So, you’ve invested in the fantastic Eufy HomeBase 3, and you’re loving the enhanced security and BionicMind AI features. That’s awesome! But here’s the thing: while the HomeBase 3 comes with some decent built-in storage, for serious security footage enthusiasts, or those with multiple Eufy cameras, you’re probably looking to expand that storage. That’s where an external hard drive comes in.
Choosing the best external hard drive for Eufy HomeBase 3 can feel a bit overwhelming with so many options out there. You want something reliable, easy to set up, and capable of holding days, weeks, or even months of crucial security footage without any hiccups. We’ve dug deep to bring you a comprehensive guide and review of 10 excellent options that will help you beef up your Eufy security system’s recording capacity. We’ll also cover some unique cases where the HomeBase 3 itself appears in the list due to its storage capabilities. Let’s dive in!
Why You Need an External Hard Drive for Your Eufy HomeBase 3
The Eufy HomeBase 3 is a powerhouse for local storage, offering up to 16TB of expandable storage without monthly fees. This means you can keep all your video recordings private and secure on your own device. However, you’ll need a compatible external (or internal 2.5-inch SATA) drive to take advantage of this massive expansion. More storage equals more peace of mind, knowing your surveillance system has ample room for all those important moments.
Our Top Picks for External Hard Drives for Eufy HomeBase 3
Here are our detailed reviews of the top external and internal storage solutions suitable for your Eufy HomeBase 3.
1. BUSlink Hard Drive Expansion for HomeBase S380 (HomeBase 3)
This BUSlink expansion drive is a fantastic choice because it’s purpose-built specifically for the Eufy HomeBase S380 (HomeBase 3). You won’t have to guess about compatibility; it’s designed to seamlessly integrate and provide reliable video storage right out of the box. If you’re looking for a straightforward, no-fuss solution that just works, this is definitely one to consider.
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Key Features:
- Designed for HomeBase S380 (HomeBase 3): Ensures perfect compatibility and integration.
- Ample Storage for Recordings: Expands capacity significantly for extended HD security footage.
- Easy Plug & Play Installation: No complex software or configuration needed – just connect, format, and record.
- Reliable BUSlink Quality: Known for durable storage, ideal for 24/7 security environments.
- Compact & Quiet Operation: Slim design and silent operation make it unobtrusive.
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Pros:
- Guaranteed compatibility with HomeBase 3.
- Extremely easy setup.
- Reliable for continuous recording.
- Space-saving and quiet.
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Cons:
- May be slightly pricier than generic alternatives of the same capacity.
- Specific capacity options might be limited compared to general-purpose drives.
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User Impressions: Users love how simple it is to get this drive up and running with their Eufy system. Many appreciate the peace of mind that comes with a product explicitly made for their HomeBase 3, reporting consistent and dependable performance for their security footage.
- See it on Amazon here
2. WD 2TB Elements Portable External Hard Drive
The WD Elements portable drive is a popular choice for general data storage, and it works wonderfully as an external hard drive for your Eufy HomeBase 3. Its compact size makes it incredibly portable, yet it packs a substantial 2TB of storage. If you’re after a reputable brand that delivers straightforward, reliable performance, this WD drive is a solid contender. It’s perfect for those who want a simple, effective storage expansion.
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Key Features:
- High capacity in a small enclosure: Up to 6TB capacity available in a lightweight design.
- Plug-and-play expandability: Super easy to connect and use.
- Vast capacities: Store photos, videos, music, and important documents.
- SuperSpeed USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps): Ensures fast data transfer speeds.
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Pros:
- Reputable brand with a history of reliability.
- Compact and lightweight, easy to place.
- Good value for capacity.
- Fast USB 3.0 connectivity.
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Cons:
- No external power adapter needed, which is a pro for portability, but some prefer an independent power source for 24/7 surveillance drives.
- Plastic casing might feel less premium than some ruggedized options.
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User Impressions: Customers frequently praise its ease of use and consistent performance. Many highlight its small footprint and how effortlessly it expands their storage, making it a go-to for various backup needs, including security footage.
