Does Blink require a subscription to record? Let’s break it down and explain the costs and details in simple terms.
Blink is a popular brand in the USA that provides different smart products, where internet camera prices start at just $30. However, this affordability comes with some limitations. While Blink does not require a subscription, many users choose to subscribe to gain exclusive benefits that can enhance home security.
You can find a balance between the benefits of subscription plans and the limitations of free options. Let’s explore Blink’sBlink’s various subscription options and additional features that enhance your security setup.
Blink does not require a subscription to access basic functionality. You can use your Blink cameras without a subscription. Without a subscription, Blink Camera offers features like motion-activated notifications and live-view streaming. However, if you buy a Blink subscription, Blink provides extra features.
Subscribing to Blink offers expanded video history, quicker video access, and the ability to connect multiple devices.
Blink Subscription Plans
Blink offers Different subscription plans to meet the varying needs of users. Each plan has unique features, allowing users to choose the best plan according to their preferences and budget.
What Do You Get With a Free Trial?
Before subscribing, Blink offers its users a 30-day free trial, which includes Blink Outdoor, White Floodlight Camera, Video Doorbell, Blink Mini, Blink Indoor Camera, or Blink Outdoor Camera, allowing them to experience its features fully.
During the trial period, a carousel displaying the benefits of a Blink Camera subscription will appear on your Blink Home Monitor app. During the 30-day trial period, a banner will be visible on the Blink app’s home screen, showing the remaining trial days.
You will receive alerts on your mobile device when Blink subscription plans unlock additional benefits.
Read Also: How To Reprogram Ring Doorbell: A Ultimate Guide
Motion-Activated Notifications:
These features include motion-activated notifications. When motion is detected on a Blink device, you will receive alerts on your mobile device.
Live View Streaming:
Gain access to real-time video footage from your cameras for up to five minutes, allowing you to monitor your property remotely.
Motion Detection Video Recording:
The video clip will provide valuable information about potential security events when detecting motion.
Optional Local Storage Backup:
Store your video footage locally to enhance security and provide peace of mind.
Additionally, users who are using outdoor and wired floodlight cameras can activate the motion detection feature.
Blink Basic Plan:
The Blink Basic plan costs $3 per month per device, or users can choose the annual subscription for $30. This plan includes motion-activated notifications, 90 minutes of continuous live view streaming, motion detection video recording, and live view recording.
Users can enjoy a live view of floodlight and video doorbell cameras, 60 days of unlimited video history, and optional local storage backup. Those with Blink Outdoor, Floodlight, Indoor, or Blink Video Doorbell get the photo capture feature, which takes thumbnail photos every hour and compiles them into a video.
Blink Plus Plan:
The Blink Plus plan costs $10 per month or $100 annually, offering support for multiple devices on one account. In addition to the features of the Basic plan, Blink Plus subscribers get extended live views for specific camera models, extended motion alerts, and extended warranty coverage. Blink Plus provides a complete security solution that is convenient and peaceful.
Free Plan vs. Subscription Plans
While Blink’s free version provides basic security features, subscribing to the plans grants access to several advanced features. The free version includes motion-activated notifications and live view streaming, but the subscription plans offer expanded video history, access to videos for up to 60 days, and the ability to connect multiple devices, along with these advanced features.
Read Also: Blink Camera Stopped Recording: Quick Fixes and Tips
Benefits of Getting a Blink Subscription Plan
Blink subscription plan improves the functionality of your security system.
Unlimited Devices and Extended Warranty:
The main advantage of the subscription plan is that you can connect up to two Blink devices on the same account. This is particularly beneficial for users with a wide network of Blink cameras covering different areas of their property. Additionally, the subscription plans have extended your Blink camera warranty coverage.
Video Storage and Quick Video Access:
When a Blink subscription, users are ensured their recordings are secure and easily accessible. Subscription plans allow users to access their video history for up to 60 days. With this, you can easily review past events and recordings. It is a good feature for videos. , enabling users to view recorded footage instantly without any delays.
Motion Alerts and Video Sharing Features:
Blink cameras provide motion alerts without a subscription, informing users of detected activity. However, opting for subscription plans enhances this feature, allowing users to customize motion alerts and benefit from advanced features like custom zones. Moreover, subscribers can share their video feeds with neighbours and family members. They can promote a community-based approach to security.
