Choosing the right CCTV brand can feel like navigating a maze. There’s Hikvision, Swann, Ring, EZVIZ, Arlo, the list goes on. Each has its pros and cons. But when it comes down to it, Hikvision CCTV cameras offer the best combination of features, flexibility, and price, especially for UK homeowners, businesses, and professional electricians.
In this guide, we’ll break down how Hikvision stacks up against the competition, why it’s the go-to choice for the trade, and why it’s the brand we trust most here at WME.
Why CCTV Matters More Than Ever in 2025
Before we dive into the brands, it’s worth understanding why investing in a reliable CCTV system is more important than ever.
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), there were over 287,000 burglaries reported across England and Wales in the year ending March 2024. That’s a burglary every 1.8 minutes. See the full ONS report here.
Not just that, most burglaries happen during daylight hours, and properties without visible CCTV are far more likely to be targeted. The right system doesn’t just capture footage, it deters crime altogether.
Hikvision vs Other Brands: A Quick Comparison
So how does Hikvision actually compare to the rest of the market? Here’s a snapshot:
|
Feature |
Hikvision |
Swann |
Ring |
Arlo |
|
Camera Resolution |
Up to 8K |
Up to 4K |
HD / 2K |
2K / 4K |
|
Storage Type |
Local (NVR/DVR) |
Cloud/Local |
Cloud only |
Cloud only |
|
Wired/Wireless |
Both |
Both |
Wireless only |
Wireless only |
|
Price Range |
££ |
££ |
£££ |
£££ |
|
Best For |
Home & Business |
Home use |
Smart homes |
Indoor / rental |
Hikvision gives you the flexibility to go wired, wireless, or hybrid, without locking you into cloud storage fees or limiting your options
Why Electricians Prefer Hikvision
It’s not just the specs, Hikvision is built for trade professionals who want reliable systems that just work.
Here’s why so many electricians choose it:
- Supports PoE wiring and Cat6 cabling
- Integrates easily with NVRs and Smart Home Solutions
- UK warranty and firmware support
- Easier to scale with growing property needs
- Advanced motion detection (line crossing, face recognition)
And because Hikvision products are modular, you can mix and match camera types, like turrets, bullets, and PTZ to suit every install.
Better Value, Better Results
While some brands focus on flashy features, Hikvision focuses on quality and long-term savings. You won’t get hit with monthly cloud costs, you won’t need to upgrade the whole system to add a new camera, and your footage stays under your control.
WME Recommended CCTV
- 5MP Fixed Lens EXIR Turret
- 40m Infrared Night Vision
- POC support, IP67-rated
- 8MP Smart Hybrid Light IP Camera
- Built-in mic & speaker (two-way audio)
- Up to 512GB local storage
- Colour image at night with hybrid LED + IR
FAQs
Q: Is Hikvision more expensive than Ring or Arlo?
Upfront, possibly. But there are no monthly fees, and you can add cameras without buying whole new kits.
Q: Which brand is best for DIYers?
Hikvision PoE kits are plug-and-play with simple setup apps.
Q: What if I want smart features like Alexa or Google integration?
Hikvision integrates with smart homes. Check out our full Smart Home range for add-ons.
If you're after a CCTV brand that balances pro-grade performance, affordability, and user-friendliness, Hikvision ticks all the boxes. It’s trusted by tradespeople, scalable for growing needs, and secure by design.
Whether you're protecting your home, setting up a business site, or building a smart ecosystem, Hikvision is the brand to beat.
🛒 Ready to upgrade your security?
Explore our full CCTV & Security range at WME now, or get in touch with our team for expert advice and kit recommendations.