9
Brands Reviewed
1,200+
Hours Tested
5
Scoring Dimensions
2026
Data Updated

Eufy Security Review 2026

8.2
out of 10
Best for local storage / no subscription
Best for: Privacy-conscious buyers who want cameras without cloud subscriptions
Founder-led editorial review Methodology-backed scoring Research-based: pricing, specs & contract terms verified · Reviewed April 2026

Eufy scores 8.2/10 — our top pick for local-storage, subscription-free camera security. Footage stays on your HomeBase hub by default — no monthly fee required. Hardware from $150–$400 with no contract.

The Big Picture

Eufy's clearest advantage is a privacy model most camera brands don't offer: footage stays on your HomeBase hub by default, not uploaded to company servers. You get 2K–4K recording with no mandatory subscription. The tradeoffs are equally clear: no cellular backup, no professional alarm monitoring, and a 2022 security disclosure (now patched) that privacy-focused buyers should know about. This isn't a full alarm system — it's a privacy-respecting camera layer for buyers who have sorted that distinction.

Who It's For

  • Privacy-focused buyers who want footage stored locally on their own hardware
  • Camera-primary setups where a full alarm system isn't needed
  • Buyers who want 2K–4K recording at zero monthly cost
  • Tech-savvy users comfortable configuring a local storage hub

Key Specs

Parent company
Anker Innovations
Storage
Local HomeBase hub (up to 16GB)
Cellular backup
Not available
Smart home
Alexa, Google Home, HomeKit (select models)
Security note
2022 security disclosure — firmware updated

Pricing verified April 2026 · No long-term contract required

8.2/10 · See current packages →

Last updated: April 2026 · Pricing verified April 2026 · How we evaluate · Scoring methodology

Taylor SmithWritten by Taylor Smith · ~4 min read · Editorial standards · Methodology

Best for: Privacy-conscious buyers who want cameras without cloud subscriptions
8.2
out of 10
Equipment8.5/10
Monitoring7/10
Value9/10
Setup8/10
Support7.5/10

Score basis: equipment pricing from Eufy Security.com · monitoring quality via CSAA/UL certification data · contract terms from published Terms of Service · full scoring rubric →

Specs at a glance

Equipment
$150–$400 starter kit
Monitoring from
Free (local) or $4.99–$9.99/month
Contract
No contract
Installation
DIY (20–40 min)
Trial / Return
See website

The Bottom Line

Best for buyers who want capable cameras with local storage and zero subscription — not a replacement for a full alarm system.

Affiliate disclosure: SecurityCompassHQ may earn commissions from some links on this page, including as an Amazon Associate when you purchase through Amazon links. Commissions do not influence our scores or recommendations. See full disclosure →

How we evaluate

9 brands reviewed · Five-dimension rubric · Prices verified Apr 2026 · No paid rankings

No brand pays to appear higher or lower in our lists. We evaluate each system using our published scoring rubric. See our full scoring methodology →

All affiliate relationships are disclosed transparently. Read our disclosure →

What's new at Eufy Security in 2026

Eufy's local-storage-first model remains its clearest differentiator in 2026 — footage stored on your HomeBase hub, not on company servers — though the SoloCam lineup now extends that privacy positioning to cameras without requiring the hub at all.

  • Eufy continues to emphasize a no-mandatory-subscription model: most camera footage is stored on the local HomeBase hub at no monthly cost, with an optional cloud backup plan available.
  • The SoloCam lineup stores footage directly on the camera itself (built-in local storage) — no HomeBase required — broadening the no-subscription option to simpler single-camera setups.
  • In 2022, security researchers disclosed that some Eufy camera streams could be accessed without authentication. Eufy subsequently patched the firmware. Current Eufy product pages position newer models with end-to-end encryption — buyers who prioritize privacy should confirm encryption support on the specific model before purchasing.
  • Eufy's optional cloud backup plan adds off-device redundancy for an additional monthly fee — this is positioned as an add-on rather than a requirement, keeping the no-subscription path intact.
  • Eufy cameras do not include cellular backup — if your home internet goes down, remote access and cloud features are interrupted. This is a relevant limitation for buyers who consider internet-outage resilience important.

