There are so many great smart security cameras to choose from, but we think you can't go wrong picking one of the best Blink cameras from the list below. Blink is an Amazon company, but its cameras have many advantages over other devices like those from Ring; most notably, they're much more affordable! There are great Blink cameras suitable for indoor and outdoor usage, so we'll run through the benefits of each below to help you choose the best option for your home. Our favorite right now is the Blink XT2 because it's suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
Best Blink Camera Overall: Blink XT2 Outdoor/Indoor Smart Security Camera
The XT2 is not Blink's newest model, but it is undoubtedly the company's most iconic. Blink recently released several new models, including the Blink Mini, Blink Indoor, and Blink Outdoor cameras, but for now, the XT2 still tops our list.
By far the most flexible camera on this list, the Blink XT2 (I am trying very hard not to call it the Blink 182) features a durable, weatherproof design that allows it to work both indoors and outdoors, and it has a remarkable two-year estimated battery life. Because of that great battery, you don't need to worry about running any wires or going through a complicated installation; these cameras are ready to go in minutes! Just note that changing out the batteries can be a bit onerous when it comes time to do so.
Of course, as these things go, you get two-way audio, infrared HD night vision, and customizable motion zones. And because it's an Amazon company, you can rest assured this camera works great with Alexa. But what really seals the deal from us (aside from a recently reduced price) is the fact that the XT2 comes with free cloud storage for up to a year.
Pros:
- Works indoors and outdoors
- Two-year battery life
- Easy setup and installation
- Free year of cloud storage
Cons:
- Accessing the batteries can be a challenge
- Newer generation Blink cameras are available
Best Blink Camera Overall
Blink XT2 Outdoor/Indoor Smart Security Camera
All the, small things
Even one year on, the Blink XT2 remains our favorite due to its indoor/outdoor flexibility and incredible value.
Best Value Blink Camera: Blink Mini
Out of the three Blink cameras announced in mid-2020, this one just might be our favorite. It's not just that this is one cute little security camera but it's also supremely affordable.
Like similarly-sized and priced devices from TP-Link Kasa and Wyze, the Blink Mini offers a lot of bang for a little buck. You're not likely to find many better deals for security cameras that feature 1080p quality, two-way audio, and customizable motion alerts. The little cube-like camera comes with an adjustable stand, or you can just set the camera itself on a flat surface if you prefer.
This is a plug-in device, and while there isn't a battery option, that shouldn't be a limiting factor for indoor use. It's super-simple to set up, and once enabled, you can check your feed at any time through the Blink app or on one of your Alexa-enabled smart screens such as an Echo Show or Fire TV device.
There is no local storage option included with the device, but you will get a free Blink cloud storage trial subscription plan through the end of 2020. If you want to continue your cloud subscription, rates are similar to the Ring Protect plans. Alternatively, you can purchase a Blink Add-On Sync Module 2 separately and store up to 64GB of footage locally from as many as 10 Blink cameras.
Pros:
- Cheapest Blink camera option
- Small and easy to set up
- The wired option provides a continuous power supply
Cons:
- No battery option
- Local storage option purchased separately
- Free cloud storage trial only extends through the end of 2020
Best Value Blink Camera
Blink Mini
A mighty mini
The Blink Mini may be small and cheap, but those are virtues, not drawbacks. This device is great for watching over your home.
Best Outdoor Blink Camera: Blink Outdoor
While the XT2 is still our overall favorite device, the Blink Outdoor is the company's latest and greatest weather-resistant security camera. Like the XT2, this outdoor camera is battery-powered, and it lasts for up to two years on two AA lithium batteries, which are included.
Just like the Blink Mini, you can store files locally if you purchase the Blink Sync Module 2, or you can opt to subscribe to Blink's cloud storage plan after the initial trial period expires at the end of 2020. Note that if you opt to use the Blink Sync Module 2, you'll also need to purchase a USB flash drive separately to store those recordings. The Sync merely relays the videos from the camera to the module; storage takes place on the flash drive.
As with many of Blink's products, you can purchase the Outdoor camera one at a time, or in packs of two, three, or five. You can also buy it in bundles with the Blink Mini for the most cost-efficient way to get simultaneous indoor and outdoor coverage.
