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Google Home vs Tasmota

Google Home logo

Google Home

Software

Google's smart home platform with Google Assistant

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: Google Home web version (home.google.com) has limited controls compared to the mobile app; 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: Google Home covers Google Assistant, Tasmota covers Local Control.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Google Home and Tasmota actually diverge.

Attributes where Google Home and Tasmota differ
AttributeGoogle HomeTasmota
Pricing modelUnknownopen-source
PlatformsiOS, Android, Web, ChromeOSESP8266, ESP32, Compatible devices
Founded20162017

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 Google Home

  • Google Assistant
  • Voice Control
  • Routines
  • Multi-Room Audio
  • 10,000+ devices
  • Nest products
  • Chromecast
  • Third-party apps

Only in Tasmota

  • Local Control
  • MQTT Support
  • Web Interface
  • OTA Updates
  • Home Assistant
  • Domoticz
  • OpenHAB
  • Node-RED

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Google Home

  • Controlling and automating smart home devicesnot Tasmota
  • Viewing Nest camera feedsnot Tasmota
  • Creating automation routinesnot Tasmota
  • Managing household device settingsnot Tasmota
  • Voice control via Google Assistantnot Tasmota

Tasmota

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

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Google Home

  • Web version (home.google.com) has limited controls compared to the mobile app
  • Battery-camera live streams on the web app auto-stop after 5 minutes
  • Requires compatible Google/Nest or third-party smart-home hardware - it is a control app, not a standalone product

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

Google Home

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Google Home review.

Tasmota

Free
  • CommunityFree
    • Full firmware
    • MQTT
    • Web UI

Which should you pick?

Choose Google Home if

  • You need google assistant.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on iOS, Android, Web, ChromeOS.
  • You also want voice control.
Google Home 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 Google Home or Tasmota better?
Neither clearly leads. Google Home 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, Google Home or Tasmota?
Google Home starts at Free and Tasmota at Free.
Does Google Home or Tasmota run on more platforms?
Google Home runs on iOS, Android, Web, ChromeOS. Tasmota runs on ESP8266, ESP32, Compatible devices.
Can I use Google Home for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Google Home best used for?
Google Home is most often used for controlling and automating smart home devices, viewing nest camera feeds, creating automation routines, managing household device settings. Of those, controlling and automating smart home devices and viewing nest camera feeds are not what Tasmota is typically brought in for.
What can Google Home do that Tasmota cannot?
Google Home covers Google Assistant, Voice Control, Routines, Multi-Room Audio. Tasmota covers Local Control, MQTT Support, Web Interface, OTA Updates.
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