TL;DR
The SwannBuddy4K is a game-changer for those tired of mandatory subscriptions and cloud-only storage. This robust video doorbell boasts stunning 4K resolution and a superior 165° wide-angle lens that captures every detail from the ground up. Unlike many competitors, it features local recording via an included 32GB memory card and comes with a dedicated indoor chime. While the battery life clocks in at around 50 days and it relies on 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, its customizable motion zones and AI voice features offer premium control without recurring fees. For homeowners seeking professional-grade security and true ownership of their footage, the SwannBuddy4K delivers incredible value despite its minor limitations. Want to see how it stacks up against the competition in a head-to-head battle? Read the full article to see if this is the ultimate upgrade for your smart home.
In June 2024, I tested the Video Doorbell 2K/HD Second Generation from Arlo. What bothered me back then was that it was completely dependent on Wi-Fi and lacked a built-in memory card. Only cloud storage was available, and you were also forced to have a subscription to access what the camera recorded.
So how does the SwannBuddy4K compare to the aforementioned camera? We’re about to find out.
First impressions and build quality
SwannBuddy4K feels solid right out of the box. It is slightly larger than Arlo’s version, but that doesn’t affect the overall impression. You get all the parts needed to mount the camera by the door.
It also comes with adhesive pads to fill gaps and thus keep moisture and other unwanted elements out.
Also in the box is an internal chime that you can place inside the home. This way, you aren’t dependent on your phone to hear when someone is at the door. This is a big plus in my book, but it gets better.
Storage and Wi-Fi dependence
SwannBuddy4K can record to an internal memory card and is therefore not entirely dependent on Wi-Fi, unlike many other similar cameras. This is a feature I have long missed and found annoying that it isn’t standard.
What is also impressive is that you don’t need a subscription to use the cloud services. Information is then stored for 24 hours, but since recording takes place on the internal memory (a 32 GB card is included), nothing is lost. Furthermore, the camera is secured with a screw that makes it difficult to steal without the person being caught on camera.
If you want longer cloud storage time and access to more AI features, you need to sign up for one of the available subscriptions. Personally, the free version is perfectly adequate for me, but for those who want more advanced surveillance and automated recordings, a subscription might be worth considering.
Image quality and wide-angle
The resolution is true 4K, and it’s clearly noticeable how much more you can zoom in and discern details. Since the recording happens internally, no information is lost during transmission.
The wide-angle is also impressive. As seen in the comparison below, where the SwannBuddy4K and Video Doorbell 2K/HD Second Generation are mounted in the exact same spot, both have impressive wide-angle views. However, the SwannBuddy4K is slightly superior (165°) as it captures more of the ground instead of showing the inside of the ceiling.
Detection zones and features
You can set zones for where the camera should react. On the SwannBuddy4K, you can truly fine-tune this by “painting” the areas where it should trigger. This is perfect if you, like me, have a road near the house or something else that moves frequently and that you don’t want to trigger the camera.
Disadvantages
Is there anything negative about the SwannBuddy4K? Yes, a couple of things. Firstly, it only uses the older 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network, which makes it slower than it could be. But what bothers me the most is the battery life.
I charge the Video Doorbell 2K/HD once every three to four months, sometimes even less frequently. After 18 days of using the SwannBuddy4K in normal temperatures, the battery had dropped to 63 percent, which implies a total battery life of around 48–50 days. In other words, not even two months. It does charge quickly and can be hardwired to mains power, but that requires drilling and hassle, which I had no intention of doing.
The night vision on the camera is about five meters, which I feel is a bit short. By then, whoever shouldn’t be there is very close by the time they are finally detected by the camera.
Summary
In summary, I am really impressed with the SwannBuddy4K. It offers many features I’ve missed, and some I hadn’t even thought of, such as the AI voice that speaks for you if you don’t want to talk through the camera. The fact that it doesn’t require a subscription and has an internal memory card also makes it very good value, even if the price is on par with other doorbells. Thus, it gets a high rating, and if the battery life had been longer, this would have been a definite “must-have.”
Swann sent a review unit for this review. Senders of materials have no editorial influence on our tests.
