Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. News

Blink Mini is one of the tiniest security cameras from Amazon

Patrick Hearn
By

Smart security cameras are incredibly useful devices that provide peace of mind when you’re away, but they often come with a high price tag. The all-new Blink Mini aims to change the paradigm by offering HD resolution, motion detection, and two-way audio for less than $50.

The Blink Mini is an indoor security camera with an easy plug-and-go setup. Just place the camera where you want it and follow the setup steps within the app. From start to finish, the process should only take between five and ten minutes. The Blink Mini streams and records video at 1080p resolution during the day and switches to HD infrared night vision in low-light conditions. Video clips can be stored online using the Blink cloud storage subscription, but Blink has also announced local video storage options via the Blink Sync Module 2 that will be available later this year.

Related Videos

Users can customize the Blink Mini’s motion detection zones. If it happens to face a window, you can choose to exclude the window itself so that motion outside the home doesn’t set off the sensor. The two-way audio allows you to hear what’s happening in your home and respond through the Blink Home Monitor app—perfect for chastising that pet that knows he isn’t supposed to be on the couch.

Related

The Blink Home Monitor app gives users access to real-time video feeds, push notifications, and more. Users can also pair the Blink Mini with compatible Alexa devices like the Echo Show to enable voice control of the system.

The Blink Mini comes with a trial for cloud storage, but after that basic plans start at $3 per month or $30 per year. When the Blink Sync Module 2 releases later this year, you will be able to store video clips on a local system without paying a monthly fee. The Blink Sync Module 2 will retail for $35 later this year. A more firm date has not yet been given.

The Blink Mini is now available for preorder on Amazon and will be available at Best Buy in the weeks ahead. The $35 price point and included features make it worth considering if you want to beef up your home security. While there are other smart security cameras on the market for this price point, few come from a proven brand like Blink and Amazon.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Sonos One vs. Google Nest Audio: which is the best smart speaker?
The Google Nest Audio speaker on a table.

The Sonos One and Google Nest Audio are two of the best smart speakers of 2023. Both can pump out impressive sound, respond to a wide variety of voice commands, and easily sync up with the rest of your smart home. But with the Sonos One costing more than $200 and the Google Nest Audio clocking in at just $100, you might be wondering if the Sonos One is truly worth your money -- or if you’d be better off saving $100 and opting for the cheaper Google product.

Before picking up either smart speaker, here’s a closer look at the Sonos One and Google Nest Audio.
Pricing and availability

Read more
Arlo extends end-of-life support for legacy cameras and doorbells
Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera casing

It looks like households equipped with older, legacy Arlo products won’t have to rush out and buy new gear after all, as the company has changed course on its end-of-life policy that was revealed last month. Previously, several aging cameras and video doorbells in the Arlo lineup were expected to lose access to seven-day cloud storage, notifications, and future updates -- but after reaching out to its community, the company has decided to extend coverage instead of roll it back.

As products age, it’s standard practice for companies to stop supporting them. The time and resources needed to manage outdated products aren’t insignificant, and newer products that are pegged as their replacement quickly become the new focus. However, there was a bit of backlash when Arlo announced its original plans, as a handful of the devices scheduled to be sunset had been released just over five years ago.

Read more
What is Arlo Secure, and is it worth it?
The Arlo Pro 4 home security camera installed outdoors.

Arlo makes some of the best smart home products on the market. From robust video doorbells to premium security cameras, a model from Arlo is all but guaranteed to fit your needs. Products in the lineup tend to be a bit expensive and -- like most other smart home cameras -- lock many features behind a monthly subscription called Arlo Secure.

Curious to learn more about Arlo Secure before signing up? Or maybe you’re wondering if you need it at all, as your Arlo devices will function perfectly fine without becoming a member. Whatever the case, here’s a closer look at Arlo Secure and if it's worth signing up for.
What is Arlo Secure?

Read more