When it comes to home security, Eufy has carved out a fantastic reputation for its robust cameras and local storage solutions. But as your footage accumulates, you might start thinking about boosting that storage capacity. While the term “eufy external hard drive” might conjure images of a drive plugged into a USB port, Eufy’s HomeBase 3 (S380) actually uses an internal drive bay for expansion. This allows for seamless, secure local storage, ensuring your video evidence is kept safe, private, and readily accessible without monthly cloud fees.
Choosing the right drive for your Eufy system – or for general video storage alongside your Eufy setup – is key. Whether you’re looking to expand your HomeBase 3’s capabilities or simply need reliable storage for offloaded footage, we’ve got you covered. We’ve dug deep to find the top 7 hard drive options that could significantly enhance your Eufy security ecosystem, addressing various needs from direct HomeBase expansion to general-purpose video archiving. Let’s dive in!
1. BUSlink HB4TBHDD 4TB Hard Drive Expansion for Eufy HomeBase
If you own a Eufy HomeBase S380 (HomeBase 3) and are looking for the most straightforward, purpose-built storage expansion, the BUSlink HB4TBHDD is your go-to. This 4TB drive is specifically designed as an internal expansion for your HomeBase 3, making installation incredibly simple – it’s practically plug-and-play. It offers ample space to store years of security footage from multiple EufyCam 3 or E330 cameras, ensuring you never miss a moment and keep all your sensitive data securely stored locally.
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Key Features:
- Capacity: Expands your HomeBase S380 (HomeBase 3) with 4TB of storage.
- Compatibility: Designed specifically as an expansion drive for the HomeBase S380 (HomeBase 3).
- Easy Installation: Simply plug and play into your HomeBase S380’s available drive bay.
- Compatible with HomeBase 3 for S330 eufyCam (eufyCam 3), S300 eufyCam (eufyCam 3C), eufyCam E330 (Professional).
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Pros:
- Seamless integration with Eufy HomeBase 3.
- No complex setup required.
- High capacity for extensive video storage.
- Ensures local, private data storage.
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Cons:
- Only compatible with HomeBase 3 (S380).
- Might be overkill for users with minimal cameras or less footage.
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User Impressions: Customers rave about the ease of installation and the perfect fit for their HomeBase 3, praising how it effortlessly expands their local storage, giving them peace of mind regarding footage retention.
- See it on Amazon here
2. Western Digital 1TB WD Blue Mobile Hard Drive HDD – 2.5 Inch
The Western Digital WD Blue Mobile HDD is a fantastic general-purpose 2.5-inch internal hard drive known for its reliability. While not purpose-built for Eufy like the BUSlink, its 2.5-inch form factor and SATA interface make it a potential candidate for internal expansion in your Eufy HomeBase 3, provided it meets specific HomeBase 3 capacity and drive type requirements (HomeBase 3 supports both HDDs and SSDs). Beyond Eufy, it’s a stellar choice for laptops or as a versatile drive for backing up your Eufy footage to a separate PC.
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Key Features:
- Reliable everyday computing.
- WD quality and reliability.
- Free Acronis True Image WD Edition cloning software.
- WD F.I.T. Lab certified to work with a wide range of high-performance PC configurations.
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Pros:
- Highly reliable brand and product.
- Compact 2.5-inch form factor.
- Versatile for various applications, including potentially HomeBase 3 expansion.
- Comes with useful cloning software.
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Cons:
- 1TB might be limiting for extensive video storage over time.
- Compatibility with HomeBase 3 needs to be verified based on HomeBase 3’s specific drive requirements (though generally 2.5-inch SATA HDDs work).
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User Impressions: Users consistently praise WD Blue drives for their consistent performance and solid value, often citing them as their go-to for laptop upgrades and reliable storage.
- See it on Amazon here
3. Crucial BX500 1TB 3D NAND SATA 2.5-Inch Internal SSD
For those who prioritize speed and efficiency, the Crucial BX500 SSD is a game-changer. This 1TB 2.5-inch internal SSD offers significantly faster boot times and file loading compared to traditional hard drives. If your Eufy HomeBase 3 can benefit from an SSD upgrade (which it can, supporting 2.5-inch SATA SSDs for internal expansion), this drive will ensure even snappier access to your footage. It’s also incredibly energy-efficient and durable, making it a great choice for long-term, reliable service.
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Key Features:
- Boot up faster. Load files quicker. Improve overall system responsiveness.
- 300% faster than a typical hard drive.
- Improves battery life because it’s 45x more energy-efficient than a typical hard drive.
