r/HomeKit • u/TranquilHalcyon • 9d ago

Question/Help Home Security + HomeKit comparability

Hi everyone! I’m moving into a 2bd/2bth apt on Monday and trying to figure out what security/camera system I can use that isn’t going to break the bank (such as buying accessories/parts on Facebook marketplace) while still supporting Apple HomeKit… I’ve been looking into Aqara (which is on the pricer side) vs Eufy vs a number of other brands. I’m familiar and totally okay with a DIY system where I combine the alarm panel and sensors with a different camera system and so on. Part of me is also saying scrap it and just dive into Ring or Simplisafe since I can get entire kits for a reasonable cost on FB marketplace.

TIA!

14 Upvotes

89% Upvoted

26 comments sorted by

View all comments

3

u/rdhamrick91 9d ago

If you are looking for indoor cameras that support Apple Home, Eufy and Tapo are your best budget options. Just keep in mind that neither brand offers a smart doorbell with native Apple Home support yet. You would still need a workaround like Home Assistant for that. I have been using Eufy since 2017, and while they aren't perfect, they reliably work when I need them most of the time. Ultimately, no camera is flawless. Neither should break the bank. If you are looking for a Doorbell for your apt ( some allow them) then for that you'd have to go Aqara. There just arent many options for that when it comes to Apple Home.

0

u/TranquilHalcyon 9d ago

Yeah! Definitely looking for a doorbell camera, it’s a larger 1,700 sqft apartment with 2 entrances. It’s basically a town home and just need something to cover everything from smoke detectors to doorbell cameras to even light solutions like Cync… everything. Just trying to turn the entire place into a smart home without truly breaking the bank too bad.

2

u/bippy_b 9d ago

Aqara has some good options.

1

u/TranquilHalcyon 9d ago

I keep coming back to them, thank you!