I have decided to start taking a limited plunge on Matter/Thread devices because this allows more flexibility when I add/replace devices than just Zigbee and Z-wave (still using Insteon but Zigbee/Z-wave and some Matter are more cost effective). I know to add Matter/Thread devices that I need a Thread Border Router but I am thoroughly confused about the choices. Specifically, I was about to pick the Aqara M100 but it states "compatible with Aqara Zigbee (** Not third-party Zigbee devices)."

I don't want to lock myself in to ONLY Aqara devices in the future. Am I misunderstanding that this WILL NOT add generic Matter/Thread plugs/devices?

Are there any (hopefully inexpensive) NON-PROPRIETARY Thread border routers that will work with eisy? Even THIS https://www.amazon.com/THIRDREALITY-Connectivity-Compatible-SmartThings-Assistant/dp/B0CNBW9HV2/ref=sr_1_5?crid=2F7JEJ0H1KZTP&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.5kpTwcM-tJYWh4Uc66qF4bNBrf5TV4KFHdXcog44vS_yl6JhGJ5i--lq7oe-HLPPLJTCplKXQcIphylX01HwutjF5FHafxHTCsUWgirW4-gc9j2VCouG84oGARkK3sKpx7qXYjIvp5n0hpY_UsdmUVKmhCgx-9TAP8f6tio3XdjRfiH0C7-gXqFkSCA4jrC8LzbgYqr8SXvRhJ-W5dosTWA6VBXwM4gHhRcnlBcUvBNljmHRZw7XpAgKPV7sgcKGkwgKZU6YrD6qfVjaSgdYZdKhc21HEL3kBFTdMcrzYHo.zltBQS26BbCx1cbNsvT5H-VO2sp-ZYbv6N1dLw_RAIE&dib_tag=se&keywords=thread+border+router+matter&qid=1768192075&sprefix=thread+border+router%2Caps%2C280&sr=8-5 ThirdReality TBR states that it only works with ThirdReality Zigbee devices. Am I misunderstanding all of this or are these limited to their own brand's devices?

I am not an Apple person so I don't need Homekit (or whatever it's called) compatibility and I have only a couple Alexa devices that I am close to unplugging (long story..).

I have an Amazon Echo (not Echo dot) that does this.

Here is a list of all devices that act as border routers:

A complete list of Thread Border Routers on the market today | Matter Alpha https://share.google/T4JIypeoornYNxsIZ

@Riggins44 I think (but not 100% sure) that the Aqara hub only works with Zigbee devices from Aqara, but also works with Thread devices, probably from anyone. I don't have a hub, but I recently got one of the FP300 mmWave presence sensors. It can be set to Thread or Zigbee through their app. So I had to do a lot of reading on Aqara, and it's true that the hubs do not offer broad multivendor Zigbee support. But you might want to read up on their Thread support. They are relatively cheap, and they have a lot of models including some meant to plug into a USB hub or wall wart, and also some built into cameras. Also, check the Thread/Matter version support level. I think I also read that they are a few revisions behind, which would affect the variety of devices they can support, and their level of support.

-Tom

I guess even Aqara should be fine because eisy will handle Zigbee, so I should be good with the Aqara just handling Thread devices (multiple brands/generics) to eisy. At least, that seems to be right?