- Micron 3D NAND – advancing the world’s memory and storage technology for 40 years.
- Crucial 3-year limited warranty.
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Pros:
- Significantly faster performance than HDDs.
- More energy-efficient, potentially reducing heat.
- Durable with no moving parts.
- Reputable brand with a good warranty.
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Cons:
- Higher cost per gigabyte than traditional HDDs.
- 1TB might still be insufficient for years of multi-camera 4K footage.
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User Impressions: Customers love the instant performance boost and quiet operation of the BX500. It’s a popular choice for revitalizing older laptops and building responsive systems, which translates well for consistent HomeBase 3 operation.
- See it on Amazon here
4. Seagate BarraCuda 2TB Internal Hard Drive HDD – 3.5 Inch
The Seagate BarraCuda is a household name in reliable internal storage, offering a generous 2TB capacity. However, it’s important to note that this is a 3.5-inch drive, meaning it’s generally not compatible for direct internal expansion with the Eufy HomeBase 3 (which uses 2.5-inch drives). Where this drive shines, though, is as a workhorse for your personal computer or dedicated media server. It’s perfect for storing large archives of Eufy footage you’ve offloaded, or for general PC gaming, video editing, and extensive file storage, making it a valuable addition to any Eufy user’s broader data management strategy.
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Key Features:
- Store more, compute faster, and do it confidently with the proven reliability of BarraCuda internal hard drives.
- Build a powerhouse gaming computer or desktop setup with a variety of capacities and form factors.
- The go-to SATA hard drive solution for nearly every PC application—from music to video to photo editing to PC gaming.
- Confidently rely on internal hard drive technology backed by 20 years of innovation.
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Pros:
- Excellent reliability and performance for its class.
- Generous 2TB capacity.
- Cost-effective storage solution.
- Ideal for desktop PCs and general storage needs.
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Cons:
- Not compatible for direct internal expansion with Eufy HomeBase 3 due to its 3.5-inch size.
- Slower than SSDs.
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User Impressions: BarraCuda drives are frequently lauded for their excellent balance of price, performance, and reliability, making them a popular choice for general desktop storage and backup.
- See it on Amazon here
5. Western Digital 1TB WD Blue SA510 SATA Internal Solid State Drive – 2.5 Inch
Another strong contender in the SSD space, the WD Blue SA510 provides 1TB of solid-state storage with the dependable Western Digital quality. Like the Crucial BX500, this is a 2.5-inch SATA internal SSD, making it a viable option for those looking to upgrade the internal storage of their Eufy HomeBase 3. An SSD can offer quicker access to specific video clips and generally improve the responsiveness of the HomeBase’s internal storage operations, which is crucial when dealing with continuous video recording.
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Key Features:
- Storage Capacity: 1 TB.
- Wireless LAN: No.
- Drive Interface: SATA.
- Drive Type: Internal.
- Form Factor: 2.5″.
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Pros:
- Fast data access and transfer speeds.
- Reliable performance from a trusted brand.
- Durable with no moving parts, ideal for continuous operation.
- Energy efficient.
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Cons:
- Higher price point compared to HDDs.
- 1TB might require occasional footage management for extensive Eufy setups.
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User Impressions: Users frequently commend the WD Blue SA510 for its consistent speed improvements over traditional hard drives and its overall ease of installation, noting it’s a solid upgrade for various devices.
- See it on Amazon here
6. Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive HDD — USB 3.0
This Seagate Portable 2TB drive is a classic example of an “eufy external hard drive” in the traditional sense, but it’s crucial to understand its role. While it won’t directly expand the internal storage of your Eufy HomeBase 3, this USB-powered external drive is fantastic for convenient, on-the-go backup. You can use it to quickly transfer and store Eufy footage offloaded from your HomeBase to a computer, ensuring an extra layer of backup security. Its plug-and-play simplicity and compact design make it incredibly user-friendly for any Eufy user needing supplementary, portable storage.
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Key Features:
- Easily store and access 2TB of content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap—just drag and drop.
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition—no software required.
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18-inch USB 3.0 cable.
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Pros:
- Highly portable and lightweight.
- No external power supply needed (USB powered).
- Generous 2TB capacity for its size.
- Simple plug-and-play operation for PCs.
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Cons:
- Not compatible for direct internal storage expansion with Eufy HomeBase 3.
- Slower than SSDs for large file transfers.
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User Impressions: Customers love its simplicity, portability, and reliability for general backup needs, making it a popular choice for anyone needing extra storage for photos, videos, or documents.
