Blink Video Doorbell review

The best budget option in the smart doorbell world?

Blink Video Doorbell
(Image: © Adam Juniper / Digital Camera World)

Digital Camera World Verdict

Given the cost of entry the quality stands out a mile. A complete ecosystem, with free local storage and an extra indoor camera/chime can be had for less than the price of the competition’s doorbell alone and you’ll only sacrifice a few subtle motion detection features. The long-life disposable batteries are a personal choice, but a convenient one for many.

Pros

  • +

    Good value for money

  • +

    Sync Module is a cheap alternative to cloud subscription

  • +

    Long-life batteries (in most locations)

  • +

    Unfussy design in most homes (black or white)

Cons

  • -

    Uses disposable Lithium batteries

  • -

    No AI human recognition

  • -

    Some features require Blink Sync Module (circa $30)

  • -

    Doesn’t charge using existing wiring

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Amazon have two plays in the smart camera and doorbell space; Ring and Blink. Both work with iOS or Android phones, and keep back a few extra features for Alexa and Alexa Show devices. The Blink system seems to place most emphasis on value for money, and this is the company’s only doorbell (Ring, by comparison, have six on sale, and none this cheap).

Blink’s technology – so far, anyway – leans on a couple of guiding principles; firstly most of their products can be used without subscription if you opt for a $30/£30 ‘Sync Module 2’ that records to a USB stick. Secondly two of their cameras, and now the Blink Doorbell, operate using long-life disposable lithium batteries. Other smart cameras & doorbells tend to rely on rechargeable batteries which require more regular attention, so a big question for a potential blink customer is “Are the disposable batteries more efficient?” 

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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