Latest news with #Eufy
The Independent
7 hours ago
- Business
- The Independent
Do home security systems require a subscription? Plans, costs and features explained
Monthly or annual subscriptions are an increasingly common part of owning a home security system. At their simplest, these fees cover the cost of cloud storage, since some security cameras and video doorbells don't save their recordings locally. Some security products also bundle extra features with the cloud storage fee, such as AI tools for identifying people, vehicles, animals, and other types of movement. Lastly, — and arguably most importantly — is the subscription tier that unlocks professional monitoring. This is where a specially trained call centre agent is alerted when your alarm is triggered and can check in on the situation and even call the emergency services on your behalf if it's clear that something is wrong. Brands like Eufy and Arlo produce security cameras, video doorbells and alarm systems with no subscription fee, as their footage is saved locally and they don't offer professional monitoring services. Alarm systems from Ring, Arlo and Nest charge a monthly fee for cloud video storage, while professionally monitored systems from the likes of SimpliSafe and Verisure charge for both video storage and their all-important connection to the call centre and emergency services. Before buying a system – or deciding whether a home security system subscription is worth it – it's important to know what you want, and to understand how the system works without a subscription. For example, cameras from Ring and Simplisafe don't save video unless you're subscribed, although you'll still be notified via their respective apps if the intruder alarm is triggered. Which brands offer home security subscriptions? Practically all home security companies offer a subscription. Ring is probably the most well-known, thanks to its ownership by Amazon and the popularity of its video doorbells. The company also sells a wide range of indoor and outdoor security cameras, a home alarm system, and accessories such as door/window sensors and solar panels to keep camera batteries charged. Its subscription service is called Ring Protect. Prices start at £4.99 a month for the Basic tier, rising to £7.99 for Standard and £15.99 for Premium. Ring offers a discount for annual subscriptions, with the same three tiers priced at £49.99, £79.99 and £159.99, respectively. Arlo is another security company that operates on a subscription model. Prices for Arlo Secure start at £5.49 a month or £54.90 a year for the Single Cam tier, rising to £11.99 a month or £119.90 a year for Secure Multi-Cam, and £16.99 or £169.90 for the range-topping Secure Plus plan. Separately, Arlo offers its CVR (continuous video recording) plan, which records 24/7 like a traditional CCTV camera, rather than only when motion is detected. This costs from £10.99 per month, per camera, and can get expensive for larger properties. Eufy's cloud storage starts £3.99 a month for one camera or video doorbell, or £12.99 for multiple devices. Unlike many others, this is purely optional, since Eufy's are among the few security cameras that have local storage. Moving up the scale, Simplisafe offers two subscription packages, priced at £19.99 and £27.99 a month. Verisure offers a similar level of protection, complete with professional monitoring, but starts from around £30 per month. What's included in a home security system subscription? The simplest security system subscriptions unlock cloud storage for video recordings. For Ring and Arlo customers, this is a crucial addition, since those cameras and video doorbells do not store footage any other way. Paid-for cloud storage is less of a necessity for Eufy owners since those cameras save video to a microSD card in the device itself, or to an optional base station elsewhere in your home. By paying for a cloud storage subscription, owners of the Ring Alarm system also unlock Alarm Calls – where your pre-defined list of emergency contacts will receive an automated call when your home alarm is triggered. The subscription also includes cellular backup where the alarm system automatically connects to the mobile phone network to maintain functionality if your home broadband goes offline. The first of Simplisafe's two subscription tiers is similar to what Ring offers, providing cloud video storage for all camera and doorbell recordings for £19.99 a month. The higher tier is when Simplisafe's professional monitoring comes into play where an agent can check what's going on (by viewing live camera feeds, with your prior consent) and call the emergency services on your behalf. If what's caused the alarm isn't clear, Simplisafe will dispatch an agent from Securitas to visit your home and assess the situation. This tier costs £27.99 a month, close to the £30 a month Verisure charges for a similar level of protection and professional monitoring. The pros and cons of home security subscriptions Pros Cons Some cameras don't function fully without a subscription Monthly costs can add up, especially for multiple devices Single-camera users may find local storage options better value Limited functionality if you stop paying the fee Buyers of a single security camera, or a video doorbell, might be frustrated by the need to pay every month for cloud storage. If you only want a single camera, you're best picking one that stores footage locally and requires no ongoing fee, like those from Eufy. However, if you plan to install a larger security system – complete with motion sensors, a siren, a keypad, door/window sensors, multiple security cameras and more – then paying a subscription feels much more reasonable. Ensuring your alarm system stays active and connected to the internet during a power cut or a broadband blackout is a clear positive, and some customers will like the reassurance of Ring's automated calling system, which can let neighbours or family members know when the alarm is triggered. At the top end of the market, paying a higher fee for professional monitoring makes lots of sense for customers who want an alarm system that's connected to the emergency services. Since many neighbours are unlikely to respond to the blaring of an alarm, knowing Simplisafe and Verisure proactively investigate every incident can bring huge peace of mind. Ultimately, choosing a subscription comes down to comparing the features you want with your budget. It's also worth remembering that some home security systems, like cameras from Arlo and entire product packages from Simplisafe, work in a very restricted way, or even not at all, if you stop paying the subscription. With these systems, it's best to look at the ongoing fee like an extension of other household bills, like home insurance, rather than an optional extra.
