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ESPHome vs FitNotes

ESPHome logo

ESPHome

Software

Custom firmware for ESP8266/ESP32 smart home devices

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
FitNotes logo

FitNotes

Software

Free workout tracker for Android

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

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; FitNotes android only, no iOS version despite requests from users
  • They diverge on capability: ESPHome covers YAML Configuration, FitNotes covers Exercise logging.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which ESPHome and FitNotes actually diverge.

Attributes where ESPHome and FitNotes differ
AttributeESPHomeFitNotes
Pricing modelopen-sourceUnknown
PlatformsESP8266, ESP32, Docker, Raspberry PiAndroid
Founded20182013

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
  • Home Assistant
  • MQTT
  • API
  • Native integration

Only in FitNotes

  • Exercise logging
  • Custom exercises
  • Progress graphs
  • Workout calendar
  • Data backup
  • Google Drive backup
  • Android support

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 FitNotes
  • Replacing vendor cloud firmware on ESP based devices with locally controlled firmwarenot FitNotes
  • Integrating DIY devices into Home Assistant over a native API or MQTTnot FitNotes

FitNotes

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

FitNotes

  • Android only, no iOS version despite requests from users
  • Limited community features compared to social fitness trackers
  • Minimal UI updates compared to more modern fitness apps

Pricing, plan by plan

ESPHome

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

FitNotes

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the FitNotes review.

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.
ESPHome review

Choose FitNotes if

  • You need exercise logging.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Android.
  • You also want custom exercises.
FitNotes review

Questions people ask

Is ESPHome or FitNotes better?
Neither clearly leads. ESPHome starts at Free and FitNotes at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, ESPHome or FitNotes?
ESPHome starts at Free and FitNotes at Free.
Does ESPHome or FitNotes run on more platforms?
ESPHome runs on ESP8266, ESP32, Docker, Raspberry Pi. FitNotes runs on Android.
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 FitNotes is typically brought in for.
What can ESPHome do that FitNotes cannot?
ESPHome covers YAML Configuration, OTA Updates, Home Assistant Native, Custom Components. FitNotes covers Exercise logging, Custom exercises, Progress graphs, Workout calendar.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

FitNotes: Is FitNotes free and does it have ads?

FitNotes is completely free with no ads and no paid tier. The developer offers a FitNotes Supporter app as optional support.

Source
FitNotes: Does FitNotes work offline?

Yes, FitNotes works completely offline and requires no internet connection or account sign-up to use.

Source
FitNotes: What platform is FitNotes available on?

FitNotes is Android only and is not available on iOS or other platforms.

Source
FitNotes: Can I export my FitNotes data?

Yes, FitNotes allows full CSV export so your workout data is yours and can be imported into other applications.

Source
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Related pages

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