Blink Mini 2 Indoor/Outdoor Plug-in Smart Security Camera Review
Over the years, we have tested Blink smart security cameras. Our first review was back in 2018, and the most recent was the new Blink Outdoor 4 Floodlight Cam. We have seen the Blink cameras develop over this time from small but highly effective smart security cameras with low-cost cloud storage to robust, affordable smart home security devices that provide excellent security features at an attractive price. Today, we bring you our review of the new Blink Mini 2 security camera. This smart plug-in security camera works indoors and outdoors and is the 2nd generation of the Blink Mini camera.
What is the Blink Mini 2 Plug-in smart security camera?
The Blink Mini 2 Indoor/Outdoor Plug-In Smart Security Camera is a compact yet powerful guardian designed to keep an eye on your home or business with cutting-edge features and robust performance. Engineered to blend seamlessly indoors and outdoors, this versatile camera ensures round-the-clock surveillance without missing a beat.
Here are the key features you will find with the Blink Mini 2 security camera:
- 1080p HD Camera: This camera captures crisp, detailed footage in full high definition, ensuring you don’t miss any important details, day or night.
- HD Color Night Vision: This technology illuminates the night with vivid color clarity, making it easier to discern details even in the dark.
- 143-Degree Field of View: Wide-angle lens offers expansive coverage, reducing blind spots and giving you a comprehensive view of your surroundings.
- 30 Frames Per Second Camera: Enjoy smooth, clear video playback that makes spotting quick movements or identifying activity easier.
- LED Spotlight: Enhance visibility and deter potential intruders with the built-in LED spotlight, which can be manually activated or triggered by motion.
- Two-Way Talk: Communicate directly through your camera with the integrated two-way audio, perfect for greeting guests or warning off trespassers.
- IP65 Rated Weather Resistance: Designed to withstand the elements, this camera ensures reliable operation in various weather conditions, from rain to snow.
- Works with Amazon Alexa: Integrate your security system with the Amazon Alexa voice platform for hands-free control and convenience.
- Wi-Fi Connectivity: A 2.4 GHz 802.11 b/g/n wireless connection connects effortlessly to your home network, ensuring stable and reliable streaming.
- Multi-Platform Compatibility: Whether you’re using iOS, Android, or Fire OS, the Blink Mini 2 keeps you connected and in control from virtually anywhere.
However, their best feature is Blink’s new custom-built chip, which is the same innovative technology found in the Blink Outdoor 4 security camera. This chip elevates your security setup with on-device computer vision. Experience smart notifications like never before, with intelligent alerts and person detection, ensuring you’re only notified about what truly matters. Customize your surveillance with motion detection, activity, and privacy zones, tailoring the camera to your specific needs and preferences.
Blink Mini 2 and Weather Resistant Power Adapter Bundle on Amazon
How do you set up your Blink Mini 2 camera?
Setting up your Blink Mini 2 Security Camera is straightforward and can be done indoors and outdoors. To ensure optimal performance, position the camera with a strong Wi-Fi signal. For outdoor installation, use the provided mount and screws to attach the camera securely. Indoors, the camera can be mounted on a wall or ceiling or placed on any flat surface like a shelf or table. The Blink Mini 2 has a USC-C to USB power cord, an adapter suitable for indoor use, and a versatile camera mount for both settings. If installing the camera outdoors, consider purchasing the Blink Weather Resistant power adapter to ensure durability and continuous power supply in all weather conditions. The setup is designed to be user-friendly regardless of the camera's location.
- App Setup: If you're a new customer, download the Blink app. Existing customers should open the app and tap the "+" icon in the upper right corner. Then, select your device for setup and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Pre-Mount Connection: Before mounting, configure the camera and establish a Wi-Fi connection within your home to ensure everything works correctly.
- Mounting Indoors: If installing the camera indoors, choose a smooth, accessible location for mounting, ensuring it's near a power source.
- Outdoor Installation: When mounting outside, choose a wall with strong support and access to power.
