2,197 reviews
AI reviews summary
Pros
Cons
Verdict
Swann provides a wide range of security products that are easy to install and backed by helpful technical staff. However, the user experience is hampered by a slow mobile app, inconsistent motion detection, and hardware durability issues. While the vision quality is high, the reliability of wireless connectivity and the difficulty of the warranty process are frequent points of friction.
Cameras had poor detection and when one failed to pair it was a couple of months out of warranty and they refused to replace. They offered to sell me another one instead. I bought 5 from them previously. Battery life not as long as advertised either. Very poor customer service for substandard product.
I purchased a refurbished security camera from Swann but unfortunately it was not the correct unit. I made contact with Swann and they immediately managed the return and refund. Very impressed with how quickly Swann managed my enquiry. Show reply
I purchased a Swann SWNVK-MR4KSD4 solar camera set. With in the first 6 months one of the cameras stopped working. Took a month through warranty to prove to Swann the camera was faulty . Finally a replacement camera was sent. 2 months later… Read more
constant Firmware issues cameras wouldn't sink, another camera failed. After a number of telephone conversations and over 30 emails with Swann Tech they agreed to refund me full price of purchase. I had to pay the postage costs and took out insurance , and thank heavens I did pay for insurance as after checking with Australia Post the parcel was delivered and signed for on the 28/8/26 by a J Pham a Swann staff member and guess what Swann cant locate parcel. I've had to lodge a compliant to Australia Post to prove parcel was signed for I've also lodged a complaint with the ACCC. WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE ABSOLUTE NIGHTMARE DEALING WITH SWANN COMMUNICATIONS. DONT WASTE YOUR MONEY OR SANITY PURCHASING FROM SWANN COMMUNICATIONS.
Follow-up · 74 emails and I finally have a full refund . 2 out of 4 camera failed. Dealing with Swann tech was a nightmare. Made to feel I was making a fraudulent claim. Installation was easy but why waste your time with constant failure and firmware issues. No response from Swann as to why the system failed . Personally I would never recommend Swann security to anyone . Was not a cheap Security system .
Reviews with attachments
Installed and operating easily, needed assistance with remote log in to an existing system so now 2, it was handled promptly and rectified. Show reply
I had a great experience with Swann customer service. Mae Dante was exceptionally helpful and resolved my unpairing issue quickly and professionally. Highly recommended! Show reply
I needed a broken bracket replaced that had cracked by maybe a large bird flying into the camera; with a new bracket, contacted Swann and in no time they helped me out with a replacement & I received it in the post 2-3 days later. Great service thanking you. Show reply
Repeat issues with moisture in the lenses of my outside cameras, seems to be an ongoing issue. Swann so reluctant to help that in frustration I gave up trying to get replacement cameras. Apparently a known issue
Hi Andries, thank you for sharing your feedback.… Read more
⭐ 1 star — Very frustrating support experience I have been using a Swann NVR system and recently contacted Swann Support about a fairly simple issue with the mobile app’s Live View settings. The resolution adjustment option was difficult to find in portrait mode, and in landscape mode the row of icons could not be scrolled, so the option was not… Read more
accessible. Instead of quickly reproducing and checking the issue on their own devices, support repeatedly asked me to provide screenshots, screen recordings and more details.
What should have been a simple app/UI issue turned into a long process involving multiple emails and a lot of my time. Each reply also took around two days, which made the troubleshooting process even slower.
Eventually I found the resolution setting myself by scrolling to the end of the icons in portrait mode, but the landscape-mode problem remained.
My main disappointment is not just the app design, but the support process. For a technical company, I expected the support team to test a reported UI problem internally and escalate it to the app/software team, rather than relying so heavily on the customer to diagnose it step by step.
The cameras and NVR themselves have generally worked, but based on this support experience, I can only give Swann Australia one star.