CNET
a day ago
- Business
- CNET
The Eufy X10 Pro Omni Vacuums and Mops for You, and It's $350 Off Right Now
Cleaning your own floors is quickly becoming a struggle of the past. Robot vacuums have come a long way in the past few years, which means that even advanced hybrid models that can both vacuum and mop are no longer prohibitively expensive. Especially when you can find them on sale. If you're looking to make the switch, then you won't want to miss this incredible offer on this versatile Eufy X10 Pro Omni. Amazon has slashed a whopping $350 off the usual price, which drops it back down to a record-low $550. However, this 39% discount could expire or sell out at any time, so you'll want to get your order in sooner rather than later if you don't want to miss out on these savings. The Eufy X10 offers an impressive 8,000 Pa of suction power to remove dirt and debris from your carpets. It comes with a self-charging and self-emptying station it can automatically visit when its battery is low or cleaning is complete. This station holds a 2.5-liter dustbin, which you'll need to replace only about every two months. When docked at the station, the Eufy X10 Pro Omni can automatically wash and dry its included mop pads, so it'll be ready for the next mopping session. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. One of the great things about this robot cleaner is that it can tackle messes on all different floor types. From picking up dirt from your carpets to mopping up tough messes in your kitchen, it's a versatile cleaner that's handy around the house. If you have pets, the auto-detangling roller brush is a helpful feature that automatically loosens and removes hair from the roller brush, so you don't have to pause the cleaning to manually untangle it. With the robot vacuum's AI-powered mapping tools, you can easily create no-go zones and virtual boundaries to set rooms or areas off-limits. The X10 Pro Omni also includes advanced obstacle avoidance, so it can navigate around stuff on the floor to avoid getting stuck or bumping into things like pet water bowls. If you aren't sold on the Eufy X10 Pro Omni robot vacuum, explore more on-sale options by checking out our roundup of the best vacuum deals. Why this deal matters This vacuum is back down to an all-time low, making it an excellent time to pick it up. This robot vac it's also usually a good deal because of the smart cleaner's two-in-one capabilities. Instead of spending extra money to buy a robot vacuum and a robot mop separately, you can opt for this multifunctional device and snag one cleaning tool that can handle all the floors in your home.
CNET
3 days ago
- Business
- CNET
The Excellent Eufy Robot Vacuum C10 Is Down to Its Lowest-Ever Price at Just $230
There are a few chores around the house you can automate, and one of the ones that feels best to do so is vacuuming. The world of modern robot vacuums is constantly improving, and because of that, it's also getting more and more affordable too. Right now, you can get the Eufy Robot Vacuum C10 while it's down to just $230. That's a 52% reduction, and an excellent price for a device that'll do your chores for you. Not only is this a great deal, but buying now could potentially save you money in the long run if you're planning to make upgrades on your electronics and smart home devices before tariffs hit. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. The Eufy app also gives you access to additional features, such as map management or scheduling so you can set the robot vacuum to clean your home while you're away. If you have Amazon Alexa, you can use the Eufy app to sync this robot vacuum to the hub and use voice controls. With enough space to hold debris for up to 60 days, upkeep is a cinch. Keep in mind that this robot vacuum only works with 2.4 Ghz band Wi-Fi and doesn't support 5GHz or other Wi-Fi bandwidths. If you're looking for a new vacuum but aren't sure if this deal is for you, we've also got lists of the best robot vacuums and best vacuum deals. Why this deal matters This Eufy robot vacuum C10 is self-emptying and down to its lowest-ever recorded price of $230. This saves you $250 on a budget-friendly robot vacuum that provides a ton of value, including voice controls. If you've been looking for a robot vacuum that won't blow your budget, this is a great time to nab this deal. Stocking up now might also help alleviate your budget down the line, as you might be able to avoid price increases due to impending tariffs.
