Blink Video Doorbell Gen 2: Is This the Ultimate Budget Security Solution?
Blink, an Amazon-owned company known for its budget-friendly security cameras, has unveiled the second generation of its popular video doorbell. The Blink Video Doorbell (Gen 2) promises significant upgrades, including a head-to-toe view, improved video resolution, and person detection, all while maintaining an impressively low price point.
But does this new doorbell truly deliver on its promises? Let's dive into the details.
Key Improvements and Features
The most notable upgrades in the Blink Video Doorbell (Gen 2) include:
- Improved Field of View: Boasting a 150-degree field of view with a 1:1 aspect ratio, the new doorbell provides a comprehensive view of your porch, ensuring you can see both people and packages clearly. This is a significant improvement over the previous version's 16:9 aspect ratio.
- Enhanced Resolution: The device now features 1440p x 1440p image resolution, a step up from 1080p, promising clearer and more detailed footage, though it still uses infrared night vision.
- Person Detection: Perhaps the most significant upgrade is the addition of on-device computer vision for person detection. This feature allows the doorbell to differentiate between humans and other motion triggers like animals or wind, reducing false alerts. However, this feature requires a Blink subscription plan, costing $3 per month or $30 per year, which also includes 60 days of cloud storage for recorded video.
Blink's Budget Buzz
Priced at just $59.99 without the hub (Sync Module Core) or $69.99 with it, the Blink Video Doorbell remains one of the most affordable options on the market. In comparison, Ring, Blink’s sister brand, offers its lowest-priced battery-powered buzzer for $99. Blink emphasizes its custom silicon for optimal power management claiming up to two years of battery life. The doorbell requires the new Sync Module Core to function, a change from the first-gen model.
A Few Drawbacks
Despite the improvements, the Blink Video Doorbell (Gen 2) does have some limitations. It's still limited to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, and motion-activated recording is capped at 30-second clips. Additionally, the two-way audio uses a push-to-talk system, unlike the full duplex found on many other video doorbells.
Final Thoughts
The second-generation Blink Video Doorbell offers a compelling combination of affordability and features. While some compromises have been made to maintain its impressive battery life and low price, the improvements in video quality, field of view, and the addition of person detection make it a worthy upgrade for anyone seeking a budget-friendly home security solution. The extended battery life remains the standout feature, unmatched by competitors like Ring and Arlo.
Will the new Blink Video Doorbell convince you to upgrade your home security? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
