Amazon owns two smart home security brands, Blink and Ring, and uses them to target different buyer demographics. Ring is the undisputed market leader in video doorbells, but its products can be quite pricey. With Blink, Amazon can provide a lot of the same functionality in a less expensive product that cuts some corners without detracting too much from the experience. It undercuts the majority of its competitors while still providing a robust feature set.
The Blink Video Doorbell is available in two versions: standard, which includes only the doorbell, and full system, which includes the Sync Module. The latter has the advantage of allowing you to save video to a USB drive that plugs into the Sync Module, avoiding the need to pay for cloud storage. If you already have a Sync Module connected to your Blink cameras, you can simply use this for the doorbell.
[content-egg-block template=offers_logo hide=price]The Video Doorbell, like other Blink cameras, is powered by two AA batteries. In this case, you must use lithium units, which are provided in the box. Amazon claims that they should last up to two years, but their lifespan will ultimately be determined by how frequently your doorbell is used.
When you launch the Blink app, you’ll see a thumbnail view of the camera. Instead of a dedicated live view option, I had to tap the video camera icon. This initiates a live stream while changing the default recording option to discard the clip. If you prefer, you can download the video. You can only turn on the microphone or mute the audio in this live view.
It may seem strange to be discussing the best security cameras when most of us have been forced to stay at home for over a year, but as the world returns to normal and more of us begin to travel, there’s a lot to be said for some extra tech-fueled peace of mind while we’re out and about. Enter the Blink Mini, a low-cost indoor security camera from parent company Amazon designed to provide essential home security features without breaking the bank.
The wired security camera that will alert you if it detects motion in its 110-degree field of viewing, allowing you to either log-in and view the camera’s live feed, or review the footage at a later date, is more affordable than the Ring Indoor Cam – the other home security company Amazon supports. At this low price, there’s a lot to like, including Full HD video, night vision, and Amazon Alexa support. Extras like a built-in speaker are useful for soothing pets while you’re out and about.