Swann Reviews
1.8
3.4
Overall Score
Ann Herriman, UT
Garbage product. Faulty camera right out of the box. Spent an hour with customer support. I described the issue right off the bat to the agent, who proceeded to ignore me and insist I go through troubleshooting steps I had already done, and completely ignored/disregarded or just didn't read my messages at all, stating that I HAD already done those troubleshooting steps. Support agent concluded that the camera is faulty, which could have been concluded in the first 5 minutes had the agent bothered to read literally ANYTHING I had written to them. I don't know why they even have a support department if their only purpose is to waste your time for an hour and not read a damn thing you wrote. Returning the whole camera set because of how poor their customer service is. I have to admit though, I'm glad I know this at the time of set up so I can return this system and never deal with this so-called "support" team that will just give you the runaround and ignore everything you say. Avoid this company at all costs, they may be a great deal at Sam's Club but there is absolutely NO excuse for this insulting level of "support" that they offer, not to mention the article base is useless and it's nearly impossible to get their useless support anyway.
2 years ago
Jeff Moody Grants Pass, OR
Echoing everyone else's experience: THERE IS NO CUSTOMER SUPPORT! Customer satisfaction isn't important to them. After installing system everything worked for 2 weeks. A light failed on a camera. The chat bot kept telling me to rephrase my issue. I tried every phone # I could find. Illminating when their 1st message says don't be hostile over the phone or I'll be blocked. Put on hold, asked if I would do a call-back, I declined, informed I was put on call-back que, never did, I called back, immediate informed I'm on call-back & hung up on me, start a chat for an exchange, informed I have to verify with tech support, started that process... figured I should check other cameras status, 3 CAMERA LIGHTS HAVE FAILED! I'm returning the whole system to Best Buy with a bad review!
2 years ago
Gerald Visser Sydney, NSW
Purchased two swifi spot cam 1080p cameras from Bunnings in October 2022 and is still under warranty. Although wired to the modems, one camera is faulty. Bunnings has requested me to bring the camera back along with all the cables for a refund. I paid more to get a tech guy to wire the cameras than the cost of the cameras. A replacement is not possible until I return the complete package. I have been communicating with the swan tech support team to get the issue fixed since January but not getting anywhere. They take ages to reply and you could hold the line for over a hour before someone answer. The mounting in the other camera is cracked due to the garden heat. Placed a order in the special order section at bunnings. Got a call back from Bunnings to say that the bracket cannot be purchased separately and I have to purchase a new camera. I am also told that this model is discontinued item. My advice to consumers is not to buy any swan products.
2 years ago
T Moore Gibsonia, PA
Installation was simple. Video quality was very good.
Biggest complaint is using Android app to access live feed. This is the second time the system has gone down on Swanns end. Yes, for you to access your systems live feed you must have Swann as the middleman to do it. When Swann goes down good luck checking your property. Swanns system went down a couple of years ago and it took them a few weeks to fix it. System is down again and we are now waiting for them to fix their end. You can't speak with a human. The best you can do is log onto their forum and read about others saying the same thing you are struggling with. We have two separate Swann systems and I would never recommend them to anyone.
3 years ago
Don Corona Perth, WA
4 years ago since I've purchased sequrity system Swan it didn't work good at all. I have wireless. Cunstant video loss I've called them couple of times. They just was waisting my time. Didn't solved the problem. I left town. Now I am back. Called them again. Waiting time. I chanced the router. Swan stop showing videos at all. My wife was all day trying to solve the problem with customer service . I am not home. The tech support so unprofessional. They made it worse. Now someone on the top level off support must to contact us. My advice! Do not waste your time, money and nerves with this company. Buy a dissent brand. Good luck
3 years ago
Dale Funk Prosser, WA
The good: The wireless camera system is easy to set up. The pictures are wide angle.
The bad: The Android app is terrible nearly useless. In live view I am unable to go full screen. The video is choppy and random, though I have very high speed connections. I have had virtually no luck downloading event. It shows what appear to be events and camera, sometimes shows the length. Never plays the event. (Never). It has let me download, but then it just comes up dark, or mixes flash points between cameras rapidly (flickers). It actually allowed playing a video one time. Very frustrating because it should be quite simple but seems like the app is garbage.
3 years ago
cameraman Birmingham, BIR
The specification on the cameras sound brilliant when you order them. By day they are brilliant with clear high resolution images. In reality the QHD cameras at night are garbage, they blur with any motion and are ridiculously grainy. The new generation of Ring Stick Up cam (the basic model) are VASTLY superior picture quality in the dark and cost a fraction of the price. Add this to the useless SWANN Viewlink PC software, and even worse mobile app which 9 times out of 10 doesn't work, unless you are on the home network, and even then refuses to allow you to record any of the footage and you've got a real dog's dinner of CCTV system that costs over £500.
