2nd-generation smart lights add Matter to the mix
Although Matter promises so much, we’re currently at the stage where things aren’t quite perfect. Software and hardware requirements mean that not every house is ready for Matter. If you don’t have a Matter Controller or a compatible Thread Border Router, then the Matter Essentials line is certainly not for you, and the original will make more sense. If you do hit the requirements for one system, then Matter compatibility opens up Nanoleaf to direct control via a wider range of systems, which will improve over time. If you have compatibility and want cheaper alternatives to the mainstream rivals, these lights are a good choice.
Pros
- Matter compatible
- Easy to customize size
- Bright colors on offer
- Works with multiple platforms
Cons
- Matter still a bit messy
- Pricier than non-Matter variant
- No 3rd-part controllers
Line-up the older first-gen Nanoleaf Essentials range of bulbs and the lightstrip with the new 2023 Nanoleaf Matter Essentials line, and there’s nothing to tell between them.
Scan down the specs list and range of products available and it’s the same thing: both lines support Thread and Bluetooth, so what gives?
Rather than being able to update the old line of products to support the new Matter smart home standard, as other manufacturers such as Eve have done, Nanoleaf has had to release a brand-new set of products.
That’s a little frustrating if you were ready to take the leap into the Matter world and already have the old Essentials line; for new buyers, there’s now a choice between the original line-up and the new one. So, what’s best?
Explained: What is Thread and why does it matter for your smart home
Read on to find out, as I’ve had the new Nanoleaf Matter Essentials Smart Lightstrip running in my Matter smart home for a few weeks now and I’m ready to deliver my verdict.
Nanoleaf Matter Essentials: The range, design and price
As with the original line-up, there are three main products in the Nanoleaf Essentials range.
There’s the smart bulb available in both screw and bayonet versions, which simply replace an existing dumb bulb. Rather than a boring, traditional shape, the bulb has a multi-surfaced face (a rhombicosidodecahedron, apparently).
The bulb can change between 16m colours and has a colour temperature range between 2700K and 6500K and is very bright at 1100 lumens maximum.
GU10 and downlight lamps are also available. These have the same colour and temperature range as the bulbs but top out at 450 lumens.
Then, there’s the lightstrip, which I have on review here. This is available in 2m or 5m starter kits, with 1m expansion packs available, supporting up a total length of up to 10m. That’s the same as for the equivalent Philips Hue Lightstrip.
As well as expanding, lightstrips can be cut smaller, every 13-inches. Cut marks are printed onto the lightstrip; once cut, a strip can’t be extended.
Each starter kit provides a power supply and an inline remote control, which gives power, brightness and scene selection controls.
It’s quite handy having this level of control to hand, rather than relying on app or voice control.
Lightstrips support 16m colours, 2700K to 6500K colour temperatures and are super bright at 2200 lumens.
Nanoleaf Matter Essentials: Thread and Matter
Although both old new ranges have Thread and Bluetooth built in, the configuration and setup for the new Matter devices is different. Here, there’s a wider range of controllers that the lights can be connected to, including Apple Home, SmartThings, Amazon Alexa or Google Home.
It’s not simply enough to have one of these systems, you’ll also need a Thread Border Router to get on board with all things Matter.
The range of Matter controllers that also boast Thread border routers is expanding all of the time and the one you use will probably depend on what you’ve already got in your home and the smart home ecosystem you use.
For Apple users, it means a HomePod Mini or 2nd-gen HomePod. SmartThings users need the Hub v3 or Aeotec Hub; Google Homes needs a Nest Hub 2nd Gen or Nest Hub Max; Amazon Alexa needs an Echo 4th Gen.
Of course, the whole point of Matter is that it shouldn’t – in theory at least – er, matter what controller and border router you use, nor what ecosystem you have set up… it should just work.
And that probably will be the case going forward as Matter matures but for now it can be a little clunky.
For example, having a recent Eero system linked to an Amazon account should, in theory, deliver Thread border router support, but I couldn’t get that working here in the UK.
So check carefully that you have the necessary hardware and software before you buy the Essentials line.
If you do have everything in place, then installation into the first Matter compatible controller is as simple as scanning the code and then letting the automated installer take over.
That’s the theory, but the lightstrip I have only has the Matter code on the back of the inline remote, not the corresponding QR code.
HomeKit refused to read the code and, while I could have typed it in manually, I decided to scan the QR code printed on the accompanying manual. This time it worked, and the Nanoleaf Matter Essentials Smart Lightstrip joined my Apple Home, connecting via Thread to my HomePod Mini.
As these are Matter devices, they can be shared and paired with rival Matter systems. Rather than scanning the Matter code again, the first app you connect to can create a Matter sharing code that can be used with other systems.
I paired the lights directly with SmartThings and I could, if I wanted to, add the Essentials lightstrip to both Alexa or Google Homes.
Where Matter does work, it’s great. Control from Apple Home or SmartThings is near instant, as the lightstrip is being directly controlled; no slow, cloud servers to get in the way here.
Via most Matter systems, the array of controls is quite limited. The lightstrip can be set a solid colour or colour temperature, and the brightness can be adjusted. That’s it.
For full control, the Nanoleaf app is required. This can work over Bluetooth, but if you happen to have an additional Nanoleaf Thread border router around, such as a Nanoleaf Shapes, then the app can connect the Matter Essentials this way, giving out-of-home control.
From the Nanoleaf app, the Essentials range can also take part in scenes, with dynamic scenes adding a bit more interest through colour shifting lighting effects. These make the lights more fun and interesting than when using solid colours only.
Colour performance is very good from the lightstrip, producing bright and bold colours throughout the range, while operating as a bright utility light when required.
Nanoleaf Matter Essentials Limitations
Although compatible with HomeKit, the Matter Essentials lights do not support HomeKit Adaptive Lighting, which is a real shame. Nanoleaf has its own Circadian Rhythm feature, although it’s not as simple to set up or as intuitive or powerful as Apple’s version.
Then, there’s a matter of wireless controls. Buy bulbs in the Philips Hue range, and there’s a massive choice of wireless controls and remotes to choose from.
Nanoleaf doesn’t have anything similar at the moment, although it will launch the Sense+ Matter enabled controls soon, which were teased back at CES in January.
In the meantime, you can use third-party smart buttons, such as the Flic Hub, which is HomeKit compatible and integrates with SmartThings and Amazon Alexa.
