With a reputation for producing high quality home security products, and a company mindset centered around the “customer first”, GW models are some of the most popular models on the market.
That being said, finding the right system for your needs is never easy, and there are so many choices on today’s market.
In this article we will try to remedy that, or at the very least make your decision easier!
But first, here are some tips and ideas to help you know what exactly you should be looking for in a security system.
What Products Are Available?
Depending on your needs, there are several different kinds of security products available, each designed to serve a different purpose.
Security Cameras
The most obvious product range, and the one this article is centered around, the security cameras come in many shapes, forms, and levels of sophistication.
Looking to keep an eye on young children or restless pets? Then low-cost monitors are probably best.
These generally detect disturbances (visual or aural), and offer two way communication so you can gently hush your child to sleep, or provide assurance to a pet that is home alone.
Similarly, they can be doorbell cameras, which are perfect for instructing delivery people where to safely place delivered packages whilst you aren’t home, greeting visitors who may have come to call, and even to dissuade or record potential intruders who may be scoping out your property.
These are a popular choice for a lot of households, and provide peace of mind, becoming an integral part of family life.
Then there are more security minded cameras, heavier duty models designed for home security. These offer little interaction, and are purely focused on monitoring and recording comings and goings on property.
Many of these models have alarms or sensors that can be tripped to dissuade intruders or alert the authorities.
Smart Home Automation
Whether they are smart lights (which can turn on automatically when the light level drops or someone approaches), tampers that turn the lights on when someone breaches the front door, and motion triggered alarms for unwanted intruders.
These are perhaps less common, and are more about personal ease than security, especially for people who work late shifts and want the lights to be on when they return home.
There are also smart sockets that can be controlled via wireless devices. These fit this category, and can be used to remotely charge devices at set times, turn on devices, or even turn on the coffee machine in time for you waking up.
Environmental Monitors
These generally consist of environmental security products, such as smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, pipe freeze detectors, and leak detectors.
These can be important, especially for older residents, or the more vulnerable, and can be a useful addition to old homes, where the wiring and plumbing might not be up to modern standards.
Once again, they add peace of mind, which is one of the most important things on this list.
Our Top Picks
As discussed, the point of this article is to recommend the best GW security packages on the market, so without further ado, here are our top picks for the best products and packages, all of them found on Amazon.com.
With human detection, built in microphone, and up to 115 feet of infrared night vision range, this wired security camera is perfect for your security needs, be them business or residential.
Equipped with 15 artificially intelligent functions, and compatible with GW Security 78 series NVRs (network video recorders), this model 2.8mm fixed lens for clarity, and 4K ultra high resolution, meaning all intruders are not only recorded, but captured on some of the best quality video available.
Equipped with facial recognition, vehicle smart AI detection, and motion capture, the high quality AI automatically recognizes familiar faces and vehicles, meaning less false alarms and more helpful security footage.
Recording in ultra 4K high quality resolution (four times the quality of the standard 1080p) you can rest easy knowing that all comings and goings are recorded and stored in a useful format that has proven effectiveness.
The 3.6mm wide angle lens gives a higher field of view, and the built in microphone captures and records audio to a high quality.
PoE supported (power over ethernet), this camera allows simpler installation and integration into an existing system, without overly complicated wiring work, or complete overhauls.
Allowing remote viewing on PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Android devices, you can view footage on the go, ensuring your property is safe and secured no matter where you might be.
Compatible with Google and Alexa, and granting you ability to use voice control to activate various functions and modes, this model also uses email alerts to get your attention, as well as a USB backup system for extra insurance.
Featuring advanced H.265 (and H.264) video encoding, this product allows 50% less data usage, a lessened data footprint (allowing for higher storage rates), and the preservation of a higher level of video quality.
Pros
A large package containing a recording unit, 2TB harddrive, and x8 4K resolution security cameras.
4K ultra high resolution.
Large storage potential.
PoE supported.
Remote viewing (Android and IOS).
Wide angle lens for high field of view.
Sturdy, durable design.
Simpler installation.
Updated to latest firmware.
Cons
Expensive price tag (due to large package of goods).
This 16 camera system is another great package deal from GW, offering a good foundation of home/business security.
With a height of 8.0 megapixels, these super resolution cameras capture the crispest quality high definition footage, ensuring all motion is recorded in the best quality possible for maximum efficacy.
The system also allows a variety of different resolutions, meaning that whatever quality you want to record at can be achieved with ease.
Offering 196 feet of infrared night vision, an automatic setting that responds to dips in light quality, as well as a manual timed setting which can be adjusted to your liking, these models ensure that your home is safe and secure 24 hours a day, in a format that is clear and usable.
The built-in 2.8-12mm zoom lens can be controlled remotely from your phone or tablet, allowing you to manually adjust the clarity, definition, and zoom to your desired settings with very little effort required.
The PoE support means installation is made much simpler, with only one ethernet cable required to establish a connection, reducing the number of trailing wires, and removing the need for a technician to install.
