Thread
Last updated: January 2, 2026
Thread is a low-power mesh networking protocol that lets smart home devices talk to each other without a central hub. Think of it as the invisible web that Matter devices use to communicate - each device strengthens the network, and if one goes down, the others pick up the slack.
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If Matter is the language your smart devices speak, Thread is how they pass notes to each other. It's a mesh networking protocol designed specifically for smart homes - low-power, reliable, and built on proven technology (the same radio tech as Zigbee, but with proper IP networking). Unlike Wi-Fi, Thread won't drain your sensor batteries in a week. Unlike Zigbee, it speaks native internet protocol. It's the best of both worlds.
Here's the clever bit: every mains-powered Thread device (think light switches and smart plugs) acts as a router, relaying messages across the network. Your smart bulb in the living room helps your motion sensor in the hallway talk to your hub. The network is self-healing too - if one device goes offline, traffic automatically reroutes through others. No single point of failure, no babysitting required. You just need at least one "border router" (often built into smart speakers or hubs) to connect Thread to your home network.
The 2025 reality: Thread is finally hitting its stride. With Thread 1.4 becoming mandatory from January 2026, we're getting credential sharing - meaning your Apple HomePod and Amazon Echo can finally share the same Thread network instead of creating competing meshes. IKEA has released 20 Matter-over-Thread devices, and the ecosystem is growing fast. The catch? You'll still need some always-powered devices to build a strong mesh - battery sensors alone won't cut it.
Related Terms
Matter
Matter is the smart home industry's attempt to finally get everyone to play nice together. It's an open connectivity standard that lets devices from different brands (Apple, Google, Amazon, Samsung, you name it) actually work with each other without the usual compatibility headaches.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is the default choice for smart home devices because it's already everywhere - no hub required, instant setup, and your router handles it all. The catch? It'll drain batteries in days, congest your network with dozens of devices, and isn't designed for the "always listening" low-power world of IoT.
Zigbee
Zigbee is the veteran mesh networking protocol that's been quietly running smart homes for over a decade. It connects low-power devices like sensors, bulbs, and switches through a self-healing mesh network - and unlike Wi-Fi gadgets, your Zigbee motion sensor won't need new batteries every month.