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ESPHome vs Mirror

ESPHome logo

ESPHome

Software

Custom firmware for ESP8266/ESP32 smart home devices

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Mirror logo

Mirror

Software

The nearly invisible home gym

From
$39/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; Mirror no built-in resistance equipment like Tonal's electromagnetic arms
  • They diverge on capability: ESPHome covers YAML Configuration, Mirror covers Live classes.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which ESPHome and Mirror actually diverge.

Attributes where ESPHome and Mirror differ
AttributeESPHomeMirror
Starting priceFree$39/month
Pricing modelopen-sourceUnknown
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsESP8266, ESP32, Docker, Raspberry PiStandalone hardware, iOS app
Founded20182016

Identical on both: 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 Mirror

  • Live classes
  • On-demand library
  • Real-time form check
  • Personal training option
  • Heart rate display
  • Apple Watch
  • Bluetooth heart rate monitors
  • 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 Mirror
  • Replacing vendor cloud firmware on ESP based devices with locally controlled firmwarenot Mirror
  • Integrating DIY devices into Home Assistant over a native API or MQTTnot Mirror

Mirror

  • 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

Mirror

  • No built-in resistance equipment like Tonal's electromagnetic arms
  • Strength training classes are circuit-based rather than traditional weightlifting programs
  • Lululemon discontinued hardware sales, affecting new customer acquisition

Pricing, plan by plan

ESPHome

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

Mirror

$39/month
  • Hardware$1495/one-time
    • Mirror screen
    • Installation option available
  • Subscription$39/month
    • 10,000+ classes
    • Live and on-demand
    • All class types
  • Personal Training$40/half-hour session
    • 1-on-1 coaching
    • Form correction

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 Mirror if

  • You need live classes.
  • You work on Standalone hardware, iOS app.
  • You also want on-demand library.
Mirror review

Questions people ask

Is ESPHome or Mirror better?
Neither clearly leads. ESPHome starts at Free and Mirror at $39/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, ESPHome or Mirror?
ESPHome has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for ESPHome and $39/month for Mirror.
Does ESPHome or Mirror run on more platforms?
ESPHome runs on ESP8266, ESP32, Docker, Raspberry Pi. Mirror runs on Standalone hardware, iOS app.
Can I use ESPHome for free?
Yes. ESPHome has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Mirror starts at $39/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 Mirror is typically brought in for.
What can ESPHome do that Mirror cannot?
ESPHome covers YAML Configuration, OTA Updates, Home Assistant Native, Custom Components. Mirror covers Live classes, On-demand library, Real-time form check, Personal training option.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Mirror: What does the Mirror hardware cost?

The Mirror costs $1,495, with optional white-glove delivery and installation for an additional $250. Financing options available at $32/month for 48 months.

Source
Mirror: Is there a subscription fee beyond hardware?

Yes, Mirror requires a $39/month subscription for access to live and on-demand workout classes. Personal training sessions are available for an additional $40 per half-hour.

Source
Mirror: What types of workouts does Mirror offer?

Mirror offers over 10,000 live and on-demand workout classes across 60 different categories including strength, cardio, dance, boxing, and yoga.

Source
Mirror: Who owns Mirror now?

Lululemon acquired Mirror in June 2020 for $500 million and currently operates it as part of their fitness offerings, though hardware sales have been discontinued.

Source
Mirror: Does Mirror provide strength training with weights?

Mirror offers strength training classes but does not include built-in weights or resistance arms like Tonal. Users can filter for classes based on their available equipment.

Source
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