The Eufy system is a self monitoring completely wireless video home surveillance system. After opening the box and charging each camera (from zero to full in 4hr) it took me less than 30 min to install, mount and monitor my system!! From the first second I completed installation my cameras have caught just about everything with very good quality! Each triggered action is video taped and accessible on your phone through your app. It is stored on your base station 16 gb and you can download to your phone if you want or decide to erase at any time through your app as well. I believe there is a way to connect an external USB drive to the base station to extend your video storage capability. Batteries are e supposed to last 6 mos on a charge. I am sure my front camera will need to be charged in less time and my side camera will far exceed this time frame based on their number of triggers. The base station is also equipped with a siren. I would really recommend a wireless mesh system to be used in tandem with the Eufy as you want strong wireless signal for your cameras so they work well. I have a TpLink Deco mesh system with pods.throughout my house and back yard. My house is 3500 sq ft and my lot is .25 of.an acre and I have excellent coverage throughout. I get a notification within 3 sec of the cameras turning on and video tape ng. Since I am in the at home mode my siren does not go off but my app alerts me. My base station is in the master bedroom on the top floor of my 2 story house and it is plugged into one of my Deco pods with an Ethernet cable. I have not tried the Eufy's home automation functions YET but planning on using it to add some security devices to round out my diy security project. If I can figure out how to update my post from today may 9 2020 I will let you know how the batteries lifespan worked.out. For now I love this system for ease of install and it's video capture quality, and free private storage of video clips!! Hope this helps you in your decision of what system to purchase.