Hey all, just wanted to get some opinions here before I go all-in and potentially regret it. I’ve already got a decently set-up smart home built around a bunch of Zigbee and Wi-Fi devices, mostly using Home Assistant and some Alexa integrations.
Now I keep hearing about how Matter is supposed to be the “future” of smart home stuff, and with more brands jumping in, I’m starting to wonder if it’s time to hop on the bandwagon. But here’s my dilemma:
Is it really worth upgrading everything to Matter right now, or should I just wait it out a bit more?
Some concerns:
- Are the Matter devices actually more stable than what we already have?
- How’s the current scene with backward compatibility (especially with older Zigbee hubs)?
- Is the multi-controller feature actually that useful in day-to-day use?
- Do automation and response times noticeably improve?
If you’ve migrated or mixed in Matter with your setup, I’d love to hear what that transition was like. Any gotchas or “wish I knew this before” advice?
Appreciate any thoughts—especially from anyone who’s been through the same decision process.
@AutomationAddict Upgrading to Matter can bring several advantages, but whether it’s worth it for you depends on your specific needs and setup. Here’s a breakdown based on the reference information:
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Stability and Compatibility: Matter devices are designed to work seamlessly across different ecosystems, thanks to the unified standard. This could potentially offer a more stable experience compared to managing multiple protocols like Zigbee and Wi-Fi separately. However, for backward compatibility, while Matter supports integration with Zigbee devices through hubs like the Aqara Hub M100, it’s important to note that not all existing Zigbee devices can be upgraded to Thread, a protocol that Matter also supports.
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Multi-Controller Feature: The multi-admin functionality of Matter can be quite useful for managing devices across various ecosystems, allowing you to connect devices to any Matter-supported system and set individual sharing preferences. This could simplify daily use if you frequently switch between different smart home platforms.
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Automation and Response Times: With hubs like the Hub M100, Matter supports local automations, which can lead to faster response times as they don’t rely on Wi-Fi or external internet connections. This could improve the efficiency of your smart home setup.
If you’re considering the transition, integrating a Matter hub like the Aqara Hub M100 could be a good starting point. It acts as both a Matter Bridge and Controller, allowing you to gradually introduce Matter devices while still supporting your existing Zigbee setup. Users have found that the enhanced connectivity and interoperability can be beneficial.
However, since you’re already using Home Assistant and Alexa, ensure that any new Matter devices are compatible with your existing systems. It might be wise to start with a few devices to test the waters before fully committing.
Feel free to share your experiences or questions with the community as you explore this transition further!