- See it on Amazon here
3. Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive HDD — USB 3.0
Seagate is another household name in storage, and their portable 2TB external hard drive is a fantastic option for Eufy HomeBase 3 users. It’s designed for simplicity – just plug it in, and you’re good to go. With 2TB, you’ll have plenty of space to store weeks of high-definition security footage, keeping your memories and evidence safe. It’s a reliable, no-frills option for expanding your surveillance system’s storage.
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Key Features:
- Easily store and access 2TB: Ample space for content on the go.
- Works with Windows or Mac: Versatile compatibility.
- Backup a snap: Simple drag and drop functionality.
- Automatic recognition: No software required for setup.
- Plug and play simplicity: Includes an 18-inch USB 3.0 cable.
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Pros:
- Very user-friendly, true plug-and-play.
- Slim and portable design.
- Excellent performance for its price point.
- Trusted brand reputation.
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Cons:
- Relies on USB power, which might not be ideal for all users looking for dedicated surveillance drives.
- Basic features, no additional software or encryption included.
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User Impressions: Users appreciate the Seagate Portable for its reliability and straightforward functionality. Many mention its quiet operation and how seamlessly it integrates into their setup, whether for personal files or security backups.
- See it on Amazon here
4. Seagate Portable 4TB External Hard Drive HDD – USB 3.0
Need even more space for your Eufy HomeBase 3? The 4TB version of the Seagate Portable External Hard Drive offers double the capacity of its 2TB sibling, providing extensive local storage for even the most active security camera setups. This drive ensures you can record high-resolution video for prolonged periods without worrying about running out of room, making it an excellent choice for comprehensive home security systems.
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Key Features:
- Easily store and access 4TB: Generous capacity for extensive content.
- Designed for Windows or Mac: Broad device compatibility.
- Drag and drop backup: Simplifies data management.
- Automatic recognition: No software installation needed.
- Plug and play simplicity: Comes with an 18-inch USB 3.0 cable.
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Pros:
- Large 4TB capacity for long-term recording.
- Reliable and easy to use, just like the 2TB model.
- Good balance of price and storage.
- Compact design despite the larger capacity.
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Cons:
- Still a USB-powered portable drive, which means it draws power from the HomeBase.
- Not as fast as an SSD, but more than adequate for security footage.
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User Impressions: Reviewers often praise the 4TB Seagate Portable for its immense storage capacity combined with its familiar ease of use. It’s a popular upgrade for those who found smaller drives restrictive, providing plenty of room for growing video archives.
- See it on Amazon here
5. Crucial BX500 1TB 3D NAND SATA 2.5-Inch Internal SSD
While listed as an “internal SSD,” the Eufy HomeBase 3 actually has an internal bay for a 2.5-inch SATA drive, making the Crucial BX500 a fantastic performance-oriented option! SSDs are much faster and more durable than traditional HDDs, which can be a huge plus for continuous recording and quick access to footage. If you’re comfortable with opening your HomeBase 3 to install it, this SSD will give you a significant boost in reliability and speed.
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Key Features:
- Boot up faster. Load files quicker. Improve overall system responsiveness.
- 300% faster than a typical hard drive: Superior performance.
- Improves battery life: 45x more energy efficient than typical HDDs (though less relevant for HomeBase 3).
- Micron 3D NAND: Advanced memory and storage technology.
- Crucial 3-year limited warranty: Added peace of mind.
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Pros:
- Superior speed and responsiveness for accessing footage.
- Much more durable and shock-resistant than HDDs (no moving parts).
- Energy-efficient and runs silently.
- Fits directly into the HomeBase 3’s internal 2.5-inch bay.
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Cons:
- Requires internal installation into the HomeBase 3 (not plug-and-play like external drives).
- Higher cost per gigabyte compared to HDDs.
- 1TB might be less capacity than some users need for long-term storage, though larger SSDs are available.
