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Centr vs ESPHome

Centr logo

Centr

Software

Chris Hemsworth's fitness and wellness app

From
On request
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: Centr requires purchase of physical equipment to utilise the coaching app effectively; 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: Centr covers Expert-led workouts, ESPHome covers YAML Configuration.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Centr and ESPHome actually diverge.

Attributes where Centr and ESPHome differ
AttributeCentrESPHome
Starting priceOn requestFree
Pricing modelsubscriptionopen-source
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsMobile app (iOS/Android assumed)ESP8266, ESP32, Docker, Raspberry Pi
Founded20192018

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 Centr

  • Expert-led workouts
  • Meal planning
  • Mindfulness content
  • Progress tracking
  • Self-care routines
  • Apple Health
  • Apple Watch
  • Ios support

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.

Centr

  • Home gym users with existing or planned equipment investmentsnot ESPHome
  • Athletes training for HYROX racing or longevity-focused conditioningnot ESPHome
  • Users seeking equipment-integrated personalised programmingnot ESPHome

ESPHome

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

Where each one falls short

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

Centr

  • Requires purchase of physical equipment to utilise the coaching app effectively
  • Equipment pricing ranges $29.99–$5,999, creating significant upfront capital requirement
  • Subscription cost for Centr Coach membership not transparently published on website

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

Centr

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the Centr review.

ESPHome

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

Which should you pick?

Choose Centr if

  • You need expert-led workouts.
  • You work on Mobile app (iOS/Android assumed).
  • You also want meal planning.
Centr 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 Centr or ESPHome better?
Neither clearly leads. Centr starts at On request and ESPHome at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Centr or ESPHome?
ESPHome has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for Centr and Free for ESPHome.
Does Centr or ESPHome run on more platforms?
Centr runs on Mobile app (iOS/Android assumed). 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. Centr starts at On request.
What is Centr best used for?
Centr is most often used for home gym users with existing or planned equipment investments, athletes training for hyrox racing or longevity-focused conditioning, users seeking equipment-integrated personalised programming. Of those, home gym users with existing or planned equipment investments and athletes training for hyrox racing or longevity-focused conditioning are not what ESPHome is typically brought in for.
What can Centr do that ESPHome cannot?
Centr covers Expert-led workouts, Meal planning, Mindfulness content, Progress tracking. ESPHome covers YAML Configuration, OTA Updates, Home Assistant Native, Custom Components.
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