Sources checked for this update

  • https://www.eufy.com/pages/home-security-cameras (April 2026) — local-storage model and HomeBase product lineup verified
  • https://www.eufy.com/blogs/security-system/home-security-system-costs (January 2026 update) — subscription plan structure and no-mandatory-subscription positioning verified
  • https://www.eufy.com/pages/eufy-security-app (April 2026) — Alexa, Google Home, and HomeKit compatibility verified from brand product page

Update frequency: quarterly, or when a significant product change occurs. Corrections policy →

Pros & cons

Pros

  • No monthly fee for basic recording
  • All footage stored locally on HomeBase
  • 2K–4K camera resolution
  • No cloud required

Cons

  • HomeBase is required for local storage
  • Monitoring add-on is newer / less established

Ideal for

  • Privacy-focused buyers who want footage stored locally on their own hardware
  • Camera-primary setups where a full alarm system isn't needed
  • Buyers who want 2K–4K recording at zero monthly cost
  • Tech-savvy users comfortable configuring a local storage hub

Starting from $150 · No contract

Check current Eufy Security pricing →

Why this might not be right for you

Before you buy, consider whether Eufy Security is the right fit:

  • Those who need professional alarm monitoring — Eufy has no dispatch capability equivalent to SimpliSafe or Ring
  • Buyers who require cellular backup — internet outages interrupt all remote access
  • Anyone who needs remote access when away without a reliable home internet connection

We include this section on every review because honest evaluation means telling you when a system isn't the best fit — not just when it is. Our editorial standards →

Not sure Eufy Security is right for you?

Compare it side-by-side with Eufy, Arlo, and Wyze — specs, storage model, and real cost.

Compare now →

Monthly monitoring plans

Eufy (No subscription)

Free

Local storage via HomeBase

  • All footage stored locally
  • App notifications
  • Live view any time
  • No cloud required

Eufy Security Plan

$4.99–$9.99/mo

Adds cloud backup

  • Everything in free tier
  • Cloud backup of local recordings
  • Extended detection history

Key facts

Parent companyAnker Innovations
StorageLocal HomeBase hub (up to 16GB)
Cellular backupNot available
Smart homeAlexa, Google Home, HomeKit (select models)
Security note2022 security disclosure — firmware updated
Eufy Security home security equipment used in our review process
Photo: Eufy Security home security equipment used in our review process

Frequently asked questions

Does Eufy need the HomeBase?

Most Eufy cameras require the HomeBase hub for local storage. Some newer models (SoloCam series) have built-in storage and don't require HomeBase.

Was there a security issue with Eufy?

In 2022, researchers found that some Eufy camera streams could be accessed without authentication. Eufy patched the issue. If privacy is your highest priority, review the current firmware version and consider cameras with end-to-end encryption.

How much does Eufy cost per month?

Eufy's core feature — local video storage on the HomeBase hub — requires no monthly fee. An optional cloud backup plan is available for $4.99–$9.99/month per camera if you want off-site redundancy, but it is not required. Most buyers use Eufy at zero monthly cost.

Does Eufy work without Wi-Fi during an internet outage?

Eufy cameras require Wi-Fi for setup and for remote access via the Eufy Security app. Local recording to the HomeBase hub continues during internet outages — footage is still accessible once your connection is restored. Live view and mobile alerts require an active internet connection.

How does Eufy's app compare to Ring's?

Eufy's app is functional for camera management, live view, motion zones, and local playback, but it lacks the breadth of Ring's ecosystem — Ring integrates alarm sensors, doorbells, and professional monitoring in one app. If your primary need is camera-only with local storage, Eufy's app is more than sufficient.

Does Eufy work with Alexa and Google Home?

Yes — Eufy cameras support Amazon Alexa and Google Home for voice-controlled live view. Select models also support Apple HomeKit. Check the specific model before purchasing, as not all Eufy cameras support all three platforms.

How does Eufy compare to SimpliSafe?

Eufy and SimpliSafe serve different needs. Eufy is a camera-only platform with local storage and no subscription requirement. SimpliSafe is a full alarm system with door/window sensors, professional monitoring, and cellular backup. If you need both cameras and an alarm, SimpliSafe is more complete — but Eufy is unmatched for no-subscription camera coverage on a budget.

