Video doorbells come in many shapes and sizes. Eufy also has several models, including the E340 video doorbell. You don't need a subscription for this. In recent months, we tested this doorbell extensively; we share the results with you in the Eufy E340 review.
Eufy E340 video doorbell
When looking for a video doorbell, you quickly find yourself in a maze of options. You can find several models from different brands, each with its own features and capabilities. In my search for a smart doorbell, it was important to me that I was not tied to a subscription. I don't want to pay monthly for a product if I don't necessarily have to. I ended up with Eufy, which has the Eufy Video Doorbell E340 in its range. Over the past few months, we tested the doorbell extensively and you can read our findings in the review.
What can the Eufy E340 do?
The Eufy E340 is a versatile, smart doorbell with two cameras. These work together to deliver the most complete picture possible. The large front-facing camera focuses forward, while the down-facing camera can show, for example, what is happening on the ground. So you can use this to see if someone has something in their hand. The ring lights up when motion is detected. The lower camera also incorporates lights, so you can easily grab your key, for example. Work has also been done on night vision for a good picture during the dark hours. You can turn this off via the app, though.
Eufy gives you the option to use the Eufy E340 wired or wirelessly. If you use it wirelessly, you need to recharge the battery every so often, or if you don't want to be without a doorbell for a few hours, add a second battery.
If someone is at the door, you will get notifications on your smartphone. You can share this with other family members by adding them to the doorbell. You get notifications of movements, as well as when someone is at the door or when the doorbell rings. You can optionally buy a 'Chime', which is basically the speaker for the doorbell. We did choose this one, so you always hear the bell, even when you're not near the smartphone.
We also recommend you buy the combination with the Homebase 3. This also transmits the doorbell sound, but is also useful for additional smart functions, such as detecting people. The Homebase 3 can further be used to link other Eufy products such as the security cameras. It also offers additional storage space.
The doorbell features two-way audio, meaning you can both hear sound and transmit audio. This way, you can communicate with the other person. This works well. However, there is some delay if you want to talk directly from the app, because the video image is loaded first. This takes a few seconds. Very handy are the preset answers. You can choose your own name for the quick reply and then record a message. You can then play this in the app when the doorbell rings. Handy, for instance, to let the parcel delivery man know where to drop a parcel if you are not at home.
You can choose between recording videos in 2K quality, or in 1080p Full-HD. There is 8GB of internal storage and footage can be stored locally. There is still room for a memory card in the Chime if necessary. I hardly notice any delay because after pressing it, I hear the doorbell ringing on my phone within a second. Once you open the doorbell from the notification, it does take a few seconds before you have live images, but this is normal.
Installation
Installing the doorbell is self-explanatory. A manual is included for this, but you don't necessarily need it. You can simply scan the QR code on the product. Furthermore, you just go through the steps in the Eufy app. You pair the video doorbell using the 2.4 GHz WiFi network. In our case, the modem hangs close to the front door; which is an advantage, as this gives you the least delay between notifications.
Everything comes with Eufy to install the doorbell, including a wall plate with a slight angle, allowing you to turn the video doorbell towards you. Although everything is included, the screws are really poor quality. They turn through incredibly quickly. Definitely use your own screws!
Eufy app and features
The Eufy Security app is indispensable for using the doorbell. In the app, you can create different houses, useful if you also want to secure your business premises. You can also find the different events in the application and see which devices are connected to your account. You can secure Eufy's application with a fingerprint.
If you use the Eufy Homebase, you can also use facial recognition. A nice feature, but it doesn't always work very well, it notes. There is also package recognition. In recent months, a parcel deliverer was regularly at the door, but not always the parcel was recognised.
The application works quite well once you get the hang of it, but not everything is laid out in a user-friendly way. You can also link it to Google Home and Amazon Alexa. Through Google Home, you can then, for instance, also request the live image from the camera directly. However, this doesn't always seem to work quite right. We can, however, request the live image via the Nest Hub. Unfortunately, this does not give a notification when the doorbell rings. A pretty big omission.
Battery
If you use the doorbell wirelessly, as we do, you will need to recharge the doorbell's battery once in a while. You can see the battery status in the app. If it is a coming and going of visitors and delivery people ringing the doorbell, then the bell needs to be charged a bit earlier. We achieved a battery life of around 74 days over the past few months. However, endurance can vary due to weather and usage, for example. If you have the doorbell hanging facing the street, then it may be a bit faster, as many movements are detected. Eufy, by the way, promises a battery life of up to six months.
Review
We would definitely recommend the Eufy E340 video doorbell. It feels like a solid, fine doorbell and comes with all the features you need. In addition, we think it's a big advantage that you don't have to dip into your pocket for a subscription, which is often mandatory with other manufacturers. The Eufy E340 delivers sharp images, even in the dark, and the quick answers are incredibly convenient.
You can buy the Eufy E340 at Coolblue, Bol.com and MediaMarkt.
Eufy E340 video doorbell
