So far, so good. I've been using this since August and have been happy with the system. Here's what I've learned, which is a lot.
So it works with or without any subscription. There seems to be a lot of conflicting information here but I'll tell you, you do not need a subscription. When your trial runs out, and you have a good usb key attached it'll will continue to work and almost the same as it did before. There are a few minor differences. First off, you have to select the second tab at the top of the Clips section then select the name of your Sync module. Also, local clips don't get thumbnails. Lastly and suspiciously it seems(I'm speculating of course) like Blink has handicapped the performance for local storage. It's weird, you'd think checking a usb key that's 10 feet away would be exceedingly faster than having to go pull clips from their cloud server over the internet, pull them down to your phone, then play them. That's actually much faster than local storage, really weird but maybe it's a bug to be later fixed. Regardless, it's still fast enough, even when you're checking while away from home (yes, you can check your clips remotely even if you don't subscribe to the cloud service). It takes something like 10 seconds to load a clip which isn't long but I think it locks up the system while loading so when you go to check a clip, you might be pausing your system (seems that way, can't confirm). Not a problem after that 1st day where you'll no doubt excitedly check the camera every 5 minutes. I think the usb key speed might also play a part here, slower keys mean slower saving of clips, slower loading clips. Now I don't know if that's the bottleneck but it's good to get a decent branded and fast key just in case.
The batteries - now this is something not everyone will take seriously but just don't use standard (NiMH) rechargeable batteries and you don't need to get upset. I read enough online about how it requires 1.5V AAs so I didn't even bother testing with common NiMHs or alkaline rechargeable. Most people don't know that normal rechargeable AAs only provide a steady 1.2V which is great for 90% of their uses but not higher draw devices including the blink doorbell cam. It will technically work with normal rechargeables but with that low voltage they provide so, you'll either get an immediate warning to change your batteries or the camera will just die in a week. The disposable Energizer Lithiums that are included are good, not as wildly good as Blink advertises but still great. Blink says up to 2 years but I got about 3 months during the beginning of winter with medium traffic near the front door. Unfortunately there is no standard for 1.5V rechargeable batteries as of yet so the big brands like Energizer and Duracell don't sell any from what I can tell (once they do it'll be huge). Until then, I did some research and found that some lessar known rechargeable lithium AAs will work well. There are a handful of brands out there that work well and Amazon Canada has Tenavolts available (4pack with charger for $50CAD) so that's what I went with. I'm currently at week 6 and the battery is still reporting as "ok" in the app. It handled a cold snap of < -30 weather in December so that's good enough for me. I suspect because of the way these batteries work I may not get a warning on low battery and might go from full to dead in a moment. So, if you're going out of town with Tenavolts Lithium AAs be sure to charge them right before you leave and you're good.
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Home is in your hands
Whether you're working, walking the dog, or busy making memories — Video Doorbell lets you see who's at your door with helpful features like:
Designed for every home
Created to help make your life safer and easier, Video Doorbell lets you personalize your experience.
Be alerted to what matters
Create customized activity (when wired or paired with Sync Module) so you only see the movement you care about. Plus, control all your Blink devices from one account so you can monitor your home or business at the same time.
Getting started is easy
Step 1
Sign in to or create an account in the Blink app.
Step 2
Add your device(s) to your account and connect to wifi.
Step 3
Choose to install wire-free or wired to your existing home chime in the app and follow the instructions to complete setup.
From the unexpected to the unforgettable
Don't Miss a Moment
Blink Subscription Plan
Experience the convenience and added benefits of the Blink Subscription Plan with a 30-day trial at no cost (up to $15/month in value). After your trial, you can subscribe for just $5 per month per device, or $15 per month for unlimited devices on a single account.
Learn more about the Blink Subscription Plan.
Local Storage: Sync Module 2
Save motion clips and photos from up to 10 Blink cameras connected to the Blink Sync Module locally in your home and view them through the Blink app or the computer by plugging in a USB flash drive (sold separately) for no additional fee.
Learn more about local storage via Sync Module 2.
Note: features like Live View and Motion Alerts are automatically available with Blink Indoor, Outdoor, and Mini at no additional cost.
