Short answer: Matter is a common language that lets compatible smart-home devices and systems work together. The Alliance that publishes it says its first release runs over Wi-Fi or over Thread, a low-power network for small devices. Matter devices that use Wi-Fi join your Wi-Fi network. Google says Matter devices that use Thread need a Thread border router to set up, and some Apple and Google speakers, displays and TV boxes already act as one. In our view, you rarely need a new router for it.

Matter: the common language

The Connectivity Standards Alliance, which publishes Matter, describes it as one IP-based protocol for connecting compatible devices and systems with one another.

Matter isn’t a network on its own. According to the Alliance’s Matter page, the first Matter release runs on Wi-Fi and Thread, and uses Bluetooth Low Energy for commissioning, the initial setup. So a device’s specifications should tell you two things: that it supports Matter, and whether it connects over Wi-Fi or Thread. Your smart-home platform may need its own hub as well: for Google Home, Google says setting up Matter devices requires a Matter-enabled hub for Google Home. Check your own platform’s requirements.

Thread: the low-power network

Thread is a separate, low-power network for small smart-home devices. The Thread Group describes it as an open, IPv6-based protocol built on IEEE 802.15.4, a power-efficient radio standard. It isn’t Wi-Fi: Google notes that a Thread network needs a bridge to connect to your Wi-Fi network and the internet.

What a Thread border router does

Something has to connect the Thread network to the rest of your home. That’s the border router. In the words of the OpenThread project, it “connects a Thread network to other IP-based networks, such as Wi-Fi or Ethernet.” OpenThread lists its minimum jobs as passing traffic both ways, letting devices on each side find each other, and letting a device such as your phone add new Thread devices.

Without one, Thread-based Matter devices can’t be set up: Google says they need a Thread border router to complete setup.

You may already have one

Apple and Google document which of their own devices can do the job. As of October 2026, their help pages say:

  • Apple: Thread accessories need a Thread-enabled home hub such as an Apple TV 4K, HomePod (2nd generation) or HomePod mini, or a compatible third-party border router. Apple’s home-hub page names the Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) Wi-Fi + Ethernet model specifically, so check your Apple TV’s exact model. Apple also notes that iPhone 15 Pro and later can control Thread accessories without a hub.
  • Google: the Google Home Speaker (2026), Nest Hub (2nd gen), Nest Hub Max, Nest Wifi Pro and Google TV Streamer (4K) can act as Thread border routers. Google lists the Nest Wifi Pro under Wi-Fi routers, so a router can do the job, but it’s one option among several.

Other brands make border routers too; these two lists are here because Apple and Google publish them for their own devices.

Do you need a new router?

If you’re choosing a router and want one built in, see the best routers with a built-in Thread border router.