(calm lo-fi instrumentals) - Would you rather
spend more to buy less
or go with the cheapest option and get more stuff?
That's the big question
when it comes to security brands, Arlo and Blink:
both have similar security camera-heavy catalogs
but there's a big difference
in each brand's pricing, subscriptions, and camera quality.
Comparing Arlo to Blink is like pitting a laptop
against a calculator,
sure, they can do the same basic tasks
but one can do a lot more:
Arlo has cameras with 2K and 4K video streaming,
a security system, a personal safety app,
and more features overall in its portfolio;
but Blink is consistently and notably cheaper,
with doorbell cams, outdoor cams, indoor cams, you name it.
Blink and Arlo were both camera-only brands
until last November when Arlo announced its security system
new pricing, and entirely new app.
My guess is it's Arlo's way of keeping
up with the likes of Ring and SimpliSafe.
Blink, on the other hand, still only has cameras.
It was acquired by Amazon a few years ago
for its battery-saving technology
but not much has changed since.
It still kind of like Ring's little brother,
most of Arlo's products start around $100
but you get a better picture,
compatibility with a security system,
and smart features that make using them easier.
Then there's Blink, which keeps everything under 250
and often bundles their products
but everything's pretty bare bones.
So let's dive into the details:
what does Arlo do better than Blink and vice versa?
(calm lo-fi instrumentals)
When you look at equipment, extras, and products
Arlo surpasses Blink in every way:
Arlo offers more and better cameras;
has a whole security system up for grabs;
and offers features like theft replacement
and animated notifications,
for example,
let's take a look at the video doorbells from each brand,
this one is from Arlo,
this one is from Blink;
Arlo is also compatible with Google Home where Blink misses;
and its subscription perks apply to all of its cameras
instead of just a few.
From what I found from my test
both brands keep essential features
like recording video behind a paywall,
but you can get away with more from Arlo.
When I tested the Blink Video Doorbell
I learned that you need either a Blink subscription
or Blinks local storage device
to even see live video from your camera.
This means that if you don't pay for Blink monthly
you can't drop in
and see what's happening on your doorstep.
Arlo, on the other hand, won't let you record any video
from a subscription-free camera
but it will at least let you interact with the live view
and let you talk to anyone on the other side.
(ethereal lo-fi instrumentals)
As a budget-friendly brand, Blink nails it,
its cheapest camera, the Blink Mini,
is only $35 and keeps all of its gear 250.
For anyone needing a security camera fast,
this is really good news,
new parents, pet parents
anyone who just experienced a break-in,
something simple and cheap is a great place to start,
and if that sounds like you,
Blink might be that place.
Blink also offers longer video storage than Arlo
and more affordable local storage with its Sync Module 2.
And with Arlo making so many changes this year,
we are seeing support end for the brand's older cameras,
Blink doesn't have that problem yet.
While I haven't been too impressed
with Blinks camera-quality
their battery life is consistently good:
Blink boast a capacity for a two-year battery life
which is awesome for anything you use outdoors,
fewer wires and outlets
means you can place your cameras anywhere
and remove them more easily.
(funky lo-fi instrumentals)
Basically, it boils down to this,
Arlo has better gear but Blink has the better prices:
Both brands have the same types of cameras,
cloud and local storage,
and deals on product bundles
but Arlo gives you significantly more bang
for significantly more bucks.
So what do you think?
Are you team quality or team quantity?
Drop a comment below and tell us your thoughts.
We also have a written article
on the same face-off on safewise.com
that you can check out below in the description.
Thanks for watching and stay safe.
(funky lo-fi instrumentals)