Amcrest vs Swann- Best CCTV System for Your Needs

When we look for the best CCTV systems to capture and protect our homes, businesses and people, two prominent brands come to mind. They are Amcrest and Swann. These two CCTV brands are highly rated in the CCTV industry.

Amcrest and Swann both have a wide range of security surveillance products. Their products share many similarities and differences, which we will discuss in detail in this post.

The Amcrest vs Swann brand comparison reveals them thoroughly. The comparison will help us gain a deeper understanding of the brand and use it appropriately. Their features, prices, technologies, remote access, compatibilities, etc, are comprehensively discussed.

Amcrest vs Swann- Compare the Best CCTV System

This comprehensive comparison covers the following key aspects of brands.

1- Brand Overview- Amcrest vs Swann

2- Similarities & Differences- Amcrest Brand & Swann Brand

3- Brand Pros & Cons- Amcrest & Swann CCTV Brands

4- CCTV Product Range

5- Video & Night Vision Quality

6- Brand’s Market & Price Strategy

7- Data Storage Capabilities

8- Mobile App & Remote Access

9- Smart Home Automation & Integration

10- Installation & Configuration

We will discuss these factors here in full detail.

1. Brand Overview- Amcrest vs Swann

Amcrest Brand

Amcrest is a US-based brand. Its headquarters is in Houston, Texas, USA. The company was constituted in 2016. It was originally a subsidiary of the Foscam company. Amcrest Technologies deals in security surveillance products.

The Amcrest brand is known for its affordable and durable products. It has IP cameras, PoE cameras, NVRs, DVRs, Thermal cameras and wireless cameras. The company is known for its traditional CCTV products for homes and small businesses.

It has advanced features, and its devices have resolutions between 1080p and 4k. The company designs its products in a DIY mode, and mostly they are plug-and-play type.

Swann Brand

The Swann Brand is an Australian entity. It is a highly renowned brand in the CCTV world. It was established in 1987 and its headquarters is in Melbourne, Australia.

The brand has quality CCTV products. It has a complete CCTV range with PoE cameras, NVRs, wireless and battery cameras. The brand is known for its traditional CCTV systems with sturdy and smart cameras.

Its products are designed for easy installation. The brand targets small-scale projects where internal storage, durability, scalability and quality are preferred. Its wired systems are more prominent than wireless cameras.

2. Similarities & Differences- Amcrest Brand & Swann Brand

Similarities- Amcrest & Swann Brands

• Both brands have high resolutions between 1080p and 4k.
• Both brands have ‘Do It Yourself’ (DIY) type cameras, which are easy to install and operate.
• Both brands have wired and wireless systems.
• Both brands have local storage capabilities with optional cloud storage features.
• Both brands have IR LEDs in all models and spotlights or floodlights in select models for colour night vision.
• Both brands support Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa voice commands.
• Both brands support motion detection, event tracking and alert notifications.
• Both brands support two-way audio functionality.

Differences- Amcrest & Swann Brands

• The Amcrest brand is more flexible. It supports ONVIF, RTSP and is compatible with third-party NVRs. Swann works magnificently in its own ecosystem.
• Amcrest devices have excellent IP and PoE cameras with WDR features. Swann has integrated spotlights on many models.
• The Amcrest brand has basic AI features like motion detection, alert notifications and object classifications compared to Swann’s advanced smart features.
• The Amcrest relies heavily on internal storage capacity. The Swann brand incorporates both local and cloud storage capabilities.
• The Amcrest has budget-friendly products compared to Swann’s products.
• The Amcrest brand is good for custom setups, and Swann is good for All-in-one kits, meaning its own ecosystem.

3. Brand Pros & Cons- Amcrest & Swann CCTV Brands

Amcrest Brand- Pros

• The brand has affordable wired and wireless cameras and NVRs/DVRs. Its wired systems are more dominant than its wireless systems.
• The brand has affordable products with ease of installation.
• The brand has products compatible with ONVIF & RTSP.
• Its products are basic and smart. Its higher-end products are advanced with AI features.
• The brand is great for tech-savvy users.
• The devices support internal storage. The Cloud storage option is optional.
• The brand has clean image cameras. They have resolutions of 1080p, 2k and 4k.
• Basic motion detection, two-way audio, alert notification, and object classification features.

Amcrest Brand- Cons

• It has basic AI features in all its products except its premium models.
• It has only a limited battery-powered or outdoor wireless cameras.

Swann Brand- Pros

• The Swann brand has high-quality and expensive CCTV systems, PoE, wireless and battery cameras compared to the Amcrest brand cameras.
• Its cameras are advanced with DIY capabilities.
• The cams give clean images during the day and at night. The brand jas resolutions between 1080p, 2k and 4k.
• Its premium devices give excellent colour night vision.
• Its devices have advanced AI features like motion & facial detection, alert notification, people, pets, packages and vehicle differentiations.
• Its battery and solar cameras are also used successfully, but its traditional CCTV systems are more dominantly used throughout the globe.

Swann Brand- Cons

• The brand is not ONVIF compliant.
• Some advanced features are locked with Cloud features.
• Its app for remote surveillance is less innovative than the Amcrest App.

4. Amcrest vs Swann- CCTV Product Range

Amcrest Brand

• IP Cameras (PoE & Wifi)- Their cameras are smart with smart features. They are strong with outdoor features.
• DVR and NVR kits (4 to 16 channels)- Supports 4k devices. Supports HDDs up to 12 TB.
• PTZ Cameras (Pan-Tilt-Zoom)- The camera is good for outdoor surveillance. Gives clean images and tracks objects.
• Indoor Smart Cameras- An easy-to-install device.

