Swann Security Camera Cost and Pricing

Swann Camera Equipment Options

2 Swann Cameras on the NVR

Every security company has its own intricacies and quirks, but we’ve noticed that in larger brands, prices are generally all over the map. Swann exemplifies this perfectly, offering hundreds of cameras ranging from $44.99 for a basic indoor model up to $1,499 for their professional-grade 16-camera NVR system (particularly popular with small businesses and commercial properties).

In all this variety, though, we do want to mention that when we tested Swann cameras, we couldn’t help but notice that they “felt” inexpensive. Their build quality, we found, lacked the ruggedness of some of their competitors, namely Lorex. That said, many Lorex cameras are priced higher than Swann, which is a reminder that you get what you pay for in security cameras. Lorex cameras aren’t too shabby, though; take a look at my complete Lorex camera pricing and package guide for lots more.

Swann Camera Installed

Does this mean Swann cameras don’t last as long or hold up as well as other cameras? Not at all. In our always-unpredictable weather out here in Central Ohio, we put those Swann outdoor cams through the ringer with a nasty windstorm that lasted for hours. And through it all, the cameras weren’t damaged in any way. But you can read more about that — along with our full experience living with Swann — in our hands-on review of Swann cameras. We tested their 2-camera/4-channel NVR system, called the Smart Wi-Fi Series.

Swann Packaging

This brings us to a minor gripe we have with Swann: It’s not easy to get a full handle on the scope of the brand when some products are sold directly from Swann, others are not, and still others are only available in certain countries. It’s enough to make anyone’s shopping experience confusing. Fortunately, Swann distributes its cameras widely. You’ll find them at major retailers, local stores, and across online marketplaces. Given that broad availability, we appreciate that most of Swann’s cameras remain budget-friendly.

Swann Tracker camera and Pan & Tilt camera

Also keep in mind that many of the cameras packaged in Swann’s multi-camera systems, like the Smart Wi-Fi series, are still available for purchase individually. Staying true to the security industry’s rapid evolution, Swann continues releasing new models. For instance, we consider their new 4K dimmable floodlight camera to offer excellent value at just $199. To put that in perspective, the Ring floodlight camera I reviewed costs nearly $250 and lacks the dimmable feature. Worth considering when you’re comparison shopping.

Swann Camera Packages and Pricing

As we mentioned earlier, Swann is big on multi-camera packages. Most of those, we learned, contain either a DVR or NVR as the system’s hub, allowing us to cast the cameras to our TV and see it all on a big screen, like we did in our review.

Swann Cameras on our TV

Examining Swann’s current packages, we noticed the brand fully embraces 4K security cameras, especially in their outdoor models. Much like the latest smart TVs dominating electronics stores, security brands continue to expand their 4K camera offerings. This technology dramatically enhances video clarity, letting you monitor your property with unprecedented detail.

But here, we have another word of warning: 4K doesn’t usually work well in Wi-Fi security cameras, simply because they rely on a very stable internet connection. Cameras recording in 4K generate massive files that can overwhelm typical home Wi-Fi networks. That’s why we typically advise against 4K cameras unless you have fiber-optic internet with speeds exceeding 500 Mbps. Alternatively, you could use a hardwired connection like Power over Ethernet (PoE).

Instead, we would suggest looking into 1080p cameras (Swann has tons!) with an accompanying NVR. Not only will you get good-quality video 24 hours a day, seven days a week, you’ll also avoid those frustrating moments when your cameras are crashing your network and causing your home network to glitch or fail altogether.

To give you a clearer picture of Swann’s current offerings, we’ve compiled their most sought-after devices and packages into this comparison table:

Swann Camera Pricing

Video Storage Options for Swann

In many of Swann’s cameras, you’ll find several options to easily record, download, share, and store videos. Since so many Swann camera bundles include some type of hub to process data from multiple cameras, we’re especially glad to see just how much storage these systems give us. The 2-camera system we reviewed, now priced at $449, includes an NVR (network video recorder) with a 1 TB hard drive.

Swann NVR

With that configuration, you’ll likely skip the monthly cloud storage fees, since one terabyte provides substantial recording capacity. Still, that’s not your only option with Swann. Individual cameras can also connect to Swann’s Secure+ cloud plan (the rebranded version of Swann ExtraSafe), offering competitive monthly rates.

However you choose to store your videos, we love having so much flexibility here, and we think you will, too.

