What I’ve Learned From Researching the System So Far
Let’s get this out of the way first:
I haven’t installed or personally tested the Eufy PoE NVR Security System S4 Max yet. But I’ve done a ton of digging—through Eufy’s official site, YouTube videos, Reddit threads, and some deeper product comparison write-ups—and here’s what I’ve learned.
If you’re in the market for a wired security camera system that doesn’t require a subscription and offers local 24/7 recording, this one might be worth a serious look. But it’s also not for everyone.
This guide covers the core features, what’s in the box, who I think this is best suited for, and a quick look at two compatible add-on cameras that give you even more setup flexibility.
💡 What is the Eufy S4 Max PoE System?
The S4 Max is Eufy’s first full-blown PoE (Power over Ethernet) security system with an included NVR, or Network Video Recorder. That means the entire system is built to function locally without relying on cloud storage or a Wi-Fi signal. Instead, everything runs off wired Ethernet connections from the cameras straight to the NVR, which comes with a built-in 2TB hard drive and can be upgraded to as much as 16TB.
It ships with four dual-lens cameras, each combining a 4K ultra-wide lens for broad scene coverage and a 2K PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) lens for motion tracking and detail zooming.
It’s designed for people who want:
- Always-on surveillance with continuous recording
- Zero monthly fees
- Full ownership and control of their security footage
- A more robust, wired setup that doesn’t depend on Wi-Fi range
This isn’t your typical “plug it in and forget it” battery camera. It’s a full security system that’s closer to what you’d see in a business or office building—but made accessible for everyday homeowners.
🛠️ A Quick Heads-Up: This System Isn’t For Everyone
Let’s talk real for a second.
One of the biggest things I picked up from watching reviewers and reading through installation guides is that this system requires a good amount of setup effort. You’re going to be running cables through your walls, under eaves, or possibly through the attic. Each camera needs an Ethernet cable running back to the main hub (NVR), so unless you’re handy with a drill or willing to hire help, this might not be the easiest solution for you.
That said—if you’re okay with a bit of a weekend project, the tradeoff is a rock-solid, reliable system with consistent recording and zero dependency on cloud storage or battery levels. Once it’s in, it’s in—and it works.
In short:
🚫 Don’t buy this if you:
- Want a wire-free install
- Don’t have access to run cables in your space
- Prefer battery-powered or Wi-Fi plug-in cams
✅ Definitely consider this if you:
- Own your home and want a more “permanent” setup
- Have security blind spots where Wi-Fi doesn’t reach well
- Want 24/7 local recording and no cloud subscriptions
📦 What Comes in the Box?
Here’s what you’ll find inside the Eufy S4 Max box (based on the official specs and unboxings I’ve watched):
- 1x Eufy NVR hub (with 2TB hard drive)
- 4x Dual-lens PoE cameras (4K wide-angle + 2K PTZ)
- 4x Mounting brackets
- 4x 60-ft Ethernet cables
- 4x Waterproof cable connectors
- 1x HDMI cable
- 1x USB mouse
- 1x Power adapter
- Drill templates, screws, mollies, and a setup guide
The cameras and accessories come well-organized and clearly labeled. One thing I appreciated from watching Mark’s review on YouTube is how installer-friendly the packaging is. Little things like spring-loaded mounting screws, pre-drilled templates, and weatherproof gaskets show that Eufy really thought this through.
The included NVR is the real centerpiece—this device is what handles all the video footage from your cameras and lets you view, store, and manage everything locally.
🔍 A Closer Look at the Cameras
Each camera included in the S4 Max kit is pretty unique. Rather than a single lens, you get a dual-lens setup on every unit:
- 4K wide-angle camera – captures a broad 122° view to give you full-scene coverage
- 2K PTZ lens – automatically tracks motion, pans up to 360°, and zooms in for detail
The result is something a single camera often struggles to achieve—wide-area monitoring and detailed subject tracking all in one unit.
This combo is ideal if you want to:
- Track movement around your driveway or perimeter
- Get full-scene awareness without sacrificing zoom capabilities
- Reduce blind spots with auto-tracking
The cameras themselves rotate cleanly and appear durable enough to handle weather, based on the waterproofing materials and installation design.
🔌 Ports, Storage & Local Playback
The NVR unit is where all your footage gets recorded and stored. It has:
- 8x PoE ports for direct wired camera connection
- HDMI output so you can plug it into a TV or monitor
- 2 USB ports + 1 USB-C for accessories or firmware updates
- LAN port to connect to your home network
- Audio output and a power button (yep, a real one)
Best part? No internet is required to run the system. Everything is stored locally, and you can upgrade the hard drive to as much as 16TB if you’re doing continuous recording.
This setup is ideal for people who want privacy, don’t want to rely on Eufy’s cloud (or any cloud), and want to own their footage—period.
🔁 Add-On Options: Eufy E40 Bullet & E41 Turret
If you don’t need all four dual-lens cams, or want to expand later, Eufy offers two alternative PoE cams that are fully compatible with the S4 Max NVR.
🟦 Eufy E40 Bullet Cam
The E40 is a 4K fixed-focus bullet camera, meaning it doesn’t pan or zoom like the PTZ cam, but it’s great for static, long-range coverage. Mount it above a garage, on a fence post, or along your property line.
👍 Great for:
- Monitoring fixed areas like driveways or gates
- People who want ultra-clear 4K footage without needing PTZ features
EUFY S4 Max E40 Bullet Camera Bundle
⚪ Eufy E41 Turret Cam
The E41 turret is kind of a “set-it-and-forget-it” 4K cam. It’s a lower-profile option that mounts under eaves or ceilings and can be adjusted during install. Perfect for corners or tight spaces.
👍 Great for:
- Ceiling or soffit installs
- Covering porch entries or indoor spaces
Both the E40 and E41 are weatherproof, PoE-powered, and come with all the same mounting gear and waterproof cable protection.
EUFY S4 Max E41 Turret Camera Bundle
📺 Bonus: View All Your Eufy Cams in One Place?
Here’s something that might excite you (I know it got my attention):
Eufy just launched a new 8″ Smart Home Hub called the Eufy Security Smart Display e10. It acts like a control center where you can view all of your Eufy cameras—new and old—in one convenient screen.
That means if you’ve already got a few Eufy battery cams or doorbell cams, you don’t have to log in separately or switch apps to view feeds. Everything appears in one place.
I haven’t tested this display yet either, but I’m planning a separate post about it soon.
EUFY E10 Smart Display
🤔 So… Should You Buy the Eufy S4 Max?
Let’s break it down.
I can’t tell you it’s a must-buy yet—because again, I haven’t installed or stress-tested it. But based on the research, here’s who I think it’s best for:
✅ Buy it if:
- You want local control, no subscriptions, and high-res footage
- You’re okay with doing (or hiring for) wired installs
- You want to expand over time and own your footage
🚫 Skip it if:
- You’re renting or need a plug-and-play solution
- You don’t want to deal with cables or drilling holes
- You prefer cloud-based viewing and alerts
🔚 Final Thoughts
I’ll be keeping a close eye on this one, and if I get a unit to test, I’ll do a full breakdown with real-world footage and install tips.
In the meantime, I hope this guide helped you make a more informed decision—or at least gave you a few things to think about before spending a few hundred bucks.
Got questions? Already tried the S4 Max? Shoot me a message or comment below. I’d love to hear your experience.
EUFY S4 Max Bundles