I have reviewed many smart home security systems
With a number of them being in the higher price bracket; not everybody has a budget that can facilitate installing a complete home security system like that.
Putting together a security system for your home can be a bit daunting; however, breaking the overall task down into smaller tasks or projects makes it a lot easier, and installing security cameras is a great place to start because they take immediate effect both as a deterrent and for evidence gathering should that be required.
I’ve put together this guide for Swann security cameras to help you get started. Swann is a reputable brand in the home security industry with good quality, reliable products. Their camera systems are functional, practical, and generally of a minimalist design and DIY friendly.
Let’s delve into the features of Swann security cameras and why I found them to be a good choice as a starting point towards a complete DIY smart home security system.
High-Quality Cameras
The first thing that caught my eye about the Swann security system was the quality of its cameras. They offer indoor and outdoor cameras, each with a 1080p resolution, ensuring crisp and clear footage. With their wide-angle lenses, these cameras cover large areas, allowing you to monitor every corner of your property. The cameras are weather-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about them being damaged by rain or extreme temperatures.
Features
- Prevent Crime-Controllable sensor spotlights with red & blue flashing lights deter intruders
- 4K Ultra HD-State-of-the-art video to see faces, license plates, close ups & more
- Weatherproof-Cameras work in rain & snow, all year round
- Free Recording -Retain video up to 12 months onto 2TB hard drive & back up to the cloud
Wireless doorbells
SwannBuddy Wireless Video Doorbell is also an excellent addition to your home security setup. The sleek device features a 1080p camera, two-way audio, and motion detection, allowing you to see, hear and speak to visitors at your doorstep. SwannBuddy includes a 32gig onboard SD card.
Charging is via Micro USB Cable (included) or can be connected to existing doorbell wires with a 12/24V AC output. This type of doorbell wiring is commonplace in North American homes. The chime speaker unit requires 2xAA batteries which are included.
SwannBuddy doorbells work with the Swann Security App and are compatible with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Chromecast devices with screens.
Security lights and camera-equipped security lights
These smart lights are designed to deter potential intruders while providing ample illumination for your property, and there are also camera-equipped security lights in their range. Built to withstand harsh weather conditions, the Swann range of durable security lights is built to withstand harsh weather conditions and offers long-lasting performance. Equipped with motion detection and customizable settings, Swann security lights can be programmed to activate when a particular movement is detected; this can help scare off prowlers and potential burglars.
The security lights integrate seamlessly with the Swann security app, allowing you to monitor and control them remotely, and are compatible with Google Assistant, Chromecast, Google Home Hubs, or Amazon Alexa devices with a screen, such as Echo Spot.
Night vision
Swann security cameras have night vision capabilities, which is a must-have feature for me. Night vision ensures that your home remains protected even during the darkest nights and alerts you to potential threats, including wild animals such as bears or roaming dogs.
Smart Motion Detection
Another great feature of Swann cameras is their smart motion detection feature. The system’s cameras and sensors can distinguish between people, vehicles, and animals, reducing the chances of false alarms. When any unusual activity is detected, you’ll receive an instant notification on your smartphone or tablet, so you can take appropriate action.
Two-Way Audio
Two-way audio is another great feature; it allows you to communicate with whoever is on the other side of the camera. Whether it’s greeting a delivery person or warning an intruder, the built-in microphone and speaker make it easy to communicate in real time.
Hard drives and storage
Swann hard drives come in a number of storage capacities and can store many months of footage before overwriting older ones. You can easily transfer video files to a portable hard drive, a USB stick or download them via your network to a PC. You can also upload footage files from two cameras and still images from all cameras to your Dropbox account in the cloud, so even if your security system gets stolen, you’ll have video and still’s evidence safely off-site; I particularly like this feature.
The Swann network video recorder(NVR) system is a robust and reliable NVR solution capable of handling multiple wireless high-resolution cameras. Swann NVR units offer ample storage and efficient video compression technology, with seamless playback of stored video footage.
Features
- Controllable sensor spotlights, Enforcer™ red/blue flashing lights & siren deter intruders
- See & Hear -Recognize faces, detect vehicles, 2-way talk & more, to know what’s happening 24/7
- See More -Pan left & right 355° & Tilt up & down 90° plus digital zoom
Easy Installation and Setup
When it comes to installation, the Swann System is incredibly easy to set up. The package comes with all the necessary equipment and a detailed instruction manual. With a few simple steps, you can have your security system up and running in no time; this is great if you’re into DIY. These installation video tutorials are very helpful.
Expandable System
One aspect of the Swann system is its expandability. You can easily add more cameras as your needs change. This flexibility allows you to create a customized security camera system tailored to your specific requirements.
Swann Security App
The Swann Security app is a great addition to the system. It lets you access and control all your Swann cameras from a single, easy-to-use interface. You can view live camera feeds, playback recorded footage, and manage your system’s settings right from your smartphone or tablet. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices.
24/7 Monitoring and Support
For what I believe is a reasonable monthly fee, Swann provides 24/7 monitoring services and professional assistance whenever you need it. Suppose an event is detected in and around your property; in that case, the event will be assessed by Swann’s monitoring professionals, and they will, in turn, contact you or your nominated contacts to verify that event. Swann cameras include sensors only triggered by a particular heat and motion-based activity or profile; this helps prevent false alerts.
Swann customer support is very good; if you ever run into any issues with your system or need help with troubleshooting, Swann’s support team is just a phone call or email away.
Price and Affordability
When it comes to price and affordability, the Swann Smart Home Security System stands out among its competitors. Swann offers a range of customized packages and caters to various budgets without compromising quality. All round, this is a cost-effective solution that ensures top-notch security for your property.
FAQ's Smart Home Security
Can you use Swann without a subscription?
Yes, you can use Swann security products without a subscription. Many Swann security systems, like DVR and NVR systems, are designed to function without a monthly subscription. You can typically store recorded footage locally on a hard drive, and you may be able to access live feeds and receive motion alerts through a smartphone app or web interface.
How do I set up my Swann Smart security system?
The first place to start setting up your Swann system is to refer to your product’s user manual; you can also visit the Swann video instruction page of their website, which offers very good installation tutorials.
Can Swann be hacked?
Like any internet-connected device, Swann security systems can like any internet linked system can potentially be hacked if they are not properly secured. However, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk and keep your security system safe from unauthorized access; visit my Protect Your Smart Home From Hackers page.
How do I watch Swann security cameras on my computer?
To view your Swann security cameras on your computer, you can either use the SwannView Link software or access the system via a web browser. Here’s a link to the Swann Remote App Information & Downloads page for iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac.
In Conclusion
After reviewing Swann’s security systems, I feel they have an all round well priced and full featured product that doesn’t skimp on quality. The ease of installation and simple setup of the hardware is perfect for anyone who likes DIY projects or those who would like to give it a go.
Their camera systems have good expandability as your smart home develops or your budget allows. Swann systems are compatible with Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa, so compatibility isn’t an issue if you already have a smart assistant or wish to expand later on.
High capacity hard drives and advanced activity profiling, along with 24/7 monitoring, mean you should always be aware of what is happening around your property.
I hope this overview gives you some useful ideas about where to start with a smart home security camera installation.