This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through our links we may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. This never influences our recommendations.
The Eufy SoloCam S220 is a 2K outdoor camera with a small solar panel built into the top. It stores clips on its own 8GB of memory, uses AI to pick out people, and Eufy says there is no monthly fee.
The catch is storage. The 8GB can’t be expanded, there is no microSD slot, and the solar panel is tiny, so it only keeps the camera topped up in the right spot. Both limits are easy to work around if you know about them first.
| Feature | Eufy SoloCam S220 |
|---|---|
| Video | 2K, 135° view |
| Night vision | Infrared (black-and-white) |
| Power | 6,500mAh battery with built-in 0.9W solar panel |
| Storage | 8GB built in, not expandable |
| Wi-Fi | 2.4GHz only |
| Weather rating | IP67 |
| AI | Human, face and motion detection |
| Typical price | About $100–$130 (estimate) |
What Works With No Subscription
Eufy’s page says the camera has no monthly fee. Recording, human detection and the app all work without a plan, and T3 confirmed that no subscription is required.
Cloud Backup and push notifications with thumbnail previews are optional and use Eufy’s cloud. The separate eufy Plus membership is $15 a month or $135 a year, according to Eufy, so you can skip it.
If you’d like a deeper look at the trade-off, see local storage vs cloud storage.
The Storage Catch
Eufy’s page lists 8GB of built-in storage and doesn’t mention a microSD slot. It also says NAS and RTSP aren’t supported, so you can’t send footage to another recorder.
Trusted Reviews estimated the 8GB holds one to two weeks of clips, which is its own estimate. Human detection helps by limiting recordings to people, so the memory lasts longer.
If you want more room, adding a Eufy HomeBase 3 lets the camera record to a hard disk there. Eufy says earlier HomeBase models aren’t compatible, and the HomeBase is also required for individual face recognition.
How the Solar Panel Really Works
Eufy says about three hours of direct sunlight a day keeps the camera running. Its page says the panel collects 200 to 400mAh a day while the camera uses 100 to 130mAh.
That is a small margin, so placement matters. A north-facing wall or a shaded porch may not get enough sun, and Eufy recommends a full USB charge before you mount it.
One Best Buy owner said the panel “doesn’t seem to work” and had to bring the camera inside to charge it. T3 reports Eufy’s claim of up to three months from a full charge in cloudy conditions, though it didn’t test it.
Setup and What’s in the Box
Eufy’s page lists the camera, a USB-C charging cable, a mount, a screw pack, a quick start guide and a screw positioning sticker. That is enough to install it on a wall without buying anything else.
Charge it over USB-C first, then pair it in the app. T3 said setup was quick, with in-app guidance on placement, and the camera is rated for -4°F to 122°F.
Pick the spot before you drill. Give the panel as much direct sun as you can, and check that your Wi-Fi reaches it, since the camera uses 2.4GHz only.
What the AI Detection Does
| Feature | Notes |
|---|---|
| Human detection | Limits recordings to people, per Trusted Reviews |
| Motion detection | Adjustable sensitivity and privacy zones in the app |
| Face recognition | Needs a HomeBase 3, and Trusted Reviews says it is processed locally |
Eufy lists human, face and motion detection on the camera. Skip the HomeBase if you only want people alerts, because the camera does that on its own.
Eufy SoloCam S220 Review
Eufy SoloCam S220
T3 found the video crisp and the night vision excellent, and said the camera reliably told people from birds. Setup is quick, and the app lets you adjust motion sensitivity and set privacy zones.
Trusted Reviews called the 2K picture a good balance of price and performance, though the sky looked slightly overexposed in daytime. Night footage is black-and-white and very good, with some motion blur and softness.
The limits are clear. It is 2.4GHz Wi-Fi only, has no spotlight, and records at lower resolution than Eufy’s 4K cameras. A Best Buy owner found the picture blurry when zoomed in, and another found motion zones tedious to adjust near corners. Many Best Buy reviewers say they got promotional considerations, so treat the 4.2 rating with caution.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No monthly fee Built-in solar panel Crisp 2K video, good night picture IP67, easy setup |
8GB storage, not expandable Small panel needs real sun 2.4GHz Wi-Fi only No spotlight |
Best for: Sunny spots where you want a cheap, fee-free camera with no wiring and no battery swaps.
Full details and current price: Eufy SoloCam S220 on Amazon
Other Solar Cameras to Consider
If you want a camera that pans and tilts, our Eufy SoloCam S340 review covers Eufy’s step-up solar model. For a wider look, see our best solar security cameras and the Defender EverWatch review.
If you’d rather skip solar, our best security cameras without subscription list has more options.
FAQ
Does the Eufy SoloCam S220 need a subscription?
No. Eufy says it has no monthly fee, and T3 found none was needed. Cloud Backup is optional.
Does the S220 have a microSD slot?
No. It has 8GB of built-in storage that can’t be expanded. A HomeBase 3 adds hard-disk storage.
How much sun does the S220 need?
Eufy says about three hours of direct sunlight a day. In shade you may need to charge it over USB-C.
Does the S220 work with 5GHz Wi-Fi?
No. It supports 2.4GHz only.
Does the S220 have a spotlight?
No. Eufy’s page says the S230 has one, and the S220 uses infrared for night vision.
Final Verdict
The Eufy SoloCam S220 is an easy, fee-free solar camera for homes with a sunny mounting spot. Buy it for the price and the picture, and add a HomeBase 3 if you want more storage.