# FAQs about the Matter standard
## What are the membership levels with Matter?
The membership information can be found on the [CSA website](https://csa-iot.org/become-member/). The membership level you choose depends on your interest in certifying a product (adopter) or defining the product type within the standard (participant). For more information about the membership levels, see [Impact the Future of the IoT](https://csa-iot.org/become-member/) on the CSA website.
## How do smart-home consumers benefit from Matter?
Consumers benefit from Matter in the following ways:
+ Simplified onboarding of Matter devices at home, including enhanced setup flow, multi-device QR codes, and NFC onboarding (Matter version 1.4.1)
+ Unified management of all smart-home devices through a single app across major ecosystems (Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings)
+ Device control from multiple voice assistants simultaneously through Enhanced Multi-Admin (Matter version 1.4)
+ Access to expanded device types including cameras with streaming, appliances, energy management devices, and robotic vacuums
For more information, see [Benefits of Matter certification for smart-home consumers](consumer-benefits.md) in this guide.
## How do device makers benefit from Matter?
Device makers benefit from Matter in the following ways:
+ Reduced costs for supporting customers who have infrastructure and connectivity issues
+ A single certification for a device instead of multiple certifications with each ecosystem
+ Development of proprietary apps is no longer necessary for basic device functionality
+ Reduced costs of materials due to not having to ship infrastructure elements (such as Thread Border Routers)
+ Reduced costs for supporting customers who have infrastructure and connectivity issues
+ Access to mature SDKs, development tools, and testing infrastructure (significantly improved since initial release)
+ Faster time-to-market with established certification processes and expanded testing provider networks
For more information, see [Benefits of Matter certification for device makers](manufacturer-benefits.md) in this guide.
## Does Matter replace Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Thread?
No, Matter is an application-level protocol that runs on IP networks. Devices that use Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or Thread for connectivity can become Matter certified. The following table summarizes how Matter contrasts with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Thread.
|
|
| Feature | Matter | Wi-Fi | Bluetooth | Thread |
| --- |--- |--- |--- |--- |
| Purpose | Smart-home communication | Internet access and data transfer | Short-range wireless communication | Low-power wireless mesh networking |
| Range | Varies depending on the underlying protocol | Up to 300 feet | Up to 30 feet | Up to 300 feet |
| Bandwidth | Varies depending on the underlying protocol | Up to 10 gigabits per second | Up to 2 megabits per second | Up to 250 kilobits per second |
| Power consumption | Varies depending on the underlying protocol | Relatively high | Relatively low | Very low |
| Security | Varies depending on the underlying protocol | WPA2, WPA3 | AES, BLE Secure Connections | AES |
| Cost | Varies depending on the device | Relatively inexpensive | Relatively inexpensive | Relatively expensive |
## What is a vendor ID and product ID?
CSA members can apply for a vendor ID that identifies them as a supplier. Products from the company are henceforth assigned to this ID and can be traced back to their origin. In addition, they receive a unique product ID. The 16-digit numerical code accompanies products like a passport number and renders them as unmistakable as the vendor.
## Which devices need to be Matter certified?
Any devices that need to authenticate and be part of the Matter fabric need to be Matter certified. However, those devices that are designed to interact only with the vendor-specified hub over a non-standard (proprietary) protocol would not benefit from the Matter certification process. For example, a smart home security system hub must be certified as Matter complaint, but a door or window sensor that communicates with the hub doesn't need to be certified as Matter compliant. The choice to getting a product certified for Matter is primarily driven by this consideration.
## My product type is not currently defined in Matter. What additional tasks should I budget time for to get the products Matter certified?
Matter has significantly expanded device type coverage through versions 1.0 to 1.5. The standard now supports over 50 device types, including:
+ **Core devices**: lighting, switches, plugs, door locks, thermostats, window coverings, sensors
+ **Appliances**: refrigerators, air conditioners, dishwashers, robotic vacuums, microwaves, ovens
+ **Energy management**: solar panels, batteries, heat pumps, water heaters, EV chargers
+ **Environmental**: water management devices, air quality sensors, air purifiers
+ **Security**: cameras with streaming support
If your device type is still not supported, the first step is to join the CSA as a participant. Matter releases new versions approximately twice per year, continuously expanding device type coverage. As a participant member, you can lead the definition of new device types and have access to draft specifications that enable a faster go-to-market strategy. For more information about the membership levels, see [Impact the Future of the IoT](https://csa-iot.org/become-member/) on the CSA website.
## Some of my devices connect directly to the home Wi-Fi network. Do these devices need to be Matter certified?
Matter certification can benefit devices that connect directly to the smart-home network because they can connect to the Matter fabric. This enables consumers to control the devices through their virtual assistants on the same Matter fabric. However, consumers must use a device-specific app for any operations that are vendor-specific and not defined in the Matter specification.
## What is the current version of Matter and what's new?
As of November 2025, Matter 1.5 is the current version. Key additions across recent versions include:
+ Matter 1.5 (November 2025): Camera streaming support via RTSP, stability improvements
+ Matter 1.4.2 (June 2025): Improved BLE commissioning, PSA-based crypto, transport reliability
+ Matter 1.4.1 (November 2024): Enhanced setup flow, multi-device QR codes, NFC onboarding
+ Matter 1.4 (November 2024): Energy management devices, Enhanced Multi-Admin, HRAP
+ Matter 1.3 (May 2024): Appliances, EV chargers, enhanced energy reporting
+ Matter 1.2 (October 2023): Refrigerators, air conditioners, dishwashers, robotic vacuums
Matter versions are released approximately twice per year by the CSA working group.