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Apple Fitness+ vs ESPHome

Apple Fitness+ logo

Apple Fitness+

Software

Guided workouts powered by Apple Watch

From
$9.99/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
ESPHome logo

ESPHome

Software

Custom firmware for ESP8266/ESP32 smart home devices

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only ESPHome has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Apple Fitness+ restricted to Apple ecosystem, not compatible with Android devices or non-Apple platforms; ESPHome eSPHome runs only on supported microcontrollers; the project recommends ESP32, ESP32-S3, ESP32-C3 and ESP32-C6 and advises against ESP8266 for new projects
  • They diverge on capability: Apple Fitness+ covers Studio-style workouts, ESPHome covers YAML Configuration.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Apple Fitness+ and ESPHome actually diverge.

Attributes where Apple Fitness+ and ESPHome differ
AttributeApple Fitness+ESPHome
Starting price$9.99/monthFree
Pricing modelUnknownopen-source
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsiOS, iPadOS, tvOSESP8266, ESP32, Docker, Raspberry Pi
Founded19762018

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Apple Fitness+

  • Studio-style workouts
  • Real-time Apple Watch metrics
  • Personalized recommendations
  • Time to Walk
  • Meditation sessions
  • Apple Watch
  • Apple Music
  • Health app

Only in ESPHome

  • YAML Configuration
  • OTA Updates
  • Home Assistant Native
  • Custom Components
  • Home Assistant
  • MQTT
  • API
  • Native integration

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Apple Fitness+

  • Workout trackingnot ESPHome
  • Nutrition managementnot ESPHome
  • Health monitoringnot ESPHome
  • Fitness coachingnot ESPHome
  • Wellness improvementnot ESPHome

ESPHome

  • Building custom smart home sensors and switches on ESP32 hardwarenot Apple Fitness+
  • Replacing vendor cloud firmware on ESP based devices with locally controlled firmwarenot Apple Fitness+
  • Integrating DIY devices into Home Assistant over a native API or MQTTnot Apple Fitness+

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Apple Fitness+

  • Restricted to Apple ecosystem, not compatible with Android devices or non-Apple platforms
  • Apple Watch is required for optimal functionality and metrics tracking
  • No live sessions available, only prerecorded on-demand videos
  • Limited Mac support with streaming from iPhone or iPad required
  • Simplified approach puts limitations compared to specialized or comprehensive fitness apps

ESPHome

  • ESPHome runs only on supported microcontrollers; the project recommends ESP32, ESP32-S3, ESP32-C3 and ESP32-C6 and advises against ESP8266 for new projects
  • Support for ESP32-H2, RP2040 and other newer chips is documented as less mature
  • Large displays and some sensors do not work well on ESP8266 because of its limited RAM, which is roughly a fifth of an ESP32

Pricing, plan by plan

Apple Fitness+

$9.99/month

No published plan breakdown. See the Apple Fitness+ review.

ESPHome

Free
  • CommunityFree
    • Full firmware
    • Home Assistant integration
    • Custom sensors

Which should you pick?

Choose Apple Fitness+ if

  • You need studio-style workouts.
  • You work on iOS, iPadOS, tvOS.
  • You also want real-time apple watch metrics.
Apple Fitness+ review

Choose ESPHome if

  • You need yaml configuration.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on ESP8266, ESP32, Docker, Raspberry Pi.
  • You also want ota updates.
ESPHome review

Questions people ask

Is Apple Fitness+ or ESPHome better?
Neither clearly leads. Apple Fitness+ starts at $9.99/month and ESPHome at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Apple Fitness+ or ESPHome?
ESPHome has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $9.99/month for Apple Fitness+ and Free for ESPHome.
Does Apple Fitness+ or ESPHome run on more platforms?
Apple Fitness+ runs on iOS, iPadOS, tvOS. ESPHome runs on ESP8266, ESP32, Docker, Raspberry Pi.
Can I use ESPHome for free?
Yes. ESPHome has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Apple Fitness+ starts at $9.99/month.
What is Apple Fitness+ best used for?
Apple Fitness+ is most often used for workout tracking, nutrition management, health monitoring, fitness coaching. Of those, workout tracking and nutrition management are not what ESPHome is typically brought in for.
What can Apple Fitness+ do that ESPHome cannot?
Apple Fitness+ covers Studio-style workouts, Real-time Apple Watch metrics, Personalized recommendations, Time to Walk. ESPHome covers YAML Configuration, OTA Updates, Home Assistant Native, Custom Components.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Apple Fitness+: How much does Apple Fitness Plus cost?

Apple Fitness Plus costs $9.99/month or $79.99/year in the US. New subscribers may be eligible for a free trial with the purchase of select Apple devices.

Source
Apple Fitness+: Can you share Apple Fitness Plus with family?

Yes, Apple Fitness Plus features Family Sharing compatibility, allowing you to share your subscription with up to five family members at no additional cost.

Source
Apple Fitness+: What workout types does Apple Fitness Plus offer?

Apple Fitness Plus supports a wide range of workout types including strength training, yoga, HIIT, cycling, dance, and mindful cooldowns with curated music playlists.

Source
Apple Fitness+: Does Apple Fitness Plus integrate with Apple Music?

Yes, one of the strongest features is Apple Music integration, with workouts synced to curated playlists that match pace and intensity.

Source
Apple Fitness+: What devices are required to use Apple Fitness Plus?

Apple Fitness Plus requires an Apple device such as iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV. An Apple Watch is more or less mandatory for optimal use and metrics tracking.

Source
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