Eufy Outdoor Spotlights E10 Review: Bright and Easy, But Cabling Can Be a Challenge

Eufy continues its expansion into outdoor smart lighting with the Eufy Outdoor Spotlights E10. It’s crucial to differentiate these from Eufy’s string lights, which share the same model number. This review focuses specifically on the spotlight product.

These spotlights are sold in sets of two, accompanied by a controller, all interconnected via standard electrical cabling. Unlike low-voltage landscape lighting options from brands like Lifx, Philips Hue, or Hampton Bay, the Eufy spotlights require a standard A/C power source. While a single controller can manage up to four lights, Eufy currently doesn’t offer individual spotlights for purchase, which means buying additional sets even if you only need one more light. The controller itself is quite compact, featuring a single power button, and connects to both the power adapter and the daisy-chained spotlights via screw-in connectors.

Eufy boasts an AI-powered lighting design feature, accessible through keyword input, promising customized lighting schemes.

The cabling configuration is structured with a 2.5-foot length from the wall adapter to the controller, followed by 17 feet to the first light, and an additional 10 feet to the second light. Extending the setup with extra lights adds 10 feet of cable between each subsequent light. The spotlights themselves are constructed from sturdy aluminum with an IP65 weatherproof rating and come pre-attached to 6-inch plastic ground stakes. While the lights can be detached from the stakes, alternative mounting options for walls or hardscapes are not provided. Eufy includes 9-inch extension rods for added height, but the process of threading the wiring through these rods can be cumbersome.

The design emphasizes ground placement using the provided stakes, with no integrated solution for deck, fence, or hardscape installations.

Each spotlight features a 130-degree vertical pivot, secured by a thumbscrew. They produce a maximum of 500 lumens, support full-color spectrum, and offer adjustable white light color temperatures ranging from 1500K to 9000K. Power consumption, measured with two lights connected, peaks at approximately 18 watts.

One of the primary challenges lies in the installation planning. The limited cable lengths, the need for a nearby power outlet, and Wi-Fi accessibility all constrain placement options. The restriction of only four lights per controller further complicates matters. However, once a suitable location is determined, installation becomes relatively straightforward. Securing the stakes in the ground, adjusting the light angles, and configuring the settings within the Eufy Life app are the main steps.

Similar to Eufy’s string lights, the spotlights can be connected via Bluetooth or bridged to a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network. The initial setup process using Bluetooth proved problematic. The Bluetooth setup routine in the Eufy Life app, activated by pressing the controller button, initially failed to connect. Resolving this required restarting Bluetooth on the phone, force-quitting the app, and power-cycling the lights. Once connected, bridging to Wi-Fi was a seamless experience. The controller itself has a power button that can be used when a smartphone isn’t available.

The Eufy Life app offers extensive control over the spotlights, mirroring the functionality of Eufy’s other smart lighting products. Individual color configuration is available for each light, but dynamic modes apply universally across all connected lights. The app includes a library of over 80 preset themes, categorized by emotion, healing, holidays, and weather. These themes are customizable, allowing adjustments to color palettes and motion speeds.

The AI mode, utilizing keyword-based lighting design, is also present. While results can be more nuanced with only two lights (compared to the string lights), it remains an engaging feature. The "Magic Dice" option provides a completely randomized lighting effect. The Eufy Life app is generally intuitive and user-friendly.

The Eufy Life app allows users to get creative with lighting schemes.

Eufy’s Music Flow mode, still in beta, synchronizes lighting with ambient audio. Although currently limited to a rolling-rainbow effect and reliant on the phone’s microphone, it demonstrates potential. Alexa and Google Home integration are supported, enabling cross-platform voice control. However, HomeKit compatibility and Matter certification are absent.

Integration with Eufy cameras allows the spotlights to activate upon person detection, enhancing security features.

Unlike the somewhat dim Eufy string lights, the spotlights deliver ample brightness. The 500-lumen output effectively illuminates pathways and landscape features. The light quality is vibrant and clear, whether using colors or white light, thanks to a translucent diffuser that ensures even distribution. Priced at $100 for a two-pack, they aren’t the most budget-friendly smart spotlights, but the light quality and ease of use justify the cost, provided the cabling configuration meets your installation needs.

In summary, the Eufy Outdoor Spotlights E10 offer a compelling blend of brightness, color control, and user-friendly app integration. The primary drawback lies in the restrictive cabling configuration and the limited mounting options. If these limitations can be overcome, the Eufy spotlights provide a solid solution for smart outdoor lighting.