Blink Video Doorbell Review: Looking for a budget-friendly smart doorbell that doesn’t skimp on features? The Blink Video Doorbell paired with the Sync Module 2 might just hit the sweet spot. With easy installation, solid video performance, and Alexa compatibility, it’s designed for users who want security without the hassle—or the high price tag. But is it the right fit for your smart home setup? Let’s break it down.
Pros & Cons at a Glance
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable | Requires a Hub for local storage |
| Flexible Setup (wired/wireless) | Limited Smart Home Integration (no IFTTT, Apple HomeKit, or Google Assistant) |
| High-Quality Video | Some features require a paid subscription |
| Alexa Compatible |
Specs & Smart Configurations
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Connection Name | Amazon Alexa |
| Field of View | 180-degree |
| Video Resolution | 1080p |
| Storage Options | Cloud and local storage |
| Audio | Two-way audio |
| Camera Movement | Mechanical pan and tilt |
| Night Vision | Yes |
| Alarm | Yes |
PC Mag Editor’s Note: This is the most up-to-date version of the Blink Video Doorbell + Sync Module 2. Check out our report from April 8, 2022, below.
Blink is a well-known brand of low-cost indoor and outdoor home security cameras. The Video Doorbell + Sync Module 2 ($69.99), which is the company’s first smart doorbell, joins the growing market for smart doorbells. This two-part system comes with a doorbell camera and a hub (the Sync Module 2) that lets you connect to Blink’s online services. The doorbell can be installed wired or wirelessly, works well with Amazon Alexa (Blink is owned by Amazon), and is tested well, showing clear 1080p video. Even so, it doesn’t have nearly as many features as the $99.99 Ezviz DB1C, which was our Editors’ Choice winner.
Go for the One with the Sync Module
The Blink Video Doorbell + Sync Module 2 bundle comes with both the doorbell camera and a module that links the doorbell to Blink’s cloud servers. For $59.99, you can buy the doorbell without the Sync Module 2. However, keep in mind that you need the module to store video on a USB drive and to record and share live video by hand. It can be used to handle up to 10 Blink Indoor, Outdoor, Mini, and Doorbell cameras and makes the doorbell’s battery last longer. You can buy the Sync Module separately for $34.99 if you change your mind later and decide you want it. The two parts don’t come with a price when bought together.
It comes with two AA batteries, a straight mounting plate, a corner mounting plate, mounting screws, a USB wire and power adapter, a setup guide, and a small pin that you can use to take the doorbell off of its mounting plate.
Read More: Garmin Vivoactive 6 vs Venu 3 Comparison: Features, Specs, and Value
Blink Doorbell & Sync Module 2: Design, Features, and Smart Setup Explained
You can get the doorbell in black or white, and it’s 5.1 by 1.6 by 1.1 inches (HWD). The Scout Alarm Video Doorbell is about the same size (4.9 by 1.6 by 1.3 inches). The camera unit, a motion sensor, and a microphone are on top of the doorbell. The round doorbell button with an LED ring is on the bottom. When someone presses it, the light flashes blue, and when it’s being set up, it flashes red.
On the back of the buzzer, there is a place for two AA batteries and a speaker at the bottom. Blink says that the batteries should last up to two years, but it depends on how often you use them. You can also connect the wires to the terminals on the back of the mounting plate and use the electrics that are already on the alarm to power it.
The doorbell can connect to your home network through a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi radio, but not through 5GHz Wi-Fi like the Ezviz DB1C Wi-Fi or the Nest Doorbell (Battery).
The Sync Module 2 is made of black and white plastic. It has a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi radio and is 2.7 by 2.3 by 0.7 inches (HWD). On the Module’s right side, there is a USB-A port and a reset button. On the bottom, there is a small USB power port. You can add an external drive (up to 256GB) to the USB port to store videos locally and back them up in the cloud. During setup, a pair of small LED lights blink. When you connect the Module correctly, they light up steady blue and green.
When the doorbell identifies motion or someone presses the button, it can record a video clip. To view and share these recordings, you need to subscribe to a cloud storage plan, but the doorbell comes with a free 30-day trial plan. You also need a plan to see video previews and playback clips saved during Live View sessions. The Basic plan costs $3 a month, or $30 a year, and gives you access to all of the above features plus 60 days of video records for one camera. The Plus plan, which costs $10 a month or $100 a year, has everything that the Basic plan does plus support for an endless number of cameras. You can connect a USB drive to the Sync Module and keep video recordings locally if you don’t want to sign up for a plan.
