Setup Process: Simple and straightforward
There’s an easy-to-follow Setup Guide included in the Blink XT2 box. Our first step was to download the Blink Home Monitor App and create a Blink account using our email address. Each Blink XT2 system consists of a Sync Module along with one or more cameras (in our case, just one). The Sync Module, which has to stay plugged into power at all times, is what communicates your Wi-Fi connection to the Blink app and Blink devices. (If you already have a Sync Module, you can buy the XT2 as an add-on camera; everything is compatible.) To set up the Sync Module using the app, we took a photo of the QR code on its back, then plugged it in near our router until the lights blinked blue. Each of these steps is outlined very clearly on the Blink app, and we had no problems with it. Once the module was connected, we went ahead and added the camera. Again, adding the camera was easy, and the directions on the app were straightforward. We don’t usually have problems setting up our home tech, but the Blink setup was exceptionally easy. Adding the camera to the app was as simple as inserting the included batteries and using another QR code. Near the battery compartment, there’s also an option to switch the blue recording light on and off. We kept ours on. Once the camera is connected to the app, you can easily rename your camera; view the temperature, battery life, and Wi-Fi connection strength; enable the microphone; and reconfigure the settings to your preference. Once the tech part of the setup was complete, we moved onto mounting. The Blink XT2 comes with a camera mount, mount riser, and two screws. The mount itself is small and sleek and a definite upgrade from the mount included with the Blink XT, which we also tested for comparison. The mount easily clicks into the camera with a push, but you have to use the screws to mount to the wall where you want it. We used these instructions from the Blink website to help us with this part of the setup and again, had no issues. With the included mount, we didn’t have problems adjusting the positioning of the camera, but ideally, it would be nice to be able to adjust positioning from the app. Of course, we weren’t required to mount our Blink camera to use it, and for parts of our testing, we just placed the camera on a shelf or table.
Compatibility: As easy as you’d expect
The app itself is very simple; we had no trouble using it to access live video, record and speak through the two-way audio, receive motion alerts, and customize various camera and alert settings. We toyed around with the varying degrees of motion sensitivity, active areas, picture quality, and length of recording to make the camera most useful in our spaces. Again, we referred to the mounting instructions on the Blink support webpage to get the best out of our camera in the areas we mounted it. The app makes it easy to connect, control, and view multiple cameras—not to mention view saved videos and even create an arm and disarm schedule for your system. I like that both my husband and I were able to download the app on our phones, control the cameras when needed, and receive notifications when the cameras were triggered.
Battery: You don’t have to think about it
To check battery life, you simply open the camera of your choice on your Blink app. When it’s time to replace batteries, it will say “REPLACE.” You can also turn on battery notifications. If you prefer, you can power the cameras via USB instead of batteries.
Range: Slightly limited
Since the Sync Module is the key to each Blink camera’s ability to communicate with your app and Wi-Fi, it is essentially the center of your range. In our three-bedroom, approximately 2,100-square-foot home and yard, we had some issues with connectivity, mainly in the areas of the house where Wi-Fi is weaker (our basement, kitchen, and garage). In a larger home, you may experience issues with connectivity. The camera itself is totally weatherproof and can be placed indoors and outdoors, which gives you a ton of placement options. Also, the add-on cameras are very affordable so you could cover more areas and angles.
Camera, Video, and Sound Quality: Nothing fancy but does the basics well
The Blink XT2 system has a full-color 1080p HD camera, infrared HD night vision, and passive infrared PI for motion detection. The picture was clear in daylight and in night mode. You can easily zoom in and out of recorded and live video from the Blink app, although the picture quality will decrease if you do so, similar to the camera on your cell phone. It does take a few seconds for the Blink camera to begin recording triggered motion, and the live video feed has a slight delay. The delay isn’t out of the ordinary for home security systems, but the Blink was a little slow for our liking. We noticed that, in some cases, if a person was passing in and out of the camera’s sightline quickly, the Blink camera would record after they’d already gone. In the camera settings on the app, you can control the infrared illuminator intensity, choose the video quality, customize the motion triggers, speak through the camera, and listen to audio on the other side. The camera’s microphone and audio quality sound is fairly clear, but definitely not top of the line. In live view, you can stream 30 seconds of live video and record if you need to. Being able to record in live mode is a huge upgrade from the original Blink XT camera.
Price: An unbeatable value with no monthly fees
The Blink XT2 Camera system stands alone in terms of what you get for your money. The system and additional cameras are extremely budget-friendly but aren’t cheaply made or cumbersome to use or look at. At $89.99 for an add-on camera and $99.99 for a one-camera kit, they’re even cheaper than the original Blink XT cameras! Unlike other camera systems in this category, there’s no cost for cloud storage. Yes, you read that right. Blink allows you to save up to about 120 minutes of video for free. Having “no strings attached” not only makes this camera stand out in its category, but it also makes it easy to give as a gift.
Competition: More features but more expensive
Arlo Pro 2: The Arlo system may be your choice over the Blink if you’re looking for comprehensive, top of the line coverage. We also tested this device and found it has more features and more accessories and a local storage option. However, you pay for what you get. Depending on which kit you choose, the Arlo Pro 2 can cost anywhere from twice to five times the price of the Blink system. Logitech Circle 2: This Logitech model is a similar indoor/outdoor offering since it doesn’t require a subscription, but it isn’t wireless. We would choose the Blink for its wireless convenience. We would definitely recommend the upgraded Blink XT2 system to anyone in the market for an extremely affordable, high-performing wireless camera system with a strong app, two-way audio, and a good camera. You can’t beat the value this camera delivers.
