In this article, we look at some of the best Indoor IP Security Cameras, NVR and DVR kits from the two home security giants; Night Owl vs Swann.
Burglaries happen all the time. From banks, retail stores to homes, nothing is safe from a security breach.
Research has shown that burglars avoid intruding in homes that have visible security measures in place, such as a security camera. Even if they dare to break-in, you can easily hand-over the footage from your security camera to police officers to prosecute.
Indoor IP Head to Head
Indoor IP – Night Owl 4 Channel 1080p Camera vs Swann Wi-Fi Indoor Security Camera
Night Owl 4 Channel 1080p Camera
Model(s): WG4-1I-16SD
The Night Owl 4 Channel 1080p Camera is purpose built for indoor use. It can record at a 1080p resolution and has to be connected to an AC power supply. People love it as it is lightweight and easy to install.
It has a wireless connectivity range of 300 Feet. As far as storage is concerned, it comes with a pre-installed 16GB Micro SD Card.
Pros
- Includes 16GB Micro SD Card
- Compatible with Google Assistant
- Moderately Priced
Cons
- Some users have complained about the apps usability
Swann Wi-Fi Indoor Security Camera
Model(s): SWWHD-INDCAM-US
The Swann Wi-Fi Indoor Security Camera is a powerful IP Security Camera. It can record videos at a 1080p resolution. For extending your view sight, it comes with a 100-degrees viewing angle. When it’s dark, this camera can cover 26 Feet. Along with local storage, users also get Cloud Storage, which is completely Free.
Pros
- 26 Feet Night Vision Range
- 110° wide viewing angle
- Free Cloud Storage
Cons
- Not suitable for Live Viewing
Number of Channels, Resolution and Field of View
This small yet powerful Night Owl IP Security Camera can record videos at a 1080p resolution. It relies on wireless connectivity, which has a 300 Feet coverage. For greater coverage, users also get an 88-degrees field of view. Moreover, it is also compatible with both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
The Swann Wi-Fi Indoor Security Camera can also record 1080p videos. Moreover, it also has a 100-degrees wide viewing angle.
Power & Installation Options
The Night Owl 4 Channel 1080p Camera is a small device that sits on its own, with no need for screws. Additionally, it has a magnetic mounting base that ensures you don't tip it over accidentally. Prior models relied on batteries for power, but this one replaces it with an AC Power supply.
The Swann Wi-Fi Indoor Security Camera is easy to set up. Its lightweight body and robust frame make it simple to configure too.
Night Vision, Motion Detection & Audio
The Night Owl 4 Channel 1080p Camera comes with the standard 2-Way-Audio feature. You can use it to both listen and talk to members of your family. Moreover, it can cover 20 Feet at night.
The Swann Wi-Fi Indoor Security Camera can cover 26 feet. Along with motion sensors, it also picks up heat.
Footage Storage, Memory Capacity and Streaming
No matter where your router is, this camera can connect to the Wi-Fi network by using its 300 feet wireless range. For storage, the Night Owl 4 Channel 1080p Camera relies on SD cards. You get a 16GB SD Card pre-installed with it.
The Swann Wi-Fi Indoor Security Camera offers both cloud and local storage. You can store footage on the local memory for 7 days before you have to save it on the cloud.
Technical Comparison
| Night Owl 4 Channel 1080p Camera | Swann Wi-Fi Indoor Security Camera | |
| Video Resolution | 1080p | 1080p HD |
| Night Vision Range | 20 Feet | 26 Feet |
| Internal Storage | 16 GB Micro SD | N/A |
| Voice Assistant | Google Assistant | Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa |
| Pan-Tilt | N/A | N/A |
| Zoom | N/A | N/A |
| Detection | Motion | Heat & Motion |
| Viewing Angle | 88 degrees | 110 Degrees |
The Verdict
Both the Night Owl 4 Channel 1080p Camera and the Swann Wi-Fi Indoor Security Camera have many similarities. But the Night Owl 4 Channel 1080p Camera takes the lead as it has increased wireless connection range and a dedicated AC power supply.
Night Owl 4 Channel 1080p Camera
Model(s): WG4-1I-16SD
The Night Owl 4 Channel 1080p Camera is purpose built for indoor use. It can record at a 1080p resolution and has to be connected to an AC power supply. People love it as it is lightweight and easy to install.
It has a wireless connectivity range of 300 Feet. As far as storage is concerned, it comes with a pre-installed 16GB Micro SD Card.
Pros
- Includes 16GB Micro SD Card
- Compatible with Google Assistant
- Moderately Priced
Cons
- Some users have complained about the apps usability
Swann Wi-Fi Indoor Security Camera
Model(s): SWWHD-INDCAM-US
The Swann Wi-Fi Indoor Security Camera is a powerful IP Security Camera. It can record videos at a 1080p resolution. For extending your view sight, it comes with a 100-degrees viewing angle. When it’s dark, this camera can cover 26 Feet. Along with local storage, users also get Cloud Storage, which is completely Free. It wins the first of our Swann vs Night Owl head to heads!
