Blink Review

• Blink is a low-cost, user-friendly video surveillance system that you can set up quickly and that won't break your budget.
• Blink offers both local and cloud storage options for recorded video.
• Blink seamlessly integrates with Amazon products and software.
• This article is for small business owners who are looking for an affordable video surveillance system.

After researching and analyzing video surveillance systems, we recommend as the best budget video surveillance system. We selected Blink for its sleek, wire-free design; easy integration with other hardware and software; and low, transparent pricing.

To read our full methodology and for a comprehensive list of video surveillance systems, visit Business News Daily's best picks page for video surveillance systems.

Why Blink?

Local and cloud storage options

Blink allows you to choose between local and cloud storage for your video data. Their cloud storage option is easy, convenient and secure. It also comes with a free trial available for one year from the date of purchase. Blink's paid plans start at $3 per month, ranging up to $10 per month for the Plus plan.

You can store your data locally on a USB flash drive, which plugs into the Blink Sync Module. We like that Blink offers two different storage options. We also liked that both options are very budget-friendly and allow for customization within the plan.

Alexa integration

Because Blink is owned by Amazon, all of their cameras integrate seamlessly with Alexa-enabled devices like the Echo, Echo Dot, and Echo Show, which allows you to control your surveillance system with your voice and the Alexa app. You can also integrate your cameras with other IFTTT (If This, Then That) devices and create specific rules, such as turning on lights when motion is detected.

Blink Home Monitor app

With the Blink Home Monitor app, you can customize the settings for each camera, such as clip length, motion detection and surveillance scheduling. You can also review and download video clips or watch a livestream from any of your cameras, even if they're in different locations.

Key takeaway: We chose Blink as the best budget system because of its local and cloud storage options, easy Alexa integration, and the Blink Home Monitor app.

Pricing

Blink offers three types of cameras: the Blink Indoor, the Blink Outdoor and the Blink Mini. The indoor camera is $79.99, the outdoor camera is $99.99, and the mini camera is $34.99. Through Amazon, you can buy camera kits that come with multiple cameras and an Echo Show, for example. All camera types offer 1080p resolution, a 110-degree field of view, night vision, motion detection and two-way audio.

All Blink cameras connect to the Blink Sync Module, which is $35 and link your wireless cameras to your Wi-Fi network. It can also serve as a local storage option if you choose to use a USB. A single sync module supports up to 10 cameras.

Key takeaway: Blink offers three cameras: the indoor, outdoor and mini, with prices starting at $34.99.

Ease of Use

One of Blink's major pros is how easy it is to set up and use the system. The cameras are small and can be set up almost anywhere due to their wireless design and 110-degree field of view. Blink cameras can be set up in minutes straight out of the box and do not require professional or complicated installation. All you need to do is scan the code that comes in the box and you're set. Blink cameras also offer a long battery life, with an average lifespan of two years.

With the seamless Alexa integration, controlling your Blink camera is as easy as speaking, allowing you to adjust your settings and get updates just by asking Alexa.

Key takeaway: Blink cameras are incredibly easy to set up and use, with a wireless design and scan-and-go setup.

Customer Support

Blink's customer support team is available 24/7 and can be contacted by phone, email or live chat. There is also an online community complete with videos and tutorials to guide you through issues if you get stuck.

Key takeaway: Blink offers 24/7 support by phone, chat or email.

Limitations

While we chose Blink for its low prices and simplicity, it does sacrifice some features for the sake of that simplicity. Blink cameras do not offer pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ), which allows the camera to move any way it needs to follow movement and capture any activity. The field of vision is also relatively limited compared to other cameras we reviewed, but it is still a good range for the price.

Blink is also lacking other home integrations, like emergency alarms, which means it probably isn't the best choice if you're looking for an all-in-one security system. But if you're looking for a simple way to keep an eye on your business, Blink is a great option.

Key takeaway: Blink is limited by its lack of PTZ and other integrations, like emergency alarms.