Blink Video Doorbell release date, specs, price and features

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The cheapest video doorbell we've seen

The Blink Video Doorbell affixed to an exterior
(Image credit: Blink)

Blink and Ring may be both owned by Amazon, but that doesn't mean there can't be competition between the two companies. The Blink Video Doorbell is a prime example. Blink's $49 device is cheaper than any of Ring's devices, making it a compelling option for those who want an inexpensive video doorbell. 

Here's what we know about the Blink Video Doorbell, and when it will be available.

The Blink Video Doorbell can be ordered for $49.99. It started shipping to customers on October 21. 

The Blink Video Doorbell's price is extremely competitive; it's $10 less than Ring's least expensive video doorbell, the Ring Video Doorbell Wired, and roughly the same price as the Wyze Video Doorbell. 

The Blink Video Doorbell has a 1080p camera that records video at 30 fps. It has a 135-degree field of view horizontally and 80 degrees vertically, which makes it more akin to video doorbells such as the $59 Ring Video Doorbell Wired. So, you won't get to see as much as your front stoop as, say, the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 or the Nest Doorbell (battery). 

The Blink Video Doorbell measures 5.1 x 1.65 x 1.1 inches, which is fairly slim by video doorbell standards. It's roughly the same size as the Arlo Video Doorbell. Like most video doorbells, Blink's has a camera at the top and a button at the bottom. The device is available in black or white.

Inside are two AA batteries, much like the Blink Outdoor camera; the company says that they should last up to two years before needing a replacement. You can also connect the doorbell to an existing wired connection. If you connect it in this manner, it will also work with your existing doorbell chime — something the Ring Video Doorbell Wired can't do.

Unlike Ring's video doorbells, Blink isn't currently offering a wireless chime, so if you do use the Blink as a wireless video doorbell, you'll need to connect it to an Amazon Echo device if you want to get notifications (other than on your phone) that someone's at the door.

Unlike Blink's other wireless cameras, the Blink Video Doorbell connects directly to your Wi-Fi network, rather than a sync module. However, you can link it to the Blink Sync Module 2 ($34.99, sold separately) if you want to save videos locally, rather than in the cloud. 

As with Blink's cameras, the Video Doorbell will have custom motion zones (which are very easy to set up), but will lack person, package, or vehicle detection — features that are becoming more commonplace. The Ring Video Doorbell Wired, for example, has a person-only filter. 

The Blink Video Doorbell will also fall under the same subscription as the company's other cameras. In order to save and share video, you'll need to sign up for the Blink Basic Plan ($3/month), which covers one camera, or Blink Plus ($10/month), which covers an unlimited number of cameras. See how Blink's plans stack up to Ring and Nest in our best security camera storage plans comparison.

At $49, the Blink Video Doorbell is one of the least expensive video doorbells we've seen. The fact that you can use it as either a wired or wireless video doorbell makes it even more interesting. And, we like that it will work with existing doorbell chimes, which is something the Ring Video Doorbell Wired can't do.

There are some compromises, though; the Blink Video Doorbell lacks person, package, and vehicle recognition, so you're likely to get more notifications. However, its low price may be enough for some to overlook its limitations. We'll hopefully be able to test it out soon, and report back on how well it works in practice.

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Mike Prospero
Mike Prospero
U.S. Editor-in-Chief, Tom's Guide

Michael A. Prospero is the U.S. Editor-in-Chief for Tom’s Guide. He oversees all evergreen content and oversees the Homes, Smart Home, and Fitness/Wearables categories for the site. In his spare time, he also tests out the latest drones, electric scooters, and smart home gadgets, such as video doorbells. Before his tenure at Tom's Guide, he was the Reviews Editor for Laptop Magazine, a reporter at Fast Company, the Times of Trenton, and, many eons back, an intern at George magazine. He received his undergraduate degree from Boston College, where he worked on the campus newspaper The Heights, and then attended the Columbia University school of Journalism. When he’s not testing out the latest running watch, electric scooter, or skiing or training for a marathon, he’s probably using the latest sous vide machine, smoker, or pizza oven, to the delight — or chagrin — of his family.