Blink vs. Ring Security Cameras

We've done extensive testing on both Ring and Blink cameras, so we compared them to find the last brand standing.
Best doorbell cameras
  • con
    No local video storage
  • pro
    Huge camera and doorbell selection
  • pro
    More security and smart home accessories
Best for budgets
Blink
Blink Mini indoor security camera
Blink Mini
3.8 out of 5 stars
3.75
  • pro
    Local video storage
  • con
    Small camera selection
  • pro
    Affordable cameras

SafeWise experts have years of firsthand experience testing the products we recommend. Learn how we test and review

As if one brand wasn't enough, Amazon is the proud owner of two of the most popular wireless home security camera brands: Ring and Blink. But instead of having them work together, Amazon encourages a bit of sibling rivalry.

Ring is our top choice for the best Amazon camera brand, thanks to its superior product selection, including several video doorbell options. But Blink cameras are easier on the wallet and have serious battery life endurance. We bring Blink and Ring cameras into the arena to help you decide if Ring deserves the win.

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Ring cameras pros and cons

pro
Pros
pro Huge camera and doorbell selection
pro Rechargeable batteries in many models
pro Person alerts
pro Plenty of home security accessories
pro Affordable cloud storage
con
Cons
con Pricier cameras than Blink
con Shorter battery life
con Limited smart motion detection features
con Weak smart home compatibility
con No video storage without a subscription

Ring: Best device selection

Ring's biggest advantage over Blink is how versatile its device selection is. There’s security system gear and a wealth of security camera and video doorbell options. You're sure to find a specific device for your needs—like a Ring Stick Up Cam Battery or Ring Spotlight Cam Mount.

While storing video with Ring isn't too expensive for most people, its mandatory monthly fee puts strain on your budget more than Blink's one-time local storage costs. Ring cameras also have shorter battery life, but at least they use rechargeable batteries. Overall, there's not much that Ring can't do that Blink does—aside from local storage and long battery life.

Blink cameras pros and cons

pro
Pros
pro Inexpensive cameras
pro Long battery life in wire-free models
pro Motion alerts
pro Local video storage
pro Affordable cloud storage
con
Cons
con Limited camera selection
con Fewer wired power options
con Limited smart motion detection features
con Local storage sometimes requires extra accessory
con Not cross-compatible with Ring plans

Blink: Best for budgets

It might not seem as revolutionary now, but Blink was one of the first brands to sell a wire-free security camera—with free cloud storage—for under $100. This was in 2015—around two years before Wyze and YI paved the way for cams under $50, including the Blink Mini.

While Blink's latest cameras have long since abandoned free cloud storage, it's no surprise that it remains a strong contender in the budget category. Everything about Blink is incredibly affordable, right down to the equipment, local storage option, and service plans.

Compare Blink vs. Ring security cameras

Product
Camera type
Price
Field of view
Power source
Standout feature
Learn more
Indoor110ºWiredLow price
Indoor115ºWiredColor night vision
Outdoor130ºBattery, wired, solarMultiple power options
Outdoor110ºBattery, solarLong battery life
Floodlight110ºBatteryFlexible installation options
Floodlight140ºWired2,000-lumen LED floodlights
Doorbell135ºBattery, wiredLow price
Doorbell155ºBattery, wired, solarRechargeable battery

Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

Blink vs. Ring cameras similarities

Blink and Ring security cameras are more alike than not. The most uncanny similarities come from the paid subscription plans and smart home integrations. Here’s what they have in common:

  • Mobile app: Both apps put your cameras front and center and make it easy to view a live feed and change settings. That said, the Blink app has a simpler user interface since it doesn't support a security system like the Ring app.
  • Paid features: Essentially everything about the Blink and Ring camera plans is identical: plan names, pricing structure, cloud video storage history, number of cameras supported, and even the extended warranty on the high-tier plan.
  • Installation: Both Blink and Ring's installations just take a few screws and a Wi-Fi connection. The biggest difference is that Ring sells more cameras that use wired power sources instead of batteries.
  • Smart home: Both brands work with Amazon Alexa and not much else. While it's understandable for Amazon to push its smart home platform, this leaves Google and HomeKit users with few options for using these devices. IFTTT also works with Ring and Blink, but it's not as easy to use as Alexa's built-in home automation tools.
  • Video quality: Aside from Ring's generally wider fields of view, there's not much difference in video quality between the brands. Practically none of Ring or Blink's cameras supports anything higher than 1080p. We’re curious when Amazon will decide to compete with the higher pixel count of brands like Arlo, Eufy, and Reolink.

