If you're in the market for a new security camera, it can be tough to pick just one brand and one model, with so many options on the market.
There are tons of different features to weigh including the unit’s image resolution, frames per second, video storage, price point, local/cloud storage, and so on.
The security camera industry is big business with top manufacturers marketing their brands and flooding stores and online retailers with their products.
Two such widely regarded brands are Lorex and Swann. These companies are both well-established and produce affordable and quality products around the same price points.
You may be trying to decide between the two, so we've got you covered when it comes to deciding between Lorex vs Swann security camera systems.
We’ll help to sort things out for you between these two industry giants. You’ll know the features, pros, and cons of both companies so you can select a security camera from the company that’s offering everything you’re looking for.
We’ll be sharing the strengths of both companies. While they offer similar products, they each have there own fortes that you should know about.
We'll also go over other important factors from Lorex and Swann including specs, installation experiences, ease of use once you're set up, and customer support.
Finally, we’ll also share some of the top security camera systems from each company. This includes an entry-level and advanced system.
What's On This Page?
Lorex vs Swann Qualities at a Glance
Lorex
This Canadian company offers high-quality home security systems, and has been around since 1993.
On the surface, these guys are known for making products that offer more customization than its counterparts within the industry.
Price tags on some of their higher-end products are somewhat higher but they’re arguably worthwhile due to their solid performance.
Swann
Swann is one of the world’s biggest companies manufacturing DIY home security cameras. They've been doing their thing for awhile now, since 1986.
Its cameras offer a wide range of features like 4K resolution, DIY install/monitoring, iOS/Android compatibility, and up to 4TB local storage.
These features offer several options for consumers shopping for a new security camera.
Lorex Security Cameras
Quality
This company has been around for quite a while. It’s established itself as an industry leader in terms of quality security cameras. It offers a wide range of cameras and product lines.
Part of the reason the company’s products are pricey is based on the high-quality that’s offered. You can pick from a wide range of dome and bullet cameras.
Features
This company’s products are loaded with features. They include motion-activated recording, two-way audio, local storage, and cloud security app. All of these features make it easier to pick cameras with the features you want for your security camera system.
Specs/Options
When selecting a security camera, you have many options in terms of cameras and features. This makes it easier to customize your security camera system. Some options you have include power adapters, extension cables, and wireless antennas. All of these options add value to your purchase and provide more flexibility.
It’s important to read about the tech specs of various units to select one that best meets your needs.
Customer Support
Lorex has customers in both the residential and commercial sectors. The company makes it easy to contact customer service with any questions or concerns.
In some cases, you won’t need to reach out to the company to get the info you need. That’s because it offers video guides for products so you can watch a tutorial versus reading one.
Ease of Use
The company’s wireless and battery powered cameras and those for home security systems provide very basic setup methods. You shouldn’t have any problems installing them yourself.
Meanwhile, the camera’s wired versions/recorders might require professional installation. It depends on how complex the system is.
In order to add cameras to the security network they’re easy to add. You can scan the Quick Response (QR) codes located on your device.
Monitoring/Accessing Recordings
Lorex makes it quite easy to monitor and access your camera’s recordings. For example, there’s the company’s in-house mobile app.
This allows you to view different angles, store recorded video in the cloud, pan, tilt and zoom (PTZ), etc. You can take all these steps using your iOS or Android device.
You can also get real-time alerts. This provides up-to-date info about what’s going on in your home or office.
Swann Security Cameras
Quality
Swann has been around for several decades like Lorex. So, it’s already established itself as one of the top manufacturers of security cameras on the market.
One of the drawbacks of this company is it doesn’t offer security systems that are professionally monitored. So, if you’re looking for a DIY system then this company is a good option to build one.
Swann offers a wide range of camera systems in different price ranges. The overall quality is good for your home/office security systems.
Features
You can find a wide range of features like 1080-pixel resolution, video doorbells, alarms/sensors, and IP/wireless cameras. These are just some of the features offered, which provide more flexibility when picking a camera/system.
Specs/Options
You can likely find cameras that offer the specs and options you’re looking for. You have a wide range of options if you’re searching for basic or complex units such as PTZ cameras that let you have full live control of what the camera sees.
Customer Support
In terms of customer service several customers have had various problems in the past. It’s important to keep in mind that you’ll have to handle installation and monitoring since professional services aren’t offered.
Ease of Use
It’s important to keep in mind that compared to other systems Swann focuses on DIY security systems. So, you’ll already be doing much of the work in terms of installation and monitoring.
If you don’t have any experience working with security cameras then Lorex would probably be a better option.
Monitoring/Accessing Recordings
Swann offers its SwannOne mobile app. This allows you to use your smartphone/tablet to control Swann security camera/systems. It offers more access to the security system.
SwannOne offers several options. They include video streaming, Home/Away/Night mode settings, control lights/smart appliances, and monitor/manage your energy usage.
Why Both Lorex and Swann Are Good
Both of these companies have features that make them worth considering when picking a maker of security cameras/systems.
It starts with their industry experience. Swann has three years of decade experience while Lorex has been in the industry for 25+ years.
Both companies offer a wide selection in terms of systems, cameras, and features. This provides more flexibility when selecting whole security camera systems or individual units.
Lorex and Swann also have loyal fans. This is true even though Swann’s niche is DIY cameras and Lorex focuses on systems’ customization
Head-to-Head Comparison
We’ll review different categories to determine which company does it better. This is something to consider when you’re comparing lorex vs swann models for 1080p.
