Ring vs Blink Comparison

What do Ring and Blink have in common? A lot. They’re both part of the Amazon family – and they are both huge money-makers. They both offer high-tech but affordable cameras. And they both come from humble beginnings before becoming the household names they are today. Ring and Blink are essentially twins, but that doesn’t mean they’re identical. There are some pretty significant differences that you’ll want to consider when thinking about protecting your family.

One look at Ring and Blink and you’ll know they’re not exactly alike. Ring offers security cameras, doorbell cameras, and home security systems. Blink primarily offers security cameras, with only one doorbell camera compared to Ring’s eight doorbell models. On the other hand, Blink is more affordable, with cameras starting at $35.

That’s just scratching the surface though. You need to dig deeper if you’re going to compare both options for your home. Lucky for you, we tested Ring and Blink cameras side-by-side. Below, we take the major similarities and differences between these two one at a time so you can decide which is the right one for you and your family.

Blink and Ring Features & Tech

Before we get into all the ins and outs of how these two systems compare, let’s start by giving them each a chance to shine on their own. Just what are you getting when you get a Blink system? What are you getting with a Ring system? What are their most prominent features? Let’s find out!

Jaime Fraze Unboxing a Blink Security Camera

Blink Features & Tech

• 10-Camera Capacity: You can have as many cameras as you need, but battery-powered Blink cameras require a Sync Module. A Sync Module acts as a bridge between your router and the camera. Each Sync Module can connect up to 10 cameras. The other Blink cameras, from the plug-in Blink Mini to the Wired Floodlight Camera, don’t require a Sync Module.

Blink Cameras

• Internal Storage: Once you’ve purchased equipment from Blink, you never have to pay a single dime. Not only does Blink let you self-monitor your system, but with internal storage options you get video recording for free. The Sync Module can hold event clips locally. You just need to plug in a microSD card up to 256 GB (or a USB flash drive if you opt for the Sync Module 2). That’s not a lot of local storage though, especially compared to Lorex cameras we tested recently, which hold up to 1 TB.
• Affordable storage plans: If 256 GB isn’t quite enough of you, Blink also offers cloud storage plans with virtually unlimited capacity. In this case, you do have to pay a monthly subscription fee. However, that fee’s just $3 per camera, or $10 for unlimited cameras.

• Easy DIY Installation: These days self-installed systems are a dime a dozen. They aren’t all as DIY as you might expect, though. Plenty of companies offer confusing instructions or don’t manufacture their equipment with self-installation in mind. Not so with Blink. We managed to get our entire system installed in a matter of minutes. In part, that’s because there’s no required wiring and no required drilling. It helps that all Blink products are battery-powered. That also means the system is easy to adjust if you decide you’d rather get a different angle on your living room.
• 1080p HD Image Quality: All Blink cameras – both the outdoor and indoor models – come with 1080p HD resolution. That’s the industry standard, and there are certainly cameras out there on the market that offer even higher resolution, like some of Lorex’s 4K models. Still, there’s a reason 1080p is the industry standard. It’s crisp and clear enough to identify whoever or whatever happens by your home. We used ours to ID the neighbor’s cat who was digging up our rose bushes.
• Camera Selection: Blink doesn’t offer the selection Ring does, but you’ll find what you need. Inside, you can monitor your kiddos and nannies, contractors, or other service workers with the Blink Indoor. Meanwhile, the Blink Outdoor (3rd gen and 4th gen) provides complete coverage of your front and back yards. There’s also the compact, affordable Blink Mini and Blink Mini 2, a budget-friendly video doorbell, and a wired camera with built-in floodlights.

In addition, you might want to check out the new plug-in Mini Pan-Tilt. It can cover a whole room thanks to its 360-degree field of vision which can be remotely accessed from the Blink app. It’s a Blink Mini with a mechanical mount that makes the camera pan and tilt.

Ring Features & Tech

Boxed Up Ring Security Cameras

• Entry Sensors: We mentioned it earlier – Ring started as a video doorbell company, but it’s grown into a complete home security company. That means you can get more than just cameras. You can get all the equipment you need to protect your home, including entry sensors. Ring Alarm’s entry sensors alert you when someone enters your home through an exterior door or window. That means you don’t have to put a camera on every single entry, saving you tons of money. And because all your entry sensors communicate seamlessly with Ring’s cameras and other equipment, they add to your holistic safety. For more, check out our hands-on review of Ring Alarm.
• Doorbell Cameras: You didn’t think we’d forget about Ring’s doorbell cameras, did you? After all, Ring put doorbell cameras on the map! These cameras give you 24/7 access, in real time, to live video feeds of your front door and anyone – or anything – that happens to be there. With features like 1080p HD image quality, two-way talk, and night vision, Ring video doorbells protect against package theft and break-ins. These cameras include so many features that we can’t possibly list them all here. You can always check out our Ring Video Doorbell review, though, to find out more.

