If until a few years ago creating a home video security system required a considerable investment, technology and the advent of smart peripherals have made it easier and cheaper to set up security in the home. Eufy Security is a system consisting of two cameras and a central hub, which in addition to allowing video surveillance also acts as a real anti-theft device. Here's what we think after installing it at home.
The initial bundle sold on Amazon Italy consists of a central hub, necessary for the operation of the system, which will also allow the connection of other peripherals of the line, plus two wireless cameras, in the near future. It is useless to deny it, in form and philosophy, this Eufy Cam E system is inspired by the Arlo cameras that we have reviewed in the different versions. The design of the two cameras, in fact, is almost identical.
Don't think, however, of a simple low-quality clone, nor of a much cheaper system. It is true that Eufy Security allows you to save money compared to the competitor, but it is an equally valid system, and with a not too low cost. In short, from the first unboxing you realize that you are still in front of quality cameras, built and designed very well, with resistant and appreciable materials.
Inside the package, in addition to the various manuals, also the cables for the correct installation of the system, some stickers to show that your home is protected by a video surveillance system, as well as four supports for the video cameras, so you can decide the type of installation, even on the ceiling or wall. 
How the system is made
The two rooms, as already mentioned, have an aesthetic very similar to the Arlo. They offer a glossy white plastic surface, with a black interlude, always glossy, for a very elegant and modern overall design. On the back there is a small button for synchronization, in addition to the micro USB input for charging and the slot to insert the supports for wall installation. 
The cameras have a considerable weight, which is immediately felt as soon as you pick them up. It will be because of the battery installed inside, which on paper promises an autonomy of 365 days. Eufy Security is a wireless system, thus being able to position the rooms in any corner of the house, without the encumbrance of any wire.
The particularly prolonged autonomy makes the system effective, so as not to worry about recharging them. Obviously, during our test of a few weeks we were not able to appreciate the veracity of the declared autonomy, which of course will change based on numerous factors, but we have not identified any battery drop.
Of course, you can also leave for long journeys, without worries of finding yourself with the cameras turned off due to the low battery. 
The HomeBase, on the other hand, is powered by the classic wall power supply, which is why, if the electricity fails, the system will go offline. It's a shame, considering that battery-powered cameras need the hub to continue working.
Moreover, even if the Hub were self-powered by an emergency battery, in the event of a power cut, the internet connection would still fail, which is just as necessary to make the entire system work.
It should be noted, however, that when the Homebase is turned off, the user will not receive any notification on the smartphone: this is a shortcoming, because an offline system notification could at least have alarmed the user. 
On the other hand, the camera coupling and uncoupling system deserves praise. In the package there are two types of support. The first screw, the second magnetic. The latter is preferable: the magnet is very strong, it manages to keep the camera firmly, despite its weight, and allows you to hook it, release it or change the angle of view in a simple and quick way.
First configuration
Very often, when it comes to smart peripherals, we have happened to stumble upon some small initial configuration obstacle. In the case of Eufy Secutiry, on the other hand, it really only took a few minutes to put the system into operation, without any hindrance. The first step is to connect the Hub to the electricity supply and, via an ethernet cable, to the home router. 
Then you will have to download the app from Google Play or App Store, and you will have to follow the instructions on the screen. First you will have to press the “Sync” button on the Hub, then you can pair the two cameras. It only took a few moments to have the system fully functional. 
The Eufy Security application is very simple to use, but offers almost all the functions necessary to be able to consider it promoted with flying colors, while it is still a bit lacking from the point of view of voice assistants and automations. The main screen immediately highlights the cameras in operation, with large boxes on which you can click to immediately have the live feed of the video.
Inside each room it will then be possible to activate the audio, both to send messages inside the home, and to perceive the sounds recorded by the camera. It is, therefore, a two-way audio, which also allows the user to pick up all the sounds present inside their home.
Alarm mode
Another merit of this security system is to act as a real home alarm. The rooms, in fact, are able to activate a 100 decibel alarm, coming from the Homebase, whenever they detect movement, and as long as the user has chosen to activate the siren. 