Read Also: How To Power Cycle Wyze Camera: A Ultimate Guide
Cloud Storage, Sync Module and USB Flash Drive Options
Blink Subscription plans offer you extra storage and backup options. With a Blink subscription, your footage is securely stored and easily accessible. With a Blink subscription plan, you get access to free cloud storage, allowing you to store your motion clips and live view sessions on Blink’s cloud servers. You can easily view your stored clips in cloud storage with the help of the Blink app.
If you choose not to subscribe but still want to use local storage, you’ll need a USB flash drive and Sync Module 2. An alternative solution is offered by local storage, enabling you to save Blink videos locally on a USB flash drive connected to Sync Module 2. These locally saved clips can be viewed by tapping the “Clips” section within the Blink app.
It is important to note that Sync Module 2 has no USB drive, so you must purchase it separately. Additionally, the Sync Module 2 only supports USB drives with a capacity ranging from 1 GB to 256 GB. The system will not recognise USB drives outside this range.
Do You Need a Blink Subscription?
Whether a Blink subscription is necessary depends on your specific needs and preferences. You must consider the number of devices you want to connect, the desired video history duration, and whether extended warranty coverage is important to you. The free version may be sufficient if you have a single camera and are satisfied with basic features. However, a subscription plan is recommended for a more comprehensive and feature-rich Blink system experience.
Read Also: Is Blink Compatible With Google Home: A Great Guide
Other Options Instead of Blink Subscriptions:
Blink competitor cameras offer cloud-based storage free, and you can easily access your footage without us. A subscription. These cameras typically operate without requiring ongoing subscriptions, allowing users to pay a one-time purchase price and eliminating recurring fees. Below there are other popular brands.
Wyze Cam:
Wyze Cam comes with affordable features and feature-rich capabilities. It provides high-definition video recording, motion detection, and two-way audio communication. Users can access live streaming and recorded footage via the Wyze app, with options for local storage through microSD cards or cloud storage via optional subscription plans. While cloud storage is available, it is not mandatory.
Arlo Essential Series
The Arlo Essential Series cameras offer reliable performance and easy setup without requiring a subscription. Arlo cameras provide different features like motion detection, two-way audio, and 1080p HD video quality. Arlo cameras support local storage through USB drives plugged into the Arlo Smart Hub. In this way, Arlo cameras provide users with alternatives to cloud-based storage.
Reolink Cameras
Reolink cameras deliver high-quality video surveillance with indoor, outdoor, and wire-free installation options. These cameras feature motion detection, two-way audio, and customizable motion zones. Reolink cameras support local storage through microSD cards or Reolink’s NVR (Network Video Recorder) systems, allowing users to store footage locally without relying on cloud subscriptions.
Eufy Security Cameras
Eufy Security Cameras offer various indoor and outdoor options. Eufy cameras provide features like motion detection, night vision, and built-in AI for person recognition. These cameras offer local storage options through microSD cards or Eufy’s HomeBase hub, eliminating the need for cloud subscriptions. Eufy allows users to access their footage without paying anything.
How to Subscribe Blink Subscription?
The process of buying a Blink subscription is easy. Just follow these easy steps:
Link your Amazon and Blink Accounts:
- Download the Blink app and sign in.
- Tap on “Settings,” then go to “Account and Privacy.”
- Select “Link to Amazon Account” and sign in with your Amazon credentials.
Purchase a Subscription Plan: Once your accounts are linked, you can choose either the Basic or Plus plan. Both options offer monthly and annual payment choices. For more details on purchasing Blink subscription plans, refer to the provided link.
Connect your Blink Subscription Plan to your Blink Devices: If you’ve chosen the Basic plan, select the specific device you want to link to your subscription. The Plus plan automatically covers all eligible devices on your Blink account.
Complete your Order to Activate the Subscription: Confirm your purchase to activate your subscription.
How to Save Money With a Blink Subscription?
Although Blink subscription plans offer valuable features, you can use a few methods to save money on the subscription:
Choose Annual Billing: Opting for an annual subscription instead of monthly can save you significantly. Blink Camera offers a discount when you choose a yearly plan.
Basic Plan: If you have one device and don’t need the additional features of the Plus plan. Then, you have to choose to choose the Basic plan, which can provide affordable security coverage.
Take Advantage of Promotions: Watch for Blink’s promotional offers and discounts. Taking advantage of these promotions can reduce your subscription costs.
Add Accessories: Blink accessories can enhance your camera’s functionality without monthly fees. For example, the Wasserstein Blink Floodlight and Solar Panel Charger for Blink Outdoor 4 & 3 / XT2 can improve your camera’s night vision and battery life and help the motion sensors detect more accurately.