Eufy Home Security Review

We researched Eufy’s equipment, privacy promise, and competitors to give you our take on the brand.
Eufy 5-piece Alarm Kit
Eufy logo
  • pro
    Indoor and outdoor 2k cameras
  • pro
    Optional monthly fees
  • pro
    Professional monitoring option
Plan
Price
In-app panic button
Professional monitoring
Free
$0
Icon No  LightNo
Icon No  LightNo
Basic
$4.99
/mo
Icon Yes  LightYes
Icon No  LightNo
Plus
$9.99
/mo
Icon Yes  LightYes
Icon Yes  LightYes
Katie McEntire
Feb 03, 2023
Icon Time To Read9 min read

SafeWise experts have years of firsthand experience testing the products we recommend. Learn how we test and review

The Eufy 5-piece alarm kit is a lot like other DIY security systems. It takes less than 30 minutes to set up, it’s controlled from a mobile app, and it comes with all the basic sensors. Eufy also offers four kinds of 2K cameras.

The big difference is there’s no mandatory monthly fee. Eufy is a fully functional self monitored system—no contracts, monthly monitoring costs, or cancellation fees required. The company also takes extra measures like encryption and local storage to protect your privacy.

For those who do want professional monitoring, Eufy's partnership with Noonlight gets the job done at an affordable price.

pro
Pros
pro No mandatory monthly fees
pro Simple setup and app control
pro Local video storage
pro Professional monitoring option
pro Backup battery accessory
con
Cons
con Poor device integration
con No cellular backup

Is Eufy right for you?

Eufy is a good fit for privacy buffs, home security newcomers, and renters.

You value your privacy

Eufy skips the Cloud and opts for sending your video footage to encrypted local storage. 

Cloud-based storage is standard in the DIY home security world, but it comes with its own share of risks. If you don’t have strong digital security, hackers can view your video footage or even manipulate your system.

With Eufy, what your camera sees stays on a microSD card that you install or on the HomeBase. After all, if it’s not online, it can’t be hacked. 

You're new to home security

Eufy is low commitment and affordable, making it appealing to home security skeptics and cautious newcomers. If you aren’t satisfied with your system, you can get a refund within 30 days of your purchase—no questions asked.

You're a renter

Renters in apartments or small homes can move their system into new digs after the lease is up too. And the small system is a great fit for small spaces (go figure). 

Light Bulb
To monitor or not to monitor?

Skipping the monthly bill is nice, but what does self-monitoring mean for you? Weigh the pros and cons of self-monitoring before you dive into a new security system.  

Compare Eufy to other home security systems

Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

Eufy’s 5-piece Home Alarm Kit has all the basics of a DIY home security system. It’s cheaper than most of its competitors and doesn’t charge every month for monitoring. You can add smart home devices, extra sensors, and a Eufy 2K camera to your system (more on that below).

But again, Eufy’s self-monitored system could be a dealbreaker for some. Its competitors may cost more monthly, but those monitoring fees retain a staff of professionals at the ready to help you in an emergency. 

DIY system
Starting equipment price
Starting monthly monitoring
Mobile app in base plan
Smart home compatibility
Learn more
$0
Icon Yes  LightYes
Icon Yes  LightAmazon,
Google,
Apple HomeKit
$10.00
Icon Yes  LightYes
Icon Yes  LightAmazon,
Z-Wave
$17.99
Icon Yes  LightYes
Icon Yes  LightAmazon,
Google
$17.99
Icon Yes  LightYes
Icon Yes  LightAmazon,
Google
$10.00
Icon Yes  LightYes
Icon Yes  LightAmazon,
Google

Eufy contracts and warranties

Whether it’s the 5-piece Home Alarm Kit or a 2K camera, Eufy doesn’t require contracts for any of its products. So you won’t have to deal with monthly payments, cancellation fees, or any of the other fine print that comes with other security equipment. 

If you decide to return your Eufy equipment, make sure you do it within 30 days of purchasing for a refund. You’ll need to include all the devices and original packaging for your refund to be accepted.

Eufy products are available across the web and in different stores like Best Buy and Target. If you purchase from an authorized Eufy retailer, the warranty and refund policies still apply. But, to process a warranty, you’ll need to go through Eufy directly.  

You can get the full details on refunds, warranties, and returns on Eufy’s refund policy page

Eufy equipment

Eufy’s main security system is the 5-piece Home Alarm Kit, but the company has a suite of advanced indoor and outdoor cameras as well as smart home accessories. We’ve got the rundown on each part of the Home Alarm Kit and cameras. 

