Blink Outdoor Camera Review: Features, Setup, Price & More

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Blink outdoor camera on Amazon
The Blink outdoor camera offers some impressive features, but how well does the Blink system support it?

When it initially hit the market in 2016, the Kickstarter-funded Blink security camera was an inexpensive, battery-powered home security monitoring and alert system that used an energy-efficient chip to power the compact Blink camera. Since its acquisition by Amazon in December 2017, Blink continues to release new home security camera options alongside its sister company, Ring. While stuck in the shadow of the ever-popular Ring system, Blink continues to soldier on releasing affordable home security cameras at a cheaper rate.

As a successor to earlier Blink cameras, like the XT2, the Blink Outdoor camera offers users an affordable security option with easy use and quality battery life. With no wires and no hassle, you might find Blink Outdoor to fit your security needs. Our experts have insight into the pros and cons of the Blink Outdoor cam and will give you a breakdown of all it has to offer.

Blink Outdoor Review

Product Name: Blink Outdoor Camera

Product Description: Amazon's Blink Outdoor is a wireless HD security camera offering motion detection, live viewing, and two-way audio.

Summary

The Blink Outdoor camera kit has everything you need for an easy DIY setup without the hassle. Using the Blink Home App, you can live monitor and communicate in real-time through the camera’s speakers and microphone. This camera has a sleek design, no wires, and touts a two-year battery life. The Blink Outdoor cam is an inexpensive choice for those wanting to dip their toe into the ocean of home security systems.

Overall Score

3.8
  • Technology
  • Ease Of Use
  • Customer Service
  • Overall Value

Pros

  • Budget friendly
  • Simply DIY Installation
  • Quality video performance
  • Two-year battery life

Cons

  • Substandard night vision
  • Narrow field of vision
  • Must purchase a Blink Subscription plan for cloud storage
  • No professional monitoring

Consumer Reviews

This is the aggregate score of reader reviews we’ve received. Have a good or bad experience with Blink? Feel free to leave your own review in the comments. Please note that only ratings with valid review content will be published and counted.

10 Key Features

  1. The Blink Outdoor camera kit includes everything you need for an easy setup: one Blink outdoor security camera, mounting hardware, the Blink Sync Module 2, two AA lithium batteries, a USB cable, and a power adapter
  2. Small, discrete camera at 2.8 x 2.8 x 1 inches
  3. Up to 1080p HD video and infrared night vision with a 110° field of view
  4. Motion detection with adjustable sensitivity via the Blink Home Monitor app (Apple Store, Google Play)
  5. Live view and two-way audio
  6. Compatible with Alexa-enabled devices for voice control
  7. The Sync Module 2 supports up to 10 cameras and offers local storage for an easy home security network.
  8. Wireless and requires a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connection
  9. Weather-resistant with an operating temperature of -4 to 113º F
  10. Store video clips and photos in the cloud (requires subscription) or save locally to the Blink Sync Module 2 via a USB drive (sold separately)
A woman in a business suit is checking her phone and working on a laptop as she sits outside at a table.
You can check the Blink Home Monitor app to see any disturbances while at home or away.

How Does It Work?

Blink outdoor is a weather-resistant security camera that can be mounted outside without wires. The camera is protected from water and debris from all directions and has a temperature operation of negative four to 113 degrees, meaning it’s suitable for those areas without temperature extremes.

The Blink Outdoor camera connects to the Sync Module 2, which can support up to 10 cameras and offers local storage with the addition of a USB drive. You can also purchase a Blink Subscription for 60-day unlimited video footage saved to the cloud. After downloading the Blink Home Monitor app and mounting your camera, you can use the app to monitor your surroundings.

The Blink Outdoor camera has clear, 1080p video that you can view in live time. When motion is detected, you’ll get a notification on your app and have access to live video and audio. Chat with a delivery driver or the mailman using the camera’s two-way audio feature. Users can adjust the camera’s motion sensor sensitivity in the app and select privacy zones where the video will be blacked out in playback. Blink also connects to Alexa products, allowing voice control. 

Blink Outdoor Setup

Setting up the Blink Outdoor cam is fairly straightforward and cost-effective, thanks to its DIY installation.

  1. Download the Blink Home Monitor app (Apple Store, Google Play).
  2. Plug in the Sync Module 2 and connect it to your home’s Wi-Fi.
  3. Remove the silicone disc covering the screw that secures the back cover. Use the mounting tool in the installation kit to remove the camera case backing. You can also use a flathead screwdriver. From there, install the two AA lithium batteries.
  4. Inside the back cover of the camera, you will find the serial number and a QR code for your device. Scan the QR code with your camera phone using the Blink app to connect the camera, app, and Sync Module 2. You can manually enter the camera’s serial number if you cannot scan the QR code. Finally, reattached the back cover.
  5. Mount the Blink Outdoor camera base, staying within the 100-foot Wi-Fi range.
  6. Once the base is secured, attach the camera to the mount and adjust the camera angle for maximum viewing.

Packages And Pricing

The Blink outdoor one-camera kit costs Check Amazon for availability . If you want more than one camera, you can purchase up to an eight-camera kit, which runs Check Amazon for availability . Blink Outdoor add-on cameras are Check Amazon for availability each. You can also purchase the Blink Whole Home Bundle, which includes the Outdoor camera along with the Video Doorbell, Mini plug-in camera, Sync Module 2, and all mounts and other accessories for $219.96 .

