Why This Matters Now
Matter 1.3 isn’t just another incremental update—it finally brings native energy monitoring into the smart home world. With this new standard, smart plugs can now report both real-time power usage (watts) and total energy consumption (kWh) directly through Matter, without relying on proprietary apps. This makes it easier than ever to track electricity costs, set up energy-based automations, and cut down on wasted standby power.
And 2025 is the perfect time to pay attention. Brands are only now rolling out their first Matter 1.3 updates, meaning these plugs are among the very first to deliver verified energy monitoring across platforms like Home Assistant, SmartThings, Google Home, and more. If you’ve been waiting for smart plugs that are truly universal, reliable, and transparent, this is the year.
What to Look for in a Matter 1.3 Smart Plug
- Matter 1.3 Firmware
Make sure the plug is officially updated to Matter 1.3. Many devices are “Matter-compatible” but don’t yet expose energy data. - Energy Data Support in Your Platform
While Home Assistant and SmartThings display Matter energy data today, Apple Home and some others are still catching up. Always check if your ecosystem shows the metrics you care about. - Thread vs Wi-Fi
Thread-based plugs offer faster responses and a more resilient mesh, but you’ll need a Thread border router like a HomePod Mini or Nest Hub. Wi-Fi plugs remain common and simple to set up. - Rated Capacity
Look at the maximum amperage or wattage—some plugs are better for lamps and electronics, while others can handle appliances or heavy-duty loads. - Automation Potential
Energy data isn’t just numbers. The best use cases are automations like shutting off devices when idle, running appliances during off-peak electricity hours, or tracking long-term usage trends.
Common Gotchas to Watch Out For
- Not All “Matter Plugs” Do Energy Monitoring Yet
Some products advertise Matter but only support on/off control. Be sure the listing or firmware release notes confirm 1.3 energy clusters. - Firmware Rollouts Are Gradual
A model may support energy monitoring in Europe before the U.S., or vice versa. Always update firmware right after setup. - App vs Standard Support
Even if a plug reports energy via Matter, not all apps display it cleanly yet. Some ecosystems still require the manufacturer’s app for full reporting.
Real-World Uses You’ll Love
- Standby Drain Alerts – Automatically turn off a TV, console, or charger if it’s wasting power overnight.
- Time-of-Use Savings – Run high-energy appliances only during off-peak hours to cut your bill.
- Energy Dashboards – Compare the energy footprint of your coffee maker vs. your air purifier with hard numbers.
- Future-Proofing – As Matter evolves, these plugs will integrate into bigger contexts like EV charging, solar load balancing, and smart grid automations.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. What is Matter 1.3 and why is it important for smart plugs?
A. Matter 1.3 is the latest version of the smart home connectivity standard that ensures devices work seamlessly across different platforms such as Apple Home, Google Home, and Amazon Alexa. Choosing a plug with Matter 1.3 support means better compatibility and future-proof performance.
Q. Why should I choose a smart plug with energy monitoring?
A. Energy monitoring helps you track how much power each device consumes. This feature can lower electricity bills by identifying energy-hungry appliances and allowing you to schedule usage more efficiently.
Q. Do Matter 1.3 smart plugs work with older smart home systems?
A. Yes, most Matter 1.3 plugs are backward-compatible with common smart home ecosystems. However, some advanced features may only be available when connected through a Matter-certified hub or platform.
Q. How many amps or watts can these plugs typically handle?
A. Most Matter 1.3 smart plugs support standard household loads (up to 15A/1800W in the U.S.). Always check product specs to ensure safe use with larger appliances like heaters or air conditioners.
Top Picks for 2025: Verified & Energy-Ready