Unleash the Ultimate Smart Home Experience: Blink vs Ring Security Showdown

Blink vs Ring: Which Home Security System is Right for You?

Are you looking to start your home security system, but unsure of where to begin or which brand to choose? Look no further! Blink and Ring are two of the biggest names in home security, famous for their user-friendly and affordable options. Both owned by Amazon, what are the differences between the two? Does one offer better value for money than the other?

Price

When it comes to affordability, Blink takes the cake. Although its range is more limited than Ring’s, its Video Doorbell has an RRP of just £49.99/$47.99, while its Mini 2 security camera is just £34.99/$40. Not only that, but its accompanying subscription plan, which we’ll explain later in this article, starts at just £2.50/$3 a month.

On the other hand, Ring’s range of products comes with a wider variety of prices. While its entry-level Video Doorbell starts at just £49.99 and matches its Blink Video Doorbell cousin, you can find more premium doorbells starting at £99.99/$99.99. Additionally, its subscription plan is more expensive, with a starting cost of £4.99/$4.99 a month.

Products

As we touched upon earlier, Ring has a wider range of products, including devices for different household needs, which means a variety of prices. For versatility, Ring is undoubtedly a better option.

However, Blink covers the essential home security devices, with indoor and outdoor cameras, video doorbells, and floodlight cameras. The main difference is that Ring has multiple iterations of devices, allowing consumers to choose a device based on their specific needs.

Subscription

Unlike some security ranges that offer no monthly fees, both Blink and Ring have their own subscription service. Blink’s subscription plan is available in two options: Basic or Plus. Basic is £2.50/$3 per device a month or £24.99/$30 annually, while Plus covers unlimited Blink devices for £8/$10 a month or $80/$100 a year.

Both plans offer 90 minutes of continuous live streaming and up to 60 days of cloud recording storage (for the US, in North America).

Battery Life

For convenience, Blink and Ring offer both wired and battery-powered devices, suitable for all types of households. The battery life depends on the device and battery type used.

For example, Blink’s battery-operated devices, using two AAs, claim to last up to two years, but this will depend on usage. On the other hand, the Ring Battery Video Doorbell Pro’s battery is removable and needs to be recharged via USB port or wall outlet, and Ring states it can last up to three months before needing to be recharged, but again, this will depend on usage.

Final Verdict

If you’re just looking for an affordable way to keep an eye on your home, don’t need the best image resolution, and don’t want to spend too much on monthly fees, then Blink is a great option for you. Not only are its devices and subscription plan inexpensive, but we’re still impressed with the features and quality of the devices, with many ending up in our best indoor security cameras and best outdoor security cameras list.

However, if you need more from your security devices and want better picture quality, more variety, and the option for 24/7 recording (with the Ring Premium Subscription plan) then Ring is much better suited for you. With many of its security products making their way into our best lists, you can’t go wrong with a Ring device. Just be prepared to pay for the privilege.