Eufy S340 Vs E30 : Which One Is Better?

I’ve spent the last six months testing both the Eufy E30 and the S340 side by side at my house. My goal with this article is simple: figure out exactly which of these two dual-camera security cameras is the better buy for most people in 2025. I’ll share what I actually experienced, break down the key differences, and give you a clear winner based on real use, not just spec sheets.

A Brief Comparison Table

My Experience With Eufy E30

I mounted the E30 on the corner of my garage facing the driveway and backyard.

Right away I noticed how easy the setup was — the app guided me through everything in under ten minutes.

The 3K main lens gives sharp footage during the day. Colors look natural and details like license plates are readable from about 20 feet.

The 3x optical zoom is handy, but it’s not super crisp when you max it out.

At night the color night vision with the spotlight works well for close-up areas, but anything beyond 30 feet starts looking grainy.

The solar panel is small and sits on top. In my location (Southern California, lots of sun) it keeps the battery topped up nicely, and I only had to charge it manually once in six months.

Motion detection is reliable, and false alerts from swaying trees are rare thanks to the AI.

What surprised me most is how quiet the pan-tilt motor is. I can hear birds chirping in recordings without any mechanical noise. The build feels sturdy, and the white plastic doesn’t look cheap.

Overall, the E30 is a solid performer if you want good quality without spending extra. It does almost everything the more expensive S340 does, just with slightly less detail and zoom.

Also read: Comparison of Vitamix 5300 And Vitamix 7500

Pros Of Eufy E30

• Sharp 3K daytime footage: The main camera captures crisp, vibrant video that makes identifying people and vehicles straightforward even at moderate distances.
• Affordable price point: At roughly $150–$170, it delivers premium features without breaking the bank.
• Effective color night vision: The built-in spotlight produces natural-looking color footage up to about 30 feet in complete darkness.
• Reliable solar charging: The integrated panel keeps the battery charged in sunny regions with minimal manual intervention.
• Smooth and quiet pan-tilt: 360° horizontal and 70° vertical movement happens silently, so recordings stay clear of motor noise.
• Accurate AI detection: Human, vehicle, and pet recognition works well, cutting down on unnecessary notifications.
• Simple app interface: Eufy’s Home app is clean, fast, and easy to navigate for quick live views and playback.
• No monthly fees: All footage stays on the local microSD card with no cloud subscription required.
• Compact and discreet design: The camera doesn’t look overly bulky when mounted on a wall or eave.
• Weatherproof build: IP67 rating means it handles rain, heat, and cold without issues.

Cons Of Eufy E30

• Limited optical zoom: Only 3x magnification makes distant objects (beyond 40 feet) look soft and pixelated.
• Smaller solar panel: In shady or cloudy regions, the battery may require manual charging every few months.
• Lower main resolution: 3K is good but noticeably less detailed than the S340’s 4K sensor when zoomed or cropped.
• Night vision range: Color mode drops off quickly past 30 feet, forcing reliance on black-and-white IR in darker areas.
• No face recognition: Lacks the advanced facial identification feature found on the S340.
• Storage limited to 128GB: While sufficient for most users, heavy recording can fill the card faster than expected.
• Spotlight can be intrusive: The bright light sometimes startles visitors or neighbors at night.
• Tilt range could be better: 70° vertical coverage is decent but occasionally leaves blind spots above or below the camera.

My Experience With Eufy S340

I installed the S340 on the same corner post I used for the E30 so I could compare them directly. The first thing I noticed was the noticeably larger solar panel. It looks a bit bulkier, but it charges faster and handles cloudy days much better.

The 4K main camera is a clear step up. Daytime footage is incredibly detailed — I can read house numbers across the street (about 60 feet away). The 8x optical zoom is a game changer. When someone walks up my driveway, I can zoom in digitally without losing clarity, and the telephoto lens tracks them smoothly.

Night vision feels more versatile. The spotlight still provides color, but the dedicated IR mode kicks in seamlessly for longer-range black-and-white shots. Face recognition actually works; the camera tagged my wife and kids within a week, and I stopped getting alerts every time they came home.

Battery life is impressive. Even during a stretch of rainy days, the large solar panel kept it above 80 percent. The pan-tilt is just as quiet as the E30, and the build quality feels a notch higher.

The S340 costs more, but the extra resolution, zoom, and smarter AI make it feel worth it if you want the best possible footage.

