Matter Speakers and Smart Speakers: Best-of List

Matter speakers and smart speakers often serve as the voice hub in a room. Some models also take on a role in the Matter network, for example as a border router or controller. This page explains what to look for when sound and Matter functions are meant to come together. Specific models with ratings and price comparisons are listed in the boxes above.

What to look for

A smart speaker has several jobs, and not all of them relate to Matter. These criteria will help you choose:

• Role in the Matter network: Whether the speaker controls Matter devices, serves as a border router or is only operated by voice. These are three different functions.
• Thread support: Only with Thread radio can a speaker act as a border router for Thread devices.
• Ecosystem: Which platform stands behind the device and which Matter functions it offers there.
• Sound and form factor: Size, volume and placement in the room. This depends on your needs.
• Voice control: Which languages and commands are supported. In particular, check whether German is fully available.
• Privacy: Which settings exist for the microphone and voice storage, and how you configure them.
• Update policy: Firmware updates and how long the manufacturer supports the device.

For safety and certification marks, note that a conformity mark such as CE confirms compliance with EU requirements. It says nothing about how the speaker handles your data.

Matter specifics

A smart speaker is not automatically a Matter device in the narrower sense. Check whether it is certified as a Matter device or only offers a Matter function as a controller. The device directory on matter.tips shows device type, radio type and certification details.

Thread-capable speakers can act as a border router and connect Thread devices in the home. The role is explained in the article Border router and controller. If you use Thread devices, this function is an important criterion.

Matter supports multi-admin, which allows a Matter device to be reachable in several systems. Whether your model supports it is stated in the manufacturer's specifications. For an overview of radio standards and connection options, see the article Thread, Wi-Fi or Ethernet.

Privacy with voice devices

A speaker with a microphone processes speech. Before buying, look at how you can switch the microphone off and what storage the manufacturer provides. Use the mute function when you do not need the microphone, and delete stored recordings regularly if the manufacturer offers that option.

Common mistakes

• Mixing up the role. A speaker that understands speech is not automatically a border router.
• Not checking Thread support. Without Thread radio, the border router function is missing.
• Overlooking language support. Not every command works in every language.
• Not reviewing privacy settings. Default settings are not always the most economical with data.

Conclusion: choosing a Matter speaker deliberately

First clarify which role the speaker should take in your network. Then check sound, voice control and privacy. The models are listed in the boxes above, and you can check device type and certification in the device directory.

Frequently asked questions

Can every smart speaker act as a Matter hub?

No. Only models with suitable Thread or Matter support take on this role. Check the manufacturer's specifications.

Do I need a speaker to use Matter?

No. Matter also works with hubs, apps or other controllers. A speaker is an option for voice control and for connecting Thread devices.

Does the speaker have to stay plugged in?

Yes, smart speakers run on mains power. If it fails, Thread devices may lose the border router function.

How can I protect my privacy with voice devices?

Use the microphone mute function, review the storage settings and delete stored recordings regularly if the manufacturer offers that option.