Hi JY, Thank you for sharing such detailed… Read more
Bought a Swann SWIFI CORECAM to record my neighbours stalking to hand evidence to police. The camera never recorded only showed the street view as it was happening. I can do this by looking out my window. I explained this to Swann and their consultants who had me climbing up and down my ladder and spending hours, amounting to days and days on the… Read more
phone trying to fix the issue. I then asked for a refund. After hours and hours again on the phone it turned out my internet upload speed is 0.8mbps, which is not enough to reconfigure my SD card so they won't refund my money. I found the consultants dishonest and irresponsible, which is exactly not what a security service should be.
Hi Christine, thank you for sharing your feedback.… Read more
- +1
Beware!!! Won't replace faulty goods although they admit they know when they came online and make no assertion that I did not purchase them legitimately. They will do/say anything to deny your legitimate claim. I have 3 of 8 cameras not working at all and issues with 2 others. They are trying anything to avoid replacing them (which at this sort… Read more
of failure rate would be costing them a bomb if they had any decent process) They have been aware of fault on my system for many months despite chasing them by phone and email multiple times. They seem more than happy to leave paying customers without a functional system for months on end. I have other cameras that cost not even close to what this rubbish did and they outperform these on every level. Look for another brand!!! I was silly enough to buy this product 3 times as I needed the range and the first two purchases would not even pair on at least one camera. I simply returned those to the point of purchase.
Filter the reviews on negative reviews and you will quickly see this is not an isolated case. As evidenced in the pictures attached they will simply close a support ticket despite the fact there is no remedy.
They claim a free cloud service right on the box (see pictures) ...not true at all ........it costs and then didn't work anyway.
Live view is best described as the recent past (camera shows someone at my doorbell when in reality they are back in their car and driving away) utterly useless in real terms. By the time you get an AI warning (often incorrect anyway) they are lucky to be still on the premises at all...... So two way comms is a joke. With my other (not Swann) cameras this is NOT an issue but it clearly demonstrates just how bad the Swann "real time" is.
Battery life is also cr#p unless you set them to miss most triggers all devices have needed to have an external solar panel to even have a chance of not needing regular manual charges.
The max ranger product interferes with your home Wi-Fi if you have a busy network IE Lots of devices, so it impacts lots of other Wi-Fi products in your home as well.
Support is a joke with missed call backs and staff that cannot answer basic questions.
These folks refer to "our policy" regardless of Australian law and are happy to leave you with a nonfunctioning system if they can get out of their obligations regardless of the significant cost of purchase.
I have spoken to several users and am yet to find a satisfied customer. Ask your friends and colleagues before you buy, you will be surprised how many have a Swann story to tell
Do not accept this behavior from this mob. Log a complaint with your state agency or the ACCC complain to your local retailer if they display boxes with "Free" cloud services it is illegal for them too.
Hi Warren, thank you for taking the time to share… Read more (+2 replies)
Recently purchased a Swann EliteX NVR. The setup of the NVR was fine however the connection to the Swann app will not connect to the NVR. After trying several times including factory resets I called Swann Tech support. After speaking with the Technical support staff in the Phillipines for the last two days, they are simply unable to resolve this… Read more
issue. I asked for a technician to be sent to our house to resolve this matter and apparently this is not an option. This system does not work as advertised, Technical support cannot help and there is no local support in Australia. I very much hope that I can amend this review if this ever does get resolved. Ok ‘Mary’ over to you for your feeble and unhelpful reply.
Hi Gary, thank you for taking the time to share… Read more

- +5
DANGER! SWANN SECURITY APP DRAINS YOUR PHONE AND "SECURE PLUS" SEEMS TO UPLOAD CAMERA FOOTAGE/CHEW UP BANDWIDTH EVEN AFTER YOU HAVE "PUSH" and "EMAIL NOTIFICATIONS" ETC TURNED OFF! One has detailed reviews here on ProductReview of both MaxRanger and AdvancedX. Unfortunately, there is no room to add more photos in those reviews, so one must add… Read more
this important information here to warn other Australian consumers about what they can expect from companies using overseas based servers, and how they upload your personal data, in this case, camera footage to wherever they upload it to WITHOUT YOUR KNOWLEDGE, which is clearly the case here.
