Thread

Pros

Fast, reliable, and secure
Easy to integrate new devices

Cons

Limited compatibility

Thread is the newest protocol on our list. Thread was originally established by Google Nest (as in the Nest Cam and the Nest Learning Thermostat). Amazon, Apple, and a bunch of other companies have jumped on board since then and become part of what’s known as the Thread Group.

You’ll need a hub to use Thread. Just know that Thread calls its hubs “end routers.”

Thread uses a 2.4 GHz frequency, which is the same as Zigbee and Bluetooth. But the biggest differentiator for Thread is that it’s IP-based.

Z-Wave and Zigbee use their own networks, but Thread uses an IP network, which makes it easier for it to communicate with Wi-Fi networks and cellular networks. For you, that means it’s faster and more reliable at communicating across networks than some other smart home protocols.