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ESPHome vs Losant

ESPHome logo

ESPHome

Software

Custom firmware for ESP8266/ESP32 smart home devices

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Losant logo

Losant

Software

Cloud-based IoT platform with visualization and workflow automation

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; Losant no pricing is published at any tier, and the pricing page is a survey form rather than a rate card
  • They diverge on capability: ESPHome covers YAML Configuration, Losant covers Device Connectivity.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which ESPHome and Losant actually diverge.

Attributes where ESPHome and Losant differ
AttributeESPHomeLosant
Pricing modelopen-sourcesubscription
PlatformsESP8266, ESP32, Docker, Raspberry PiCloud, Mobile app, Web dashboard, Device integration
Founded20182014

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 Losant

  • Device Connectivity
  • Data Visualization
  • Workflow Engine
  • REST API
  • Mobile app
  • Dashboard builder
  • Alert system
  • Data export

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

Losant

  • Building IoT applications with device management and visual workflowsnot ESPHome
  • Collecting and acting on telemetry from connected equipmentnot 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

Losant

  • No pricing is published at any tier, and the pricing page is a survey form rather than a rate card
  • Device counts, data retention and payload allowances are all quoted rather than listed

Pricing, plan by plan

ESPHome

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

Losant

Free
  • SandboxFree
    • Limited devices
    • Basic features
    • Community support
  • Enterprise$500/month
    • Unlimited devices
    • Advanced analytics
    • Premium support

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 Losant if

  • You need device connectivity.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Cloud, Mobile app, Web dashboard, Device integration.
  • You also want data visualization.
Losant review

Questions people ask

Is ESPHome or Losant better?
Neither clearly leads. ESPHome starts at Free and Losant at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, ESPHome or Losant?
ESPHome starts at Free and Losant at Free.
Does ESPHome or Losant run on more platforms?
ESPHome runs on ESP8266, ESP32, Docker, Raspberry Pi. Losant runs on Cloud, Mobile app, Web dashboard, Device integration.
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 Losant is typically brought in for.
What can ESPHome do that Losant cannot?
ESPHome covers YAML Configuration, OTA Updates, Home Assistant Native, Custom Components. Losant covers Device Connectivity, Data Visualization, Workflow Engine, REST API.
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