After a prolonged anticipation, I finally got to try out a Eufy home security system. With its affordable starter kit and the appeal of no monthly fees, it definitely caught my attention—perfect for those of us who prefer DIY security solutions. I was particularly intrigued by two recent additions: Eufy’s proprietary AI face recognition technology, BionicMind™, and their new third-generation 4K cameras that boast solar charging capabilities.
The AI feature, if effective, promised to reduce those pesky “raccoon alerts” that tend to disrupt my sleep at odd hours. Meanwhile, the solar charging, referred to as “forever power,” could eliminate the hassle of tangled cables. Having tested various user-friendly systems like Simplisafe, I was eager to see how Eufy performed in everyday use.
In this review, I’ll share my experience with setting up the Eufy home security equipment over a week, along with a detailed cost breakdown for various Eufy plans compared to other leading alarm companies.
Unboxing the Eufy Security System
Eufy offers several home security packages across a range of prices. I opted for the Edge Starter Bundle, a mid-tier option. I’ll elaborate on my reasons for choosing this system in the pricing section, but for now, here’s what was included:
- 2 indoor/outdoor 4K eufyCam 3Cs
- 2 entryway sensors
- 1 video doorbell
- Base station/alarm unit
- Keypad
- Ethernet cable
- USB-C charging cable
A couple of notes about the included items:
- Lack of Motion Sensors: The Edge Starter Bundle does not include motion sensors. If you prefer having them, they are available for an additional $29 each, rather than upgrading to the pricier Edge Advanced Bundle.
- Router Connectivity: My bundle came with an Ethernet cable intended for connecting the HomeBase 3 (the hub/alarm) to my router. While the HomeBase 3 does not support Wi-Fi, I appreciate the stability and speed of a wired connection. However, if your router is in a less convenient location, this might be a downside.
The HomeBase 3 is audible at 100 decibels, so it’s easily heard from a distance. However, keep in mind that Eufy cameras operate on Wi-Fi and have a range of about 30 feet.
- Charging Considerations: You might wonder about the USB-C charging cable included in the kit. It turned out that the eufyCam 3Cs, while attractive and high-resolution, don’t feature solar charging—so no “forever power” for me! Always check the specifications before making assumptions. That said, I was using the cameras indoors, and Eufy claims these batteries last up to 180 days on a single charge. For outdoor use, I would recommend opting for a solar-capable model.
Setting Up the Eufy Edge Bundle
Setting up the Eufy system was relatively straightforward, though it took a bit longer to become fully operational than I had anticipated. Charging the eufyCam 3Cs required three to four hours, even when using the fast USB-C cable connected to the HomeBase 3.
Built-in Storage
The HomeBase 3 comes with 16 GB of local storage, which translates to approximately two to three months’ worth of video clips. Local storage is a significant advantage, ensuring my videos remain private. However, Eufy faced scrutiny when security researchers discovered that unencrypted footage was being sent to their cloud storage. The parent company, Anker, claimed to have resolved this issue, but it’s an important reminder about the privacy concerns in home security.
You can also expand your storage to a remarkable 16 TB by connecting an external hard drive to the hub—an excessive amount for most home users unless you’re running a small business.
Eufy App Installation
I proceeded to install the Eufy app, available for both Android and iOS. Both versions receive favorable reviews, with iOS often ranking slightly higher. Registration took under a minute, allowing me to link the HomeBase 3 with my account effortlessly.
Pairing the Cameras
The final step involved pairing my cameras, which was straightforward. I had to press a button on the back of each camera and the base station to connect them. This process also applied to the entryway sensors.
Once my cameras were charged, I was set to explore Eufy’s day-to-day functionality. But first, let’s look at the available packages and their pricing.
Eufy’s Notable Features
AI Face Recognition (BionicMind™)
Eufy’s cameras require some initial training to recognize faces accurately. You can teach them by tagging known individuals or showing them photos. Initially, the system correctly identified tagged individuals only about 40% of the time. However, after a week, accuracy improved significantly.
There are limitations, though; sometimes the system takes longer to trigger, and if there’s too much activity, it might misidentify familiar faces.
On the upside, you can configure alerts to notify you only when a recognized person is detected, helping to filter out irrelevant movements—ideal for those who want to avoid being inundated with videos of neighborhood wildlife.
Solar Charging Capabilities
Unfortunately, I couldn’t personally test the solar charging feature, as my eufyCam 3Cs lacked this capability. However, I’ve heard that with just one to two hours of sunlight each day, these cameras can run indefinitely—although the effectiveness during winter months might be a point of concern.
For those using models like the 3Cs without solar power, recharging twice a year is still a reasonable compromise.
Conclusion
It’s clear that Eufy has the potential to make a significant impact in the home security market. Their AI technology is evolving, and the image quality of their third-generation cameras is impressive. However, they still have some work to do regarding product offerings and pricing strategies.
If I’m investing $700 in a home security system, I would expect motion sensors to be included and would appreciate universal solar charging for all outdoor cameras. Additionally, a wireless base station would enhance usability, as current models require Ethernet connections.
If Eufy can refine its bundles and adjust pricing, it could easily position itself as one of the leading self-monitored home security systems available today.
Discover More. Visit Eufy Official Site.
