[Review] Blink Cameras: Cost, Packages, & FAQ

Are you looking for a reliable and cost-effective home security solution? Blink cameras could be the answer! This detailed Blink camera review explores the extensive features, benefits, and models within Blink’s camera range, providing all the information you need to make an informed decision.

High-definition video quality, motion detection, two-way audio, night vision capabilities, and Amazon Alexa compatibility are just some of the standout features of Blink cameras.

Ready to delve deeper? Let’s uncover why Blink cameras have become a top choice for homeowners in search of a versatile and trustworthy home security system.

Key Takeaways

• Blink Camera Lineup provides a reliable and cost-effective security solution, packed with features such as HD video quality, motion detection, two-way audio, and night vision capabilities.

• The cameras are powered by long-lasting batteries or wired options, ensuring dependable performance.

• Blink cameras are seamlessly compatible with Amazon Alexa, enabling voice commands and live streaming. However, it’s worth noting that they might face compatibility issues with non-Amazon devices.

• The range includes diverse models to suit different needs, from outdoor and indoor options to mini cameras, video doorbells, and floodlight cameras.

• Despite being packed with features, Blink cameras may lack certain advanced features found in competitors, such as built-in person detection.

• The brand offers various storage options, including cloud and local storage, with Basic and Plus subscription plans available.

Blink Camera Lineup

Blink offers a diverse range of home security cameras, including:

• Outdoor security cameras

• Indoor security cameras

• Mini security cameras

• Video Doorbells

• Mini Pan-Tilt security cameras

• Wired Floodlight

• Wire-Free Floodlight

Each home security camera is designed with unique features to cater to different needs, so you can choose the perfect fit for your home security.

We’ll examine each model more closely.

Blink Outdoor Camera

The Blink Outdoor security camera features:

• Wire-free design

• Weather-resistant construction with an IP65 rating

• Two-year battery life

• Enhanced motion detection

• Optional person detection

• Temperature sensor

• Compatibility with other outdoor cameras, including Blink Outdoor cameras

It’s a reliable security solution that can withstand the elements.

One of the main advantages of the Blink Outdoor camera is its cost-effectiveness, offering high-quality audio and video capture along with local video storage and extended battery life. However, a potential drawback for some users might be the fact that the Blink Outdoor camera does not come equipped with person or package recognition. This means that the camera cannot differentiate between a human, an animal, or a package, and will trigger an alert for any detected movement, which might lead to unnecessary alerts. For those who require more nuanced detection, this could be a limitation.

Blink Indoor Cameras

The Blink Indoor Camera is a space-saving, wireless solution for your home security needs. With a 110-degree field of view, it’s perfect for monitoring specific areas of your home. The wireless configuration offers greater flexibility and ease of installation.

The HD video quality of the Blink Indoor Camera is excellent, and its low-power mode conserves battery life by introducing a delay between motion detection and recording. However, the camera’s field of view may result in sizable blind spots.

Blink Mini Camera

The Blink Mini camera is an affordable, plug-in indoor camera offering 1080p HD video, motion detection, and two-way audio. Priced at just $35, it’s an excellent option for those looking to keep an eye on their home without breaking the bank.

The Blink Mini camera provides convenient self-monitoring capabilities through the app, including live view and a history of footage. While it offers impressive video quality, it lacks the built-in person detection found in competitors like Wyze Cam v3 Pro.

Blink Video Doorbell

The Blink Video Doorbell offers 1080p HD video, infrared night vision, and two-way audio. It can be installed either with existing doorbell wiring or wire-free with a Sync Module, making it a versatile choice for any home.

With features like customizable motion detection alerts, adjustable activity zones, and compatibility with Amazon Alexa, the Blink Video Doorbell stands out as a solid choice for front door security. However, it lacks some advanced features like person or package recognition.

Blink Mini Pan-Tilt

The Blink Mini Pan-Tilt camera is a highly versatile indoor camera that offers 360° coverage, pan and tilt functionality, and HD video quality. It’s perfect for monitoring larger rooms or open spaces, providing peace of mind when you’re away from home.

Blink Wired Floodlight Camera

The Blink Wired Floodlight Camera, a sibling to the Blink XT2, is a security camera equipped with 2600 lumens of LED lighting, improved motion detection, and a built-in siren for added protection.

Looking for a reliable security solution? Check out our camera review to see how this camera can help protect your property day or night, ensuring that you’ll never miss a moment of action.

Blink Wire-Free Floodlight Camera

The Blink Wire-Free Floodlight Camera features:

• Battery-powered floodlight camera

• 700 lumens of motion-triggered LED lights

• Compatible with Blink Outdoor

• Wire-free design for easy installation

• Flexible solution for outdoor security needs

It features two-way audio, so you can hear what’s happening outside and communicate directly through the camera, adding an extra layer of security and convenience to your home surveillance system.

