Comparisons
Compare TOMMY with other Wi-Fi and RF sensing projects. See how different approaches to presence detection stack up in terms of technology, cost, and openness.
Overview
A few projects today tackle motion and presence detection using Wi-Fi or other RF signals. Each takes a different approach, with different trade-offs around hardware, accuracy, ecosystem, and openness. The table below summarizes the landscape. Follow the links for a deeper comparison against TOMMY.
| Project | Released | Technology | Sensing Paths | Stationary Presence | Source | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOMMY | 17 August 2025 | Wi-Fi CSI (ESP32) | Device-to-device | Yes* | Closed source | Free Trial / one-time purchase |
| Philips Hue MotionAware | 4 September 2025 | Zigbee signal fluctuation | Light-to-light | No | Closed source | Included with Hue Bridge Pro |
| ESPectre | 2 November 2025 | Wi-Fi CSI (ESP32) | Router-to-device | No | Open source (GPLv3) | Free |
* Stationary presence detection with TOMMY requires compatible hardware. See Detection Mode for configuration requirements and optimal setup.
The Sensing Paths column describes which signals the system measures. Device-to-device systems measure signals between their own sensing devices, so you can place them to define the exact zones you want to monitor. Router-to-device systems measure the signal between a single sensor and your router, so the detection zone is fixed to that path; the only way to reshape it is to move the router.