Matter Starter Kit: What to Buy First
Start with one Matter controller and Thread border router that matches your phone and voice assistant, then add two or three Wi-Fi Matter plugs or bulbs. Most starter kits cost $150–$250.
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How this page was made: this is a research-based guide built from manufacturer spec pages, official prices and published lab measurements from the outlets we name and link. We haven’t tested these products ourselves, and we don’t invent scores. Our methodology.
Quick answer
Start with one Matter controller and Thread border router that matches your phone and voice assistant, then add two or three Wi-Fi Matter plugs or bulbs. Most starter kits cost $150–$250. Hub for Apple Home: Apple HomePod mini (2nd generation), $149. Hub for Alexa: Amazon Echo Dot Max, $119.99. Hub for Google Home: Google TV Streamer, $149.99.
Last updated Prices checked Oct 2026
Key facts at a glance
| Pick | Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hub for Apple Home | Apple HomePod mini (2nd generation) | Best hub for iPhone users | $149 |
| Hub for Alexa | Amazon Echo Dot Max | Best hub for Alexa homes | $119.99 list |
| Hub for Google Home | Google TV Streamer | Best hub for Google Home | $149.99 |
| Hub for any ecosystem | Aqara Hub M3 | Best hub for mixed households | About $139.99–$159.99 |
This starter kit is built from manufacturers’ specs and prices checked October 2026 and from our Thread border router research. For step-by-step setup, read our Matter and Thread setup guide.
Which should you buy? Our quick picks
How do they compare?
| Item | Price | Role | Works with | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HomePod mini (2nd gen) | $149 | Hub + Thread border router | Apple Home | Best hub for iPhone users |
| Echo Dot Max | $119.99 list | Hub (Zigbee, Matter, Thread) | Alexa | Best hub for Alexa homes |
| Google TV Streamer | $149.99 | Hub + Thread border router | Google Home | Best hub for Google Home |
| Aqara Hub M3 | $159.99 list; about $139.99 on Amazon | Thread border router, Zigbee hub, Matter controller and bridge | Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, SmartThings | Best hub for mixed households |
| Kasa KP125M | About $47.99 for 4 | Wi-Fi Matter plug with energy monitoring | All Matter platforms | Best first smart plugs |
| Tapo L535E | Check current price | Wi-Fi Matter color bulb, 1100 lumens | All Matter platforms | Best first smart bulb |
| Eve Energy | About $60 for 2 | Thread Matter plug, native energy data | All Matter platforms (needs Thread) | Best Thread plug |
The picks in detail
1. Apple HomePod mini (2nd generation)
Best for: Best hub for iPhone usersApple’s second-generation HomePod mini is $149 and works as a Thread border router and home hub for automations and remote access in the Apple Home app.
Price (Oct 2026): $149 Source
Pros
- Simplest for Apple Home
- Also a smart speaker
- Thread border router
Cons
- Apple Home only
- Needs an iPhone or iPad to set up
2. Amazon Echo Dot Max
Best for: Best hub for Alexa homesAmazon says the Echo Dot Max ($119.99 list since Amazon’s late-August 2026 price increase, per WIRED[7]; it was $99.99) has a built-in Zigbee, Matter and Thread smart-home hub, making it the cheapest hub here.
Price (Oct 2026): $119.99 list Source
Pros
- Lowest-cost hub
- Zigbee, Matter and Thread
- Alexa speaker included
Cons
- Best within Alexa
- Smaller speaker than Echo Studio
3. Google TV Streamer
Best for: Best hub for Google HomeGoogle’s $149.99 TV Streamer is a Thread border router and Matter hub for Google Home and has an Ethernet port. It sits by your TV rather than on a shelf.
Price (Oct 2026): $149.99 Source
Pros
- Matter hub plus a 4K streamer
- Ethernet port
- Thread border router
Cons
- Google Home only
- Must sit near a TV
4. Aqara Hub M3
Best for: Best hub for mixed householdsThe Aqara Hub M3 is a Thread border router, Zigbee hub, Matter controller and Matter bridge, so Aqara Zigbee sensors can show up in Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa or SmartThings. It lists at $159.99 and was about $139.99 on Amazon.
Price (Oct 2026): About $139.99–$159.99 Source
Pros
- Works across ecosystems
- Bridges Zigbee sensors to Matter
- IR blaster and PoE support
Cons
- No speaker or voice assistant
- Aqara app needed for some features
5. Kasa KP125M Matter Smart Plug
Best for: Best first smart plugsKasa’s KP125M is a compact 15A Wi-Fi Matter plug with energy monitoring; a 4-pack is about $47.99. Energy data stays in the Kasa app. Wi-Fi plugs don’t need a Thread border router, which makes them an easy first device. See best Matter smart plugs.
