Ring vs Blink Comparison

Editor’s Note: Ring and Blink have added new cameras to their lineups. Ring now offers 4K cameras with advanced AI detection, and Blink has introduced 2K models that balance quality with affordability.

Here’s a situation we don’t come across much: two home security brands offered by the same company. Granted, Amazon is enormous, but it’s still a bit unusual to find two entirely different home security options – Ring and Blink – sharing space under the same corporate umbrella.

Unsurprisingly, Blink and Ring have a good deal in common. Both brands offer high-tech equipment at an affordable price; both are firmly focused on DIY home security; and both offer a wide range of products so it’s easy to get exactly what you need. These two brands also have some crucial differences, and if you want to choose which one is right for you, you need a solid handle on those.

You’ve come to the right place. Below, we take a deep dive into these two home security brands, unpacking everything from installation processes to smart home features. By the time you’re done, we feel pretty certain that you’re going to know which of these two best suits your particular security needs.

Blink and Ring Features & Tech

So we’ll just say it up front: Blink isn’t quite as impressive a system as Ring, especially when it comes to technology. It’s not entirely one-sided, but overall, Ring’s more feature-rich.

The included stand made it easy for us to use the Blink Mini on the bookshelf in our office.

Blink Features & Tech

Blink doesn’t manufacture stripped-down cut-rate equipment. This is a company with enough high-tech tricks up its sleeve to stay competitive. For instance,

• High-Capacity Sync Modules: You can link an unlimited number of Blink cameras to your system, which is perfect for large properties. You will need a Sync Module 2 (hub), which supports up to 10 cameras. That's still plenty of coverage for most homes.

We tested three different Blink cameras so we could check out their full set of features.

• Internal Storage: All Blink cameras feature local storage of up to 256 GB. Unlike Ring, which requires a subscription for any recording, Blink lets you store footage locally to avoid monthly fees.
• Affordable storage plans: If 256 GB isn't enough for you, Blink offers cloud storage plans that store 60 days of clips. It costs just $4 per month for one camera or $12 monthly for unlimited cameras.

• Easy DIY Installation: Despite needing to pair our Blink cameras with the Sync Module, it only took about five minutes using the mobile app. All we had to do next was put the cameras where we wanted them and they were ready to go. The whole setup took us about 15 minutes.
• Enhanced Image Quality: Blink's latest cameras now feature up to 2K resolution. This improved clarity makes it easier to identify faces, read license plates, and capture important details in your security footage.
• Camera Selection: Blink has cameras to cover indoor, outdoor, and front porches. Each camera includes essential features like enhanced night vision, person detection, and weather resistance ratings of IP65 or higher for outdoor models.

Ring Features & Tech

Boxed Up Ring Security Cameras

So now that we’ve seen what Blink has going for it, let’s turn to Ring’s assets.

• Sensors: Blink doesn’t have a full-home security system with sensors like Ring does. Strategically placed sensors can work just as well as cameras for securing your home, except they cost a lot less. Check out our hands-on review of Ring Alarm to see a full breakdown on Ring’s security system.
• Doorbell Cameras: Ring offers more doorbell options than any competitor. They all work seamlessly with other Ring cameras and newer doorbells feature up to 4K resolution, advanced HDR video, and Head-to-Toe HD video capture for complete package visibility.

Ring Video Doorbell 3, Installed

• Indoor/Outdoor Cameras: Ring offers specialized options for indoors and outdoors. There’s the Floodlight Cam Pro with 3D Motion Detection and Bird's Eye View, plus the Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam with automatic tracking. Most models offer multiple power options including solar, making them versatile for any installation scenario.

• Home Automation: Ring devices integrate with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings. The system even works with over 15,000 smart home devices. You can create automations to manage the temperature when you’re not home and switch off the lights at specific times.

Ring Floodlight Cam Mounted Outside

Blink and Ring Similarities

For all their several differences, Blink and Ring also have a fair number of similarities.

• Affordability: Blink is undeniably cheaper. That said, we consider both affordable. Ring's lowest-priced camera is $49.99, whereas Blink's pricing starts at $29.99. Compare either to SimpliSafe, and that $20 difference looks small with SimpliSafe's cameras starting at $149.99.
• HD Video: Most Blink and Ring cameras feature at least 1080p HD resolution. The latest models offer 2K or 4K. Either way, you'll get clear footage for identifying people, vehicles, and important details.

Ring Stick Up Cam Video Quality

• Wireless Home Security: Ring and Blink both offer wireless home security options. That makes installation a breeze. Installation only took us about five minutes per camera from either brand. If wireless capabilities are what you’re looking for, you can find more options in our best wireless home security systems guide.
• DIY Installation: Blink and Ring mastered DIY installation. They include clear step-by-step instructions and package their products so that each component comes out in the order you need to install it. That’s why it never takes us more than 15 minutes to install their cameras.
• Two-Way Talk: Every Ring and Blink camera and video doorbell features two-way talk, which we consider an essential feature. It has multiple uses such as scaring off intruders by letting them know cops are on the way and telling delivery drivers where to leave packages.
• Night Vision: All Ring and Blink cameras come with enhanced night vision capabilities. Some include color night vision, giving you full-color footage even in low light conditions.