Ring Video Doorbell 3, Installed

• Indoor/Outdoor Cameras: Ring offers a variety of different security cameras, including several indoor and outdoor models, cameras with spotlights and floodlights, and even cameras for your car. All of these cameras are hardy. Ring’s outdoor cameras, for instance, are built to withstand harsh weather conditions so you can monitor the activity around your home rain or shine.

• Home Automation: Ring offers more than security equipment. Ring offers home automation options as well. That means you can control all your devices through Alexa or Google Home using just your voice. And you can connect a whole host of other smart home products to your system, like door locks from Schlage, garage door openers from Chamberlain, thermostats from Honeywell, and smart lights from Hue. Trust us, there’s nothing like telling your security system to bump the heat when you pull into your garage on a cold winter’s day. One Ring to rule them all, right?
• Alexa Compatibility: Another neat feature with Ring is that their cameras are Alexa-compatible, giving you hands-free voice control over your home video surveillance system. Ring Cams also work with Google Home now, but since Ring and Alexa are both Amazon-owned, the Ring/Alexa compatibility is seamless.
• Spotlights & Floodlights: Ring offers cameras with built-in spotlights and floodlights. We call this “active deterrence” in the industry, and it works! After all, criminals don’t want to be exposed by bright lights, and that’s exactly what these motion-triggered spotlight and floodlight cameras do.

Ring Floodlight Cam Mounted Outside

Blink and Ring Similarities

Besides being owned by Amazon and hated by prowlers everywhere, Blink and Ring cameras do have a few things in common.

• Affordability: We mentioned that Blink may be the better option for homeowners with tight finances, but both of these companies offer very affordable home security equipment. You can pick up cameras from Blink and Ring for reasonable prices – both feature devices that cost $50. You’re not locked into buying equipment you don’t need. Both companies let you purchase equipment ala carte, so you can buy a single camera and add to it when you’re ready. Both offer DIY installation, so you don’t have to worry about that cost. And both offer self-monitoring if a monthly plan isn’t in your budget.
• HD Video: You don’t sacrifice quality for affordability with Ring and Blink. While both companies offer low-cost cameras, you get some bang for your buck. Blink and Ring cameras offer crystal-clear 1080p HD resolution. That’s not up to par with the 2K and 4K cameras you can get with companies like Lorex security, but the truth is that, unless you’re trying to read the address on packages left on your porch, 1080p is all you need to identify anyone and anything that shows up on your property.

Ring Stick Up Cam Video Quality

• Wireless Home Security: Ring and Blink both offer wireless home security options. Wireless equipment doesn’t need professional installation, which saves you money upfront. You don’t have to worry about where you place equipment since you don’t have to worry about wires. Alerts and footage get sent directly to your mobile app so you know in an instant when something’s happening at home. Note that, if wireless systems appeal to you, you can find more options in our best wireless home security systems guide.
• DIY Installation: If you’re fretting over the fact that both of these systems require DIY installation, don’t. Both of these companies were built for DIY, and both have invested a great deal of time, energy, and money in perfecting their DIY setup processes. Put simply, anyone can install these systems. Both companies specialize in battery-powered and plug-in devices. In addition, most equipment makes use of Wi-Fi connections. With no wiring to worry about, you can put devices anywhere. Heck, depending on what you purchase, you might not have to do anything more than set a camera on an end table. Obviously, some equipment may require more know-how. If you purchase a wired video doorbell from Ring, you’ll have to turn a screwdriver and twist a couple of wires. If you want to position a Blink outdoor camera on the top of your roof, you may need a ladder and someone to spot you. You get access to clear instructions, though, and if that’s not enough, both companies offer video tutorials and extensive customer service options.
• Two-Way Talk: This is fast becoming a home security camera feature, but both Blink and Ring were early adopters. That’s the thing about these companies – they’re forward-thinking, always looking for new technology that can make life easier and safer. Two-way talk means we can find out who’s at the door without getting off the couch. That’s so convenient that we sometimes forget the fact that two-way talk ensures we never have to open the door to a stranger to find out who’s knocking.
• Night Vision: Another high-tech feature we don’t want to live without? Night vision. All Ring and Blink cameras come with night vision. The quality of that night vision varies depending on how much you’re willing to pay, but both companies recognize that nighttime is when most threats occur and you need to be able to see what’s happening outside your home even if it’s dark.

