Are you looking to expand the storage capacity of your Eufy HomeBase 3? You’ve come to the right place! The Eufy HomeBase 3 (S380) is a fantastic smart home hub, offering local storage for your security camera footage, which is a big plus for privacy and reliability. But eventually, even its generous built-in storage can fill up, especially if you have multiple cameras or high-traffic areas. That’s where adding a 2.5 inch hard drive for Eufy HomeBase 3 comes into play, giving you peace of mind with tons of extra space for your precious video recordings.
Choosing the right drive can seem a bit daunting, with so many options out there. Not all 2.5-inch drives are created equal, especially when it comes to compatibility with the HomeBase 3’s internal drive bay, which specifically supports drives up to 9.5mm in height. Don’t worry, we’ve done the homework for you! We’ll walk you through some of the top contenders, including a mix of traditional HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) and even an SSD (Solid State Drive) option, highlighting their key features, pros, cons, and user experiences.
Let’s dive in and find the perfect storage upgrade for your Eufy HomeBase 3!
Why You Need Extra Storage for Your Eufy HomeBase 3
Your Eufy HomeBase 3 comes with a decent amount of internal storage, but for many users, especially those with multiple EufyCam 3 or E330 cameras, that space can quickly become insufficient. Here’s why expanding your storage with a quality 2.5 inch hard drive for Eufy HomeBase 3 is a smart move:
- Extended Recording Time: More storage means you can keep weeks, or even months, of footage, ensuring you never miss an important event.
- High-Quality Footage: If you record in 4K, files are larger. Ample storage allows you to maintain high-resolution recordings without constantly worrying about space.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing your security footage is safely stored locally provides an extra layer of security, especially if your internet goes down.
- Future-Proofing: As Eufy releases new cameras with potentially higher resolutions or more features, having expandable storage keeps your HomeBase 3 ready for anything.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Drive
Before picking up a new drive, keep these crucial points in mind:
- Form Factor: The Eufy HomeBase 3 uses a 2.5-inch drive. This is standard for laptops, but pay close attention to the thickness.
- Thickness: This is the most critical factor! The Eufy HomeBase 3 only accepts 2.5-inch drives with a maximum height of 9.5mm. Many high-capacity 2.5-inch drives (especially 4TB and above) are 15mm thick and will not fit. We’ll highlight this for relevant products below.
- HDD vs. SSD:
- HDDs (Hard Disk Drives): More affordable per gigabyte, great for large capacities. They have moving parts, so they can be slightly slower and less durable than SSDs.
- SSDs (Solid State Drives): Faster, more durable (no moving parts), and consume less power. However, they are significantly more expensive per gigabyte and typically offer lower capacities for the same price. For surveillance, an HDD is usually sufficient unless you prioritize silent operation or extreme durability over cost/capacity.
- Capacity: Decide how much extra storage you need. Common sizes range from 1TB to 4TB for compatible drives.
Product Reviews
Here are our top picks for a 2.5 inch hard drive for Eufy HomeBase 3, along with one crucial adapter you should know about!
1. BUSlink HB4TBHDD 4TB Hard Drive Expansion for Eufy HomeBase
This BUSlink hard drive is practically tailor-made for your Eufy HomeBase 3. It’s designed as an expansion drive specifically for the S380 (HomeBase 3), offering a robust 4TB of storage right out of the box. Its plug-and-play nature means installation is a breeze, making it an excellent choice for anyone who wants a straightforward and reliable storage upgrade without compatibility headaches. If you’re looking for a hassle-free solution, this one is hard to beat.
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Key Features:
- Capacity: Expands your HomeBase S380 (HomeBase 3) to 4TB
- 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:
- Guaranteed compatibility with Eufy HomeBase 3
- Super easy plug-and-play installation
- High 4TB capacity for extensive video storage
- Specifically marketed for Eufy users, reducing guesswork
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Cons:
- May be slightly more expensive than generic drives due to specific branding/packaging
- Less versatile if you wanted to use it for other devices
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User Impressions: Users highly appreciate the “just works” aspect, emphasizing the simplicity of installation and the immediate storage boost it provides for their Eufy system. It lives up to its promise of being a seamless expansion.