First and last Swann product I will ever buy
3 years ago
Moin Sadat Guildford, SRY
Swann is a Fraud company. I bought 4 wireless cameras from them last year. I using initial few months I have not used those cameras. When I tried to use them last month, they have changed their app and my cameras are not connecting with their new app. When I have called them, they said those cameras are not compatible with their new app and I have to buy new ones. I felt like, I have been completely ripped. They are not cheap cameras and I don't know how they are doing business in this country. When I have checked the Trustpilot review, found that thousands of similar stories. Please be aware of any product from them.
4 years ago
Ari Henning Huntington Park, CA
I've had a SWANN NVR/POI system for about two years now, and hate it. Even with SWANN's latest PIR camera I get soooo many false alerts. I've spent hours and hours on the phone with customer service (all outsourced) and it's just a runaround. Ultimately the latest Level 2 tech I spoke to told me that my cameras and system are operating as normal. This, despite the fact that I receive upwards of 300 alerts a day (for an empty, quiet back yard). I'm so frustrated to have spent $500+ on this system. I'm at the point where I'll likely just get new/different cameras and NVR and reuse the CAT5 cable I ran all over my property.
4 years ago
The Hand Up Project Everett, WA
I purchased 4 of these systems may 2nd 2021 and after installing the first one we could not view it with the app on our phones or off site computers and we immediately contacted support with no luck and we were escalated to level 3 tech and they scheduled calls but only called once of the 3 set appointments did they call and i have a tech that has tried working with them but after 14hrs they still cannot get it to work and my tech charges $75 an hour.
after all the issues and failures to fix the problem i have decided to return the other 3 systems to BestBuy but the cameras are already installed on the first one so we are keeping that one and just using an Annke DVR for the cameras.
4 years ago
Bob Mesquite, TX
I bought the SWNVK-886804FB. Came 01/19. I have been calling the US office for days and just get a loop. When I try different departments and press the number requested I get hung up on. ABSOLUTLEY NO SUPPORT. I tried sales, accounting, HR, shipping and the used there contact support on the web site, Here is the response. Thank you for contacting Swann USA, Canada & Rest of World . Here is a copy of your message. "If you require further information please contact us at your closest Swann Office below". WHich I did and got the results above. No wonder they did not respond via email appropriately. No sense buying the product unless you have a company to back it up. $$$$$$$ down the drain. I have a recording of the loop and attempts to get in touch with anyone a Swann.
4 years ago
Chickasaw Enid, OK
We paid 400 bucks on 4 cameras. One came out of the box not working. Customer service dropped the ball and didn't send us the authorization number which was needed for replacement. The tech went into the camera to verify it was not working. A month later 2 more quit. One was our fault. It was unplugged but the tech who I spoke with about sending the authorization number was so busy trying to show he was smarter than me, never took the time to troubleshoot these cameras even though I requested it. He said send all of them in which would have resulted in the loss of 2 cameras because they had no authorization number. The next day I called yet again. This tech spoke better English and walked me through different steps. That is when I discovered the camera at the barn had been accidentally unplugged while installing a cattle fence. If the tech had not had such a bad attitude this would have been discovered previously. The cameras work, seems like, when they feel like it. They are 4 months old and will record in fast forward giving less than one second of video. The video recording when recorded at the correct speed will show up zoomed all the way in. You have to zoom all the way back out and by then have missed the recording and have to do it all over again. You cannot view these cameras with Windows or Mac. This is a personal preference because the images are MUCH larger and not everyone uses their smart phone for internet use.
The app...Ah yes. That NON piece of software Swann has that doesn't work. That should be Swann's TITANIC disgrace but they appear to not notice it is utter garbage. A picture on a cell phone with "buttons" to push that do nothing. Even tech support tells you to go outside, climb up your ladder and push the manual button on your camera, and not hit reset on your app because...well because it silently laughs at you.
These devices worked beautifully for the first month except the one of course. The night vision is terrific. There are several settings so the camera does not pick up, let's say, ants walking in the grass but the cameras don't know any better and still record ants walking in the grass...at fast forward, in less than a second. That means you never see the ants. For those who don't get sarcasm, these cameras pick up every single car that goes by even if they are set on low and aren't aimed directly at them. It would be okay if the app worked and the low setting "button" worked but it doesn't matter low, medium, or high. The app is supposed to work with all 4 cameras but it seems recordings get skipped (such as 2 cars going by) if one or two cameras catch the first car the second car is not caught and recorded also. I have had people on bicycles on the sidewalk get missed by this. I also didn't catch who busted out my car window.
I have used Swann in the past and up to now, but all it takes is one nightmare of an experience that never seems to end to make sure I never make the same mistake twice. My breaking point was the tech who was likely in or from India who spoke to me as if I were below him. That was just too much. Even if Swann refunded my money I will never choose them again. If they refunded my money and let me keep the cameras I wouldn't buy them again. However I would give them two stars instead of one.
