Swann Tracker Security Camera review

The Swann Tracker is a subscription-free indoor security camera that redefines the long-term costs of the smart home

Swann Tracker Security Camera
(Image: © Adam Juniper/Digital Camera World)

Digital Camera World Verdict

A lot of indoor security cameras are sold on features which require subscription fees; the Swann Tracker chooses not to play that game and it’s a refreshing option. The camera is impressive, too, with sensible design, and monitoring and security features to compete with the best bolstered with onboard recording. It is slightly let down by the software – and, strangely, it seems odd not to even have the choice of cloud storage – but don’t buy into a financial commitment before checking this out.

Pros

  • +

    Non-subscription system

  • +

    180˚ Field of view

  • +

    Local storage onto supplied MicroSD

  • +

    User-definable Home, Night & Away modes

  • +

    Poseable stand with magnetic base

  • +

    Two-way talk feature

Cons

  • -

    Lacks activity zones or privacy zones

  • -

    Camera app can be slow to navigate

  • -

    Initial purchase price high

  • -

    No cloud recording option

  • -

    Accessing MicroSD fiddly

  • -

    No option to operate from batteries

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Swann are a security brand with a reassuring heritage which hasn’t stopped it competing with the arrival of smart home technology on their turf. Where they do seem to have drawn the line, however, is forcing subscription charges on their customers in exchange for some features, a principle sure to be welcomed by many.

The key feature is automatic recording and much of what new customers learn about indoor security cameras comes from Nest & Amazon descriptions of features which depend on paid subscriptions which kick in after a while. Instead what Swann call a “set-and-forget” system stores video to an on-camera card when motion or sound is detected and it can be played back via the app or on any other device. 

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Adam Juniper
Managing Editor

With over 20 years of expertise as a tech journalist, Adam brings a wealth of knowledge across a vast number of product categories, including timelapse cameras, home security cameras, NVR cameras, photography books, webcams, 3D printers and 3D scanners, borescopes, radar detectors… and, above all, drones. 

Adam is our resident expert on all aspects of camera drones and drone photography, from buying guides on the best choices for aerial photographers of all ability levels to the latest rules and regulations on piloting drones. 

He is the author of a number of books including The Complete Guide to Drones, The Smart Smart Home Handbook, 101 Tips for DSLR Video and The Drone Pilot's Handbook