Home vs Business
Swann is generally better for home security systems while Lorex is better for business. Here’s why. Since Swann focuses on DIY cameras it’s more practical if you’re willing and able to install/monitor the cameras/system yourself.
Lorex’s forte is customization. This is generally better for businesses because you’ll generally need more flexibility in designing a CCTV system for your particular industry.
DIYer
There’s no question that Swann takes the cake in this department. If you have experience installing/monitoring security cameras their products are right for you.
No, we're not talking using something like a GoPro Camera as security camera, but DIY in the sense that you install, connect and setup everything yourself without the assistance of an installer coming out and knocking it all out with their crew in a couple hours.
This process can be quite tough if you don’t have experience installing and/or monitoring CCTV. If that’s true then you should generally consider Lorex units/systems instead.
Value
This is a close call but we’ll give Lorex the nod. The security cameras are pricey but the company certainly delivers high-value for the price tag.
First, there’s the products themselves. You get heavy-duty units with features like HD/UHD resolution, remote operation, etc.
The company also offers cameras in a wide range of price ranges. This includes units as low as $100 to others with price tags $3,000+.
Then there are the freebies Lorex provides. For example, shipping/subscriptions are free and there’s also a 60-day money-back guarantee offered if you’re not 100% satisfied.
Features
In terms of the different features offered Swann is generally a better option. From HD night vision to 4K resolution, and from DVR/NVR systems to 4TB local storage you have a wide range of options in terms of features.
Specs
Lorex gets the trophy in this category. You can get a wide range of high-end specs like 4K resolution, long-range night vision, temperature sensor, scheduled/continuous/motion-activated recording, etc.
Best Lorex Security Cameras
1. LOREX LNB4173B 4MP HD Bullet Security Camera
- High definition 4MP image sensor delivers double the detail...
- 4MP video recording provides HD quality even when zoomed,...
- Color Night Vision delivers full color nighttime video for...
- IR night vision range up to 130ft (40m) in ambient lighting...
- ClearNight imaging for improved low light performance and...
This is a 4K bullet security camera. It includes 4MP image sensor for recording 2x detail of 1080-pixel HD. The camera is weatherproof for indoor/outdoor use and includes IR LEDs for night vision. These features provide more flexibility since you can use the camera in different locations and times of the day.
Features
- HD 4MP image
- Monitors indoors/outdoors
- Long-range IR LEDs
- Color Night Vision up to 130 feet (40 meters)
2. Lorex LNR6826K 4K UHD Security System
- 4K Ultra HD resolution
- Color night vision
- Up to 130ft IR night vision range
- Stream live video from anywhere with the Lore secure app
- 2TB built-in hard Drive for local video storage
This professional security system includes 6 cameras w/ 4K UHD resolution. This provides 4x the solution of 1080p for crisp/clear images. It also includes Color IR Night Vision so you can capture video any time during the day/night.
You can expand this system up to 8 channels for more cameras although you must buy the cameras separately. This camera gives you the ability to control the camera using your mobile device for more versatility and remote access when you’re away from home/work.
You can also record up to 2TB of HD video. This allows you to record and save a large amount of video for future viewing.
Features
- 4K UHD
- Good for indoor/outdoor
- IR Night Vision up to 130 ft.
- Stream remotely with app
- Built-in local storage
- IP-66 weatherproof
- Wired security system
Best Swann Security Cameras
1. Swann 720P HD Security Camera
- This camera can only be used in combination with Swann’s...
- Seeing is believing with 720p HD Cameras (1 Megapixel)...
- Latest infrared cut filter for amazing night vision to 100ft...
- Sturdy aluminum camera construction suits indoor & outdoor...
- This camera can only be used in combination with Swann’s...
This 720p camera features Night Vision with a max. range of 100-feet. The camera includes 62-degree viewing angle to monitor big areas like yards, parking lots, etc.
The camera has an IP67 waterproof rating so it’s designed to withstand different weather conditions like rain, snow, winds, etc. The cords are protected via threading through the mounting stands.
Features
- 720p HD resolution
- All-weather design
- 62-degree viewing angle
- Day/Night vision
2. Swann 8-Channel NVR 4K Surveillance System
- ULTRA HIGH DEFINITION VIDEO: This state-of-the-art 4 camera,...
- TIRED OF PAYING FOR EXTRA STORAGE? ENJOY FREE VIDEO STORAGE...
- TRUE DETECT HEAT & MOTION SENSING: This state-of-the-art NVR...
- SECURITY MADE SMARTER: "Alexa, show me the front door."...
- WE HAVE YOUR BACK: Not only do our security cameras have...
This system includes Swann’s Motion Detection tech that’s thermal-sensing. This feature detects motion via heat including people and cars.
It includes push notifications and trigger recording so you can easily monitor your security camera and know when it picks up a possible intruder, for example.
The cameras include 2MP and 4K resolution. This provides ultra-detailed images so it’s easier to detect people and things the security camera records at different times.
Features
- 4K
- 8-channel
- Push notifications
- 2MP
- Quality unit
Verdict
Is Lorex or Swann better? The company that does it better really depends on various factors and who you ask.
Swann and Lorex have both established themselves as some of the top makers of security cameras/systems. They offer features like high quality, great flexibility, many features, and good value.
Both of these companies have their fortes. Lorex is better if you’re looking for high-end durable cameras, while Swann is a better option if you’re looking for DIY camera systems.
Here’s our verdict about the Lorex vs Swann debate. The better company is based on what you’re looking for in terms of a company’s camera offerings and customer service.
And just in case you want to check out another brand in your research, you can check out my detailed take on Lorex and Night Owl cameras.
Featured Image: qualitysmith.com
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