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Swann Home Security is a well-established player in the world of home security systems, offering a range of products, including smart security cameras, video doorbells and home alarm systems.
To help you make an informed choice about your home security system, our home tech experts have delved into the specifics of Swann’s products, customer service, system installation process and cost-effectiveness.
Rating: ★★★
Swann is recognised for its cameras and streamlined, simplistic systems. However, its camera packages don’t include window or door sensors, and there is no option for integration with other smart home devices.
While its cameras incorporate some useful features, such as thermal sensing, colour night vision and high-resolution video, Swann’s subscription-free service lacks many user-focused features such as security alerts via the app.
Independent Advisor’s experts have researched and tested each home security system in order to provide balanced, impartial and accurate recommendations. We’ve compared dozens of products, features, quality and cost alongside what others in the industry say and how customers have reviewed their experiences.
In conducting our Swann home security review, we considered the following:
We examined 18 elements within these categories, including:
To give consumers the knowledge they need to make an informed, up-to-date and confident decision, all of our home security articles are verified by our in-house team of fact-checkers. For more information on our process, read about how we review home security systems.
Like Ring, Swann offers various security products, including cameras and video doorbells. Both brands provide great flexibility to mix and match products based on individual needs. Meanwhile, ADT and SimpliSafe – who also offer a broad range of products – are better known for their pre-packaged security systems.
Swann, Ring and SimpliSafe systems are all designed for easy DIY installation. ADT offers professional installation, which adds to the overall cost but may be a boon for those less comfortable with setting up the devices themselves.
Swann’s products fall in the premium price range, and the costs can be even higher if you opt for a subscription to access features that other brands supply at no extra cost.
| Key feature | Swann | ADT | SimpliSafe | Ring |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum equipment cost (without installation) | £32.99 | POA | £284.96 | £219.99 |
| Starting monthly fee | £3.99 per device (with cloud storage) | Bespoke quote | From £15.99 | £4.99 (optional) |
| Power outage back-up | Battery back-up | Checked daily by ADT | 24-hour battery back-up | 24-hour battery back-up |
| Mobile phone back-up | No cellular back-up | Cloud storage | 4G data back-up | Yes, cloud storage with a subscription |
| Live streaming | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Push alerts | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Remotely arm/disarm system | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Swann’s home security packages comprise multiple wired or wireless cameras, with no door and window sensors included. However, you can buy a wifi sensor and door alarm two-pack for £57.99. If you want a comprehensive security system, you’ll need to budget for this additional expense.
| Package name | Equipment | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| SwannBuddy Wireless Video Doorbell | 1x wireless video doorbell | £169.99 |
| Spotlight Outdoor Security Camera Twin Pack | 2x wireless cameras | £269.99 |
| 8 Camera Security Kit | 6x spotlight cameras2x thermal sensing cameras1x 4TB hard drive | £1,499.99 |
Swann’s non-subscription features are limited, and, from the website, it’s not easy to figure out what’s available without a subscription. It’s important to note that Swann doesn’t offer professional monitoring to UK homeowners – all systems are self-monitored.
| Plan | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|
| No subscription | One to seven days of cloud and local back-up (depending on camera); True Detect, including person, heat and motion detection; 12-month warranty | N/A |
| Extra Plan | 60 days of cloud and local back-up; True Detect plus with package, pet and vehicle detection; lock screen alerts with images; priority support; 36-month extended warranty; device or system replacement if stolen (with a valid police report); access to exclusive offers | £3.99/month (39.99/year) per device |
| Unlimited Plan | 60 days of cloud and local back-up; True Detect plus with package, pet and vehicle detection; lock screen alerts with images; priority support; 36-month extended warranty; device or system replacement if stolen (with a valid police report); access to exclusive offers | £8.99/month (£89.99/year) for unlimited devices |
All Swann products include the necessary screws, brackets and wires to install your security system.
The SwannBuddy Wireless Video Doorbell and accompanying chime speaker unit offer 1,080px full HD video resolution, night vision and a viewing angle of 180 degrees. It also incorporates two-way communication and Swann’s True Detect heat sensing, designed to detect the heat and movement of people, cars and large animals. A 32GB micro SD card is included for video storage.
Swann’s spotlight camera features 4K video resolution, colour night vision, True Detect thermal motion detection and two-way audio. It has a 110-degree viewing range and incorporates a siren.
Swann’s Pro Bullet camera features 6K video resolution, True Detect thermal motion detection, two-way audio, night colour vision and facial recognition. It has a 65-degree viewing angle and its audio range is up to 16 feet.
Swann has a Trustpilot rating of four out of five stars across more than 8,000 customer reviews. Over half of its customer reviews are five-star rated, and just 21 per cent have been awarded one star.