Equipment in the Eufy 5-piece alarm system

Eufy home alarm kit
Eufy 5-piece alarm kit
Starting from
$159.00

Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

What's included:

  • Eufy HomeBase
  • 2 contact sensors
  • 1 motion sensor
  • 1 keypad
Eufy home alarm kit

HomeBase

The Eufy HomeBase is the base station that ties everything together. From all the Home Alarm Kit components to additional cameras and smart home accessories, it’s the brains of the operation. 

The HomeBase uses military-grade 256-bit encryption to keep all your data safe. If you choose to add cameras, the HomeBase stores video footage to keep your cameras rolling continuously. 

When setting up your HomeBase, have an Ethernet cable handy. That will help with getting it online. But once that’s up and running, you can move it anywhere in the house. 

Entry sensors

Eufy’s entry sensors come with simple (but strong) adhesive backing. To install the entry sensors, just unpeel the sticker and place the sensors on door frames, windows, or more creative spots like the liquor or medicine cabinet. 

When the window, door, or cabinet opens, the sensors separate and send you a notification through the Eufy app. 

The batteries on the entry sensors and motion sensors last up to two years without recharging or adjusting them. You can also change what notifications the sensors send you. 

Eufy motion sensor

Motion sensor

Just like Eufy’s entry sensors, the motion sensor installs with adhesive backing. It can cover up to 100° around and 30 feet into the room. So be sure to install your motion sensor in a high corner of the room to cover more ground. 

If you have big pets who roam your halls, we recommend lowering the sensitivity on the motion sensor. Many dogs over 40 pounds can trigger the motion detection, leaving you with false alarm notifications. 


Video: How to Install Door and Window Sensors

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Eufy keypad

Keypad

Along with the Eufy app, the keypad can arm and disarm your security system. It has a six-month battery life and comes with rechargeable batteries to keep it going. 

You can program individual codes for different people in your household and set schedules for when you leave and come home. 

We also like that drilling and mounting the keypad is optional. While it comes with screws and materials for mounting, you could instead use adhesive backing or simply set it on an entrance table or spot near the door for when you arrive home. We love these renter-friendly security options.

Cameras and smart home features

In addition to its Home Alarm Kit, Eufy has some outstanding camera and smart home options.

Cameras can’t replace monitoring professionals, but they’re an extra layer of protection that will contextualize any alerts you get from your Eufy system.

Eufy has 2K cameras for indoor or outdoor use at a fraction of camera prices from bigger security providers. And like its security system, there’s no monthly charge for extra storage. Many of Eufy’s cameras have a slot for a microSD card for local storage. 

We compared more of the best home security cameras here.

Eufy Solo IndoorCam C24

Indoor cameras

Eufy has four indoor cameras, two with 2K and two with 1080p. All four are HD cameras, but the 2K cameras deliver a sharper picture and a clearer picture when zooming in. 

The pan and tilt camera from Eufy is significantly quieter than the Wyze Cam Pan and has built-in AI to notify you when noise levels get too high. So if your baby starts crying or the camera hears glass break, you’ll know as soon as it happens. 

The stand-up indoor camera has similar features but doesn’t pan and tilt. All four cameras work with Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit.

Eufy outdoor camera system

Outdoor cameras

The eufyCam Pro 2 records in stunning 2K resolution and has a slot for a microSD card for local storage. 

The camera comes with motion settings, human detection, and activity zones—features you may otherwise have to pay an extra fee for—like you do with Nest cameras and Ring cams).

While you can use the Pro 2 inside or out, it’s best for the great outdoors. It’s weatherproof and has advanced night vision to catch any intruders that may come by. The magnetic mount is like a really buff refrigerator magnet and just as easy to install. 

Compare it with the best outdoor cameras to see how it stacks up. And check out our review of the new Eufy Floodlight Cam 2 Pro and EufyCam 3 while you're at it. 

Doorbell cameras

No camera suite would be complete without a video doorbell. Like its cameras, Eufy has several variations of its doorbell camera. The company has wired and battery options in 2K and 1080p resolutions.

Its sharp details aid the built-in AI with person and package detection, cutting down on false alarms from passing cars or pedestrians. It also has two-way talk, allowing you to speak to anyone who comes to visit or drop off a package.

We also like its activity zones and smart speaker compatibility. The Eufy doorbell works with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.