- See it on Amazon here
7. Seagate Skyhawk 6TB Video Internal Hard Drive HDD – 3.5 Inch
The Seagate Skyhawk is a specialized drive built from the ground up for surveillance systems, making it an excellent choice for a dedicated Network Video Recorder (NVR) or Digital Video Recorder (DVR) setup if you’re taking your Eufy security beyond the HomeBase. With a massive 6TB capacity and optimized for continuous recording from up to 64 HD cameras, this 3.5-inch drive is designed for peak performance with minimal dropped frames. While it’s too large for direct internal use in the Eufy HomeBase 3, it’s perfect for a separate server where you might offload or integrate high volumes of Eufy footage, offering superior reliability and longevity for critical video storage.
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Key Features:
- Built faster for video DVR and NVR security camera systems, SkyHawk delivers video-optimized storage.
- Support workloads of up to 180TB/year—that’s 64 simultaneously streaming HD cameras with little to zero dropped frames.
- Quieter—with built-in RV sensors to allow drives to maintain performance in multi-bay systems, offering the flexibility to scale systems when more storage is needed.
- Efficient power consumption reduces heat emissions and improves reliability—plus, drives can easily be monitored with SkyHawk Health Management.
- Enjoy long-term peace of mind with 1M hours MTBF, an included three-year limited warranty, and three-year in-house Rescue Data Recovery Services.
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Pros:
- Specifically designed and optimized for 24/7 video surveillance.
- Very high capacity (6TB) for extensive footage.
- High reliability with low dropped frames.
- Built-in health management and data recovery services for peace of mind.
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Cons:
- 3.5-inch form factor means it’s not compatible with Eufy HomeBase 3 for internal expansion.
- Overkill for basic HomeBase 3 users without a separate NVR/server.
- Higher cost than standard desktop drives.
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User Impressions: Professionals and serious home users consistently recommend Skyhawk drives for their robust performance and reliability in demanding surveillance environments, highlighting their ability to handle continuous, high-volume video streams.
- See it on Amazon here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What kind of external hard drive does Eufy HomeBase 3 (S380) use for expansion?
A1: The Eufy HomeBase 3 (S380) uses a 2.5-inch SATA internal hard drive (HDD) or Solid State Drive (SSD) for storage expansion. It has a dedicated drive bay inside the unit for this purpose, rather than an “eufy external hard drive” that plugs into a USB port for storage expansion.
Q2: Can I use any 2.5-inch SATA HDD or SSD with my HomeBase 3?
A2: Generally, yes, most standard 2.5-inch SATA HDDs and SSDs are compatible. However, it’s always best to check Eufy’s official recommendations or user forums for specific models that have been proven to work flawlessly. Surveillance-grade drives (like the Skyhawk, though usually 3.5″) or those specifically mentioned for HomeBase 3 (like the BUSlink) are ideal.
Q3: Why is local storage important for Eufy security cameras?
A3: Local storage, especially with a Eufy external hard drive (or internal expansion drive), keeps your video footage secure on your property. This ensures privacy, provides access even during internet outages, and eliminates recurring cloud subscription fees. It also means you own your data.
Q4: How much storage do I need for my Eufy security cameras?
A4: The amount of storage you need depends on the number of cameras, recording resolution (e.g., 2K, 4K), recording frequency (24/7 or motion-activated), and how long you want to keep footage. A 1TB drive can store months of motion-activated footage from a few cameras, while 4TB or more is better for continuous recording or multiple 4K cameras over a longer period.
Q5: Are SSDs better than HDDs for Eufy HomeBase 3 expansion?
A5: SSDs offer faster read/write speeds, making footage access quicker and potentially improving overall system responsiveness. They are also more durable as they have no moving parts. HDDs, however, are typically more cost-effective for larger capacities. For continuous recording, both can work, but SSDs are often preferred for their speed and resilience.
Q6: Can I connect a standard USB external hard drive to my Eufy HomeBase for storage?
A6: No, the USB port on the Eufy HomeBase is typically for connecting accessories like USB dongles for camera compatibility, or for initial setup, not for direct storage expansion via a standard USB external hard drive. Storage expansion for HomeBase 3 specifically happens via its internal 2.5-inch SATA drive bay.
Q7: What should I do with my Eufy footage if my HomeBase storage is full?
A7: You can expand your HomeBase 3’s internal storage with a larger compatible 2.5-inch HDD or SSD. Alternatively, you can periodically offload older footage to a computer or a separate external drive (like the Seagate Portable drive mentioned) for long-term archiving, freeing up space on your HomeBase.
