Home Assistant smart home kit for lighting
A compatible Home Assistant starter kit for lighting: 2 devices plus 1 hub/bridge, about $180. Every pairing checked against manufacturer docs.
Devices
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Nanoleaf Essentials Matter A19 Smart Bulb $20
Needs: Thread border router
Matter over Thread: 'Matter compatible hub and Thread Border Router required'; compatible border routers are 'Matter hubs that double as Thread Border Routers' (or Nanoleaf Shapes, Lines and Elements). Bluetooth only for Nanoleaf app control. Home Assistant via Matter (HA is a Matter controller with a Thread border router).
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Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Light Switch (KS205) —
TP-Link's own product page: 'Matter-certified - Integrate Matter-certified Kasa devices with other certified products into any Matter-certified ecosystem' and 'Manage your smart switch with voice commands via Amazon Alexa, Apple Siri(R), or Google Assistant.' SmartThings and Home Assistant are claimed on the Matter path, not named individually - same basis as the other Matter-native devices here, since all five are Matter controllers. Matter runs over 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, so there is no Thread border router and no bridge. **Neutral wire required** - the page states it in the specs, and it is the deciding difference against the Lutron Diva, which needs none. Rated 15 A / 600 W max incandescent, 1/6 HP motor; on/off only, no dimming.
Hubs and bridges you also need
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Aqara Hub M3 $160
Required as: Thread border router
$159.99 on Aqara's US store (launched at '$129.99 in the US'). Aqara's first Matter CONTROLLER, a Thread border router, and 'a Matter bridge for non-native Matter Aqara devices' (exposes Aqara Zigbee children like the U100 lock to other ecosystems). Dual-band WiFi, PoE Ethernet, Bluetooth, 360-degree IR blaster.
Total
$180
Excludes 1 item we could not price from a manufacturer or retailer page.