Pros
- 26 Feet Night Vision Range
- 110° wide viewing angle
- Free Cloud Storage
Cons
- Not suitable for Live Viewing
Wired NVR Kit Head to Head
Wired NVR Kit – Night Owl 8 Channel 4K NVR vs Swann PoE CCTV NVR
Night Owl 8 Channel 4K NVR
Model(s): IH802-88BA-B
This Night Owl 4K NVR can support 8 separate security cameras. For storage, it comes with a built-in weatherproof 2TB Hard Drive. Along with storing footage, this NVR also applies Rapid Image Detection Technology (RID), and L2 Color Boost Technology on stored footage. Users can access the videos by using the Free App.
Pros
- L2 Color Boost Technology
- Rapid Image Detection Technology (RID)
- 100 Feet Night Vision
Cons
- Some users have complained about the power adapter
Swann PoE CCTV NVR
Model(s): SWNVK-875808
The Swann PoE CCTV NVR can accommodate 8 separate cameras. It comes with 2TB Hard Drive storage and is capable of storing footage from cameras that record 5 MP videos. For enhanced user experience, you also use the 1-Way-Audio feature.
Pros
- 2TB Hard Drive
- One-Way-Audio
- 5MP HD video resolution
Cons
- Some users have complained about issues with the hard drive
Number of Channels, Resolution and Field of View
If you have a big area to cover, The Night Owl 8 Channel 4K NVR should be your pick. It can accommodate 8 separate security cameras that record at a 4K resolution. This NVR set also works with security cameras in a group of 4, 8 or 12 cameras.
Similar to its Night Owl counterpart, the Swann PoE CCTV NVR can accommodate 8 separate 5MP cameras. Thanks to its crisp clear video quality, you can pick up the smallest of details, for example, zoom in on faces, tattoos, and logos.
Power & Installation Options
Despite having massive storage space, you can set the Night Owl 8 Channel 4K NVR to record footage only when motion is detected, which means when someone walks into your porch, or your pet goes out for a stroll, and your camera detects the motion, only then will the video recording will start. This is a great measure to efficiently use the NVR’s storage.
The Swann PoE CCTV NVR stands out as it has both motion and heat sensors. It can automatically detect moving warm objects. As soon as it confirms the detection, it starts recording and sends a push notification.
Night Vision, Motion Detection & Audio
If you are located in a bad neighborhood, burglaries at night are a concern. But you can rely on the Night Owl 8 Channel 4K NVR to take care of up to 100 Feet area in front of it. Additionally, this camera also applies L2 Color Boost Technology and Rapid Image Detection Technology (RID) to recorded videos. You can playback recorded footage using the Night Owl app.
The Swann PoE CCTV NVR ensures you have no blind spots, even at night. This powerful NVR ensures you see 130 Feet even in the darkest surroundings.
Footage Storage, Memory Capacity and Streaming
Unlike most other NVR kits on the market, the Night Owl 8 Channel 4K NVR comes with a 2TB Hard Drive. Even if you are using all 8 channels on this NVR kit, rest assured you will never face any data loss. Furthermore, the advanced video compression technology ensures your storage capacity and bandwidth are optimized.
The Swann PoE CCTV NVR comes with a 2TB Hard Drive. You can also make it take still images and save them directly on your Cloud using its QuickShot Cloud feature.
Technical Comparison
| Night Owl 8 Channel 4K NVR | Swann PoE CCTV NVR | |
| Memory Storage Capacity | 2TB | 2TB Hard Drive |
| Dimension | 19.3 x 14.5 x 11.3 inches | 9.25 x 12.2 x 2 inches |
| Color Night Vision (CNV) | No (L2 Color Boost Technology) | Yes |
| Video Compression | Advanced Video Compression | N/A |
| PoE connection | Yes (8 PoE ports) | Yes |
| Cold Climate Capability | N/A | N/A |
| Mounting Kits | N/A | N/A |
| Weight | 33.6 pounds | 19.8 pounds |
The Verdict
The Night Owl 8 Channel 4K NVR and the Swann PoE CCTV NVR have many similar features. However, in this Night Owl vs Swann clash, when it comes to Color Boost Technology and Rapid Image Detection Technology, the Night Owl 8 Channel 4K NVR beats its Swann counterpart.
Night Owl 8 Channel 4K NVR
Model(s): IH802-88BA-B
This Night Owl 4K NVR can support 8 separate security cameras. For storage, it comes with a built-in weatherproof 2TB Hard Drive. Along with storing footage, this NVR also applies Rapid Image Detection Technology (RID), and L2 Color Boost Technology on stored footage. Users can access the videos by using the Free App.
Pros
- L2 Color Boost Technology
- Rapid Image Detection Technology (RID)
- 100 Feet Night Vision
Cons
- Some users have complained about the power adapter
Swann PoE CCTV NVR
Model(s): SWNVK-875808
The Swann PoE CCTV NVR can accommodate 8 separate cameras. It comes with 2TB Hard Drive storage and is capable of storing footage from cameras that record 5 MP videos. For enhanced user experience, you also use the 1-Way-Audio feature.
