In today’s world of smart home security, two leading brands stand out as top contenders: Blink and Arlo.
When it comes to choosing between these two renowned brands, various factors such as budget, desired features, and integration with other smart devices will play a role in the decision-making process.
As we further explore the differences between Blink and Arlo, we hope to provide valuable insights to help you select the best home security system for your individual needs.
Table of Contents
Blink vs Arlo: Overview and Comparison
Brand History and Background
Blink is a home automation company that was founded in 2009 and got acquired by Amazon in 2017.
Blink focuses on offering affordable and easy-to-use security cameras for consumers.
Their products are primarily known for their wireless capabilities, ease of installation, and budget-friendly pricing.
Arlo, on the other hand, was created as a division within Netgear in 2014 and later spun off as an independent company in 2018.
Arlo offers advanced smart home security solutions, such as video doorbells and floodlights, in addition to their wireless camera offerings.
Their products are known for high-quality video footage, extensive feature sets, and broader smart home integrations.
Product Lineup
When comparing the product offerings of both brands, it’s essential to consider various factors such as pricing, features, and compatibility.
- Pricing: Blink’s cameras are generally more affordable than Arlo’s. For example, the Blink Mini costs around $35, while the Arlo Essential Indoor is priced at around $100. This makes Blink a popular choice for budget-conscious consumers.
- Features: Arlo has a more extensive feature set compared to Blink, offering advanced functionalities like cellular connectivity, and compatibility with a wide range of smart home ecosystems like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT, and Apple HomeKit. Blink’s cameras are more straightforward, with essential features like motion alerts, two-way audio, and HD video.
- Compatibility: Arlo offers better smart home integration with a wider range of voice assistants and devices, due to its extensive compatibility options. Blink, while offering compatibility with Amazon Alexa, has limited integration options in comparison.
- Wireless options: Both Blink and Arlo offer wireless security camera options, making installation convenient and less invasive. However, Arlo also provides a wired video doorbell option for consumers who prefer a more permanent installation.
In summary, Blink and Arlo target slightly different segments of the security camera market.
Blink is ideal for budget-conscious consumers looking for simple and affordable security camera solutions, while Arlo caters to those seeking more advanced features, better smart home integration, and higher-quality video footage.
Key Features and Differences
Video Quality
Arlo and Blink offer different levels of video resolution in their cameras.
Blink cameras offer a maximum resolution of 1080p, providing clear and detailed footage.
On the other hand, Arlo cameras have a wider range of video resolutions, including 2K and 4K, providing even sharper and higher quality videos.
- Blink: 1080p resolution
- Arlo: 2K and 4K resolution options
Night Vision
Night vision is an important feature for security cameras, allowing users to monitor their property during low-light conditions.
Both Arlo and Blink offer night vision capabilities.
However, Arlo has an edge in terms of color night vision, providing more detailed and vivid images during nighttime surveillance.
Motion Detection
Motion detection is essential for reducing false alarms and capturing relevant footage.
Both Blink and Arlo have advanced motion detection features, allowing users to assign activity zones and reduce the number of false-positive alerts.
Arlo stands out due to its ability to differentiate people, cars, animals, and packages – a feature not present in Blink cameras.
This leads to better alert accuracy and an improved user experience.
Two-Way Audio
Two-way audio allows users to communicate through the camera using a built-in speaker and microphone.
Both Arlo and Blink cameras offer this feature, enabling homeowners to speak with visitors or deter potential intruders.
Overall, both camera systems provide a strong set of essential features.
However, Arlo offers some higher-tier video and feature options, setting them apart from Blink.
- Arlo and Blink: Built-in speaker and microphone
- Enhanced field of view options available in some Arlo models
Pricing and Subscription Plans
Equipment Costs
Arlo cameras are generally more expensive than Blink cameras.
For example, the Blink Mini starts at $34.99, the Blink Indoor is priced at $79.99 for a single camera kit, and the Blink Outdoor costs $99.99 for a single camera kit.
In comparison, Arlo camera prices are considerably higher, making them a more premium option.
Cloud Storage
Both Arlo and Blink offer different cloud storage subscription plans for their cameras. Here’s a comparison between their plans:
Blink Basic:
- Price per camera: $2.99/month or $30/year
- Number of cameras supported: 1
- Days of rolling storage: 60 days
Arlo Smart:
- Price for a single camera: $3.99/month (when billed yearly)
- Unlimited cameras at one location: $9.99/month (when billed yearly)
Local Storage Options
Blink supports local storage with a SD card and a Sync Module 2. Arlo allows users to store recorded footage locally using a microSD card or an external storage device connected to the Arlo base station.
This feature gives users more flexibility in how they store their security footage and can help save on cloud storage costs.
Smart Home Integration and Compatibility
Amazon Alexa
Both Blink and Arlo security systems have compatibility with Amazon Alexa, allowing users to control their cameras with voice commands.
This provides a seamless experience for users who already have an Alexa-enabled device in their smart home ecosystem. With Alexa integration, users can easily live stream from their cameras or arm and disarm their systems.
Google Assistant
Arlo cameras offer compatibility with Google Assistant, enabling Google Home users to access their camera feeds and issue voice commands through their Google-powered devices.
Unfortunately, Blink cameras do not currently support integration with Google Assistant, limiting the options for users who want to pair their security system with a Google-based smart home ecosystem.
