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IKEA’s 2025 smart-home reset is a simplification and interoperability push, not a complete reinvention of the connected home. The company introduced a 21-product range of Matter-compatible bulbs, sensors, remotes, and a smart plug designed to make everyday automation cheaper, more physical, and less tied to IKEA’s older Zigbee ecosystem.
For homeowners and renovators, that means easier options for motion-controlled lighting, door alerts, leak detection, air-quality monitoring, and remote control. But Matter does not eliminate the need for a controller, and IKEA’s new products do not solve every smart-home limitation.
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The short version
- The new range includes 11 KAJPLATS smart-bulb variations, five sensors, BILRESA remotes, and the GRILLPLATS smart plug.
- The products are designed around Matter, allowing supported devices to work with platforms such as Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, and other Matter controllers.
- You do not necessarily need IKEA’s DIRIGERA hub, but you do need a compatible Matter controller. Matter is not the same as “hub-free.”
- DIRIGERA remains the simplest choice for a home that combines new Matter products with older TRÅDFRI devices.
- Existing TRÅDFRI owners generally do not need to replace working products.
IKEA describes the strategy as an open, simple, and affordable way to bring useful technology into ordinary homes. Its practical value is less about futuristic automation and more about small improvements: a hallway light that turns on when someone walks past, a sensor that reports a leak, or a remote that avoids opening a phone app.
IKEA announced the 21-product range in November 2025, following a July strategy announcement that identified DIRIGERA as a Matter controller.
#1 Best Overall
- [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.)
What IKEA is actually resetting
IKEA is resetting the entry layer of smart-home technology rather than abandoning connected products. Its earlier TRÅDFRI system was built around IKEA’s own app, accessories, and Zigbee-based ecosystem. That approach worked, but it could also mean buying dedicated hardware, managing another app, and accepting that devices were most useful inside IKEA’s platform.
The new approach moves basic products toward Matter, an interoperability standard intended to let compatible devices join several major smart-home ecosystems. IKEA is also emphasizing physical controls and straightforward sensors rather than leading with elaborate automation features.
That is a sensible construction and home-improvement strategy. A smart device is most useful when it solves a recognizable household problem without creating another complicated system to maintain. The new range targets lighting, access awareness, environmental monitoring, and simple appliance control—the areas most likely to be useful in a renovation, rental, or first smart-home installation.
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The new IKEA products
KAJPLATS smart bulbs
The KAJPLATS range contains 11 variations, with formats and specifications varying by market. The range includes standard globe bulbs, compact E12/E14/E17 formats, GU10 spotlights, white-spectrum models, color-and-white-spectrum models, several lumen levels, and clear-glass decorative bulbs.
Published models range from approximately 470 lumens to about 1,521 lumens, depending on format and market. The practical distinctions are:
- White-spectrum bulbs: Dimming and adjustment between warmer and cooler white light.
- Color-and-white-spectrum bulbs: Tunable white plus colored lighting.
- Clear-glass decorative bulbs: Designed for visible fixtures where appearance matters more than maximum brightness.
These are a natural fit for renovation work because they can add controllable lighting without requiring new wall wiring. They do not replace good electrical design, however. A smart bulb still needs continuous power; if its wall switch is turned off, the bulb cannot respond to an app, sensor, or automation.
BILRESA remotes
BILRESA comes in two principal forms: a dual-button remote and a scroll-wheel remote.
The dual-button model is intended for simple commands such as turning lights on and off or triggering selected functions. The scroll-wheel model can switch between groups or categories of devices and adjust settings such as lighting, depending on the Matter controller and the devices configured with it.
These remotes are important to IKEA’s “back to basics” strategy. They let residents control lights without finding a phone, opening an app, or speaking to a voice assistant. Their exact behavior is not universal, though. A BILRESA remote will not automatically expose every function of every third-party device; commands depend on the Matter controller, device type, and platform implementation.
Smart sensors
The new sensor range includes:
- MYGGSPRAY: Indoor/outdoor motion sensing. IKEA’s U.S. product page lists IP67 protection, support for up to 10 light sources operating together, and batteries sold separately.
- MYGGBETT: Door and window monitoring for open/closed alerts and simple automation.
- TIMMERFLOTTE: Temperature and humidity monitoring.
- ALPSTUGA: Air-quality monitoring for CO2, PM2.5, temperature, and humidity.
- KLIPPBOK: Water-leak detection.
Useful applications include stairway lighting, closet lighting, entry alerts, bedroom climate monitoring, and early warning beneath sinks or near appliances. A leak sensor is an alert device, not an automatic water shutoff. Likewise, ALPSTUGA measures conditions; it does not improve air quality unless it is paired with a compatible automation involving equipment such as an air purifier.
GRILLPLATS smart plug
GRILLPLATS is intended for lamps and small appliances and can be controlled through IKEA remotes, sensors, the IKEA app, or compatible Matter ecosystems. IKEA and WIRED also position it around energy-use information, but the exact metering behavior should be checked for the specific regional model before assuming that every version exposes identical data.
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.
Use caution with smart plugs. Check the electrical rating and avoid using one indiscriminately with heating equipment, high-load appliances, safety-critical equipment, or anything that could become hazardous if power were restored unexpectedly.
