- Indoor or outdoor use
- 2-way audio
- Cheap price tag
- Easy setup
Bottom Line: Blink Cameras Deliver Affordable, No-Frills Security
Blink’s little (and we mean little) home security cameras are a great fit for straightforward video surveillance at a price nearly anyone can afford.
These cameras are a great place to start adding more security to your life, but you can’t build a full home security system around Blink cameras.
Blink security cams are fully IFTTT (If This Then That) compatible, but you have to integrate with different brands if you want to add things like door and window sensors or professional monitoring.
We found that Blink delivers everything it promises—almost. One of the company’s biggest bragging points is its two-year battery life. Because we love a truly wireless security camera, we were stoked at the possibility of going 24 months without replacing batteries.
But we got a lot of low battery warnings during streaming—and you have to constantly turn off the light and motion detection on the Blink Indoor camera to save battery life—so we’re not sure that either incarnation of the Blink security camera lives up to that promise.
The Blink XT2 is so tiny—it’s no bigger than my wireless mouse.
Pros
- Great price point
- Ideal for renters and small spaces
- No subscription fees
- Free Cloud storage
- Indoor and outdoor options
- Full IFTTT integration
Cons
- No pro monitoring
- No home security extras
- Spotty battery life
Compare Blink Home Security Cameras
| Price* |
| Image Resolution |
| Weatherproof Rating |
| Learn More |
| Blink XT2 | Blink Indoor |
 |
 |
| $99.99 | $79.99 |
| 1080p | 780p |
| IP65 | N/A |
| View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
*Amazon.com List Price as of 04/03/20 1:27 p.m. MST. (Full disclaimer)
Our Approach
We had multiple testers give the Blink cameras a try to help us identify what we like and where they fall short. Here’s a peek at how we put Blink through its paces.
- We tested in various light conditions—natural, artificial, and under cover of darkness. We also used the cameras indoors and outside.
- We enlisted a 12-pound chihuahua mix to see how sensitive the motion sensors are.
- We put the Blink XT2’s two-way speaker to the test when a tester’s significant other was temporarily without a phone.
- We used the cameras’ IFTTT features to see how easy it was to set up routines and put the motion sensors on alert when we left the house.
- We added voice control with an Amazon Echo (you need to use IFTTT if you want to use Blink cameras with Google Assistant).
- We sat in the same room as the camera to see how quickly Blink picks up motion and how consistent the motion detection is.
In addition to our in-home tests, we also conducted research and compared Blink to other wireless security cameras. Factors we considered include price, overall value, customer experience, smart home compatibility, features, and ease of setup and cameras use.
For the full dish on how we test and review products, check out our full methodology.
The Blink XT2 keeping watch over my living room.
Blink Camera Similarities and Differences
Both Blink cameras come with some pretty sweet standard features.
- Free storage
- Free mobile app
- No monthly subscription
- Ambient temperature monitoring
- Built-in Amazon Alexa integration
But the ways these cameras diverge is pretty significant. Some features that we almost take for granted (like night vision and two-way communication) are left out of the basic Blink Indoor model.
You’ll also sacrifice image quality if you opt for the standard, indoor model over the Blink XT2. The XT2 has 1080p resolution versus 780p in the Blink Indoor. But you’re not usually trying to track down a license plate or identify a package thief from inside your home, so image quality might not be as important.
The 780p resolution is clear enough for checking in on pets and kiddos, or finding out once and for all who really stole the cookie from the cookie jar.
Blink Home Security Camera Prices
One of the best things about Blink cameras is that there are no extra fees to pay after you buy your camera.
Blink provides a free app to access your video footage and free Cloud storage to keep track of it. And you can pick up a one-camera system (of either model) for under $100. That includes the Blink camera, the Blink sync module (that supports up to 10 Blink cameras), and all the extras you need to power it up.
Because Blink’s entry price point is so accessible, you might be able to add multiple cameras to your home. Here’s a look at Blink’s multi-camera package pricing.
