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Smart Home · head to head

ESPHome vs Losant

ESPHome logo

ESPHome

Smart Home

Custom firmware for ESP8266/ESP32 smart home devices

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Losant logo

Losant

Smart Home

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 public pricing available; customizable pricing model requires sales contact before cost clarity
  • They diverge on capability: ESPHome covers YAML Configuration, Losant covers Device Connectivity.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

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 (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
  • 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

  • Enterprise IoT platforms requiring customized feature sets and deployment optionsnot ESPHome
  • Industrial organizations with complex device management and workflow automation needsnot ESPHome
  • Businesses seeking personalized pricing based on scale and specific use casesnot 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 public pricing available; customizable pricing model requires sales contact before cost clarity
  • Customers must fill out survey form before sales team provides any pricing details
  • Unable to estimate budget or compare costs against competitors without direct engagement

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.

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
Losant: How does Losant's pricing work?

Losant's pricing is entirely customizable based on business needs. After filling out the inquiry form, a Losant sales team member contacts you with personalized pricing and details tailored to your requirements.

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
Losant: Do you need to contact Losant sales to get a price quote?

Yes, Losant requires prospective customers to submit a form and wait for direct contact from the sales team to discuss pricing. Standard pricing rates are not publicly published.

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
Losant: What factors determine Losant's custom pricing?

While specific pricing factors aren't disclosed on the public site, customizable pricing typically depends on features, device count, API usage, and deployment requirements. Contact Losant sales to understand how these factors apply to your use case.

Source
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