Building a smart home across different brands? Here’s what you should know

Building a smart home with different brands can work well, but it requires choosing a platform that supports the devices you want. Amazon Alexa, Google Home and Apple Home are designed for multi-brand pairing, while Home Assistant offers broader integration for users comfortable with more technical setup.

Matter can make it easier to connect compatible devices across platforms, provided the home has a Matter controller, such as a hub or smart speaker. Pairing through Matter may limit some features, and support varies by product type; Zigbee, Z-Wave and Thread hubs can also connect devices, but may restrict which brands they accept. The article advises considering device compatibility, preferred controls and the available accessories before settling on a platform; Alexa and Google Home have the broadest support, while HomeKit works only with Apple devices.