Swann Security Cameras

Swann cameras tend to take a little longer to install because most of them need to be wired to your electrical system and connected to a NVR (network video recorder) or a DVR (digital video recorder) system. While the process is more involved than installing a Nest Cam or setting up an Arlo security camera, it isn’t overly complicated. The wired cameras will need professional installation as well.

NVR and DVR systems store footage locally, so you don’t need to pay video storage fees, and you don’t need to worry about anyone hacking your footage. To view footage, you can either use the app or you can connect the NVR box directly to your TV or laptop with an Ethernet cable or VGA cable. You can’t do this with many popular security cameras like Ring or Wyze cameras.

If you would rather have cloud storage, the Swann cloud subscription plans give you up to 60-day rolling storage for a competitive monthly fee. Many Swann cameras also let you upload your footage to your Dropbox account.

Our favorite feature found on most of the cameras is the True Detect thermal-sensing motion detection. Yep, this camera goes full-on spy mode by detecting body heat and motion to trigger recordings and push notifications to your phone. We love it because it reduces false alarms. No more tumbling leaves or bugs setting off your security camera.

This camera has just about everything you could want from a security camera. The Swann Ultra HD 8-Channel System is chock full of features, including these:

• 4 cameras
• 4K video resolution
• Person detection
• Two-way audio
• True Detect thermal-sensing motion detection
• Weatherproofing for outdoor use
• Color night vision
• 2 TB local storage
• Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility

It also comes loaded with some fancy features that most other cameras on the market miss out on.

Other than the super clear 4K video resolution, our favorite standout feature is the line-crossing detection. Using the app, you can draw a line on the monitoring map somewhere in your yard and then get a notification when something crosses the line.

Say the neighbor kids keep sneaking into your yard to pick your roses. You can draw a line on the monitoring map around your rose bushes. When the would-be rose napper crosses the line, you’ll be alerted.

Plus, this system comes with four cameras, which is ideal for monitoring multiple areas around your home.

We liked the Swan Full HD so much it made our list of best multi-camera security systems.

The Swann Pan and Tilt is on our list of best nanny cams because it’s small but still has a lot of great features:

• 1080p video resolution
• Two-way audio
• Night vision

What makes it stand out when compared to other indoor cameras on the market? You can control where the camera looks. Using the app, you can make the camera pan right, left, up, or down. There’s no way someone will be able to sneak around in your house without getting caught.

You may have noticed that many Swann cameras have a very narrow field of view, but the Swann Tracker Camera covers a whopping 180°. That’s one of the largest we’ve seen. What this means for you is the Tracker can cover more area without additional cameras.

We also like that this indoor security camera zooms in and tracks whatever sets off its motion sensor.

Other features include these:

• 1080p video resolution
• Two-way audio
• Night vision
• Siren

The Swann Indoor/Outdoor Camera is the security company’s most versatile camera. It can be used indoors or outdoors, and it has a spotlight to scare away intruders or to shed light on a pathway or porch. Plus, it’s small, so it can be put just about anywhere.

The Indoor/Outdoor Camera also has these features:

• 1080p video resolution
• Night vision
• True Detect thermal-sensing motion detection

Like the Enforcer, this camera doesn’t have two-way talk. If you want a spotlight camera with two-way talk and similar features, we would recommend the Arlo Pro 4.

The Swann Enforcer Camera’s standout feature is its red and blue flashing warning lights that mimic police car lights. Very intimidating, even if you’re not committing a crime. If these lights don’t scare away intruders, we don’t know what will.

Along with the flashing lights, this camera also has a powerful spotlight. We love cameras with spotlights because they are an easy way to add safety lighting to a walkway or driveway.

The Enforcer doesn’t have two-way talk. For some, that may be a good thing. For example, if you’re concerned about your security camera getting hacked and a stranger potentially listening to your conversations, then the Enforcer can be a good choice. While this type of hacking is super rare, no-audio options are always nice.

It also features these capabilities:

• 1080p video resolution
• Color night vision
• True Detect thermal-sensing motion detection