Ring Indoor Cam Night View

Blink and Ring Differences

Blink and Ring do have some overlap when it comes to their offerings, but there are several key differences that you need to consider before plunking down the credit card. These differences include:

• Camera Selection: Blink offers a total of seven products, including at least one indoor, outdoor, and doorbell camera. On the other hand, Ring sells seven products in the doorbell category alone. A bigger selection is better in most cases, as you’re more likely to find a quality camera that works for your home and budget.
• Range of Protection: The range of protection that Ring brings to the table is all-around better than Blink. Need an outdoor cam with a floodlight, they’ve got it. Need a doorbell camera? You’re set. Intrusion protection with door/window sensors? Check. Ring offers much more robust home protection compared to Blink. Currently, Blink only sells a few cameras.
• Reputation: Ring is a household name, while Blink is still finding its place in the market. That’s not to say that popularity means you’re getting a better product. Both Ring and Blink are great cameras in their own right. But Ring is tried-and-true with years in the industry and backed by Amazon’s deep pockets and Mr. Bezos himself. Just something to note.
• Field of Vision: Ring has cameras that boast up to a 160-degree field of vision, while many of Blink’s cameras only offer 110-degree FOV. However, with their new Mini Pan-Tilt, Blink now offers one camera with 360-degree coverage.
• Intrusion Protection: Remember that Ring sells the Ring Alarm home security system. This puts another layer of security around your home, with door/window sensors, motion sensors, and a Z-Wave hub with a built-in siren. Unfortunately, you won’t get any of this with Blink.
• Professional Monitoring: With a Ring Alarm system, you can sign up with 24/7 professional monitoring through the Ring Protect Pro plan. Essentially, you’ll pay $20 per month and Ring’s partner monitoring center will monitor your security system for you. This is a huge advantage for Ring. Blink doesn’t offer professional monitoring, so if you go with them, you’ll have to stay on top of everything yourself. That includes checking notifications when they come in, reviewing footage, and alerting the authorities when necessary.
• Pet Monitoring: Ring’s newest product is a set of custom features tailored to pet owners. Not only does Ring let you see and talk to your pets when you’re away from home, it lets you set up a pet profile so Ring Neighbors can help you track them down if they should go missing. You can even set up your Ring Doorbell to keep track of when your furry friends come and go through the front door, so you’ll know exactly when the dog walker stops by to walk them.

As you can see, we think Ring is an all-around better option compared to Blink cameras. Of course, Ring isn’t a perfect system, but there’s a reason why it ranks so high on our list of the best home security cameras available. In fact, there are several reasons!

Ring vs Blink: Snapshot of Costs and Fees

The Blink Indoor retails for $79 per camera, which is a very reasonable price considering the features you get. Keep in mind that you can also bundle and save with Blink — with 2-camera, 3-camera, and 5-camera kits saving you up to $100 or more.

The Blink Outdoor costs $99.99 and you’ll get the same packaged savings if you buy multiple cams at once. Finally, the Blink Mini indoor cam costs $34.99, and the Mini Pan-Tilt costs $59.99. Here’s our full rundown of Blink Camera pricing and packages.

Now, when we compare those costs to Ring, we find that Ring is the more expensive option of the two. Ring Indoor starts at a very reasonable $59.99, which is right in-line with Blink’s cameras. But from there, the outdoor cameras will run up to $249.99 for the newly released Spotlight Cam Pro.

Here’s where it gets tricky. If you’re looking at the bottom line, Blink is the more affordable option. It’s not always about the bottom line, though. Value is more important than price. Ultimately, Ring is worth the higher cost. It offers more options and better protections. You can get a complete rundown of all those options in our Ring Cam pricing guide. But, there’s no denying that Blink has the lower prices, as you can see below.

Blink Pricing Breakdown

And for comparison, here’s a breakdown of some of Ring’s most popular camera equipment:

A Look at Ring Cam Prices

Are Surveillance Systems Effective?

The main goals of a video surveillance system are to deter potential threats, keep you informed, and to notify you in case of an emergency. They act as a deterrent when the cameras are visible. When a criminal knows that he or she cannot enter your home without being seen (and recorded!), they will likely move on to target a different home.

Blink Outdoor Camera

Surveillance systems will also allow you to monitor your home while you are away. They’ll provide you with information such as whether you have packages waiting at the door, a visitor at your entryway, or a looky-loo trying to peek into your windows. Certain alerts and alarms will alert you in the case of an emergency situation as well. So there’s no denying the effectiveness of a camera system like Ring or Blink.

Ring vs. Blink: The Bottom Line

So there you have it: the good, the bad, and the ugly of these two camera-based security systems plus a comparison of those goods, bads, and uglies. But we know, what you really want is the bottom line. Which of these two systems do we prefer?

Well, we spent several weeks testing both Blink and Ring systems, and while we like Blink, we give the edge to Ring in this battle. Ring’s products have a better build, and their cameras come with more features. Plus, it’s easy to expand your system with Ring. They make a wide range of home security devices including a number of different cameras.

However, no security system is right for everyone. Blink has a lot going for it, too. We loved the resolution on Blink cameras, and Blink motion detectors are spot-on. Add in the fact that the company now offers an outdoor model, and you can count on Blink to keep you safe.

So, here’s the real bottom line. When it comes to the security of your home, you should do your homework (that’s why you have us!), weigh your options, and find the best system that makes sense for you, your family, and your budget. Make sure you keep in mind how many cameras you need, whether any will be used outside, how many home automation features you need, and whether or not you need a 24/7 monitoring service, and you can’t go wrong.

Video Recording in the Ring App