If you’ve always wanted a security system with several cameras but you don’t want a wired system, you need to take a look at the Swann Fourtify Wi-Fi security camera system. This kit has one main camera that connects to power and an additional three cameras that connect to the main camera. It operates via Wi-Fi but it also has a microSD card for storage, and you have more options for placement because you don’t have to drag cords into your house or connect the cameras to your TV. I’ve been using it for a few weeks and I think it’s a great little system. Here’s my look at the Swann Fourtify Wi-Fi security kit.
Swann Fourtify Wi-Fi security system features
The Swann Fourtify system includes 1 main security camera, 3 additional PRO-1080MSX cameras, coax cable to connect them, a power plug, power plug extender, security stickers, and mounting screws.
- 1080p Full HD video resolution
- Main camera has 80-degree FOV and PRO cameras have 85-degree FOV
- Weather-resistant—main camera has IP65 rating and PRO cameras have IP66 rating
- Operating temperature range of -30ºC to 60ºC
- True Detect heat and motion sensing technology can identify people and cars
- Video footage can be stored locally on a 64GB microSD card
- Connect to the Swann app and stream or download your footage via Wi-Fi
- Night vision with up to 100 foot range
- Two-way talk through the main camera
- Voice control via Alexa and Google Assistant
Setting up the Fourtify Wi-Fi security kit
Setting up Swann Fourtify security cameras was very easy, and I love how the cameras don’t need a DVR to work. I also love how you can place these cameras anywhere you can connect to your Wi-Fi network. They all connect to one main camera, so you can really branch out and place them where you most need security.
To test the Wi-Fi connection range I mounted the main camera by my back door and plugged it into power. Once it was plugged in I connected the main coax wire that connects to all three other cameras. After that I just plugged each camera into the main coax wire and connected them to the power plug.
You’ll add the Swann Fourtify system to the Swann app by scanning the QR code on the instructions or on the camera. There is a 64GB microSD memory card installed so you can take it out and load it on your computer or your TV whenever you want to view clips. You can also view live and stored clips on the Swann app.
The main camera on the Swann Fourtify system only connects to a 2.4GHz band, so keep in mind that it won’t connect to a 5G network. The camera has a range of 65 feet (20 meters) so you’ll need to place it near enough to the router that you can pick up a good signal or add an extender near the camera so you can place it slightly further away.
Testing Swann Fourtify Wi-Fi security system
The design of the Fourtify main camera is pretty different from the other cameras. It has two antennae you can position to improve your range, and out of the four cameras it’s the only camera with a microphone so you can use it for two-way communication. The main camera is quite a bit bigger than the other cameras as well. The other cameras look like standard Swann cameras and they don’t have audio or sirens.
The Fourtify main camera detects motion using True Detect™ Thermal / Heat-Sensing. It has a setting called PIR (passive infrared) for motion detection, so it can determine if that motion is a person or a vehicle. If I want to eliminate all motion alerts except people, all I have to do is tick ‘PIR’ in the app and it will only pick up motion with a heat signature. It can detect up to 26 feet (8 meters) away. In my experience with the Swann Fourtify system, if the camera was identifying motion that was a human or a vehicle, it was accurate every single time.
The system can also detect specific motion signatures like the difference between a human and a pet, but to add that functionality you need to upgrade to a Swann subscription. Swann subscriptions vary but the Unlimited package with pet, package, and car notifications is $12.99 per year.
Night vision on Swann Fourtify
The cameras on the Swann Fourtify system have night vision up to 26 feet (8 meters). I found the night vision to be very good. You can pick up detail very far away. The only thing to keep in mind is you do need to have outside lights on to make the most of the range. The main camera was tucked into a corner of my porch so it didn’t have access to as much light as the other cameras so the clips I captured were a bit darker. With lights on you can see clearly in the dark, and it’s easy to make out what type of car is pulling in or who is walking up to the door.
The Fourtify main camera has a siren and audio built in too, so it can work as a deterrent for thieves. The siren isn’t overly loud, but it’s loud enough you’ll hear it inside your house if it’s going off outside. If you see someone and you want to talk to them, all you have to do is tap the microphone on the app. The audio is a little choppy when you’re speaking, but it’s very clear when it’s capturing outside noise.
Streaming and saving video with Swann Fourtify
A Wi-Fi based security system like the Swann Fourtify needs to have a strong and reliable Wi-Fi network, especially considering the main camera on this system is a hub for all cameras. My home has a high speed network with mesh Wi-Fi, so I found the Swann Fourtify system worked very well as long as it was within its range. It reliably picked up motion and saved the clips to the Swann app. When I would open the app the clip would be available within 30 to 60 seconds. It’s easy to download the clips from the Swann app, but the main camera also stores the clips on the internal memory card so I could remove it and transfer them to my computer.
Should you choose the Swann Fourtify Wi-Fi security kit?
If you’re looking for a security system with multiple cameras but you don’t want a wired system, I think the Swann Fourtify is a great option. As long as you have a reliable Wi-Fi network you’ll have reliable cameras, and they can pick up all types of motion.
You can find the Swann Fourtify Wi-Fi security system at Best Buy right now.
