A protocol, radio and controller have different jobs. Start with the layer your device actually uses.
Protocols and radio transports
Matter
An application protocol for supported smart home device types over Wi-Fi, Ethernet and Thread. Bluetooth LE is commonly used during commissioning.
Thread
An IP mesh transport for low-power devices. A Thread border router links the mesh to the home IP network.
Zigbee
A low-power mesh radio ecosystem with a coordinator or hub. A Matter bridge can expose selected Zigbee children.
Z-Wave
A sub-GHz smart home radio requiring a compatible controller; US and EU radio regions use different frequency plans.
Apple HomeKit
Apple’s accessory framework and pairing path. A HomeKit code is different from a Matter setup code.
Bluetooth LE
A short-range radio often used for Matter commissioning or a vendor-specific connection.
Wi-Fi
A local IP transport used by many smart-home devices and Matter products. Some devices require a 2.4 GHz network.
Aliro
An access-control standard distinct from Matter and Apple home key. Product and platform support must be checked separately.
A practical pairing order
First identify the product’s application protocol, then its transport, then the required controller or bridge. Only after those layers match should you check firmware, region and feature support. This prevents a common false positive: two “smart” devices sharing a radio but lacking a supported connection path.