4 years ago
Shane Stanford Athelstone, SA
Purchased and installed, instant issues, audio never worked, video recording was delayed and jittery. Wouldn't motion pick up as much as older model did, even with there make believe fancy body heat and motion detections, we'd miss people parking a car in our driveway, and walking accross our drive, but pick them up in the last few seconds walking to our door. Changed every setting possible with no fix. Contacted swann tech support who advised me my cameras don't have audio, even though I purchased them from swann with "audio" being in advert. Tech support then needed a video of the faulty recording, in which I made and never got any replies after that. Opened a PayPal dispute which they ignored, opened an ebay dispute since I purchased through swann ebay, got advised they'll refund... Returned camera setup in a different box as I didn't keep the original box as I never intended returning, packaged and cushioned using 30+ new hygienic and very soft nappies as packaging as it was the softest thing I had.
They then opened a dispute with ebay stating I returned a severely damaged unit, not in original packaging and not in a resellable condition, not knowing I took plenty of photos. How they can just resell a faulty item I don't know. So, finale, disgusting after sales service from swann, no customer support and final straw trying to get out of refund by stating damage. PayPal refunded. Do not go swann.
5 years ago
Cloggie
Almost 4 months ago I bought a Swann NVR16-8580 with 2 NHD-885 cameras which are PoE. I'm on a tight budget and had intended to expand the coverage with more cameras at a later date. Almost immediately after installing the first two cameras I noticed the system was frequently shutting down and starting up again. That is, it's not rebooting, it's actually just like it loses power then recovers and starts up again. On some days this has occurred 19 times, 19 times on 1 day! I contacted Swann support and they told me to upgrade the firmware of the NVR. This didn't work so I called them again, now they tell me to upgrade the camera firmware. I have tried firmware upgrades of both the NVR and the cameras. Through diagnosis I have narrowed the fault down to one of the cameras, when this camera is disconnected the system will work fine. I have tried running a different PoE network cable to this camera but the fault still occurs. Now, Swann want me to pull the camera down and mount it in a different location. I've been trying to fix this issue for three months now to no avail. Every time I call Swann they just tell me to try things which I've already tried. I also have a stand alone wifi camera installed on my premises which has it's own dedicated power supply and Swann even tried telling me to disconnect it because it may be drawing too much current from the Swann system! Even after explaining that this wifi camera is not physically connected the Swann NVR, that it has it's own power supply, they still insisted it could be the fault!
Three phone calls ago they promised if the fault occurs again they will initiate a warranty claim but now they're dodging that responsibility and blaming the fault on my household electricity wiring. Had I known that Swann would be such a poor company to deal with when it comes to warranty I would never have bought their product. My next step now, sell this system and buy a different brand.
5 years ago
the infamous x Plattsburgh, NY
I gave this company one star.... and that was being generous. I purchased this system in January, 2019, and it was installed in late May/early June of the same year. At first it worked fine. The picture was clear, color was good. I loved being able to freeze frames, review events, and access when I was away from home. Then, in late October, one of the cameras stopped working. The connection power from the outlet to the camera was checked. The system was reset and rebooted. The camera was unplugged from one power source and plugged into another. Nothing. No infrared lights showing on the offending camera. Finally, it was time to contact Swann's. I don't do well with instruction over the phone, as I'm a bit technologically challenged, and better understand things in writing. I don't have an hour or so a day to spend on the phone, as I babysit. Also, although I don't consider myself elderly, I do have osteoporosis, and can't be climbing ladders to reach the camera or at least one of the connections. Therefore, I was requesting instruction over email. My first email went unanswered. So, I contacted the seller of the system. He was also in contact with someone at Swann in coordination with myself. After a second email, they finally answered, asking me all the questions that I answered in the first, to which I responded. After a 3rd email, once again asking me questions that had already gotten answered, I started getting upset. It was obvious I was getting a runaround. Their conclusion was that I would have to spend time on the phone with their techs. I just don't have time for that. While I'm doing that, I would have a couple of children taking over the house. Unfortunately, the seller of this product got the same answer from them. All I wanted was a camera to replace the broken one (which was/is obviously still under warranty. If this company is willing to lose one or more customers over a camera which probably costs them $10 to $15, so be it. I'm sick of being a puppet for them. Take my advice, either buy a system that's maintained by a company that cares. Otherwise, you'll be stuck with a bunch of "dummy" cameras hanging on your house.
6 years ago
Jon Studio City, CA
The Swann cameras and DVR/NVR systems are great. But if you have any warranty issues -- you're dead out of luck. I purchased a 16 camera NVR system. All worked except one camera. Support called me back three times with different techs to try and figure out the issue. I told them the camera was just defective. They wouldn't accept that. After six hours and three technicians they finally accepted the camera was defective. A week later I get an email to send back the defective camera and pay the shipping -- so they can attempt to fix it! Not replace it, but try and fix a two week old camera? And by the way you will not get a technician from North America. There is no one to talk to or in charge in the U.S. or Canada. The company is too big and they apparently don't like dealing with customers after they purchase their products. I am on hold again with the service department for almost two hours now.
