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Guide

Matter Thread vs Wi-Fi

Thread and Wi-Fi are different Matter networks. CSA’s list records which one a product uses when that field is present.

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What the list actually says

DarkMatterDB only shows Thread or Wi-Fi when CSA’s public Matter list recorded that transport for the listing. Empty transport means we do not invent one.

Certified vs listed is a separate axis. A Thread product can be listed without a certified Matter software version. A Wi-Fi product can be certified. Do not treat transport as proof of certification.

When Thread needs a border router

Matter over Thread needs a Thread border router already on your home network. CSA certification does not name a required hub.

Typical examples from platform docs (not a SKU test) include HomePod mini, Nest Hub (2nd generation), Echo (4th generation), and Home Assistant Yellow or Connect ZBT. First-gen HomePod, Nest Mini, and most Echo Dots are unlikely without another Thread radio on the network.

When Wi-Fi is enough

Matter over Wi-Fi uses the same home Wi-Fi many bulbs and plugs already use. You do not need a Thread border router for those listings.

Pairing still happens in Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, or Home Assistant when the product is CSA certified. That follows certification, not a HomeKit-only claim.

CSA certified: the Connectivity Standards Alliance recorded a certified Matter software version for this product. That does not mean it works with every hub.The Alliance later revoked this Matter software version. We do not show it as currently certified.This product is on CSA’s public Matter list, but it is not CSA certified. CSA has no certified Matter software version on record.This listing uses Matter over Wi-Fi. You do not need a Thread border router.This listing uses Matter over Thread. You need a Thread border router already on your home network. CSA does not name a required hub.This listing uses Matter over Ethernet (a wired network).This listing records Bluetooth, usually for the first pairing handshake.Matter model id: the identifier this manufacturer used for this hardware. Not the box SKU you buy in a store.Vendor id: the manufacturer number CSA assigned. Together with the Matter model id, it names this hardware.The manufacturer’s part number, when CSA’s list includes one.CSA’s public Matter list (the Distributed Compliance Ledger). A listing exists here only when that list has the product.CHIP is the open-source Matter software. “What this type usually can do” is typical for this kind of Matter device, not a lab test of this exact product.What this kind of Matter device usually can do. Typical for the type, not a test of this exact product.Thread devices need a Thread border router already on your home network. CSA certification does not name a required hub.If this product is CSA certified, you can add it as Matter in this app. We have not lab-tested this exact product in that app.Save up to 4 product cards in this browser so you can compare them. Not a lab test.Browse devices from CSA’s public list. Cert facts first; Amazon when we have a link.Answer a few questions: type, network, and CSA certified or listed.Manufacturers on CSA’s list.Newest dates on CSA’s list.Date log of CSA list facts, not another catalog.Show CSA certified products, listed-only products, or both.Show certified and listed products.CSA recorded a certified Matter software version.On CSA’s list, but not CSA certified.Show Thread, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or Bluetooth, only when CSA’s list recorded the network type.Do not filter by network type.Order product cards. Recency uses the newest date on CSA’s list.Newest CSA list or certification dates first. Products without a date come last.A to Z by product name.A to Z by manufacturer name.A to Z by manufacturer part number. Products without a part number come last.Lightning Deals and the biggest percent-off first. Matter listings win ties.Show only CSA Matter listings with an Amazon deal. Hide other smart-home search hits.The Matter specification version recorded for this product.The CSA certificate id, when CSA’s list includes one.The date CSA recorded a certified Matter software version for this hardware. Not when this site first indexed it.The date this hardware was recorded on CSA’s public Matter list. That is not a certification date.One product card can cover several hardware identities in the same product line. Each is a CSA listing, not a store color or size option.Product cards for this brand. Listings that share a device type, vendor id, and name stem share one card.Individual CSA listings. Each vendor id and Matter model id is one hardware row, not a grouped product card.Distinct device types this brand has on CSA’s list.