Pros:
- Blink's newest outdoor camera
- Easy setup and installation
- Battery power up to two years
Cons:
- Local storage is an additional expense
- No significant feature improvements over XT2
- Cloud storage trial only through the end of 2020
Best Outdoor Blink Camera
Blink Outdoor
Look out
If you want the newest Blink outdoor camera that will be supported for years, this is the one to get.
Best Indoor Blink Camera: Blink Indoor
If the Blink Outdoor is the updated version of the XT2, then this is its twin sibling. However, in this case, the twins are fraternal, not identical. They have virtually the same specs (minus the weather resistance) and even share a striking family resemblance, but they each have their own unique place in this world. This particular camera just happens to belong inside the home rather than outside. It also competes more with the XT2 and the Blink Mini in terms of what it offers and where it can operate.
Where it excels over the Blink Mini is that it is entirely battery-powered, and as such, it can be placed or mounted anywhere in your home, regardless of where your outlets are. Like the Outdoor Camera, its batteries can last up to two years before they need to be replaced, and Blink includes the first set in the box!
It's also almost the same price as the now discounted XT2, give or take a few dollars, so that shouldn't be the deciding factor when choosing between these two cameras. Where you might want to choose this device over the XT2 is that by virtue of being newer, it should be supported longer. Plus, it's more compact, and in our opinion, a little more attractive, so it's more likely to blend into your home decor than the more utilitarian XT2 might.
Pros:
- Blink's most versatile indoor camera
- Easy to set up and operate
- Two-year battery life
Cons:
- Not weather resistant
- Local storage is an additional expense
- The Blink Mini is a better value
Best Indoor Blink Camera
Blink Indoor
Indy cam
If you want a bit more flexibility as to where you place your indoor cameras, then get this over the Blink Mini.
Best Blink Camera Security System: Blink Indoor Home Security System
Like the XT2, this device is getting a bit long in the tooth and may not be available for purchase for too long. However, you can still find it for a good deal from several major retailers. If you pick up one of the multi-camera and sync module bundles, you've got yourself a surprisingly capable and affordable home security setup.
With the combo we're recommending here, you get three first-generation Blink Indoor cameras along with a first-generation Blink Sync module. That means for less than the price of two of any of the other models on this list (save for the Mini), you get nearly whole-home coverage and local backup capabilities, which is a fantastic value.
Additionally, this version comes with free cloud storage, so grab that while you still can! The Blink cloud subscription plans are quite affordable, but nothing beats free. Aside from this product's age, the biggest downside is the fact that it doesn't have night vision, something even the Blink Mini is equipped with.
Pros:
- Affordable multi-device packs
- Blink Sync module included
- Free cloud storage
Cons:
- Product nearing end of life support
- No night vision
- Not suitable for outdoor use
Best Blink Camera Security System
Blink Indoor Home Security System
Still a great pick
This first-generation system has excellent perks like an included sync module and free cloud storage.
Bottom line
Blink cameras are a great home security option, particularly if you live in the Amazon Alexa ecosystem. Despite the availability of several new models, our favorite is still the Blink XT2 because it is a versatile indoor/outdoor camera that can do it all. And now that it's been out for over a year, it has seen some significant discounts from major retailers.
All of these smart security cameras work well with Alexa-enabled devices, and they each have video storage solutions to suit your needs, whether you prefer local storage or you want to store your recordings in the cloud. And just like Amazon's Ring Protect plans, the Blink cloud subscriptions are very affordable.
Only the Blink Mini is wired for plug-in use, while the other models are all battery-powered and can last up to two years before you need to swap out the batteries. That, along with features like 1080p recording, two-way audio, and customizable motion detection zones, make any of these Blink cameras an excellent home security option.
Credits — The team that worked on this guide
Jeramy Johnson is proud to help Keep Austin Weird and loves hiking in the hill country of central Texas with a breakfast taco in each hand. When he's not writing about smart home gadgets and wearables, he's defending his relationship with his smart voice assistants to his family. You can follow him on Twitter at @jeramyutgw.
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