Matter explained without the jargon
Matter is best understood as a common language for compatible smart-home devices. It is intended to let a bulb, sensor, or plug work with supported systems from different companies rather than being locked to one manufacturer’s app.
It does not mean that the product works independently of all infrastructure. A Matter installation still has three layers:
- Device: The bulb, sensor, remote, or plug.
- Network: Wi-Fi, Thread, or another supported connection.
- Controller and app: DIRIGERA, Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, SmartThings, Home Assistant, or another Matter controller.
Many of IKEA’s new sensors use Matter over Thread. Thread is a low-power mesh network suited to battery-operated devices, but Thread products require a Thread Border Router. DIRIGERA includes that functionality, while other platforms may provide it through hardware such as a compatible HomePod, Apple TV, Nest device, Echo device, or another supported controller.
Matter can also support multi-admin setups, allowing a device to be shared between compatible platforms. That does not guarantee identical controls or automations everywhere. Pairing compatibility, basic control, advanced features, sensor data, and local automation are separate questions.
Do you need the DIRIGERA hub?
Not necessarily—but you do need a compatible Matter controller. IKEA’s guide says new Matter devices can be set up through DIRIGERA or another supported Matter ecosystem. IKEA’s announcement likewise says Matter-enabled products require a smart-home hub, whether that hub comes from IKEA or another brand.
DIRIGERA is the most coherent option when the home is primarily IKEA-based because it:
- Controls new Matter products through the IKEA Home smart app.
- Connects new products with older IKEA Zigbee devices.
- Acts as a Matter controller.
- Includes Thread Border Router functionality for relevant devices.
- Acts as a Matter Bridge for older non-Matter IKEA products.
The U.S. DIRIGERA product page displayed a price of $119.99 when reviewed in August 2026. Prices and availability can change, so that figure should be treated as a dated observation rather than a permanent price.
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For a household buying one Matter bulb and already owning a suitable Apple, Google, Alexa, SmartThings, or other Matter controller, DIRIGERA may be unnecessary. For a household with several TRÅDFRI products, DIRIGERA is more valuable because it provides a route to keep the older system while adding new devices.
What happens to existing TRÅDFRI products?
Working TRÅDFRI products do not automatically become obsolete. IKEA says DIRIGERA can operate as a Matter Bridge, allowing older Zigbee-based IKEA products to remain accessible from Matter ecosystems.
A bridge translates device categories and commands; it does not turn an older product into a native Matter device. Some features may not appear in every third-party platform, and controls may differ between IKEA Home smart, Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, and other systems.
Rank #3
- [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.
The sensible upgrade strategy is selective:
- Keep functioning bulbs and remotes.
- Add DIRIGERA if cross-platform access or unified IKEA management is important.
- Upgrade when the new product adds a useful capability, such as leak detection, air-quality sensing, outdoor motion sensing, or a needed bulb format.
- Do not replace every TRÅDFRI device simply because the newer packaging says Matter.
A practical setup path
- Choose the Matter controller you already own or intend to use.
- For Thread devices, confirm that the system includes a Thread Border Router.
- Power the IKEA product and place it in pairing mode.
- Open the compatible app and scan the Matter QR code.
- If scanning fails, enter the 11-digit Matter code printed on the product or packaging.
- Assign the device to a room.
- Test its basic function before creating automations.
- Only add it to another ecosystem if multi-platform control is genuinely useful.
If pairing fails, check the controller’s online status, the phone’s network connection, the presence of a Thread Border Router, the device’s pairing mode, the QR or numeric code, and whether the product is already assigned to another Matter fabric. Device-specific reset instructions still matter. For example, the available U.S. KAJPLATS manual specifies turning the bulb on and off six times to reset it.
If a device later goes offline, check wireless coverage, controller availability, battery condition, and the Thread mesh. Matter improves interoperability; it does not compensate for poor network coverage, depleted batteries, or a missing controller.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Useful applications in a home
Hallway or stair lighting
Pair a motion sensor with a KAJPLATS bulb or a lamp connected through GRILLPLATS. This is particularly useful in hallways, stairs, utility rooms, and entrances where residents need light briefly but do not want to operate a switch in the dark.
Door and window alerts
MYGGBETT can report when a door or window opens and can trigger a light or notification, depending on the controller. It is not a complete security system or a professional alarm replacement.
Leak warning
Place KLIPPBOK beneath a sink, washing machine, dishwasher, or water heater where an early alert could limit damage. It can report water; it does not shut off the supply. A real automatic shutoff requires separate compatible equipment and suitable plumbing work.
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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 errorsBedroom climate monitoring
TIMMERFLOTTE can provide temperature and humidity information that helps identify uncomfortable or damp conditions. It is useful for awareness and simple automations, but it should not be treated as medical-grade or HVAC-grade instrumentation.
Air-quality monitoring
ALPSTUGA can report CO2, PM2.5, temperature, and humidity. The sensor can help a homeowner decide when to ventilate or operate an air purifier. Automatic coordination with other equipment depends on the controller, app, and capabilities exposed by the ecosystem.