Blink Storage Options

Unfortunately, Blink doesn’t offer free cloud storage; however, you can choose between local storage and two subscription plans. The Blink Subscription Basic Plan costs $3 per month or $30 per year. You can subscribe to the Plus Plan for $10 per month or $100 per year.

Local StorageBasic PlanPlus Plan
Number of devices supported101Unlimited
Motion-activated notificationsGreen checkmarkGreen checkmarkGreen checkmark
View live streamingGreen checkmarkGreen checkmarkGreen checkmark
Video sharingGreen checkmarkGreen checkmarkGreen checkmark
Motion detection video recordingGreen checkmarkGreen checkmarkGreen checkmark
Live view recordingGreen checkmarkGreen checkmark
Rolling video storageGreen checkmarkGreen checkmark
Optional local storage backupGreen checkmarkGreen checkmark
Quick video accessGreen checkmarkGreen checkmark
Photo captureGreen checkmarkGreen checkmark
Extended warranty coverageGreen checkmark
10% off Blink devices on AmazonGreen checkmark

Consumer Feedback

We found a variety of feedback, both positive and negative. While reviewers appreciate the camera quality, the app appears to have major bugs. There are a significant amount of complaints regarding the sensitivity of the cameras. Users say these cameras detect any and every movement outside, causing the batteries to drain much quicker than expected.

Another big drawback of the Blink app is the “continue” button. The Outdoor camera can only live stream for five minutes before starting a new stream, and you must press “continue” repeatedly during that timeframe to continue the live viewing.

Praise

I love these cameras! I was having a problem with them for a minute and hated Blink. But, I have had them now about 2 years.. and the batteries do not last 2 years. Maybe 6 months! But if you can afford the batteries. No biggie. I have five cameras. But i like how you get notifications when you’re far away. Can check cameras almost anywhere. They’re pretty dependable! Easy to install anywhere! But, I don’t like the subscription to get all the features. They are good!

Kelley Mcdowell, Google Play 2.1.2023

First, I see a ton of not so great reviews. I knew exactly what I was getting when we purchased multiple cameras for our home indoor/outdoor and the doorbell. The price point for this system and what it has to offer is amazing for what you get. It’s not a top notch system by any means, but it doesn’t the job and the video quality is great in my opinion. If you want something seamless without any learning curve and high dollar user friendly, then you should look into more expensive systems that give you that.

We utilize the indoor blink mini for a toddler room, an indoor blink camera for a nursery camera, 3 outdoor cameras, and the blink doorbell. We also have the plus yearly subscription. The system automatically arms every night and turns off in the morning with a schedule I set. And I can easily arm the system while we are away from our home. The talk feature through the app is great, way better than I expected honestly. Yes you have to replace the batteries in battery operated cameras, batteries are not in short supply at my home therefore this does not bother us. The image quality on the app and the overall live stream is perfect for what we need. I also have great things to say about the motion detection notifications that come to my phone and my husbands phone.

meghanrae, App Store 1/8/2022

Complaints

Hate the new categorization in the camera settings menu, introduced in latest update. Makes everything so confusing and difficult to find. Not to mention an extra tap for no reason. The prior menu with everything on one page was so clear and easy to use. On another topic would be great to be able to snooze alerts for a particular camera permanently. Plus the ability to have different schedules for different cameras (as well as one schedule for all) Other than that everything works great

Nick Rosenberg, Google Play 1/29/2023

Your hardware is not yours. I spent hundreds of dollars on these cameras, but I can barely use them because everything requires a subscription plan. Do you want to see your cameras? Good luck, the app will ask you to continue every 5 seconds. The software is completely filled with bugs that exist on all of my devices, and has not been fixed for over a year of me using it. Edit: The bugs have not been fixed but they introduced ads, such as promoting their own brands, and even showing Prime ads.

ADRENELINEDUDE, Google Play 1/26/2023

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions we get asked regarding the Blink Outdoor camera. Don’t see your questions? Reach out in the comments.

Do I Have To Purchase A Blink Subscription Plan To Use My Blink Camera?

No, you do not have to purchase a Blink subscription to use the basic features of the Outdoor camera: live view, motion alerts, and two-way audio.

Does Blink Offer A Monitoring Plan?

Unlike its sister company, Blink does not offer professional monitoring.

Does The Blink Outdoor Camera Have A Light?

Blink Outdoor uses infrared night vision to capture footage at night, which can be lacking in quality. This camera doesn’t have any additional lights; however, the Blink Floodlight Camera (both wired and wireless) features 2600 lumens LED lights and HD night view in color, as well as enhanced motion detection and a built-in security siren.

How Does Blink Outdoor Compare?

Blink Outdoor is a reasonably-priced camera, but the current bugs in the Blink app make us hesitant to recommend this product. We’ve also reviewed the Blink indoor camera. We’re hoping these issues will be fixed soon, but in the meantime, check out our recommendations for best wireless outdoor security camera.

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The information provided through this website should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease; it is not intended to offer any legal opinion or advice or a substitute for professional safety advice or professional care. Please consult your health care provider, attorney, or product manual for professional advice. Products and services reviewed are provided by third parties; we are not responsible in any way for them, nor do we guarantee their functionality, utility, safety, or reliability. Our content is for educational purposes only.

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