Price (Oct 2026): About $47.99 for 4 Source
Pros
- Cheap per plug
- No Thread needed
- Energy monitoring in Kasa app
Cons
- Energy data not shared through Matter
- Uses Wi-Fi
6. TP-Link Tapo L535E
Best for: Best first smart bulbThe Tapo L535E is rated at 1100 lumens with full color and 2500–6500K white, and connects over Wi-Fi with Matter. TP-Link says not to use it on dimmer switches. See best Matter smart bulbs.
Price (Oct 2026): Check current price Source
Pros
- Bright 1100 lumens
- Full color
- No hub required
Cons
- Not for dimmer switches
- Uses Wi-Fi
7. Eve Energy (Matter)
Best for: Best Thread plugOnce you have a Thread border router, Eve Energy is a good Thread plug that reports energy use natively through Matter, so supporting apps can show it. About $60 for a 2-pack.
Price (Oct 2026): About $60 for 2 Source
Pros
- Thread: low power, no Wi-Fi load
- Energy data via Matter
- Strong Apple Home support
Cons
- Needs a Thread border router
- Pricier than Wi-Fi plugs
Also considered
Apple TV 4K ($299) if you also want a streamer for Apple Home. Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2 ($49) if you run Home Assistant. Choosing between plug brands? See Kasa vs Tapo.
Three sample starter kits
- Apple Home: HomePod mini ($149) + Kasa KP125M 4-pack (about $47.99) = about $197.
- Alexa: Echo Dot Max ($119.99) + Kasa KP125M 4-pack = about $168.
- Google Home: Google TV Streamer ($149.99) + Kasa KP125M 4-pack = about $198.
Add a couple of Tapo L535E bulbs for lighting. Use the Aqara Hub M3 instead if your household mixes iPhone and Android.
Make sure your Wi-Fi is ready
Wi-Fi Matter devices all join your home network, so weak coverage causes dropouts. If you have dead spots, see best mesh Wi-Fi for large homes.
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to start with Matter?
Do I need a hub for Matter?
Which Matter hub works with everything?
Sources
Pricing and plan details were checked on the official pages below as of Oct 2026. Vendors change prices, credits and plan names often, and some show regional pricing at checkout, so confirm on the vendor’s site before you buy.
- Apple: next-generation HomePod mini (apple.com)
- Amazon: new Echo devices (aboutamazon.com)
- Google Store: Google TV Streamer (store.google.com)
- Kasa: KP125M (kasasmart.com)
- TP-Link: Tapo L535 (tp-link.com)
- Eve Energy (evehome.com)
- WIRED: The best smart speakers (Amazon’s August 2026 Echo price increases) (wired.com)
Related
The Best Smart Lights in 2026
Wirecutter’s best smart bulb is the WiZ 60W A19 Color, about $22 for a two-pack. It’s easy to set up and has fun, useful modes. PCMag’s best overall, the TP-Link Tapo L535E (about $11), is bright and supports Matter. Apple Home users should get the Meross MSL120.
best ofThe Best Smart Locks in 2026
Wirecutter’s best smart deadbolt is the Schlage Arrive Smart WiFi Deadbolt ($199). It’s easy to install, works flawlessly and provides robust security. If you use Apple Home, look at the Yale Assure Lock 2 ($195) or the Aqara U100 ($150). Renters can keep their deadbolt and add a retrofit lock instead.
guideMatter and Thread setup guide
Matter is the language your devices speak; Thread is one way they connect. Here is what you need, which hubs count as border routers, and how to pair your first device.
best ofBest Thread border routers
Thread devices need a border router to reach your Wi-Fi network. The best one is usually a speaker or streamer from the ecosystem you already use.
best ofThe Best Matter Smart Plugs
Matter plugs work with Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home and SmartThings out of the box. The real differences are energy monitoring and Wi-Fi vs Thread.
best ofThe Best Matter Smart Bulbs
Matter bulbs work with Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home and SmartThings at once. The main choice is Wi-Fi (no hub) or Thread (needs a border router).
best ofThe Best Smart Speakers in 2026
Pick by assistant first. WIRED’s best Google speaker is the new Google Home Speaker ($99.99), its best Alexa speaker is the Echo Dot Max ($119.99 list after Amazon’s hikes), and Apple’s HomePod mini 2 ($149) arrives October 30.