÅDFRI gateway |
| IKEA | TRÅDFRI bulbs | Via hub | Via hub | Native | Native | Via hub | Via hub | Via hub | Matter via DIRIGERA |
Wi-Fi vs Zigbee: French comparison article. No-neutral kits: compatibility matrix.