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Short answer: IKEA is shifting its new smart-home range away from its older Zigbee-centered platform and toward Matter, with many new sensors using Thread. But it has not announced an immediate end to Zigbee support. Existing TRÅDFRI devices can remain connected to a DIRIGERA hub, which can bridge them into Matter-compatible platforms.
That makes this a transition—not a forced replacement program. New buyers should consider Matter products if they already have compatible controller hardware. Existing IKEA owners can generally keep their working Zigbee devices and add new products gradually.
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The change in one minute
IKEA’s smart-home transition has three layers:
- Older IKEA products: Primarily Zigbee-based TRÅDFRI bulbs, remotes, sensors and blinds.
- Newer products: Matter-compatible devices, with many new sensors using Thread as their wireless network.
- DIRIGERA: IKEA’s newer hub can manage older Zigbee products, act as a Matter controller and provide Thread Border Router functionality for supported devices.
Existing IKEA devices:
TRÅDFRI/Zigbee → DIRIGERA → IKEA Home Smart or Matter platforms
New IKEA devices:
Matter over Thread → Thread Border Router/controller → IKEA Home Smart or other Matter platformsMatter and Thread are not the same thing. Matter is the smart-home interoperability standard. Thread is a low-power mesh network that can carry Matter. Some Matter products may use Thread, while others may use a different supported connection.
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What IKEA announced
IKEA announced Matter Bridge support for DIRIGERA on September 11, 2024. That allows Zigbee-based IKEA devices connected to DIRIGERA to appear in Matter-supported smart-home systems without changing the devices’ internal radios.
#1 Best Overall
- [Multi-Protocol Hub with Matter Bridge] The M3 is a versatile hub supporting Aqara Zigbee and Thread devices. It integrates third-party devices into the Aqara Home app. Supports advanced Matter bridge functionality, enabling Aqara-exclusive scenes and signals to sync with Matter ecosystems such as Home Assistant for seamless integration. Supports up to 127 Aqara Zigbee devices （** Not third-party Zigbee devices) and 127 Thread devices (Repeaters are needed).
- [Edge Compatibilities and Local Automations] The M3 serves as an Edge Hub, prioritizing local control and automation. Upon integration, it supersedes existing Aqara hubs, shifting the automations among them to local operation (Some cloud-based notifications still require internet). Upgrade-friendly, it supports migrating Zigbee devices from older Aqara hubs.
- [Smart IR Blaster with Feedback and Learning] The 360°IR blaster not only sends commands but also provides accurate status updates by detecting traditional remote use. It connects IR air conditioning units to Matter, functioning as an AC thermostat when paired with an Aqara Temperature and Humidity Sensor. (Note: Only one AC device can be exposed to Matter. Functionality may vary based on the Matter integration app. For Apple Home exposure, use Matter integration instead of HomeKit.)
- [Optimal Wired and Wireless Connectivity] Offering both wired and wireless solutions, the smart home hub M3 provides dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4/5 GHz) with advanced WPA3 security, and a Power over Ethernet (PoE) port. The addition of a USB-C port allows for mini-UPS and power bank connections, delivering unparalleled stability. (2A USB power adapter is not included. ) . Note: To ensure a stable connection, place the Hub M3 between 6 to 19 feet from the router.
- [Privacy-Focused with Encrypted Storage, Easy Setup and Versatile Placement] The M3 prioritizes privacy by excluding microphone or camera components. It boasts 8GB end-to-end encrypted local storage, for device lists, configuration parameters, and automation configuration data. Additionally, it includes a mount and screws for flexible placement on flat surfaces, walls, or ceilings. Magic Pair technology ensures effortless detection by the Aqara Home app upon power-up.
In July 2025, IKEA announced a broader move toward Matter-based products. On November 6, 2025, it announced a new range of 21 Matter-compatible products, including bulbs, sensors, plugs and controls. IKEA described the rollout as a rebuild of its smart-home range rather than an immediate shutdown of the older platform.
Launch timing, prices and product availability vary by market. The announcement does not establish a universal date when Zigbee products will stop working.
Read IKEA’s DIRIGERA Matter Bridge announcement.
Is IKEA discontinuing Zigbee?