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2. MDD MQ04ABB400 4TB 5400RPM 16MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 2.5in
While this MDD drive boasts an impressive 4TB capacity for a 2.5-inch form factor, it comes with a critical caveat for Eufy HomeBase 3 owners. Its 15mm height makes it too thick to fit into the HomeBase 3’s internal drive bay, which only accommodates drives up to 9.5mm. It’s a great option for certain specific applications like TiVo or specialized workstations that can handle the thicker profile, but unfortunately, it’s not a direct fit for your Eufy HomeBase 3. We’re including it here to highlight the importance of checking drive thickness!
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Key Features:
- 4TB 2.5″ SATA 6.0 Hard Drive
- MTTF of 600,000 hours
- Thick 15MM external enclosures: USB 3.0, (Make sure it fits for 15MM Height USB Enclosure), Small form factor PCs, All-in-One System, Desktop PC, Surveillance System, Bare Drive Only, Single Pack, (No Screws, Cables or Accessories included)
- Note: Perfect for TiVo, Laptops and workstations (make sure it fit for 15mm height HDD) – DOES NOT FIT Laptop, too thick
- Reminder: Please FORMAT HDD on system in order to be detected/shows on system.
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Pros:
- High 4TB storage capacity
- Designed for continuous operation in surveillance systems
- Good value per gigabyte for compatible devices
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Cons:
- Crucially, it is 15mm thick and WILL NOT FIT the Eufy HomeBase 3’s internal bay (which supports up to 9.5mm).
- Bare drive only, no accessories included.
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User Impressions: Users who bought this for its intended purpose (e.g., specific external enclosures or devices that support 15mm drives) find it to be a reliable, high-capacity solution. However, there are common complaints from those who overlooked the thickness and found it incompatible with standard laptops or slim devices.
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3. Seagate BarraCuda 2TB Internal Hard Drive HDD – 2.5 Inch
The Seagate BarraCuda 2TB is a popular and well-regarded internal hard drive, known for its reliability and versatility across various PC applications. This 2.5-inch drive is typically available in a standard 7mm or 9.5mm height, making it a suitable candidate for the Eufy HomeBase 3 if you’re looking for a solid, dependable upgrade without breaking the bank. While 2TB isn’t the highest capacity available, it’s a significant upgrade for most HomeBase 3 users and offers a great balance of performance and storage.
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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:
- Reputable brand with a strong track record of reliability
- Good balance of capacity and affordability
- Standard 7mm/9.5mm height generally compatible with HomeBase 3
- Versatile for other uses if needed
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Cons:
- Only 2TB capacity, which might not be enough for some users with extensive recording needs.
- Not specifically optimized for surveillance, though it performs well for general use.
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User Impressions: Seagate BarraCuda drives consistently receive positive feedback for their dependable performance and longevity. Users often praise them as reliable workhorses for everyday computing and storage needs.
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4. Seagate Barracuda ST4000LM024 4 TB 2.5″ Internal Hard Drive
Here’s another high-capacity Seagate Barracuda drive, offering a generous 4TB in a 2.5-inch form factor. Just like the MDD drive we looked at, this particular model (ST4000LM024) has a 15mm thickness, which means it will not fit into the Eufy HomeBase 3’s internal drive bay. It’s an excellent drive for those specialized applications that can accommodate its larger profile, but it’s essential to double-check compatibility before purchasing for your HomeBase 3.
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Key Features:
- 15mm thickness, will not fit most laptop
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Pros:
- Very high 4TB capacity for a 2.5-inch drive
- Seagate reliability
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Cons:
- Crucially, it is 15mm thick and WILL NOT FIT the Eufy HomeBase 3’s internal bay (which supports up to 9.5mm).
- Limited compatibility with slim devices and enclosures due to thickness.
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User Impressions: Users requiring a large capacity 2.5-inch drive for specific systems (like certain external enclosures or desktop replacements) find this drive to be a solid performer. However, the thickness is a frequent point of confusion or disappointment for those unaware of its specific dimensions.
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5. Western Digital WD10SPZX Hard Drive 1 TB 2.5 Inch SATA
The Western Digital WD10SPZX is a reliable 1TB 2.5-inch SATA hard drive from the popular WD Blue series. WD Blue drives are known for their strong performance, excellent reliability, and energy efficiency, making them a solid choice for everyday computing. This drive typically comes in a standard 7mm or 9.5mm height, meaning it should fit perfectly inside your Eufy HomeBase 3. While 1TB might seem modest compared to 4TB options, it’s a significant upgrade from the HomeBase 3’s standard storage and offers plenty of space for many users.
