Nanoleaf is probably best known for its light panels, but it also sells something called the Essentials line, consisting of more conventional smart bulbs and lightstrips. Until recently their problem was that while they supported Thread, the only way you could take advantage of that was usually Apple HomeKit or Nanoleaf’s own Thread ecosystem. In theory, the new Essentials Matter open up support to Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings, and anything else with Matter over Thread — but should you make them the foundation of your smart home’s lighting?
About this article: I tested the Nanoleaf Matter A19 bulb and Matter Lightstrip for about one month. The units were provided by Nanoleaf, but Nanoleaf had no say in the published content.
Nanoleaf Essentials Lightstrip (Matter)
- Universal compatibility
- Thread mesh network benefits
- Low-cost
Via a new Matter version, Nanoleaf’s Essentials lightstrip can now connect to Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings, not just HomeKit.
$49.99 at Amazon
Nanoleaf Essentials Bulb A19 (Matter)
- Universal compatibility
- Thread’s mesh network benefits
- Low-cost
Nanoleaf’s Thread-equipped Essentials bulbs have been upgraded with Matter, expanding support beyond HomeKit to Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings.
$19.99 at Amazon
Has Nanoleaf upgraded the specs on its Essentials Matter?