Not immediately, based on IKEA’s published announcements. IKEA says Zigbee has powered its smart products since 2012, and existing Zigbee devices remain supported through DIRIGERA. The company is clearly steering new product development toward Matter, but the available announcements do not provide a forced replacement date for TRÅDFRI equipment or say that DIRIGERA’s Zigbee radio will be disabled.
So “IKEA ditches Zigbee” is useful shorthand for a product-strategy shift, but it is too strong if it implies that existing products are suddenly obsolete.
Older devices remain Zigbee devices behind DIRIGERA. The hub exposes them through a Matter Bridge; it does not convert their hardware into native Matter products. Feature availability can also vary between IKEA Home Smart, Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, SmartThings and Home Assistant.
What products are moving to Matter?
IKEA’s new range covers the everyday devices most people use for basic automation:
| Use | Examples | What they do |
|---|---|---|
| Lighting | KAJPLATS | Matter-compatible bulbs, including color-and-white-spectrum and white-spectrum variants. |
| Doors and motion | MYGGBETT, MYGGSPRAY | Door/window monitoring and motion-triggered routines. |
| Environment | TIMMERFLOTTE, ALPSTUGA | Temperature and humidity monitoring; air-quality measurements such as CO2 and PM2.5 on supported models. |
| Leaks | KLIPPBOK | Water-leak alerts. This is not the same as automatic water shutoff or professional monitoring. |
| Physical control | BILRESA | Remotes for controlling compatible devices without reaching for a phone. |
| Appliance control | GRILLPLATS, TOFSMYGGA | Smart plugs and related controls. Check electrical ratings before connecting an appliance. |
The exact radio and Matter transport should be checked on the product page. IKEA says many new sensors use Thread, but it would be incorrect to assume that every new Matter product necessarily does.
Rank #2
- Multi-Protocol Smart Hub with Matter Bridge – The M100 is a versatile smart hub compatible with Thread devices and Aqara Zigbee (** Not third-party Zigbee devices), supporting up to 20 Aqara Zigbee devices and 20 Thread devices. As a Matter Bridge, it connects Aqara Zigbee products to other smart home ecosystems, compatible with Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Home Assistant, etc. Note: Use a 5V⎓0.5A power adapter (not included) and keep the product continuously powered during use.
- Advanced Matter Bridging for Seamless Smart Home Integration – The M100 enables Aqara’s unique features, such as facial recognition and complex automation, to work across Home Assistant and other Matter ecosystems. Expand your smart home with Aqara or third-party Matter devices (requires a Matter-enabled hub). Currently supports lights, thermostats, plugs, switches, buttons, and various sensors (motion, light, door/window, temperature/humidity), with more devices to be added in the future.
- Local Automation for Reliable Performance – Supports local execution of automations for Zigbee and Matter devices, ensuring smooth operation even without Wi-Fi or cloud access. Enjoy millisecond-level response times for a more stable and reliable smart home experience. (Some automation, such as cloud push notification, will still require the cloud connection to be executed.)
- Flexible Power & Small Size – Features a universal USB-A port for power and data, allowing connection to power banks, wall outlets, PCs, or routers for a simple and quick setup. The Hub M100's shaft can be adjusted within a 210-degree range, making its placement extremely flexible.
- 2.4GHz Wi-Fi 6 for Faster & Security—This product supports a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi 6 wireless network connection, which enables more efficient connections with advanced WPA3 security. Wi-Fi 6 ensures smoother performance even in high-traffic environments, allowing multiple devices to connect without compromising speed or reliability. Note: To ensure a stable connection, place the Hub M100 between 6 to 19 feet from the router.
What happens to existing TRÅDFRI devices?
If your bulbs, remotes, blinds or sensors already work through DIRIGERA, there is no reason to replace them solely because IKEA is launching Matter products.
The practical migration path is:
- Keep existing Zigbee products paired to DIRIGERA.
- Update the DIRIGERA hub and IKEA Home Smart app.
- Enable or configure Matter integration where supported.
- Add the DIRIGERA Matter Bridge to your chosen platform.
- Pair new Matter products separately using their packaging instructions.
Expect some differences outside IKEA Home Smart. A basic bulb or plug usually maps more cleanly between platforms than an IKEA-specific remote relationship, scene, shortcut or advanced lighting behavior. Matter compatibility does not guarantee identical controls everywhere.
