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Eufy sells two different things that people call an NVR. One is a true wired PoE recorder, and the other is the HomeBase 3 hub that records for Eufy’s wireless cameras.
The catch is that neither one works with other brands’ cameras. Eufy’s own comparison says the NVR records wired PoE cameras, while the HomeBase 3 is built for wireless devices. Both store footage locally with no monthly fee mentioned for recording.
| Model | Best for | Cameras | Storage | Hub or recorder |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eufy PoE NVR System E41 (4-Cam) | A complete wired 4K kit | 4 PoE turret cameras | 2TB HDD included | NVR |
| Eufy Network Video Recorder S4 (8CH) | Building your own wired system | Sold separately | 2TB HDD included | NVR |
| Eufy HomeBase 3 (S380) | Wireless Eufy cameras | Sold separately | 16GB built in, drive optional | Hub |
What Works With No Subscription
Eufy’s own comparison says both the NVR and HomeBase 3 store footage locally with no recurring charges mentioned. TechHive’s tests of the E41 and E40 found no cloud fee for storage or AI processing.
The paid extras are optional. Eufy’s HomeBase 3 page lists a Protection Plan and Cloud Backup without prices, so check Eufy’s site. For the trade-off, see local storage vs cloud storage.
NVR vs HomeBase 3
Eufy’s own comparison lays out the split. The NVR comes with a 2TB drive and records 24/7 across its PoE cameras, while the HomeBase 3 stores clips by default and needs a drive of your own for 24/7.
| Point | Eufy NVR | HomeBase 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Works with | Wired PoE cameras | Wireless cameras, doorbells and sensors |
| Built-in storage | 2TB HDD included | 16GB, no hard drive included |
| Max storage | 16TB | 16TB (2.5-inch drive) |
| 24/7 recording | All connected PoE cameras | Needs a drive and eligible cameras |
| Face recognition | Not listed | Listed |
What to Know Before You Buy
Wiring is the hard part. TechHive’s Michael Ansaldo said setup involves a monitor, a mouse and drilling for Ethernet cables, and the cameras can’t run without the NVR.
2TB goes fast. He found continuous multi-camera 4K recording fills the drive quickly, after which older footage is overwritten. A surveillance drive up to 16TB can replace it, and he advised against SSDs.
No Apple Home. Both TechHive reviews list Alexa and Google Home but not Apple Home.
The Best Eufy NVR Options
Eufy PoE NVR System E41 (4-Cam, 2TB)
This kit pairs the NVR with four 4K turret cameras that have a 122° view. TechHive found daytime footage detailed enough for license plates and clothing logos, and said the cameras streamed without buffering where Wi-Fi cameras had dropped.
Night vision has three modes, per Eufy. Starlight color works with some ambient light, infrared is discreet black-and-white, and spotlight mode gives full color.
Detection covers people, vehicles and pets, processed on the NVR rather than the cloud. TechHive found it cut false alerts, though the NVR’s global AI settings override each camera’s own.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 4K video, 122° view 24/7 recording to a 2TB drive Local AI for people, vehicles and pets No cloud fee for storage |
Needs cable runs and drilling 2TB fills quickly at 4K No Apple Home Eufy cameras only |
Best for: Homes that want one kit with four wired 4K cameras and no subscription.
Full details and current price: eufy Security PoE NVR System E41, 4-Cam, 2TB HDD on Amazon
Eufy Network Video Recorder S4 (8CH, 2TB)
This is the recorder on its own, for building a system around cameras you choose. TechHive’s review put the S4 NVR at $399.99, with add-on cameras around $130 each.
It starts with eight PoE channels. Eufy says a PoE switch, sold separately, takes it to 16, and its Bullet-PTZ camera uses two channels, so a system of those tops out at eight.
The catch is the ecosystem. Eufy’s E40 page says the system doesn’t support other brands’ PoE cameras, and Eufy’s comparison doesn’t list face recognition for the NVR. Wireless Eufy devices need Eufy’s separate Wi-Fi module.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 2TB drive included, up to 16TB Eight PoE channels, expandable to 16 Mix turret, bullet and pan-tilt cameras Local AI search and no-go zones |
Cameras sold separately Other brands’ PoE cameras not supported PoE switch needed past eight No face recognition listed |
Best for: Larger properties that need a mix of camera types and plan to grow.
Full details and current price: eufy Network Video Recorder S4, 8CH, 2TB HDD on Amazon
Eufy HomeBase 3 (S380)
The HomeBase 3 is the choice if you want wireless Eufy cameras. Eufy’s page lists up to 16 battery devices and 34 sensors, with local AI called BionicMind that recognizes familiar faces.
The catch is 24/7 recording. Eufy’s page limits continuous recording to a few eligible cameras, and ShopSavvy’s summary of reviews puts it at four. Battery cameras record clips only.
Reviews of it are mixed. ShopSavvy’s summary, which doesn’t name its sources, says early vehicle and face detection didn’t work as advertised and playback between the base and camera card was confusing. It also says older units needed Ethernet, while the current Amazon listing mentions 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, so check the version.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Local storage up to 16TB Face recognition on the base Built-in 100dB siren Works with wireless Eufy cameras |
No hard drive included 24/7 recording limited to a few cameras Reviews mention playback confusion Eufy devices only |
Best for: Apartments and rentals with wireless Eufy cameras.
Full details and current price: eufy Security HomeBase 3 (HomeBase S380), Smart Hub for eufy Devices on Amazon
Other NVR Systems to Consider
If you’d rather not be locked to one brand, see our ANNKE H500 review and our best NVR systems without subscription list. For Eufy’s wireless cameras, read our Eufy SoloCam S340 review and Eufy S3 Pro review.
FAQ
Does Eufy have an NVR?
Yes. It sells a PoE NVR for wired cameras and a HomeBase 3 hub for wireless ones.
Does a Eufy NVR need a subscription?
No. Recording and local AI work without one. Cloud backup is optional.
Can I use other brands of cameras with the Eufy NVR?
No. Eufy’s E40 page says it doesn’t support other brands’ PoE cameras.
How much storage does the Eufy NVR have?
A 2TB drive comes with it, and you can swap in a drive up to 16TB.
Is a Eufy NVR hard to install?
It’s more work than a Wi-Fi camera. You run Ethernet cables, and TechHive notes you’ll need a monitor and mouse for setup.
Final Verdict
| Model | Best For |
|---|---|
| Eufy PoE NVR System E41 (4-Cam) | A ready-made wired 4K kit |
| Eufy Network Video Recorder S4 (8CH) | Building and growing a wired system |
| Eufy HomeBase 3 (S380) | Wireless Eufy cameras |
Start with the E41 kit if you can run cable, or the HomeBase 3 if your cameras are wireless. If you want freedom to mix brands, skip Eufy’s NVR for an open system.