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Border router finder: which hub do you need for Thread?

Thread devices need at least one Thread border router. The Matter certification does not say whether a hub is also a border router – so here is a recommendation per system plus the certified hubs and bridges in the directory.

Thread border routers compared →

Recommendation per system

SystemWhat qualifies
Apple HomeCertain Apple TV and HomePod models are the home hub and a Thread border router.
Google HomeCertain Google Nest devices (e.g. hubs and Wi-Fi routers) are Thread border routers.
Amazon AlexaCertain Echo models include a Thread border router.
SmartThingsSmartThings hubs and Samsung devices can be border routers (depending on the model).
Home AssistantA Thread radio stick or coordinator (e.g. a Home Assistant stick) turns the machine running Home Assistant into a border router.

Whether a specific model is a border router depends on the model and software version. Check the manufacturer’s information before buying.

Known hubs and border routers

Amazon Echo (4. Generation)

Alexa-Zentrale mit Zigbee/Thread (je nach Modell)

Apple HomePod mini

Apple-Home-Zentrale und Thread Border Router

Apple TV 4K

Apple-Home-Zentrale und Thread Border Router (je nach Modell)

Aqara Hub M3

Matter-Controller und Thread Border Router

Google Nest Hub

Google-Home-Zentrale (Thread Border Router je nach Modell)

Google Nest Wifi Pro

WLAN-Router mit Thread Border Router

Home Assistant Connect ZBT-1

USB-Stick für Zigbee und Thread (Border Router mit Home Assistant)

IKEA DIRIGERA Hub

Hub mit Matter-Unterstützung

SMLIGHT SLZB-06MU

Zigbee-/Thread-Koordinator mit Ethernet/PoE – Matter-Zentrale für Home Assistant und Co.

Certified as Thread border router

SMARTWIZSMARTWIZ+ artThread border routerWi-FiMatter 1.4

Hubs and bridges in the directory (240)

Matter hubs and bridges from the certification database. Whether a Thread border router is included is not part of it – the manufacturer states that.