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ESPHome vs Gather

ESPHome logo

ESPHome

Software

Custom firmware for ESP8266/ESP32 smart home devices

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Gather logo

Gather

Software

Virtual spaces for remote collaboration

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; Gather no native desktop or mobile app; browser-based only
  • They diverge on capability: ESPHome covers YAML Configuration, Gather covers Proximity video chat.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which ESPHome and Gather actually diverge.

Attributes where ESPHome and Gather differ
AttributeESPHomeGather
Pricing modelopen-sourceUnknown
PlatformsESP8266, ESP32, Docker, Raspberry PiWeb
Founded20182020

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 Gather

  • Proximity video chat
  • Customizable spaces
  • Interactive objects
  • Screen sharing
  • Calendar
  • Slack
  • Google Workspace
  • Web 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 Gather
  • Replacing vendor cloud firmware on ESP based devices with locally controlled firmwarenot Gather
  • Integrating DIY devices into Home Assistant over a native API or MQTTnot Gather

Gather

  • VR Gamingnot ESPHome
  • AR Marketingnot ESPHome
  • Virtual Trainingnot ESPHome
  • 3D Visualizationnot ESPHome
  • Immersive Experiencesnot 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

Gather

  • No native desktop or mobile app; browser-based only
  • Limited API documentation compared to enterprise competitors
  • Scaling large virtual offices can impact performance

Pricing, plan by plan

ESPHome

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

Gather

Free
  • 30-Day TrialFree
    • Up to 50 team members
    • All features included
    • Meetings and chat
  • Essential$12/month
    • All features
    • Meeting recordings starting at 20 hours
    • Meeting transcriptions starting at 30 hours

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 Gather if

  • You need proximity video chat.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You also want customizable spaces.
Gather review

Questions people ask

Is ESPHome or Gather better?
Neither clearly leads. ESPHome starts at Free and Gather at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, ESPHome or Gather?
ESPHome starts at Free and Gather at Free.
Does ESPHome or Gather run on more platforms?
ESPHome runs on ESP8266, ESP32, Docker, Raspberry Pi. Gather runs on 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 Gather is typically brought in for.
What can ESPHome do that Gather cannot?
ESPHome covers YAML Configuration, OTA Updates, Home Assistant Native, Custom Components. Gather covers Proximity video chat, Customizable spaces, Interactive objects, Screen sharing.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Gather: What is a free trial of Gather like?

Gather offers a 30-day free trial with no credit card required that includes up to 50 team members and access to all features including meetings, chat, AI meeting notes, and full office customization.

Source
Gather: How does Gather reduce meeting load?

Gather recreates natural office dynamics through spatial audio and proximity-based interactions, allowing colleagues to bump into each other and have quick conversations without scheduled calls. Teams report shorter, more organic conversations that wrap up in under 10 minutes.

Source
Gather: What platforms and devices does Gather support?

Gather works on web browsers and integrates with Slack and Google Chat. The platform supports audio/video calls, screen sharing, and custom workspace design.

Source
Gather: Does Gather work offline?

Gather is a web-based platform that requires an internet connection to function, though it emphasizes quick connection and low bandwidth requirements compared to traditional video conferencing.

Source
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Related pages

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