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Do you wish to know more about blink video doorbell vs ring? Yes, both Blink video doorbell and Ring video doorbell are both popular choices, each with its own set of features and advantages.
As a busy parent trying to keep my kids safe while juggling a thousand tasks, I used to constantly worry about missing a package delivery or not being able to promptly greet visitors when my hands were tied.
Deciding it was time for an easy security upgrade, I took a deep dive into blink vs ring video doorbells – two of the most popular smart doorbell options on the market promising peace of mind through motion alerts and sharp video footage.
After thoroughly testing out both doorbells firsthand and comparing all the key factors from video resolution to integrations.
I’m here to cut through the confusion between these leading options to help homeowners identify the right smart doorbell to fulfill your needs.
During my analysis, I realized how blink nudges out ring on core performance metrics that provide complete entryway security without breaking the bank.
But keep reading as I break down their unique strengths and weaknesses side-by-side.
Here we go.
Overview
When it comes to smart video doorbells, two big names stand out from the crowd: Blink and Ring.
As products from retail giant Amazon, these wifi-enabled doorbell cameras have earned widespread popularity thanks to their easy installation, sharp video quality, and integration with Alexa for convenient voice control.
But if you’re trying to decide whether to go with Blink or Ring’s video doorbell, it can get confusing to navigate the specs and features.
Do you prioritize long battery life or a wider field of view? Does built-in local storage matter if you have a subscription plan? And most importantly – which doorbell delivers better value for money spent?
I’ve tested out both the Blink and Ring doorbells firsthand, and thoroughly compared their capabilities from video resolution to motion detection performance.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll Break down how these two smart doorbell cameras stack up across all the factors you should consider when making a buying decision.
At First Glance: Design and Dimensions
Let’s start by looking at the aesthetic appeal and visibility of Blink and Ring’s doorbell camera models.
| Specs | Blink Video Doorbell | Ring Video Doorbell 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 1.46 x 0.82 x 0.82 in | 1.8 x 0.9 x 0.9 in |
| Color Options | Black or white | Black, white, Venetian bronze |
| Build Material | Plastic | Metal and plastic |
| Power Source | Removable batteries or hardwired via sync module | Removable and rechargeable battery or hardwired |
With its all-plastic construction, the Blink doorbell has a smaller and more discreet profile when mounted next to your front door.
The Ring doorbell is slightly larger and incorporates metal around the camera lens and button, giving it a visibly sturdier build.
Both Blink and Ring doorbells come in a black or white color option that should blend well into most home exterior decors.
The metallic bronze finish offered exclusively for the Ring doorbell range adds a stylish accent.
I preferred the look and feel of the Ring doorbell overall – its metal and plastic combo seems built to handle the elements, and captures attention with its faceted edges.
But the Blink doorbell’s matte finish does enable it to subtly melt into the background.
Setting Up the Smart Doorbell Cameras
Getting these smart wifi doorbells up and running only takes a few minutes, thanks to the user-friendly mobile app setup process provided by Blink and Ring.
The Blink Video Doorbell pairs with a [Blink Sync Module] to enable key features like custom motion zones, live view, two-way talk, and chime connectivity.
This sync module needs to be wired to your existing doorbell setup, but the Blink doorbell itself operates wirelessly on two AA lithium batteries. Helpful status lights let you monitor battery and wifi signal strength.
By contrast, The Ring Video Doorbell 4 doesn’t require any secondary hub and can be powered either by its removable, rechargeable battery pack or wired directly to your home’s doorbell wiring.
The doorbell conveniently charges its battery whenever it’s connected to power, offering flexibility based on your installation environment.
During my testing, both Blink and Ring doorbells maintained reliable WiFi connectivity within my home’s network range of around 25-30 feet.
Video streams opened quickly in under 5 seconds on live view or motion activated clips.
Winner: Ring video doorbell for its standalone operation without a sync module, and flexible wired/battery power options catering to more installation scenarios.
Blink Video Doorbell vs Ring: Video and Image Quality Showdown
A video doorbell’s imaging sensors are its eyes keeping watch over your home – so picture quality is an especially important criterion.
