Defender
1.9
2.9
Overall Score
Author: Kaitlyn Short
Defender offers a variety of security camera systems with individual units specialized for either large business locations or smaller home spaces.
Users can choose between wired and wireless packages with 2–16 dome or bullet cameras, plus DVR or NVR hard drive recording for local storage.
When it comes to resolution, Defender offers clients several options. One option are its 4K Ultra-HD cameras that give you 8.3 million pixels, which is four times a standard 1080P security system. It also offers a 2K system with Guard’s ClearVu™ advanced optics and Smart H.265 compression, that allows you to stream 2K high definition video. The security cameras are available with night vision, remote viewing, and local storage.
Keep reading for pros and cons, plus reviews of Defender security cameras from real customers.
Top Ranked Companies
The Good
- Image Quality
- Installation
- Camera Bundles
- Consumer-Friendly Company
- App Options
- Warranty
Image Quality
Defender offers sufficient image quality from its compact camera units. They shoot in full 4K Ultra-HD that gives you 8.3 million pixels, which is four times a standard 1080P security system. Combining ClearVu™ image technology with an integrated IR cut filter gives you brilliant detail, day or night, so you can distinguish faces and license plates. They are also equipped with a fully glass lens.
The cameras are relatively affordable when purchased via the company's pre-set packages. Defender security cameras also have 4K resolution and 1080P live stream capabilities.
It's easy to monitor indoor and outdoor areas, like a large yard or spacious business warehouse for a cheaper price. You can even purchase a series of fake "incognito" cameras through Defender for a really low-cost security measure.
Installation
The systems are specifically designed to require no more effort to activate than a straightforward "DIY" installation. Though the DVR addition may make it seem complicated, the company has fine-tuned the installation process to reduce steps and keep it simple. The company also offers many educational resources such as step-by-step video tutorials and effective online chat support.
Camera Bundles
Defender offers camera bundles for those customers who want to purchase more than one security camera at one time. Most security bundles have 4K resolution, local recording storage, remote viewing, instant mobile notifications, night viewing, 128 bit bank level encryption to protect your privacy, and weather resistance.
Consumer-Friendly Company
Defender is a consumer-friendly company; it makes returns and shipping effortless on all its models and packages. The company offers a forgiving 45-day return policy, free shipping on all orders, and plenty of support along the way for those who have trouble with their orders. Customer service and support seem to rarely be an issue with this company, which should be comforting for anyone making an investment like a full home surveillance system.
App Options
You can now view your security camera video feeds through the free Defender HD mobile app. The security app also allows for push notifications from motion detection alerts, playback recorded footage, capture images or video straight to your mobile device. Live footage accessible from anywhere offers consumers real-time protection. The app also allows you to easily download and share footage right from the app.
Warranty
If you buy a Defender security system, there are two time frames that you should know. First, your product is covered by a free 12-month warranty. Second, Defender will also provide an additional 12-month limited manufacturer’s warranty to all customers who complete a product review at the company's website within 60 days of the date of purchase.
The warranty covers the following:
- Defects in the workmanship or material
- Mechanical or electrical failure and defects to original parts and accessories that came with the product
If there is a defect with your product and you request a replacement, Defender will process and test the product within one to two weeks and will then ship a replacement within two to three business days.
Defender notes on its website that if the company replaces a defective unit, the replacement device will have the original warranty from the original purchase date.
The Bad
- Video Recording
- Cost
- Lack of Features
- Defender Security Reviews
Video Recording
While many modern security cameras offer intuitive cloud storage options, the Defender security systems make recording a little more complicated. Most packages come with a DVR unit that must be managed, backed-up, and offloaded of all video clips you'd wish to store.
Without any experience with hard drives and the necessary connections, installation can be difficult. You can always save short snippets from the camera's "live feed" on Defender's mobile device app, but this type of storage has limits.
Cost
Depending on your budget and needs, some of Defender's systems can fall out of range on the cost scale. Some of the wireless systems can be over $800 in listing price. Luckily, many of these higher price surveillance systems are more than the average homeowner would need, but small business owners are a bit out of luck if they're looking for adequate coverage and storage for a larger space. You should be aware that Defender does offer price matching which could bring costs into line with any less expensive competitors.
Lack of Features
Defender security cameras do not come with panning, tilting, or zooming capabilities. This makes identifying details difficult, especially at night or in dark spaces. The lenses also only enable a 48-degree field of view. This severely limits the general field of view and requires the purchase of more extensive packages with additional camera units.
Defender Security Reviews
Although the company doesn't have a large number of reviews yet on its own site, many of the current Defender reviews are negative, highlighting a poor camera range, faulty equipment, and misleading sales tactics. Be sure to read Defender home security reviews below to see what else consumers have to say about the company and its products.
The Bottom Line
Defender's line of security camera packages is a great option for small business owners looking to cover a commercial office space or a warehouse, or homeowners looking for the peace of mind and threat protection that a surveillance system brings.
Prices are quite low compared to other multi-piece security monitoring systems, and they don't sacrifice much when it comes to image quality. Defender security cameras are offered with 4K Ultra-HD cameras that give you 8.3 million pixels, and also a 2K system with night vision capabilities, remote viewing, and local storage options.
That said, the packages may be more than the average homeowner needs. A smaller, less complicated unit at a smaller ticket price will likely suffice much more for home security than a Defender system would.
Defender security reviews are limited, but some of the current reviews are negative, so be sure to see what customers have to say about the security provider before committing to the company's services.
