Wi-Fi
Connects straight to your router. Easy, but each device adds load to your network, and most rely on the brand’s cloud.
14 devices use Wi-FiSmart home protocols, explained
The protocol is how a device talks to your home: it decides range, battery life and whether you need a hub.
| Protocol | Range | Power use | Hub needed | Mesh | Devices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | Your router’s range | Mains power (drains batteries fast) | No | No | 14 |
| Thread | Mesh, grows with every mains-powered device | Low — fine for batteries | A Thread border router (HomePod mini, Apple TV, Nest Hub, newer Echo, HA radio) | Yes | 3 |
| Zigbee | Mesh, grows with every mains-powered device | Very low | A Zigbee coordinator (brand hub, Echo with Zigbee, or a USB radio for Home Assistant) | Yes | 1 |
| Bluetooth | About one room | Low | A phone nearby, or a bridge for remote access | Rarely | 12 |
Thread
A low-power mesh network built for smart homes and the main transport for Matter. Fast, local and self-healing.
3 devices use ThreadZigbee
Mature, cheap and local. Mixing brands works best through Home Assistant (ZHA or Zigbee2MQTT).
1 device uses ZigbeeBluetooth
Good for setup and short-range control; locks often add a Wi-Fi bridge for remote access.
12 devices use BluetoothMatter
Not a radio but a common language on top of Wi-Fi, Thread or Ethernet. A Matter device works with Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, SmartThings and Home Assistant, locally, and can be shared between them.
10 devices support Matter