EufyCam S4 vs S3 Pro is not simply a choice between a newer and an older security camera.
The two cameras now serve noticeably different buyers.
The EufyCam S4 is the better choice when you need one installation point to monitor a large area, automatically follow movement and zoom toward activity.
The EufyCam S3 Pro makes more sense when one fixed 4K view already covers the important area and you would rather prioritize MaxColor low-light imaging, a simpler camera and Apple Home support.
Our quick verdict: buy the S4 for coverage and tracking. Buy the S3 Pro for a high-quality fixed view, HomeKit compatibility and potentially better value.
EufyCam S4 vs S3 Pro at a glance
| Feature | EufyCam S4 | EufyCam S3 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Primary camera design | Fixed 4K bullet camera plus motorized PTZ system | Fixed 4K bullet camera |
| Main resolution | 4K fixed camera plus dual 2K PTZ imaging | 4K |
| Motorized tracking | Yes | No |
| 360° PTZ coverage | Yes | No |
| Zoom | Up to 8× hybrid zoom | Up to 8× digital zoom |
| Night-color approach | Spotlight-assisted color night vision | MaxColor Vision plus adaptive spotlight |
| Motion detection | Radar and PIR | Radar and PIR |
| Solar charging | Yes | Yes |
| HomeBase S380 support | Yes | Required for the reviewed system |
| Local storage | Yes | Yes through HomeBase S380 |
| Required monthly recording fee | No | No |
| Apple HomeKit | Not currently supported | Yes, with video limited to 1080p in Apple Home |
| Alexa | Yes | Yes |
| Google Assistant | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Large areas and moving subjects | Fixed zones and low-light visibility |
The biggest difference is coverage
The most important difference between the EufyCam S4 and S3 Pro is not image resolution.
Both can provide a 4K main view.
The real difference is what happens when somebody moves outside that view.
The S3 Pro remains pointed wherever you installed it. Its 135-degree field of view can cover a substantial area, but that area remains fixed.
The S4 combines a fixed upper camera with a separate motorized PTZ camera underneath it.
The fixed camera can continue monitoring the original scene while the PTZ system turns to follow movement elsewhere.
That makes the S4 much more useful around large driveways, gardens, parking areas and properties where people regularly move between several exterior zones.
For a detailed look at that system, see our EufyCam S4 Review.
Choose the S3 Pro when one camera angle is already enough
Extra movement is only useful if the camera actually needs to move.
Consider a camera mounted above a front entrance.
If its fixed view already captures the door, path and surrounding approach, a motorized PTZ system may add little practical security value.
The same can apply to:
- a narrow side passage;
- a garage entrance;
- a contained backyard;
- a driveway already visible within one wide frame; or
- another security zone with predictable movement.
In those situations, the simpler S3 Pro can be the more rational choice.
S4 tracking is the reason to pay more
The S4’s PTZ system is not just there so you can manually rotate the camera from an app.
It can respond to detected activity and automatically follow subjects.
Its hybrid camera arrangement also avoids a common weakness of traditional PTZ cameras.
If a normal single-lens PTZ camera turns away from the driveway to follow somebody toward the side of the house, the driveway is temporarily outside its view.
The S4’s fixed upper camera continues watching the main scene while the separate PTZ camera performs the tracking.
This is the feature that most clearly justifies choosing the S4.
S4 has the more useful zoom system
The S4 offers up to 8× hybrid zoom through its PTZ camera system.
The S3 Pro provides up to 8× digital zoom.
Those sound similar on a specification sheet, but they should not be treated as equivalent.
Digital zoom enlarges information already captured by the original image.
The S4’s combination of wide and telephoto PTZ imaging gives it a stronger tool for following and examining activity farther from the camera.
That advantage becomes more important on a deep property than around a small entrance.
S3 Pro has the stronger low-light identity
Night vision is where the S3 Pro retains one of its most distinctive advantages.
It uses eufy’s MaxColor Vision system together with an F1.0 lens and large image sensor to preserve useful color in very low-light environments.
The S3 Pro also includes adaptive spotlight and infrared modes, so MaxColor is not the only available night option.
