Eufy Smart Display E10: A Solid Security Companion with Notable Drawbacks
When friends and family seek advice on home security cameras, Eufy frequently tops my recommendation list. The brand boasts an extensive range of affordable products, featuring high-quality 4K video, solar power options, and no monthly subscription fees due to local video storage. Recently, this system gained an appealing addition: the Eufy Smart Display E10, a £179 device designed to enhance home monitoring.
Core Features and Functionality
The Eufy Smart Display E10 is an eight-inch touchscreen that rests on a dock, providing live footage from all connected Eufy security cameras, including video doorbells. Upon motion detection or a doorbell press, the screen illuminates, alerts users, and instantly streams live video. It supports viewing up to four camera feeds simultaneously and displays a detailed timeline of daily events, such as motion alerts, doorbell rings, door openings, and alarm triggers.
Equipped with a battery and a fold-out stand, the E10 can operate away from its dock, with battery life lasting two to three days in my experience. It also offers wall-mounting capabilities. For instance, when working upstairs with headphones on and a silenced phone, the E10 serves as a reliable desk companion, ready to notify me of visitors. Combined with Eufy's broader product catalogue—including door/window sensors, motion detectors, sirens, various cameras, expandable local storage, and a wall-mounted keypad—it forms a comprehensive security and alarm system.
Significant Limitations and Missed Opportunities
However, the Eufy Smart Display E10 comes with several notable catches, primarily centred on its restricted device compatibility. Firstly, it lacks integration with Eufy's robot vacuum cleaners. Although these are not security products, Eufy recently merged its security and cleaning systems into a single app for unified control. Adding robovac controls to the E10 display would allow users to start cleaning tasks directly from the screen, such as initiating a robot vacuum and mop after dinner, rather than reaching for a phone.
Additionally, the display could benefit from extra information, like weather forecasts and current outdoor temperatures. While it conveniently shows the time and date, enhancing the idle screen with more data would improve utility when not streaming camera footage.
The Major Compatibility Issue
The most significant limitation is the E10's inability to connect to smart home devices from other companies via communication protocols like Matter. Matter is emerging as a potential game-changer in the smart home sector, enabling devices from different manufacturers to communicate seamlessly through a single control point, eliminating the need for multiple apps and touchscreens.
For example, the TP-Link Tapo H500 acts as a Matter controller or bridge, ready to manage third-party smart plugs, bulbs, and more. Similarly, Apple's rumoured smart home display is expected to offer broad integration with devices from various companies. In contrast, Eufy adopts a walled garden approach, which, while effective for security—as seen with iPhones, Macs, and iPads—limits flexibility in the smart home market where greater compatibility is often preferred.
Competitive Landscape and User Considerations
Rivals to the Eufy E10 include the £170 Amazon Echo Hub, a wall-mountable touchscreen that functions as a smart home control centre and security camera monitor. With Alexa compatibility, it works with a wide array of other smart home products, such as heating systems. If invested in an Alexa ecosystem, the Echo Hub would be a compelling choice. Likewise, for those in the HomeKit system, Apple's anticipated device might be ideal.
As a user with multiple Eufy cameras and the company's smart home system, the E10 was a logical pick. Yet, I wish it offered extended functionality and device compatibility, rather than confining users to a closed environment. Embracing Matter support in a future successor could address these limitations, making the Eufy Smart Display E10 a more versatile and forward-thinking smart home hub.