Check out some of our review of Eufy's doorbell lineup.

Smart home features

If you’re building a smart home from scratch, Eufy has some basic devices to help you get started. The lights, plugs, and even Eufy’s own smart speaker (the Eufy Genie) work with other Eufy products. 

From the app, you can set automations to turn on the lights when someone disarms the system or opens a door, for example. 

If you already have a smart speaker like an Amazon Echo or Google Assistant, these products work with them too. Eufy even has Apple HomeKit compatibility (a surprisingly rare feature). 

Smart lock

Eufy also has a smart lock that you can lock or unlock from anywhere using the app. If you don't want to use the app, there are five other ways to unlock the Eufy smart lock, including voice command through Google Assistant or Alexa, using the keypad, or with your fingerprint.

Read more about it in our Eufy Smart Lock Review. You can find more outstanding smart locks in our round-up.

Eufy's privacy promise

Systems like Ring and Nest use cloud-based platforms that can be an open doorway to snoops and trolls. And we’ve heard way too many horror stories to ignore it.

Instead, Eufy opts for local storage. The company’s privacy promise extends to its cameras and the entirety of your system. You can still use Eufy’s cloud service, but having the option of storing footage offline keeps your camera’s feed and recorded videos safer.

The HomeBase connects to your home Wi-Fi to reach your phone’s app. And it uses military-grade encryption to keep your video storage and information only accessible to you. Eufy can store up to three months of footage on its HomeBase, plus whatever you keep on the microSD cards in your cameras.

Bell
Eufy security issue

Eufy finally addressed a November 2022 security issue in an article from The Verge. The company explained why the Eufy web portal wasn't encrypting live video streams and stated the issue has since been fixed. It's also updating every Eufy camera's encryption protocols to further improve security.

Based on this response—and Eufy's commitment to more transparency and cooperation with independent security researchers—we're leaving our scoring as-is unless further issues arise.

Customer service and support

Eufy products are available around the world, but its customer service is based in the US. Phone lines are limited, open from 6:15 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST. You can reach Eufy’s customer support line at +1 (800) 988-7973 or send them an email at support@eufylife.com

The company also has live chat available for US and German customers and a basic FAQ page for quick surface-level answers. 

Final word

Eufy has almost everything you need to protect your home. Its devices are slick, affordable, and practical. Plus, its privacy promise, strong encryption, and local storage options make it safer than exclusively cloud-based systems. 

If you’re looking to upgrade your home security cameras or want a simple system for a small rental, Eufy is a good candidate. Its simple setup and easy app control make it a fitting choice for home security newcomers too. 

But, without professional monitoring, we just can’t give it both thumbs up. 

Eufy FAQ

Professional monitoring takes the pressure off of you to respond to an emergency and connects you with first responders faster. When something goes wrong like a fire or a break-in, the monitoring professionals you pay for each month will contact you and help you through it. 

We have a few more articles on the subject:

HD security cameras are nothing new, but 2K cameras fit more pixels into the same amount of space. Basically, it provides a clearer picture than 1080p or 720p when you’re zooming in or out. 

It depends on the size of your home. But at minimum, we recommend installing sensors on your front and back entrances and any ground floor windows. If you have a bigger home, look for systems with options to add on sensors to cover more ground. 

Yes. The Eufy outdoor cameras need a HomeBase to work, making them easy to link with the rest of your system. You can connect any other cameras to the same Wi-Fi network as your alarm system so they work together. 

How we reviewed Eufy

With so many products and features, we covered a lot of ground to review Eufy thoroughly. We dug through customer reviews on products like the Home Alarm Kit, indoor and outdoor cameras, and even smart home accessories.

We also watched reviews on YouTube and read articles about the company to learn more about their products and policies. Check out our methodology page to see how we conduct reviews like this one.

Related articles on SafeWise


Disclaimer

*Amazon.com list price as of post date. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.

Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.

Katie McEntire
Written by
Katie McEntire
As a renter, pet-owner, and woman living alone, Katie McEntire takes safety seriously. She’s tested devices like pet cameras, home security systems, and GPS trackers in her own home and devices in the name of safety. In addition to testing, writing, and reviewing for SafeWise, she also makes videos for the site’s YouTube channel. She’s been featured on publications like TechGuySmartBuy, Forbes, Healthy Moms, and Digital Care. Katie has a Bachelor’s degree in Technical Writing from Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee. She’s held previous writing positions at Overstock.com and Top Ten Reviews.

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