Blink vs. Arlo: A Comprehensive Comparison

Jack

By Jack

Update on

Blink vs. Arlo

Home security cameras have become one of the most compulsory aspects of modern-day society. What you spend on a good security camera is not just an expenditure but an investment in your security.

After all, protecting your loved ones and property should be your prime concern, and security cameras are immensely helpful. With that said, both Blink and Arlo are prominent choices when it comes to security cameras.

Both of these cameras come with impressive features, and many users wonder what to choose. To help you out, we have compared Blink vs. Arlo so you can decide which is better.

In fact, in this review, we intend to compare two popular models that come under Blink and Arlo. In other words, we compare Arlo Pro and Arlo Pro 2 with Blink XT and Blink XT2.

First, let’s take a look at the main features associated with Blink XT.

Blink XT
Waterproof characteristics
  • One of the most notable features of Blink cameras is that they come with waterproof characteristics. So, you can easily place a Blink camera even outside of your house without worrying about the rain factor.
Motion Detector
  • Blink security cameras come with a built-in motion sensor system. When this sensor system is triggered, it will send a notification to your smartphone. In addition to that, it will record a short clip of the incident that took place. This clip will be saved in cloud storage.
Security system with battery backup
  • Blink cameras come with batteries, and these batteries can last up to 2 years. These batteries are AA lithium batteries that have a standard 1.5v power. The connection between the IP cameras is established using Wi-Fi technology.
Blink XT 2
Better battery life
  • With Blink XT2, you can expect a better battery life. That is in addition to the two-way talk feature. With the assistance of this two-way talk feature, you will be able to assure better security as well. In addition to that, it offers a live view together with motion recording. With all those features, you can expect a better battery life, which is exceptionally handy.
Two-way audio feature
  • The two-way audio feature is handy. With that, you can even talk to the other side if it is required.
Customizable motion detection
  • You can customize the activity zones of the Blink XT2 version. With that, you can choose the alerts that are actually important for you.

Thanks to the motion detection feature included in Blink, it can easily spot the movements happening in its vicinity. Then, it sends the respective notification to the synchronized smartphone.

Also, it offers HD video with sound so you can see what exactly is going on with a clear picture. These cameras can be mounted outdoors and indoors, no matter what the weather is. One of the most useful features linked to Blink is that it offers cloud storage with no subscription fee.

The overall life of the battery of Blink cameras is pretty impressive. In fact, they offer an impressive two-year battery life. Such lengthy battery life is considered to be one of the best in the industry so far. As you might have noticed, XT2 second generation is capable of offering two-way audio with HD.

Main features associated with Arlo Pro/Arlo Pro 2

Now, let’s get into the features of Arlo cameras (both Arlo Pro and Pro 2).

Features of Arlo Pro

Arlo Pro
Compatibility with Alexa for Voice
  • This device works perfectly with Alexa for voice control. However, the Alexa device is sold separately.
100% Wireless functionality
  • Arlo Pro functions without the assistance of any wired connection. That is because it depends totally on the Wi-Fi network. As a result, you don’t need to worry about handling power cords and wires.
Resistant to weather
  • This device is perfectly resistant to harsh weather conditions such as rain. So, you can place them even outdoors without any trouble.

Features of Arlo Pro 2

Arlo Pro 2
100% Wireless camera
  • Arlo Pro 2 works with a wireless connection, so just like Arlo Pro, it doesn’t need any wires. That makes things much easier for you. It has a wireless range that spans over 300 feet in total.
Can tolerate outdoor weather
  • Arlo Pro 2 can tolerate outdoor weather conditions. As a result, you can easily place it anywhere, including outdoors. It can tolerate rain and sunlight without any disturbance to its functionality.
HD video and Night Vision
  • It offers night vision so they can watch your property even when there is no adequate light. Also, the HD video feature lets you see all the details in top-quality images.

As you might notice, both of these cameras (Arlo Pro and Arlo Pro 2) are wireless. So you don’t have to find locations to place these cameras. These cameras come with IP65-certified weatherproof characters, so they work perfectly under snow, heat, or rain.

Both of these devices offer live video features and video recording functionality. The integration of cloud storage is a handy value addition to this product.

Arlo comes with a two-way audio feature as well as a siren with 100 decibels.

In this section of our article, we will take a look at the similarities between Blink vs. Arlo. This comparison will give you an idea about the best product that serves your purpose.

  • Both of the brands have night vision functionality. So, you can use both of these brands to protect your property around the clock.
  • Both of these devices function based on a Wi-Fi connection, so setting it up is very easy. Also, once fitted, these devices are easier to handle.
  • They come with a motion detection feature as well. With that, you can expect real-time protection with notifications upon detecting an incident in the vicinity of your property.
  • They also offer free cloud storage, as well. Both of these brands offer this feature so you can save videos online and access them from anywhere.
  • They use batteries as a power source, so you don’t need to worry about installing power cords. This is a great feature when it comes to hassle-free installation.

Key differences between these two brands

Just like the similarities, it is worth mentioning the key differences between these two brands. Mentioned below are those differences.

