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Smart Home · head to head

ESPHome vs Eufy Security

ESPHome logo

ESPHome

Smart Home

Custom firmware for ESP8266/ESP32 smart home devices

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Eufy Security logo

Eufy Security

Smart Home

Privacy-focused smart home security

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; Eufy Security no published subscription pricing information
  • They diverge on capability: ESPHome covers YAML Configuration, Eufy Security covers Local storage.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which ESPHome and Eufy Security actually diverge.

Attributes where ESPHome and Eufy Security differ
AttributeESPHomeEufy Security
Pricing modelopen-sourceone-time
PlatformsESP8266, ESP32, Docker, Raspberry PiIOS, Android, Web
Founded20182016

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Smart Home).

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
  • MQTT
  • API
  • Native integration
  • ESP8266 support

Only in Eufy Security

  • Local storage
  • AI detection
  • 2K/4K video
  • Night vision
  • Two-way audio
  • No monthly fees
  • Amazon Alexa
  • Google Assistant

Both cover

  • Home Assistant

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

Eufy Security

  • Home securitynot ESPHome
  • Package detectionnot ESPHome
  • Baby monitoringnot ESPHome
  • Pet watchingnot 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

Eufy Security

  • No published subscription pricing information

Pricing, plan by plan

ESPHome

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

Eufy Security

Free
  • Solo Camera$50/month
    • Local storage
    • AI detection
    • No monthly fee
  • Video Doorbell$160/month
    • 2K video
    • Local storage
    • Human detection
  • HomeBase System$200/month
    • 16GB storage
    • Alarm
    • Multiple cameras

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 Eufy Security if

  • You need local storage.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on IOS, Android, Web.
  • You also want ai detection.
Eufy Security review

Questions people ask

Is ESPHome or Eufy Security better?
Neither clearly leads. ESPHome starts at Free and Eufy Security at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, ESPHome or Eufy Security?
ESPHome starts at Free and Eufy Security at Free.
Does ESPHome or Eufy Security run on more platforms?
ESPHome runs on ESP8266, ESP32, Docker, Raspberry Pi. Eufy Security runs on IOS, Android, 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 Eufy Security is typically brought in for.
What can ESPHome do that Eufy Security cannot?
ESPHome covers YAML Configuration, OTA Updates, Home Assistant Native, Custom Components. Eufy Security covers Local storage, AI detection, 2K/4K video, Night vision. Both handle Home Assistant.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

ESPHome: Is ESPHome free to use?

Yes. ESPHome is free and open-source software. The Desktop App, Device Builder, components, and recipe tools are all available at no cost.

Source
Eufy Security: How much does Eufy security cost?

Eufy does not publish subscription pricing for security services on its website. Individual security cameras and systems are sold at one-time prices ranging from $99.99 to $2,199.99, but recurring service costs are not listed.

Source
ESPHome: What is the cost to run ESPHome?

ESPHome software itself is completely free. Hardware devices and components used with ESPHome vary in cost depending on which microcontrollers and IoT devices you choose.

Source
ESPHome: Does ESPHome require a subscription or license fee?

No. ESPHome is open-source software with no subscription fees, license costs, or commercial restrictions associated with its use.

Source
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