Read more: Comparison of LiftMaster 98032 And 98022

Pros Of Eufy S340

• Stunning 4K main camera: Exceptional detail makes license plates and faces clear even at longer distances.
• Powerful 8x optical zoom: The dedicated telephoto lens delivers sharp zoomed-in footage without heavy pixelation.
• Large integrated solar panel: Charges faster and maintains battery level even in less sunny conditions.
• Extended battery life: Up to six months with solar support, meaning almost no manual charging needed.
• Advanced face recognition: Identifies familiar people and reduces false alerts from family members.
• Superior night vision range: Combines color spotlight with strong IR for clear footage beyond 50 feet.
• Smooth dual-lens tracking: The camera automatically switches between wide and telephoto lenses for seamless follow.
• No subscription required: Local storage and all smart features work without monthly fees.
• Robust weather resistance: IP67 rating and durable construction handle harsh conditions year-round.
• Intuitive app experience: Fast live view, quick clip saving, and reliable notifications.

Cons Of Eufy S340

• Higher price: Roughly $50–$80 more than the E30, which may not be justified for casual users.
• Slightly bulkier design: The larger solar panel makes the camera more noticeable on the wall.
• Overkill for small properties: If you only cover a short driveway, the extra resolution and zoom might not add much value.
• Face recognition takes time: It needs a few weeks of footage to reliably recognize faces.
• Spotlight can still be bright: The strong light may bother neighbors if pointed toward their property.
• Limited to 128GB storage: Heavy 4K recording fills the card faster than 3K footage on the E30.
• Minor app lag during zoom: Switching to telephoto occasionally has a half-second delay.

Maintenance Tips For Eufy E30

• Clean the solar panel monthly: Dust and pollen can reduce charging efficiency, so wipe it gently with a microfiber cloth.
• Check microSD card health quarterly: Use the Eufy app to format the card every six months to prevent corruption.
• Inspect mounting screws twice a year: Tighten any loose screws after storms to keep the camera stable.
• Update firmware regularly: New updates often improve AI accuracy and fix small bugs.
• Avoid direct hose spraying: While IP67 rated, high-pressure water can force moisture into seals over time.
• Trim nearby branches: Overhanging leaves can block the solar panel and trigger false motion alerts.
• Restart camera annually: A quick power cycle refreshes performance and clears minor glitches.
• Store spare microSD cards: Keep a backup 128GB card ready in case the original fails.

Maintenance Tips For Eufy S340

• Wipe solar panel bi-weekly: The larger surface collects more dirt, so clean it more often than the E30.
• Format microSD card every four months: 4K footage generates larger files and can wear the card faster.
• Check tilt mechanism seasonally: Make sure no debris is interfering with smooth vertical movement.
• Keep firmware current: Updates frequently enhance face recognition and zoom tracking.
• Position away from bird perches: Birds can leave droppings that block lenses or solar cells.
• Test spotlight brightness monthly: Ensure the light still activates properly for night vision.
• Backup important clips: Export key events to your phone or computer in case the card fails.
• Tighten wall mount yearly: High winds can loosen brackets over time.

Comparison With Other Brands

• Arlo Essential Spotlight: Requires a hub or subscription for full features, while both Eufy models are completely subscription-free.
• Ring Spotlight Cam Plus: Battery life is shorter and solar panel is an extra accessory, unlike the built-in panels on Eufy cameras.
• Blink Outdoor 4: Cheaper but resolution tops out at 1080p and lacks optical zoom entirely.
• Reolink Argus 3 Pro: Offers 4K but no dual-lens system, so you lose the long-range zoom capability of the S340.
• Wyze Cam v4: Extremely affordable but needs constant power or frequent battery swaps and has more privacy concerns.
• Google Nest Cam (battery): Excellent app and AI, but requires a subscription for most smart features and clips.
• TP-Link Tapo C425: Similar solar design and price to E30 but lacks the dual-lens zoom of the S340.
• Eufy S220 (older model): Predecessor to S340 with only 2K resolution and weaker solar charging.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion: For Both Products

After living with both cameras for months, here’s my honest take. If you want the absolute best image quality, zoom capability, and longest battery life, go for the S340 — it’s the clear winner for most serious users. But if your budget is tighter and you don’t need to read license plates from 50 feet away, the E30 still delivers fantastic performance for the price.

Whichever you choose, you’re getting a reliable, subscription-free security camera that performs well in real life. I’m happy with both, but if I had to pick one to keep permanently, I’d stick with the S340.