Compare Blink Devices
| Price | From: $89.99 | From: $64.99 | From: $129.99 | From: $54.99 |
| Ratings | (11,791) | (11,791) | (2,419) | (121) |
| Power source | 2 AA lithium batteries | 2 AA lithium batteries | Battery-Powered | Plug-in |
| Battery life | 2 years | Long Lasting | 2 years | N/A |
| Weather resistant |
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Available with Blink Weather Resistant Power Adapter (sold separately) |
| Field of View | 135° horizontal, 80° vertical | 135° horizontal, 80° vertical | 143° diagonal | 143° diagonal |
| Motion-activated alerts |
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| Enhanced motion detection |
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| Person detection | Available with Blink Subscription Plan (sold separately) | Available with Blink Subscription Plan (sold separately) | ||
| On-demand video |
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| Video resolution | Up to 1080p | Up to 1080p | Up to 1080p | Up to 1080p |
| 2-way audio |
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| Works with Alexa |
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Frequently bought together
Reviews with images
Blink video doorbell
I purchased this doorbell on the 13th of April along with the blink mini 2 camera shown in the pictures. A picture of the bell Canada doorbell is also shown there disconnected and the Blink doorbell is currently connected. I received the items on the 14th of April. I was excited and was looking forward to start using them. The Blink doorbell was obviously purchased to replace my existing doorbell. I liked the look of it, it looks similar to the other one I have. The price was good but realized that there was more to it afterwards. (Equipment or subscription to be purchased for optimal use)I had someone help me to switch the doorbells out. Physically removing the existing doorbell and replacing it with the Blink doorbell was quick and simple enough. The issue started with adding the device to the Blink app that I needed to download. All was going well until it got to connection with my wifi. It would not connect, stating that my wifi password is incorrect and it was not. I tried several times with no success. I started doing some troubleshooting and it listed some apps that may cause the wifi not to connect. AVG, my phone's security was one of the apps listed, so I disabled it completely and tried again, no luck. I restarted my phone and tried again and it still wouldn't connect. The person that was helping me allowed me to use hot-spot from a cellphone and that worked. (This is now hours later) Then I was trying to figure out how to get the free subscription going, the instructions were not clear. I discovered that I had to link the Blink app to my Amazon account to get the 30 days trial started. I got to the end and everything was working well for about 5 minutes.I was trying to learn about the system and navigate the app when I got introduced to "Event Response". Live view immediately stopped working and nothing else seemed to work for a while. I started investigating this issue and apparently there are three reasons this happens. One if you do not have a sync module attached to the doorbell, two if the existing module needs to be replaced with a another, and three if there isn't compatible wiring. I didn't buy the module. According to all the information I read prior to purchasing this video doorbell, I will need a sync module or a subscription or both. One or the other would work perfectly fine. According to the setup instructions a module is not necessary or required and the same goes for a subscription. One would get those for video storage and other features. I had the subscription.So that leaves the wiring. I don't understand why the wiring would be an issue when I already had a video doorbell that was working perfectly fine for over 2 years. Then I remembered the wifi connection issue. So I decided to try and connect to my home network again. Hallelujah! It worked, but the celebration was short lived. Once I realized the "Event Response" mode was gone and live view was working I went back to my bedroom on the 3rd floor. I decided to adjust the settings for optimal performance. It couldn't have been more than 5 minutes after getting the device to work properly and adjusting the settings that "Event Response" mode was triggered again and this time I don't know how to clear it. To say I am angry and frustrated is an understatement.I had initially decided not to do a review, but I have read most of the reviews here and they are mixed. My conclusion is this, when it works it works well for some but when it doesn't it just doesn't. I didn't fare well with this. The reviews helped and that's why I did one. I will not make any recommendations one way or another, because when the device works it works well and when it doesn't there is no satisfactory resolution. I am disappointed. I was looking forward to using this Blink doorbell for years. I think I will return both the doorbell and the mini camera and try to find something else.I am updating my review to add that the Blink customer service team is very responsive and willing to help. Based on their response to my concerns, I will consider purchasing this doorbell in the near future when I actually need it. It is not something I needed right away so there is no rush to repurchase. However, I believe I will give it another try.
Top reviews from Canada
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in Canada on January 17, 2023
Colour Name: WhiteStyle: Doorbell SystemConfiguration: Video DoorbellVerified Purchase
Reviewed in Canada on June 27, 2024
Colour Name: BlackStyle: DoorbellConfiguration: Video DoorbellVerified Purchase
Reviewed in Canada on April 20, 2024
Colour Name: BlackStyle: DoorbellConfiguration: Video DoorbellVerified Purchase
I purchased this doorbell on the 13th of April along with the blink mini 2 camera shown in the pictures. A picture of the bell Canada doorbell is also shown there disconnected and the Blink doorbell is currently connected. I received the items on the 14th of April. I was excited and was looking forward to start using them. The Blink doorbell was obviously purchased to replace my existing doorbell. I liked the look of it, it looks similar to the other one I have. The price was good but realized that there was more to it afterwards. (Equipment or subscription to be purchased for optimal use)
I had someone help me to switch the doorbells out. Physically removing the existing doorbell and replacing it with the Blink doorbell was quick and simple enough. The issue started with adding the device to the Blink app that I needed to download. All was going well until it got to connection with my wifi. It would not connect, stating that my wifi password is incorrect and it was not. I tried several times with no success. I started doing some troubleshooting and it listed some apps that may cause the wifi not to connect. AVG, my phone's security was one of the apps listed, so I disabled it completely and tried again, no luck. I restarted my phone and tried again and it still wouldn't connect. The person that was helping me allowed me to use hot-spot from a cellphone and that worked. (This is now hours later) Then I was trying to figure out how to get the free subscription going, the instructions were not clear. I discovered that I had to link the Blink app to my Amazon account to get the 30 days trial started. I got to the end and everything was working well for about 5 minutes.
