Software · head to head
ESPHome vs Eufy Security
The short version
- Each has a real cost: 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; Eufy Security devices like the Video Doorbell E340 list at 149.99 USD, and while local storage avoids a subscription fee, no pricing is published for optional cloud/professional monitoring plans
- They diverge on capability: ESPHome covers YAML Configuration, Eufy Security covers Local storage.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which ESPHome and Eufy Security actually diverge.
| Attribute | ESPHome | Eufy Security |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | open-source | one-time |
| Platforms | ESP8266, ESP32, Docker, Raspberry Pi | IOS, Android, Web |
| Founded | 2018 | 2016 |
Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), 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 ESPHome
- YAML Configuration
- OTA Updates
- Home Assistant Native
- Custom Components
- MQTT
- API
- Native integration
- ESP8266 support
Only in Eufy Security
- Local storage
- AI detection
- 2K/4K video
- Night vision
- Two-way audio
- No monthly fees
- Amazon Alexa
- Google Assistant
Both cover
- Home Assistant
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
ESPHome
- Building custom smart home sensors and switches on ESP32 hardwarenot Eufy Security
- Replacing vendor cloud firmware on ESP based devices with locally controlled firmwarenot Eufy Security
- Integrating DIY devices into Home Assistant over a native API or MQTTnot Eufy Security
Eufy Security
- Home securitynot ESPHome
- Package detectionnot ESPHome
- Baby monitoringnot ESPHome
- Pet watchingnot ESPHome
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
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
Eufy Security
- Devices like the Video Doorbell E340 list at 149.99 USD, and while local storage avoids a subscription fee, no pricing is published for optional cloud/professional monitoring plans
Pricing, plan by plan
ESPHome
Free- CommunityFree
- Full firmware
- Home Assistant integration
- Custom sensors
Eufy Security
Free- Solo Camera$50/month
- Local storage
- AI detection
- No monthly fee
- Video Doorbell$160/month
- 2K video
- Local storage
- Human detection
- HomeBase System$200/month
- 16GB storage
- Alarm
- Multiple cameras
Which should you pick?
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.
Choose Eufy Security if
- You need local storage.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on IOS, Android, Web.
- You also want ai detection.
Questions people ask
- Is ESPHome or Eufy Security better?
- Neither clearly leads. ESPHome starts at Free and Eufy Security at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, ESPHome or Eufy Security?
- ESPHome starts at Free and Eufy Security at Free.
- Does ESPHome or Eufy Security run on more platforms?
- ESPHome runs on ESP8266, ESP32, Docker, Raspberry Pi. Eufy Security runs on IOS, Android, Web.
- Can I use ESPHome for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is ESPHome best used for?
- ESPHome is most often used for building custom smart home sensors and switches on esp32 hardware, replacing vendor cloud firmware on esp based devices with locally controlled firmware, integrating diy devices into home assistant over a native api or mqtt. Of those, building custom smart home sensors and switches on esp32 hardware and replacing vendor cloud firmware on esp based devices with locally controlled firmware are not what Eufy Security is typically brought in for.
- What can ESPHome do that Eufy Security cannot?
- ESPHome covers YAML Configuration, OTA Updates, Home Assistant Native, Custom Components. Eufy Security covers Local storage, AI detection, 2K/4K video, Night vision. Both handle Home Assistant.