espectre — What is it?

ESPectre is a Wi-Fi-based motion detection system that use spectre analysis for privacy-conscious security and automation applications.

⭐ 8,401 Stars 🍴 640 Forks Python GPL-3.0 Author: francescopace
Source: Official README and linked documentation View on GitHub →

Why it matters

ESPectre is being discussed because its innovative use of Wi-Fi spectre analysis for motion detection, addressing privacy concerns with camera-free solutions. Its integration with Home Assistant and ESPHome, along with its low cost and ease of setup, makes it appealing for DIY home automation and security projects. The inclusion of an experimental neural network-based motion detection feature adds to its appeal.

Source: Official README and linked documentation

Core Features

Wi-Fi Spectre Analysis

ESPectre detects motion by analyzing changes in Wi-Fi signals, offering a camera-free alternative for privacy-conscious users.

Source: Official README and linked documentation
Home Assistant Integration

ESPectre integrates with Home Assistant via ESPHome, allowing users to use Home Assistant's automation capabilities for security and energy-saving applications.

Source: Official README and linked documentation
Neural Network-based Detection

An experimental neural network-based motion detection feature provides on-device motion detection without calibration, enhancing the system's capabilities.

Source: Official README and linked documentation

Architecture

The architecture of ESPectre involves a processing pipeline that includes CSI data collection, gain lock, automatic subcarrier selection, adaptive thresholding, filtering, and detection evaluation. It supports both single and multiple sensors, with each sensor automatically discovered by Home Assistant. The system uses a focused processing pipeline for motion detection, implementing algorithms like NBVI for subcarrier selection and Hampel filtering for outlier removal.

Source: Official README and linked documentation

Project Knowledge Graph

Knowledge graph: project (center) + core features (inner hexagons) + key dependencies (outer chips) ESP32 Wi-Fi Spectre AnalysisWi-Fi Spectre Analy… Home Assistant IntegrationHome Assistant Inte… Neural Network-based DetectionNeural Network-base… espectre Project Core feature Key dependency

Tech Stack

LanguagePythonFrameworkESPHome
ESP32
Home Assistant
Source: Official repository tree and dependency files

Quick Start

1. Setup & Installation: Follow the complete guide in [SETUP.md](SETUP.md) 2. Tuning: Optimize for your environment with [TUNING.md](TUNING.md)
Source: Official README and linked documentation

Use Cases

ESPectre is suitable for home security, elderly care, smart automation, energy saving, child monitoring, and climate control applications. It can be used to detect unauthorized entry, monitor activity levels, trigger automation, save energy, and manage heating/cooling systems based on occupancy.

Source: Official README and linked documentation

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

  • Privacy-conscious motion detection without cameras or microphones
  • Easy integration with Home Assistant for automation
  • Low cost and ease of setup

Limitations

  • Limited to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi
  • No advanced motion classification (people vs pets)
Source: Official README and linked documentation

Latest Release

The current stable release is v2.8.0, published on 2026-05-21. The latest prerelease is v3.0.0-rc2, published on 2026-09-16, with download-signature checks, signed Native and ESPHome OTA, a CSI capture profile, and a separate SDK build. The release candidate includes breaking changes.

Source: github.com/francescopace/espectre/releases/tag/2.8.0;https://github.c…

Verification and evidence

status: docs-only  |  checked_at: 2026-09-23  |  environment: Docs only. Reviewed the README, Setup, Architecture, Licensing, and the v2.8.0 and v3.0.0-rc2 releases.  |  limitations: No ESP32 was connected. Web Serial was not opened, firmware was not flashed, CSI was not captured, and project performance claims were not reproduced.  |  observed_output: v2.8.0 is the stable release, and v3.0.0-rc2 is the latest prerelease. The prerelease adds a signed firmware catalog, a CSI capture profile, and SDK build changes. The official Setup page lists supported chips and browser requirements.

Source: github.com/francescopace/espectre/releases/tag/2.8.0;https://github.c…

Comparison

Espressif's esp-csi repository provides low-level Wi-Fi CSI examples and reference applications such as human detection and positioning. ESPectre adds ready-made firmware, calibration, detectors, Home Assistant and Matter interfaces, and browser tools. Start with esp-csi to study CSI fundamentals. Evaluate ESPectre for a room-motion-sensor workflow.

Source: github.com/espressif/esp-csi;https://github.com/francescopace/espectr…

Verdict

ESPectre is a open-source project for those interested in DIY home automation and privacy-conscious security solutions. It is particularly suitable for individuals or teams looking to implement cost-effective, camera-free motion detection systems with Home Assistant integration.

Source: Official repository

Frequently Asked Questions

What did the documentation review verify for espectre on 2026-09-23?

v2.8.0 is the stable release, and v3.0.0-rc2 is the latest prerelease. The prerelease adds a signed firmware catalog, a CSI capture profile, and SDK build changes. The official Setup page lists supported chips and browser requirements. No ESP32 was connected.

What evidence boundary applies to this espectre review?

The review environment was: Docs only. Reviewed the README, Setup, Architecture, Licensing, and the v2.8.0 and v3.0.0-rc2 releases. espectre behavior outside that scope still needs a local check.

Sources and review scope
This review is based on the project's public documentation. Versions, installation commands, and feature boundaries can change upstream; check the cited sources and current release before use. Sources checked on: 2026-09-23 13:55.

Reference materials: README, GitHub API, dependency files