6 years ago
Necro Norfolk, VA
Mine worked ok for about a month, then it went "offline" by itself when I was gone on a two week out of town for work. Came home and reset it, repaired it, got it all back up and running, and a few weeks later it goes "offline" again. I reset it, tried to repair it, and it will not recognise my Wi-fi anymore... I've reset my wifi router about 10 times, and I even went out and bought a new phone because my old Galaxy S5 was kind of old, and I thought that might have been the problem. But now I have a new Galaxy Note 10+ and the camera still won't finish paring. It will go to the step where it see's that there are wi-fi networks available, but it won't list them or connect to any of them. I see negative reviews of this system all over the internet. Swann should issue a recall or replace everyones camera with one that actually works. I can't believe they would release such an unbaked product out into the market. I will never waste my money on anything made by Swann again.
6 years ago
Paul
Unfortunately Swann systems suffer from a huge security flaw as they write your UID, username and password in a plain text file on your hard drive.
Depending on which version of the software you use this information is either in your install directory or on your d:\ drive, if you have one.
We have two different systems, installed at 2 different premises, using different versions of software.
Fresh installs to test the flaw did the same each time.
Swann have been aware of the situation for a long time but are doing nothing to fix it or raise awareness so that existing users can take steps to rectify the situation and secure their system.
6 years ago
Nardia
Waste of time and money
1st week was amazing, worked really well and was perfect as match my security system. BUT then the issues started. It stopped sending pictures then stopped ringing all together!!! So I took it down to recharge, now it wont even connect!!! After multiple emails and phone calls I am left with an expensive lump of plastic!! Customer service is appalling after email correspondence they palmed me off to their call centre only to have them go through the exact same ‘trouble shooting’ process. I was then told I would have to have an Australian customer service person call me (I am STILL waiting) I did express how important it was as we were going over seas and that was one of the main reasons we brought that particular door bell. When I received no call after 2 weeks I again called them, only to be told ‘someone’ would call me back. Alas no phone call. Once I returned from over seas I again followed up with a phone call and emails and STILL 3 weeks later only the standard ‘someone will be in contact’
Swann are now refusing to upload my review as it apparently doesn’t meet their ‘website guidelines’. Very convenient!!
6 years ago
David Panama City, FL
I bought a top Swann system, and on the "day of delivery" the control box was damaged. The delivery box wasn't so it couldn't have been on delivery. I contacted Swann representatives just hours after delivery who gave me the run around, advised they would have to get back to me, and but instead I had to get with them to get them to comply.
I purchased the system straight from Swann (They couldn't even confirm it at first) so no questions on it's condition, or warranty would result. After finally getting somebody to acknowledge I had a damaged box I was advised I had to send it in for repair (Yes repair on a unused brand new box),. This was versus just sending me a new one, and getting the old box back. I then had to contact them for postage after they just sent me a confirmation number. They said they forgot to send it. You then have to take it to UPS on your own time for shipping. I waited some time after shipping it off, and never got any notification that they got it. I called and they said they got it, and it was already shipped out, and emailed me the tracking number. The tracking number was wrong I found out when the box was sent to another state. UPS confirmed I was given the number and indicated I was given the wrong number. While waiting for a bought and paid for new system to be repaired the system went on sale twice up to $300 off what I paid. I asked the representative about it as they still had the system box I never used, and was told she couldn't give it to me. After over a month I finally received a system box that I have to see if it works. This system was for new construction as I advised the representatives which means it was needed when it was bought. They didn't appear to care, and now I will have a harder time with install as the house now has drywall up. This company has the worst customer relations, ability to confirm order that were purchased straight through them, lacks consideration or concern for others, and needs some restructuring. It's like they say when you buy a car you don't just buy a car you buy the dealership. I will never buy from this manufacture again as the system might end up being good, but overall it can't overcome this trouble.
6 years ago
AN Orlando, FL
The worse customer service I have ever experienced in my life. They are selling systems that cost several hundred dollars, but they don't provide the kind of service the customer is entitled to after buying their products. I bought a brand new system and 1 of their cameras was absolutely defective, dead. I tried email and a Rep called Charles would email back every 3-4 days. He finally tells me to call via phone for support, but they were worse. They simply did not want to accept that the camera was defective made in China. When they finally realize nothing they were telling me was working, they said they would replace the camera. But I would have to mail it back at my cost. Now this is a system with a 18 month warranty and only 2 months old. A reputable company stands behind their product and gives you a pre-paid mailing label. I will NEVER buy anything from Swann, cause it was and still is a huge disappointment.
