Will Zigbee Disappear in the Matter Era?

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Will Zigbee Disappear in the Matter Era?



"Why does this smart bulb work with Google Home but not with Apple HomeKit?"
"Why do I need yet another hub to connect to SmartThings?"
Anyone who has ever tried setting up a smart home has likely faced this kind of frustration. Over the past decade, our homes have become smarter — but the journey has been as complex as learning multiple foreign languages.

To unify this fragmented ecosystem, a powerful alliance was formed: Matter. Created by tech giants Apple, Google, Amazon, and Samsung, Matter is a new smart home standard aiming to bring together disparate technologies like Zigbee, Z-Wave, and Wi-Fi under one universal protocol.

But as Matter gains traction, does it mean Zigbee — once the backbone of the smart home — is now obsolete? The short answer: Absolutely not.

What Is Matter? The "Universal Translator" of Smart Homes



Matter is often misunderstood as just another protocol. In reality, it’s a higher-level agreement — a universal translator for smart devices.

Whereas Zigbee and Z-Wave operate on their own languages and networks, Matter enables all devices to communicate using IP (Internet Protocol), the global language of the internet.

  • Local-first Control: Devices continue to function even without internet connectivity.

  • Cross-platform Compatibility: Set up a device once, and it will appear in Google Home, Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, and Samsung SmartThings.

  • Robust Security: Communication is verified via blockchain-like certificates and encrypted end-to-end.

Matter is not here to replace Zigbee, but to envelop and unify existing technologies under a shared, IP-based framework.

Two Ways Matter Devices Connect: Wi-Fi and Thread



Understanding the two main connection types is the first step toward building a reliable Matter-based smart home.

1. Matter over Wi-Fi

This approach connects devices directly to your home Wi-Fi. It's fast and easy but consumes more power, making it suitable for always-powered, data-heavy devices like:

  • Smart TVs, refrigerators, IP cameras, smart speakers, and wall plugs.

2. Matter over Thread

Thread is a low-power, IP-based mesh network similar to Zigbee, designed for battery-operated devices. It allows devices to relay messages to one another, improving range and stability.

  • Ideal for sensors, smart door locks, motion detectors, temperature/humidity sensors, and smart bulbs.

Real-World Challenges of Matter Adoption



While promising, Matter also introduces new challenges:

Issue 1: Missing Thread Border Router

To use Thread-based devices, you need a Thread Border Router to bridge Thread and Wi-Fi. Devices like Apple HomePod (2nd Gen), Nest Hub Max, or SmartThings Station include this, but many users buy Thread devices without realizing they can’t connect them without one.

Issue 2: Wi-Fi Overload

Installing dozens of Matter-over-Wi-Fi devices (e.g., smart plugs or bulbs) can overwhelm home routers. Consumer-grade routers have limits on connected devices, leading to network congestion and slower internet speeds.

Issue 3: Unreliable Thread Routers

In a Thread mesh, devices powered by mains electricity (like bulbs or plugs) serve as routers. Poorly built or cheap devices may perform this function inadequately, destabilizing the entire network and causing devices to randomly disconnect.

Issue 4: Matter Bridge Bottlenecks

Using a Matter Bridge (like the Philips Hue Bridge) to connect legacy Zigbee devices routes all traffic through a single point. If the bridge or its Wi-Fi connection falters, the performance of dozens of devices can suffer.

The Current Status of Zigbee: Still Unmatched in Value



Why is Zigbee still thriving? Simple — its robust ecosystem and unbeatable cost-effectiveness.

  • Massive Device Selection: The majority of affordable, reliable smart devices on the market — sensors, switches, lights — still use Zigbee. Brands like Aqara, Philips Hue, IKEA, Tuya, and Sonoff offer hundreds of Zigbee products.

  • Proven Local Reliability: Zigbee operates on an independent mesh network, so automations continue to run even if your internet or Wi-Fi goes down.

  • Loved by DIY Enthusiasts: The combination of Home Assistant + Zigbee2MQTT is the go-to setup for advanced users who want complete local control.

Put simply, Zigbee’s extensive and affordable hardware ecosystem ensures it will remain relevant for years to come.

How Zigbee Is Evolving With Matter



Rather than being replaced, Zigbee is evolving to coexist with Matter. Here's why:

  • Same Parent Organization: The Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA), which created Matter, is the former Zigbee Alliance. Their goal isn’t to abandon Zigbee, but to absorb it into a broader ecosystem.

  • Smart Bridge Approach: Through Matter Bridges, existing Zigbee hubs can be updated to allow connected Zigbee devices to behave like Matter devices. This enables smooth backward compatibility.

  • Hybrid Brand Strategy: Leading brands like Aqara, Hue, and IKEA are taking a dual approach — adding Matter support to current hubs while releasing new Matter-native products.

Smart Strategies Based on User Type



Whether you’re a beginner or power user, here’s how to navigate the Matter-Zigbee landscape:

For Beginners / Brand-focused Users:

  • Hub: Start with a Matter hub that includes a Thread Border Router, such as SmartThings Station or Apple HomePod 2nd Gen.

  • Devices: Choose Matter-certified Thread or Wi-Fi products (e.g., Eve, Nanoleaf) for maximum compatibility.

For Power Users / Local-first Enthusiasts:

  • Hub: Stick with Home Assistant + a powerful Zigbee coordinator like Sonoff ZBDongle-E/P.

  • Devices: Use existing Zigbee devices and integrate Matter devices into HA when needed.

The Best of Both Worlds: Hybrid Strategy (Highly Recommended)

  • Hub: Use Home Assistant or Aqara Hub M3 — both support Zigbee and Matter (Thread).

  • Devices:

    • Sensors: Stick with affordable, reliable Zigbee options.

    • Core devices (lights, locks, switches): Use Matter-certified products to support family-wide access across platforms.

Zigbee Isn’t Dying — It’s Evolving



Matter is clearly reshaping the future of smart homes, but technological transitions are rarely abrupt. Instead, they evolve through integration and expansion.

While Matter sets the vision for the future, Zigbee remains the stable foundation of today.

Buying Zigbee devices today is far from a waste — it's a smart investment in a proven ecosystem. With firmware updates or bridge integration, they can seamlessly transition into the Matter world when you're ready.

So don’t shy away from Zigbee. Start smart with Zigbee, expand wisely with Matter, and build a future-proof smart home on your terms.


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