Each protocol has strengths:

WiFi: Great for high-bandwidth devices (cameras, speakers), but not always energy efficient.

Zigbee: Reliable mesh network, low power consumption, widely used in smart bulbs and sensors. Requires a hub.

Thread: Newer mesh standard designed for smart home devices. Fast, secure, low power, and works without a single point of failure.

Matter: Not a protocol itself, but a unifying standard. Matter-certified devices can work across ecosystems (Alexa, Google, Apple, etc.), often using Thread or WiFi.

👉 If you want simplicity and broad compatibility, Matter (especially over Thread) is the future-proof choice. If you already own Zigbee hubs/devices, Zigbee remains solid and reliable.

• Alexa: Some Echo devices have built-in Zigbee hubs, letting you connect Zigbee bulbs and sensors directly.

• Google Home: Doesn’t natively support Zigbee, but can work through third-party hubs.

• Apple Home: Uses Thread and Matter, not Zigbee directly. You’ll need a Zigbee hub/bridge to make Zigbee devices show up in Apple Home.

👉 In short: check if your hub has built-in Zigbee support; if not, you’ll need a compatible Zigbee hub/bridge.

Most smart devices can connect directly to Alexa, Google Home, or Apple Home once set up. However:

The Smart Life app is often required for initial setup, firmware updates, and advanced automations.

Once linked, you can control your devices entirely through Alexa, Google Home, or Apple Home if you prefer.

👉 If you just want basic control via your voice assistant, you may not need to open Smart Life often. If you want more customization, scenes, or routines, Smart Life remains useful.