Blink Outdoor review

You can install the Blink Outdoor wireless home security system in 15 minutes, but can it keep you safe?

Blink Outdoor review
(Image: © Adam Juniper/Digital Camera World)

Digital Camera World Verdict

The Blink Outdoor offers a sensibly priced entrance into home security which lets you monitor your property and even speak back. It scores by being incredibly easy to install, and by offering the option of subscription-free use (though cloud storage is clearly Blink’s preference). It could be a bit quicker on the draw, and the battery life is a worry, but the design and construction are great and in targeted spots it’ll do well.

Pros

  • +

    Easy to set-up and install

  • +

    Option to store clips to USB drive

  • +

    30-fps video is smoother than many security cameras

  • +

    Package includes setup tools and mount

Cons

  • -

    Some latency in triggering recordings

  • -

    Battery life difficult to predict

  • -

    Deliberate feature restriction if you don't subscribe

  • -

    Sync Module 2 not compatible with older Blink XT/XT2

Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.

The Blink series of home security cameras were always built with ease of use and practicality in mind, and since Amazon acquired the firm in 2017 they have done a good job of living up to that (especially if your preferred digital assistant is Alexa). While earlier models, the XT and XT2, featured built-in MicroUSB cards to record footage, the new Blink Outdoor (and its counterpart the Blink Indoor) send their video to a small hub which can record to a generic USB stick, and handle up to ten cameras.

Like other cameras built for the smart home era (e.g. Nest), users are expected to setup and check their video through an app and to be at least prepared to pay a small subscription fee for some features. Perhaps inspired by baby camera monitors, the other increasingly standard feature is two-way-talk; the ability to speak to whomever the camera can see, using your phone, and a built-in mic and speaker.

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Adam Juniper
Managing Editor

With over 20 years of expertise as a tech journalist, Adam brings a wealth of knowledge across a vast number of product categories, including timelapse cameras, home security cameras, NVR cameras, photography books, webcams, 3D printers and 3D scanners, borescopes, radar detectors… and, above all, drones. 

Adam is our resident expert on all aspects of camera drones and drone photography, from buying guides on the best choices for aerial photographers of all ability levels to the latest rules and regulations on piloting drones. 

He is the author of a number of books including The Complete Guide to Drones, The Smart Smart Home Handbook, 101 Tips for DSLR Video and The Drone Pilot's Handbook