“Had the CCTV system for several years now. No mishaps give reassurance when away from the house, even when abroad!”
“The product came quickly. Unfortunately, it wasn’t needed as a replacement due to a different fix solving the issue. Customer Services were really good, understanding the need to return, and they issued a refund quickly upon receipt of the unused product.”
“New CCTV unit arrived on time – easy to swap out with [the] old unit. New software is much better.”
Swann offers three downloadable apps for iOS, Android, Windows and Mac operating systems – Swann Security, HomeSafe View and AlwaysSafe – and each is compatible with a range of specific cameras. From the apps, users can customise their camera settings, including pan, tilt and zoom, replay stored videos, monitor live footage and receive real-time notifications if a camera is activated.
The Swann Security app covers the majority of the company’s camera systems and has a minimalistic, straightforward interface. Users can remotely control and customise their camera settings, watch live or stored footage and receive alerts when the cameras are activated.
HomeSafe View is designed for both mobile and desktop use, allowing owners to remotely monitor and control up to 16 cameras simultaneously. The interface has the same clean lines and uncluttered feel as Swann’s Security app.
AlwaysSafe is only available for Android or iOS and is limited to three of Swann’s camera ranges. While the other two apps cover wired, wireless and wifi systems, AlwaysSafe is only compatible with Swann’s wifi systems.
It’s important to note that, as with many home security camera brands, in order for Swann’s cameras to function on the user’s phone, access must be granted to not only the photo library but also the phone’s camera.
Unlike other leading home security brands, Swann doesn’t offer comprehensive home security packages. However, our experts have looked at three kits that meet a range of security needs.
| Cost | £169.99 |
| Components | 1x wireless video doorbell, 1x chime speaker unit, 32GB Micro SD card and USB to Micro USB cable |
| Power source | Batteries |
| Monitoring | Self-monitoring |
The SwannBuddy Wireless Video Doorbell and its chime speaker unit provide high-resolution video quality, night vision capabilities and a wide field of view at 180 degrees, allowing you to capture anyone at or around your doorway. Designed to identify the thermal and motion activity of humans, vehicles and large animals, false alarms should be minimised. It comes with a 32GB Micro SD card and Secure Cloud, which stores your data in a secure location.
| Cost | £269.99 |
| Components | 2x Spotlight Outdoor Camera |
| Power source | Wired |
| Monitoring | Self-monitored |
Swann’s Spotlight Outdoor Security Camera Twin Pack delivers good surveillance for medium-sized properties. It features thermal motion detection and both day and night vision – when spotlights are turned on, its night vision has a range of up to 100 feet. The cameras feature two-way audio to communicate with delivery drivers or visitors and a siren to deter intruders.
The camera connects to your home wifi network, allowing you to access your live feed video via the Swann security app. Video footage is stored via Secure Cloud and internal offline back-up, ensuring your privacy and security.
| Cost | £1,499.99 |
| Components | 8x 12MP IP bullet camera and a 4TB hard drive |
| Power source | Batteries |
| Monitoring | Self-monitored |
Swann’s 8 Camera Security System includes a 4TB hard drive, allowing homeowners to store months of recordings, and eight 12MP Pro Bullet cameras. The bullet cameras record in 6K with a 65-degree viewing angle. Cameras have a two-way audio function and a siren to deter intruders. The night vision capability has a range of up to 130 feet, even in total darkness, and it’s equipped with a thermal and motion sensor.
While Swann doesn’t offer comprehensive security systems, its cameras are easily installed and function well. However, our researchers feel the needs of most homeowners would be better served by designing packages that include door and window sensors.
Unless you wish to pay a monthly subscription, many of Swann’s features are unavailable, and with the website lacking transparency, it’s challenging to find out what non-subscribers are entitled to.
Compared to its competitors, Swann doesn’t represent good value for money. For that reason, we wouldn’t recommend it for homeowners who require a comprehensive package or those who prefer professional monitoring.
Rating: ★★★
Swann home security systems are generally regarded as reliable and effective. The company’s cameras offer high-quality video resolution, durability and user-friendly features, including night vision, thermal motion detection and remote access via its app.
However, Swann’s pre-packaged kits focus on surveillance cameras and don’t include door and window sensors, which come as standard with brands such as Ring.
Swann offers both wired and wireless home security systems. The wired systems often provide more reliable and continuous surveillance, as they’re not dependent on a wireless signal or battery power. However, Swann’s wireless systems offer flexibility in installation and placement, as they don’t require cabling and can often connect to your home wifi network for remote monitoring.
Swann cameras typically require an internet connection for many of the features to function fully, especially those related to remote access and monitoring, such as viewing your camera feed. However, its CCTV systems record to a local hard drive without an internet connection.
