A practical guide to Matter-enabled smart locks
If you’re here, you’ve likely heard the buzz about Matter, the new protocol that’s shaking up the IoT and smart home world.
But what does it mean for you? We’re here to cut through the noise and help you make an informed decision.
For the Matter enthusiast, a simple choice
If you’re already controlling your smart home devices using Matter-over-Thread and you want to add a smart lock to your home, then Level Lock+ (Matter) or Level Bolt (Matter) are a great choice.
For the Matter curious, there are a few key points to consider
The truth is, Matter is still in its early days, but holds great potential to simplify smart home connectivity. Just know there may be a few bumps along the way, so, you’ll have to weigh the risks and benefits below to see if its right for you.
1. Compatibility is expanding
Matter’s compatibility across device types is expanding each year so there’s optimism around the platform being a future-proof platform protocol. So, make sure all your current devices are Matter-compatible before making the switch.
2. Your current smart home setup may be pretty great
Many of the benefits you read about Matter regarding security, speed, reliability, and unified control are also offered by single platforms like Apple Home, Alexa, or Google Home. If you’re invested in one ecosystem a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi smart lock is a great choice.
3. Ideal for mixed households
However, if you want to operate your smart home devices on more than one platform simultaneously (if for example, if your home includes mixed iPhone (Apple Home, including home keys) and Android (Google Home, or other Matter enabled platforms) user loyalists, a Matter-enabled smart lock is ideal for managing devices across multiple ecosystems.
4. Great if you have a larger home
With Matter-over-Thread, network range limitations becomes a thing of the past. Through a local mesh network, each device in your household is connected, so you’ll have coverage and reliable performance throughout even the largest homes—no additional bridges or hubs required.
5. Know what you’re getting into
We recommend researching Matter-over-Thread in more depth to ensure you’re ready. For example, before investing, you may need to buy a new Matter-over-Thread enabled hub controller to operate your device.
Compatible Matter-over-Thread hub controllers
Compatible Matter-over-Thread Apple Home hub controllers include:
- Apple TV 4K (2nd gen)
- Apple TV 4K (3rd gen) WiFi + Ethernet
- HomePod (2nd gen)
- HomePod mini
Important: Not all Apple TV 4Ks are Matter-over-Thread hub controllers. To determine whether your Apple TV 4K is compatible, find your Apple TV's model number, then find that model number in Apple’s list of details. If you see “Thread” in the bulleted list for your model, that model is compatible.
Please refer to the latest guidance from Apple.
Compatible Matter-over-Thread Google Home hub controllers include:
- Nest Hub (2nd gen)
- Nest Hub Max
- Nest Wifi
- Nest Wifi Pro
- Google TV Streamer (4K)
Please refer to the latest guidance from Google.
Compatible Matter-over-Thread Alexa hub controllers include:
- Echo (4th gen)
- Echo Hub
- Echo Plus (2nd gen)
- Echo Show 8 (3rd gen)
- Echo Show 10 (3rd gen)
- Echo Studio
- eero 6
- eero 6+
- eero Pro 6
- eero Pro 6E
- eero Max 7
Please refer to the latest guidance from Amazon.
Compatible Matter-over-Thread SmartThings hub controllers include:
- Aeotec SmartThings Smart Home Hub
- Samsung SmartThings Station
- Samsung SmartThings Hub Dongle
- Samsung SmartThings Hub v3
- Samsung MicroLED TV MNA89MS1BA (2023)
- Samsung Smart Monitor M80C (2023)
- Samsung Soundbar HW-Q990C (2023)
- Samsung NEO QLED 8k and 4K (2023)
- Family Hub refrigerator, model numbers RF29CB9900QKAA (US), RF23CB9900QKAA (US)
Please refer to the latest guidance from Samsung.
Frequently asked questions about Matter
What is Matter?
Matter is a new protocol (language) that allows multiple iOT smart home devices — regardless of brand — like lights, plugs, thermostats, and locks to connect to each other and be controlled by multiple smart home platforms simultaneously and seamlessly together. Matter was developed as open source in partnership with Apple, Google, Alexa, Samsung, among others. Learn more about what Matter is.
What is Thread?
Thread, a low-power wireless mesh network (communication) is one of three ways your smart home’s Matter devices communicate the Matter protocol (language). The other two being Ethernet and Wi-Fi. Each have their strengths and weaknesses, but Thread’s key benefits are that:
It allows the same battery operated devices like locks and sensors to work seamlessly with other Ethernet and Wi-Fi Matter connected devices - regardless of brand - locally.
It’s lightning fast from an in app tap to having the end device respond, and being a mesh network means that you are no longer limited to the range of your smart home hub.
It creates a local mesh network from connected devices — regardless of brand — throughout your home allowing the devices themselves to in effect extend the range of your network, making range anxiety a thing of the past.
What does “Matter-over-Thread required” mean?
This means that in order to pair your smart device (accessory) with Matter, your smart home ecosystem platform (Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings) will need to have both a Matter hub controller (language) and a Thread Border Router (communication) functionality. A growing number of devices purchased today can do both out of the box, and some may require a firmware update, so check with your preferred smart home platform to learn more.
Is Matter for everyone?
The Matter protocol is a very young technology that is growing and has a great deal of promise. However, it’s early days, so there are bound to be bumps along the way and will require some patience. So, if you love the risk-reward of being on the forefront of technology - taking the good and the bad - and you want to control a number of devices from multiple brands on multiple smart home platforms at a time then you might want to consider taking the plunge.
Do Matter-compatible locks need extra hardware or hubs?
Beyond the required smart home hub controller, the answer is generally no. It's best to check with your device manufacturer for specific hub or hardware requirements.
How secure are Matter-compatible smart locks?
Very secure! Matter prioritizes user data privacy, utilizing strong encryption protocols to keep your information safe. Matter-enabled locks meet high standards for data security, so you can feel confident using them in your home.
Will Matter impact my lock’s battery life?
Matter was optimized for efficient performance, meaning it shouldn’t drain your lock’s battery faster than other smart locks. In fact, Matter’s reliability can even help reduce battery use by avoiding constant re-pairing issues.
Can I update my current Level Bolt to Matter?
Yes! You can update your current Level Bolt to Matter by following the Matter OTA update instructions.
One great lock.
Three ways to connect.
Every smart home setup is different—from simple and subtle to hundreds of connected products working in harmony. For those different needs, we have different options.