Also distinguish the older TRÅDFRI gateway from DIRIGERA. The current Matter transition is centered on DIRIGERA; the old gateway should not be assumed to have the same bridging, controller or Thread capabilities.
Do you need a DIRIGERA hub?
That depends on what you already own and which platform you want to use.
Option 1: IKEA-centered setup
Use DIRIGERA with IKEA Home Smart when you have existing IKEA Zigbee products, want IKEA’s own room and scene management, or want one hub for older and newer IKEA devices. IKEA recommends DIRIGERA because it can connect legacy Zigbee products, manage supported Matter products and provide Thread Border Router functionality.
The current US product page listed DIRIGERA at $119.99 when the supplied research was compiled on August 18, 2026. Prices and availability can change by market and promotion; check the live IKEA listing.
Option 2: Third-party Matter setup
You may add IKEA Matter devices directly to an existing Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, SmartThings or Home Assistant arrangement. You need a compatible Matter controller, and Matter-over-Thread products also need access to a Thread Border Router.
Rank #3
- [Multi-Protocol Hub with Matter Bridge] The Aqara Hub M200 is a versatile smart hub that supports multiple advanced features, acting as a Matter Controller, Thread Border Router, and Matter Bridge. It integrates third-party devices into the Aqara Home app. With advanced Matter bridging functionality, it syncs Aqara-exclusive features with ecosystems like Home Assistant, Apple HomeKit, Alexa, and Google Home for seamless integration. Supports up to 40 Aqara Zigbee devices and 40 Thread devices.
- [Smart IR Blaster with Feedback and Learning] The 360°IR blaster not only sends commands but also provides accurate status updates by detecting traditional remote use. It connects IR air conditioning units to Matter, functioning as an AC thermostat when paired with an Aqara Temperature and Humidity Sensor. (Note: Only one AC device can be exposed to Matter. Functionality may vary based on the Matter integration app. For Apple Home exposure, use Matter integration instead of HomeKit.)
- [Wired & Wireless Connectivity with PoE Support] Enjoy flexible setup with dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4/5 GHz) using advanced WPA3 security, and Power over Ethernet (PoE), making the M200 a versatile PoE Ethernet Smart Home Hub. The USB-C port supports mini-UPS or power bank connections for uninterrupted operation, ensuring your energy-saving and security automations stay online. (*2A USB power adapter is not included. )
- [Home Automation and Alarm System] Works with all Aqara devices to create a comprehensive, smart home automation system. The Aqara Hub M200 is equipped with a built-in speaker that can be used in a variety of ways: security alerts, doorbell, alarm clock, and custom audio messages. (** 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐝-𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐲 𝐙𝐢𝐠𝐛𝐞𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬)
- [Local Automation for Reliable Performance] Supports local execution of automations for Zigbee and Matter devices, ensuring smooth operation even without Wi-Fi or cloud access. Enjoy millisecond response times for a more stable and reliable smart home experience. (Some automation, such as cloud push notifications, will still require the cloud connection to be executed.)
- Apple Home commonly uses a compatible HomePod or Apple TV as the controller.
- Google Home requires compatible Nest or other controller hardware, depending on the product.
- Alexa requires a compatible Echo or other Matter-capable controller.
- SmartThings and Home Assistant require checking the exact Matter and Thread hardware in use.
This can avoid buying DIRIGERA, but platform support for individual device types and features must be checked first.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsOption 3: Hybrid setup
A hybrid arrangement keeps older IKEA Zigbee products on DIRIGERA while adding new Matter devices to a broader platform such as Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa or SmartThings. This is practical for households that already have a preferred platform, but it is also the configuration most likely to create confusion about which app controls which device.
Matter does not always mean hub-free
Matter reduces manufacturer lock-in, but it does not remove the need for infrastructure. A Matter device still needs a supported controller, correct commissioning, a functioning local network and platform support for its device category.
For Matter-over-Thread products, you also need a Thread Border Router. DIRIGERA can provide that role according to IKEA’s current US guide, but compatible Apple, Google, Amazon, SmartThings or Home Assistant hardware may also do so.
When pairing a product, the general process is:
- Power on the device and put it into pairing mode.
- Open IKEA Home Smart or the chosen Matter-compatible app.
- Scan the Matter QR code on the product or packaging.