6 years ago
Dee Holt
I purchased a Swann 2k series 4 camera 1080 P. It has been the worst purchase of my life. After paying electricians over $500 to install the system I was out a thousand dollars. By the time I organised electricians and delivery being 10 days in-transit, at least 3 weeks had gone by. The system is extremely complicated and would not accept my email among other issues and it took a few more weeks for me to figure out that it didn't work like had been promised. The cameras only recorded people moving once they were 6 feet from the camera, and the only thing they would pick up in the distance were 2 or 3 cars a day that drove by my place, when over 100 cars drive by my place a day. And they picked up nothing in my yard or driveway. At 8 weeks they stopped working completely and Swann would not give me a refund as it was over 30 days. Their corporate office wouldn't even give me a reply after that about who would pay for the second install, and why did the cameras not have the range or ability to pick up anything past 6 feet? My 7 foot ladder was stolen during this time and my son's car was broken in to as well. I spent an entire onerous day ( up and down ladders, taking photos of every plug, etc.) with their tech team to confirm to them that the system was indeed not working, and they still would not honor their warranty. Dee Holt
6 years ago
Avoid Swan Products Alameda, CA
This was a complete waste of time and money. I got the two pack, both camera's came on, I made sure to charge them fully before placing them. That is as far as I got, for two days now I've tried to pair the camera to my iphone for viewing, for two days now the only message I get is 'camera offline'. I have them both less than a foot from the router and the wireless signal is good: DOWNLOAD Mbps 71.66 and UPLOAD Mbps 5.87
I work with technology so I know what to look for and how to troubleshoot in proper sequence. Sometimes it's user error, sometimes it's the device that is deficient. In this case, it is a poorly made device.
I bought these a while ago and unfortunately can no longer return them because of that. Hopefully, this review saves someone from wasting both their time and money on this garbage.
6 years ago
Gordon Hennings Richmond, VA
Save you money. A total loss of $300 spent for this piece of junk made in China. I'm a 40 year electrical engineering veteran in the electronics manufacturing industry so I can lend some credibility to this review.
I purchased the NVR 490H two camera system two months ago and I am still having nothing but headaches getting it set up, even with telephone and online help from Swann's third world, english limited (located in India?), tech support people. Swann's downloadable software Apps are full of bugs making wifi connections unstable at best. I discovered after buying the system that the two-way audio only works if you are using the system with one of the Apps intended for use with an Android or IoS cell phone or tablet. It does NOT work with SwannView Link on your desktop Windows PC. One of the two cameras just lost its ability to scan and synchronize to the NVR. The NVR simply no longer recognizes the camera. It's a dead camera now. Don't be fooled by all the fake 5 Star reviews your see on the company's own web site. Look elsewhere and decide for yourself.
6 years ago
Gless
Bought Swann NVR 8580 with 2TB storage and 6 x 4k cameras.
It has been nothing but problems from the moment received. Audio recording generates so much noise you can hardly hear anyone speaking near the camera for the static noise. You can hear an aeroplane, a siren or a motorcycle hammering down the road - rather hear the conversation near the camera though! Copying the footage into MP4 or AVI and it NOT copies the audio. I phoned support and they said give the police (the investigating officers receiving the footage) the software so they can see/hear the footage.
The police are such a regulated organisation, giving them software to install is impossible. How stupid to even suggest it in the first place. The cameras are flipping the images so it records upside down even after the configurations are done. They say I do not qualify for a refund because it it out of the 30-days warranty - I have just checked with trading standards, UK and EU law and because the product is faulty I SHOULD get a refund. Thank god for that - HIKVISION CCTV Equipment here I come!!!
Today, Thursday, 1 November 2018, Swann 2nd line support remote controlled into my PC and installed VLC without permission, when I realised what was going on they stopped the installation. Then stalemate because it is THERE RECOMMENDED software so unless I let them install VLC Player we cannot move forward and whether it is working or not I'll not get a refund anyway.
My sincere advice, I know you wont take it, but here it is for what it is worth and such that it is, DON'T BUY SWANN, BUY HIKVISION instead. I am probably not going to get my money back so I am going to buy Hikvision anyway because it is better and comes highly recommended by people in the CCTV industry. I will give the Swann 4K CCTV RUBBISH for the kids to play with, it is nothing more than a children's toy so the kids can put it in their toy box.
BTW, Swann NVR 8580 is so rubbish. I can say this because it come with 2TB or storage for 8 cameras and each camera needs 6TB or storage for 4K resolution. What does that tell you, they cannot even design their own products.
All in all, I am having a bad day with this!