Ring Indoor Cam Night View

Blink and Ring Differences

While Blink and Ring share the same parent company, they have different identities. Ring offers a comprehensive security ecosystem, while Blink focuses on delivering the basics at unbeatable prices. Here are some of the other differences that set them apart:

• Camera Selection: Ring blows Blink out of the water in this category. While Blink covers all the bases with five indoor, outdoor, and doorbell camera models, Ring offers 16 models to choose from. That means you’re bound to find a camera that fits your exact needs with Ring.
• Range of Protection: With Ring, you don’t need to limit your home’s security to only security cameras. You can add a wide range of sensors, install hazard alarms, and opt for professional monitoring. Blink only offers security cameras and self-monitoring subscriptions.
• Reputation: Ring has a stronger brand, having pioneered the video doorbell category. However, Blink is becoming more popular with budget-conscious consumers.
• Field of Vision: Ring has cameras that boast up to a 160-degree field of vision, while many of Blink’s cameras only offer 110-degree FOV. However, with their new Mini Pan-Tilt, Blink now offers one camera with 360-degree coverage.
• Intrusion Protection: Remember that Ring sells the Ring Alarm home security system. This puts another layer of security around your home, with door/window sensors, motion sensors, and a Z-Wave hub with a built-in siren. Unfortunately, you won’t get any of this with Blink.
• Professional Monitoring: Ring offers 24/7 professional monitoring through Ring Home, starting at $20 per month. This plan also provides cellular backup and extended warranties. Blink doesn't offer any professional monitoring, requiring you to manage any alerts.
• Pet Monitoring: Of course, motion alerts from both providers can help you keep tabs on your pet when you’re gone, but Ring goes a step further. They added pet profiles to the Ring Neighbors app to help reunite lost pets by alerting nearby users of the missing pet.

As you can see, we think Ring is an all-around better option compared to Blink cameras. Of course, Ring isn’t a perfect system, but there’s a reason why it ranks so high on our list of the best home security cameras available. In fact, there are several reasons!

Ring vs Blink: Snapshot of Costs and Fees

The Blink Outdoor 4 starts at $79.99, and buying in bulk gets you a discount. Three-camera bundles often sell for $190. For indoor cameras, there's the Blink Mini at $29.99 as well as the Blink Mini 2 and Mini Pan-Tilt, both of which cost $39.99. They also just released the Mini 2K+ that costs $49.99. Here’s our full rundown of Blink Camera pricing and packages.

Now, when we compare those costs to Ring, we find that Ring is the more expensive option. Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen) starts at $49.99, the same price as Blink’s most expensive indoor camera. From there, the outdoor cameras range up to $279.99 for the Floodlight Cam Pro with its 3D Motion Detection and dual-band Wi-Fi. To be clear, those prices are still low for the industry, but still more than Blink.

Here’s where it gets tricky. If you’re looking at just the price, Blink costs less. However, we think value is more important than price, and in that regard, Ring wins. It offers more options and better protections. But, there’s no denying that Blink has the lower prices, as you can see below.

Blink Pricing Breakdown

And for comparison, here’s a breakdown of Ring’s security camera pricing:

A Look at Ring Cam Prices

Are Surveillance Systems Effective?

The main goal of a video surveillance system is to make your home safer. One way studies have shown they do that is by deterring crime in your area.1 When a criminal knows that they cannot enter your home without being seen (and recorded!), they will likely move on to target a different home.

We mounted our Blink Outdoor on the front of our house, overlooking our driveway.

We’ve found that surveillance systems offer benefits beyond crime prevention. We use them to monitor deliveries, raise insurance claims, and reduce insurance premiums. Smart features like package detection and familiar face recognition offer everyday convenience, not just security emergencies.

Ring vs. Blink: The Bottom Line

So there you have it: the good, the bad, and the ugly of these two camera-based security systems plus a comparison of those goods, bads, and uglies. But we know, what you really want is the bottom line. Which of these two systems do we prefer?

After extensive testing of both systems, we give Ring the edge. We prefer the build quality, advanced AI features, and comprehensive security ecosystem. The ability to include professional monitoring, smart sensors, and seamless smart home integration also means the system can grow with your needs.

Blink is still an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize value. With local storage eliminating monthly fees, impressive two-year battery life, and prices starting at just $34.99, Blink delivers reliable security without breaking the bank. Their latest 2K cameras prove you don't need to spend hundreds for high-quality video.

So, here’s the real bottom line. When it comes to the security of your home, you should do your homework (that’s why you have us!), weigh your options, and find the best system that makes sense for you, your family, and your budget. Make sure you keep in mind how many cameras you need, whether any will be used outside, how many home automation features you need, and whether or not you need a 24/7 monitoring service, and you can’t go wrong.

Video Recording in the Ring App