eufy HomeBase vs. NVR: Understand the Differences and Which Is Right For You

Choosing the right security system is more than picking the best camera. You need a hub that can manage the system so you get the most out of it. That’s where eufy HomeBase 3 (S380) and the eufy NVR (T8N00) come in. They’re the nerve center of your devices and streamline the entire process, handling things such as connectivity, AI features, and additional storage. However, while they’re similar in some aspects, the reality is that they’re designed for different types of households.

HomeBase 3 focuses on smarter AI-driven security with powerful facial recognition, flexible storage, and seamless integration with your smart home. The NVR, on the other hand, is built for those who want professional-grade security with 24/7 recording and support for larger camera setups.

However, they do have overlapping features, making it easy to ask: which one is right for me? We’ll break down what each option offers, compare them side by side, and highlight who should choose HomeBase 3 vs. an NVR system. First, let’s take a closer look at each system.

What Is eufy HomeBase 3 (S380)?

HomeBase 3 is the smart hub that connects and manages many of eufy’s cameras, doorbells, and sensors. It serves as the central brain of your security setup, handling video storage, AI processing, cross-video tracking, and device communication while keeping your data local and private.

Key features of HomeBase 3 include:

• Expandable storage. Comes with 16 GB of built-in storage and supports expansion up to 16 TB HD through a hard drive or solid-state drive. A USB port is available for backup.
• Smarter security with BionicMind AI. Facial recognition, human, vehicle, and pet detection. Cross-camera tracking gives you reliable notifications while filtering out false alarms.
• Wide compatibility. Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, with partial support for Apple HomeKit on select devices.
• Flexible recording options. Stores video clips for most devices and supports continuous 24/7 recording when paired with wired indoor cameras.
• Compact design. The small form factor allows it to blend into your setup without taking up space.

Ecosystem compatibility

HomeBase 3 works with Alexa devices and Google Assistant. Some eufy security cameras support Apple HomeKit, and when paired with those models, HomeBase 3 integrates seamlessly as well.

If you want the most advanced experience, HomeBase 3 pairs especially well with the eufyCam S3 Pro, which takes full advantage of its AI capabilities.

What Is eufy NVR (T8N00)?

The eufy NVR is a centralized manager designed for PoE camera systems. It delivers reliable 24/7 recording and wide coverage, making it a strong choice for households or businesses that want a wired security setup with professional-grade performance.

Key features of the eufy NVR include:

• PoE camera support. Powers and records multiple wired cameras through a single Ethernet cable for both data and electricity.
• Local AI agent. Provides smart search and real-time alerts, detecting people, vehicles, pets, and unusual events directly on the device.
• High-capacity storage. Comes with a built-in 2 TB hard drive that can be expanded up to 16 TB.
• Multi-channel support. Handles up to 16 cameras, giving you wide coverage from a single system.
• Comprehensive hardware interfaces. Includes HDMI, USB, LAN, and eight PoE ports, allowing easy setup and direct video output.

Ecosystem compatibility

By default, the NVR is built to manage PoE cameras. For users who want the complete package, the eufy NVR System S4 Max demonstrates the NVR at its most powerful, combining the recorder with high-performance cameras for professional-grade home security.

While the NVR is a centralized manager for PoE cameras, there’s a new Wi-Fi module that is scheduled to be released soon, which will expand its capability to several eufy wireless cameras, doorbells, and motion sensors, including:

• eufyCam 3 and 3 Pro
• SoloCam S340 and E30
• IndoorCam S350 and E220
• Video Doorbell E340 and S330
• Plus eufy sensors.

Detailed Comparison Table

eufy HomeBase vs. NVR: Which One Should You Choose?

The winner in your eufy HomeBase vs. NVR debate will ultimately come down to the type of security system you want in your home. They’re both powerful options with top-level specs and advanced features, but they serve different needs.

Here’s a guide that makes it easy to know which to choose

Choose eufy HomeBase if…

• You want advanced AI features that give your security system real intelligence. The self-learning algorithm that powers the BionicMind AI gives HomeBase 3 its facial recognition feature as well as human, pet, and vehicle detection. There’s also cross-camera tracking so you can see exactly what’s happening all around the perimeter of your house.
• You prefer the convenience of a wireless setup. The wireless capabilities of HomeBase 3 make it easy to connect to eufy’s wireless cameras and doorbells. You don’t need to run cables through walls or ceilings, which makes it perfect for renters, apartments, or anyone who wants to avoid complex wiring.
• You need local storage that can expand as your system grows. You get 16 GB of built-in storage and the option to expand up to 16 TB with a hard drive or solid-state drive. It also offers USB backup, giving you peace of mind if you want to store more video or keep a copy of important footage.
• You value smart assistant integration. HomeBase 3 works with Alexa and Google Assistant and has limited HomeKit support on select devices. This allows you to connect your cameras and sensors with the rest of your smart home, so you can control devices with your voice and build automation routines that work seamlessly together.

For the best experience, you should use HomeBase 3 with the eufyCam S3 Pro. It’s designed to take full advantage of its AI features. This combination makes everyday use smarter, with fewer false alerts and faster recognition of important events.

