by 5 reviews.
Like-New Blink Video Doorbell: A Comprehensive Review
The Blink Video Doorbell is not just another digital sentinel for your doorstep; it’s a sophisticated piece of technology that combines the convenience of modern connectivity with the simplicity of user-friendly design. Whether you’re across town or across the country, this sleek and stylish video doorbell empowers you with 1080p HD day and infrared night video, two-way audio, motion detection, and app alerts—all with the voice-enabled support of Amazon Alexa. Available in a classic black finish, this versatile device can be installed wired or wire-free, making it an adaptable addition for any home setup.
Introduction
Surveillance and security have become more than necessities; they’re cornerstones of our peace of mind. The Blink Video Doorbell, refurbished to like-new condition and offering the same limited warranty as a brand-new device, delivers on expectations through its sharp HD video and responsive real-time alerts. It allows homeowners to effortlessly connect to an existing doorbell system or enjoy the versatility of a wire-free setup. Users appreciate the doorbell’s capability to save clips locally with the Sync Module 2 or on the cloud via the Blink Subscription Plan. It’s the modest powerhouse for people looking to blend convenience, aesthetics, and security into their everyday lives.
The Blink video doorbell commands attention not only for what it provides but also for its competitive pricing. Here’s a breakdown of what customers love and what they feel could use improvements based on real-life experiences.
1. Quality and Performance
Pros
Customers across the board are quick to praise the Blink Video Doorbell's high-quality video resolution. With 1080p HD video during the day and infrared capabilities at night, users marvel at the device's clarity regardless of the time. “Video is very clear,” one customer notes, highlighting the satisfaction that comes with crisp and accurate footage. The built-in two-way audio feature allows seamless interaction with visitors, transforming casual hellos or parcel deliveries into clear, efficient communication.
The camera further stands out in its category, able to capture vivid detail during both daytime and nighttime. Its surveillance capabilities rival high-end smartphone cameras, as praised by numerous satisfied users.
Cons
Despite the impressive clarity, customers frequently express frustration over the motion sensor's sensitivity. “The motion sense activates the camera too late,” they mention, lamenting that footage often captures individuals too late—just as they reach or leave the camera view. This lapse, posing a problem for those hoping for prompt alerts, contrasts sharply with budget motion-sensor lights that demonstrate superior sensitivity from further away. A significant upgrade to the Blink Video Doorbell’s motion detection appears necessary if only to enhance its effectiveness as a true security device.
2. Installation and Usability
Pros
If installation complexity warrants concern, users are quick to quell fears with praise. It’s rated a simple task, with one user stating: “Installation was extremely simple, and the lithium AA batteries last months.” This ease—partly due to the comprehensive setup guide and intuitive app interface—contributes to what many identify as an effortless user experience. Furthermore, the customizable settings for privacy and activity zones make Blink an approachable choice for new users and veterans alike.
Cons
While users appreciate how straightforward the installation can be, challenges arise with attempts to link Blink devices to existing Amazon accounts. A customer describes the process as “basically impossible,” which poses potential discouragement for those uninterested in additional troubleshooting. Comments also focus critically on the absence of robust customer support. “No Technical Support what so ever,” a user laments, noting there's no chat, hotline, or direct email for assistance.
3. Subscription and Cost
Pros
A significant advantage of Blink’s system is its versatility when it comes to video storage. Blink offers a free 30-day trial of its subscription plan, delivering a valuable glimpse into its functionality at no cost. After the trial, individuals retain the freedom to choose between continuing the subscription model or employing the Sync Module 2 for local storage, the latter option available at a competitive price point.
The device's affordability seems to resonate, with a user feedback terming the price as “5 stars.” The Blink Video Doorbell is regarded as a cost-effective option while alleviating some pressure on monthly budgets compared to similar devices on the market.
Cons
Unsurprisingly, subscription constraints become apparent post-trial. Customers express dissatisfaction with restricted video access, finding that functions cease if a subscription isn’t started after the trial. "THIS IS NOT A FREE SERVICE. IF YOU DON'T PAY A SUBSCRIPTION, YOUR CAMERA WILL STOP WORKING,” one user emphasizes, highlighting the service's potential limitations for users on a budget or seeking long-term, subscription-free solutions.
Conclusion
In summary, the Blink Video Doorbell offers impressive video quality, effortless installation, and valuable customization options which appeal widely to tech-conscious homeowners. The subscription model provides flexibility, but the absence of accessible customer service and relatively ineffective motion detection remain key areas needing enhancement. While its initial value and ease are commendable, its performance underlines a need for refinements in its motion sensing and post-purchase support.
