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ESPHome vs Tasmota

ESPHome logo

ESPHome

Software

Custom firmware for ESP8266/ESP32 smart home devices

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
T

Tasmota

Software

Open-source firmware for ESP8266/ESP32 based devices

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; Tasmota tasmota only runs on Espressif ESP8266, ESP8285, ESP32, ESP32-S and ESP32-C3 chipsets, so devices built on other silicon cannot use it
  • They diverge on capability: ESPHome covers YAML Configuration, Tasmota covers Local Control.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which ESPHome and Tasmota actually diverge.

Attributes where ESPHome and Tasmota differ
AttributeESPHomeTasmota
PlatformsESP8266, ESP32, Docker, Raspberry PiESP8266, ESP32, Compatible devices
Founded20182017

Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (open-source), 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
  • Home Assistant Native
  • Custom Components
  • MQTT
  • API
  • Native integration
  • Docker support
  • Raspberry Pi support

Only in Tasmota

  • Local Control
  • MQTT Support
  • Web Interface
  • Domoticz
  • OpenHAB
  • Node-RED
  • Compatible devices support

Both cover

  • OTA Updates
  • Home Assistant
  • ESP8266 support
  • ESP32 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 Tasmota
  • Replacing vendor cloud firmware on ESP based devices with locally controlled firmwarenot Tasmota
  • Integrating DIY devices into Home Assistant over a native API or MQTTnot Tasmota

Tasmota

  • Replacing vendor cloud firmware on ESP based smart plugs and switchesnot ESPHome
  • Controlling smart home devices locally over MQTT or HTTPnot ESPHome
  • Integrating off the shelf Wi-Fi devices with Home Assistant without a cloud accountnot 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

Tasmota

  • Tasmota only runs on Espressif ESP8266, ESP8285, ESP32, ESP32-S and ESP32-C3 chipsets, so devices built on other silicon cannot use it
  • Initial installation requires opening the device, bridging GPIO0 to ground during boot and using a 3.3V serial programmer; a 5V programmer damages the chip
  • The ESP chip needs at least 150mA at 3.3V, so an underpowered supply causes flashing and stability failures
  • The Wi-Fi setup access point stays active for only 3 minutes, after which the device must be power cycled to try again
  • The Power Cycle Recovery feature can reset a device to firmware defaults where mains power fluctuates, and the docs advise disabling it in that case

Pricing, plan by plan

ESPHome

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

Tasmota

Free
  • CommunityFree
    • Full firmware
    • MQTT
    • Web UI

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 home assistant native.
ESPHome review

Choose Tasmota if

  • You need local control.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on ESP8266, ESP32, Compatible devices.
  • You also want mqtt support.
Tasmota review

Questions people ask

Is ESPHome or Tasmota better?
Neither clearly leads. ESPHome starts at Free and Tasmota at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, ESPHome or Tasmota?
ESPHome starts at Free and Tasmota at Free.
Does ESPHome or Tasmota run on more platforms?
ESPHome runs on ESP8266, ESP32, Docker, Raspberry Pi. Tasmota runs on ESP8266, ESP32, Compatible devices.
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 Tasmota is typically brought in for.
What can ESPHome do that Tasmota cannot?
ESPHome covers YAML Configuration, Home Assistant Native, Custom Components, MQTT. Tasmota covers Local Control, MQTT Support, Web Interface, Domoticz. Both handle OTA Updates, Home Assistant, ESP8266 support, ESP32 support.
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