Matter is a smart home protocol that simplifies the smart home ecosystem by allowing internet-connected devices to work with each other across platforms and ecosystems, regardless of the brand. It is a specification for how devices should talk to each other and runs over existing protocols such as Thread for low-power, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth Low Energy for device commissioning. Matter is supported by a long list of companies, including Apple, Google, Amazon, Samsung, LG, Nanoleaf, Eve, and TP-Link.

Its biggest promise is making smart devices work with each other across platforms and ecosystems, no matter who made them. Matter devices work with all major smart home platforms, and you don't have to check if products like smart bulbs are compatible with Amazon, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings, or Apple HomeKit. Matter devices offer mesh networking in which connecting to the cloud is optional, rather than mandatory. Matter's privacy principles outline data privacy protections, including minimizing how much data is shared in any Matter interaction and defining the purpose of the information exchanged between Matter nodes.