Buzz Feed
5 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Buzz Feed
26 Products So Your Home Is Always Ready For Guests
A stylish shoe storage solution so you don't even need to think about lugging shoes into your closet before your guests arrive. (Have you ever been caught throwing shoes into your closet between your legs like a digging dog? Nope, just me?) It can store 12 pairs of shoes on its two racks, and the chic design makes it a perfect entryway table for dropping your keys, lighting a candle, or offering a breath mint for your visitors. An adorable waterproof laundry hamper in case you need to throw your dirty laundry (or that mound of lightly worn clothes you don't feel like washing or hanging back up) out of sight while running around like a headless chicken because your situationship just texted they'll be over in 10. This hamper even comes with a lid, so no one will see (or smell) all of those dirty socks you've been meaning to wash. Eufy's robotic vacuum — similar to the Roomba iRobot but more affordable — that'll quietly clean your hard floors and carpets so you won't need to run around tripping on a wired vacuum while people are walking up your driveway. It has a super slim profile to get under short tables and a powerful suction ability that'll *keep* your floors clean — you'll see dust you didn't even know was there. One less task for you to do every day! Some Scrubbing Bubbles toilet cleaning gel stamps because these gels freshen and fight stains with every flush, so you won't even have to *think* about cleaning the toilet before all your friends arrive for that impromptu reality TV night. Each stamp eliminates odor and can last up to 12 days, so you won't be caught gloved-up scrubbing the throne when the doorbell rings. Hope's Perfect Sink cleaner that'll impress guests with how sparkly your kitchen sink will look (even though you haven't washed it in days). The formula creates an invisible, water-repellent barrier that'll keep your sink squeaky clean for much longer! And it'll help replace that *lingering* dirty sink smell with a fresh lemony scent so that when your guests stroll by, they don't think it's the scent of whatever you're cooking. A quiet, remote-controlled essential oil diffuser because looking good starts by smelling good, and that includes your living space. You can set the mood by choosing between seven LED color options and adjusting the mist level (masking the fact that you forgot to put on deodorant in the cleaning chaos). With a full tank of water, this diffuser can mist for up to 18 hours — enough to keep your living room smelling like an orange grove or pine forest for the entire get-together. The cult-fave The Pink Stuff, aka a trustworthy solution when you need to quickly scrub down your stovetop that's covered in bacon grease from yesterday's breakfast. You can brush off the compliments like, "Oh yeah, my kitchen always looks this clean," while internally praising the *magic power* of this miracle paste that tackles dirt, grime, and stains. They'll never have to know you're make sure they always give you that 15-minute heads up. A Levoit air purifier to keep your air free of odors, dust, lint, hair, and, yes, pet dander — very helpful if your friend who always reminds you that she's *highly allergic to cats* is coming over to your feline-invested house. Just keep this purifier working quietly in the background and take a deeeep breath of clean, fresh air before the hectic hosting begins. A ChomChom pet hair remover when there's no time to whip out the vacuum cleaner, but your furry friend has turned your white couch beige with all their fur. It's a cult-followed item for good reason — just roll the brush on your couch or carpet as it magically collects all that hair, and you can easily empty it to reuse! A spare set of Beckham Hotel Collection pillows for when that casual night out for dinner turns into a bar crawl, and you have some unexpected overnight guests crashing at your place. These plush, breathable pillows feel like resting on a cloud, so your friends won't even be concerned that they're not tucked away in their own bed — in fact, don't be surprised if they show up again next week. And a bedside water carafe to quench their thirst when they wake up at 3 a.m. after one too many glasses of wine. Just place this glass jar near wherever they'll be sleeping beforehand, and you've won the Best Host Ever award! Seriously real-looking fake tulips because there's no way you have time to run out to the store and pick up some flowers to brighten up your space. Just throw a little water into a vase, plop in these silky faux flowers, and no one will know the difference. Cater to your monochrome vibe or get wild with a multicolor bundle to add a little ~pizzazz~ to your home! A 50-pack of disposable lettered hand towels that'll keep you prepared for any surprise drop-bys when you haven't had a chance to pull out the guest towels that no one is normally allowed to use. There's something about a little personalization and the convenience of a disposable option that really impresses me with a maybe that's just me. Reviewers also say they feel really nice and thick — talk about luxe! A small wicker basket for storing extra TP so your guests never have to ask you for more — we all know how embarrassing that can be. You could even fill it with your boujee soaps and lotions for an adorable way to *pretend* you're always ready for guests. A stair storage bin just *perfect* to contain the never-ending pile of stuff you toss on the stairs and swear you'll take up on your next trip (but never do). Now all you'll have to do is bring the