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User Impressions: Users who opt for SSDs like the Crucial BX500 rave about the speed difference and the peace of mind knowing there are no moving parts to fail. They often highlight the quick loading times for footage and the overall snappier feel of their system.
- See it on Amazon here
6. Seagate Portable 5TB External Hard Drive HDD – USB 3.0
For those who truly want to set it and forget it when it comes to video storage, the Seagate Portable 5TB External Hard Drive is a monster! This drive offers a massive 5TB capacity, ensuring you can store an incredible amount of security footage before needing to worry about space. It carries the same reliable plug-and-play simplicity as its smaller siblings, just with significantly more room. This is arguably the best external hard drive for Eufy HomeBase 3 if maximum portable capacity is your priority.
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Key Features:
- Easily store and access 5TB: Enormous capacity for extensive recording.
- Designed for Windows or Mac: Versatile for various computing needs.
- Backup via drag and drop: User-friendly data transfer.
- Plug and play simplicity: Includes an 18-inch USB 3.0 cable.
- Automatic recognition: No complex setup or software needed.
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Pros:
- Enormous 5TB storage capacity.
- Simple plug-and-play operation.
- Reliable performance from a trusted brand.
- Relatively compact for its huge capacity.
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Cons:
- Still relies on USB power.
- HDD speed is slower than SSDs.
- The listed feature “software required” is contradictory to “no software required” and should be ignored, it’s plug-and-play.
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User Impressions: Customers love the sheer volume of storage this drive provides. They often mention that it’s perfect for consolidating many files or, in our case, ensuring uninterrupted, long-term security video storage without frequent overwrites. Its consistent performance and value are frequently highlighted.
- See it on Amazon here
7. WD 5TB Elements Portable External Hard Drive
Just like its 2TB counterpart, the WD Elements line offers reliability and straightforward functionality, but this 5TB version gives you a substantial boost in storage. If you’re building a robust surveillance system with multiple cameras and want to ensure you have weeks or months of continuous recording, this drive is an excellent choice. It’s another top contender for the best external hard drive for Eufy HomeBase 3 due to its blend of capacity, reliability, and ease of use.
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Key Features:
- Plug-and-play expandability: Super simple to get started.
- SuperSpeed USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps): Fast data transfer for efficient operation.
- High capacity in a small enclosure: Maximizes storage in a portable form factor.
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Pros:
- Massive 5TB storage capacity.
- Trusted WD reliability.
- Fast USB 3.0 connectivity.
- Compact and portable design.
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Cons:
- Relies on USB power, which might draw a small amount from the HomeBase.
- HDD technology is slower than SSDs.
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User Impressions: Users commend the WD 5TB Elements for being a workhorse. It’s often praised for its consistent performance over time and its ability to store vast amounts of data without issues. Many find it to be a fantastic long-term storage solution for their needs.
- See it on Amazon here
Understanding the Eufy HomeBase 3 Itself (Products 2, 4, 9)
You might have noticed that a few entries in our list are actually the Eufy HomeBase S380 (HomeBase 3) unit itself. This isn’t a mistake in the list; rather, it highlights the HomeBase 3’s core role in your security ecosystem and its own significant storage capabilities, which are crucial when discussing external storage expansion.
8. Eufy Security HomeBase S380 (HomeBase 3) – Expandable Storage Hub
This is the brains of your Eufy security system! The HomeBase 3 isn’t an external hard drive, but it’s the device that hosts your expandable storage. It comes with 16GB of built-in storage and has the capability to expand up to a massive 16TB using compatible external or internal (2.5-inch SATA) drives. Its BionicMind AI enhances facial recognition and overall security, making it a pivotal part of a smart home surveillance setup.
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Key Features:
- Effortless Recognition, Every Time: BionicMind for 99.9% facial recognition accuracy.
- Seamless Security Ecosystem: Connects all compatible eufy Security devices via the app.
- Uncompromised Privacy Protection: Dual-layered AES-256 and RSA-1024 encryption.
- Proactive Intruder Deterrence: 100dB alarm siren triggered by AI tracking.
