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The Sun
15 minutes ago
- The Sun
Eufy E340 Video Doorbell review: smart, sharp and subscription-free
SMART doorbells are everywhere, but Eufy's latest model is one of the best out there. In this Eufy E340 video doorbell review, I've put it to the test so you get the real insight into what it's like to live with. Eufy E340 Video Doorbell, £159.99 £109.99 at Amazon BUY HERE I've tested plenty of smart home devices, and video doorbells have become some of the most popular. But too many lock you into pricey subscriptions or offer poor video quality that feels like a glorified buzzer. Thankfully, the Eufy E340 is one of the best video doorbells I've tried, packed with features that work, and no monthly fees for the pleasure. Eufy launched back in 2016 as part of Chinese tech giant Anker, and has quickly built a solid reputation in home security. The E340 arrived in 2024, adding to Eufy's already impressive lineup of smart doorbells. It features dual cameras, colour night vision, smart motion detection, and built-in local storage; genuinely smart tech that delivers on its promises. While it's not the first doorbell I've tested with these features — the Ezviz EP3x Pro I reviewed comes close and even adds solar power —the E340 still manages to stand out. Read on for my full thoughts on how the E340 performs in real life. How I tested 6 Eufy E340 Video Doorbell, £159.99 £109.99 at Amazon I've tested my fair share of smart doorbells, from Ring and Tapo to budget buys, so I've got a pretty good feel for what's worth your money. For the past couple of months, the Eufy E340 has been stationed on my front porch, which sees a steady stream of parcels and visitors. It's had to brave typical UK weather, deal with delivery drivers, and keep up with the comings and goings of a busy family home. I tried it in all sorts of conditions, day and night, rain and shine, using the Eufy app for alerts to see how well it performs. After having it watch over my front door for a while, I have to say I'm impressed. The Nitty-Gritty First impressions 6 Eufy E340 Video Doorbell, £159.99 £109.99 at Amazon BUY HERE I expected a solid smart doorbell, but the Eufy E340 felt more like a mini security system. It's bigger than most doorbells I've tried, thanks to having two cameras stacked vertically. In the box, you get the E340 unit itself, a mounting kit, a charging cable, and some straightforward setup instructions. The build feels premium and sturdy. It inspires confidence, unlike some others that just come off cheap and plasticky. Setting it up was fairly easy. You start by mounting the bracket, then the doorbell just snaps right into place. It comes with a small security key to remove the unit to charge, which is smart, but you'll want to keep that key safe; it's tiny and easy to lose. Once I downloaded the Eufy app, the rest was a breeze. Just follow the on-screen steps, and you're up and running in no time. If you're going fully wired, there's a bit more faff involved, but with my battery-powered setup, things were a lot simpler. Does it deliver? 6 Eufy E340 Video Doorbell, £159.99 £109.99 at Amazon BUY HERE The Eufy E340 was smarter than I expected right out of the box, thanks to the 8GB of onboard storage built into the doorbell. That's enough to keep about a month's worth of footage, depending on how busy your front door is. You can add a HomeBase later if you want more storage, but I like that it's an optional add-on, so there's no extra gadgets to worry about right away. That said, if you want the HomeBase, be ready to splash out another £159, though it's really aimed at people who already have a wider ecosystem of Eufy gadgets. If you just want the doorbell, it's not a must-have, so you can skip it without missing out. One feature I like having on hand is Delivery Guard. It doesn't just notify you when a parcel arrives, it'll also give you a heads-up if someone's hanging around your doorstep so you can react. Thankfully, I've not had to experience it in action, but it's nice knowing it's got your back. Plus, with that second camera pointing down, I could always take a quick peek at the doorstep whenever I wanted. 6 Eufy E340 Video Doorbell, £159.99 £109.99 at Amazon BUY HERE For night vision, you get two choices: a subtle but effective black-and-white IR mode, and a full-colour spotlight mode that lights up faces near your door. The colour mode does lose a bit of clarity around the edges, but honestly, I'd much rather see who's there in colour than grey shadows. The Eufy app ties everything together nicely, and it's simple to use, quick to pull up live views, and makes it easy to filter clips by date or device. There wasn't the two-way talk lag that I've experienced on other doorbells like this, so speaking through it felt a lot more natural. 