Pros
- 2TB Hard Drive
- One-Way-Audio
- 5MP HD video resolution
Cons
- Some users have complained about issues with the hard drive
Wired DVR Kit Head to Head
Wired DVR Kit – Night Owl 8 Channel HD Video DVR vs Swann 8 Channel HD DVR
Night Owl 8 Channel HD Video DVR
Model(s): WM-841-2MP
If you are looking for a DVR kit instead of an NVR one, you can go with the Night Owl 8 Channel HD Video DVR. It can accommodate 8 different security cameras that record 1080p resolution footage. People love this kit because they can use it to connect multiple dome, turret or bullet security cameras.
With the package, you get 4 security cameras that are capable of withstanding adverse weather. To give its users more coverage, each camera has 100 Feet night vision and 100-degrees field of view.
Pros
- 1TB HDD Storage
- Comes with 4 weatherproof indoor/outdoor cameras
- Comes with H.264+ video compression technology
Cons
- Some users have completed about the app’s usability
Swann 8 Channel HD DVR
Model(s): SWDVK-845804WL
The Swann 8 Channel HD DVR comes with 8 channels. It can withstand rain, heat, and even snowfall. Each camera on it has a 90-degrees viewing angle and 100 Feet night vision range.
Pros
- Wireless connection over ethernet
- Corded electric power source
- Audio and Motion Detection
Cons
- Some users have complained about the products documentation
Number of Channels, Resolution and Field of View
The Night Owl 8 Channel HD Video DVR comes with 4 HD wired cameras. Each of these cameras can record at a 1080p resolution. Each camera comes with 100 ft. of Night Vision and a 100° wide viewing angle.
The Swann 8 Channel HD DVR comes with cameras that can record 1080p videos. Moreover, all these cameras have a 90-degrees viewing angle.
Power & Installation Options
Setting up the Night Owl 8 Channel HD Video DVR is straightforward. After you connect all the ports in the correct places, go ahead and sync them with the app. The free Night Owl app can automatically detect any Night Owl device that is close.
The Swann 8 Channel HD DVR is very simple to set up. After you have established the connection, go ahead and use it with Echo Show, Echo Spot, Google Assistant, and Chromecast.
Night Vision, Motion Detection & Audio
The Night Owl 8 Channel HD Video DVR comes with smart motion detection. This feature successfully eliminates false alerts. Every notification you get on your smartphone is genuine. Upon detecting the undesired movement, this system will send motion alerts to your Smart Device instantly.
The Swann 8 Channel HD DVR Swann 8 Channel HD DVR is capable of both audio and motion alert. Thanks to its True Detect Heat technology, it starts recording whenever a moving warm object crosses its path.
Footage Storage, Memory Capacity and Streaming
As far as storage is concerned, if you want to use multiple security cameras and fetch in their data using one DVR, you’re going to need big storage capacity, something that the Night Owl 8 Channel HD Video DVR offers. This system comes with 1TB HDD storage. Furthermore, it is equipped with H.264+ compression technology for saving storage and bandwidth.
The Swann 8 Channel HD DVR also comes with 1TB HDD storage. Moreover, to extend storage capacity you can sync your DVR with your Dropbox account, free of any additional charge.
Technical Comparison
| Night Owl 8 Channel HD Video DVR | Swann 8 Channel HD DVR | |
| Memory Storage Capacity | 1 TB HDD | 1 TB HDD |
| Dimension | 17.8 x 11.5 x 7.4 inches | 11.6 x 14.7 x 7.6 inches |
| Color Night Vision (CNV) | N/A | Yes |
| Video Compression | H.264+ | N/A |
| PoE connection | N/A | Yes |
| App | Yes | N/A |
| Voice Control | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 12.03 pounds | 11.48 pounds |
The Verdict
Now that we have looked at the best products in the Wired DVR category, let’s look at the winner and the runners-up between Night Owl vs Swann. The Swann 8 Channel HD DVR takes the winner spot with its True Detect technology.
Night Owl 8 Channel HD Video DVR
Model(s): WM-841-2MP
If you are looking for a DVR kit instead of an NVR one, you can go with the Night Owl 8 Channel HD Video DVR. It can accommodate 8 different security cameras that record 1080p resolution footage. People love this kit because they can use it to connect multiple dome, turret or bullet security cameras.
With the package, you get 4 security cameras that are capable of withstanding adverse weather. To give its users more coverage, each camera has 100 Feet night vision and 100-degrees field of view.
Pros
- 1TB HDD Storage
- Comes with 4 weatherproof indoor/outdoor cameras
- Comes with H.264+ video compression technology
Cons
- Some users have completed about the app’s usability
Swann 8 Channel HD DVR
Model(s): SWDVK-845804WL
The Swann 8 Channel HD DVR comes with 8 channels. It can withstand rain, heat, and even snowfall. Each camera on it has a 90-degrees viewing angle and 100 Feet night vision range.
Pros
- Wireless connection over ethernet
- Corded electric power source
- Audio and Motion Detection
Cons
- Some users have complained about the products documentation