Since one installed the data and power hungry Swann App, and subscribed to Swann's "Secure Plus" on 18 January, my phone has been draining like never before, and in a week or so, over 300 gigs of mobile data has been used by my mobile modem which has only TWO THINGS connected to it, Swann MaxRanger, and Swann DirectX systems. (See video below).
I have "push notifications" and "Email notifications TURNED OFF! The screenshots below clearly show who the culprit is!
Rang technical support and waited in the same long queue as everyone else, so much for "avoid the queu with secure plus membership" as they falsly claim whilst you are waiting in their long queue! (Looks like I'll be getting out of THAT rort real soon too).
One asked support if there was any way that camera footage from either system was being uploaded to a Swann cloud of sorts or being backed up. No straight answer was forecoming.
Support's attitude to me seemed like they have heard this all before, and after trying SEVERAL TIMES to explain my situation, and the obvious lack of interest on his part, one gave my name, phone number and email address and told them that if I did not hear from anyone in charge, or someone who knew what they were doing, this matter would go before the courts, and with the amount of evidence one has collected, and what OPTUS is sending, one has a powerful case!
One would love to know if anyone else is having this problem with Swann because after today's interaction with Swann, I feel they are not letting the cat out of the bag on this one.
Because of this, one is forced to keep the Modem TURNED OFF and only have it turned on when away from home!
There are no other settings on MaxRanger or AdvancedX showing whether viewing data from cameras is being uploaded to a Swann cloud or anything, but clearly, something is going on. Something we have no control over.
I will update this as soon as I learn more.
++UPDATE 31 JANUARY 2026++
Incredible!
Swann AdvancedX is the culprit!
If you have the Swann AdvancedX detection settings on "HUMAN AND VEHICLE DETECTION" you cannot disable (untick) "PICTURE TO CLOUD" "or "VIDEO TO CLOUD" settings! They are preset, and all your footage is being uploaded to SWANN cloud, nothing we can do to stop it unless we set detection settings to "MOTION".
The ticked boxes in "DETECTION" "ACTIONS" are in grey, and boxes cannot be unticked, yet in "motion" mode, the four squares below (depicted in photos below) ARE unticked because those four cameras are in "MOTION" mode. YOU CAN UNTICK THEM!
Even in "DEVICE" "CLOUD STORAGE" settings, there is no way of stopping my images or videos being sent to Swann cloud! One spent ages trying to communicate with a Swann tech support (expert) lady yesterday evening, and we went through "processes" trying to disable to UNTICK these pre set settings stealing my data, at a rate of, so far, 400 gig a week!
SHE COULD NOT HELP ME....
In fact, the other "expert" she had online never even got back to her in the 15 minutes we were on the phone!
These people should know everything about the products they sell, THEY DON'T!
And one is using MOBILE DATA! THIS IS A DISGRACE!
The only person working in Swann support that makes ANY sense is Hendrix, he seems to be the only one that knows what he's doing, I take my hat off to him. Still waiting for HIS callback.
In the meantime, one awaits the data usage info from Optus and then a formal complaint will be made to the Federal Privacy Commissioners office and Federal Consumer Affairs Commissioners offices for investigation.
Amazing too is that after this review going public the other day, I don't see Swann reps commenting below ON THIS REVIEW like they have done SO QUICKLY with my other reviews of Swann products, WONDER WHY???
One will let YOU reading this work THAT out.
Peter
Townsville
Hi Peter, thank you for sharing such detailed… Read more
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Latest follow-ups
Always manage to sort out the problems that arise in a timely manner Show reply
Follow-up · I have a dvr4-4680rn and was having problems with one of the cameras.contacted via the chat option and tried various options but in the end the camera was replaced. Satisfied with the outcome and haven’t had any problems since
Feeling safe and secure – Very easy to set up and use whilst being able to monitor and from my phone.
Follow-up · Have had a few problems with cameras and customer support is non existent, we are changing to another supplier.
Hi Skidpan, thank you for the review and leading… Read more
The NVR system NVR8050RN works well and at minimum deserves a 4 star rating, if the Partner Integration feature (ie: Works with Google) which has… Read more · 2
been removed as a service feature was still available then a rating of 5 stars would have been considered.