7 years ago
Peter Higgs
I bought a NVR8 7082 in mid 2016 and signalled it in late that year. I have always found the remote reviewing software difficult but put it down to lack of familiarity. This week I needed to get some capture video for real. Big mistake. Connecting a screen and trying to control via mouse wont work anymore. And this current version of Swannview Link for Mac OSX, and all previous versions I have tried are useless and don't provide even the most basic functionality for reviewing captured video. There are no speed controls, only the first searched date/camera shows anything, the downloads say they download but don't, and often actually delete the folder specified for downloading - too bad if that was your desktop or documents folder. This is the most useless software/hardware I have purchase for the past 30 years. I am so sorry I didn't pay a bit more and buy HIKvision.
Swann should be ashamed to market the hardware if they aren't prepared to support the software. What good is an NVR if you can't search, fast forward. review and download video.
Shame
7 years ago
johnleex@comcast.net Lake Oswego, OR
I bought two surveillance systems by Swann. I bought them for two reasons. Firstly, they are cheap. Secondly, they have long warranty – 18 months. Apparently, I made a terrible choice.
Six months after installation, the cameras started going bad, one after another. Two of the cameras got moisture in them. The images were either foggy, snowy, or discolored. Fortunately, I thought the warranty would cover those poor quality cameras. However, the process to get those cameras replaced was very time consuming and frustrating. I finally got them replaced a few months ago. Now, more cameras are doing the same thing again. Moisture got into two of the cameras. The third one turned black, and fourth one shows double image. The cameras are still under warranty. However, they won’t replace them for me.
In comparison, my Q-see system has been running for more than five years. They are still working well.
DL
Oregon, USA
7 years ago
Ian
Bought 8 ch swann system worked until 1 month out of warranty.
Then could not buy a dvr from them to replace on its own. Note my system out so no security still. So ended up purchasing one from swann usa and when finally arrived sent with wrong power pack but ok used my old one. The unit just flickers on and off. Used swann au who tried to fix. Got loaded once all cameras fuzzy and pixilised then lost and system tries to reboot but unsuccessfully while still flickering. Absolutely useless. Told by tech try getting an old vga monitor see if works.
So rang back head office and cant supply dvr on own will look at for $85 fee to give quote on repair. What a let down and feel rip off when their product fails and I'm left with no security while being stuffed around. Now waiting on usa to send return form and then get another. This taking months without security. Swann back up service useless dont buy.
7 years ago
Spence abear Rathdrum, ID
I have used many many swann products over the years while in the military for home protection/security , recently I purchased three high definition cameras and tried to get them hooked up they were not working properly so I called customer support to find out that they will not even work anymore and not because they’re broken but because they should not of sold them because the software is not offered anymore so I have $300 in 3 cameras that are no good and Swann is just running me in circles and not making it right telling me there’s nothing they will do The lady I spoke with was very disrespectful and when I asked to speak with a manager she told me there were no managers or supervisors nor was there anyone else I could speak with which is a blatant lie and totally unprofessional and disrespectful, and if I wanted to speak with someone else that I could hang up and call back and someone else would answer . I can definitely say because of how the situation was handled I will never be a swann customer again nor will anyone in my family we are all switching to another company this week If they cannot be professional and make this right , to me it’s really simple these cameras were still on the market even though they’re unable to be used because of software and they will do nothing to make it right how my supposed to trust the security of my entire house and everything I own and the safety of my wife with this company if they can’t even make something this small right
7 years ago
Mr Dissapointed Customer
As a concerned customer I contacted Swann Tech to ask about reason for their latest firmware update and explained that I was worried that their camera cloud services could have been compromised triggering the urgent update. Not only dud I not get a response but my own personal cameras are not not working. I suspect that 'swanntech' have done someting to cause them to fail. Like many others, I have found that this company is impossible to work with, they have no idea what customer service is or the value of our custom. I am removing their products from all of my global sites and my customer sites. Customer Security is a commodity that cannot be underestimated. My recommendation to anyone considering using their products is DON'T. Go elsewhere.
7 years ago
Trevor
Although Swann products are competitively priced, with a comprehensive range please take heed of my and many others experience of Customer care, which is anything but!! The signs of a quality product is also judged by the Aftersales Care.
When I found one of my cameras was letting water in I contacted Customer Care to arrange a replacement. Even though I contacted the UK number I was immediately transferred to a foreign call centre and had difficulty understanding his English. I was told that the camera wouldn’t be replaced if subjected to adverse weather conditions, to which I replied that its outdoor camera and we don’t have extreme weather in UK and was sheltered on 3 sides anyway!
To justify my claim I had to produce photos of its location, take a photo of the camera even though I provided the serial number and proof of purchase!!
Once I had satisfied their requests I then had to pay for its return, only for them to return the wrong camera and then to be told they don’t replace with a new camera too! After a long trail of communications it took over 2 months to replace the faulty camera, leaving the security of my property vulnerable in the meantime!!
You have been warned and do hope you manage to take notice before purchasing their products!