Blink Indoor Camera Pricing
Blink XT2 Camera Pricing
*For a stand-alone camera, no sync module included.
Amazon.com List Price as of 04/03/20 1:27 p.m. MST. (Full disclaimer)
Deal Alert!
Blink Camera Tech and Equipment
Blink security cameras are small, wireless, and simple to use. There aren’t a lot of extra frills thrown in, but both the Indoor and XT2 cameras deliver reliable, clear video surveillance.
What’s in the Box
- Blink camera (XT2 or Indoor model)
- Blink sync module (supports up to 10 Blink cameras)
- Mounting kit
- 2 AA batteries
- USB cable
- Power adapter
Both the Indoor and Blink XT2 cameras come with a 110° field of view, which is narrower than other smart home security cameras, like the Arlo Pro or a Google Nest Cam.
Tech Features
| Free Cloud Storage |
| Two-Way Talk |
| Infrared Night Vision |
| Voice Control |
| Customizable Motion Detection |
| Live View Recording |
| Learn More |
| Blink XT2 | Blink Indoor |
| ✓ Yes |
✓ Yes |
| ✓ Yes |
X No |
| ✓ Yes |
X No |
| Amazon Alexa | Amazon Alexa |
| ✓ Yes |
✓ Yes |
| ✓ Yes |
X No |
| View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
New Release: Blink Mini Coming April 15
Blink Mini
- Cloud storage subscription starting at $3.99 per month after trial
- Starting price of $34.99 for one camera and $64.99 for two
Blink is releasing its smallest home security camera yet. The Blink Mini has a smaller footprint than Blink’s already-tiny cameras, but the differences don’t stop there. Here’s what you can expect from the new Blink Mini.
- No batteries—plug in the Blink Mini and you’re good to go
- 2-way audio
- Motion detection zones
- Smartphone alerts
- Amazon Alexa integration
- Free Cloud storage trial through the end of 2020
Blink Cameras Reviews
Blink XT2: Best Features
The Blink XT2 packs a lot of useful features into a small home security camera—including a good weatherproof rating. We like that you get all the performance and capability of the Blink Indoor camera plus two-way audio, night vision, indoor/outdoor versatility, and the ability to record the live feed.
If you want one camera that can do double-duty, this is a great option. It’s powered by batteries so you don’t need it to live near an outlet. This gives you the flexibility to keep an eye on what’s going on inside the house or on the back deck.
Best of all, it only costs about $20 more to go with the Blink XT2 over the more basic Blink Indoor camera. It also comes with the free Blink app and two hours of rolling Cloud storage.
Expert Tip
The only hiccup we ran into with the Blink XT2 was during the initial setup. We had to remove the back of the camera to install the batteries, and it was tricky. After multiple failed attempts following the instructions on the back of the camera, we finally looked for help online.
Once we learned the secret (there’s a weird rubber latch in the middle that you have to push down while you simultaneously push up the back plate from the bottom), one tester mastered it in about 10 seconds.
I was not that tester. It still took me a couple tries and a lot more force than I had anticipated. Because the latch is stubborn, this battery replacement process could be challenging for people with arthritis or other motor skill difficulties.
Other than that, we don’t have a lot of complaints. The Blink XT2 is a reliable device that has all the basic features we’ve come to expect in a standalone home security camera.
The back of the Blink XT2. It doesn’t look complicated, but that rubber latch gave me some trouble.
Pros
- Two-way audio
- Indoor or outdoor use
- Night vision
- Affordable price point
- Free app and Cloud storage
Cons
- Tricky battery compartment
- Spotty battery life
Blink Indoor: Best for Small Spaces
This is one of the most simple home security cameras we’ve tested—but it still gets the job done. The Blink Indoor camera is ideal for a dorm or roommate situation where you want to keep an eye on your personal space or belongings.
