Blink vs. Arlo Review

Arlo cameras are pricey, there are no two-ways about it. Arlo’s cheapest wire-free model, the Arlo Essential, is still about $20 more expensive than Blink’s outdoor security camera.

All but two of Arlo’s six current camera models cost well over $100. And Arlo’s more advanced cameras, like the Ultra 2 or the Pro 5S 2K, cost much more than a Benjamin.

Most of Arlo’s cameras require the Arlo SmartHub to run, so unless you already have a SmartHub lying around, make sure you’re buying a camera kit instead of just an add-on camera.

If you want to skip the SmartHub, then the Arlo Essential and the Arlo Pro 4 don’t need it. The Essential is also a lot cheaper than Arlo’s Pro or Ultra models.

If you want to use cloud storage for your Arlo cameras, and have access to all of Arlo’s smartest features (like object detection), then you’ll need to subscribe to a monthly Arlo Smart plan.

Notice that if you want full 4K resolution for your Arlo cameras, then you’ll need to subscribe to the Arlo Secure Plus Plan.

View Arlo Plans | Read the Arlo Security Camera Review

In contrast to Arlo, Blink security cameras are positively cheap. Blink’s most expensive camera starter kit costs about $80. And if you opt for the Blink Mini indoor camera, you’ll pay less than $30.

Blink’s version of the Arlo SmartHub is the Blink Sync Module 2. The Sync Module connects your cameras together and lets you store video footage locally on your own USB flash drive.

Blink’s cloud video storage subscription starts at the same price as Arlo’s Smart plans. You’ll pay $3 per month per camera for 60 days’ worth of cloud storage. If you have multiple cameras, you can pay $10 per month for unlimited cameras at a single location.

If you’re going to have more than five cameras, then Blink’s subscription plan is cheaper than Arlo’s—but its features aren’t nearly as smart.

View Blink Plans | Read the Blink Camera Review

Both Arlo and Blink offer wire-free camera models. That means the cameras don’t use any cords at all, not even a power cord. Wire-free cameras run off batteries, which makes them really easy to install. You can put Blink and Arlo cameras anywhere without worrying about power outlets.

Another Blink/Arlo similarity is that they both offer cloud and local storage options. They have monthly subscription plans if you prefer cloud storage, but if you’d rather keep your footage to yourself, then you can store videos on a USB flash drive plugged into the Blink or Arlo hub.

Arlo cameras are smart—much smarter than Blink cameras. Whereas Blink offers somewhat generic human detection, Arlo cameras can tell the difference between a person, an animal, a car, or a package.

Smarter recognition means that Arlo cameras send smarter notifications to your phone. Instead of just telling you “motion detected,” Arlo cameras can send alerts telling you what they saw, such as “vehicle detected.”

One last thing: if you’re a high-definition junkie, then Arlo cameras are where it’s at. Some Arlo cameras, like the Arlo Ultra 2, can go up to 4K, ultra-HD resolution, if you just gotta be able to see the brand name on your neighbor’s sunglasses when he walks by your house. And with motion detection with color night vision, you'll capture every detail of your teenager sneaking out last Saturday.

Blink cameras might not be as smart as Arlo’s models, but they still have a lot going for them. Blink offers five camera options: the Blink Indoor, Blink Outdoor 3, Blink Outdoor 4, Blink Mini, and Blink Mini Pan-Tilt.

The Blink Indoor and both Blink Outdoor cameras all battery-powered, wire-free cameras, so they’re a piece of cake to install. Best of all, these cameras have a two-year battery life. Compare that to Arlo’s roughly six-month-long battery life.

Blink cameras can’t measure up to Arlo’s 4K tech specs, but, to be honest, you don’t really need 4K resolution to get a crisp, clear image of your yard (or living room, or driveway). Blink cameras’ 1080p resolution is enough to give you a clear view of objects and faces, and it takes up less internet bandwidth than 4K.

Arlo has several more smart home integrations than Blink.

Not a lot of security cameras integrate with Apple HomeKit, but several Arlo models do. And that’s in addition to Arlo’s integrations with smart speaker standards Alexa and Google.

Blink has customizable settings in the Blink Home Monitoring app, but its third-party smart home integrations are limited.

Blink cameras don’t work with Google (or Apple HomeKit, or SmartThings). They do work with Alexa and IFTTT, but we consider that a pretty limited lineup.

Because both Arlo and Blink have wire-free cameras, they’re both a cinch to install. For either Arlo or Blink cameras, you’ll just need to download the app, sync your cameras with the hub, and put them wherever you want them.

If you don’t want a battery-powered camera, then Blink and Arlo both have hardwired models as well. These cameras are technically still considered “wireless” since they connect to your Wi-Fi network wirelessly. But these “wireless” cameras use power cords that you have to plug into the wall.

If you want fancy tech, then Arlo cameras win the day. They have higher video resolution, smarter software, and better smart home integrations.

But if you don’t care about having the smartest possible cameras and would rather save your money, then Blink cameras are a budget-friendly alternative.

• Features: Both Arlo and Blink have wire-free cameras with HD resolution, but only Arlo cameras can differentiate people, cars, animals, and packages. Some Arlo cameras also go up to 4K resolution, whereas the best you’ll get with Blink cameras is 1080p.
• Pricing: Arlo cameras are more expensive than Blink models—by a lot. Blink cameras are pretty cheap for what you get, whereas Arlo cameras are known for being pricey. You also need to subscribe to one of Arlo’s monthly plans if you want access to the highest possible resolution and all available smart features.
• Home automation: Blink’s home automation offerings are a little sad. Blink doesn’t work with Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, or Samsung SmartThings, whereas Arlo cameras work with all of the above. Both Blink and Arlo cameras work with Amazon Alexa and IFTTT.
• Installation: Arlo and Blink’s battery-powered cameras are easy to set up. You don’t have to string any cords, just link them to the app and put them wherever you feel like it.

Blink doesn’t have all the bells and whistles you get with Arlo cameras, but its cameras are still a solid choice for the price. Arlo cameras are great if you want the best and brightest security cameras out there, but otherwise, Blink will serve you just fine.

Read the Arlo Camera Review | Read the Blink Camera Review

We research and test home security cameras to compare based on these two categories: price and features.

To decide which smart security camera is the best for your home, we looked at pricing of equipment and plans, the innovative technology it possesses, smart home integrations, clear video, and professional monitoring.

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