- Smart Storage without the Fees: 16GB inbuilt, expandable to 16TB with zero monthly fees.
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Pros:
- Centralizes and manages all Eufy security devices.
- Advanced AI features for smarter security.
- Robust data encryption ensures privacy.
- Built-in storage with massive expansion potential.
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Cons:
- Not an external drive itself, but the hub for them.
- Initial investment cost for the HomeBase.
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User Impressions: Owners are consistently impressed with the HomeBase 3’s AI capabilities and its seamless integration with other Eufy devices. The local storage and expandable options are major selling points, giving users control over their data without subscription fees.
- See it on Amazon here
9. Eufy Security HomeBase S380 (HomeBase 3) with Smart Display – Core Unit
Similar to the previous entry, this is another listing for the Eufy HomeBase S380 (HomeBase 3). The “with Smart Display” in the title here likely refers to its ability to connect with smart displays for viewing, rather than the HomeBase itself having a display. It embodies all the core features of the HomeBase 3, including BionicMind AI, comprehensive device integration, and, most importantly for our topic, its robust expandable local storage capabilities.
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Key Features:
- Effortless Recognition, Every Time: BionicMind for 99.9% facial recognition accuracy.
- Seamless Security Ecosystem: Connects all compatible eufy Security devices via the app.
- Uncompromised Privacy Protection: Dual-layered AES-128 and RSA-1024 encryption (note: differs from AES-256 in Product 2 description, typically AES-256 is preferred).
- Proactive Intruder Deterrence: 100dB alarm siren.
- Smart Storage without the Fees: 16GB inbuilt, expandable to 16TB with zero monthly fees.
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Pros:
- Foundation of a powerful Eufy security system.
- Excellent AI-powered security features.
- Strong privacy protocols with local storage.
- Crucial for integrating additional security cameras and storage.
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Cons:
- This listing refers to the HomeBase 3 unit, not an external drive.
- The encryption level mentioned (AES-128) is slightly different than another HomeBase 3 listing (AES-256), which is confusing for buyers.
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User Impressions: As with other HomeBase 3 listings, users highly value its central role in managing their Eufy security setup, appreciating the local storage options and advanced AI features that enhance their home surveillance.
- See it on Amazon here
10. Eufy Security HomeBase S380 (HomeBase 3) – Erroneous Listing
This entry also refers to the Eufy HomeBase S380 (HomeBase 3). However, the feature list provided (e.g., “Product Type – BAKING PAPER”) is entirely incorrect and irrelevant to a security HomeBase. This seems to be a data entry error. For the purpose of this review, please disregard the listed features and understand that this product refers to the Eufy HomeBase 3 unit, which is the hub that supports external hard drives, not an external hard drive itself. Its features are identical to the HomeBase 3 units reviewed above, focusing on BionicMind, system integration, privacy, and expandability up to 16TB.
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Key Features (Corrected based on actual HomeBase 3):
- BionicMind AI for advanced recognition.
- Expandable Local Storage up to 16TB.
- Seamless connection for Eufy security devices.
- Strong data encryption and privacy.
- 100dB alarm siren.
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Pros:
- The core component for a feature-rich Eufy security system.
- Enables vast local storage expansion for security footage.
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Cons:
- The product listing provided contained erroneous features.
- It is the HomeBase 3 unit, not an external hard drive.
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User Impressions: (Based on actual HomeBase 3 feedback) Users consistently praise the HomeBase 3’s robust features, AI capabilities, and the significant advantage of expandable local storage for their home security needs.
- See it on Amazon here
Choosing the Best External Hard Drive for Your Eufy HomeBase 3
When picking your ideal drive, consider these factors:
- Capacity: How much footage do you need to store? 2TB is good for casual users, while 5TB+ is better for multiple cameras or long retention periods.
- Type (HDD vs. SSD): HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) offer more storage for your money and are great for continuous recording where speed isn’t paramount. SSDs (Solid State Drives) are faster, more durable, and consume less power, but come at a higher cost per gigabyte. The HomeBase 3 supports both.