8 years ago Edited September 14, 2021
Mark Thorpe
We are Electrical Contractors based in the UK, and have had to deal with Swan Security Systems. We do not sell CCTV, so we have no other reason for writing this review than to warn UK customers from buying any Swan Security Product sold in your local electrical store like Maplins. We have fitted three systems and every one of them have failed in a short period of time. They are only Guaranteed for 1 Year, in which you can ring technical services who just try to get you off the phone by asking you to complete acts which are impossible. They also have no customer services in the UK and no complaints system. I know the systems are cheap, but they do not last and the In fared Lights burn out causing the cameras to lock onto a black screen. Maplins will replace if it goes wrong within a year, but we have had to return so many cameras we have lost count. Please be warned this is not a reputable company and after the warranty period their reply is Tuff. Regards, Managing Director Newton Electrical Contractors
8 years ago
Jocelyn C Bellerose, NY
i've never experienced such terrible customer service. i work in a call center and i would never treat my accounts the way this agent treated my parents and i. Not only did this agent purposely disconnect the call he also made rude comments the entire time and made it blatantly clear he did not want to help. on top of that on numerous occasions he insulted my other intelligence. My parents dropped hundreds of dollars on this system for a reason and we expect better service than what we received. Shame on this company for hiring such rude simple minded people. I hope you guys record your calls and do quality assurance. i would rate his service as extremely poor. Again being that i work in a call center i get things are frustrating and if that was the case he should've transferred the call to an agent who was not only able but more importantly willing to help.
8 years ago
Paul Simpson
When we first purchased the camera kit, the equipment worked perfectly after being installed by an electrician. The screen didn't show any picture after several months later so we called in another electrician to investigate as this is out of our expertise. He informed us that the cameras are fine but not the DVR unit. I called the toll free support line (1300 138 324) where we had difficulty understanding what the lady wanted us to read out. We couldn't understand what she meant by "read the power output number from the power adaptor”. My wife hung up in frustration because the lady couldn't offer an alternative solution over the phone. About 2 months later I tried to see if I had better luck with the Phillipino lady on the other end. We reached the part where she wanted me to read the power output number from the power adaptor. I did that but then she wanted me to swap the power adaptors of the cameras & the DVR unit around. I didn't feel comfortable doing this so I refused but she kept insisting that I proceed as instructed otherwise she couldn't help me troubleshoot!?? The customer should not have to be a make shift electrician or a technical person especially when it comes to dealing with electrical components! I asked her if she can arrange for a technical person to visit me but instead she suggested that I look for a technical person in my local area to help! I asked her if Swann will pay for his services. She didn't say anything!
9 years ago
nosmadac Memphis, TN
After 5 months 3 of my cameras crapped out and had terrible picture. The good news is they were warrenteed. bad news is it took me well over 1 1/2 hours to get this resolved. Their customer service i greatly lacking in efficiency. I've had to call about 3-4 times and every time i'm on hold for at least 30-45 min. Their shipping of the product is terrible. The order for the replacements was on 9/21, the order didn't ship until 9/30 with a delivery date of 10/7. 18 days to process and deliver? It was the same when i bought my system. It took them over 2 weeks to get it. This is beyond horrible in todays standards.
10 years ago
Andrew Myers
Had a customer with a stolen credit card in my shop. After he left I went to look for his image on my 3 month old Swann 720p system. The camera had stopped working, couldn't believe it.
So contacted Swann's 24/7 support by email. 1 week later no response so sent another. 1 week later still no response. So, tried UK telephone where there is constantly a message saying 'temporarily out of service, try later'. So emailed company's general enquiries, where guess what, your email bounces straight back from 'noreply@swann.com'
24/7 support? This must be the joke of the decade.
FOR GODS SAKE DO NOT BUY SWANN. THEIR PRODUCTS FAIL AND THE AFTER SALES SERVICE WILL DRIVE YOU TO THE POINT OF WRITING REVIEWS LIKE THIS - WOW IT IS SO DAMN IRRITATING.
10 years ago
Not happy!
I have bought a Swann camera system from Costco, it was a 4 pack with DVR. I had one camera that was non functioning, i contacted Swann and was given a claim number. I then was told i would have to pay for the shipping on a warranty claim for one of the cameras that has never been installed yet does not function? I complained to Swann about this and was told they would cover all cost if i provided a Costco receipt, which I did! Over a week later i inquired to as why I have not received a response to there request (shipping info or anything i need to do to have it repaired)......and still NOTHING....i request again....and nothing? I do like there product but I am real dissapointed with my customer service response, or lack of...
10 years ago
David Baron
A very very poor product
Save your money
But something a bit more pricey but that actually does the job and who's technical support team are stuck somewhere out near Katmando on a land line and who actually know what products they sell.
So apparently - you need a special Andriod outlet plug to charge these up over a 12 hr period. Apparently the '6 months' battery life is if you don't turn them on.
Just a poor experience on this side of the customer fence.
Will not be buying any more from this company
1 year ago
Bill Gettig Myrtle Beach, SC
Every time I try to watch live or playback it will move about 1 second Every 5 seconds!