Blink Camera Pricing

Blink has simplified the purchasing process by offering a select range of options, each with unique features. The range includes four distinct types of cameras:

• An extremely affordable mini indoor camera
• Two models of the Blink Outdoor line (Blink Outdoor 3 and 4)
• A battery-powered indoor camera with a similar design
• A wired outdoor camera equipped with built-in floodlights.

Now, let’s break down the cost of a single-camera Blink system. The prices for the one-camera starter kit are as follows:

• Blink Indoor: $79.99
• Blink Outdoor 3: $99.99
• Blink Mini: $34.99
• Blink Outdoor 4: $119.99
• Blink Wired Floodlight Camera: $99.99

Blink Indoor and Blink Outdoor 3 and 4 models necessitate a hub to function. The prices provided above for these three models include one Sync Module 2, which serves as the hub. Each hub can accommodate up to five cameras.

If you intend to combine Blink Indoor and Blink Outdoor cameras, it’s advised to opt for one of the multi-camera systems available from Amazon. Alternatively, you could purchase one camera with a Sync Module 2 included and then buy additional cameras separately.

The prices for these are as follows:

• Blink Outdoor 3: $89.99
• Blink Outdoor 4: $109.99
• Blink Indoor: $69.99

While we generally favor cameras that don’t require hubs, like the Wyze Cam (for more details, read our Wyze camera review), we acknowledge that Blink offers discounted prices for multiple cameras. Also, the requirement for a hub is not uncommon; both Arlo and eufy packages include these devices. Therefore, despite the minor inconvenience of connecting to a hub, we believe that Blink’s relatively low prices make it a worthwhile investment for home security.

Power and Battery Life

A significant benefit of Blink cameras is their dependable power sources, which guarantee prolonged battery life with two AA batteries for battery powered cameras, both outdoor and indoor cameras, and a wired power option for the Blink Mini.

This means you won’t have to worry about constantly changing batteries or losing power when you need it most.

Two AA Batteries

Two AA lithium-ion batteries, included with the product, power the Blink Outdoor and Indoor cameras. With a typical battery life of up to two years under normal use conditions, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your cameras will always be ready to capture important events.

Wired Power for Blink Mini

Unlike the battery-powered outdoor and indoor cameras, the Blink Mini relies on a wall outlet for power. This ensures continuous operation without worrying about battery life, making the Blink Mini an ideal choice for those seeking constant monitoring.

Video Quality and Night Vision

Offering impressive HD video quality, Blink cameras capture detailed and clear footage under different lighting conditions.

However, their night vision capabilities may be limited, with infrared night vision providing clear visibility, only in black and white, lacking colorization.

HD Video Quality

Featuring 1080p full HD video, all Blink cameras guarantee clear and accurate visuals of every detail.

With adjustable video settings in the Blink app, you can optimize video quality for your specific needs and environment.

Night Vision Limitations

While Blink cameras offer infrared night vision for visibility in low light conditions, the image quality may not be as clear as in daylight. The night vision range is approximately 20 feet, and the infrared technology used does not provide colorization, resulting in a somewhat distorted image.

Smart Home Integration and Amazon Alexa Compatibility

Offering a convenient and user-friendly experience, Blink cameras integrate seamlessly with Amazon Alexa, allowing for voice commands and live streaming capabilities.

However, it’s important to note that while Blink cameras integrate smoothly with Amazon’s Alexa for a user-friendly smart home experience, their compatibility with other smart home systems, such as Google Home, might not be as seamless. This means that if you’re using non-Amazon devices as part of your smart home setup, you might encounter some limitations or difficulties in achieving full integration. As of now, there is no official support for integration with Apple’s HomeKit or Google’s Nest products.

Voice Commands and Live Streaming

The integration with Amazon Alexa enables you to control your Blink cameras using voice commands, facilitating actions like viewing live feeds, adjusting lighting, and arming or disarming the cameras.

This hands-free functionality makes it easy to monitor and manage your home security system at any time.

Blink Subscription Plans and Storage Options

With a variety of storage options for your security footage, Blink provides Basic and Plus plans for cloud storage, and a local storage alternative using a Blink Sync Module, specifically the Blink Sync Module 2 and USB drive.

This allows you to choose the best storage solution for your needs, whether it’s cloud-based or on-site.

Basic Plan

The Basic Plan offers:

• Cloud storage for a single camera at an affordable $3 per month or $30 per year

• 60 days of rolling cloud storage for a single camera

• Maximum duration of 120 minutes

This plan is perfect for those with only one camera or those looking to keep costs low.

Plus Plan

For those with multiple cameras, the Plus Plan offers:

• Coverage for unlimited cameras at a cost of $10 per month or $100 per year

• Extended warranty and additional benefits

• 60-day video storage for all Blink cameras

• Lifetime coverage warranty for subscribers

• A 10% discount on Blink cameras and accessories purchased through Amazon

Blink local video storage

For users who prefer local storage, the Sync Module 2 allows you to:

• Store up to 256 GB of footage directly with the purchase of a USB flash drive

• This option provides a cost-effective and secure way to store your video clips

• No need for monthly fees or cloud storage subscriptions

Installation and Setup Process

Designed for easy installation and setup, Blink cameras come with step-by-step instructions in the Blink Home Monitor app. This ensures a hassle-free process, allowing you to quickly and easily set up your home security system without the need for professional assistance.

