This plan allows you to store video footage locally on the Homebase or the camera’s microSD card, ensuring access to recorded videos without relying on cloud storage. With this approach, you maintain full control over your camera data and have the peace of mind that only you can access it.
One of the notable advantages of using Eufy cameras without a subscription is the cost savings it brings. Unlike systems that require monthly or annual fees for cloud storage, Eufy cameras have a one-time upfront cost.
Do Eufy Cameras Require A Subscription to Use?
Absolutely, Eufy cameras can do their thing without needing a subscription. They give you options like using a microSD card or a base station (HomeBase) to keep your video footage locally, so you’re not dependent on cloud storage.
If you don’t subscribe, you might not get fancy cloud-based perks like having a longer history of your videos stored, access to advanced AI features, or checking things out remotely when you’re not at home. However, recording and storing videos locally still works even if you don’t subscribe.
| Benefits | Description |
|---|---|
| Privacy | You can conveniently access live streams and recorded clips anytime you want through the Eufy Security app on your mobile devices or via the web portal on your computer. This allows for flexible and easy access to your camera footage whenever needed. |
| Cost savings | By utilizing local storage and not relying on cloud storage fees, Eufy cameras offer long-term cost savings. With a one-time upfront cost for the cameras, you can avoid recurring fees associated with cloud storage plans, resulting in cost-effective usage over time. |
| Access anytime | Eufy cameras offer you full control and flexibility over various settings. You can customize resolution, frame rate, and recording schedules to tailor the camera’s performance to your needs and preferences. This allows for personalized optimization and ensures the cameras work best for you. |
| No bandwidth issues | With local storage, footage remains accessible even if your WiFi or internet connection experiences temporary disruptions. This ensures that you can still view and review your camera recordings, regardless of any bandwidth or internet connectivity issues. |
| Customizable settings | With local storage, footage remains accessible even if your WiFi or internet connection experiences temporary disruptions. This ensures you can still view and review your camera recordings, regardless of bandwidth or internet connectivity issues. |
While Eufy cameras don’t have cloud storage, you can optionally sign up for Eufy Smart Services to enable more advanced features. Eufy Smart Services provides options like person detection, mobile alerts, and emergency response services for a small monthly fee.
However, a subscription is not required for basic camera functions.
Eufy security cameras offer an easy, inexpensive way to monitor your home without paying ongoing subscription fees or worrying about privacy concerns with cloud storage. For the budget-conscious homeowner looking for an independent security solution, Eufy cameras are an excellent choice.
How does Eufy’s subscription-free storage work?
You must utilize the local storage options to use Eufy security cameras without paying an ongoing subscription fee. Eufy’s camera systems have built-in storage so that you can store footage right on the camera or Homebase hub.
Eufy’s camera models, such as the EufyCam 2 and EufyCam E systems, offer local storage through a 16GB microSD card slot on the camera and the option to back up to the included Homebase.
The Homebase has 16GB of internal storage, providing room for up to 1 year of recordings from multiple cameras.
You can view, download, and share footage stored locally on the Homebase at any time using the Eufy Security mobile app without any subscription.
For the EufyCam 2, each camera can hold up to 128GB of footage on a microSD card. The exact storage time depends on settings like resolution and frame rate, but you can expect a few weeks of 24/7 recording on a single camera.
It’s best to format any microSD card with the EufyCam 2 to optimize it for security camera usage. You’ll then be able to view live streams, receive motion alerts, and download recordings directly from each camera’s local storage using the Eufy Security app.
While local storage provides an option to use Eufy cameras without a paid plan, there are some downsides to consider. You lose access to Eufy’s advanced AI features and 30-day video history without a subscription.
Local storage also provides no off-site backup, so any footage stored on the cameras or Homebase could be lost in the event of damage or theft. For many homeowners, the enhanced functionality and data protection of Eufy’s optional subscription plans are worthwhile for the small monthly fee.
Keeping an Eye on Things: Viewing Live Video Feeds Without Paying a Fee
As long as your Eufy cameras are connected to your home Wi-Fi network, you can view live footage directly through the Eufy Security app on your mobile device or through the web portal on your computer.
To view live video on the Eufy Security app:
- Open the Eufy Security app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android.
- Tap “Devices” or the name of your camera system at the bottom of the screen. A list of your connected Eufy devices will appear.
- Tap the camera feed you want to view. The live video stream will open, displaying footage in real time.
- You can zoom in and out by pinching and zooming on the screen.
- Tap the microphone icon to speak through the camera’s built-in speaker.
- Capture a still photo or video clip of the live feed by tapping the shutter button.
To view live footage on the web portal:
- Visit eufysecurity.com and log in to your Eufy account.
- Click “Devices” on the left side of the screen. Your connected Eufy cameras will be listed.
- Click “View Live Stream” under the camera feed you want to see. The live video will open in a new browser tab.
- The web portal offers the same features as the mobile app, like zooming, talking through the camera speaker, and capturing photos/video.
While Eufy’s paid cloud plans provide useful add-on features, you can view live video streams from your Eufy cameras at any time for no additional cost. Monitoring your home security system has never been more convenient or budget-friendly.
Eufy stands out for its commitment to user privacy. Their security cameras store data locally on the HomeBase device rather than relying on cloud storage.- TechRadar
Notifications: How to Get Alerts From Your Eufy Cameras for Free?
While Eufy security cameras offer subscription plans to access certain features, their cameras can still provide useful notifications without a paid subscription. By enabling the appropriate settings in the Eufy Security app, you can receive alerts when your cameras detect motion or sound.
Motion Detection
Open the Eufy Security app and select your camera to receive motion detection alerts. Under ‘Motion Detection,’ turn on ‘Motion Detection Alerts.’ You can then adjust the sensitivity level to control how much motion is needed to trigger an alert.
Set the sensitivity to ‘Medium’ or ‘High for optimal performance.’ You’ll then receive a notification when the camera detects motion on your phone.
Sound Detection
If your Eufy cameras have built-in microphones, you can enable sound detection alerts to be notified when the camera picks up loud noises. Select your camera in the Eufy Security app and turn on ‘Sound Detection Alerts’ under ‘Sound Detection.’
Adjust the sensitivity to your desired level. When the camera detects a sound over the set decibel level, you’ll receive an alert on your phone.
24/7 Monitoring
While motion and sound detection provide alerts when events are detected, Eufy cameras can also provide constant live-streaming video without a subscription. Select your camera in the Eufy Security app and turn on ‘24/7 Live Stream.’
Your camera will then provide a constant live stream of its view that you can check anytime. The live stream can be accessed anytime to monitor the area actively.
Conclusion
- As an owner of Eufy security cameras, you can use the devices without an ongoing subscription plan.
- Local storage, onboard AI, and smart home connectivity provide useful basic functionality at no monthly cost.
- While cloud storage and advanced features require a paid subscription, you can still leverage your Eufy cameras for home monitoring and alerts without one.
- With some initial setup and by taking advantage of Eufy’s local storage and onboard intelligence, you’ll have an affordable home security solution that protects your privacy and gives you peace of mind.
