Blink Video Doorbell Review
Affordable, Reliable, and Built to Last: The Best Entry-Level Security Solution.
In a market where high-end video doorbells can easily cost over $200, the Blink Video Doorbell feels like a breath of fresh air. Owned by Amazon, Blink has built its reputation on two pillars: affordability and extreme battery life. While it may not have the radar of the Ring Pro or the dual cameras of the Eufy E340, it offers the essential features every homeowner needs at a fraction of the price.
At Smart Home Tips, we believe that security should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their budget. That is why we included this device in our guide to the best video doorbells for every budget. In this detailed 1,000+ word review, we will analyze whether the Blink Doorbell is a "smart bargain" or if the low price comes with too many compromises.
🔋 1. Unmatched Battery Longevity
One of the biggest pain points for wireless doorbell owners is having to remove and charge the battery every few weeks. Blink solves this problem with an engineering feat: up to 2 years of battery life on just two standard AA Lithium batteries. How do they do it?
Unlike other doorbells that stay in a high-power "standby" mode, Blink uses a proprietary chip that keeps the device in a deep sleep until motion is detected or the button is pressed. This efficiency is industry-leading. During our long-term testing for Smart Home Tips, even with high-traffic front porches, we found that the batteries easily lasted over 14 months, far outperforming competitors that cost triple the price.
🎥 2. Video Quality and Field of View
The Blink Video Doorbell records in 1080p HD. While it doesn't offer 2K or 4K resolution, the image quality is surprisingly crisp during the day. Colors are accurate, and you can easily identify faces up to 15 feet away. At night, it switches to infrared black-and-white mode. While it lacks "Color Night Vision," the infrared LEDs are powerful enough to illuminate a dark porch clearly.
One thing to note is the aspect ratio. Blink uses a standard widescreen view. This means you will see plenty of your yard and street, but you might need to angle the camera downwards using the included wedge kit if you want to keep a close eye on small packages left directly on your mat.
✅ The Pros
- Incredible Value: Often found on sale for under $50.
- Extreme Battery Life: Uses AA batteries; no proprietary chargers needed.
- Local Storage Option: Save clips to a USB drive with the Sync Module 2.
- Compact Design: One of the smallest and thinnest doorbells on the market.
- Alexa "Announcements": Your Echo speakers can act as your indoor chime.
❌ The Cons
- No Advanced AI: Cannot distinguish between a person, a dog, or a car.
- Slower Notifications: There is a 2-3 second delay compared to Ring or Nest.
- No "Live View" on Demand: Unless you have a Sync Module or hardwire it.
- Subscription Needed: For cloud storage and advanced features like "Photo Capture."
💾 3. The Secret to No Monthly Fees: Sync Module 2
Many users don't realize that you can use the Blink Doorbell without a subscription. To do this, you need the Blink Sync Module 2. This small hub plugs into an outlet inside your home and features a USB port. By inserting a standard USB flash drive, you can store your motion clips locally.
This is a major win for budget-conscious users. You own your footage, and there are no recurring costs. However, without the subscription, you lose the "Live View" recording feature and the ability to see a thumbnail preview in your notifications. For most people looking for a basic security solution, this is a trade-off worth making.
🛠️ 4. Installation: Battery vs. Wired
Blink offers the most versatile installation of any doorbell we've reviewed at Smart Home Tips.
Option A (Wireless): Just mount it with two screws. It uses your Wi-Fi to send alerts and the batteries to power the camera.
Option B (Wired): Connect it to your existing doorbell wires. This allows the Blink to ring your house's mechanical chime and keeps the camera ready for "Live View" at all times, though it still requires the AA batteries as its primary power source.
🏡 5. Alexa Integration: The Amazon Advantage
If your home is powered by Amazon Alexa, the Blink Doorbell is a natural fit. You can set it up so that when someone rings the bell, your Echo Dot says, "Someone is at the front door," or your Echo Show automatically displays the live video feed. You can also use two-way talk directly through your Alexa devices, which is much louder and clearer than using a smartphone in many cases.
🏆 6. Final Verdict: Is it Too Cheap?
The Blink Video Doorbell is not "too cheap"—it is "smartly designed." It cuts out the features that many people don't use, like complex radar or high-resolution 4K video, to provide a reliable, long-lasting device at an unbeatable price. As we mentioned in our review of the top-performing doorbells of 2026, it remains the champion of the budget category.
Smart Home Tips Rating
8.8 / 10
"The best value for money for any homeowner or renter on a budget."