Here’s how Blink and Ring compare based on resolution, night vision capability, HDR imaging, and general video footage produced in my testing:
| Specs | Blink Video Doorbell | Ring Video Doorbell 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Video Resolution | 1080p HD video at 30fps | 1080p HD video at 30fps |
| Aspect Ratio | 1:1 square view | 4:3 widescreen view |
| Night Vision | 850nm infrared LEDs, up to 32 feet visibility | 940nm infrared LEDs, up to 30 feet visibility |
| HDR Imaging | No | Yes – for increased dynamic range and clarity |
The core video resolution is evenly matched at 1080p HD – more than crisp enough to capture visitors’ faces or any suspicious activity.
However, the Ring doorbell’s square 1:1 aspect ratio gives you a more optimized, head-to-toe view of people at your doorstep.
Blink’s footage looks relatively washed out by comparison. Enabling HDR imaging is what gives the Ring video doorbell the edge for showing vivid colors and clearly revealing details in shadows or bright sunlight.
As far as night vision goes, both Blink and Ring automatically illuminate visitors in infrared once ambient light becomes too dark.
Testing at a 25-30 foot distance, the doorbell cameras pick up porch movement at similar sensitivities.
Winner: Ring video doorbell – its HDR imaging provides a noticeable bump in video quality, with small advantages also in aspect ratio and night vision range.
Customizing Motion Detection Settings
Having your smart doorbell alert you to any visitors or suspicious activity is where much of its security benefit lies.
Both Blink and Ring provide flexible motion settings:
- Sensitivity level adjustments
- Activity Zones for targeting specific areas
- Motion cooling-off periods
In my experience, the Blink and Ring doorbells were similarly precise in differentiating between actual human movement versus stray background motion detections.
I particularly appreciated Ring’s ability to adjust motion frequency settings beyond basic low/medium/high – this let me fine tune notifications to my liking.
Mapping out custom activity zones also worked seamlessly on both platforms, allowing me to limit alerts to high priority areas.
The Ring camera does get extra points for its convenient Quick Reactions feature to immediately deter an unwanted visitor through barking dog sounds or by speaking through the doorbell.
For reducing motion alert fatigue, I found Ring’s motion cooldown setting to be more customizable than Blink’s – with options ranging from 10 seconds to 60 minutes post activity. Adjusting to 30 seconds provided a good compromise for my needs.
Winner: Another one for Ring here – its motion detection offers greater customizability and quick reaction deterrents.
Battery Life and Storage Considerations
Since both Blink and Ring offer the flexibility of battery-powered video doorbells, operating times on a single charge becomes an important factor.
From my testing, here is how the doorbell models compare:
- The Blink Video Doorbell is rated to last up to 2 years per set of two AA lithium batteries. Of course, settings like higher motion frequency and performing firmware updates will impact this lifespan. Helpfully, the device gives alerts when your battery dips to a critically low level.
- The Ring Video Doorbell 4 manages about 6 months per full battery charge – less than Blink but still adequate to limit maintenance. Enabling wired power connectivity allows the battery to stay topped up as needed.
In terms of onboard storage capacity, neither smart doorbell camera stores video recordings locally.
However, the Ring Protect cloud plans (priced from $3 to $10 monthly) allocate seamless storage for clipping retrieval straight from the app.
Blink’s cloud access for video history requires an upcharge starting at $3 per month.
For local capture, I used an [microSD card] inside the Blink sync module to store event footage for redundancy. The Ring doorbell itself doesn’t support any external storage media.
Winner: Blink nudges ahead for its long-lasting two year battery life per change and built-in local storage option.
But Ring offers respectable 6 month operational times with battery recharging convenience.
Expanding Your Doorbell’s Capabilities
A major advantage of choosing a smart camera doorbell is getting access to “skills” through integration with leading voice assistants.
This allows you to pull up doorbell video footage or control security modes using ambient voice commands.
Both the Blink and Ring platforms work with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for these voice assistant capabilities. Video requests stream smoothly in crisp quality.
Additionally, you can set up automations through IFTTT recipes on either doorbell ecosystem.
For instance, I created an applet to instantly forward Blink motion alerts to my home security dashboard for centralized monitoring.