No matter your technical expertise, you can have your home security system up and running in no time

Step-by-Step Setup

Setting up Blink cameras is a breeze, even for those who aren’t particularly tech-savvy. The first step is to download the Blink app, which is available for both iOS and Android devices. Once you’ve downloaded the app, you’ll need to create an account. This is a simple process that involves entering your email address and creating a password.

Next, you’ll want to add your cameras to your system. There are two ways to do this. The first is by scanning the QR code located on the back of the camera. This is the quickest and easiest method. Simply open the app, tap on the ‘Add Camera’ option, and point your phone’s camera at the QR code. The app will automatically recognize the code and add the camera to your system.

The second method is to manually enter the camera’s details. This involves following the on-screen instructions to enter the camera’s model number and other relevant information. This method is slightly more time-consuming, but still relatively straightforward.

One of the best things about setting up Blink cameras is the clear and detailed guidance provided by the app. Each step is explained in easy-to-understand language, and there are helpful tips and hints along the way. Plus, if you do run into any issues, Blink’s customer service team is just a phone call or email away.

Once your cameras are set up, you can start using them right away. You can view live feeds, adjust settings, receive motion alerts, and more, all from the convenience of your smartphone. So, with a bit of time and patience, you’ll have your Blink cameras up and running in no time, providing you with peace of mind and enhanced security for your home.

Comparing Blink Cameras to Competitors

A consideration of how Blink cameras measure up against competitors like Wyze Cam v3 Pro, Nest Cam, and Deep Sentinel is important. Despite Blink cameras offering a wide range of features and benefits, it’s important to measure these against other market options to make an informed decision about your home security needs.

Wyze Cam v3 Pro

The Wyze Cam v3 Pro offers similar features to Blink cameras, such as HD video quality and motion detection, but it also boasts built-in person detection and color night vision.

Priced at half the cost of Blink’s latest offering, the Wyze Cam v3 Pro may be a more cost-effective option for those looking for advanced security features.

Nest Cam

Nest Cam, another competitor, is well-known for its superior video quality and infrared night vision capabilities. While Blink cameras provide decent video quality, they cannot match the night vision performance of the Nest Cam.

This factor warrants consideration when comparing home security camera options.

Deep Sentinel

Deep Sentinel offers a comprehensive security solution through its combination of artificial intelligence, live monitoring, and real-time intervention.

Despite offering a variety of features, Blink cameras might not be as extensive as Deep Sentinel’s cameras. It’s crucial to evaluate your security needs and priorities when choosing a home security camera system.

Summing Up This Blink Review

Blink cameras offer a wide array of features, catering to diverse home security needs. They are known for their easy installation process and a variety of storage options, providing flexibility to users. However, they may not boast the most advanced night vision capabilities and could face compatibility issues with non-Amazon devices.

Despite these limitations, Blink cameras stand as a reliable and cost-effective home security solution. When comparing Blink cameras to competitors such as Wyze Cam v3 Pro, Nest Cam, and Deep Sentinel, it becomes clear that each system has its unique strengths and weaknesses.

For instance, Wyze Cam v3 Pro offers built-in person detection and color night vision at a lower cost. Nest Cam excels in superior video quality and night vision performance. On the other hand, Deep Sentinel provides comprehensive security through artificial intelligence, live monitoring, and real-time intervention.

It’s important to evaluate your specific security needs and priorities when choosing a home security camera system. Overall, Blink cameras offer a balanced mix of affordability, dependability, and versatility, making them a worthy consideration for your home security needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Blink cameras worth it?

Blink cameras offer excellent value for money, providing high-definition video and audio, customizable motion detection alerts, two-way audio, and an extended battery life. Given these features and the ongoing updates and enhancements, Blink cameras continue to be a worthwhile investment for home security.

Is there a monthly fee for Blink?

Yes, Blink does offer a monthly fee for their Basic Plan, which costs $3 per month per device. Their Plus Plan costs $10 per month and includes an unlimited number of devices. Both plans offer 60 days of cloud storage.

Is the Blink 5 camera system good?

The Blink 5 camera system offers easy installation, superior quality and excellent value for money. It took only 30 minutes to install and activate two cameras, as recommended by a Best Buy associate. Therefore, it can be concluded that the Blink 5 camera system is indeed good.

How long does the battery life of Blink cameras last?

The battery life of Blink cameras can last up to two years, ensuring you receive long-term protection.

Are Blink cameras compatible with Amazon Alexa?

Yes, Blink cameras are compatible with Amazon Alexa and offer voice commands and live streaming.