Home security has become a hot topic, with numerous options flooding the market. Two contenders that often come up are the Ring doorbell and the Blink security cameras. In this post, we’ll explore the various features of Ring vs Blink, jumping into the specifics of their cameras, doorbell options, security systems, and more, to help you decide which is the right fit for your home security needs.
Ring vs Blink Cameras
When considering Blink home security cameras first, we often think of their minimalist design and straightforward functionality. Blink’s security cameras, such as the Blink Mini and the Blink Outdoor, are known for being compact, battery-powered cameras that are easy to set up and use. The Blink Sync Module is a noteworthy accessory that connects multiple Blink devices, allowing for enhanced functionality and control through the Blink Home Monitor app.
Ring cameras, on the other hand, offer a robust range of products including the Ring Floodlight Cam and the versatile Ring Stick Up Cam. Ring’s cameras tend to have more advanced features, such as color night vision and a variety of power options, including the Ring Solar Panel, ensuring your camera stays charged with minimal effort.
Blink camera pros and cons
Pros
Cons
Doorbell Cameras: The Front Line of Home Security
The ring video doorbell camera is a critical component of home security. Ring Video Doorbells have become almost synonymous with doorbell cameras, offering features like motion detection, two-way talk, and integration with the comprehensive Ring Alarm Security System. With the Ring video doorbell and app, users can access live video feeds and receive alerts on their smartphones, making it a robust solution for front-door security.
Blink entered the video doorbell arena with the Blink Video Doorbell, which also supports motion detection and offers a simple, effective way to both ring the doorbell and monitor your doorstep. Although the Blink video doorbell’s doorbell options might be more limited compared to Ring, they are a solid choice for those looking for essential doorbell camera functionality without additional frills.
Floodlights, Alarms, and Outdoor Surveillance
For those requiring outdoor cameras with powerful lighting, the Ring Floodlight Cam provides high-quality video and two bright, motion-activated lights. This wired floodlight camera ensures that the outside of your home is well-lit and monitored.
The Blink Outdoor camera system is an excellent alternative for battery-powered outdoor surveillance, offering the flexibility to install the camera system anywhere without worrying about nearby power sources.
Both brands extend their home security systems beyond cameras. Ring’s Alarm System is a comprehensive, professional monitoring solution that can include smart locks and smart lighting, while Blink stays focused on simplicity and ease of use, with an emphasis on the cameras themselves.
Outdoor Cameras
Blink security camera models are weatherproof and designed primarily for outdoor use. Each model features 1080 HD images, dual audio channels, and customized motion detection. Outdoor Rings Camera includes Ring Stickup Cams, Ring Floodlight Cams and Ring Spotlight Cams. This camera features high-quality 10-80p video with reversible audio and customizable motion detection. Ring flood lights Cam includes flood lights and a horn. Both the Ring Spotlight cam and the Ring Stick up cam can be supplied either electrically or in batteries and are plugged into the Wasserstein Solar Panel for constant electric power supply.
Blink Local video storage
All Blink Cameras have Sync Module 2 that includes USB port and USB storage up to 256GB of storage. You can store videos without having to pay to subscribe. These are particularly pleasant bonuses for the Blink mini video doorbells because most video doors don’t support local storage for their devices. Blink sync module 2 can be a standalone accessory for both the Blink mini and the Blink AV Doorbell although we think it should be repurchased for additional storage. Although a Sync Module is needed for blink indoors and blink outdoors, the starter kit contains every necessary piece for the setup.
Blink App Features
Blink’s apps provide a central platform that can monitor your home’s camera setups. Through this app users may view live camera videos, view captured videos or customize camera settings. Motion Warnings: The app sends a motion alert on a mobile phone if the Blink camera sees movement within its monitoring area. User may react quickly and act accordingly in the event of suspicious activity. The Blink camera offers two-way audio and is designed to enable you to talk directly to a camera from a smartphone app.
Integrating with Other Smart Home Devices
Ring and Blink both allow for integration with other smart home devices. Ring, especially, offers a wide range of compatible ring devices and gadgets, from smart lighting to the Ring Alarm system ring devices that can be controlled via the Ring app. This makes Ring a more versatile choice for those who are looking to build a comprehensive smart home ecosystem.
Blink’s devices integrate well with Amazon’s Echo products, allowing for voice control and other smart features through the Blink app, keeping the system user-friendly and efficient.
Video Storage and Subscription Services
Video storage is a crucial element of any security system. Ring provides options for cloud storage and even local video storage via a USB flash drive on some of its higher-end devices like the Ring Alarm Pro. Ring’s cloud video storage history, while robust, generally requires a monthly subscription.
Blink offers free cloud storage for a limited number of hours of video clips and also supports local storage via the Sync Module 2, which can be helpful for those wary of subscription fees.
Battery Life and Power Options
In terms of battery life, many Blink cameras, including the Blink Outdoor camera, are celebrated for their long-lasting battery-powered design, which can be particularly convenient when setting up multiple security cameras around the premises.
