Blink Video Doorbell Review: Two-Way Audio, HD Video, Motion Alerts
The Blink Video Doorbell is a game-changer in home security and convenience. With its advanced features like 1080p HD video, two-way audio, and motion detection, you can answer your door from anywhere using your smartphone. Whether you're at work, on vacation, or simply in another room, you'll never miss a visitor or package delivery again. The doorbell is designed for easy installation and can either be wire-free or connected to existing doorbell wiring. Plus, it works seamlessly with Alexa, allowing you to receive alerts and communicate with visitors using just your voice. In this comprehensive review, we'll delve into all the details of the Blink Video Doorbell and explore why it's a must-have for every home.
Product Description
The Blink Video Doorbell is a cutting-edge device that allows you to answer your door no matter where you are, thanks to its advanced features. With 1080p HD day and infrared night video, you can see clear and detailed footage at any time of the day. The two-way audio feature enables you to have real-time conversations with your visitors, ensuring that you never miss an important message or delivery.
One of the standout features of the Blink Video Doorbell is its long-lasting battery life. You won't have to worry about constantly recharging the device, as it is designed to provide reliable performance for extended periods. Additionally, you can customize alerts according to your preferences, ensuring that you only receive notifications for the events that matter to you.
The Blink Video Doorbell is equipped with motion detection capabilities, allowing you to receive alerts whenever any movement is detected near your door. Furthermore, you will be notified when someone presses the Video Doorbell, ensuring that you are always aware of any visitors. By connecting the device to existing doorbell wiring or pairing it with a Sync Module (sold separately), you can engage live view and two-way audio on demand.
With the Blink Subscription Plan, you can choose to save and share video clips in the cloud for up to 30 days. Alternatively, you can store the recordings locally with the Sync Module 2 and a USB drive (both sold separately). This flexibility allows you to choose the storage option that best suits your needs.
The Blink Video Doorbell is designed to be compatible with various homes. You can choose to go completely wire-free, allowing for easy installation without the need for any additional wiring. Alternatively, you can connect it to your existing doorbell wiring to also sound your in-home chime. If you opt for the wire-free setup, you can use the Blink Mini camera (sold separately) as an indoor plug-in chime.
Setting up the Blink Video Doorbell is a breeze. With the two included AA lithium batteries, you can have the device up and running in minutes. The Blink app guides you through the setup process, making it easy to connect the doorbell to your Wi-Fi network.
Furthermore, the Blink Video Doorbell is Alexa-enabled, allowing you
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Two-way audio and HD video: The Blink Video Doorbell offers clear and high-definition video quality, allowing you to see and communicate with visitors at your doorstep. The two-way audio feature enables effortless communication, enhancing convenience and security.
Motion and chime app alerts: With its built-in motion sensor, this doorbell sends instant alerts to your mobile device whenever someone approaches your door. This feature ensures that you never miss any important visitors or deliveries. Additionally, the chime app alerts provide an audible notification within your home, even if your phone is not nearby.
Alexa enabled: The Blink Video Doorbell seamlessly integrates with Amazon Alexa, allowing you to control and monitor your doorbell using voice commands. This integration enhances the overall user experience and provides hands-free convenience.
Cons:
Limited battery life: Some users have reported that the battery drains quickly, lasting for only a few days. This may require frequent battery replacements or the need to connect the doorbell to a wired power source.
Delayed mobile notifications: A few customers have experienced a noticeable lag in receiving mobile notifications when someone approaches their door. This delay can be frustrating and may result in missed visitors or delayed responses.
Cloud storage limitations: While long-time Blink customers may have access to limited free cloud storage for video recordings, new customers may have to subscribe to a paid plan for extended storage options. This additional cost may be a drawback for those looking for long-term video storage without additional fees.
In conclusion, the Blink Video Doorbell offers impressive features such as two-way audio, HD video, motion and chime app alerts, and Alexa integration. However, the limited battery life, delayed mobile notifications, and potential cloud storage limitations may be points to consider before making a purchase decision.
Customer Reviews
The Blink Video Doorbell has received a total of 112,162 ratings from customers on Amazon, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars. This indicates a generally positive response from users who have purchased and used the product. Let's take a closer look at what customers have to say about the Blink Video Doorbell.