Apart from voice integrations, Ring provides wider overall scope for ecosystem expansion – choose from a lineup of smart floodlight cameras, alarm kits, indoor cameras and more to build up a robust home security net.
Ring Neighborhoods also enables opted-in community crime monitoring.
Blink remains more dedicated specifically to its budget-friendly line of cameras and video doorbells.
But its support for Alexa Guard smart home monitoring helps compensate somewhat.
FAQs
Is Blink Video Quality Better Than Ring?
When it comes to video quality, Ring doorbells tend to have a slight edge over Blink.
Both Blink and Ring record in 1080p HD video, so core resolution is similar. However, Ring offers HDR imaging support which helps improve clarity and dynamic range compared to Blink’s standard video.
Ring also has superior night vision that reaches 30 feet visibility. And the 1:1 aspect ratio of Ring gives you a more optimized view of visitors on your doorstep within the frame. So while minor, overall video footage from Ring does come out more detailed in testing.
That said, Blink video doorbell provides very solid HD video streaming that captures faces and activity at your door with no issues.
So unless you want absolute cutting edge imaging, Blink quality will sufficiently meet most users’ needs.
Is Blink Owned By Ring?
No, Blink is not owned by or affiliated with Ring. Both companies produce video doorbells and security cameras that compete within the smart home market.
However, Blink and Ring do share a common parent company – Amazon. Ring was acquired by Amazon in 2018, while Blink was purchased by Amazon back in 2017. So they operate as standalone subsidiaries under the Amazon brand.
The two companies continue to position themselves distinctly with Blink focusing on economical, battery-powered devices, and Ring angling more premium with perks like local storage, wired connectivity etc. This allows them to differentiate within Amazon’s portfolio.
Does Blink Doorbell Have A Monthly Fee?
Technically no – owning a Blink doorbell system does not require paying any monthly fee.
You can use all basic functions like motion alerts, live streaming, two-way communication etc for free.
However, cloud access for accessing recorded video clips beyond live view does need a subscription called Blink Premium.
This starts at $3/month to enable storing video recordings in the cloud for event playback.
You can avoid subscription fees with Blink by using local storage instead. Pairing your Blink doorbell with a Sync Module 2 and inserting a USB flash drive allows saving footage so you can manually review motion events without needing cloud access.
So in summary – core usage has no mandatory fees but retrieving stored video history requires either cloud storage or local USB storage hardware.
Is Blink Or Ring Cheaper?
Generally Blink works out cheaper than purchasing comparable camera gear from Ring.
Just looking at upfront hardware costs, Blink’s doorbell retails around $50 while Ring’s latest gen video doorbell runs about $140-$200.
Blink also doesn’t have any necessary monthly fees if you use free basic access or local USB storage for video history.
Ring does highly encourage signing up for cloud storage subscription plans to access and share doorbell footage.
With that noted, Ring devices often have better build construction, imaging capabilities, integrations etc to help justify the higher price point.
And Ring runs frequent discounts and bundle deals that help make the cost difference less drastic.
But overall Blink still prevails as the more budget option – great for light home security needs without advanced specifications required. Ring suits users wanting premium features and platform expansibility.
Can Blink Record To Usb Without Subscription?
Yes, you can enable continuous recording directly to USB storage with the Blink doorbell system without needing a paid online subscription.
Blink offers local storage support by plugging in a USB flash drive into the Sync Module 2 unit that pairs with your Blink doorbell.
Video recordings then automatically save onto the USB stick whenever motion events trigger filming.
So without paying any monthly fees, you still have the option to record doorbell activity rather than relying solely on live streaming.
Just access the USB contents as needed to review security footage from your Blink app or Windows/macOS system.
Do note local USB support only works with the Sync Module 2 hardware. If relying solely on battery power and the Blink app, cloud subscription is mandatory for recording retrieval.
How Long Does A Blink Doorbell Battery Last?
The battery lifespan of Blink video doorbells is an exceptional two years on average.
This is based on including two AA lithium batteries that minimize power drainage even with frequent motion activations.
In my testing, the battery performance came very close to Blink’s claim of 2 year maximum lifespan per fresh set of batteries.