Its devices connect easily with NVRs and give stores data internally. The Amcrest kits are good for small units up to 16 cameras. They are the DIY type.

Swann Brand

• Wired DVR Systems (up to 16 channels)- Affordable system with good quality.
• NVR Kits with IP cameras- The kit is good for small businesses and home units. A DIY product with an internal storage facility.
• Wireless Cameras- Basic features. Advanced features are locked with a subscription.
• Spotlight and Floodlight Cameras- Good for outdoor locations. Provides colour night vision.

5. Amcrest vs Swann- Video & Night Vision Quality

Amcrest Brand

• The Amcrest brand has 1080p to 4K Ultra HD cameras. Image quality is excellent.
• The brand supports higher bitrate with H.265 video compression.
• The device has a decent image quality in low light and darkness.
• Most models include the Wide Dynamic Range (WDR). In contrast to the background, the device gives clear images.
• Its devices are studded with infrared night vision. Its devices can view up to 100 in the darkness.
• The brand has spotlight and floodlight cameras that give colour night vision.

Swann Brand

• Swann brand cameras have resolutions between 1080p and 4k.
• Its devices are affordable and costly. It has a range of cameras with good colour contrast image quality.
• Some higher-end models include TrueDetect™ (thermal + motion sensing)
• The Swann brand supports HDR (High Dynamic Range) in many 4K cameras
• Its devices can view up to 130 ft at Night.  
• Its Spotlight & Floodlight cameras offer Colour Night Vision
• TrueDetect™ helps eliminate false alerts at night

6. Amcrest vs Swann- Brand’s Market & Price Strategy

Amcrest Brand

• The Amcrest brand products are designed for mid-range users. Its products are good for homes, offices and shops. The brand is popular in North America, Europe and Asia.
• Its entry-level indoor/outdoor cameras with 1080p resolution come at $35 to $50.
• Its 4K Bullet Camera range is between $80 and $120.
• Its NVR Kits with 4 cameras cost around $250 to $400.
• The Amcrest has a Cloud plan. It is optional. The subscription plan is $9 per month per camera.

Swann Brand

• The Swann brand has cost-effective cameras with complete kits.
• Its 1080p Cameras come in the range between $50 and $70.
• Its spotlight Cameras come in the range between $100 and $150.
• DVR Kits up to 4 cams are around $250 to $500.
• Its advanced devices are tied to a Secure+ Cloud Plan. Different plans with different features. They come between $2.99 and $9.99/month.

7. Amcrest vs Swann- Data Storage Capabilities

Amcrest Brand

• Amcrest brand stores internally and externally. Its cloud feature is not mandatory.
• The brand records locally on NVRs, HDDs and micro SD cards up to 256 GB.
• Supports File Transfer Protocol (FTP) and Network Attached Storage (NAS).
• Amcrest Cloud has paid subscription options. The cloud feature is optional for Amcrest.
• Blue Iris, Synology NAS support

Swann Brand

• The Swann brand has wired and wireless cameras. Its wired system is extensively used as a 4, 8 and 16 camera kit.
• Its DVRs and NVRs locally record internally. The system supports up to 12TB in the latest recorders.
• The Swann cameras support advanced AI features via a Swann Secure+ Cloud Plan. Cloud options are subscription-based.
• Supports Cloud and local hybrid recording. It records on NVRs, HDDs and micro SD cards.

8. Amcrest vs Swann- Mobile App & Remote Access

Amcrest Brand

• The Amcrest View Pro App adds Amcrest devices and shows them via the Android and iOS platforms from anywhere.
• Viewers can adjust cameras and manage their features through this app.
• The app gives a live view in real-time. You can monitor locations on your smartphones from remote places.
• It detects motion, tracks people and pushes alert notifications, sensing threats.
• Users can check playbacks from remote areas.
• The app is smooth and organised.

Swann Brand

• The Swann Security App is simple and available for Android and iOS versions.
• It connects to Swann devices and gives users live views and playbacks from anywhere.
• It recognises faces and gives a facial detection feature.
• Supports two-way audio feature.

9. Amcrest vs Swann- Smart Home Automation & Integration

Amcrest Brand

• Smart home features enhance security and efficiency.
• Amcrest supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands.
• It supports Blue Iris, Synology and NAS.

Swann Brand

• The Swann brand cameras and NVRs support Google Assistant and Alexa voice commands.
• The brand works with Chromecast displays.
• No HomeKit or SmartThings supported devices.

10. Amcrest vs Swann- Installation & Configuration

Amcrest Brand

• Amcrest brands are DIY-friendly for their IP systems and wireless cameras.
• Its PoE cameras are easy to install.
• The installation process is not very complex. Its products require a power connection and simple Cat-6 wiring for camera systems.

Swann Brand

• The brand is designed for complete DIY kits.
• Simple plug-and-play with DVR/NVR bundles
• QR-code setup
• Easy-to-install products. Don’t require a thorough technical expert to fix these cameras.

Conclusion- Choose Amcrest or Swann? Amcrest vs Swann

Choose Amcrest

• If you want more tech-savvy products, then choose Amcrest.
• If you want a third-party supported product, then use Amcrest.
• If you want an affordable wired product with basic surveillance features.
• If you want wired and wireless DIY cameras.

Choose Swann

• If you want a full home CCTV solution in one box, and the Swann exosystem.
• If you want smart and advanced AI features like face detection, package and vehicle differentiation.
• If you want very clear colour night vision cameras with spotlights and floodlights.
• If you want a plug-and-play installation
• If you want a flexible system.

The Amcrest and Swann brands are compared. Please share your suggestions and queries if you have any. You can send your messages through the comment section.

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