Choose eufy NVR if…

• You want the reliability of a professional wired system. The NVR uses PoE technology to deliver power and data through a single cable, ensuring stable 24/7 recording. While there’s a wireless module that will be released in the near future, the true power is with the PoE cameras that need the NVR setup.
• You need multi-channel support to manage a large security setup. It can handle up to 16 cameras at once, making it ideal for bigger homes, properties with multiple entry points, or small businesses that need professional-grade coverage.
• You prefer large, replaceable storage that can handle continuous recording. You get a 2 TB integrated hard drive that supports expansion up to 16 TB. This lets you store weeks or even months of footage at full resolution, which is essential if you want long-term video history without worrying about space.
• You want a dedicated recorder that focuses on surveillance. Unlike HomeBase, which doubles as a smart hub, the NVR is built purely for continuous monitoring and management. It’s designed to work as the backbone of a wired security system, with a local AI agent that powers smart search and alerts. This makes it the best choice if your priority is professional-style security at home.

For the most complete experience, look at the eufy NVR System S4 Max, which comes bundled with advanced PoE cameras and demonstrates the system’s full potential.

Key Considerations Before Buying

When deciding between HomeBase vs. eufy NVR, it’s important to go beyond the specs. Other determining factors include how you plan to grow your eufy ecosystem, the way you want to install it, and what balance you need between smart features and nonstop recording.

Scalability

Think about how your security needs may grow over time. HomeBase 3 is a good fit if you plan to slowly expand your system with additional cameras, doorbells, or sensors since it works easily with a variety of wireless devices.

The NVR is better suited for larger systems from the start, especially if you know you’ll need 8, 12, or even 16 camera setup monitoring your entire property.

Installation

Wireless devices powered by HomeBase 3 give you maximum flexibility, with simple setup and the ability to move cameras without drilling holes or running cables. This is ideal for apartments or smaller homes. During the initial setup, you can choose whether to connect to the home network with a cord or via Wi-Fi for a truly wireless experience.

The NVR requires Ethernet cabling for each camera, which means more work upfront but results in a more stable, professional-grade system that won’t depend on Wi-Fi.

Budget

HomeBase 3 is typically less expensive when you’re starting out. You can use it with a single eufy device and then add additional cameras as needed.

The NVR requires a higher initial investment since it includes a hard drive and PoE setup, and adding cameras can add up quickly. However, the extra cost brings more robust storage and continuous recording, which can be worth it if you need long-term reliability.

Smart features vs raw recording power

HomeBase 3 is built around BionicMind AI, which provides facial recognition, cross-camera tracking, and advanced human, vehicle, and pet detection. These features make your security system more personalized and proactive, delivering alerts that focus on what matters most.

The NVR, while designed for continuous 24/7 recording and managing multiple cameras, also comes with a powerful local AI agent. It can instantly analyze footage, identify genuine threats, and take proactive action. With customizable no-go zones and alert settings, the NVR offers precise detection and tailored responses, giving you more than just raw recording power.

FAQs

Is eufy NVR better than HomeBase?

The great thing about eufy HomeBase vs NVR is that both options are winners. The winner is based on need and not performance. HomeBase 3 focuses on AI-driven features like facial recognition and cross-camera tracking, making it smarter for everyday use. The NVR is built for reliability with 24/7 recording and support for up to 16 PoE cameras, which makes it stronger for large, wired setups.

Does eufy HomeBase support 24/7 recording?

HomeBase 3 can record continuously, but only when paired with wired indoor cameras. For wireless cameras, it records clips instead. If you need full-time coverage across many cameras, the NVR is better suited, but HomeBase is a good option if you want a balance between clip storage and continuous recording.

How many cameras can the eufy NVR support?

The NVR supports up to 16 PoE channels, allowing you to connect and manage a large number of cameras from one device. This makes it ideal for bigger homes, properties with multiple entry points, or small businesses that need more comprehensive coverage.

Can I expand storage on eufy HomeBase 3?

Yes. HomeBase 3 comes with 16 GB of built-in storage and supports expansion up to 16 TB using either a hard drive or solid-state drive. You can also back up video to a USB drive, which adds another layer of flexibility for long-term storage.

Which is better for smart home integration, HomeBase or NVR?

HomeBase 3 integrates with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant and has limited HomeKit support on select devices, making it easy to tie into your smart home routines. The NVR is focused on professional-grade recording and is compatible with Alexa devices and Google Assistant.

Final Verdict

Choosing between eufy HomeBase 3 vs. NVR comes down to your priorities. HomeBase 3 is the smarter option if you want a compact hub with advanced AI features, flexible wireless setups, and easy integration with Alexa, Google, and limited HomeKit. It’s designed for homeowners who value convenience and intelligent security without complex installation.

The NVR, on the other hand, is the powerhouse choice. It delivers professional-grade reliability with 24/7 recording, large expandable storage, and support for up to 16 PoE cameras. If you want a wired system that can handle bigger properties or business-level coverage, eufy NVR vs HomeBase tilts strongly in favor of the NVR.