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Key Features:
- Dysk HDD WD Blue WD10SPZX (1 TB, 2.5 inches, 128 MB; 5400 obr/min)
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Pros:
- Trusted Western Digital brand, known for reliability
- Good performance for surveillance storage
- Energy-efficient operation
- Standard height likely compatible with HomeBase 3
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Cons:
- Lower capacity (1TB) compared to other options
- Not specifically optimized for continuous surveillance recording, though it handles it well.
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User Impressions: WD Blue drives are a go-to for many users seeking reliable and affordable storage. Customers frequently praise their quiet operation and consistent performance for a variety of uses, including as a 2.5 inch hard drive for Eufy HomeBase 3 or similar devices.
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6. WD Blue 1TB 3D NAND SATA III 2.5″ Internal SSD
Stepping into the world of Solid State Drives, the WD Blue 1TB 3D NAND SSD offers a completely different storage experience for your Eufy HomeBase 3. Unlike traditional hard drives, SSDs have no moving parts, making them incredibly fast, silent, and far more durable. While 1TB might be less capacity than some HDDs at a similar price point, the benefits of an SSD – especially for continuous writing of surveillance footage – are compelling. This drive’s standard 2.5-inch form factor and 7mm height ensure it fits perfectly inside the HomeBase 3.
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Key Features:
- Storage Capacity: 1 TB.
- Form Factor: 2.5 inch.
- Interface: SATA (6 GB/s).
- Sequential Read Speed (Up To): 560 MB/s.
- Sequential Write Speed (Up To): 530 MB/s.
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Pros:
- Superior durability due to no moving parts
- Completely silent operation
- Faster read/write speeds, though this isn’t as critical for surveillance storage
- Lower power consumption
- Perfect 7mm height for HomeBase 3
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Cons:
- Higher cost per gigabyte compared to HDDs
- 1TB capacity is smaller than some HDD alternatives at a similar price
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User Impressions: Users love the speed and responsiveness of WD Blue SSDs. For surveillance, the durability and silent operation are often highlighted as significant advantages, giving users extra confidence in their long-term security system.
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7. Toshiba 1TB 5400RPM SATA3/SATA 6.0 GB/s 8MB Notebook Hard
The Toshiba 1TB notebook hard drive is a power-efficient and reliable option for mainstream applications, including serving as a capable 2.5 inch hard drive for Eufy HomeBase 3. Designed for quiet operation and minimal power consumption, it’s a solid choice if you’re looking for a dependable 1TB upgrade without a hefty price tag. Its standard 2.5-inch form factor and typical 7mm or 9.5mm height mean it should integrate seamlessly into your HomeBase 3, providing a good boost in local storage.
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Key Features:
- The SATA interface 5,400 RPM notebook series hard disk drives are designed for mainstream applications requiring power-efficiency and reliability from their storage solution.
- Ramp Load technology restricts the drive’s recording head from touching the disk media, resulting in improved protection of the drive while being transported and less wear to the recording head.
- Optimized for use in power-friendly consumer and commercial computing systems, the drive’s power management technology provides significant power consumption savings at 4.5 watts spin up (start), and 0.18 watts (or less) standby and sleep power requirements.
- Toshiba’s advanced servo techniques and mechanical design minimizes drive acoustics, making them as silent as possible during operation.
- Capacity: 1 TB, Rotational Speed: 5400 rpm, Cache: 8 MB, Interface: SATA 3.0 Gb/s, Average Latency: 5.55 ms
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Pros:
- Excellent power efficiency
- Very quiet operation, ideal for home environments
- Reliable Toshiba quality
- Standard height for HomeBase 3 compatibility
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Cons:
- 1TB capacity is on the lower side for extensive video archives
- 5400 RPM is standard but not the fastest speed (though sufficient for surveillance)
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User Impressions: Customers often praise this Toshiba drive for its quiet performance and consistent reliability, particularly in laptops and low-power applications. It’s a workhorse that gets the job done without fuss.
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8. NTQinParts USB 3.0 to 2.5″ SATA III Hard Drive Adapter
While not a 2.5 inch hard drive for Eufy HomeBase 3 itself, this NTQinParts USB to SATA adapter is an incredibly useful accessory for anyone working with 2.5-inch hard drives. It allows you to connect a bare 2.5-inch SATA HDD or SSD directly to your computer via USB, which can be invaluable for formatting a new drive before installing it in your HomeBase 3, recovering data, or simply using an old laptop drive as external storage. Remember, this cable does not allow you to externally expand your HomeBase 3’s storage, as the HomeBase only supports an internal drive.