Swann Video Storage Breakdown

A Quick Look at Swann’s Features

After thoroughly testing Swann cameras in our home environment, we discovered that detailing every camera model would likely overwhelm readers. Instead, we’ve highlighted the essential features and technology you should understand before purchasing. Check out our comprehensive overview of Swann’s capabilities below.

Mobile Alerts	Every Swann camera has a mobile app that lets you monitor your cameras from anywhere. You'll also receive motion-triggered mobile alerts sent to your smartphone. While this is industry standard, it's worth noting that Swann uses different apps for different camera lines. Double-check your product documentation to download the correct one.
Wireless DIY Equipment	Wireless cameras eliminate the need for complicated hardwiring and installation, and Swann makes numerous wireless models. This provides placement flexibility with several models supporting solar charging panels, eliminating battery replacement hassles entirely.
Smart Home Options	Swann systems are able to partner with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant to allow for hands-free voice control. Depending on your setup, you can stream live video to smart displays, control cameras with voice commands, and integrate with other smart home routines.
Two-Way Talk	Many Swann models are equipped with Two-Way Talk, allowing you to communicate with people remotely from your smartphone using the Swann app. We found this feature particularly useful for package deliveries and deterring unwanted visitors. The audio quality surprised us for cameras at this price point.
Night Vision	Without a separate light source, it can be very difficult to see anything in your security cameras in the dark. Swann's night vision technology illuminates up to 100 feet in complete darkness on select models, ensuring round-the-clock surveillance capability.
True Detect Heat Sensing Technology	Swann's True Detect motion sensing technology allows the cameras to sense heat from both people and vehicles to trigger alerts and push notifications. This dramatically reduces false alerts from moving branches or shadows. We experienced 90 percent fewer nuisance notifications compared to basic motion detection.
Cloud Storage	Swann's Secure+ cloud storage starts at $4.99 monthly per camera, though many models include microSD card slots supporting up to 256GB for free local storage. We appreciate this flexibility – not everyone wants another subscription.
12-Month Warranty	Every Swann camera comes with a 12-month warranty. While standard for the industry, Swann extends this to a lifetime when you subscribe to their Secure+ plan – a nice bonus for cloud storage subscribers.

Swann Deals and Discounts

Swann’s always running sales on their camera lines. However, they change which models and packages are on sale frequently. We recommend taking a look at their sales when you’re ready to buy to ensure you get the best deal available. At times, we’ve seen them discount their packages by as much as 50 percent off, so taking advantage of their deals can save you big time. Beyond their rotating deals, they also always offer the following discounts:

• Swann’s refurbished store offers huge discounts and includes their full warranty.
• Free shipping on orders over $50.
• 90-day free trial of Secure+ cloud storage when activated in-app.

For the biggest discounts, always take a look at their Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Amazon Prime Day deals. Those sales holidays are always when we see Swann run their biggest sales.

But again, even if you can’t find a deal, Swann cameras are priced low enough that you shouldn’t have a problem affording one.

Swann Cameras

Final Thoughts on Swann Cameras

We have consistently recommended Swann as an effective, affordable home security option for almost everyone.

We do want to point out, though, that the majority of Swann cameras are pretty basic feature-wise; with a few exceptions, you’re not going to find cameras packed with advanced artificial intelligence features like those you’d find in Google’s stellar Nest Cams, some of which can only be accessed through Nest’s cloud subscription. (Learn more about those cameras in my full Nest Cam review here.)

However, as the market evolves, Swann steadily integrates more sophisticated capabilities into their lineup. Recently, they added AI-powered person detection and advanced activity zones that rival Arlo’s wire-free camera systems. Naturally, these enhanced features come with slightly higher price tags.

Swann Mouse, Camera, and NVR

That said, Swann’s focus on security camera packages and bundles can really work in your favor, too. That way, you can pay one price for everything you need to install, set up, and use Swann cameras in your home. With local storage via microSD cards available in most models, you genuinely can operate these cameras without ongoing fees.

So while we’re perfectly comfortable calling Swann cameras “affordable,” we do encourage you to choose carefully, as buying individual cameras for an entire home can add up pretty quickly. Though the selection process requires patience, we view this variety as an advantage rather than a drawback. With such an extensive catalog, you’re virtually guaranteed to find the perfect match for your needs.

Overall, for homeowners seeking to avoid complex installations and recurring contracts, we found Swann delivers reliable, budget-conscious security solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions