Blink Home Security Cameras: 24/7 Effectiveness [Expert Reviews & Buyer’s Guide]

Blink home security cameras are relatively tiny but pack enough standard and extra features for a great home security system. Most of these cameras will perfectly fit in your palm. As such, Blink has you covered when you need to protect your home and be discreet about it. 

Because Blink is an Amazon-owned company, you can connect your cameras to Alexa, making them easy to control remotely. If you prefer Google Assistant, the cameras give you that option too. All the cameras are smart and connect to the advanced Blink app. This allows you to customize the activity zones, audio volume, video brightness, and other settings from the comfort of your smartphone. Read on to learn more. 

Key Features of Blink Home Security Cameras 

Blink home security cameras are compact and inexpensive. The battery-powered smart cameras are highly efficient and effective and can run on two AA li-ion batteries for up to two years. Several other features set these cameras apart, including:

  • Two-Way Audio: Two-way audio is now a standard feature on most home security cameras. Blink offers advanced audio speakers to retain your natural voice when you talk into the camera or listen to noises from outside or inside the house. You can converse with delivery personnel or visitors to your home in real-time using the feature. It effectively warns burglars and talks to pets when you are away from home. 
  • 1080p HD Video: All Blink home security cameras feature a 1080p HD camera that delivers crisp, clear videos even from a distance. The cameras’ field of view is 110 degrees, which is relatively narrow but effective. You can use the Blink app to zoom up to four times to see precise details from your camera. 
  • Motion Detection: The Blink home security cameras are highly sensitive to motion. You can customize the motion detectors’ sensitivity so you do not keep getting false positives. However, the cameras do not offer person detection, which means you will get alerts without the necessary settings whenever there are strong winds. 
  • Privacy Zone Settings: No one wants someone to access videos recorded from their front window. Blink allows you to set privacy zones so the camera can black out sections of your backyard. If your camera faces the neighbor’s backyard, you can black out that view, minimizing the alerts you get and helping you protect your neighbor. 
  • Local Storage: All Blink home security cameras can save videos locally with the Sync Module or on a USB flash drive that Blink sells separately. You can access more storage space with the Blink Subscription Plan. Enjoy a free 30-day subscription with the purchase of any of the cameras. 
  • Two-Year Battery Life: – According to Blink, two AA li-ion batteries will last you for up to two years. The camera’s battery life will depend on the battery quality and how often you use it. 
  • Alexa Integration: – Thanks to Alexa integration, you can use voice control to alter settings on your smart cameras. It also links to Fire TV and Echo Show, making watching the clips from home more accessible. Blink offers several Alexa commands, making hands-free use a cinch. 
  • Simple Installation and Setup: -Blink cameras incorporate easily into your home security system and are easy to install and set up on your own. Simple instructions and mobile apps make this possible.

What Do I Consider When Choosing The Right Blink Camera? 

Blink offers indoor and outdoor, versatile cameras that work wherever you mount them. When shopping, you need to consider where to install the cameras—indoors or outdoors. 

Indoor cameras cover the ground level of your home, especially areas that are easily accessible. You can mount them near the hallway, large windows, and the living room. Unlike other brands, all indoor Blink home security cameras are wireless, so you never have to install them near an outlet. Outdoor cameras are more expensive thanks to their weather-resistant features.

These cameras can withstand extreme temperatures, rain, snow, dust, and wind. When shopping, check the IP rating of the camera, which shows how effective it is at withstanding the weather. Blink also offers video doorbells, which replace conventional doorbells. Your visitors can speak into the camera, and you can see them. Visitors will ring the doorbell, and you will get a notification on your smartphone or Echo Show. 

The Blink Mini is also a great option when you need a more discreet camera for indoor use. The compact camera offers a wired connection, which is always on when needed. 

The three Blink home security cameras above have a host of similar features. Besides the weather-resistance features, both indoor and outdoor cameras have several similarities. They all allow Alexa integration, offer two-way audio, offer customizable motion alerts, and their cameras offer 1080p HD video quality. As such, you only need to ensure that you have the latest generation of indoor or outdoor cameras to get started. 

Step-by-step installation guide 

You can set up Blink home security cameras in less than 20 minutes. The installation process includes setting up the Blink app, connecting the camera, customizing the settings, mounting the camera, and testing it. Here are the steps in detail:

First Step: Install Blink App 

Download the Blink app from Google Play or the App Store on your smartphone or tablet. Search for Blink Home Monitor on Google Play or the App Store and select the app from the results. Install the app, then open it to create an account. You only need to enter your email address and a strong password to get started. Confirm the email address you use, and your account is ready. 

Second Step: Install the Blink Sync Module 

The Blink Sync Module links the cameras to the Wi-Fi network. It also stores video clips locally, so you can access them whenever needed. Follow the steps below to connect it:

  • Plug it into a power outlet as close to the Wi-Fi router as possible.
  • Once connected, open the Blink Home Monitor app and click the + icon at the top of the screen. You will see the Sync Module on the list of devices. Follow the on-screen prompts to connect the Sync Module. 
  • The first step involves entering your device’s preferred name, which will show blue and green lights. 
  • When ready, the device will generate a Wi-Fi network that shows up on the app as BLINK-XXXX. Tap “Join” and select the Wi-Fi network from the list of networks. Enter your Wi-Fi password, and you are set. 
  • The Blink camera will take a few minutes to connect to the network; once done, it will send a notification. Click “Done” and move to step three. 

Third Step: Add the Blink Home Security Cameras 

After adding the Sync Module, you are ready to bring in the camera. Follow the steps below to do that:

  • Unless you have the wired Blink Mini, all other options are wireless. Unscrew the battery compartment panel and insert two AA li-ion batteries. The camera will blink red once powered on. 
  • Open the Blink camera app and tap the “+” icon at the top of the screen. If you are using a wireless indoor or outdoor camera, tap “Wireless Cameras”, but if you have a mini camera or video doorbell, tap “Mini Camera” and “Video Doorbell”, respectively. You must scan the QR code in the camera’s battery compartment. 
  • Pick a system for your camera, and you will receive a notification at the top of your screen showing that the camera is ready. 

You can add more Blink home security cameras to your system. Open the Blink app and click “Add a Camera ” to start. You will get on-screen prompts directing you to scan the QR code for the cameras. Pick the new camera, give it a name and a location, and choose a Sync Module as the prompts direct. Insert the camera batteries and allow it a few minutes to connect to the Wi-Fi network. 

Fourth Step: Mount the Cameras 

Blink home security cameras mount in minutes with the included mounting bracket and screws. You can also place them on a surface with the included stand. Position the camera where it gives you the best view of the area you need to capture. It should be out of reach for intruders. Better yet, you can choose a discreet location for the camera so no one can access it. 

Once you install the camera, adjust its angle to get the best view of the area. 

Fifth Step: Customize the Camera Settings 

There are several settings you can use to meet your security needs. These include:

  • Video Quality: You can set the quality depending on your desired clarity. High-quality videos allow you to see even the smallest details, but the videos take up more storage space. Again, you need high-speed internet to load these videos. 
  • Motion Detection Sensitivity: The sensitivity of the motion sensors will determine when you get an alert. High sensitivity may trigger false positives. Although Blink cameras do not offer person and pet detection, the correct settings will help you determine what can activate alerts. 
  • Video Length: How long do you want the Blink home security cameras to record? Longer videos will take up more space on the Sync Module and draw more power from the batteries. However, concise videos may not show what is happening in your backyard.
  • Camera Schedules: Blink allows you to create a schedule to arm and disarm the camera. With the schedules, the camera will activate and deactivate at specific times of the day. 

Motion detection is one of the most important aspects of setting up your camera. To set the sensors, open the Blink app and click “Camera Settings”, then scroll to “Motion Detection.”  You can make several changes to improve the performance of your camera, as follows:

  • Sensitivity: A high sensitivity means the camera will detect motion better.
  • Motion Zones: Draw boundaries around the area you want to detect motion. This helps you to black out areas you need to keep private.
  • Clip Length: The setting allows you to determine how long the camera records once it detects motion. This length ranges from 5 seconds to 60 seconds. 
  • Re-trigger Time: It takes between 10 and 60 seconds after the camera detects motion for the sensors to start working again. Set the duration between the clips to ensure you capture everything that happens indoors or outdoors. 

Once you make all the settings, click “Save” and walk in front of the camera to test how well it works.

Tips for Improving Camera Performance 

Blink home security cameras are effective in different weather conditions. However, you need the right location and settings to enjoy excellent performance. 

You can improve motion detection by picking the right location with no obstructions and a clear field of view. Reduce interference near the camera by moving other wireless devices away. Adjust the camera’s sensitivity to get better motion detection without increasing false positives. Although increasing the sensitivity of the sensors will give you more alerts and video clips, you will get more false positives. 

Depending on the area you need to monitor and the details you need to capture, you can increase or reduce the video quality. High-quality videos allow you to see precise details but take up so much space in your Sync Module. 

Top Blink home security cameras

  • Blink Outdoor and Indoor (3rd Gen)

Blink Home Security Cameras

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If you want to create a whole-house home security system, you can use this kit. It comes as a bundle with two indoor cameras, two outdoor cameras, and a Sync Module 2. These Blink home security cameras are wireless, and run on two AA li-ion batteries that last up to two years. 

Like all other Blink cameras, it offers customizable motion detection to adjust the sensors’ sensitivity depending on your needs. You can customize motion and privacy zones through the Blink Home Monitor app to access the exact details you need. This way, you never get false positives. The cameras feature two-way audio to hear and speak to visitors and intruders in real time. You can even set it up so you talk to your pets when you are not home. 

Each unit has a mounting bracket to set it up in minutes. Because it has no wires, you can have it working quickly with no clutter. After installation, integrate it with Alexa to use voice control for your home security system. 

  • Blink Indoor (3rd Gen)

Blink Home Security Cameras

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The Blink Indoor Camera offers the compactness and effectiveness you need for a home security system. It uses Blink’s chip technology, allowing it to run for up to two years on two AA lithium-ion batteries. This way, you never have the stress of re-installing the camera after battery replacements. Through the camera, you can see, talk, and hear. The camera offers HD live view so you can see activities as they unfold, and it features infrared night vision to monitor your home at night. Thanks to the Blink app, you never have to be close to the camera to talk to intruders, visitors, or pets. 

Blink allows you to create customized privacy and motion detection zones. This way, you can see the movements and areas you care about. To get started, you can use professional installation. Blink offers the installation bracket and everything else you need in the box. The wire-free design lets you mount or place it on a surface, depending on where you get a wide view angle. 

Connect your indoor camera with Alexa for seamless voice control of your security system. You can catch a moment after the action with Blink Sync Module 2’s local and cloud storage options. To store your clips on the cloud, you need a Blink subscription plan, starting with the generous 30-day trial. 

  • Blink Outdoor (3rd Gen)

Blink Home Security Cameras

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The Blink Outdoor camera features the same advanced features as the indoor camera but with a weather-resistant build. It is a wireless camera fitted with two lithium-ion batteries that last up to two years. Whether you mount it on a tree outside the home or a wall, it withstands the elements, so your home always stays protected.

Each unit features 2-way audio, so you can speak into the camera (through the app) and listen to noises from outside the home. The camera features infrared night vision for clarity at night, capturing intruders’ faces even at night. 

Like the indoor camera, the outdoor Blink home security cameras allow you to customize activity and privacy zones to see precisely what matters to you. It sets up quickly, and Blink offers you all the materials you need to mount it. After mounting it, integrate it with Alexa for voice control. 

Save your video clips on Sync Module 2 for free, or save them on the cloud with a Blink subscription plan. 

  • Wired Floodlight Camera + Blink Video Doorbell

Blink Home Security Cameras

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The Wired Floodlight Camera is an excellent addition to any home security system. It helps you keep your home secure at night by flooding the backyard with 2600 lumens of lighting. Each camera features advanced motion detection and an alarm system that goes off when it detects motion. Even better, it has a video doorbell for visitors and delivery people. 

The unit features a 1080p HD camera that offers a live view of your backyard with infrared night vision for clear videos and photos at night. Further, you get a crisp two-way audio system to talk to intruders, delivery people, and visitors. Like the three cameras above, this floodlight camera is wireless and lasts up to two years with two lithium-ion batteries. 

Customize your camera in the Blink app to get an alert and see only what you want. Create motion zones and privacy zones, and adjust the sensitivity of the sensors. Even better, the camera features an advanced person detection feature,eliminating false positives. However, it would help if you had a Blink subscription plan to get the feature.  

You can have the unit wired or wireless; both units are easy to set up within minutes. Set it up, connect with Alexa for control, and start saving videos on the cloud or locally in Sync Module 2. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

  • Do Blink cameras work at night or in low light conditions?

All Blink home security cameras feature infrared night vision. These cameras use an IR emitter to light an area and create a black-and-white image. You can control the intensity of the IR emitter to determine how precise the images are at night. 

  • Can Blink cameras be used for indoor and outdoor surveillance?

There are cameras for outdoor and indoor use. You can use the Blink outdoor camera for indoor and outdoor surveillance, as it is weather resistant. However, the indoor camera cannot survive the elements outdoors. 

  • How far can Blink cameras detect motion?

You can detect motion up to 20 feet away with any Blink camera on the market. However, you need to adjust the sensitivity of the motion sensors and get the best camera placement for excellent detection. You need to ensure there are no obstructions near the camera and that you set the activity zones precisely. 

  • How long do the batteries last in wireless Blink cameras?

You can use two lithium-ion batteries for up to two years. Blink estimated the battery efficiency using cameras running for about 40,000 seconds a month. Get the correct settings to ensure battery efficiency. 

  • How secure are Blink home security cameras from hacking attempts?

All video clips recorded by the Blink cameras go through encryption before storage. As such, access to recorded videos by an unauthorized person is not possible. If you store the data in the cloud, the storage encrypts it. 

Final Verdict 

Blink home security cameras have a lot to offer. There is a lot to love, from the 1080p image resolution, night vision, two-way audio, and Alexa integration to the battery longevity and two storage options. The Blink cameras are ideal for homes that need compact and discreet home security systems that offer the latest features in camera technology.

The advanced Blink app is the icing on the cake; it allows you so much control of the cameras. When integrated with Alexa, the app makes controlling the home security system even easier. Blink home security systems are ideal for all homes and use cases; whether you need to monitor pets or burglars, the cameras are efficient. 

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