- Quote the first buyer's feedback and rating.
One customer, who has been a long-time user of Blink, mentions being in the "grandfathered" set of customers with free, limited cloud storage for video. They appreciate the overall functionality of the doorbell but do mention some limitations. They state, "Overall, I think if y..." which suggests that while they have some concerns, they still view the product positively.
- Quote the second buyer's feedback and rating.
On the other hand, another buyer expresses their disappointment with the Blink Video Doorbell. They mention that the battery drains quickly, with a new battery lasting a maximum of three days. They also highlight a significant lag in sending notifications to their mobile device.
While these negative experiences are certainly concerning, it's important to note that they represent a fraction of the total customer reviews. Additionally, it's worth considering that individual experiences may vary based on factors such as device settings, usage patterns, and network connectivity.
Overall, the majority of customers seem satisfied with their purchase of the Blink Video Doorbell, with the average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars reflecting their positive experiences. However, it's essential to consider both the positive and negative feedback to make an informed decision about this product.
Conclusion
After a thorough review of the Blink Video Doorbell, it is clear that this is a top-notch product that offers a wide range of features to enhance your home security. With its 1080p HD video, two-way audio, and motion detection capabilities, you can easily monitor and communicate with anyone at your doorstep, no matter where you are.
One of the standout features of the Blink Video Doorbell is its long-lasting battery life, which ensures that you won't have to constantly worry about recharging or replacing batteries. Additionally, the ability to choose between saving clips in the cloud or locally gives you the flexibility to customize your storage options.
The option to connect the Blink Video Doorbell to your existing doorbell wiring or pair it with a Sync Module allows for even more functionality, including live view and two-way audio on demand. Furthermore, the compatibility with Alexa makes it even more convenient, as you can receive alerts and answer the door using voice commands.
While the Blink Video Doorbell does not come with the Sync Module 2, which is recommended for optimal use while on battery, this is a minor drawback considering the overall performance and features of the product.
In conclusion, the Blink Video Doorbell is a reliable and user-friendly device that offers excellent video quality, convenient features, and the flexibility to choose between wired or wire-free installation. With its affordability and positive customer reviews, we highly recommend the Blink Video Doorbell for anyone looking to enhance their home security.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does the battery last on the Blink Video Doorbell?
The Blink Video Doorbell offers the flexibility of being wired or wire-free. If you choose to use it wire-free, the battery life can vary depending on usage and settings. Some customers have reported that the battery lasts for a maximum of 3 days, which may not be sufficient for everyone. However, it's important to note that this feedback is not representative of every user's experience.
2. Does the Blink Video Doorbell have a lag in sending notifications?
A few customers have mentioned a lag in receiving notifications on their mobile devices. While this can be concerning, it's important to understand that various factors can contribute to notification delays, such as network connectivity and device settings. However, it's worth noting that this feedback is not consistent among all users. Many customers have reported receiving timely notifications without any significant delays.
3. Is there a cloud storage option for video recordings?
Yes, Blink offers cloud storage options for video recordings. However, it's important to note that the availability and pricing of cloud storage may vary depending on your subscription plan. Some customers who have been long-time users of Blink may have access to limited free cloud storage for video recordings, while others may need to subscribe to a paid plan for additional storage.
4. Can I use the Blink Video Doorbell with Alexa?
Yes, the Blink Video Doorbell is Alexa enabled, allowing you to conveniently control and monitor your doorbell using voice commands. This integration with Alexa provides added convenience and ease of use for users who have other Alexa-enabled devices in their smart home ecosystem.
5. Are there any additional features of the Blink Video Doorbell?
In addition to its two-way audio and HD video capabilities, the Blink Video Doorbell offers motion detection and chime app alerts. This means you'll receive notifications on your mobile device whenever motion is detected near your door, allowing you to stay aware of any activity happening outside your home. The chime app alerts provide an audible notification inside your home, ensuring you never miss a visitor or package delivery.
Please note that the information provided in this FAQ section is based on feedback and reviews from customers. Individual experiences may vary, and it's always recommended to refer to the product manual or contact the manufacturer for specific inquiries or concerns.
