Eufy does not require a subscription to use most of its devices, but some features only work if you pay

Eufy cameras, doorbells, and other smart home devices function without a subscription — you can view live video, receive motion alerts, and control devices through the app at no extra cost. However, cloud storage for video recordings and some AI features like package detection require a paid plan. Local storage (saving video to a device in your home instead of the cloud) is free on most Eufy products, which is why many people buy them in the first place.

The confusion happens because Eufy sells devices that work two different ways. Some models store everything locally and never need a subscription. Others can do both local and cloud storage, and cloud storage is where the subscription comes in. Before you buy, you need to know which type you are getting.

Key Takeaways

  • Most Eufy cameras and doorbells work without any subscription if you use local storage on a HomeBase or NVR device.
  • Cloud storage for video backup and remote viewing from anywhere requires a Eufy Cloud subscription, which costs money.
  • Package detection, person detection, and other AI features are free on local storage but may require a subscription for cloud-stored video.
  • Check whether a specific model supports local storage before buying if you want to avoid subscriptions entirely.

How local storage works and why it costs nothing

Eufy's local storage means video saves to a device in your home — usually a HomeBase 2, HomeBase 3, or a larger NVR (network video recorder). The camera sends footage to this device over your home WiFi, and it stays there. You can watch recordings through the Eufy app, but the video never leaves your house, so there is no cloud subscription to pay.

Local storage is the reason many people choose Eufy over other brands. You own the hardware and the footage. If your internet goes down, the camera still records. If Eufy changes its pricing or shuts down a service, your old recordings are still there on your HomeBase. This is genuinely free — no monthly fees, no hidden charges, no expiration date on storage.

The catch is that local storage requires you to buy a HomeBase or NVR device in addition to the cameras. A HomeBase 2 costs around $100 to $150 and can store weeks or months of video depending on the model and how many cameras you have. If you only want one camera and do not want to buy a separate hub, local storage may not be practical for you.

Cloud storage and when Eufy charges for it

Cloud storage means video uploads to Eufy's servers. This is where subscriptions come in. If you want to store video in the cloud, view recordings from anywhere (not just at home), or keep a backup of footage, you pay a monthly fee. Eufy Cloud plans start around $2.99 per month for one camera and go up depending on how many devices you want to cover.

Cloud storage is optional. You can use a Eufy camera with local storage and never pay anything. But if you do not have a HomeBase and want to use cloud storage instead, the subscription is required. Some people use both — local storage as the main backup and cloud storage as an extra layer of protection.

The subscription also unlocks some features that are free on local storage. Package detection (the camera recognizes when a package is delivered) and person detection (it tells the difference between a person and an animal) work on local storage at no cost. On cloud storage, these features may require the subscription or a higher tier of it, depending on which Eufy product you own.

Which Eufy devices support local storage

Not every Eufy camera works with local storage. The ones that do are usually wired cameras, battery cameras designed for outdoor use, and video doorbells. They all need a HomeBase or NVR to store video locally. Eufy's indoor cameras, some older models, and their robot vacuums have different storage options — check the product page before you buy.

The most common local-storage setup is a HomeBase 2 or HomeBase 3 with one or more eufyCam or eufy Video Doorbell models. These combinations are designed to work together and are widely available. If you are looking at a different product line, search the model name plus "local storage" to confirm it supports it.

What happens if you do not pay for cloud storage

If you own a Eufy camera with local storage and never pay for a subscription, you can still do almost everything: view live video, receive motion alerts, watch recordings stored on your HomeBase, and control the camera settings. The only things you lose are cloud backup and the ability to view recordings from outside your home network without a VPN.

Some features like person detection and package detection work fine on local storage without paying anything. On cloud storage, these same features may be included in the free tier or may require a paid plan — it depends on the specific product and when you bought it. Eufy has changed its pricing structure a few times, so check your device's app to see what is included in your plan.

How to check what you are paying for right now

Open the Eufy app and go to Account or Settings. Look for a section called Subscription, Cloud Storage, or Membership. You will see whether you have an active subscription and what it covers. If you see nothing, you are not paying for cloud storage — your device is using local storage only or is not storing video at all.

If you do have an active subscription, the app will show you the renewal date and the cost. You can cancel from the same screen. Some subscriptions auto-renew, so if you do not want to keep paying, you need to turn off auto-renewal or cancel before the next billing date.

Comparing Eufy to other brands

Eufy's approach is different from brands like Ring or Wyze, which push cloud storage harder. Ring cameras require a subscription for cloud video storage and many features, though they do offer local storage on some models. Wyze cameras are cheaper upfront but also encourage cloud subscriptions. Eufy's local storage option is one reason people choose them — you can buy once and never pay a monthly fee.

If you want to avoid subscriptions entirely, local-storage cameras from any brand are your best bet. Eufy, Reolink, and a few others make this straightforward. If you prefer cloud storage for convenience, expect to pay a subscription no matter which brand you choose. The difference is in how much you pay and what features are included.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a HomeBase to use a Eufy camera?

Only if you want local storage. If you use cloud storage instead, you can set up a Eufy camera without a HomeBase. However, local storage is usually cheaper over time, so many people buy a HomeBase even if they do not have one initially.

Can I switch from cloud storage to local storage later?

Yes. If you have been using cloud storage and buy a HomeBase later, you can set up local storage and cancel your subscription. Your old cloud recordings stay in the cloud until they expire, but new recordings will go to the HomeBase.

What happens to my recordings if I cancel my subscription?

Cloud recordings are usually deleted after 30 days if you do not renew. Local recordings on your HomeBase stay there forever — canceling a subscription does not affect them. This is another reason local storage is appealing.

Does Eufy charge for motion alerts?

No. Motion alerts are free on all Eufy cameras, whether you use local or cloud storage. You get notifications on your phone whenever the camera detects motion at no cost.

Are there any hidden fees with Eufy?

No. Eufy is straightforward about what costs money and what does not. The only fees are the optional cloud storage subscription and the upfront cost of hardware. There are no surprise charges or required purchases beyond that.