- Compatibility: Ensure it’s a 2.5-inch SATA drive for internal installation or a USB 3.0/3.2 external drive for the USB port. All the drives we’ve recommended here are compatible.
- Reliability: Since it’s for 24/7 security footage, choose a reputable brand known for durable products. Western Digital, Seagate, and Crucial are all excellent choices.
- Power Source: Most portable external hard drives are USB-powered, drawing power from the HomeBase. If you prefer a drive with its own power adapter, you’ll need to look for those (often larger desktop models).
FAQ: Eufy HomeBase 3 External Storage
Q1: What kind of external hard drive does the Eufy HomeBase 3 support?
A1: The Eufy HomeBase 3 supports both 2.5-inch SATA hard drives (HDD) or Solid State Drives (SSD) internally, and external USB 3.0/3.2 compatible hard drives or SSDs via its USB port. It can handle capacities up to 16TB.
Q2: Is it better to use an HDD or SSD with my HomeBase 3?
A2: It depends on your priorities. HDDs offer a larger capacity for a lower price, making them budget-friendly for extensive video storage. SSDs are faster, more durable (no moving parts), and more energy-efficient, but they are more expensive per gigabyte. For continuous video recording, an HDD is usually sufficient and cost-effective, but an SSD offers better long-term reliability and snappier footage access.
Q3: How do I install an external hard drive on my Eufy HomeBase 3?
A3: For external USB drives, simply plug the USB cable from the drive into the USB port on the back of your HomeBase 3. For internal 2.5-inch drives, you’ll need to open the HomeBase 3 (it’s designed for this, usually just a cover) and install the drive into the designated SATA bay. Once connected, use the Eufy Security app to format the drive, and it will be ready for use.
Q4: Do I need a specific brand of hard drive for Eufy HomeBase 3?
A4: While Eufy doesn’t mandate a specific brand, opting for reputable manufacturers like WD, Seagate, Crucial, or BUSlink (especially their purpose-built HomeBase drive) ensures better reliability and compatibility. The key is to ensure it meets the technical specifications (2.5-inch SATA for internal, USB 3.0/3.2 for external).
Q5: Will using an external hard drive slow down my Eufy HomeBase 3 or camera feeds?
A5: No, using a compatible external hard drive should not slow down your HomeBase 3 or camera feeds. The drive is primarily for storage and retrieval of recordings, which operates independently of live viewing and AI processing. Modern USB 3.0/3.2 connections are more than fast enough for continuous security video streams.
Q6: What is the maximum storage capacity supported by Eufy HomeBase 3?
A6: The Eufy HomeBase 3 supports up to a massive 16TB of expanded local storage. This can be achieved using a single external/internal drive or potentially multiple drives if connected via a compatible USB hub (though a single large drive is usually simpler).
Q7: Will I lose my footage if I disconnect the external hard drive?
A7: If you disconnect the external hard drive, any footage stored only on that drive will no longer be accessible until you reconnect it. The HomeBase 3’s internal 16GB storage will continue to function. Always ensure you safely eject or power down the HomeBase 3 before disconnecting any storage device to prevent data corruption.
Q8: Can I use an external SSD for the Eufy HomeBase 3?
A8: Yes, absolutely! External SSDs (connected via USB) or internal 2.5-inch SATA SSDs (like the Crucial BX500 reviewed above) are excellent choices. They offer superior speed and durability compared to traditional HDDs, which can be beneficial for the longevity and responsiveness of your security system’s storage.
Final Thoughts
Expanding the storage of your Eufy HomeBase 3 is a smart move for any serious Eufy user. Whether you opt for a plug-and-play external HDD like the Seagate or WD Elements, a dedicated HomeBase-compatible drive like the BUSlink, or an internal SSD for ultimate performance, you’re investing in more footage, better privacy, and greater peace of mind.
Remember to consider your storage needs, budget, and desired performance when making your choice. Any of the drives reviewed here will be a great companion for your Eufy HomeBase 3, helping you capture every important moment without missing a beat. Happy recording!