6 I also liked the quick-reply messages, perfect for those times when you're busy and can't have a proper chat but still want to get a message across. Battery life is solid too, with its 6,500 mAh battery; Eufy says it can last up to six months. I've been using mine for just under two, and I'm nowhere near needing to recharge yet, with about 70% still in the tank. If you don't want to worry about charging at all, you can wire it up and forget it. Sadly, I don't have existing wiring, so that wasn't an option for me. It's true, the E340 isn't the smallest doorbell around, but it's definitely one of the sleekest. It packs a bunch of smart features and sharp video quality without slapping you with subscription fees, just be ready for the upfront cost. If you want a doorbell that bolsters your home security without any sneaky costs, this one's a strong contender. How much is the Eufy E340? The E340 usually costs £159.99, but right now it's on sale for £109.99, which feels like a bargain for what you get. You're paying mid-to-high-end prices, but with 2K dual cameras, night vision, and local storage included, it's great value. Add the HomeBase S380 for another £160 if you want more storage, and the upfront cost does jump quite a bit. That said, compared to Ring's ongoing subscription fees for cloud storage, the Eufy starts to look like the smarter long-term deal. Where to buy the Eufy E340 You can pick up the Eufy E340 as a standalone unit, and right now it's on sale. It's available from most major UK retailers, including: Eufy E340 alternatives 6 If the Eufy E340 isn't quite what you're after, there are a few solid alternatives worth considering. The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus offers a sleeker design and sharp video, but just be ready for those subscription fees if you want full access to storage and extra features. Then there's the Ezviz EP3x Pro, which packs similar smart features and video quality, plus it throws in solar power for easy, hassle-free charging. For those on a budget, the Tapo D235 is a decent option with good video and handy features, though it doesn't have the same level of polish as the Eufy. The Eufy E340 is a smart move for anyone serious about home security, packing in two cameras, crystal-clear video, and zero subscription fees. Its quality feels more like a proper security cam, so you really get that extra peace of mind it brings. It's reliable, sharp, and clever enough not to drive you mad with false alarms. It's not the tiniest or cheapest doorbell out there, but it more than makes up for that with reliable performance and value that lasts. If you're done with flaky smart doorbells, this one's a solid investment that won't let you down.
Daily Mail
3 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Farmers turn their land into a cemetery in a dead creative way to make cash
A family of farmers have converted their land into a cemetery in a highly creative method of making cash. The owners of Castle View Farm in Bottesford, Leicestershire have transformed what was once an 'unproductive' 10-acre spring barley field into a new and innovative source of income. The 136-hectare family farm is run by husband and wife James and Claire Goodson and comprises of livery stables, a lake for fishing, alongside solar panels. Speaking about the challenges farmers face in generating unique sources of income, Ms Goodson, 54, told The Telegraph that many had been forced to 'diversify' as a result of Rachel Reeves ' inheritance tax raid. The new policy outlined in the October budget means farmers are set to pay inheritance tax on agricultural property and land worth more than £1million at a rate of 20 per cent - half the main base rate - from April 2026. With campaigners warning that the decision will likely affect almost all family farms, many looked towards alternative sources of income, such as selling produce or letting out space. But, Ms Goodson, who described the farming industry as 'really tough', has outlined her family's innovative use of their historical land in the hopes that it may inspire and encourage others. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Vale of Belvoir, Belvoir Castle and Lincoln, their once abandoned field is now capable of holding up to 7,500 burial plots at a cost of either £500 for an ashes plot of £1,400 for a full burial. While traditional gravestones are not on offer, wooden plaques placed at ground level ensure that the area is marked. The unique idea first came from their daughter Emily, a university student then aged 21, after the field's heavy clay meant it was no longer suitable for growing crops. After obtaining planning permission in 2021, the family set up their modern burial ground three years ago, prior to Chancellor Reeves' Autumn Budget. But for Ms Goodson, the timing is absolutely perfect - with the 'lovely' field now offering 'an easier way of bringing income' for their farming family while also providing 'wonderful views' for people to remember their loved ones. The couple, who also have a son James, are hopeful that the burial site will be used for generations of families in their community to come. Speaking to the BBC, Ms Goodson added: 'No-one wants to talk about death but I feel like more people are now. 