ZDNET’s Key Takeaways
- The Eufy FamiLock S3 Max is a new video smart lock available for pre-order for $400, with a limited-time $70 discount.
- It features a camera and doorbell button, and an indoor screen shows who’s at the door.
- The smart lock isn’t convenient for some users, such as those with a screen or storm door.
The Smart Lock with Facial Recognition Spoiled Every Other Security Device for Me
I have a 3-year-old daughter who loves to get away with mischief. She’s always been the baby of the family, and giving her control over small things helps her stay confident without tipping into chaos. I taught her how to talk to Alexa to control music and lights, and more recently, how to peer into the front door camera with the Eufy FamiLock S3 Max, which has proven quite effective.
The Eufy Security FamiLock S3 Max: A Family-Friendly Smart Lock
The Eufy Security FamiLock S3 Max was designed to be a family-friendly smart lock, hence the FamiLock branding. This lock uses palm-vein recognition for unlocking, a biometric scanning technology that is more accurate than fingerprint scans, passcodes, and a physical key.
Key Features
- The smart lock features a display that shows what’s happening outside your door in real-time.
- It also functions as a video doorbell, perfect for renters or those who want a 2-in-1 solution.
- The Eufy FamiLock S3 Max is subscription-free if you add a Eufy HomeBase 3 for local storage.
The Eufy HomeBase 3: A Powerhouse of AI-Powered Facial Recognition
The HomeBase 3’s biggest power is AI-powered facial recognition, which accurately identifies people in your household to tell you exactly who’s at the door, whether it’s "Dad" or a stranger. I only wish the HomeBase 3 and FamiLock S3 Max could combine this feature to unlock the door when a known and authorized person is detected.
Conclusion
The Eufy FamiLock S3 Max has been an easy and convenient experience thus far. This smart lock is perfect for new and existing Eufy Security customers, especially if you have the HomeBase 3 to bypass monthly subscription fees and enjoy facial recognition alerts. It’s easy to install and has proven itself to be reliable and responsive, never losing connectivity and consistently unlocking and locking when prompted.
FAQs
Q: What is the price of the Eufy FamiLock S3 Max?
A: The Eufy FamiLock S3 Max is available for pre-order at $400, with a limited-time $70 discount.
Q: How does the Eufy FamiLock S3 Max work?
A: The smart lock uses palm-vein recognition for unlocking, a biometric scanning technology that is more accurate than fingerprint scans, passcodes, and a physical key.
Q: What is the Eufy HomeBase 3?
A: The Eufy HomeBase 3 is a device that can function as a doorbell chime, security alarm, and local storage for the Eufy Security system.
Q: What are the drawbacks of the Eufy FamiLock S3 Max?
A: The smart lock is not convenient for some users, such as those with a screen or storm door, and it does not unlock with facial recognition.