I was trying to learn about the system and navigate the app when I got introduced to "Event Response". Live view immediately stopped working and nothing else seemed to work for a while. I started investigating this issue and apparently there are three reasons this happens. One if you do not have a sync module attached to the doorbell, two if the existing module needs to be replaced with a another, and three if there isn't compatible wiring. I didn't buy the module. According to all the information I read prior to purchasing this video doorbell, I will need a sync module or a subscription or both. One or the other would work perfectly fine. According to the setup instructions a module is not necessary or required and the same goes for a subscription. One would get those for video storage and other features. I had the subscription.
So that leaves the wiring. I don't understand why the wiring would be an issue when I already had a video doorbell that was working perfectly fine for over 2 years. Then I remembered the wifi connection issue. So I decided to try and connect to my home network again. Hallelujah! It worked, but the celebration was short lived. Once I realized the "Event Response" mode was gone and live view was working I went back to my bedroom on the 3rd floor. I decided to adjust the settings for optimal performance. It couldn't have been more than 5 minutes after getting the device to work properly and adjusting the settings that "Event Response" mode was triggered again and this time I don't know how to clear it. To say I am angry and frustrated is an understatement.
I had initially decided not to do a review, but I have read most of the reviews here and they are mixed. My conclusion is this, when it works it works well for some but when it doesn't it just doesn't. I didn't fare well with this. The reviews helped and that's why I did one. I will not make any recommendations one way or another, because when the device works it works well and when it doesn't there is no satisfactory resolution. I am disappointed. I was looking forward to using this Blink doorbell for years. I think I will return both the doorbell and the mini camera and try to find something else.
I am updating my review to add that the Blink customer service team is very responsive and willing to help. Based on their response to my concerns, I will consider purchasing this doorbell in the near future when I actually need it. It is not something I needed right away so there is no rush to repurchase. However, I believe I will give it another try.
I had someone help me to switch the doorbells out. Physically removing the existing doorbell and replacing it with the Blink doorbell was quick and simple enough. The issue started with adding the device to the Blink app that I needed to download. All was going well until it got to connection with my wifi. It would not connect, stating that my wifi password is incorrect and it was not. I tried several times with no success. I started doing some troubleshooting and it listed some apps that may cause the wifi not to connect. AVG, my phone's security was one of the apps listed, so I disabled it completely and tried again, no luck. I restarted my phone and tried again and it still wouldn't connect. The person that was helping me allowed me to use hot-spot from a cellphone and that worked. (This is now hours later) Then I was trying to figure out how to get the free subscription going, the instructions were not clear. I discovered that I had to link the Blink app to my Amazon account to get the 30 days trial started. I got to the end and everything was working well for about 5 minutes.
I was trying to learn about the system and navigate the app when I got introduced to "Event Response". Live view immediately stopped working and nothing else seemed to work for a while. I started investigating this issue and apparently there are three reasons this happens. One if you do not have a sync module attached to the doorbell, two if the existing module needs to be replaced with a another, and three if there isn't compatible wiring. I didn't buy the module. According to all the information I read prior to purchasing this video doorbell, I will need a sync module or a subscription or both. One or the other would work perfectly fine. According to the setup instructions a module is not necessary or required and the same goes for a subscription. One would get those for video storage and other features. I had the subscription.
So that leaves the wiring. I don't understand why the wiring would be an issue when I already had a video doorbell that was working perfectly fine for over 2 years. Then I remembered the wifi connection issue. So I decided to try and connect to my home network again. Hallelujah! It worked, but the celebration was short lived. Once I realized the "Event Response" mode was gone and live view was working I went back to my bedroom on the 3rd floor. I decided to adjust the settings for optimal performance. It couldn't have been more than 5 minutes after getting the device to work properly and adjusting the settings that "Event Response" mode was triggered again and this time I don't know how to clear it. To say I am angry and frustrated is an understatement.
I had initially decided not to do a review, but I have read most of the reviews here and they are mixed. My conclusion is this, when it works it works well for some but when it doesn't it just doesn't. I didn't fare well with this. The reviews helped and that's why I did one. I will not make any recommendations one way or another, because when the device works it works well and when it doesn't there is no satisfactory resolution. I am disappointed. I was looking forward to using this Blink doorbell for years. I think I will return both the doorbell and the mini camera and try to find something else.
I am updating my review to add that the Blink customer service team is very responsive and willing to help. Based on their response to my concerns, I will consider purchasing this doorbell in the near future when I actually need it. It is not something I needed right away so there is no rush to repurchase. However, I believe I will give it another try.
Images in this review
