Eufy E330 Vs. S330 Video Smart Lock: Which One’s Right For You?

I’ve always been a bit of a home security enthusiast, tinkering with gadgets to keep my place safe and convenient. So, when I got the chance to test out the Eufy E330 and S330 Video Smart Locks, I was all in.

These devices promise to blend a smart lock, video doorbell, and camera into one sleek package. My goal here is to break down their features, weigh their pros and cons, and help you decide which one fits your home best.

Let’s get started with a quick comparison.

A Brief Comparison Table

My Journey With Eufy’s Video Smart Locks

When I first unboxed the Eufy E330 and S330, I was struck by how hefty they felt. These aren’t your average smart locks—they’re like the Swiss Army knives of home security.

Both combine a deadbolt, a 2K camera, and a video doorbell, which means I could lock my door, see who’s knocking, and even chat with delivery folks without leaving my couch.

But as I installed and tested them, I noticed some key differences that might sway your decision. Let’s break it down.

Key Features of The Eufy E330

The E330 is a solid all-in-one device.

Its 2K camera delivers crisp, clear video, and the fingerprint scanner unlocks the door in about a second.

I loved how I could set up multiple unlocking methods—fingerprint, keypad, the Eufy Security app, a physical key, or even voice commands through Alexa or Google Assistant.

The 10,000 mAh battery is a beast, lasting up to four months with moderate use (think 10 lock/unlock events and 10 motion triggers daily).

Installation was a breeze, taking me about 15 minutes with just a screwdriver.

One thing I noticed is that the E330 relies on a separate Wi-Fi bridge or HomeBase 3 for connectivity and extra storage. Without these, you’re limited to basic app control and no local video storage.

The IP65 weather rating means it can handle rain, snow, or scorching heat, which is great for my unpredictable climate. However, the lack of a door sensor caught me off guard—more on that later.

Key Features of The Eufy S330

The S330 feels like the E330’s slightly more polished sibling.

It also boasts a 2K camera and a 10,000 mAh battery, but its fingerprint recognition is faster, clocking in at 0.3 seconds.

That’s not a huge difference in practice, but it feels snappier.

The S330’s standout feature is its door sensor, which prevents the deadbolt from locking if the door is open.

This was a game-changer for me, as I often leave the door ajar when grabbing packages.

Another big plus is the included chime, which doubles as a Wi-Fi bridge and supports up to 128GB of local storage via an SD card (not included). This means you don’t need a HomeBase 3 for video clips, which saved me some cash.

The S330 also uses dual motion sensors (PIR and radar), reducing false alerts by about 95% compared to the E330’s single sensor. Like the E330, it’s IP65-rated and installs in about 15 minutes.

Pros And Cons of The Eufy E330

Pros

• Versatile Unlocking Options: I could use my fingerprint, a PIN, the app, a key, or voice commands. Setting up unique PINs for family or guests was super handy.
• Solid Battery Life: The 10,000 mAh battery lasted me over three months with light use (3-4 locks/unlocks and 5 camera triggers daily).
• High-Quality Video: The 2K camera captured sharp daytime footage, and black-and-white night vision was decent up to 15 feet.
• Easy Installation: I had it up and running in 15 minutes, no drilling required.
• Weatherproof Design: The IP65 rating held up during a week of heavy rain.

Cons

• No Door Sensor: The E330 tried to lock itself even when the door was open, which was annoying and caused a “jammed” error in the app.
• Storage Limitations: Without a HomeBase 3, you can’t store video clips locally, which feels like an upsell.
• Single Motion Sensor: I got more false alerts (like from passing cars) compared to the S330.
• Chime Not Included: You’ll need a separate chime or HomeBase 3 for Wi-Fi and storage, adding to the cost.

Pros And Cons of The Eufy S330

Pros

• Door Sensor: This was a lifesaver, preventing the lock from engaging when the door was open.
• Included Chime: The chime handles Wi-Fi and storage (up to 128GB via SD card), so no extra purchases needed.
• Faster Fingerprint Scanner: The 0.3-second unlock felt noticeably quicker.
• Dual Motion Sensors: Fewer false alerts made the camera feed more reliable.
• No Subscription Fees: Local storage and app control mean you don’t pay monthly.

Cons

• Pricey Upfront Cost: The S330 is more expensive than the E330, which might sting if you’re on a budget.
• Motion Detection Range: The camera struggles to pick up faces beyond 20 feet, so it’s not great for large front yards.
• No Color Night Vision: Night footage is black-and-white, which isn’t a dealbreaker but feels dated.
• SD Card Not Included: You’ll need to buy a microSD card for local storage.

My Experience Installing The Locks

Installing both locks was surprisingly straightforward. I’m no handyman, but Eufy’s app guided me through each step. For the E330, I removed my old deadbolt, inserted the new one, and connected the exterior and interior panels with two bolts and a cable.

The S330 was nearly identical, though its door sensor required a tiny magnet on the doorframe. Both took about 15 minutes, and I didn’t need to drill or call a locksmith.

The app’s QR code scanning for setup was a nice touch, though the E330’s 18-minute firmware update tested my patience.