The S4 can also produce color night footage, but its main proposition is different. It combines infrared and spotlight-assisted color night vision with the ability to track movement across a larger area.
If the primary question is:
“Which camera gives me the most flexible moving coverage at night?”
The S4 is stronger.
If the question is:
“Which fixed camera is built most specifically around extracting useful color from very low light?”
The S3 Pro remains very compelling.
HomeKit gives the S3 Pro an important advantage
This is one area where newer does not automatically mean better.
The S3 Pro supports Apple Home, Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
When used through Apple Home, its video is limited to 1080p rather than the camera’s full native 4K resolution.
The current EufyCam S4 does not support Apple HomeKit.
That makes the S3 Pro the more logical choice if Apple Home compatibility is an important part of your smart-home setup.
If you do not use Apple Home, the difference becomes much less important.
Both are strong no-subscription security systems
This is one area where there is no need to choose between them.
Both systems can form part of eufy’s local-storage approach without making a monthly cloud-recording subscription mandatory.
The 2-camera kits we reviewed use HomeBase S380, also known as HomeBase 3.
HomeBase provides centralized local footage storage and additional AI capabilities.
Its built-in storage can also be expanded substantially with a compatible drive.
That makes both cameras attractive if you specifically want to reduce dependence on recurring cloud-storage fees.
S4 is better for multi-camera tracking
The S4 becomes more interesting when several cameras are installed around a property.
With HomeBase S380, compatible S4 cameras can use cross-camera tracking to help connect activity as somebody moves from one monitored zone into another.
For example, an event might begin at a driveway camera and continue at a side entrance.
This is more useful on a large property than it is in a small home where one or two fixed views already capture all important approaches.
S3 Pro is the simpler physical camera
The S3 Pro is a conventional fixed-camera design.
The S4 has significantly more hardware because it combines the fixed bullet system with a rotating lower PTZ assembly.
That makes the S4 more capable, but also inherently more complex and visually substantial.
If you want a camera that simply points at one location and stays there, the S3 Pro’s simpler design can actually be an advantage.
Solar power on both reduces routine maintenance
Both products are designed around rechargeable battery operation with solar charging.
That can substantially reduce how often you need to remove or manually charge exterior cameras when the panels receive suitable sunlight.
Solar performance is still installation-dependent.
Consider:
- direct sunlight;
- roof and tree shade;
- camera activity;
- number of triggered recordings;
- temperature;
- season; and
- panel orientation.
A solar panel should therefore be treated as a way to reduce charging maintenance rather than a guarantee that every camera installation will run indefinitely without intervention.
Which one is better for a driveway?
It depends on the shape of the driveway.
Choose the S3 Pro if one mounting position gives you a clear fixed view of the entire entrance and vehicle area.
Choose the S4 if people or vehicles can move beyond that fixed frame, particularly on longer driveways or properties with several possible directions of travel.
The S4’s ability to retain the main fixed view while simultaneously tracking activity elsewhere becomes much more valuable as the monitored area grows.
Which one is better for a front door?
For a straightforward front-door area, the S3 Pro may be all you need.
A wide fixed 4K view can cover the approach without requiring PTZ movement.
The S4 makes more sense when the front entrance is connected to a larger open yard, driveway or several walkways that cannot all remain inside one fixed frame.
Which one is better for night security?
The answer depends on whether image quality or movement coverage is the bigger problem.
S3 Pro: stronger choice for a fixed position where MaxColor Vision is the main attraction.
S4: stronger choice where the system needs to follow people through a larger area at night.
Neither advantage automatically replaces the other.
Which one is better for Apple users?
The S3 Pro.
It currently supports Apple Home while the S4 does not currently support HomeKit.
Remember that S3 Pro footage shown through Apple Home is limited to 1080p.
Which one gives better value?
This depends more on your property than on whichever camera has the lower price on a particular day.
The S4 is poor value if you pay for motorized tracking but install it somewhere the camera never needs to move.
The S3 Pro is poor value if its fixed view repeatedly misses activity that an S4 could follow.
So think of value in terms of the problem being solved:
- Fixed security zone: S3 Pro often makes more sense.
- Large moving security zone: S4 can justify the additional hardware.