Physical control without a phone
BILRESA remotes are useful beside beds, at entrances, or in rooms where guests and children need simple lighting control. They address one of the most common complaints about smart homes: a basic action becoming dependent on a phone, account, or voice command.
Important limitations
Matter does not make setup friction disappear
Users still have to select a controller, understand whether a product uses Wi-Fi or Thread, maintain a working network, and sometimes deal with firmware, pairing, and platform-specific behavior.
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A product may pair with several ecosystems while exposing different scenes, sensor readings, remote functions, or automation options in each one. Verify the exact device category and desired feature before buying a large quantity.
The range is concentrated in basic categories
IKEA’s reset covers lighting, sensing, control, and a plug. It is not a complete answer for cameras, video doorbells, locks, robot vacuums, or sophisticated presence detection. Buyers who need those categories may need another platform or a mixed ecosystem.
Rank #4
- Multi-Platform Smart Hub – The M6 Zigbee Hub seamlessly integrates with Matter (border router required), Tuya, Google Home, and SmartThings, creating a unified smart home system. (Note: Alexa not currently supported.)
- Connect 125+ Smart Devices – Powerful Zigbee Gateway supports lights, sensors, plugs, and more, enabling full home automation with reliable, long-range signal coverage for large or multi-story homes.
- Future-Proof Matter & Zigbee Support – Dual-protocol compatibility (Zigbee Bridge + Matter Hub) ensures your smart home stays up-to-date with the latest standards and devices.
- Easy Setup & Intuitive Control – Get started in minutes with a user-friendly app. Create custom scenes, schedules, and automations for a truly personalized smart home experience.
- Automatic OTA Updates – Enjoy hassle-free remote upgrades, keeping your Zigbee Smart Hub optimized with new features and enhanced performance over time.
Low hardware prices do not guarantee low total cost
The complete installation may also require DIRIGERA or another controller, a Thread Border Router, batteries, replacement bulbs, and time spent troubleshooting. IKEA’s price advantage is most compelling when the household already has compatible infrastructure or only needs a small number of devices.
Availability and prices vary
U.S. catalog pages reviewed in August 2026 showed approximate examples of $9.99–$13.99 for KAJPLATS bulbs, $5.99–$9.99 for BILRESA remotes, roughly $7.99–$9.99 for basic sensors, about $29.99–$34.99 for ALPSTUGA, and approximately $7.99–$14.99 for GRILLPLATS. These are market- and date-specific observations, not permanent prices.
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First-time smart-home users
IKEA is a strong starting point for buyers who want affordable lighting, a few practical sensors, and physical controls. Start with one controller, one room, and one clearly defined use case rather than automating the entire home at once.
Existing IKEA households
The new range is most compelling for homes already using IKEA lighting, furniture, blinds, speakers, or air purifiers. DIRIGERA can provide a unified route between older TRÅDFRI devices and new Matter products.
Apple, Google, Alexa, or SmartThings households
These buyers may be able to add IKEA products to infrastructure they already own. Before purchasing, verify the exact controller, Thread support, device category, and desired automation. Do not assume every IKEA feature will appear identically across platforms.
Renters
Bulbs, battery-powered sensors, remotes, and smart plugs are the most portable choices. A renter with one or two devices and an existing Matter controller may not benefit from purchasing DIRIGERA. Someone planning to keep the system for several homes or already owning many IKEA products may view the hub differently.
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IKEA can be an inexpensive hardware layer, but it may not satisfy users seeking extensive scripting, dashboards, presence detection, or deep local automation. Home Assistant offers more flexibility at the cost of substantially more setup and maintenance. Philips Hue is a stronger fit for premium lighting scenes and a mature lighting-focused ecosystem.
How IKEA compares with alternatives
- Philips Hue: Better suited to buyers prioritizing premium lighting, extensive scenes, and a large lighting accessory ecosystem.
- Apple Home: A natural interface for Apple households, but it remains a controller ecosystem rather than a direct replacement for IKEA’s hardware range.
- Google Home: A practical choice for homes already using Nest hardware and Google Assistant.
- Amazon Alexa: A strong fit for Echo households and voice control, subject to the capabilities of the specific Echo hardware.
- Samsung SmartThings: More broadly oriented toward multi-brand automation than IKEA’s beginner-first approach.
- Home Assistant: The deepest option for local control and customization, but also the most demanding to configure and maintain.
- Homey: A middle ground for buyers seeking more cross-brand automation than IKEA while avoiding a fully self-managed Home Assistant installation.
Bottom line
IKEA is not promising the smartest home. It is trying to make a useful first layer of smart-home technology cheap, understandable, and compatible with more than one platform.
The reset makes the most sense for basic lighting, physical controls, motion sensing, door alerts, leak warnings, and environmental monitoring. Matter improves interoperability, and DIRIGERA gives existing IKEA owners a bridge between old and new products. But a controller is still required, Thread devices still need Thread infrastructure, and cross-platform support does not guarantee identical features.
For most homeowners, the best approach is incremental: keep working TRÅDFRI products, choose a controller deliberately, and upgrade only where a new sensor, bulb, remote, or plug solves a specific household problem.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