You can connect your Amazon Alexa account to the doorbell so that you can watch video feeds on an Echo Show, have two-way chats, and set up routines for the doorbell to work with other Alexa-enabled devices. As for IFTTT applets, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit, the buzzer does not work with them.
The Blink Video Doorbell, along with the Blink Indoor and Blink Outdoor cameras, all use the same mobile app. This app is available for both Android and iOS. It shows up on the home screen in a box with video and snapshot buttons and a still picture of the last event that was recorded. When you press the video button, a live stream will start. You can save, delete, or “tap to talk” during the show.
There are five buttons at the bottom of the Home screen. The Home button takes you back to the main screen. When you click on the play button, a screen with thumbnails of event videos will appear. Click on any thumbnail to watch the movie, delete it, share it, or download it. Pressing the “gear” button lets you set up Wi-Fi and make recording plans. You can change your email address and password, connect an Alexa device, and choose which devices can use your doorbell by tapping the “Account” button. The fifth button takes you to a page where you can download Ring’s Neighbors app. This app gets alerts from your neighbors and the cops.
Tap the three lines in the top right corner of the doorbell screen to get to the settings screen. You can check the battery level, turn on motion recognition, set motion zones and sensitivity, change the length of a video clip, pick a video quality setting, record or not record, and change the settings for night vision.
Quick Setup, Crystal-Clear View
It’s easy to set up the Blink Doorbell and Sync Module 2, but the setup guide that comes in the box isn’t very helpful. It only shows you how to put the batteries in; for everything else, it links you to the Blink website.
First, I got the app on my phone, made an account, and then chose the doorbell from the “Add Device” screen. Adding the Sync Module was the first thing the app told me to do. I scanned the QR code on the back of the device with my phone. I put the Module into a setup I had already made and turned on the power.
It was time to enter my Wi-Fi password after one LED started to blink blue and the other went solid green. I then tapped “Discover Device.” After a short firmware update, I pressed the plus sign in the top right corner, chose the doorbell again, and scanned the QR code on the back of the doorbell. The Module connected right away.
As soon as the red LED started to blink, I pressed the “Continue” button on the ring. At this time. You can read the guide on how to wire and place the doorbell, or you can skip it. Using the screws that came with it, I connected the mounting plate to my door frame and then snapped the doorbell into place.
The image quality is great. Videos taken during the day have a wide horizontal view and lots of color. Videos taken at night in black and white look bright and clear. During tests, motion and doorbell alerts came right away, and there weren’t many false motion alerts either.
I was able to watch a video from the doorbell on an Amazon Echo Show smart display without any problems. Also, the Globe Electric Wi-Fi Smart Plug turned on as planned when someone pressed the doorbell button using an Alexa process. The two-way radio was also very clear and loud.
How Blink Connects with Your Smart Home
The home screen of the Blink app will display a recent still image captured by the video doorbell camera. You can then switch between seeing other pictures and the live video feed.
To change how the doorbell works, you can go to the Settings icon and pick from a bunch of different choices. These include custom motion zones, camera sensitivity, motion detection, clip length, night vision sensitivity, doorbell ringer volume, and more.
That being said, the Blink Video Doorbell works well with Alexa, which isn’t a surprise since Amazon owns both brands. But it doesn’t work with Apple HomeKit or Google Home products.
Final Thoughts: Is Blink Worth It
The Blink Video Doorbell + Sync Module 2 is a solid pick for anyone looking to dip their toes into smart home security without breaking the bank. With crisp 1080p video, flexible installation, and seamless Alexa integration, it covers the basics very well. The addition of the Sync Module 2 unlocks local storage and extends battery life—making it a must-have if you’re going all in with Blink’s ecosystem.
That said, it’s not without its trade-offs. Limited smart home compatibility, reliance on subscriptions for full functionality, and the need for additional accessories mean it’s not quite a plug-and-play powerhouse. Still, for under $100, it’s a compelling choice—especially if you’re already in the Amazon smart home camp.
Bottom line? If you want simple, affordable security with solid performance, Blink gets the job done. Just be sure to grab the Sync Module—your future self will thank you.