Apple HomeKit
Arlo is the more HomeKit-friendly option, as some of its cameras have compatibility with Apple HomeKit.
This integration allows Apple users to control their cameras and view live feeds directly within the Apple Home app. Users can also create automations and access the security system with Siri voice commands.
Blink, does not support Apple HomeKit natively but there are technical workarounds available.
IFTTT
When it comes to compatibility with IFTTT (If This Then That), Arlo and Blink are tied. .
Arlo cameras can be connected to IFTTT, which enables users to create custom automations and rules, integrating their security system with other smart home devices.
Blink cameras can also be connected to IFTTT.
SmartThings
Currently, neither Arlo nor Blink have official integration with SmartThings, a popular home automation platform.
This may limit options for users seeking to include their security cameras in a broader SmartThings-based smart home network.
However, it’s worth noting that some unofficial, community-based solutions may be available to connect Arlo and Blink cameras to SmartThings, but this is not officially supported by either company.
Installation and Ease of Use
Setup Process
Both Blink and Arlo offer wireless cameras that make for an easy installation process.
In the case of Blink, the cameras are battery-powered, and mounting hardware is included.
For Arlo, the cameras use rechargeable batteries, and diverse mounting options are available, making it simple to attach the cameras to various surfaces.
Each system requires a Wi-Fi connection for seamless connectivity and performance.
In general, the range of your wireless network will depend on your router, and both systems should work with most standard home Wi-Fi setups.
A reliable internet connection is necessary for smooth functioning.
Mobile App
Both systems offer dedicated mobile apps for Android and iOS devices. These apps facilitate remote access, customization, and management of your security system.
The apps ease of use is an advantage for both Blink and Arlo.
Through the app, users can:
- Monitor live video feeds
- Control camera settings
- Receive motion-triggered alerts
- Easily connect new devices to your network
Activity Zones
Arlo and Blink both provide the functionality of setting up Activity Zones. These are specific areas within the camera’s field of view that you can define to monitor more closely for motion.
Whenever motion is detected within an activity zone, the cameras will send an alert to your mobile app. Setting up activity zones can help reduce the number of unnecessary alerts while maintaining a focus on crucial areas.
To summarize, both Blink and Arlo security systems focus on providing an easy installation process, reliable Wi-Fi connectivity, and user-friendly mobile app experiences.
While their offerings in terms of simplicity, utility, and features may vary, their overall ease of use and commitment to offering wireless cameras make them strong contenders in the home security space.
Indoor and Outdoor Camera Options
Blink Mini and Sync Module 2
The Blink Mini is an affordable indoor camera option starting at $34.99. It offers live video streaming, motion detection, and customizable zones for monitoring specific areas.
The Blink Mini can store footage on a Blink Sync Module 2 ($34.99), which comes bundled with the Blink Indoor and Blink Outdoor cameras.
Arlo Essential Indoor and Pro 4
Arlo Essential Indoor is a versatile home security camera designed for indoor use. Its key features include two-way communication, night vision, and compatibility with a range of smart home systems.
For outdoor security needs, there’s the Arlo Pro 4, which offers enhanced video quality, color night vision, and a wire-free design for easy installation.
Arlo Ultra 2 and Video Doorbell
The Arlo Ultra 2 is a high-end camera option designed for both indoor and outdoor use. With 4K video quality, it provides the best video clarity among the Arlo lineup.
This camera also offers features such as auto-zoom, tracking, and two-way communication.
For a specialized outdoor option, Arlo offers their Video Doorbell.
This camera offers live video, two-way audio, and customizable motion detection zones. It’s a great addition to a home security setup for monitoring front door activity.
In summary, both Blink and Arlo offer various indoor and outdoor camera options to cater to different security needs.
The Blink Mini, Blink Indoor, and Blink Outdoor focus on simplicity, while Arlo offers more advanced features such as two-way communication and tight integration with smart home systems.
Advanced Features and Technologies
Facial Recognition and Object Detection
Arlo security cameras are capable of differentiating people, cars, animals, and packages.
This level of object detection helps to filter out unimportant events and allows the user to focus on more significant events.
Blink, on the other hand, does not offer this level of object detection.
Smart Motion Detection
Both Blink and Arlo home security systems utilize smart motion detection. These wire-free security cameras are designed to detect and send alerts to your mobile app when motion is detected.
This feature helps in efficiently monitoring your property and providing real-time notifications.
Battery Life and Backup
Battery life is an essential aspect of wire-free security cameras. Arlo and Blink both offer battery-powered solutions for their security systems.
Arlo cameras are known to have a longer battery life compared to Blink cameras, ensuring a more reliable security setup.
Both systems also provide local video storage options when used with a base station, which can serve as a backup solution in case of connectivity issues or cloud storage limitations.
Professional Monitoring
While both Arlo and Blink home security systems offer advanced features and technologies, it is essential to note that professional monitoring services may vary.
Blink does not provide the same level of professional monitoring as other popular home security systems. A
rlo, on the other hand, does offer a more extensive range of professional monitoring services, helping to ensure the safety and security of your property.
Overall, the choice between Arlo and Blink depends on your specific security needs and budget constraints.
Both systems have advanced technologies and features that can help protect your property.
However, Arlo does have the edge in terms of facial recognition, object detection, and professional monitoring services.