eufy review: Is this smart home brand worth your money?
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One thing we can all agree upon is that smart home tech shouldn’t cost a fortune or require a doctorate degree to set up. That’s where brands like eufy come in, promising sleek, user-friendly security cameras, robot vacuums, and video doorbells without emptying your wallet. But in a market flooded with flashy promises, does eufy actually deliver?
I’ve teamed up with the Cybernews research squad to dig deep into eufy’s claims, analyze their product lineup and policies, and see what the real customers are saying about them. In this review, we’ll break down eufy’s key strengths, potential drawbacks, and overall value to help you decide if its products are the right fit for your smart home needs.
About the eufy brand
Though it’s best known for its home security cameras, eufy is actually a brand under Anker Innovations, the same company behind reliable tech like Soundcore speakers and Nebula projectors.
Founded by former Google engineer Steve Yang in 2011, Anker has built a reputation for delivering high-quality electronics, from chargers to robot vacuums, at really good price points. And eufy? It’s their answer to smart home tech that’s both intuitive and accessible.
Unlike traditional security companies, eufy approaches home automation with a tech-first mindset, offering AI-powered security cameras, robot vacuums, and even UV printers under its Caring Intelligence AI. It prides itself on developing devices that not only function but also adapt. Basically, they learn your habits to keep your home safer, cleaner, and more efficient.
eufy has faced a few controversies, though, such as in 2022, when Paul Moore, a security researcher, exposed that the company was uploading user video thumbnails to the cloud despite claiming everything was being stored locally. The company went on to update its Privacy Policy to reflect that enabling certain features could lead to your data being stored in the cloud.
Our team combines security industry experts and consumer protection specialists who thoroughly analyze home security systems and services. Our transparent research process includes a systematic evaluation of features, costs, and real-world performance. We maintain independence from manufacturers while staying current with industry developments. Read our full methodology to learn more about our review and testing process.
eufy pros and cons
Before you make that eufy purchase today, here’s an honest breakdown on the advantages and drawbacks of using its devices.
eufy is a smart pick for budget-conscious shoppers seeking reliable, no-frills home tech, especially if you want to avoid monthly fees. However, those looking for more advanced features may find these devices somewhat limiting over time.
The most popular eufy products
As I mentioned earlier, eufy produces way more than just security cameras and doorbells. Here are some of their other popular products you can consider adding to your shopping list.
eufy security cameras
eufy offers one of the most versatile security camera ranges in the mid-tier smart home market. Their lineup includes wire-free outdoor cameras, like the eufyCam S330 with solar charging, 4K resolution, and AI-powered human/vehicle detection.
The brand also develops battery-powered floodlight cameras with built-in alarms and motion-triggered lighting. What makes them unique is that, unlike other brands, most eufy cameras store footage locally via HomeBase, eliminating the need for mandatory monthly or yearly cloud subscriptions.
Vacuum robots
eufy produces a range of robot vacuum series that compete with other top brands at a lower price point. However, you will also find some premium options, like the RoboVac Omni S1 Pro, offering 8,000Pa of suction, efficient row-by-row cleaning, and a self-emptying dock. The high-end models also feature eufy’s trademark TrueCourse Mapping, which uses advanced dToF LiDAR to create real-time 3D maps.
Doorbells
eufy doorbells offer you a smart and secure way to monitor your doorstep without having to worry about monthly subscription fees. They often come loaded with features like AI-powered human detection, two-way audio, and clear 2K resolution. Some models, like the E340, feature a unique dual-lens design for wider coverage and Delivery Guard, which lets you know when a package has been delivered to your doorstep.
Smart Scales
Beyond basic weight measurements, eufy’s Smart Scale P3 tracks up to 16 body metrics, including body fat, muscle mass, bone density, and heart rate. The smart scale also includes a unique motivational tool. There’s also the eufyLife app that can connect to the scale to track historical data and trends and analyze progress. If you already use third-party apps like Apple Health and Google Fit, the eufy smart scales also support smooth integration with these apps.