Ring also offers battery-powered cameras like the Ring Stick Up Cam Battery, and even if not the cameras’ extended warranty options can be a testament to their own battery life and product longevity.
Advanced Features and Customization
For homeowners interested in advanced features, the Ring security cameras tends to offer more in terms of customization, professional monitoring, and additional security layers. Ring’s security cameras and the Ring Alarm Security System can be tweaked to fit various security needs, and when ring security cameras are paired with their smart lighting and doorbell cameras, they provide a robust security system.
Blink, while more basic, still offers essential features like motion detection, night vision, and weather-resistant bodies for their outdoor cameras, keeping them competitive in the market.
Smart Platform Integration and Home Automation
We were disappointed to hear that the Amazon Blink camera and the Ring camera have Alexa connectivity. We could just say: Alexa, ask Blink to arm my Home. We told Alexa to show me my outdoor video feeds to watch live. Ring Camera offers similar capabilities to Alexa and IFTTT and is also integrated with Google Home, Apple Home Kit, Samsung SmartThings, and other applications. but blink and Ring’s compatibility with so few smart devices stands firmly against Blink and ring’s lack of smart integration.
Blink Professional Monitoring
Like most smart home systems, Blink offers no professional monitoring services. Instead, users may use the app Blink to monitor their homes. The app allows a user to easily access multiple cameras on the same mobile platform. Self-monitoring enables users to monitor the security status and privacy of their house without using external monitoring services.
Professional Installation
We thought DIY installations were easy but liked the fact that our Ring Backup plan was always there. During an emergency situation Ring sent a technician in to install our new camera. Saving Tips. Don’t forget about saving. For all military, teacher, student, or respondent orders, the Ring app offers 20 percent discounts.
No Subscription Required for Basic Features
The major advantages of Blink include allowing users to access basic functions without subscriptions. Users can watch live video streams without monthly fees, making this a valuable alternative for people looking to save extra money. While all Blink’s cameras and basic functionality comes for free, the brand also provides subscribers with extra functionality and extended storage options. Basic Plans begin at $3 monthly per camera with an outdoor and indoor video camera and video doorbell.
Paid Features
In terms of subscriptions, Blink and Ring share striking similarities in offering. The plan name, the price structure, cloud storage, and camera support are exactly the same. Even the extended warranty offered on high-end plans is similar to those of both manufacturers.
Blink: Best for Budget
Blink was the first brand to sell wireless cameras for just under $600 and has an internet connection. This was in 2015 — around two years prior to Wyze and YI’s introduction of cams under $500. Although Blink’s new camera series is long gone from free cloud data storage, it should remain a strong contender for its budget segment. The entire Blink product ranges from hardware to local storage options and service packages.
Blink Extras
In addition to their core home security cameras, Blink offers additional features for the enhanced user experience and provides additional functionality. Local Video Storage: Blink has a unique feature of recording videos on local computers via sync module 2 and USB drive. The user has access to the video clip archive without the requirement for any subscription, providing an economical alternative to the cloud for people not using the cloud. A call ring offers a simple and convenient way to monitor your Blink video security camera remotely.
Key Differences
There also exist many different characteristics and you should look for these differences. It is the most crucial factor.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between Ring and Blink boils down to your specific needs. If you’re after a simple, user-friendly system with essential functions and straightforward setup, Blink’s security cameras and Blink Indoor options might be perfect for you. However, if your focus is on a more integrated, feature-rich security camera system that includes doorbell cameras, outdoor cameras, and additional smart home compatibility, then Ring offers it’s diverse range of products, like the Ring Floodlight Cam and Ring Alarm
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Blink is better than Ring?
Unlike Ring’s cloud storage, Blink also uses an unusual trick to store data in a local location. The add-on module synchron module two can support local data storage up to 1TB of storage with the optional USB-Separated USB (sold separately).
Does Blink work as well as Ring?
Both Blink and Ring feature self-monitoring capabilities and feature 24/7 monitoring. the Ring alarm system provides an advantage of 24-hour professional monitoring but the services are only available through Ring Alarm and no CCTV cameras are included.
What are the disadvantages of a Ring camera?
Should someone buy a Ring camera? You will probably be unable to access all your photos. The Ring footage are not private. … Bad actors are often seen looking around and talking with children. … It is unclear how the ring camera is capable of preventing robberies. The Ring algorithm may cause paranoia. It is possible for someone else to view the footage. Ring cameras and videos do not contain any personal information. … Bad actors use them for home visits or conversations. …… Ring camera surveillance is not reliable in detecting criminal activity. … Rings could cause paranoia if you’re in a bad situation.
Is Blink worth it without subscription?
It’s not possible to buy or rent Blink cameras at the same time as other camera manufacturers, however, it lacks many features compared to free plans from brands such as Ring. Nevertheless, it’ll give you an option for saving money if you’re not interested in cloud video storage.
Are there monthly fees with Blink?
Blink price: Monitoring storage and archiving with BLink’s Wired Floodlight Camera Indoor or Mini, our customers can choose either a Basic plan at $3 / month or a Plus plan at $110. The two offer 60-day cloud storage – very generous to us if you ask me.