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Research notes & testing status

This section separates verified product claims from hands-on findings. Where we have not yet completed direct testing, we label the item as pending hands-on verification rather than presenting it as a firsthand observation. Learn about our testing process →

Show research notes +

Setup experience

Pending hands-on verification

Eufy's HomeBase-based cameras pair via the Eufy Security app. SoloCam models pair directly without a hub. Per Eufy's product documentation, setup involves connecting HomeBase to your router, then using the app to add cameras. We have not published firsthand setup notes for Eufy — actual pairing time, app-guided experience, and reliability of sensor detection zones remain pending direct evaluation.

App quality

Pending hands-on verification

Eufy's app manages live view, local recordings, motion zones, and — where applicable — cloud backup. Per brand documentation, the app supports Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit on select models. We have not yet published direct hands-on app testing notes for Eufy — notification speed, local-playback reliability, and multi-camera management remain pending firsthand review.

Camera observations

Pending hands-on verification

Eufy's camera lineup spans 2K and 4K models, including outdoor, indoor, and floodlight variants. The HomeBase hub enables local recording at resolutions up to 4K, depending on the model. We have not yet published direct camera testing notes — actual image quality, AI person detection accuracy, and low-light performance remain pending firsthand evaluation.

Outage behavior

Verified from product documentation

Eufy cameras do not include cellular backup. Per Eufy's product specifications, remote access and motion notifications rely on an active internet connection. Local recording to the HomeBase hub continues during internet outages if the hub has power — footage is accessible when internet is restored. Buyers who require cellular backup or remote access during internet outages should consider a different platform.

What changed in this review

Editorial update

This 2026 update clarified the distinction between HomeBase-dependent cameras and the SoloCam series, which offers local storage without requiring the hub. We also updated the review to reflect Eufy's current end-to-end encryption positioning, which Eufy now highlights prominently on product pages following the 2022 disclosure period.

Sources checked for this update

  • https://www.eufy.com/pages/home-security-cameras (April 2026) — local-storage model and HomeBase product lineup verified
  • https://www.eufy.com/blogs/security-system/home-security-system-costs (January 2026 update) — subscription plan structure and no-mandatory-subscription positioning verified
  • https://www.eufy.com/pages/eufy-security-app (April 2026) — Alexa, Google Home, and HomeKit compatibility verified from brand product page

Privacy & data handling

Storage model

Local-first. Footage stored on HomeBase hub in your home by default, not on Eufy's servers. Optional cloud backup available for additional fee. SoloCam models store locally on the camera's own internal storage.

Account dependence

Eufy account required to set up cameras and access remote view. Local recording continues without internet — remote access requires internet and account.

Ecosystem lock-in

Low-moderate. No subscription required for core use. Equipment works with Alexa, Google, and select HomeKit models. Switching cameras requires replacing hardware, but no monitoring contract locks you in.

Privacy strengths

  • Default storage is on your local HomeBase hub — footage does not leave your home unless you opt into cloud backup
  • SoloCam models add local-on-camera storage with no HomeBase or subscription required
  • Newer models support end-to-end encryption for live view and recordings per Eufy product pages
  • No subscription required to use full local recording

Points to know

  • 2022 security disclosure showed some camera streams could be accessed without authentication — firmware updated, but relevant history for privacy-conscious buyers
  • Cloud backup option, if enabled, uploads footage to Eufy servers
  • Eufy is owned by Anker Innovations — a large consumer electronics company with data practices governed by its own privacy policy

All privacy information on this page reflects publicly available brand documentation. We do not make independent security or technical judgments beyond what the brand discloses.

How we evaluated this review

What was verified for this review

  • Equipment pricing verified directly from Eufy Security's website and app store listings
  • Monitoring plan prices and features confirmed against current published plan pages
  • Contract terms, cancellation policies, and trial periods reviewed from publicly available terms
  • App features and smart home integrations verified from manufacturer documentation
  • UL certification status and monitoring center credentials checked from published sources
  • Aggregate user ratings consulted across major review platforms (App Store, Google Play, BBB, Trustpilot)

Primary evaluation method: Desk research (verified data sources). Where hands-on testing has been conducted, it is noted explicitly in the testing notes section below. Full evaluation process →

Pricing verified

April 2026 — confirm current rates before purchase as prices change frequently.

Last reviewed

April 2026

Scoring methodology

5-dimension weighted rubric → Equipment · Monitoring · Value · Setup · Support

Compare Eufy Security with

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