All of the best smart home devices integrate into a setup in one of two ways, with differences in solutions like Thread vs. Wi-Fi.

The best smart lights, locks, and other gadgets often connect directly to Wi-Fi for automation and remote control. However, when there are more than a few devices connected, the network can quickly become clogged. To speed response times and reduce the burden, one should instead check out smart home gear that communicates with each other on a separate local mesh network.

Using the Thread (or older Zigbee) mesh wireless protocol, you can connect this local network to the Internet via one of the best smart home hubs. If you plan to fill your space with a vast collection of smart devices and sensors, knowing the difference between a Wi-Fi and local mesh setup with a smart home hub can help you plan a more efficient smart home. Find out why this matters in terms of speed and overall performance.

Smart home devices that use Wi-Fi connect directly to your home router, just like your phone or computer. They are popular because they do not require a separate hub and are designed to be easily set up and controlled using only a smartphone app. In addition, Wi-Fi provides the speed and data capacity to stream video and handle large amounts of data from the best security cameras. Unfortunately, Wi-Fi consumes network bandwidth and power, which can quickly drain the batteries of smart locks and sensors. It also typically slows response time to commands, resulting in slower Internet speeds for all devices in the home.

Homes with multiple devices, such as smart lights and sensors, should consider installing a wireless threaded mesh network. This intermediary would connect all of these devices locally and handle commands from a single smart home hub. A central command point for Internet access reduces the burden on the network, uses less power than Wi-Fi, has a longer battery life, and extends range. The hub (sometimes called a bridge or gateway) allows these devices to be controlled from a smartphone or voice assistant while at home or on the road.

The difference between the two connection types is best illustrated by comparing the command performance of individual Wi-Fi smart bulbs with the faster Phillips Hue bulbs on a bridge.

Devices that opt for low-power local mesh wireless signals use either the newer Thread or older Zigbee standards instead of Wi-Fi. This allows devices to communicate with each other and communicate to the smart home hub as needed, eliminating many steps and allowing for faster processing. All smart devices will work with popular apps and voice assistants such as Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri. However, mesh is more direct, whereas the Wi-Fi model first gives instructions to the app, the app sends commands to the Internet, and then gives instructions to the device.

Wi-Fi is better suited for high-bandwidth streaming tasks. However, mesh (either Thread or Zigbee) is optimized for low-power, low-bandwidth devices. Consider smart sensors, light bulbs, door locks, and other gadgets that do not consume data like they are going out of style. Such mesh networks have the advantage of relaying signals to each other to improve range and reliability; devices with Thread communicate directly with each other in this mesh, and the more devices you add, the more robust the network becomes.

Both Thread and Zigbee smart home devices communicate more efficiently than Wi-Fi. Each device essentially becomes a repeater in the network, increasing reach and reliability to every corner of the property. Wi-Fi, on the other hand, has limited range and may not work well when devices are far from the router (e.g., outdoor contact sensors on shed doors). Local mesh connections rely on a robust smart home hub to connect devices to Wi-Fi for remote management.

Mesh networks have a wider communication range, making it easier to control devices over a larger area. Since these devices are not constantly using Wi-Fi to check input, they do not congest the home Internet with per-device traffic and can be controlled locally if the web is down. On top of that, devices using Thread and Zigbee tend to consume less power, which is especially useful for battery-powered devices like sensors and smart locks.

Zigbee devices operate on the older standard of proprietary mesh, which relies on a Zigbee-compatible hub. Thread, on the other hand, is the new kid on the block that uses not only mesh, but also open standards like IPv6 for direct connection to the Internet. Thread networks self-heal by rerouting offline devices with other signals. Threaded hubs are called border routers and are built into everything from the latest smart speakers to Apple TVs and Google streamers. The new iPhone also has a Thread radio built in.

Think of Thread as the latest and greatest because it mixes local mesh and IP and integrates with Wi-Fi devices over the Internet while supporting Matter. So what exactly is Matter and why is it important? [Matter is a new smart home compatibility standard developed to make different smart home devices work together seamlessly, regardless of brand or connection method. with Matter, you can buy smart home devices of different brands and wireless technologies, each with its own separate app and You can be confident that they will work together without the need for a system; the main benefit of Matter is that it integrates both Wi-Fi and threaded devices under one roof, creating a more flexible and reliable smart home.

Under Matter, you can have a Google Nest Learning thermostat, an Apple HomePod for control, and Amazon Alexa compatible WiFi lights, and if bridged by a Matter hub like the Apple HomePod, they Matter supports Wi-Fi and Thread networks as its primary communication methods; Wi-Fi is essential for smart home devices that require fast, high-bandwidth connectivity, such as data-hungry smart cameras, video doorbells, and smart speakers. It is essential, but can also be used to connect to mesh-based sensors.

For example, a Wi-Fi-based smart light bulb could work routinely with a Thread-based smart lock or motion sensor.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on specific needs; Wi-Fi devices are ideal for small smart home setups with only a few devices. They are easy to install, do not require extra hardware, and are often affordable. If you live in an apartment or have only a few security cameras or lights installed, you should stick with Wi-Fi gadgets. Also, since there is no need to purchase separate hardware like a hub, it is easy to get started.

Mesh devices, on the other hand, are better suited for large homes and many devices, especially if you are using a large number of smart light bulbs or sensors. They are more efficient, have longer range, and do not cause Wi-Fi networks to become stagnant. In addition, the batteries do not need to be replaced or recharged as often, and there is no need to stress over their location with the router. If you plan to expand your smart home with multiple smart locks or smart lights, a hub-based system is more stable and flexible, making Thread the most promising option in the long run.