Overall, Blink Video Doorbell serves as an accessible entry point for smart home enthusiasts desiring enhanced security and convenience at a manageable cost. True security-focused consumers, however, may weigh alternative systems with improved motion detection capabilities for comprehensive coverage. Each interaction with the Blink Video Doorbell nudges towards peace of mind—an overture that encapsulates its place as a modest yet formidable companion in home security solutions.
Specification Like-New Blink Video Doorbell (newest model), Two-way audio, HD video, motion and chime app alerts and Alexa enabled — wired or wire-free (Black):
Comments from Amazon:
Excellent. very easy to set up. great price. great camera monitoring system. love it.
I had purchased this thinking I would have constant live views but not the case. The first month of the camera everything seem fine. I was getting motion notifications, ring videos every once and a while I’m able to get a live view through the app. After my 30 days of free trial, everything stopped functioning. If someone rings the door bell I can see through A notification video but I can’t review the video freely unless I pay for the trial after the free 30 days. They have different payment options and plans. Also for a good cheap price so it’s not that bad. The battery life has been good so far. It was a easy set up with a manual screwdriver.
Works great and installation was easy.
We bought 2 Blink Wired Spotlights and this Door Bell and have the exact same problem with all 3. Apparently Amazon just bought Blink to kill it off, there is absolutely No Technical Support what so ever. There’s no chat, there’s no 1-800 number, there isn’t even an email address. The claims of tech support are a form you fill out asking for your email address with limited characters on a web page. No one will contact you back. -The price is 5 stars. -The construction quality is 5 stars. -The ease of installation and set up is 5 stars. -The camera quality is 5 stars. -On our flood lights the lighting is 5 stars. - wireless doorbell is 5 stars. -The option of buying a low priced sync module for no subscriptions is 5 stars. -The yearly subscription is very reasonably priced and would be 5 stars if it included any level what so ever of customer support, there’s none, zero. -The huge FAIL on all of these Blink products is the worthless motion sense. This one simple oversight in design has made an otherwise awesome product not only worthless but useless. The max range for the motion sense to activate on all of it is maybe 8 feet away. By the time the light turns on its too late, you’re pretty much past the light already even though the lights will light up a good 100 feet out. By the time the motion sense activates the camera, 6’-8’ away, what ever would be in view of the camera is either already right at the camera or past it. The camera can view in great detail further and better than most high end cell phone cameras, but its all worthless if it isn’t turned on till something is already right at or past the camera already. There is absolutely no excuse what so ever for this major design oversight by putting such a great product together and then completely failing on the quality of the motion sense. The motion sense is like the heart or brain of the entire product. Its like building by hand a high end sports car with no expenses spared, then installing a 1 HP outboard boat motor under the hood. We have motion sense outdoor lights on our RV that we paid $15 for and they work flawlessly. At max sensitivity they sense motion over 40 feet away, they also never false trigger by moths flying in front of them, spiders climbing on them or leaves blowing. Why would Blink not of designed this with better motion sensors?????????
5 stars so my review gets noticed. The camera quality is just okay. Microphones are pretty good. Camera always misses the actual movement that set it off and starts recording about 4 seconds later. Looks like people appear out of thin air on the camera. Camera will sense movement as people approach the door but only begins recording after they have left, or will appear as though they just materialized out of thin air on the top step. If somebody vandalizes your door or steals a package from you, you will not see it on the camera. It will only start recording after the event has happened that the person is gone, leaving you with dozens of videos of an empty stoop. THIS IS NOT A FREE SERVICE. IF YOU DON'T PAY A SUBSCRIPTION, YOUR CAMERA WILL STOP WORKING. All of their ads say that you can use basic features without a subscription plan- this is not true. Your camera will stop taking videos after 2 months. The subscription is $10/month. Might be a cute camera system to watch your dog on, or chat with your friendly neighbor when you aren't home. However, if you are purchasing this for security reasons: pay the extra dime for a better brand. It is not worth the subscription costs to capture dozens of videos of an empty porch AFTER somebody has swiped your packages and walked away.
For some reason, it's basically impossible to link this to my amazon account, where I have tried to purchase a Blink subscription. Otherwise it works great. Without the subscription, I still know when people arrive at my home, and I have the hub and a USB stick so it saves all the photos and videos for me. Video is very clear. When I watch remotely, a blue light comes on, so it's obvious to the person at my door. Installation was extremely simple, and the lithium AA batteries last months. For the price, this is a great value.