With a 2 year warranty and US based technical support for all your potential needs, this package contains 8 4K 8 megapixel cameras, a GW recording device, and a 3Tb harddrive for maximum storage capacity.
Boasting a 100 feet infrared night vision range, a 4x motorized optical zoom, and a sturdy, weatherproof design, these cameras offer durability and skill, allowing for 24 hour maximum security protection, and resistance to damage and weather.
The 2.8-12mm high zoom lens offers a wide angle field of view, and adjustability so you can always see what is happening, and the H.265 support means that data uses 50% less bandwidth, making speeds quicker, and the data footprint is smaller, equaling more efficient storage.
With PoE support (meaning quick and simple installation), and manual control via tablets or smartphones, this package very much embodies the plug and play mentality that GW brings to their professional product line, walking a strong line between consumer and commercial markets.
This 16 camera package also includes a GW recording device, a pre-installed 4Tb harddrive, and full app support for ease of use.
Offering ultra high definition 4K recording, with 8 megapixels of resolution, quality is something you don’t have to worry about as far as these cameras are concerned.
With a sturdy metal “bullet” base that makes it perfect for internal or external use, this camera offers full waterproofing, and expert infrared night vision, meaning you are protected night and day, rain or shine.
The floodlight function ensures motion is highlighted with LED light, and the siren option can be armed so as to alert you to any breaches of your perimeter.
The time scale and alarm sound can also be fully customized and controlled via your smartphone or tablet.
With two way communication functions that allow you to greet guests, commune with mail carriers, or indeed dissuade intruders, this camera encourages interactivity, ease, and efficiency, meaning you are the one in control 24 hours a day.
Full app support, and Alexa/Google compatibility, you can receive smart alerts any time, anywhere, and the email alert system means you can be contacted in writing whenever a serious security concern presents itself.
Pros
Large storage capacity.
High definition 4K recording.
8 megapixel resolution.
Fully weatherproof.
Sturdy, metal design.
Good night vision.
Floodlight function.
Alarm/siren system to scare intruders.
Cons
Expensive price tag (due to number of package contents).
Lower fps (frames per second) than similar models.
Buyer’s Guide
The market itself is somewhat saturated with choices, and with thousands of products ranging from recognized, big name brands, to up and coming DIY choices for first time buyers on a budget, the whole process can seem daunting.
Price
Firstly, what people want is value for money. That is not to say they want something cheap, but rather if they are spending a large sum of money on a product, they want high quality performance, sturdiness, and efficiency, otherwise they will feel cheated.
Design
When it comes to any product, we as consumers look for good design quality, sturdiness, and (in the case of outdoor products) weather resistance.
For the best results, look for products with as little moving parts as possible, as this will ensure the longevity of the product.
There also needs to be some degree of aesthetic attractiveness to the way they look. This applies to both indoor and outdoor cameras, and they need to look appropriate, and be in keeping with existing technology and decor.
Installation
Installation, and the ease thereof, can be a huge factor in which products people choose.
Wired systems are generally more complex, and usually require a technician or skilled electrician to install the wires in the walls and integrate it into your existing system.
Whilst these are more heavy duty and reliable, the work, energy, and cost involved can be off putting for some.
Wireless systems on the other hand tend to be more manageable, allowing easy home installation with simple setup instructions. These are generally the choice for first time buyers, or people with fewer security needs.
Household Routine
Many people, especially those who work long hours, have lengthy commutes, and spend a lot of time on business trips, like to employ home security systems to ensure their property and possessions are protected, especially if there is no one else in their home to keep an eye on things.
The same is true for people who take lengthy vacations or similar leaves of absence. Basically, whenever there isn’t anyone home, there is a need for home security, if only to get that added peace of mind.
If any of these scenarios apply to you, then home security may just be your best option.
Protection Needs
Another important factor to consider is what exactly you want to protect.
This not only lets you know whether you do indeed need protection or not, but also informs what products (and the quantity) you will need to purchase for your circumstances.
Rural homes with larger surrounding land might require more cameras to monitor intruders, whereas urban areas might simply require a doorbell camera to ensure personal security.
Property Size
The size of the property is also an important factor to consider. As mentioned above, rural homes with ample land might require more devices to achieve security, as there are more blind spots and entry points.
On the other hand, urban homes, such as apartments, condos, or even suburban housing estates, tend to have more eye witnesses, and fewer entry points, meaning that less devices are required to achieve security.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Storage Capacity Important?
Whilst not overly important, most users will benefit from a 30 day storage capability. This allows you to review any potential security breaches that might have arisen over the period of the month.
Is Smartphone Compatibility Important?
Whilst not strictly crucial, smartphone compatibility means you can use associated apps to check the field of view of the camera, respond to any potential visitors, and review past footage when you aren’t home.
Is Good Zoom Range Important?
This very much depends on the product type.
Surveillance cameras can benefit from extended zoom to see potential property breaches, whilst doorbell cameras are generally fine with the standard field of view they have.
Final Thoughts
And there we have it, our top picks for the best GW packages on the market.
All that remains is to go out and choose one, but remember, always do your research!
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