Blink is one of the Do-It-Yourself Best Security Cameras that are owned by Amazon. Being portable, simple to install, providing free cloud storage, and priced low in terms of hardware, Blink targets homeowners who need a simple, yet effective security solution. But is it a good security system? The following are some of the aspects that would help in the assessment of Blink.
Features Blink has indoor and outdoor cameras that support wireless and wire connections with 1080p recording features. The cameras include motion detectability and come equipped with a microphone and speaker for two-way communication. Cameras can be controlled remotely with the help of the Blink mobile application and cloud storage costs $3 per month for the single camera system. Other features include temperature checking, infrared night vision, and the ability to connect to Wi-Fi without a base station. Blink can also be connected to Alexa for voice control and smart home compatibility. However, other features such as face recognition, continuous video, color night vision, person detection zones, and smart notifications based on the type of motion are unavailable.
Ease of Setup Perhaps the greatest asset of Blink is that the system is incredibly easy to install without professional help. They are wireless and can be mounted anywhere that has a power supply and are ideal for both interior and exterior installations. Each camera can be connected to the Blink Sync Module with the Blink Home Monitor app and then mounted without any wires or professional installation. Not only does the app guide users through the process of linking cameras to adjusting settings, but it also provides helpful tutorials. Blink has one of the easiest setup processes out there, making it a great option for one or more cameras.
Video and Audio Quality The quality of the images produced is also a significant consideration when choosing a security camera system. During the day, Blink cameras record at 1080p, which is more than sufficient in terms of resolution. However, due to the constraints of using digital zoom, facial details at more than 10-15 feet may not be recognizable. The video quality also degrades at night although the camera incorporates infrared LEDs for low-quality lighting. The intercom can be used for two-way communication between the base station and cameras, but the sound is not always clear.
Detection Accuracy While most users have complained of False alarms from the movement of pets or foliage, most users report that the Blink motion detection system can work well if used adequately. It appears to have about the same level of detection compared to other entry-level systems, although it can sometimes be triggered by activity in a busy background. Motion zones would have been useful to fine-tune the detection areas and reduce the number of motion alerts even more. Of course, it is also essential to note that the application of multiple cameras increases the overall accuracy in general because motion events need to trigger an alert across more than one camera.
Battery Life The Blink cameras are powered by two AA lithium batteries, which offer easy wireless installation but may require battery replacement sometimes. Battery life is normally between 6 months to a year depending on the settings that are used, frequency of use, and environmental conditions. Battery performance usually declines in cold weather. While not overly complicated, batteries need to be frequently changed, which is more of a maintenance aspect than wired cameras.
Storage The basic amount of stored cloud video clips for a single Blink camera system is given at two hours for free. Each multiple-camera setup gets equally allocated with a certain amount of storage to be shared. For anything additional than a few cameras or more storage space, a paid Cloud storage plan is necessary from $3 monthly. Local storage is not available which means that cloud plans are required to view recorded video history older than a couple of days. The capability of available storage could be a concern, especially for active zones or users who may require extended video retention.
Smart Home Integration Yes, blink systems are compatible with Alexa, and through them, the owners can arm, disarm, and even check cameras through voice commands in addition to participating in Alexa smart home routines. However, Blink cameras do not support native integration with other smart platforms such as Google Assistant or Apple HomeKit. Unlike other high-end security equipment, there is no way of integrating Blink with comprehensive smart home platforms from such companies as Vivint or ADT. So smart home integration can only take place in environments that are Amazon-dominated.
Customer Support As for the support, Blink has mixed responses from the customers. Blink systems are owned by Amazon, and therefore, one can buy the Blink systems from Amazon and they can also install them using Alexa. Also, users can find support articles and DIY instructions on the Blink website. However, customer service has been cited by past users complaining about issues with the system or installation as being poor and direct. Long wait times are also likely to be observed in technology support departments. Thus, although self-service resources may seem rather extensive, the hands-on help is not one of Blink’s strong suits.
The Verdict If you need a wire-free DIY home security system that costs less than $200 for three cameras, Blink gets the job done. It provides easy installation, reliable HD recording, mobile application, and notifications, cloud storage at no cost, and compatibility with the Alexa voice service at a low price. Functionally, it can manage the essentials with ease. However, a restriction on the amount of data that can be stored together with the absence of smart detection filters or even more superior functions will always place it as an entry-level system. This is because rumors of poor customer support give room for doubt when it comes to reliability. Despite that, for homeowners who simply desire a basic budget system, Blink has been seen as a possible option. A careful buyer or one who may require a wider area of coverage may want to look further.
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