'I find that this is a nicer alternative than maybe the churchyard or crematorium because they know they can come and visit a nice place.' With up to 50 plots set to be laid, several locals, despite being initially sceptical, have now praised the idea and even expressed a desire to get buried there themselves. Alongside providing a burial ground, the family also contribute to local wildlife and biodiversity, planting up top 93 trees that they eventually hope will comprise of bat boxes and owl boxes. They currently house hedgehog boxes, alongside a family of nine hares. In June, it was reported by The Telegraph that more than 40 Labour MPs are said to be considering a bid to water down looming changes to agricultural and business inheritance tax relief. The Government have previously insisted the measures - dubbed the 'family farm tax' and set to be in place from April 2026 - will only affect the wealthiest quarter of landowners. But the National Farmers' Union (NFU) and others say the impact of Ms Reeves' measures will be much more widespread. Critics claim the move could wipe out family-run farms with tight margins, as they will be forced to sell up in order to pay death duties. There have been months of demonstrations by farmers in response to the Chancellor's tax raid, including tractor protests in Wesminster. A 'rural growth group' of Labour MPs is now proposing the raising of the £1million cut-off point at which estates lose their tax reliefs. They have suggested estates receive full tax relief on the value of agricultural properties up to £10million, 50 per cent to £20million, and nil thereafter. Sam Rushworth, Labour MP for Bishop Auckland, who is a member of the group, told the newspaper they would 'consider what amendments to put down'. Mr Rushworth said: 'We are all keen to avoid amendments. I don't want it to get to that point. I am a Labour MP and I broadly support the Government.
Daily Mail
4 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Rolex founder 'was a suspected Nazi spy'
Secret service agents believed the German founder of Rolex was a Nazi spy, formerly classified documents at the National Archives reveal. MI5 feared Hans Wilsdorf should be blacklisted due to his 'strong' sympathies for Adolf Hitler's regime, The Telegraph reports. The Second World War papers, dated between 1941 and 1943, state that Wilsdorf was 'most objectionable' and 'suspected of espionage'. Despite his status as a naturalised British citizen, the papers suggest that MI5 viewed Wilsdorf as a potential threat to Allied interests during World War II. British authorities first became concerned that Wilsdorf supported the Nazis in 1941. A report that year from the British consul in Geneva said he was 'well known for his strong Nazi sympathies'. And, a 1941 letter from the Blacklist Section of the Ministry of Economic Warfare stated it was desirable to review blacklisting Wilsdorf, but noted it may not be in the best interests at the moment. Wilsdorf's blacklisting may have hurt Rolex and a large amount of overseas trade with the Empire countries, the papers revealed. A later report from 1943 stated: 'Wilsdorf and his wife are majority shareholders, and he is suspected of espionage on behalf of the enemy.' The documents also suggest that Wilsdorf's offer of free Rolex watches to British prisoners of war (POWs) may have been motivated by publicity rather than patriotism. 'The fact Rolex offered watches to Allied POWs in German camps suggested Wilsdorf was on the right side of history,' Jose Perez, a horological historian who discovered the existence of the MI5 file told the publication. 'But, I believe it was a stunt to gain favour with the British government,' he told the publication. Responding to the allegations, Rolex said it was well aware of the file in the National Archives and had constituted a team of historians for further research. Wilsdorf was born in Bavaria in 1881 but his parents died shortly afterwards. He moved to England in 1903 and started making watches in Hatton Garden before registering the name Rolex and marrying British-born Florence Crotty. In 1919, he based the company headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. Wilsdorf died in 1960, leaving his ownership stake in Rolex to the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation, which continues to own the company and supports charitable causes.