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Key Features:
- Length: about 1FT
- Compatible with Western Digital 250GB/500GB/1TB/2TB/4TB WD Blue SA510 SATA Internal Solid State Drive SSD (and other 2.5″ SATA drives)
- Bus Type: USB 3.0 Compatible with USB 2.0 and USB 1.0
- Note – Cable will work only with 2.5″ SATA drives; 3.5″/5.25″ drives are not supported
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Pros:
- Extremely useful tool for formatting or troubleshooting 2.5″ SATA drives
- Plug-and-play functionality
- USB 3.0 speeds for quick transfers (when connected to a PC)
- Affordable and portable
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Cons:
- This is NOT an internal hard drive for the Eufy HomeBase 3; it’s an accessory.
- Does not support larger 3.5″ drives.
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User Impressions: Users universally find these types of adapters indispensable for their toolkit. They are highly rated for ease of use and reliability in connecting 2.5″ drives to computers for quick access, formatting, or data transfers.
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FAQ Section
Q1: What size hard drive does Eufy HomeBase 3 use?
A1: The Eufy HomeBase 3 (S380) uses a 2.5-inch SATA hard drive. It’s crucial to ensure the drive’s height is no more than 9.5mm to fit properly inside the drive bay.
Q2: Can I use any 2.5 inch hard drive for Eufy HomeBase 3?
A2: No, not just any. While it accepts 2.5-inch SATA drives, the most important compatibility factor is the drive’s thickness. Many higher-capacity 2.5-inch drives are 15mm thick, which will not fit in the HomeBase 3’s 9.5mm maximum height slot. Always check the drive’s specifications for height before purchasing.
Q3: Is it better to use an HDD or an SSD for the Eufy HomeBase 3?
A3: Both HDDs and SSDs work. HDDs are generally more cost-effective for larger capacities, which is often preferred for surveillance footage. SSDs are faster, more durable, and consume less power, but are significantly more expensive per gigabyte. For typical home security footage storage, an HDD is usually sufficient and offers better value.
Q4: How do I install a new hard drive in my Eufy HomeBase 3?
A4: Installation is straightforward. First, power off and unplug your HomeBase 3. Open the drive bay cover (usually on the bottom or back), slide in the 2.5-inch SATA drive, and secure it if necessary (some HomeBase models have a simple clip, others might use screws). Close the cover, plug it back in, and power it on. The HomeBase 3 should detect and prompt you to format the drive.
Q5: What is the maximum capacity hard drive the Eufy HomeBase 3 supports?
A5: Eufy officially states that the HomeBase 3 supports 2.5-inch SATA drives up to 16TB. However, finding a 2.5-inch drive with that capacity that is also 9.5mm or thinner is extremely rare (most higher capacity 2.5-inch drives are 15mm). Practically, 2TB and 4TB (if 9.5mm) are the most common and accessible high-capacity options that fit.
Q6: Do I need to format the hard drive before putting it into the HomeBase 3?
A6: While you can format it on a computer beforehand, it’s not strictly necessary. Once you install the drive, the Eufy HomeBase 3 will detect the new storage and prompt you to format it through the Eufy Security app. This ensures the drive is correctly prepared for its system.
Q7: Will adding a hard drive improve the Eufy HomeBase 3’s performance?
A7: Adding a hard drive primarily expands storage capacity. While an SSD might slightly reduce loading times for historical footage due to faster read speeds, it won’t significantly impact the live stream performance or processing speed of the HomeBase 3 itself. Its main benefit is providing more space for recordings.
Conclusion
Upgrading your Eufy HomeBase 3 with a compatible 2.5 inch hard drive for Eufy HomeBase 3 is one of the best ways to enhance your home security system. With expanded storage, you’ll gain peace of mind knowing that weeks, or even months, of your security footage is safely stored locally, accessible whenever you need it.
Remember to always double-check the drive’s thickness, ensuring it’s 9.5mm or less, to guarantee compatibility with your HomeBase 3’s internal bay. Whether you opt for a high-capacity HDD like the purpose-built BUSlink or a speedy SSD like the WD Blue, you’re making a smart investment in your home’s security infrastructure. Happy recording!
