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
Key Specs
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
Written by Taylor Smith · ~4 min read · Editorial standards · Methodology
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
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
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 →
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.
Sources checked for this update
Update frequency: quarterly, or when a significant product change occurs. Corrections policy →
Starting from $150 · No contract
Check current Eufy Security pricing →Before you buy, consider whether Eufy Security is the right fit:
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.
Eufy (No subscription)
Free
Local storage via HomeBase
Eufy Security Plan
$4.99–$9.99/mo
Adds cloud backup
| 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 |
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.
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 →
Setup experience
Pending hands-on verificationEufy'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 verificationEufy'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 verificationEufy'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 documentationEufy 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 updateThis 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
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
Points to know
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.
What was verified for this review
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
See how Eufy Security compares to alternatives
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See how Eufy Security stacks up against Eufy, Arlo, and Wyze — specs, storage model, and what you'll actually pay.
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See full pricing →Related reading: Eufy pricing & costs · Best local-storage cameras · Eufy vs Arlo comparison · Eufy vs Wyze comparison · Best alarm system to pair with Eufy cameras · DIY vs professional installation · Head-to-head comparisons · All brand reviews
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