Security products are getting more important to have. Crime
rates typically don’t go down. As time goes on, they tend to get worse. It’s
not 1950’s Mayberry anymore. Security is especially important as online
shopping and Amazon deliveries get more popular. With this, video doorbells have
also gotten more popular. Up for review is a video doorbell from Swann, a
company known for their security cameras. It’s their SwannBuddy4K. MSRP is $199.
Features and specs:
SwannBuddy4K™ Video Doorbell
Video Resolution: 4K
Viewing Angle: 165° Vertical View
Motion Sensitivity: True Detect Heat-Sensing
PIR Distance: Up to 16ft/5m
Night Vision Distance: Up to 16ft/5m
Memory: Secure Cloud & 32GB Micro SD Card included
Audio: 2 Way Audio – Microphone & Speaker
Audio Range: Up to 16ft/5m
Power Source: Rechargeable 6500mAh Lithium Battery
Battery Recharging: Via USB-C Cable (included) or Connect to
Existing Doorbell Wiring
Supported Power: 5V DC / 12-24V AC
Dimensions (WxDxH): 2.1" x 1.25" x 5.5"/ 55mm
x 32mm x 140mm
Weight: 7.5oz / 213g
Operating Temperature: 14°F to 122°F/ -10°C to 50°C†
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor & Outdoor (IP56 rated)
Wi-Fi Frequency: 2.4GHz (wireless range up to 65ft/20m*)
App (iOS & Android™): Swann Security App
SwannShield Voice Assistant: Yes, via App
† Battery performance may be affected by extreme cold
* Depending on local conditions & usage rates
SwannBuddy4K™ Chime Speaker Unit
Chimes: 6 Options
Power Source: 2 x AA Batteries (included)
Dimensions (WxDxH): 2.6" x 0.98" x 2.6"/ 67mm
x 28mm x 67mm
Weight: 1.5oz / 47g
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor Only
The Swann SwannBuddy4K came in a nice color printed box,
with photos and specs of the video camera. Opening the box revealed a well-protected
product held in place with custom molded paper. Materials used in the
construction was mostly plastic, with some metal and rubber. Quality of
materials used was very good, as was the fit and finish. It’s a very well-made
camera. Also included was the mounting bracket kit, screw, microSD card,
charging cable, batteries, manual, and chime unit.
I love the loaded with features, yet easy to use design of
the SwannBuddy4K video doorbell. The mounting bracket helps make it simple to
mount next to your front door, and you can tap into your existing doorbell
wiring to power it. The Chime unit mounts inside your home. Once connected you
can see and talk to visitors at your door.
The Swann SwannBuddy4K is loaded full with video features.
It starts with the 4K sensor, to really be able to see in details what is going
on at your front door. And after the sun goes down, there’s also night vision,
so you can still see what’s going on. But it’s not just video. There’s also a
built-in speaker and microphone. This allows you to communicate with those at
your door.
The functionality doesn’t stop there. Video and audio are recorded
on the included microSD card. To make it even easier to view the footage, it
can also be recorded on the cloud. Ther’s even an app that you can load into
your smartphone, so you can monitor footage as well as communicate with those
at your door using your phone. And if that wasn’t enough, there’s also no fees
to pay!
The Swann SwannBuddy4K seems to check all the boxes. For
those looking for a 4K video doorbells, it seems to provide all the features we
need. It’s well made, provides excellent video and audio features, and multiple
ways to access your footage. And unlike many products that require a subscription
to a service that has a monthly fee, there’s no fees here. It’s a really
exciting product!
The included manual was easy to follow, and installation
instructions were also easy to follow. All of the hardware needed was also
provided. I had to disconnect the chime on my original doorbell. But I liked
having the SwannBuddy4K hardwired to power so no recharging is needed. And it
also came with a chime. Now that it’s installed, let’s see how it performs.
To start, I downloaded the app on my smartphone. This allows
me to not only see, but also to talk to visitors on my doorstep. And because
it’s through the app, I can see and communicate with visitors even when I’m not
home! The 4K sensor allowed me to see my doorstep and front yard with clarity.
Even at night in the dark, thanks to the built-in night vision, I was also able
to see my porch and front yard in the dark.
The app also lets you fully control and update the settings
of the SwannBuddy4K. You can set the
video quality, based on your internet speed. You can also set the mic volume,
speaker volume, and chime volume. You can
even adjust the sensitivity of the motion detection, and has detection
zones. So you can turn off detection in
certain areas. There’s actually a lot
you can do. The motion sensor is
actually extremely sensitive. So I was
glad to be able to turn down the sensitivity.
And when it detected movement, I got a notification on my phone. And talking to someone at my door, it was as
simple as opening the live view, and taping on the image on my phone, and
pressing the mic button. And if anything
is going on, you can manually take photos or videos of what it sees. And in the
live view, you can not only see in real time what is going on, you can also
hear what is going on.
The features don’t stop there. Thanks to the built-in heat
and motion sensor, pressing the doorbell button was not needed. When heat or movement
was detected, it became active and recorded onto the included microSD card and
the cloud. And I was able to monitor it on my phone through the app. It can
even talk to visitors on your doorstep for you, thanks to the Swann Sheild
Voice Assistant.
We were very impressed with the Swann SwannBuddy4K. It’s a
video doorbell that provides all the functionality you need in a video
doorbell. Installation was simple and it also performed in spades. It was also well
made to provide years of use. Based on its design, features, quality and
performance, the Swann SwannBuddy4K has earned our Editor’s Choice Award. For
more info, check out their website at www.us.swann.com.
