Thread is the network protocol underneath Matter, and some people are calling it the Zigbee killer. After running both on my network, I think that is premature.
How Thread Works
Thread is a mesh network protocol, similar to Zigbee, but it uses IPv6 natively. That means Thread devices get real IP addresses and can communicate directly over your network without a translation hub. Thread border routers (built into HomePod Mini, Eero, Nest Hub) connect the Thread mesh to your home network.
Thread Advantages
No proprietary hub needed. Lower latency than Zigbee in my testing (about 30ms vs 80ms for light commands). Self-healing mesh that is genuinely smart about routing. And with Matter on top, multi-platform support is built in.
Why I Am Not Switching Yet
Device selection is still limited compared to Zigbee. I can find Zigbee versions of almost anything – motion sensors, door sensors, temperature sensors, smart plugs, light bulbs, switches, blinds controllers. Thread? Maybe 20-30 devices total, mostly from Eve and Nanoleaf. Give it two more years and ask me again.