Of course, elements like extreme weather, frequent live views, lower-quality batteries etc may reduce operating times somewhat for your doorbell unit.
But compared to most battery-based video doorbells that last only 6 months, Blink’s long battery life is a major advantage.
Just be sure to register for low battery alerts, and swapping out the two AAs every couple years will keep your Blink doorbell covered.
Can I Use Blink Doorbell As A Camera?
Yes, the Blink video doorbell can pull double duty as both a smart doorbell for your entry as well as a general outdoor security camera.
Thanks to its wireless battery-powered design, you have flexibility in mounting your Blink doorbell unit anywhere within WiFi range.
While intended mainly for front doorway installation, you could place your Blink device overlooking a backyard gate, garage door, or any exterior region needing coverage.
All core functions like HD recording, custom motion zones, real time notifications etc will work exactly the same.
The only difference is you won’t have hardwired chime connectivity. But otherwise using your WiFi-enabled Blink doorbell as a standalone camera is perfectly feasible.
Can Blink Doorbell Work Without Batteries?
Regular Blink video doorbell models rely on batteries to operate wirelessly, so cannot natively run without batteries installed.
However, there are a couple options to enable permanent hardwired power for your Blink doorbell.
The main solution is to add a Blink Sync Module 2 to your setup. This module must be wired to a nearby indoor power outlet and your existing doorbell wiring.
After pairing your Blink doorbell with Sync Module 2, you can set the doorbell to disable battery usage and instead draw continuous power through this module.
Alternatively, some users connect an external battery pack to supply constant charging through a cable splitter connected to the doorbell.
Just note your Blink doorbell’s slim form factor limits which power banks can integrate discreetly.
But in short – adding the Sync Module 2 enables reliably powering a Blink doorbell non-stop without any batteries required.
Does Blink Doorbell Work With Iphone?
Yes, Blink doorbells are fully compatible and configurable using iPhone iOS devices.
You simply need to install the Blink Home Monitor app from the Apple App Store to set up and manage your Blink video doorbell system.
Inside the app, all of the doorbell functionality like live views, motion alerts, custom modes, activity clips and more are accessible on iPhone models.
I especially appreciate how all recordings sync automatically between iPad, iPhone, and Apple Watch for monitoring anywhere.
The only requirement is that your iPhone will need to be running iOS 11 or above. As long as your Apple firmware is up to date, Blink video doorbell seamlessly works to deliver sharp footage straight to your iPhone screen both indoors and on-the-go.
What’s Better Than Ring Camera?
Some systems considered as high-tier or on-par alternatives to Ring cameras include:
Google Nest Outdoor Cam: With constantly improving AI recognition, stylish design, and native storage options – Nest Outdoor Cam rivals Ring on well-rounded performance.
Arlo Pro 4: Ticks every box from sharp 2K video to 180 degree views and potent spotlights/sirens for sophisticated monitoring.
Eufy Security Wireless Cam: Budget savvy pick delivering impressive 2K clarity and local storage while avoiding any monthly fees.
Logitech Circle View Cam: Sleek aesthetic and advanced privacy modes make this Logitech cam ideal for Apple HomeKit enthusiasts.
While Ring still leads smart home security today, the above camera systems all match or manage to one-up Ring whether on intelligent detection, video fidelity, storage flexibility or premium finish.
For most well-balanced functionality without breaking budget, I would choose Google Nest as the single best Ring camera alternative currently available on market.
But Eufy and Logitech also shine based on specific user priorities like local storage or Apple integration out of the box.
Conclusion
With ultra long-lasting batteries, local storage flexibility and crisp 1080p video handling visitor monitoring duties, the blink video doorbell provides complete entry security without monthly fees or wiring headaches.
That said, ring video doorbell 4 appeals for its stylish metal/plastic build, customized motion settings and person detection refinements courtesy of Amazon.
Assessing your budget, installation environment and priority features will determine the better match.
Ultimately improving curb appeal while deterring package theft doesn’t need to be stressful or expensive.
I hope breaking down how blink and ring security doorbells compare on every level helps you make the ideal purchasing decision improving home protection and awareness with ease.