The “Mode” tab, in fact, allows you to activate different programs, depending on whether the user is at home or away from home. By activating one or the other mode, you can choose the behavior of the Hub and cameras. It is possible to choose, for example, to activate or deactivate the detection of movements, and to choose the behavior of the individual cameras when a movement occurs. 
The user can choose whether, having detected a movement, to record a video of a few seconds, get a push notification on the smartphone, activate the sound alarm of each camera, or activate the siren (louder) of the Hub. Naturally, it will be possible to choose one or more behaviors, being able to activate them all together. What we have noticed is that the system works and does not miss a beat.
Even on Android, where usually the push notifications of these applications could delay due to a lack of optimization with different terminals (especially those of Chinese matrix), the notification system has always been precise and timely, without having to block the 'app on multitasking, or without having to manually intervene to force the app to start automatically or activate other settings to eliminate restrictions on operation in the background. 
Even the alarm from the room and the hub has always been activated on time. While the single room alarm has a low volume, plus an audible warning audible inside the room, the Hub siren is louder and more ringing. Certainly it is not a volume capable of alerting an entire building or the neighborhood, but it is certainly capable of alarming a potential attacker.
In any case, the real strong point of these alarms is the push notification to the smartphone, which alerts the user of some dangerous situation at home. On this, as already mentioned, no problem: during the tests the notifications always arrived with extreme punctuality, both on iOS and Android devices. 
Moreover, after configuring the system, it is possible to invite family members within the platform, immediately sharing the video stream of the two cameras.
Technical characteristics
The two cameras offer a resolution of 1080p, naturally more than enough for a detailed and clear shot of what is happening inside the building. The video stream takes a few seconds before starting, although this will all depend on the connection in use at home and on the smartphone from which you will start the stream.
In any case, during our tests we have always found punctuality and precision in the vision of the images, which in any case have a lag of a few seconds between what is captured and what happens in real time. 
The rooms are IP-65 certified, built with the latest generation ASA composite material, able to function perfectly in the rain, during cold winters (-20 ° C) or in hot summers (50 ° C). These are rooms, as well as for internal use, also recommended for external use, therefore to be installed in villas in the perimeter walls.
They are equipped with a Sony Exmor sensor, and enjoy a wide f2.2 aperture, naturally with night vision support, so as not to leave the evening hours uncovered, able to detect movements up to 8 meters away.
The two rooms offer a 140-degree wide-angle lens, therefore with a panoramic view, which can go from the street to the entrance door without losing any point, or cover a living room of an apartment without the need to install two in the same room.
Alexa, Google Home and IFTTT
If we were to find fault with the Achilles heel of this system is represented by the integration with digital assistants. The manufacturer has promised Alexa support, Google Home, and IFTTT integration. At the moment, unfortunately, there is only the Alexa integration, however in beta format and accessible only from iOS devices.This function allows you to project the video stream on an Amazon Spot or an Echo Show, but considering the price of the kit, it is of an absolutely incomplete integration. 
There is no support for Google Home, which would give the device greater versatility, for example by allowing the user to activate the “Home” or “Away from Home” mode via voice commands. The IFTTT integration is missing, which would offer the user more possibilities in receiving notifications, or more automatic features when a movement is detected. In addition, the Eufy Security sensor for doors and windows is already available, to be combined with the system via the Hub: you can buy it on Amazon for 29.99 euros. 
Fortunately, the optional cloud recording system is active instead, which offers matches starting at $ 2.99 per month, or $ 29.99 a year, which allows you to keep up to 30 days of recorded video history in the cloud.
Conclusions
Eufy Security is an interesting alarm and video surveillance system. It saves money over the Arlo system and offers comparable image quality, with two well-built cameras, and potentially annual longevity. The application works well, always accurate and efficient when it comes to sending alarm notifications and showing the live video stream. Easy initial installation, excellent magnetic quick coupling and release system.
It's just a pity that at the moment they are not properly supported by virtual assistants and that IFTTT integration is also absent. For the rest it is one of the best anti-theft systems on the scene: versatile, efficient, of quality both in construction and in the video stream. Is already recommended, but when Google Home support arrives it will truly be top in class.
On Amazon the bundle with two cameras and hub costs 399 euros, while a single camera, to be added to the system, costs 199 euros.
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