Blink Outdoor vs. Ring Stick Up (2021): Best Amazon-Owned Camera?

Summary

Ring Stick Up offers more features than Blink Outdoor. However, a monthly subscription is necessary. Whereas with Blink’s new Sync Module 2, you can enjoy recording without any additional cost – albeit the initial one-time purchase of $30 to access these benefits.

Free

Investing in Ring or Blink means unlocking all the features these smart cameras have to offer. However, there are still benefits that can be accessed without subscribing – you can access a live feed of your camera and receive notifications when motion is detected as well as communicate two-way audio with people at the door from afar.

If you buy their new Sync Module 2 (not released yet), Blink will even provide free recordings if needed! Or, for those who own an older generation device once sold by Blink, your recordings remain free too!

Subscription

With Blink’s Cloud Storage service, you can enjoy the benefits of their ‘Instant On’ motion detection feature. Easily store footage for a rolling 60-day period without worrying about replacing older files – they are taken care of automatically!

Further customizing your experience with adjustable clip lengths between 5 and 60 seconds (with longer clips leading to quicker battery drainage), you have full control over live feeds from devices and activity zones that reject unwanted notifications. Though there is one drawback: Unfortunately, person detection has yet to be implemented in this powerful security system.

With the Ring Protect Plan, users can access the motion-based recording for up to 60 days of cloud storage. Despite this capability, however, one should not rely on either Ring or Blink solely for security purposes as these cameras are merely affordable options with a few basic features included; additional premium capabilities such as 24/7 recording were found to be unavailable.

While it may miss out occasionally due to its adjustable settings between frequent and light detection rate thresholds, 90% accuracy is still obtainable by taking advantage of the plan’s various offerings.

Hardware

When it comes to construction and features, Ring is the superior choice due to its higher quality. Blink runs on two AA batteries with a declared battery life of up to two years. However, this seems unrealistic unless used only at minimum settings for short video clips.

With more regular use, such as medium-quality footage lasting an average of 30-45 seconds per clip, users should anticipate replacing their batteries every couple of months rather than annually. This makes Blink less suitable when monitoring areas that receive heavy traffic or frequent visitors. Additionally, powering via micro USB might be problematic in wet weather conditions.

Blink offers a convenient setup for up to 10 cameras, each connected via its own Sync Module. This camera is resilient and can withstand temperatures from frigid 4 degrees Celsius all the way up to sweltering 113 degrees Fahrenheit, plus it’s waterproof too!

However, low-quality materials such as flimsy plastic mounts used in the construction of Blink’s hardware design have been critiqued by many users. Even durability was an issue with a battery cover latch that occasionally struggles to stay fully closed.

Ring, on the other hand, presents the craftsmanship you’d expect, considering its pricing point. They boast rechargeable batteries that offer approximately two months of operation before needing to be recharged. They simply remove them and use the micro USB charging cables provided or buy additional spares if required.

Alternatively, powered Ring versions are also available when there is access near an outlet without any extra cost for the purchase price.

Our base stand offers superior stability compared to its competitors, and the camera can be mounted on a flat surface or secured to your wall without additional modules. Additionally, it boasts an impressive range of temperatures from -5°F all the way up to 120°F, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use in almost every climate. What’s more? The entire system is powered solely by your router, so no bridge is required!

Software

Ring’s features provide a more robust security experience than Blink, offering far greater customization when it comes to notifications and arming/disarming. While Amazon has improved the server issues that were once notorious for Blink users, their app continues to be less user-friendly than Ring; scheduling is difficult, and thumbnails are hard to see.

Furthermore, there is no online portal available from which one can monitor activity or change settings – resulting in an increased chance of unwittingly turning off motion tracking altogether.

Blink, an Amazon-owned security camera system, integrates with Alexa to deliver live feeds from Fire TV and Echo Show. Furthermore, voice commands are made possible – creating convenient access for users. Blink sets itself apart by working without the need for Google Assistant or Siri, allowing recordings at any given moment no matter where you may be located due to its lack of geofencing capabilities.

However, this has certain drawbacks, such as AA battery limitations that prevent scheduling recording options alongside lag times up to seven seconds long and three-second sound lags during two-way communication through their microphone function. Also, it requires one’s constant pressing of the mic button throughout talking sessions.

Ring enables you to have a smooth and virtually lag-free two-way conversation without the hassle of having to push buttons. The interface provides an effortless timeline featuring clear thumbnails that can be recorded on demand with just one press of a button for added convenience.

Additionally, Ring presents its ‘Motion Snooze’ feature from within their app, which disables recording for up to 1 hour – though geofencing is not supported yet, so Alexa Routines are there as a workaround solution! Furthermore, Blink may take precedence over Ring when it comes down to motion zone customization. However, subscribers benefit from the Neighbors Feed, where emergencies such as fires or major storms could be broadcast across your community.

With Ring and Alexa, you can effortlessly arm or disarm your security system with just a few words. Plus, enjoy the privilege of viewing live feeds from Fire devices in under four seconds! For added convenience, Google Assistant integration allows for controlling select smart locks – such as Kevo – right within the Ring app.

Record Quality

When choosing a home security camera, video and audio quality are two important things to consider. Ring offers superior recording compared to Blink Outdoor due to its better resolution definition when zooming, improved night vision, and marginally delayed but higher-quality sound capture capability.

For the highest possible level of recording excellence available on the market right now, however, Arlo Pro 2 or Eufy cameras represent ideal solutions for DIY-savvy homeowners looking for assurance that their recordings will be truly top-notch.

Final Thoughts

Both Blink and Ring provide basic motion-activated camera systems. However, they present varying benefits. While Ring offers superior quality recordings with advanced hardware and software capabilities, the release of Sync Module 2 will allow local recording at no additional cost – making it a great budget alternative for security mountings.