Will not play live or playback,. Use to work better. Trying to figure which system to switch to. So over swann. And I have good internet over 300 mbps. It worked better before they did away with the thumbnails that I could find recordings easier. Not happy with swann at all. Looking to replace them.
2 years ago
Lin P Peoria, AZ
2 times in the last 10 months we needed footage off our cameras, last time law enforcement needed it. Camera captured before & after but not the actual incident. Customer service blamed it on wiring issue! We now have it on 24/7 recording instead of detection.
Still within warranty but Swanns not honoring it. SAD!!! Support & System not worth the $$$!
2 years ago
Kevin Rankin Mississauga, ON
So after just over a year DVR is Faulty based on their tech support determination, see attached photo. They tell me to complete RMA to have it replaced, after locating all the information they required they respond back that even though it is of poor quality from them that I cannot return it, but they will give me $50 towards another one of their pieces of crap, it will not allow mevto attach screenshots of emails
2 years ago
greg woehl Dayton, OH
There is no person to talk to for help. All there is is a bot. Not knowing the terminology makes it even harder to ask questions. I only need a little help with pairing and verifying credentials, but it does not tell you what to do to fix the problem. They want you to do all the work and read a whole bunch of stuff to find an answer rather than pay a support person. This is going back to the store, and I'll buy another brand.
2 years ago Edited May 15, 2023
Enoch Hein Fort Smith, AR
Would be 0 stars if possible. Just like every other review, their automated support is worthless. And not your typical worthless, but actually garbage… trash… just like their cameras and software. Lights would randomly turn in without the camera sensing motion. Reset them and now they won’t link to my account. “This device is already registered to another account.” So now I have $380 worth of garbage. I’m not one to usually write reviews, but if I can help one person not waste the money that I did, then it’s worth it. Beyond horrible. Start over as a company.
3 years ago
40fastback North Richland Hills, TX
I bought the NVR 4K Wireless system and can't begin to tell the nightmare you will be facing. The system is only 2.4 and so badly designed that the range is 5 ft. My NVR crashed and customer server was so bad that my only thought was how can I get this system out of my house....that was day 10 of ownership. Only thru my company was able to return the system. Two things Swann listen to these reviews you either need to fix your company or let everyone you must for sell and don't care. 2nd new security camera shoppers.....YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
3 years ago
Ahmed AnwarAhmedA Cairo, C
Swann technical support doesn’t exist, if you have a problem with it you are on your own, and if you have any hardware issue you are in your own, they will tell you “take it to your local repair shop” and they don’t even bother to help if you need a spare part to get it fixed, I bought Swann 8500 NVR system with 6 camera package, the NVR had a hardware issue (some ICs on the board is damaged) so it doesn’t boot, and I got zero help after chasing their technical support for a month, and they are ignoring my opened support ticket
3 years ago
Mike Cosgrove Clarks Summit, PA
zero rating not allowed to publish this.. took hours to wire in 4 outdoor cameras and the video is offline 99% of the time; my modem is brand new and not the problem. They do not stand behind their product and any positive review on this website has to be generated by an employee or owner. I will eat the cost and change systems after no results from their technology service.
3 years ago
Peter Pan
Welcome to junk America the only place for just about everything you buy is going to cost you much time with Tech Support to help them do their job before you may get a slight chance of getting the product to work with a lot more Hoops to jump through to replace or return then no hoops at all for them to get your money . Do not I repeat do not buy any swann product at all you will definitely regret it. The sad part of it is they will waste much of your valuable time for a long time before you finally figure that out.
3 years ago
TP Kangaroo Point, QLD
Very Disapointed with my product. I bought 4 of the wireless cameras and they don't even connect, I wouldn't buy this ever again, I don't understand how you can get away with this. Ive purchased cameras at $40 each since and they work better than my Swann ones. hahaha. SWANN YOUR A JOKE. Ive told numerous people about this and have actually showed them person. They end up buying the cheaper ones and couldn't be happier. Swann you suck. Yours sincerely Tommy Philp ,
5 years ago
Steve Crowe
Would give zero stars if I could. Shocking service. DVR has packed up, emailed, one response asking for model number, then nothing. Several emails later, still no reply. Don’t bother with this system and buy elsewhere is my recommendation.
I ended up binning the Swann system and replacing it with two Ring Floodlight Cams and can confirm that these are an INFINITELY better system.
5 years ago
BAW
I purchase a system a few months ago with cameras, alarm remotes and motion sensors.
I have had nothing problems from the first day where not all the products arrived.
Daily false alarms. Remote camera view doesn't work. Tech support is terrible, weeks of back and forth with no resolution as they can't figure out what the problem is.
Today I got over 40 false motion sensor alarms. Camera motion sensor goes off over changes in natural light.
Avoid their products as they will only create stress.
6 years ago