Avoid choosing purely from temporary sale pricing because camera prices and promotions change frequently.
EufyCam S4 advantages
- Fixed 4K overview plus separate PTZ tracking.
- 360-degree motorized coverage.
- Automatic subject tracking.
- Up to 8× hybrid zoom.
- Better suited to larger properties.
- Cross-camera tracking with HomeBase S380.
- Strong local-storage and no-required-subscription proposition.
EufyCam S3 Pro advantages
- Simpler fixed-camera architecture.
- 4K resolution.
- MaxColor Vision is specifically focused on low-light color imaging.
- F1.0 lens.
- Apple Home support.
- Solar charging.
- Radar and PIR detection.
- Strong local-storage and no-required-subscription proposition.
- Can be better value when PTZ tracking is unnecessary.
Choose EufyCam S4 if
- your property is large;
- people regularly move outside one fixed camera view;
- automatic PTZ tracking has real value;
- you want stronger zoom on distant activity;
- you plan a multi-camera installation where cross-camera tracking is useful; or
- you do not need Apple HomeKit.
Read our full EufyCam S4 Review for a closer look at the triple-lens system and tracking features.
Check current EufyCam S4 2-Cam Kit pricing and availability on Amazon.
Choose EufyCam S3 Pro if
- one fixed view already covers your security zone;
- MaxColor night imaging is a priority;
- Apple Home compatibility matters;
- you prefer a simpler fixed camera;
- you do not need motorized tracking; or
- the S3 Pro provides a meaningful saving when you buy.
Read our full EufyCam S3 Pro Review for more detail on MaxColor Vision, local storage and HomeKit.
Check current EufyCam S3 Pro 2-Cam Kit pricing and availability on Amazon.
Final verdict
For most buyers, the choice between EufyCam S4 and S3 Pro should be based on coverage rather than model generation.
Choose the EufyCam S4 when the camera needs to follow activity around a large property. Its combination of a fixed 4K overview and separate PTZ tracking system solves a problem the S3 Pro simply cannot.
Choose the EufyCam S3 Pro when one fixed camera position already captures everything important. Its 4K imaging, MaxColor Vision, local-storage system and Apple Home compatibility remain highly relevant even after the S4’s launch.
The S4 is the more capable camera.
The S3 Pro can still be the smarter purchase.
Frequently asked questions
Is EufyCam S4 better than S3 Pro?
The S4 is more capable for large areas because it adds motorized PTZ tracking and hybrid zoom while maintaining a fixed 4K overview. The S3 Pro can be the better choice for a fixed security zone, particularly when MaxColor Vision or Apple Home support matters.
What is the main difference between EufyCam S4 and S3 Pro?
The S4 combines a fixed 4K camera with a separate motorized PTZ system. The S3 Pro is a fixed 4K camera without motorized tracking.
Does EufyCam S4 work with HomeKit?
Not currently. Eufy’s current documentation states that Apple HomeKit is not supported by the S4.
Does EufyCam S3 Pro work with HomeKit?
Yes. The S3 Pro supports Apple Home, although video shown through Apple Home is limited to 1080p.
Which has better night vision, S4 or S3 Pro?
The S3 Pro has the stronger fixed-camera low-light proposition through MaxColor Vision and its F1.0 lens. The S4 offers color and infrared night vision while adding the ability to track activity across a much larger area.
Do EufyCam S4 and S3 Pro require subscriptions?
No monthly recording subscription is required for the core local-storage systems. Both can use HomeBase S380 for local footage storage and additional smart features.
Which is better for a large property?
The S4. Its motorized PTZ system, hybrid zoom and cross-camera tracking are much more valuable when activity can move through several exterior zones.
Which is better for a small property?
The S3 Pro can be more rational when one fixed 135-degree view already captures the entire area you need to monitor.
Should I upgrade from S3 Pro to S4?
Upgrade primarily if the S3 Pro’s fixed field of view is limiting your coverage. If your existing S3 Pro already sees the whole security zone and performs well, the S4’s tracking hardware may not solve a meaningful problem.
Can both cameras use HomeBase 3?
Yes. HomeBase S380, commonly called HomeBase 3, is part of the wider local-storage ecosystem used by both models.