Baby monitors
eufy baby monitors offer reliable monitoring solutions for parents, with features like HD video, long-range transmission, and pan-tilt capabilities. Some models, like the E110, even come with a 5-inch screen, which is easy to set up and which features wide-angle views of up to 330°, night vision, and sensors that send instant alerts when your baby cries. You can also download the eufy Baby app to watch live streams of your baby from anywhere. However, it does not support smart integrations with Alexa/GVA/HomeKit.
eufy: return policy, shipping, and payment methods
eufy offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for undamaged products purchased directly from their online store, excluding bulk orders of 10 units or more. You must also include the original packaging and accessories. Refunds will only be processed after warehouse inspection.
The warranty coverage varies by product. Robot vacuums, smart scales, and outdoor lights come with a 24-month warranty, while security cameras, smart locks, and breast pumps are typically covered for 12-18 months. Please note that return shipping fees may apply if the issue is not related to product quality.
eufy partners with Amazon Logistics, using carriers like USPS, UPS, or FedEx for delivery. Standard shipping can take between 3 and 7 business days. You can make payments using:
- Credit/debit cards. Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover, Diners Club, Maestro
- Digital wallets. PayPal, Google Pay, and Amazon Pay
- Financing via Affirm
eufy review: user feedback
To fully understand how users felt about eufy products, I had to do a deep dive into several social media and review platforms. I scoured Reddit, Trustpilot, and eufy’s community forums to bring you the unfiltered take from actual users.
Positives:
- No subscription model. Many users commended the absence of subscriptions or hidden fees. There were lots of praises for eufy’s local storage and one-time payment model, especially compared to Ring or Nest.
- Easy setup. Users often mentioned how easy it was to set up, with many praising the simple plug-and-play installation and sharp 2K/4K video.
- Solid battery life. Many claimed to only charge their wireless cams every 4-5 months. The robot vacuums also received praise for their battery life and ability to operate quietly.
Complaints:
- Detection issues. Users reported missed events, false alerts, and failed detections, with the device sometimes labelling cars and even bins as humans. Some also reported that the doorbell ignored delivery drivers on multiple occasions.
- Buggy app. App glitches were another common pain point, as some users struggled with delayed live feeds, inability to view recordings, and even incompatibility with home systems.
- Unresponsive customer support. Many also cited slow responses from customer support and issues with processing replacements.
Final word on eufy
If you’re after affordable, straightforward smart home tech that gets the basics right, eufy certainly delivers. Their no-subscription cameras, vacuums, and reliable doorbells offer real value, especially compared to pricier rivals. Setups are refreshingly simple, and the local storage via HomeBase even allows you to copy video files into external storage devices.
That said, you should temper your expectations. The AI detection and smart home integrations can be hit or miss. Also, while local storage used to be a key advantage for privacy-conscious users, that edge has been compromised since the company confirmed that some user data is still stored in the cloud.
For renters, budget-focused homeowners, or anyone tired of monthly fees, eufy stands out as an ideal option. But if you enjoy advanced tech features, full smart home integration, and complete reliability, you might want to skip eufy.
In the end, eufy isn’t perfect, but for the price, it’s surprisingly hard to beat.
FAQ
Does eufy require a subscription for its cameras?
No, most eufy cameras store footage locally via HomeBase, so you avoid monthly fees. Some models offer optional cloud storage, but it’s not required for basic functionality.
How long is the warranty for eufy products?
It varies. Security cameras typically have a 1-year warranty, while robot vacuums and smart scales often get 2 years. Smart locks and outdoor lights may have 12-24 months of coverage.
Is eufy home security system compatible with Alexa or Google Home?
Yes, multiple eufy devices work with Alexa and Google Assistant for basic voice commands. However, many users have complained about limited integration and features.
Can I use eufy devices outside of the US?
Yes, but with a few tweaks. eufy products work globally, but power adapters may need converters.
Is eufy security reliable for protecting my home?
Yes, but it’s not flawless. eufy cameras and doorbells offer solid DIY security with clear video and motion alerts. However, missed events and occasional app delays may occur, and these are not ideal for high-stakes monitoring.
