Alexa+ and Matter: How the smart home future works with Amazon Echo

The smart home world is being revolutionized by Matter , the new universal standard. With Alexa+ and the integration of Matter, Amazon has made its Echo devices fit for the future. But what exactly does this mean? What advantages does Matter offer Alexa users, and which devices are compatible?

In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about connecting Alexa and Matter , as well as the latest developments around Alexa+ .

What is Matter and why is it important for Alexa?

Matter is an open smart home standard that improves interoperability between devices from different manufacturers. It was developed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) with support from Amazon, Apple, Google, and Samsung, among others.

The main advantages of Matter:

Cross-manufacturer compatibility : Devices from different brands work seamlessly together.
Local control : Matter devices can communicate directly over the home network without relying on a cloud.
Easier setup : Thanks to Matter, pairing smart home devices with Alexa is much easier.
More security and data protection : Communication between devices is encrypted.

Since Amazon is a founding member of Matter, many Echo devices have already been made Matter compatible.

Which Alexa devices support Matter?

Amazon has gradually rolled out Matter support on its Echo devices. Currently, the following Echo devices are Matter-enabled :

Matter-enabled Echo devices (as of 2024)

Echo (4th generation)
Echo Dot (3rd, 4th, and 5th generation)
Echo Studio
Echo Show 8, 10 and 15
Echo Flex

These devices can control Matter devices via Wi-Fi, Thread, or Ethernet . What's particularly interesting is that Amazon has retroactively enabled Thread support for some devices to ensure even more stable communication in the smart home.

What is Alexa+ and how does it relate to Matter?

Alexa+ is a new feature from Amazon that offers expanded smart home functionality. It's especially relevant for Matter devices, enabling streamlined automations, improved device control, and deeper integration with other smart home platforms .

Some highlights of Alexa+ with Matter:

Better automations : Thanks to Matter, smart home actions can be executed faster and more reliably.
Advanced voice control : Matter devices can be seamlessly controlled with Alexa voice commands.
More compatibility : Alexa+ provides deeper integration of Matter devices into routines and scenes.

Matter with Alexa: How to set it up

If you want to use a Matter device with Alexa , follow these steps:

Check compatibility: Make sure your Echo device supports Matter.
Firmware update: If necessary, update your Echo device to the latest software version.
Start the device in Alexa setup mode: Open the Alexa app and select “Add device”.
Scan the Matter code: If your device came with a Matter QR code, scan it with the app.
Connect to your home network: Matter devices use Wi-Fi or Thread. Make sure your Echo device is connected to the network.
Done! The device should now appear in the Alexa app and can be controlled or integrated into routines.

Which Matter devices work with Alexa?

Matter is constantly evolving, and more and more manufacturers are bringing compatible products to market. Here are some Matter devices that work with Alexa :

Matter sockets (e.g. from TP-Link, Eve, Meross)
Matter lamps (e.g. Philips Hue, Nanoleaf, WiZ)
Matter thermostats (e.g. tado°, Eve Thermo)
Matter sensors (e.g. Aqara, Eve)
Matter switches and dimmers (e.g. smattex light switches)

Video: Overview of previous Alexa functions

Video: Matter & Alexa in practice

Conclusion: Alexa and Matter – The future of the smart home

With Matter integration , Alexa becomes even more powerful and versatile . Users benefit from better compatibility, easier setup, and more stable performance . Thanks to Alexa+, there are also new possibilities for intelligent automation and improved voice control .

If you already have an Echo device, it's worth checking for a firmware update to take full advantage of Matter. If you're building a new smart home system, you should specifically look for Matter devices to benefit from maximum compatibility in the long run.