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ESO vs SoundThinking

Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.

Software and data for EMS, fire, and hospitals

Gunshot detection and public safety analytics

The verdict

Both ESO and SoundThinking are credible public safety tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.

Choose ESO if you want broader platform coverage and a higher overall rating (4.4/5). Software and data for EMS, fire, and hospitals

SoundThinking — Gunshot detection and public safety analytics

ESO vs SoundThinking: side by side

DimensionESOSoundThinking
Starting priceCustomCustom
Free planNoNo
Pricing modelSubscriptionSubscription
Best forEms Agencies, Fire DepartmentsLaw Enforcement, Cities
PlatformsWeb, Ios, Android, ApiWinnerWeb, Api
Rating4.4/5Winner3.9/5

ESO key facts

Vendor
ESO Solutions
Pricing
Subscription — Custom
Free tier
No
Platforms
Web, Ios, Android, Api
Best for
Ems Agencies, Fire Departments
Editor rating
4.4 / 5
Founded
2004
Headquarters
Austin, TX, USA

SoundThinking key facts

Vendor
SoundThinking
Pricing
Subscription — Custom
Free tier
No
Platforms
Web, Api
Best for
Law Enforcement, Cities
Editor rating
3.9 / 5
Founded
1996
Headquarters
Fremont, CA, USA

Frequently asked questions

Is ESO better than SoundThinking?

Neither is universally better — ESO edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.

Is ESO or SoundThinking cheaper?

ESO is the more affordable of the two to get started, at custom. ESO starts at custom; SoundThinking starts at custom.

Can ESO replace SoundThinking?

Yes for most teams — both are public safety tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.