  • One of the most notable differences between these two brands is the video quality. Blink XT comes with HD 720p video quality, but Arlo Pro 2 comes with HD 1080p. However, Blink XT2 too is now featuring 1080p video quality.
  • When it comes to the field of view, Blink offers a view of 110 degrees. However, with Arlo, you get a wider view (130 degrees).
  • Compared to Blink, Arlo comes with a security siren (with a power of 100 decibels). It can either be motion-activated or remotely controlled. But Blink doesn’t have such an option.
  • The other thing is that Arlo Pro and Pro 2 come with a two-way audio feature. Nevertheless, when it comes to Blink, it is available only with XT2.
  • If you wish to go for a more affordable security camera version, Blink XT would be ideal. Well, when you compare Blink vs. Arlo, affordability is the main advantage associated with Blink.

In addition, if you wonder, is Blink’s camera blinking red? There are two possible causes for your Blink Camera flashing red light, and here are the correct solutions to fix it with ease.

When you are concerned about home security, you should always look for the best possible option. In other words, you should go for the safest and most reliable option. When you compare Blink vs. Arlo, both of the systems are pretty much similar. However, in a couple of ways, Arlo systems stand slightly ahead of Blink systems.

It is true that none of these camera systems are security tools (technically). That means they cannot technically prevent a robber from entering the house or property. Instead, they monitor what is going around, and the rest of the measures should be taken by you. Once those actions are recorded as videos, you have enough evidence to catch the suspect.

However, under practical circumstances, the presence of the security camera itself can discourage intruders from entering a property. It can scare unwanted guests away. Also, when you get insurance coverage for your house, security cameras can be beneficial. That is because some insurance companies tend to offer discounts for properties that are under camera surveillance.

So, having a security camera surveillance system is advantageous even if it doesn’t technically chase intruders.

What is the best option

Motion detection feature

Both Arlo and Blink have motion detection features. In fact, they offer pretty much the same service. So, you can rely on any product if you consider motion detection as a prime concern. Such a feature is exceptionally handy when you have to monitor the movements taking place within the vicinity.

If you place the camera in the backyard, that would be more efficient in most cases. That is because noticing someone there in the backyard is more suspicious than finding someone in the front.

If you place the security camera in the front, the motion sensor will be constantly triggered. That is because the sensor will be activated with the movements of the individuals. And there will be quite a lots of movement in front of the house. So, the battery life would be reduced, and more importantly, it will record plenty of unnecessary clips.

Video Storage

When it comes to free cloud storage, is offered by both vendors. Some of the brands simply save the recorded clips into the computer or in the camera itself. If the respective burglar accesses these physical devices, the evidence will be lost. However, when it comes to the cloud, deleting evidence would be a much more difficult task.

Quality of the video

Video quality becomes exceptionally important when you have to take a clear shot of the suspect. Clear images provide positive identification as well. Well, it is true that both the Arlo models and Blink XT2 come with 1080p picture quality. Blink XT, however, features only 720p.

At a glance, you might think that 1080p is better than 720p. However, the truth is that 720p is perfectly fine to identify a person clearly. 1080p is a little bit better compared to 720p. So, have this in mind before you go for a product just because of the video quality. In a nutshell, both Arlo and Blink are great options in the context of the quality of the video.

Field of view

When comparing the field of view of the devices, Arlo offers a wider field of view. That means it offers a 130-degree field of view. On the other hand, Blink offers a 110-degree viewing angle. In fact, this is a slight difference. However, it might matter a lot when it comes to security. With a wider field of view, you will have fewer blind spots within your property. So, in this case, Arlo is slightly ahead of Blink systems.

User experience

With any product, there are users who praise it and users who criticize it. This theory applies to both of these products as well. Some individuals prefer Arlo, and others prefer Blink. When it comes to customer reviews, therefore, it gives a mixed impression of both of the products.

FAQs

1. Which system is easier to install, Blink or Arlo? Both Blink and Arlo offer easy DIY installation processes, making them equally convenient to set up.

2. Can I access live video feeds from both Blink and Arlo on my mobile device? Yes, both systems provide mobile apps that allow you to access live video feeds and control your security system remotely.

3. Do Blink and Arlo offer free cloud storage? Blink offers free cloud storage with a rolling 7-day retention period. Arlo provides various subscription plans that offer longer storage durations.

4. Can I integrate Blink or Arlo with my existing smart home devices? Yes, both Blink and Arlo offer integration with popular smart home platforms like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

5. Are there any monthly fees associated with using Blink or Arlo? Blink does not require any monthly fees, while Arlo offers subscription plans with additional features and extended storage options.

If you consider price as an important factor, you should go for Blink XT. Compared to Arlo Pro 2, Blink XT comes at a relatively lower price. However, if you compare Blink XT with Arlo Pro, the margin would not be that significant.

However, if you are not concerned much about the price factor, Arlo Pro 2 is the best option. A wider field of view, better video quality, and the 100-decibel siren feature can set it apart from Blink XT.

Well, that is how we compare Blink vs. Arlo for your convenience. You can reread this article once again and decide whether to go with Arlo or Blink.

Jack
Jack

Ten years of experience in information and computer technology. Passionate about electronic devices, smartphones, computers, and modern technology.

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