Softwr

IoT & Smart Home · head to head

ESPHome vs Future

ESPHome logo

ESPHome

IoT & Smart Home

Custom firmware for ESP8266/ESP32 smart home devices

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Future logo

Future

Fitness & Wellness

Your personal trainer in your pocket

From
$199/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only ESPHome has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • 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; Future high monthly cost: $199/month is significantly more expensive than app-only alternatives and self-directed programs
  • They diverge on capability: ESPHome covers YAML Configuration, Future covers Dedicated personal trainer.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which ESPHome and Future actually diverge.

Attributes where ESPHome and Future differ
AttributeESPHomeFuture
Starting priceFree$199/month
Pricing modelopen-sourceUnknown
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsESP8266, ESP32, Docker, Raspberry PiiOS, Android
CategoryIoT & Smart HomeFitness & Wellness
Founded20182017

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

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 Future

  • Dedicated personal trainer
  • Custom workout plans
  • Real-time accountability
  • Weekly plan adjustments
  • Trainer messaging
  • Apple Watch
  • Apple Health
  • Ios 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 Future
  • Replacing vendor cloud firmware on ESP based devices with locally controlled firmwarenot Future
  • Integrating DIY devices into Home Assistant over a native API or MQTTnot Future

Future

  • 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

Future

  • High monthly cost: $199/month is significantly more expensive than app-only alternatives and self-directed programs
  • No real-time coaching: lacks in-workout guidance from coaches during actual training sessions
  • Limited customer support: email-only support model without phone or chat options for immediate assistance
  • Requires wearable for full tracking: relies on Apple Watch or smartwatch for comprehensive activity and heart rate data
  • Binding coach relationship: switching coaches or ending relationships may impact workout continuity

Pricing, plan by plan

ESPHome

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

Future

$199/month

No published plan breakdown. See the Future 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 Future if

  • You need dedicated personal trainer.
  • You work on iOS, Android.
  • You also want custom workout plans.
Future review

Questions people ask

Is ESPHome or Future better?
Neither clearly leads. ESPHome starts at Free and Future at $199/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, ESPHome or Future?
ESPHome has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for ESPHome and $199/month for Future.
Does ESPHome or Future run on more platforms?
ESPHome runs on ESP8266, ESP32, Docker, Raspberry Pi. Future runs on iOS, Android.
Can I use ESPHome for free?
Yes. ESPHome has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Future starts at $199/month.
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 Future is typically brought in for.
What can ESPHome do that Future cannot?
ESPHome covers YAML Configuration, OTA Updates, Home Assistant Native, Custom Components. Future covers Dedicated personal trainer, Custom workout plans, Real-time accountability, Weekly plan adjustments.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Future: How much does Future personal training cost?

Future Pro membership costs $199 per month for one-on-one personal training with a certified coach. First-time users can access the first month at a discounted rate through affiliate links.

Source
Future: Do Future coaches provide form feedback?

Yes, users can record and submit exercise videos to their coach, who will provide personalized form corrections and technique feedback for proper exercise execution.

Source
Future: Does Future work with wearables like Apple Watch?

Yes, Future integrates with Apple Watch, smartwatches, and can cast workouts to TV. The app tracks activity and heart rate data through wearable devices.

Source
Future: How often are Future workouts updated?

Future coaches deliver customized weekly workouts by Sunday that adapt to travel, injuries, or schedule changes. Coaches also provide ongoing daily motivation and track workout completion.

Source
ShareXLinkedInRedditWhatsAppEmail

Related pages

More on ESPHome

More on Future

Keep looking

Other head to heads