ZBT-2 vs Dirigera as Thread Border Router for new IKEA Matter devices — which is better for Home Assistant?

Configuration Matter/Thread
1

Hi all,

I’m planning to buy some of the new IKEA Matter over Thread devices (starting with TIMMERFLOTTE, MYGGBETT and ALPSTUGA - more will follow) and want to integrate them into Home Assistant.

My setup:

  • Clean HAOS 17.x (VM)
  • Philips Hue Bridge for existing Zigbee lights
  • No Thread Border Router yet
  • Very new to smart devices, not being Philips Hue :slight_smile:

I’m trying to decide between two options:

  1. IKEA Dirigera (~€67) - Thread Border Router + Matter Bridge + firmware updates via IKEA app
  2. Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2 (~€58 incl. shipping) - Thread Border Router directly in HA

My questions:

  1. Which option gives the best and most stable experience for integrating IKEA Matter over Thread devices into HA?
  2. Can HA handle firmware updates via Matter OTA for these IKEA devices without Dirigera, or is Dirigera necessary for that?
  3. Some devices reportedly arrive with outdated firmware that prevents pairing - how common is this, and is there a workaround without Dirigera?

Thanks in advance!

2

I have the older ZBT-1 and no problems pairing the new bulbs and bilresa scroll wheel. The bulbs got new firmware update directly, so no issue so far.

3

Thanks!
Just curious - how do the bulbs, bilresa, TIMMERFLOTTE, etc get their firmware directly - through the IKEA Android App or? I mean if i dont have the DIRIGERA bridge.

4

Like any other device update over HA directly, no other app or bridge or whatever is necessary

5

Completely new to this part of home automation :slight_smile:
I thought that the firmware updates, was locked to their own “bridge”

Would you think that the new IKEA devices, have issues with the ZBT-2 router?

Also just realised that the ZBT-2 is USB connected, so will have to do a USB passtrough to the VM - IKEA is network based

6

There are lots of posts discussing Thread, Matter, and the new IKEA devices, just use the forum’s search function. My impression is, if you have a simple network setup (no VLANs and whatsoever) and just one thread border router (e. g. by using the ZBT-1 or ZBT-2), everything is running out of the box if you follow the instructions.

7

  1. Hard to say, because it is really a question about how much support and updating the TBRs get. HA had been slacking for a bit, so DIRIGERA was probably a bit ahead before that, but now HA have sprung into gear and have updated the OTBR addon and Matter server, so now they are ahead.

  2. That depends on IKEA. I have Onvis S4 smart plugs and they released the initial firmware on the CSA DCL and then had a convoluted update process that required an Apple Matter hub device (which I did not have for the following ones) and that was a BIG mess and annoyance and I dissed them on every internet site I could find that reviewed the smart plug. They have published their latest firmware on the CSA DCL and HA have updated it without a hitch.
    My guess is that IKEA is publishing over CSA DCL, but someone with an IKEA device that needs an update will have to confirm that.

  3. I think it is quite common with a firm releasing for a new technology for the first time and it will be better for the next devices, but new versions of existing ones and new device types.
    Luckily IKEA is pretty good at costumer service in such a situation, so I guess it is no problem to return them to a warehouse and get new ones.
    If they publish the firmware on the CSA DCL, then HA and any other TBR that use CSA DCL will be able to update them.

8

Thanks for the post! A lot of new terms to learn :slight_smile:

Sounds like both IKEAs thread border router and the ZBT-2 is good products, and the issues that was before with the HA slacking a bit is not an issue anymore.

So i guess it comes down to, what device i can get the fastest :slight_smile:

9

I recently installed a ZBT-2, Matter and OTBR. The first thing I installed were 2 alpstugas, and in their entries under devices and services indicated the FW version and that there was an update available. Clicked to update each and they updated. No other hub, etc… I added the alpstugas via the HA mobile app on my iPad.

10

Thanks, that means IKEA use the CSA DCL.