- If scanning fails, enter the 11-digit numeric Matter code printed on the device or packaging.
- Assign the product to a room and create automations.
Menu names vary by app version and platform. Pairing a device with IKEA Home Smart does not necessarily make it appear automatically in Apple Home, Google Home or Alexa. Matter’s multi-admin sharing process may be required.
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Thread is particularly suitable for battery-powered sensors because it is designed as a low-power mesh network. Powered Thread devices can also help extend the mesh. Its IP-based design fits modern multi-platform smart homes.
Thread is not automatically faster or more reliable in every home. Results depend on the number and placement of Thread routers, local-network quality, controller behavior, firmware maturity and the platform used for automation.
Rank #4
- Powered by SmartThings: Connect, monitor, and automate your home through the SmartThings app. Build a reliable, unified smart home using Samsung's proven ecosystem
- Matter + Zigbee Smart Home Hub: Supports the newest Matter standard plus Zigbee for lighting, sensors, plugs, switches, thermostats, and more - thousands of compatible devices. PLEASE NOTE: Z-Wave not supported
- Easy Setup with Wi-Fi or Ethernet: Get started in minutes using Wi-Fi or a wired Ethernet connection for apartments, houses, and expanding smart home systems - Z-Wave not supported
- Automations That Work for You: Create custom routines for security, lighting, comfort, and energy savings. Many local automations continue working even if your internet goes offline
- Wide Device Compatibility: Connect compatible smart devices from Aeotec and many other brands to build a unified system for lighting, voice control, energy management, and climate settings
Common causes of an offline Thread device include:
- No Thread Border Router.
- A border router or powered mesh device located too far away.
- Weak local network or Wi-Fi conditions.
- Controller support that does not include the required device type.
- Firmware or onboarding problems.
- Expecting a device commissioned in one ecosystem to appear automatically in another.
IKEA’s Matter guide recommends checking Wi-Fi or Thread stability and ensuring that an active controller is available.
Which setup is right for you?
| Your situation | Best starting point |
|---|---|
| TRÅDFRI devices plus DIRIGERA | Keep the existing system and add Matter products as needed. |
| TRÅDFRI devices plus the old gateway | Evaluate DIRIGERA before buying new Matter products if you want unified IKEA management or Matter bridging. |
| Apple Home user | Confirm that you have a compatible HomePod or Apple TV and Thread support for Thread products. |
| Google Home user | Confirm the specific Google controller and Thread requirements for the device. |
| Alexa user | Confirm the Echo model and support for the device category. |
| Home Assistant user | Check Matter and Thread hardware, integration support and local-control requirements before buying. |
| Starting from zero | Choose Matter products if your existing platform already provides the required controller and Thread infrastructure; otherwise compare the total cost of DIRIGERA and the devices. |
Buying advice
For existing IKEA owners
Do not replace working Zigbee equipment just because new products carry the Matter label. DIRIGERA is the safest migration point for a mixed IKEA home because it preserves the existing Zigbee installation while supporting the newer direction.
For new buyers
Prefer the Matter generation if cross-platform use matters and your controller setup is ready. If you do not already own a Matter controller and Thread Border Router, include that infrastructure in the budget rather than assuming the device is hub-free.
For budget buyers
IKEA’s new sensors and basic lighting products are positioned as low-cost entry points. Supplied US listings showed examples such as $9.99 for TIMMERFLOTTE and MYGGBETT, and roughly $9.99–$13.99 for listed KAJPLATS variants. Confirm the exact model and current price before purchase.
For advanced users
Home Assistant, SmartThings and other broader platforms may provide deeper automation than IKEA Home Smart, but they also require more planning. Check device-type support, local control, Thread radio hardware and the features exposed through Matter.
Bottom line
IKEA is going all in on Matter for new smart-home development, and Thread will be important for many of its newer low-power devices. But Zigbee is not disappearing overnight. Existing TRÅDFRI products remain useful, and DIRIGERA is designed to connect that legacy equipment to the newer Matter landscape.
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Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →For a mixed IKEA home, keep your working devices and use DIRIGERA as the bridge. For a new installation, Matter is the better forward-looking choice if you already have the required controller and Thread infrastructure. Before buying, verify the exact product’s transport, platform support, regional availability and required hub.
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