Verdict

Pros

• Lots included in the box
• Cross platform

Cons

• Buggy software
• Key features locked behind paywall
• Throws up numerous false positives

What is the SwannOne Smart Home Control Kit?

The SwannOne Smart Home Control Kit is one of a growing sea of starter packs designed to let you turn a regular home into a IP-enabled, high-tech paradise.

On paper, the SwannOne looks similar to most smart home kits and, like the Panasonic Home Monitoring Control Kit, has a focus on home security.

The starter pack works to differentiate itself by offering a seamless, screw-free setup process and advanced remote-monitoring features. Sadly, it only partially succeeds on either front due to the poorly made, money-grabbing software.

Related: Nest Cam review

SwannOne Smart Home Control Kit – Hardware and setup

In the box you’ll find the SwannOne Smart Hub, two smart key fobs, a SoundView Indoor Camera, Smart Plug, Motion Monitor and two window and door sensors. This sounds like a generous package, but actually the SwannOne is one of the more expensive starter kits, with prices starting at £500.

By comparison, the Panasonic Home Monitoring Kit costs a meagre £230 and comes with an equivalent amount of hardware.

The physical setup process is pleasingly simple. The tech doesn’t need to be attached to walls, doors or window frames with screws – although this is possible. Instead, the kit is attached using special adhesive strips that are included in the box.

The discrete 227 x 140 x 60.5mm camera can also be stood autonomously and set to a variety of angles using a bundled magnetic stand. Once I’d picked which doors and window I wanted to secure, the set-up process took less than five minutes.

As an added bonus, SwannOne is one of only a few cross-platform smart-home systems on the market.

Related: Y-cam HomeMonitor HD review

The SwannOne system can be connected to Nest, Kwikset and Phillips hardware. This means that in theory it can be used to control your heating if connected to a Nest Thermostat, and open your front door if connected to a Kwikset SmartCode Deadbolt lock.

I didn’t get to to see how the SwannOne worked with other companies’ smart tech, but hopefully it’s smoother experience than pairing with Swann’s own accessories.

The Smart Hub acts as the nerve centre of the SwannOne system, and on paper appears to be easy to set up. The general setup process required me to set up a SwannOne account – which can be achieved on most major platforms including Windows, Mac OS, Android and iOS – and follow a series of on screen prompts.

The prompts required me to push an activation button or scan a QR code using my smartphone on each part of the security system, and wait for it to link with the Smart Hub using the ZigBee and Wi-Fi protocols.

But the pairing process wasn’t smooth-sailing. Each pairing generally took up to five attempts before it was successful. The camera was particularly troublesome and took a staggering 10 minutes to register with the Smart Hub.