Blink Mini Indoor Camera Review

The Blink Mini is basically the same as Blink’s other security cameras. Except that, while Blink’s other cameras run off batteries, the Blink Mini has a power cord you plug into the wall.

The power cord makes this snack-size Blink camera a little more restricted than other Blink indoor camera models as far as placement goes. But on the bright side, you never have to worry about changing the batteries.

Blink Mini indoor camera features: 

• 1080p resolution
• Night vision
• Two-way audio
• Motion detection
• 24/7 live view from Blink app
• 110º field of vision
• Activity zones
• 2.4 GHz network compatibility
• Mobile app support
• Cloud and local storage options
• Amazon Alexa integration
• Detachable camera head

Power cords aside, the Blink Mini has just about everything we expect in a decent home security camera. Not only do you get motion detection, but you'll be able to set specific motion detection zones or "Activity Zones." You'll also have HD resolution that gives you clear images of indoor spaces, as well as two-way audio and OK night vision. If you want to see, talk to, and hear your kids or pets while you’re away from home, then the Blink Mini can keep you in the loop.

In our tests, we had no complaints about the Blink Mini’s daytime image quality. But Blink cameras don’t have the best night vision. Be aware that faces start to get blurry at more than a few feet away from the camera.

The Blink Mini comes on a little ball-head swivel stand. But if you’d rather have a small, square camera you could set discreetly on a bookshelf, then you can detach the Blink Mini camera from the stand for easier stashing.

We liked the Blink MIni better on the stand because it kept it more secure from being pulled askew by the power cord. (This camera weighs practically nothing—a strong breeze could blow it over.) But the Blink Mini’s small size would make this camera a pretty good nanny cam if that’s your jam.

We love it when security cameras offer both cloud and local storage options. If you’re concerned about hackers, then local storage is safer and more secure than cloud storage. And, unlike cloud storage, local storage doesn’t usually require you to pay a monthly subscription cost.

The Blink Mini works with Blink’s Sync Module 2 to let you store video footage on a USB flash drive. A single Sync Module 2 works for multiple Blink cameras, so you can connect any other Blink cameras you have to the same module.

Blink’s smart home options are a bit lackluster. The Blink Mini will work with your Amazon Alexa. And it works with IFTTT, so you can set up routines with other IFTTT-compatible smart devices. But . . . that’s about it.

If you have a Google Home, the Blink Mini won’t work with it. The Mini also doesn’t work with Apple HomeKit or Samsung SmartThings.

We understand the HomeKit thing—not very many cameras work with Apple. But Google? C’mon, Blink.

The setup process for the Blink Mini should take you less than 10 minutes—it’s easy. Just download the Blink mobile app and create an account if you don’t have one already. From there, you’ll just add the Blink Mini as a new device.

The app will tell you to scan the QR code on your camera, and then it’ll help you connect the Mini to your Wi-Fi network.

Once it’s all synced up, you can customize your camera’s settings in the mobile app. Blink lets you set schedules, adjust motion sensitivity, and block out any areas you don’t want the camera to pay attention to.

That last part is really useful if you’ve had other cameras that send you way too many notifications just because a tree branch waved outside your window on a windy day.

The Blink Mini is a solid little camera for the price. You'll get plenty of custom setting options with the Blink app and the daytime footage from the Blink Mini looks sharp and clear.

Features: The Blink Mini has just about everything you’d expect from an indoor camera, including a 24/7 live view, night vision, and two-way audio. You'll also be able to set up specific activity zones, which allow you to edit the camera's field of view to avoid a motion alert overload due to a high-traffic area. It’s also very small—and even smaller if you take the camera off its stand.

Pricing: It doesn’t get much more affordable than the Blink Mini. You’ll pay less than $40 for this little cam. Just remember you’ll have to pay a separate monthly price for a Blink subscription plan if you want cloud storage.

Home automation: Blink’s a slacker on the smart home front. The Blink Mini works with Alexa and IFTTT, but that’s it. There’s no Google integration to be found here.

Installation: The Blink Mini should take you only a few minutes to set up. Just download the Blink app, create an account, and follow the in-app instructions.

If you just want a simple little camera to keep an eye on your pets or kids, then the Blink Mini will get the job done.