With high customer ratings and compatibility with Amazon Alexa and IFTTT, the wireless indoor/outdoor Blink XT2 is a smart option for anyone looking for affordable home video surveillance. At just under$100, the Blink XT2 is priced in the midrange for home security cameras, but it has no monthly subscription fees and comes with up to a year of free cloud storage.
The Blink XT2 also features two-way talk, motion-activated recording, and customizable activity zones. Get real-time alerts whenever it detects motion, and use the Blink Home Monitor app to view live video feeds from your phone or tablet.
Pros
Cons
Price | $99.99 on Amazon |
Features | Indoor/outdoor operation |
Ratings | 4.3 / 5 on Amazon |
Warranty | 1-year limited |
Trial Period | 30 days (Amazon standard return policy) |
Compatibility | Amazon AlexaIFTTT |
To enjoy the full range of Blink XT2's Alexa skills, connect it to an Amazon Echo Show, Echo Spot, or Fire TV device. You can say, "Alexa, show backyard camera," and you'll be able to view the live video feed from your backyard on your Amazon device.
If you don't have an Amazon device with a screen, you can still use voice commands to arm and disarm your cameras with your Echo or Echo Dot. For example, when you arrive home, you can say, "Alexa, ask Blink to disarm; my pin is####."
Blink states that the battery life of the XT2 camera is up to two years, based on "average use." This is twice the battery life of the original XT camera, but if you frequently stream the live feed and use the two-way talk, it will drain the battery quickly.
Adjusting the recording time after a motion event triggers it can help conserve battery life, but you might end up with videos of motion events that get cut short. You can also save energy by customizing the activity zones to pinpoint relevant activity and avoid unnecessary motion, such as passing cars and pedestrians.
One of the most notable features of the Blink XT2 is its free cloud storage. You won't have to sign a service contract or pay any monthly subscription fees, and you can get storage for hundreds of clips for up to a year. Your Blink XT2 camera purchase also includes a one-year limited warranty and service. Customer reviews indicate that Blink is very responsive to customer issues and works to resolve them to the owner's satisfaction. You can also use Amazon's 30-day return policy to return the Blink XT2 if you run into any problems with your device.
Ready to set up your XT2? Below is a list providing step-by-step details on how to get your camera system up and running.
First, you'll need to download the Blink App from your phone's operating system's marketplace.
Once you have installed the app, select the button titled "Create an Account" on your screen. If you already have an account, login with your existing information.
Your location will be selected after you are directed to the following screen. Be sure the selected region is correct, then click OK.
Next, enter your email address. Once you have entered your email, you will have to create a password.
After you set up an email and password, you will have to begin the account verification process.
Next, enter a phone number.
You will then receive a pin code to your phone.
Now that you are in the Blink App click on the + on the upper right of the screen to add your Blink Camera according to the model you possess. Your app will ask for a QR code.
Once you scan the QR code, the app will direct you to the Add Sync Module screen.
Your app will require access to the Blink Module's Sync WiFi.
Choose "Blink" so your app can connect to the Blink Module.
Now that your network setup is finished, you will be directed to the Welcome Screen.
| Prices starting at | Monitoring options | Installation options |
Blink XT2 | $89.99 | Self-monitoring with free cloud storage | DIY only |
Google Nest Cam Outdoor | $199.99 | Self-monitoring through Nest Aware subscription starting at$6/month | DIY only |
Wyze Cam | $24.99 | Self-monitoring with free cloud storage | DIY only |
*Data as of 1/17/2021
Further Reading:
Yes, as long as you have an Amazon Fire TV Stick remote. Using the remote's voice activation feature, you can ask Alexa to show you the live video feed from any of your Blink cameras.
No. The Blink XT2 only starts recording when it detects motion. This feature helps conserve battery life.
No -- Blink only works with Amazon Alexa and IFTTT.
Once triggered by motion, the Blink XT2 starts recording a five-second clip. You can adjust the recording length to up to 60 seconds in the device settings.
The Blink XT2 has a viewing angle of 110 degrees and can detect motion up to 20 feet away.
The biggest difference between the XT and the XT2 is that the XT2 has a microphone and speaker for the two-way talk feature. When only used for video, the XT2 also has double the battery life of the XT.