It’s also an affordable option if you’re looking to check in on Fluffy or Fido when you’re at work or away on vacation. But there’s no two-way talk, so it doesn’t let you say “hi” to your pet or tell them to scooch off the couch.
Because it comes with the free Blink app and two hours of free Cloud storage, you won’t have to shell out any additional money after your original purchase.
That said, it does have fewer features than other affordable security cameras, like the Wyze Cam Pan. There’s an LED light instead of infrared night vision, and a one-way mic that lets you record with audio.
Expert Tip
Our biggest disappointment was the battery life. We like that you’re not tied to a power cord and an outlet, which gives you more placement options than many other cameras. But after streaming video for more than five or ten seconds, we got warnings about draining the battery.
It’s also recommended to turn off motion alert settings if you’re in the same room as the camera—as a battery-saving measure. That makes us worried that if we were relying on the Blink Indoor during a vacation or other long stint away from home, the constant alerts might kill the batteries.
And we mean constant. The motion detector is sensitive and accurate. One tester had a 12-pound chihuahua mix wandering around, and the Blink Indoor camera picked up every one of his sneaky moves.
It took a couple seconds for video to start streaming after motion was detected, but there was less lag time than we’ve seen on other cameras, like the Canary View.
Pros
- Easy setup and installation
- Two free hours of Cloud storage
- No power cord
- Cheap price tag
- Accurate motion sensor
Cons
- No two-way communication
- No night vision
- Lots of low battery warnings
The Blink Indoor camera and the sync module keeping an eye on my closet.
Final Word
Blink home security cameras offer an affordable option that delivers reliable motion detection and good image quality. The Blink XT2 delivers a lot more versatility and more features than the basic Blink Indoor camera.
But if all you need is no-frills video surveillance inside your home, the Blink Indoor camera will do just fine.
We like that Blink doesn’t try to tack on monthly fees after you make your purchase. It doesn’t require a subscription to use all the functions on your camera (like Nest), and both the mobile app and Cloud storage are free.
Blink cameras aren’t the fanciest out there, but they do a respectable job at a fantastic price.
Blink Camera FAQ
What kind of batteries do I need for my Blink camera?
Both Blink cameras use standard AA 1.5V lithium batteries. Two AA batteries come with each camera, and you can use any standard (not rechargeable) battery when it’s time to replace them.
What is rolling Cloud storage?
Rolling Cloud storage means that once you’ve recorded the allotted amount of storage (two hours of video for Blink cameras) it will automatically start recording over the oldest footage. You don’t have to delete footage manually; it will automatically record over the oldest video clips.
Can Blink cameras be hacked?
Unfortunately, any device that uses Wi-Fi or is connected to the internet can potentially be hacked. In December 2019, Amazon (which owns Blink) released a fix for security vulnerabilities that a cybersecurity firm discovered in Blink security cameras.
You can minimize the chances of your cameras being hacked by taking standard internet security precautions.
- Keep firmware and software updated for all connected devices, including your Blink camera and home’s wireless router.
- Make sure your home Wi-Fi network and all of your smart devices are secured with strong passwords and two-step authentication when possible.
- Turn on encryption for your router and any other devices with that capability.
- Use firewalls and other security measures like antivirus and anti-malware protection.
What is the range of a Blink camera?
Blink cameras work within 100 feet of the Blink sync module, which bridges the cameras to the mobile app and your home Wi-Fi network. The cameras can detect motion up to 20 feet from the camera.
What happened to the Blink XT camera?
The Blink XT camera was the first iteration of the Blink XT2. After releasing the Blink XT2, the company phased out the Blink XT camera. If you have a Blink XT home security camera, it will still work with your sync module and other Blink cameras. The company still provides technical support for the Blink XT.
If you currently use the Blink XT camera, we recommend upgrading when it’s time to add to your Blink home security camera system. Over time, software updates and security patches may not remain current for obsolete camera models.
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Disclaimer
Amazon.com list price as of 04/03/20 1:27 p.m. MST. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.
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