Follow-up · My rating is for system = NVR8050RN with 4 x NHD-875WLB_V3 camera's. The system was initially reporting a high volume of alarms particularly at night due to car lights encroaching the detection zones or at morning when the sun is low and shadows encroached the detection zones. I believe the key issue causing the many false alarms was the Advance… Read more
Follow-up · Over the past months the Swann Support team have provided a significant level of support to trouble shoot the false alarm problems. However the balance between the Motion alarms and the analytical Person and Vehicle Detection alarms has been… Read more
Positive reviews
Customer service was eventually excellent. Bought a new 4K system direct from Swann Australia and installed it myself which was really straight forward. Decided I need another camera to cover a blind spot. Found the same camera at Swann Australia online... Out of stock. Found the same camera at numerous retailers ... All out of stock (clearly… Read more · 1
they are drop shipping). Contacted Swann to find out when the cameras will be back in stock... No idea when they will be back. Can you suggest another camera... We only have a 3K camera in stock. Asked if they can find a retailer who has one in stock... They made a suggestion and I have the camera. It took way too many emails and too much time but I'm happy with the customer support. The fact they have no stock and no idea when they will have stock is a concern.
My camera got damaged where I plug the charger in. Swann replaced it even though they probably could have avoided it. They were so kind and more than fair. Really impressed. Show reply
My interaction with Swann after I purchased a non compatible device was brilliant they were nothing but professional with excellent customer service. They advised the return process and kept me informed along the way with my refund processed in quick time. Can’t speak highly enough of the lady that I dealt with an asset to their company Show 2 replies
Negative reviews
I bought 8 cameras and had a lead that got damaged. I went to them for spare parts so I can charge the cameras, only to ne told they don't sell spare parts and have to buy another camera. I ALREADY BOUGHT 8 OF THEM. This is almost a scam dealer that sells products without spare parts. Use other companies as there are many that sell cameras.
They have since said they will send out a new lead and plug but it took all this to get it.
What a garbage product and on top the worst after sales service. I bought this WiFi NvW product from Costco and its just over a year and hard drive stoped working .. technical support already spend and hours to resolve.. asked me to send the receipt and other details .. now saying send the unit back for further assessment.. I have added these… Read more
comerera to my Site property and removing them means even can not see the alter as well .. I should have have gone to the other product .. this is my second worst experience with Swann and won’t buy or recommend anyone Swann cameras.. I can also see my local Costco removing Swann products from the shelf ..
Hello Nil, Thank you for sharing your detailed… Read more
Total garbage. Wifi solar cameras are a joke. I have 4 of them. They all miss movement of cars and people, regularly starting recording just as a CAR is leaving frame. Literally useless. Nope, not setup, just crap, don’t buy.
Hi Jase, Thank you for sharing your feedback. … Read more (+3 replies)
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Recent reviews
Pathetic support from Swann. So bad I am taking all my Swann WiFi Cameras down and replacing them with Ring Cameras. Swann is impossible to deal with reasonably.
Hi Trevor, Thank you for sharing your feedback. … Read more
absolute rubbish. after nearly $1000 on video doorbells, 4 wifi cameras etc, plus $150 annual fee. the doorbell lasts 3 weeks and the cameras last 5-7 days. and that's with all the sensors and notifications turned off. not to mention having to "re"-add the cameras twice a week to use them. after looking at these reviews it's not just a once off… Read more
problem, these cameras and company are really shocking. and to think we put them in place for our security. now i can't even sell this shit as everyone laughs when i try to do so. do yourself a favour and warn your people to stay away from Swann Security.
Hi John, Thank you for sharing your detailed… Read more
Think Twice Before Buying Swann I purchased the Swann EVO Wireless Video Doorbell in New Zealand. The doorbell itself works, but when I tried to purchase the compatible Swann Chime accessory, I discovered that it is not available to buy separately in New Zealand or even from Australia. I contacted Swann customer service (Case #2956751) to ask how… Read more
they could sell a product without making the essential accessories available. Unfortunately, they were unable to help or provide any solution. Their response was simply that they couldn't assist me.