One hiccup with the E330 was aligning the bolts tightly. I had to apply some extra force to keep everything snug, but once done, it felt rock-solid. The S330’s installation was smoother, likely because I’d already done it once with the E330.

If you’ve never installed a smart lock, don’t worry—Eufy’s manuals and app make it dummy-proof.

How They Perform In Daily Use?

Using these locks day-to-day was eye-opening. The E330’s fingerprint scanner was reliable, even when my hands were wet from a sudden rain.

I set up PINs for my partner and a temporary code for a dog walker, which I could deactivate instantly via the app.

The 2K camera caught every detail of my porch, though I noticed some chromatic aberration at the edges of the frame.

Night vision was clear up to 15 feet, but beyond that, faces got fuzzy.

The S330, on the other hand, felt like a step up. Its faster fingerprint scanner was a small but noticeable improvement, especially when I was juggling groceries.

The door sensor saved me from countless “jammed” alerts, and the dual motion sensors meant I wasn’t bombarded with notifications every time a neighbor’s cat strolled by. The chime’s storage was a big win—I popped in a 64GB SD card and had weeks of clips without needing a HomeBase 3.

One downside for both was the camera’s limited vertical field of view. If a package was left directly under the lock, I couldn’t see it unless I stepped outside. The S330’s motion detection also missed a delivery person who didn’t ring the bell, which was frustrating.

Still, both locks integrated seamlessly with Alexa, letting me lock the door with a quick voice command while cooking dinner.

Comparing Video And Doorbell Performance

The 2K cameras on both locks are solid, but they’re not perfect. Daytime footage is sharp, with vibrant colors that made it easy to spot details like a courier’s uniform. The E330’s single motion sensor triggered more false alerts, like when a car’s headlights swept across my porch.

The S330’s dual sensors were smarter, focusing on actual people or pets and ignoring random shadows. Both lack color night vision, which was a bummer—I’m spoiled by my Ring doorbell’s colorful nighttime feed.

As doorbells, they’re functional but not standout. The S330’s chime is loud and customizable, with fun tones I could tweak in the app. The E330 requires a separate chime or HomeBase 3, which felt like a nickel-and-dime move.

Both offer two-way audio, but I noticed a slight lag on the E330, making conversations with visitors feel stilted. The S330’s audio was crisper, though still not as smooth as a dedicated doorbell like Eufy’s Doorbell Dual.

Battery Life And Maintenance

The 10,000 mAh batteries in both locks are impressive. I tested them with light usage (3-4 locks/unlocks and 5 camera triggers daily), and after a month, the E330 was at 88% and the S330 at 90%.

Eufy claims four months under heavier use, which seems plausible. Charging is a bit of a hassle—you remove the battery and plug it into a USB-C cable (not included). I kept a spare power bank handy for emergencies, as both locks have an external USB-C port for quick power-ups if the battery dies.

The S330’s door sensor and dual motion detection didn’t seem to drain the battery faster, which was a relief. Both locks held up during a week of rain and a heatwave, thanks to their IP65 rating.

 Maintenance is minimal—just clean the fingerprint scanner occasionally and check for firmware updates in the app.

Smart Home Integration

I’m a bit of a smart home nerd, so I was excited to link both locks with Alexa.

Setup was simple: enable the Eufy skill, and I could lock or check the door’s status with voice commands.

Google Assistant worked just as well, but there’s no Apple HomeKit, IFTTT, or Matter support, which might disappoint some users.

The Eufy Security app is intuitive, letting me manage PINs, view live feeds, and tweak motion settings.

The S330’s Loitering Detection mode was a neat touch, alerting me if someone lingered too long at my door.

The E330’s reliance on a HomeBase 3 for full functionality felt restrictive. The S330’s included chime made it more plug-and-play, which I appreciated. If you already own a HomeBase 3, the E330 might integrate better into your Eufy ecosystem, but for standalone use, the S330 wins.

Which One Should You Choose?

After weeks of testing, I lean toward the S330. The door sensor, included chime, and dual motion sensors make it more practical for daily use. Its faster fingerprint scanner is a nice bonus, and the local storage option saves you from buying extra gear.

However, the E330 is a solid choice if you already have a HomeBase 3 or want a slightly cheaper option and don’t mind the lack of a door sensor. Both are pricey, so wait for a sale if you can.

Your choice depends on your setup. If your door is often left ajar (say, for kids running in and out), the S330’s sensor is a must. If you’re deep in Eufy’s ecosystem with a HomeBase 3, the E330 might be enough.

Either way, you’re getting a robust, subscription-free smart lock that’s a cut above basic models.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Wrapping Up

I had a blast testing the Eufy E330 and S330 Video Smart Locks, and I hope my experience helps you pick the right one. The S330’s door sensor, faster fingerprint scanner, and included chime make it my top choice, but the E330 is a strong contender if you’re already invested in Eufy’s ecosystem.

Both offer robust security, crisp video, and no subscription fees, so you can’t go wrong. Weigh your needs, consider your budget, and you’ll find the perfect lock to keep your home safe and smart.