Swann SwannBuddy4K Video Doorbell review
Priced at $299.
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Recommended
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We recommend products with an overall score of 70% or more.
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CHOICE Expert Rating
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The CHOICE Expert Rating is an overall score is made up of video (30%), sound (20%), application (20%), installation (10%), recharging (10%), privacy and security (10%).
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Video score
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The score is made up of a night, day and total darkness assessment of the video quality.
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Sound score
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Sound quality for both the person at the door and the householder.
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App score
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How easy it is to use the controller application.
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Installation score
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Ease of installing the app and creating an account, mounting the doorbell and registering it within the app. We also look for automation of software updates.
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Recharge score
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How well the unit performs for battery recharging.
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Privacy and security score
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We look at the ability to reset the password, and any aspect that may compromise security.
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Availability
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'Available' indicates the model can still be found in shops and online. 'Discontinued' indicates that they are no longer available.
- Tested model
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Price
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Recommended retail or typical retail price.
- $299
- Dimensions (mm, H x W x D)
- 14 x 5.5 x 3.5
- Weight (g)
- 217
- Battery type
- 6500mAh Li-ion
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Resolution
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Most of the units support 1920 x 1080 (1080p) but that doesn't necessarily mean the video quality is good.
- 4K UHD
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Angle of view
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Measured in degrees. The higher the number wider the coverage
- 165°
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Installation
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Wired Must be hardwired to an existing powered doorbell with an AC power supply
Wired or battery allows you to use a rechargeable battery or hardwire to an existing powered doorbell
Battery offers a rechargeable battery option only for the smart doorbell main unit
- Wired or battery
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Power doorbell
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Some models need power while others can operate on a rechargeable battery.
- Inbuilt rechargeable battery or can be hardwired to existing powered doorbell.
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Power chime
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Model can either support a battery, AC adapter or use the existing powered chime.
- Uses 2 x AA cells.
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Durability claims
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Durability claims range from weather resistance up to an IP65 rating which means dust-proof and protection from water jets from any angle.
- IP56
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Internal storage
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Some models have internal storage for video while others support removable microSD cards.
- MicroSD card slot, maximum capacity not stated, 32 GB supplied
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Storage security
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Some models have a security screw, while others store the content away from the device either in the cloud or in a separate device.
- Accessible if you remove the doorbell from the mount with a Philips head driver
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Chime tones
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The number of chime sound choices.
- 6
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App tones
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The number of tones you can associate with an action.
- 1
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Camera light
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An infrared light can help with video quality in dark conditions.
- Infrared
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Wi-Fi version
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Most support Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), with some supporting Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac).
- 4
- Country of origin
- China
- Website
- swann.com
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HDR (High Dynamic Range)
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HDR or WDR support may help in seeing details in the shadow areas of a scene.
- No
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Cloud storage
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Cloud storage allows you to view your video online at any time.
- Yes
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Record app
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An app lets you record live video.
- Yes
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Activity zones
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Lets you set areas where the camera ignores activity, for example a high traffic area.
- Yes
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Human detection
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Some units can tell the difference between human and non-human movement around the camera.
- Yes
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Alexa
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Support for Amazon Alexa by saying 'Hey Alexa' followed by a command.
- No
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Google Assistant
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Supports Google Home by saying 'OK Google' and the command.
- No
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IFTTT
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Supports If This Then That, a feature that lets you create actions for your device based on activity.
- No