It is very frustrating to invest in a product and then find that you cannot purchase the accessories needed to get the full experience. Good after-sales support is just as important as the product itself, and Swann has failed in this area.
Based on my experience, I cannot recommend this brand. If a company cannot provide proper after-sales support or make replacement parts and accessories available, customers should consider other brands that stand behind their products.
Hi Sarwat, Thank you for sharing your feedback.… Read more (+1 reply)
Warranty Support Is Unbearable. Cameras Are Unreliable. Two of my Wireless Solar MaxRanger 4K cameras have stopped charging, both from the built-in solar panels and via USB-C. I spent over 25 minutes on the phone with customer support, sending photos and following every troubleshooting step they requested. I was asked to provide photos showing… Read more
the cameras in direct sunlight, and then another photo with the USB-C cable connected while attempting to charge.
After doing exactly what I was asked, the support representative responded by saying the camera "is not in the sun." Of course it wasn't ... It was indoors because I was following their instructions to test charging via USB-C (which also doesn't work.)
After hanging up from frustration, I then received an email acknowledging that the photos showed the cameras in direct sunlight and not charging, yet they still wanted me to try continue charging them via USB-C. The whole reason I purchased the solar cameras was so I wouldn't have to manually recharge them every week or two via a cable.
The warranty process has been frustrating, slow, and unhelpful. Instead of replacing clearly faulty products, they seem focused on delaying the process with repeated troubleshooting.
The cameras work decently well when they DO work. It's a shame two of them trash the bed at the same time and no warranty will be actioned.
Based on my experience, I can't recommend these cameras or their after-sales support. I'll be selling the remaining cameras and moving to another brand.
Hello Rhys. Thank you for sharing your feedback.… Read more (+2 replies)
The best thing about Swann cameras is that they are compact and don’t take up much room in the bin, where they belong. Absolute rubbish. Unreliable, video quality is garbage. Playback when they feel like it. They work ok, then drop out, and when you do a factory reset they won’t connect again. ZERO customer support. Go Eufy instead, so much better.
Hi Brad. Thank you for sharing your feedback.… Read more
After care is an absolute joke. Everything was working until software update. Only 3 years old. Troubleshooting was requesting us to get up on ladder to swap the cameras around to check them. Cancelled our subscription. Stay away from Swann Cameras. Their Australian number links to the Philippines too. You don't deal with Australians
Hi Christine, thank you for sharing your feedback.… Read more
By the time you check cameras footage the person or what ever you were looking at is gone. I have set it to record for a minute if it detects something but it starts recording after the person is gone. Kinda pointless. Then there's the cost. Wow. Really expensive and not really worth it. Go another brand. This one sucks
Hi Dan, thank you for sharing your feedback. … Read more
I have a boxfull of 3 wired security cameras with just one unpacked for a tryout. Only got as far as installing the camera to the 'box' when I discovered there was NO plug-point for the power splitter to plug into.simply a mfr fault that made an electronic device. with no way of distributing power.immediately contacted Kogan the seller asking for… Read more
a refund and insructions to return. Weeks went by; eventually a note to say in these curcumstaces I had to deal with Swann. I said no! You sell you refund according to your published guarantee. Was given a link to Swann so went down that path.just more nonsense Give us this and that and a photo So I did also sending it to Kogan. Its the fraud merry-go-round. Neither have refunded, offered a replacement box or I was even prepared to buy a 4 cam system after a refund. After shear excellence from $5000 spending with Amazon i was expecting the same After all I was a frequent customer of Kogan once. As for Swann, a hopless company overseas that is really nothing legally to do with me. Be warned Kogan has very bad history now and is actually the name of a city. Just try and find a location you could go to for a fixup ; you cannot and willnot negative 1 rating out of 10
Hi AM, thank you for sharing your feedback. We're… Read more
Hi Amanda, Thank you for sharing your detailed… Read more (+1 reply)