Smart video doorbells have transformed from simple notification devices into sophisticated home security hubs. In 2024, we're seeing features that would have seemed like science fiction just a few years ago - dual cameras, AI-powered detection, and crystal-clear HDR video. Let's compare two notable options: the premium Eufy Security E340 2K Dual Camera Video Doorbell ($179.99) and the budget-friendly Roku Smart Home Video Doorbell & Chime SE ($79.00).
Before diving into specific features, let's consider what makes a video doorbell truly useful. The core purpose is to see who's at your door and communicate with them, whether you're home or away. But modern doorbells do much more - they can detect packages, recognize faces, and integrate with your broader smart home system.
The Eufy E340 leads with its innovative dual-camera system, offering 2K resolution (that's 2048 x 1536 pixels) through both lenses. The front camera handles face-level viewing while the downward-facing camera watches for packages and provides full coverage of your doorstep. This dual approach eliminates the common blind spots that plague traditional video doorbells.
The Roku doorbell takes a more conventional approach with a single 1080p camera. While this resolution is perfectly serviceable for basic monitoring, it can't match the Eufy's comprehensive coverage or clarity. The difference becomes particularly noticeable when trying to identify visitors or read package labels from a distance.
Here's where your choice might be significantly influenced by your home's setup. The Eufy E340 offers remarkable flexibility - you can either hardwire it to your existing doorbell system or use its rechargeable battery. The battery lasts up to 6 months per charge, and the quick-release design makes swapping batteries simple.
The Roku doorbell requires hardwiring to an existing doorbell system (10-24 VAC, 40VA max). While this means no battery charging, it also limits installation options and might require professional installation if you don't have existing doorbell wiring.
Both doorbells offer motion detection and smartphone alerts, but the Eufy E340 pushes further with advanced AI features:
The Roku doorbell provides basic motion detection and sound recognition but lacks the sophisticated AI features of the Eufy. For many users, these advanced capabilities justify the Eufy's higher price point.
The Eufy E340 includes 8GB of local storage (approximately 90 days of recordings) with no subscription required. Cloud storage is optional, starting at $3/month. This approach gives users flexibility while keeping ongoing costs minimal.
The Roku system relies more heavily on cloud storage, with limited local storage options. While the initial purchase price is lower, the required cloud subscription ($3.99/month) means higher long-term costs.
After extensive testing and research, several key performance differences emerge:
Both doorbells perform well in terms of notification speed, but the Eufy's local storage gives it a slight edge in playback speed and reliability.
Both devices work with major platforms like Alexa and Google Assistant, though the Eufy offers more comprehensive integration options and features.
The Eufy E340 represents a premium approach with its dual cameras and advanced features, while the Roku doorbell offers basic functionality at a lower price point.
Eufy E340:
Roku Doorbell:
Choose the Eufy E340 if:
Choose the Roku Doorbell if:
The video doorbell market continues to evolve rapidly. The Eufy E340's dual-camera system represents a significant innovation in the field, while Roku's entry shows how formerly premium features are becoming more accessible at lower price points.
For most users seeking a long-term solution, the Eufy E340's superior features and lower total cost of ownership make it the better choice despite its higher initial price. However, the Roku doorbell remains a viable option for those prioritizing simplicity and lower upfront costs.
When choosing between these two options, consider your specific needs and circumstances. The Eufy E340's comprehensive feature set and flexible installation options make it our recommended choice for most users, but the Roku doorbell's simplicity and lower entry price shouldn't be dismissed if it meets your basic requirements.
Eufy Security E340 2K Dual Camera Video Doorbell | Roku Smart Home Video Doorbell & Chime SE |
---|---|
Price - Initial investment required | |
$179.99 | $79.00 |
Video Resolution - Higher resolution means clearer visitor identification | |
2K (2048 x 1536) with dual cameras | 1080p with single camera |
Power Options - Affects installation flexibility and maintenance | |
Battery (6-month life) or hardwired | Hardwired only |
Storage - Impacts ongoing costs and video accessibility | |
8GB local storage included, optional cloud | Cloud storage required ($3.99/month) |
Field of View - Determines how much area you can monitor | |
Dual cameras: front view + downward package view | Single camera standard view |
Night Vision - Critical for security after dark | |
Color night vision with dual LED lights (16ft range) | Standard infrared night vision |
Smart Detection - Reduces false alerts and improves security | |
AI human, package, face recognition + radar | Basic motion and sound detection |
Weather Protection - Ensures year-round reliability | |
IP65 rated (-5°F to 120°F) | Weather resistant (-5°F to 120°F) |
Smart Home Integration - Enables automation and convenience | |
Alexa, Google Assistant, HomeKit compatible | Alexa, Google Assistant compatible |
Installation Requirements - Consider existing setup | |
Flexible - works with or without existing wiring | Requires 10-24 VAC doorbell wiring |
Total 3-Year Cost - Including required subscriptions | |
$179.99 (no subscription required) | $222.64 (with required cloud subscription) |
Audio Features - Important for visitor communication | |
Two-way audio with noise cancellation | Two-way audio with basic noise reduction |
The Eufy Security E340 2K Dual Camera Video Doorbell offers superior 2K resolution with dual cameras compared to the Roku Smart Home Video Doorbell's 1080p single camera. The Eufy's dual-camera system provides better coverage and clearer image quality, especially important when monitoring deliveries or visitors.
The Eufy E340 includes 8GB local storage with no required subscription. The Roku doorbell requires a $3.99/month cloud subscription for full functionality. Over three years, this makes the Roku more expensive despite its lower initial cost.
The Eufy E340 offers flexible installation options - either battery-powered or hardwired. The Roku doorbell requires hardwiring to existing doorbell wiring (10-24 VAC), which may require professional installation.
The Eufy E340 features color night vision with dual LED lights, providing clear visibility up to 16 feet. The Roku doorbell uses standard infrared night vision, which produces black and white footage with less detail.
Both doorbells can display camera feeds on smart TVs, but the Roku doorbell integrates more seamlessly with Roku TVs. The Eufy works with various smart displays through Alexa or Google Assistant.
Both work with Alexa and Google Assistant, but the Eufy E340 offers more comprehensive integration options and advanced features like AI detection and face recognition.
The Eufy E340's battery lasts up to 6 months between charges. The Roku doorbell doesn't have a battery option as it requires hardwiring.
The Eufy E340 excels at package detection with its dedicated downward-facing camera and AI package detection. The Roku doorbell offers basic motion detection but lacks specialized package monitoring.
Both doorbells are weather-resistant and operate between -5°F to 120°F. The Eufy E340 has an IP65 rating for better protection against dust and water.
The Eufy E340 features two-way audio with advanced noise cancellation, while the Roku offers basic two-way audio with standard noise reduction.
The Eufy E340 includes 8GB local storage (approximately 90 days of recordings). The Roku doorbell relies primarily on cloud storage through its subscription service.
Despite its higher initial cost, the Eufy E340 offers better value with superior features, no required subscription, and dual cameras. However, if basic functionality suffices and you have existing doorbell wiring, the Roku provides a budget-friendly option.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: t3.com - eufy.com - youtube.com - trustedreviews.com - youtube.com - homedepot.com - eufy.com - costco.com - eufy.com - eufy.com - eufy.com - consumerreports.org - forums.wyze.com - community.roku.com - discussions.apple.com - consumerreports.org - ring.com - securitysystemsnews.com - community.roku.com - image.roku.com - droneupdelivery.com - lukoilmarine.com - roku.com