Almost all HomeKit devices for your smart home work via your WiFi. If you want to use ZigBee or Thread in combination with HomeKit, you will need an extra hub. These 3 devices are your best choice.
HomeKit and Matter, Thread and Zigbee
In the Apple universe, HomeKit and Matter are the two techniques to use smart home devices. In principle, that is a sensible choice. You use the wireless network that is already available in almost your entire house. This way the initial configuration is (in most cases) much easier. Only: WiFi costs a fair amount of energy, which makes it less suitable for smart home devices that operate on a battery or with batteries.
That is why there are alternative protocols for your smart home that are firstly more energy efficient and secondly have a greater range. The other protocols also ensure that your WiFi network is less heavily loaded. The most common alternative protocols at the moment are ZigBee and Thread. For example, if you want to use ZigBee with HomeKit or Matter, you need an extra box, a so-called hub. Below has iPhoned the three best options have been listed for you.
Apple TV 4K (2022): for Thread with HomeKit
You probably buy an Apple TV 4K mainly to make your television even smarter and to take the ease of use to a higher level, but Apple’s box secretly does much more. Without you having to do anything, the 2022 Apple TV 4K sets up a special Thread network in your home. This causes all smart home devices that can handle it to connect via Thread instead of Wi-Fi. This has the advantage that fewer devices consume bandwidth from your wireless network and that the smart home devices themselves work more reliably. At the bottom of this article you can read why Thread has so many advantages.
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- View the Apple TV 4K (2022) for € 163.90 instead. €169
HomePod mini: alternative to Thread with HomeKit
The HomePod mini may be small in size, but it makes a big difference in your smart home. In addition to its impressive sound quality for music, podcasts and more, it’s also a quiet force behind the scenes. The HomePod mini works as a Thread router, allowing all your compatible smart home devices to communicate with each other without burdening your WiFi network. This makes them respond faster and more reliably. Moreover, it acts as a smart assistant with Siri, helping you with your daily tasks. Whether you stream music, adjust the lighting or set a timer, the HomePod mini is always there for you.
Do you want to know how this compact powerhouse can improve your smart home? Below you will find the best deals for the HomePod mini.
- View the HomePod mini (midnight) for €99 instead. €109
Aqara Hub M3: for ZigBee with HomeKit
The Aqara Hub M3 is a must have if you also want to integrate ZigBee devices into your HomeKit setup. This so-called ‘border router’ not only supports Matter and HomeKit devices, but also Zigbee products, making it a versatile hub that combines different protocols.
The hub uses advanced features such as automations that respond to specific triggers. For example, if a movement is detected or a window is opened or closed, the hub can perform actions such as sending a push notification or email. In addition, there is the option to play sounds up to 95 dB, which can be useful for security. Below we have found the best deal for the Aqara Hub M3 for you.
- Check out the Aqara Hub M3 for €129 instead of €149
The differences between the protocols
Whether you use HomeKit or Matter: the protocol determines which devices you can contact. Both standards can directly handle devices connected via WiFi or Thread. Do you want even more compatibility? Then you need a hub that can also handle ZigBee for HomeKit support. That’s how it is.
WiFi with HomeKit
The most used protocol in smart homes, known for its range and speed. WiFi is ideal for devices that require high bandwidth, such as cameras and speakers. However, it can suffer from interference (other devices on your network, such as your MacBook and iPhone) and is less energy efficient, which can be a disadvantage for smaller battery-powered devices. For WiFi, you only need a router with WiFi, with a model with WiFi 6 standard being preferred. This has numerous improvements for smart home devices.
Thread with HomeKit
Thread is a relatively new protocol that is beneficial for smart home networks that require a reliable, self-healing mesh network structure. Thread devices communicate directly with each other, making the network more robust and responsive, even in homes with thick walls or multiple floors. Moreover, you will not be bothered by interference. The bandwidth is slightly lower than with WiFi. Both the Apple TV 4K and the HomePod mini equip your smart home network with Thread.
ZigBee with HomeKit
Another popular choice for smart home systems, excelling in low energy consumption and reliability. ZigBee is often used for sensors and switches due to its effectiveness in networks with many small devices. The most lightweight protocol on this list can be added to HomeKit via a hub or gateway, such as the Aqara Hub M3 above.
Also read: Ultimate smart home guide: this is how you set up your smart home
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