Blink vs. Ring cameras differences

While shared traits tell us a lot about Ring and Blink cameras, their differences surface some of their strengths:

  • Camera prices: Because these are both Amazon brands, it doesn't make sense for Blink and Ring to have the same camera prices. This means that Blink takes on the budget role, with most of its camera lineup costing less than $100, while Ring caters to everyone else. (Ring sells some budget cameras too, but they're never cheaper than Blink's offerings.)
  • Video storage: Although the cloud storage plans for Ring and Blink are more or less identical, Blink's support for local video storage on the Sync Module 2 means you can store videos on a USB stick without a subscription. In contrast, Ring ties all video storage to a subscription plan.
  • Spotlights and floodlights: Ring sells several camera models—notably the Ring Spotlight Cam—with built-in spotlights that make it possible to record color video at night. We suppose the relatively dim light of the Blink Floodlight Camera qualifies as a spotlight camera.
  • Ecosystem: Ring fully fleshes out its home security offerings with various security devices, including smart lighting and an alarm system that supports professional monitoring. While Ring doesn't make smart locks or thermostats, it supports using third-party products alongside its security system. By comparison, Blink's camera lineup is smaller than Ring's, and it doesn't sell any other kinds of security devices aside from some camera accessories.

Compare Ring Protect camera plans vs Blink subscription plans

Ring plan
Price
Number of cameras
Cloud storage
Motion alerts
Warranty
Learn more
UnlimitedNone
Icon Yes  LightYes
1 yr.
160 days
Icon Yes  LightYes
1 yr.
Unlimited60 days
Icon Yes  LightYes
Lifetime
Unlimited + 24/7 monitoring60 days
Icon Yes  LightYes
Lifetime
Blink plan
Price
Number of cameras
Cloud storage
Motion alerts
Extended warranty
Learn more
BlinkWithout a plan
UnlimitedNone
Icon Yes  LightYes
1 yr.
BlinkBlink Basic Plan
160 days
Icon Yes  LightYes
1 yr.
BlinkBlink Plus Plan
Unlimited60 days
Icon Yes  LightYes
Lifetime

Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

Ring's top features

Ring Home security devices

Ring's equipment selection extends beyond security cameras into a full-fledged security system with professional monitoring. You'll need to pay for the Ring Protect Pro plan (about $20 a month) to use the monitoring service—it even includes the perks from Ring's cheaper, camera-only plans.

With a Ring Alarm system, you can add door sensors, motion detectors, and smart locks that aren't usually compatible with Ring security cameras. Ring Alarm is also a great way to use Z-Wave devices with your Amazon Echo, which supports only Zigbee smart devices. Ring also sells quite a few smart lighting options for enhancing your yard's security and landscaping design at night.

We're also big fans of how many accessories Ring sells for its security cameras, like various mounting brackets, spare batteries, power cords, solar panels, and wireless doorbell chimes.

For more questions about Ring security, check out our Ring FAQ.

Ring security camera selection

When you include every possible variant that Ring sells, it comes to 20 models—over four times more than Blink. Still, most of these are variations on five core models:

  • Ring Indoor Cam (one version)
  • Ring Stick Up Cam (four versions)
  • Ring Spotlight Cam (four versions)
  • Ring Floodlight Cam (four versions)
  • Ring Video Doorbell (seven versions)

While it would be boring for everyone here to explore all 20 models, let's do a quick rundown of some notable models:

Ring security cameras

Ring Indoor Cam (2nd gen) (about $60) fills roughly the same niche as the Blink Mini, though it costs almost twice as much. We're big fans of its color night vision and it's the best way to add Ring cameras to most rooms without breaking your budget.

Ring Stick Up Cam Battery

Ring Stick Up Cam (about $100) is Ring's most useful security camera because you can install it almost anywhere indoors and outdoors without relying on a power cord. Still, we love that Ring makes other versions with power cables or solar panels for ultimate flexibility. Ring's easily our top choice between Stick Up Cam and Blink Outdoor.

Ring Spotlight Cam

Ring Spotlight Cam (about $200) most closely competes with the Blink Floodlight Camera, but it has more installation options, and we like the design more than Blink. While it's a good option for nighttime lighting, we think it's worth choosing a Ring Floodlight Cam for the same price.

Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus

Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus (about $200) provides more light than any other camera on this list—up to 2,000 lumens. This is about as much light as a 150–watt incandescent light bulb, making it ideal for lighting a back or side yard at night. It's almost three times brighter than the Blink Floodlight Camera.

Ring video doorbells

Ring Video Doorbell Wired

Ring Video Doorbell Wired (about $65) isn't much more expensive than the Blink Video Doorbell but lacks battery power and doesn't ring existing mechanical chimes. These are big drawbacks, especially since you still need a mechanical chime to power it. Still, we like the slim form factor compared to Ring's larger battery-powered models.

Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen)

Ring Video Doorbell (about $100) is Ring's best video doorbell because it offers a rechargeable battery and works well with existing mechanical chimes. It lacks some of the advanced features of the Ring Video Doorbell 4, like Quick Replies, a removable battery, and different faceplates, but we like keeping things simple for less than half the cost.

Ring Video Doorbell 4

Ring Video Doorbell 4 (about $220) is the most advanced video doorbell on this list. Unfortunately, its extra features like Quick Replies and excellent video previews don't quite feel like they should cost $120 more than the entry-level wire-free model.

Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 product image

Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 (about $260) is a better version of the Ring Video Doorbell Wired because it adds simple flourishes like swappable faceplates and compatibility with mechanical chimes. It's the only camera on this list with a video resolution higher than 1080p.

Learn more in our Ring Video Doorbell review.

Do you rent? Check out our Ring doorbell picks for renters.

Blink's top features

Blink Local video storage

Every Blink camera supports the Sync Module 2 (about $35), which includes a USB port that works with USB flash storage up to 256 GB. This means you can store video recordings without paying for a Blink storage subscription. This is an especially nice perk for the Blink Video Doorbell since most video doorbells don't support local storage in the slightest.

We like that the Blink Sync Module 2 is an optional add-on for the Blink Mini and the Blink Video Doorbell, though we think it's worth buying for the added storage options. Although you need a Sync Module to use the Blink Indoor and Blink Outdoor, it comes in the starter kits so you have everything you need in the box.

Blink Battery life

Blink's battery-powered cameras boast a two-year battery life—the best in the industry. This is more than quadruple the rated battery life for Ring security cameras. The long battery life is possible because the wired Sync Module 2 handles the power-hungry Wi-Fi connection. Meanwhile, the cameras connect using more efficient wireless tech.

Uniquely, Blink cameras use run-of-the-mill AA batteries, so you don't need to buy a pricey Ring battery pack to keep spares around. (Though you might consider getting some rechargeable batteries to cut down on waste.)

Blink security camera selection

Blink sells just five security camera models—though you could say four cameras since the Blink Floodlight Camera is an accessory for the Blink Outdoor. While these cameras run the gamut from indoor to outdoor, they don't hold a candle to Ring's massive selection. Here's what Blink offers:

Blink security cameras

Blink Mini indoor security camera

Blink Mini (about $35) is Blink's smallest and most affordable security camera. While it's around $25 cheaper than the Ring Indoor Cam, it produces similar video quality, though the 110º field of view is narrower than Ring's 140º. This is Blink's only camera without a battery power option. Still, the price is so low (especially during regular Amazon sales) that you can fill your home with cheap cameras.

Blink Indoor product image

Blink Indoor (about $80) is a weird one—there aren't a ton of battery-powered indoor cameras on the market. Most wire-free cams opt for some kind of weatherproofing. Still, it's a nice compromise for folks wanting the easier installation indoors without paying extra for an outdoor camera.

Blink Outdoor security camera

Blink Outdoor (about $100) offers better battery life than the Ring Stick Up Cam Battery but lacks a wired option and has a narrower field of view. We love that its multi-camera starter kits are more affordable than buying multiple Stick Up Cams and the Sync Module's local storage option helps you skip monthly fees.

Blink Floodlight Camera

Blink Floodlight Camera (about $140) isn't much more than a Blink Outdoor with two LED floodlights. We like that the floodlight camera runs on batteries, but its 700-lumen lights produce only as much light as a 60-watt equivalent light bulb. That's not much light. Still, it produces roughly the same amount of light as the Ring Spotlight Cam.

Blink video doorbells

Blink Video Doorbell (about $50) might be the only doorbell camera from Blink, but it costs half as much as Ring's cheapest battery doorbell. It's one of the most affordable video doorbells in the industry. The Blink doorbell's field of view is fairly wide compared to the brand's other camera but can't keep up with Ring.

Read our full Blink cameras review to learn more about this buzzworthy budget brand.

Winner: Ring offers more potential than Blink

We like Ring just a bit more than Blink when it comes down to brass tacks. Ring's diverse product selection is more likely to have the camera you need, and you can expand into full security systems. Still, Blink is the obvious choice for anyone wanting to save as much money as possible.

Ring Stick Up Cam Battery: Portable outdoor camera with great video quality and affordable cloud storage

Blink Mini: Bargain price for an excellent indoor camera with optional local video storage

How we decided: Blink vs. Ring cameras

Blink Mini and pill bottle

Image: SafeWise. 

We've used many of Ring and Blink's security cameras in the past, and some of our SafeWise staff use them as their primary camera brands. While this gives us a starting point to form our conclusions, we also look into customer reviews, support resources, and product listings to keep up with new flaws and features.

We focus on similar camera and doorbell models from each brand to balance our comparison and keep one brand from dominating the conversation. Learn about the process behind our testing, ranking, and reviewing in our full methodology.

Related articles on SafeWise


Disclaimers

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.

Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided "as is" and is subject to change or removal at any time.

†Google, Google Nest, Google Assistant, and other related marks are trademarks of Google LLC.

John Carlsen
Written by
John Carlsen
John is a technology journalist specializing in smart home devices, security cameras, and home security systems. He has over a decade of experience researching, testing, and reviewing the latest tech—he was the Smart Home Editor for Top Ten Reviews and wrote for ASecureLife before joining SafeWise as a Staff Writer in 2020. John holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism emphasis from Utah Valley University. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking, photography, cooking, and starting countless DIY projects he has yet to complete.

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