Eufy cameras and the Eufy Homebase are made by Anker Innovations, LLC., the company known for its high-quality power banks and battery packs. So what’s the difference between the Homebase and Homebase 2?
The Eufy Homebase 2 is the newer model of Homebase. It also supports Apple’s Homekit Automation software. The Homebase 1’s biggest gain over the Homebase 2 is its battery backup and expandable storage. Both are absent on Homebase 2.
Most of the features of the Homebase 1 and Homebase 2 are generally the same. The main difference is size, weight, and a few functions such as battery or storage.
Eufy Homebase 1 vs. Homebase 2
If you have Eufy Cameras, then a Homebase is great. The Homebase is a connection station between the cameras and your network and as video storage.
Depending on your specific needs, the Homebase 1 may be your better option. However, for most users, the Homebase 2 is the newer model with better software.
The Eufy Homebase connects to your WiFi, and your cameras connect to the Homebase. This creates a separate, more secure, private network for your cameras to run on.
Also, you need one of the Homebase models for the Eufy cameras to work.
Features Present in Both Homebase 1 and Homebase 2
Private WiFi Network
Both models of the eufy Homebase operate their cameras on a private WiFi network that is non-discoverable to external devices due to WPS (WiFi Protected Setup) protection.
This also allows the camera batteries to last longer because the cameras use a low-power form of WiFi to connect to the base station. The base station then connects to your home’s router.
This allows the batteries in the cameras to last for months. The base station can use regular WiFi because it will be plugged into AC power.
WiFi Protected Setup
WiFi Protected Setup (WPS) is a feature that allows the Homebase base stations to connect to the cameras without publicly broadcasting the name of their WiFi network.
This simple security step creates a stop-gap between the base station, cameras, and the internet. It acts as one more measure that increases the difficulty of hacking your cameras.
Use Either as a Gateway to the Internet for your Cameras
Since the cameras attach directly to the base station, there is another level of security between those cameras and the outside world that may want to gain access to your cameras.
Since the base station is AC-powered and connected to your home WiFi, the battery on the cameras can last between six and twelve months on a single charge.
That sort of battery life wouldn’t be possible if the cameras didn’t have access to a gateway and were connected directly to your home’s WiFi router.
Different Features Between Homebase 1 and Homebase 2
Video Storage Method
While Homebase 1 and Homebase 2 can store your security videos, they each use a different method to get the job done.
The Homebase 1 has a micro-SD slot that stores your saved videos. The largest micro-SD available on the market right now is one terabyte.
The Homebase 2 doesn’t have expandable storage, but built-in storage is available. The only downside is that it is only 16 gigabytes.
The Homebase 2’s storage upside is that it is eMMC storage media. That is flash memory, and it runs more quickly than micro-SD. You may or may not notice the speed, however.
Battery Backup
The Homebase 1 is also equipped with a battery backup that is advertised as being able to run for up to 10 hours. If you are prone to power outages, this may be a necessary feature for you.
The Homebase 2 doesn’t have any kind of battery backup. If the AC power goes out on the Homebase 2, your cameras will just be down until power is restored.
Homebase 2 is Required if you have eufyCam 2C Cameras
If you have purchased eufyCam 2C cameras, then your decision is made for you. These cameras do not function with Homebase 1. Homebase 2 is required for these to function.
Pros and Cons
Homebase 1 Pros and Cons
Homebase 2 Pros and Cons
Conclusion
If you are already using the Apple Homekit environment and tighter privacy is important to you, then the Homebase 2 is the way to go.
If you are not worried about Homekit but want to run on backup battery power and have expandable storage via an SD slot, then Homebase 1 should be your choice.