basket upstairs in one trip instead of scrambling to balance every book, shoe, charger, and random gadget in your arms over many trips. Stackable storage bins to haphazardly "clean up" all of your kids' toys so they look nice and organized — but really are just thrown together in the same basket. Fill the bins up with anything you want to get out of the way, and the mess will basically be hidden in plain sight. And if you happen to have a free closet, you can even roll this away and no one will be the wiser! A protective spray in case your little ones seem to always leave a new set of fingerprint smudges around your house, and you've been losing the war of clean surfaces for too long — now you won't even need to bother with a last-minute wipe-down. This product creates a ceramic coating on stainless steel and glass that lasts for up to *12 months* so dirty appliances, windows, and mirrors aren't even a consideration when friends come to call. A faux leather storage ottoman for hiding any random clutter in your living room, because according to your aunt (who points out every detail you should have perfected), it's not supposed to look like you actually live in this room of your own freaking house. The reversible lid is also so convenient for hosting — you can use the cushioned side as an extra seat during charades or the sturdy wooden side as a side table during cocktail hour! A freestanding coat rack that'll serve as the cutest and easiest "catch-all" space instead of that random (but for some reason, distinctly designated) chair in your home you use to pile up all the jackets and scarves you don't want to hang up. This'll keep your entryway looking polished and organized with 12 hooks for your hats, bags, and jackets — and even a spot for umbrellas. A paraben-free soy wax candle for that oh-so-luxurious final touch of jasmine, oud, and sandalwood, because people who are put together always seem to have a candle burning. You know what they say, fake it until you make it! The cotton wick ensures a ~slow burn~ (which is just as important in candles as it is in romance novels) — and some reviewers say it fills the room with an amazing scent even when it's not lit! Some floor pillows so you'll have extra seating in a pinch, like when your cousin forgets to mention he's bringing his new girlfriend to game night. Just throw these cushioned, cozy floor pillows out and there'll be a seat at the table for everyone. A Swiffer PowerMop for any last-minute touches, because even though there's no bucket or wringing involved, the fresh, clean scent and spotless floor could have fooled me! This can save so much effort in cleaning your floors so that it's not a daunting task, but instead an easy chore to check off the list every time. A set of two refillable, diamond-cut glass hand soap dispensers that are a dead giveaway you love to host, simply by the fact that you actually take your soap out of the plastic bottle it comes in — impressive. It's also durable for protection against the more aggressive hand washers who come to visit. A floral-and-gold resin coaster pretty enough to leave out 24/7 and not just when you're scared about little kids (or your lifelong friends) coming over and putting a wet drink down on your nice furniture — the horror of a ring on a wooden table. A mini bar cart you can keep stocked with supplies for anything from a Hugo spritz to a good 'ol vodka cran so your home bar is ready to host at all times. If you don't drink alcohol but are really into your morning cup of joe, you can also make the coolest coffee station with every syrup and fancy mug on the market! Maybe it'll even put the Dunkin' setup to shame. And finally, a countertop ice maker because there's not a second to spare to grab ice from the store, but we all know a lukewarm bev is the ultimate party killer. In only six minutes, you'll have your first batch (about nine cubes) of bullet ice so you can get the party started and serve some kickass cocktails with zero ice tray slamming *or* overnight prep involved. Now you'll *truly* mean it when you say, "My pleasure!" All right, now it's time to embrace your inner Monica Geller and get to cleaning! 15 minutes on the Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
CNET
6 days ago
- CNET
An Innovative New Security Camera Has a Solar Panel that Follows the Sun
I've tested solar panels for home security cameras before – almost every brand has one nowadays, and they're an easy way to use wireless cams and keep their batteries full. But mounting those little solar panels in the right spots can be a pain, which is why I'm fascinated by Baseus S2's solution: A built-in solar panel that moves. This camera, currently available for preorder at $130, includes a solar panel on top similar to Eufy's model but with one big difference. This panel is designed to rotate back and forth around the camera's cylindrical body, automatically tracking the sunlight to recharge the battery as much as possible. That unique solution could help batteries stay topped off more easily, but it's not the only thing I like about this Baseus cam. It also has a 4K resolution, AI recognition features with face detection and built-in local storage without subscriptions. The IP67 rating is higher than most outdoor cams for weather resistance, and it offers compatibility with Alexa and Google voice assistants. The Baseus S2 officially goes on sale in a few days on July 20th, but you can preorder one now if you don't want to wait. I'll be testing this model in the hot summer sun to see just how well that moving solar panel performs, and how it stands up to common issues like dusty weather.
