Skip to main content

Blink joins the video doorbell space with its ultra-affordable $50 offering

Blink is well known in the smart home space for its affordable indoor and outdoor cameras. Now, Blink seeks to adorn your door frame with its first video doorbell. Announced during Amazon’s Fall September 2021 event, the doorbell can be installed wired or wirelessly depending on your needs. You’ll get typical video doorbell features like 1080p HD video day or night, two-way audio, customizable motion detection zones, and alerts on your smartphone when your bell is pressed.

One interesting aspect of this doorbell is that it runs on two included AA lithium batteries. Wired installations can last up to two years before the batteries need to be replaced. Wireless connections will be significantly shorter depending on your environment and use, of course. Blink also recommends the use of a Sync Module 2 when running the doorbell on battery power.

Recommended Videos

The doorbell comes with a free 30-day trial subscription to the Blink Subscription Plan. Of course, the bell also works with Echo and Fire devices for hands-free, voice-controlled monitoring.

The Blink video doorbell installed outside of home.
Blink

Additionally, Blink launched two other accessories to expand its lineup even further. The new Blink Floodlight camera mount and solar panel mount both work with Blink Outdoor to expand its utility. The Blink Floodlight mount adds 700-lumen floodlights to Blink Outdoor with motion triggers. Meanwhile, the Blink solar panel mount harnesses the power of the sun to power your Blink Outdoor.

All three devices are available for preorder in the U.S. starting today. Pricing for the doorbell is $50 on Amazon.com. The Blink Floodlight Camera mount can be purchased individually for $40, or you can buy a bundle with the Blink Outdoor and Floodlight mount for $140. The Blink solar panel can be purchased bundled with a Blink outdoor starting at $130.

Blink hasn’t really impressed us with its latest offerings. The video doorbell is certainly competitively priced at just $50. Only the Wyze video doorbell comes close to that price, bundling a video doorbell and wireless chime for the same amount of money.

The Blink floodlight mount adds a 700 lumen floodlight to the outdoor camera.
Blink

On the camera end, both the floodlight and solar panel mounts undercut most of the competition, but that’s always been Blink’s bread and butter. We’re most interested in the doorbell, though Blink did not announce key specifications like the field of view or build materials. Still one of our key criticisms of the Blink Outdoor camera was the lack of upgrades from its predecessor, and both of these accessories are significant upgrades so they pique our interest as well.

Adam Doud
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Adam had been writing in the tech space for nearly a decade. When not hosting the Benefit of the Doud podcast, he can be…
Which Ring Video Doorbell should you buy on Prime Day?
Ring Video Doorbell 3

In the world of video doorbells, Ring has made a name for itself for its countless models over the years -- stretching as far back as 2015 with the original model’s release. Since then, it’s gone on to encompass a wide range of models and price points. Knowing that Prime Day deals are on the horizon, you’ll need to know which Ring video doorbell you should buy. Naturally, you can expect several Prime Day Ring Doorbell deals, but we’ll keep the list simple so you can simply focus on them instead and have fewer things to juggle around with your search!

Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen)

Read more
Ring Video Doorbell Wired vs. Video Doorbell Pro 2
ring video doorbell pro 2 vs 3 plus press png

The Ring Video Doorbell Wired and Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 are both wired-in video doorbell solutions, but what’s the difference between them, and is one a more worthwhile buy than the other? We evaluate the specs and features in a side-by-side comparison. If you want to dig into what else is out there from Ring, be sure to check out our Ring Video Doorbell buying guide to see which is best for you.
At a glance

Ring Video Doorbell 2 Pro

Read more
Nest Hello vs. Ring Video Doorbell Pro: Which is better for you?
Ring Video Doorbell Pro

A video doorbell is a great way to add valuable home security to your property and convenience like no other. Using your bell's mobile app, you can see who's standing on your front stoop and communicate with them through two-way talk. Features like motion alerts are another huge advantage. If there's someone perambulating your property (who shouldn't be there), your bell will ping your mobile device with an alert, allowing you to check in and phone the authorities if need be.

There are several video doorbells for sale from a variety of different brands, but two of the most well-known options are the Nest Hello and the Ring Video Doorbell Pro. Between these two, which should you buy? We compared both side by side to determine which video doorbell reigns supreme.
At a glance

Read more