Best Smart Plugs & Switches — Thread & Bluetooth (Matter) + Mid-range (2026)
2 smart plugs & switches matching connectivity “Thread & Bluetooth (Matter)” + price tier “Mid-range”, hand-picked from UK Amazon listings.
Not sure which one to pick? Read our Best Smart Plugs & Switches UK (2026) guide.
#1 Pick
Eve Energy (Matter) UK Smart Plug, Control and Automate Lights/Appliances, Thread- Thread & Bluetooth (Matter)
Currently unavailable
Pros
- Matter and Thread certified for fast, local control without cloud lag
- Works natively with Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home and SmartThings
- Built-in power meter
Cons
- Pricier than basic Wi-Fi-only plugs
- Thread border router needed for full Thread mesh benefits
#2 Pick
Eve Energy (Matter) UK-Smart Plug, Control and Automate Lights/Appliances, Secure and Private, Easy Setup, Future-Proof with Matter and Thread, Works with Apple HomeKit, Alexa, Google Home- Thread & Bluetooth (Matter)
£39.95
Pros
- Local Thread connection means no cloud account or Eve hub required
- Built-in power meter tracks consumption directly in the Eve/Home app
- Native Matter support future-proofs it across Apple, Alexa and Google ecosystems
Cons
- Costs more than basic Wi-Fi-only smart plugs
- A Thread border router is needed for full remote access
These mid-range smart plugs and switches leverage Thread & Bluetooth (Matter) connectivity for a versatile smart home experience. Designed for users seeking seamless integration with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, these devices provide granular control over your compatible lighting and appliances. Matter’s adoption of Thread means improved interoperability and reduced reliance on Wi-Fi congestion, offering a more robust and future-proof setup.
Featuring standard Bluetooth connectivity alongside the new Matter Thread protocol, these plugs offer flexibility in connecting to your smart home ecosystem. They're ideal for controlling lamps, fairy lights, or other smaller devices where reliable low-power communication is key. The mid-range price point represents a balance between functionality and value within the current smart plug market.
These plugs are designed with ease of use in mind, offering straightforward setup through the Amazon Alexa app or Google Home app. They support voice control, scheduling, and remote access – allowing you to manage your home's lighting from anywhere. Remember to consult Amazon’s standard returns policy for details on eligible returns.
FAQ
What is Matter and why does it matter?
Matter is a new connectivity standard developed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA). It aims to create a unified smart home ecosystem, allowing devices from different manufacturers to communicate seamlessly. The Thread component of these plugs utilises this standard.
Do I need a compatible hub to use these?
No, you do not require a dedicated hub for basic functionality. These plugs connect directly to your Wi-Fi network and can be controlled via the Amazon Alexa or Google Home apps.
What voice assistants are supported?
These smart plugs are compatible with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing you to control them using voice commands.
How many devices can I connect per plug?
While the exact limit may vary depending on your network conditions, these plugs generally support connecting up to 10 devices within their range. Performance might degrade with a large number of connected devices.
What is Thread and how does it benefit me?
Thread is a low-power mesh networking protocol designed for IoT devices. It offers improved reliability, security, and scalability compared to traditional Wi-Fi networks, particularly beneficial in smart home setups where multiple devices are present.
Are these plugs compatible with Zigbee devices?
No, these plugs utilise Thread & Bluetooth (Matter) and are not directly compatible with Zigbee devices. You would need a hub that supports both Matter and Zigbee for combined functionality.
How do I set up the smart plug?
Setup is straightforward via the Amazon Alexa app or Google Home app. Download the respective app, enable skill/action, follow the on-screen instructions to connect your plug to your Wi-Fi network and link it with your voice assistant.
What security measures are in place?
These smart plugs utilise industry standard encryption protocols for secure communication. Regularly update your Amazon Alexa or Google Home app for the latest security patches.
Are these plugs energy efficient?
Yes, these plugs automatically switch off when the connected device is turned off, preventing phantom power drain and saving energy. However, continuous use will still consume electricity.
What if my Wi-Fi network goes down?
If your Wi-Fi network becomes unavailable, you'll lose remote control functionality. The plugs will continue to operate locally (if configured) but won’t be accessible via voice or the app until the Wi-Fi connection is restored.