- Upside-Down Installation: The Blink Mini 2 can be installed upside down, suitable for ceilings or awnings, both indoors and outdoors. Ensure the mounting surface, such as drywall or plywood, is solid enough to hold the camera securely.
These guidelines are designed to streamline the setup process and help you install your camera without complications.
Buy Blink Mini 2 Bundle on Amazon
Smart Home Integrations
The Blink Mini 2 Security Camera integrates seamlessly with Amazon Alexa, enabling you to enhance your smart home experience. You can utilize voice commands to arm or disarm your camera via an Echo speaker. For those with an Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen), or a smart TV with built-in Amazon Alexa, live video streaming and camera controls are effortlessly managed through voice commands. Additionally, the Alexa app allows you to craft routines that include your camera for a more automated home security setup.
However, it's important to note that the Blink Mini 2 is incompatible with Google Assistant, Samsung SmartThings, or Apple HomeKit.
For those looking into a more advanced smart home setup, the Blink Mini 2 can integrate with professional smart home systems, such as Control4 or Crestron. These integrators offer a comprehensive setup incorporating your Blink Camera into their ecosystem. To enable this, you'll need to provide:
- The IP address of your Blink Mini 2 Camera
- Your Blink Home Monitor account's username and password
Once integrated, controlling your Blink Mini 2 via the smart home system's app or even using voice commands (if Amazon Alexa is linked to the system) becomes possible. The capabilities include:
- Arming or disarming the camera
- Activating the lights
- Streaming live video through the app, compatible smart displays, or TVs
- Receiving alerts on motion or sound detection
- Setting up automations for actions like lighting control or notifications
These features significantly enhance the functionality and convenience of your Blink Mini 2 Camera, making it a versatile component of your smart home security system.
Buy Blink Mini 2 on Amazon
How much does the Blink Mini 2 camera cost?
The new Blink Mini 2 smart security camera costs only $39.99 in the USA and $54.99 CDN in Canada. It comes with an indoor USC-C power cord adapter. The company sells a Blink weather-resistant power adapter with a 13-foot-long power cable designed for outdoor use. This bundle costs USD 49.98 and CAD 69.98. If you want to buy just the power adapter, it costs $10 and is available on Amazon. The cameras are available in Black and Off-White with a matte finish.
And what do you do with all those videos and images taken by the Blink Mini 2? The Blink Mini 2 security camera offers users the choice between two cloud storage subscription plans: Basic and Plus. Each plan unlocks a suite of features, including person detection, cloud video recording, and 60 days of unlimited video history, ensuring rapid access to freshly recorded videos. Additionally, customers can enjoy up to 90 minutes of live viewing per session, keeping a close eye on their premises. While both plans provide substantial benefits, the Plus plan stands out with its support for unlimited Blink devices instead of the Basic plan's single-camera support. It also offers custom notification snooze options, a 10% discount on Blink devices, and the peace of mind of extended warranty coverage. Pricing for the Basic Plan is set at an affordable $3 monthly or an annual fee of USD 30, and in Canada, it's available for $5 monthly or CAD 50 annually. For those opting for the more feature-rich Plus plan, it begins at $10 per month or a yearly cost of $100, presenting an excellent value for comprehensive coverage and functionality.
Performance
How did Blink's new camera perform? It was good in some areas and okay in others. In the good areas, the video resolution was crisp and clear. The color night vision helped you see a reasonable distance, and the motion sensors and Person detection acted as expected and were easy to activate in the Blink app. This Amazon Alexa-compatible security camera is good for Alexa users but not for Google Assistant homes. You can easily show live feeds from the Blink Mini 2 on your Echo smart displays or smart TVs with Alexa built-in.
One of the features we found to underperform was the LED light. Yes, it is bright when you look into the camera, but if you were standing behind the camera to see how the light illuminated the area, the light wouldn't travel as far as we thought it would. Other security cameras we have tested that came with a spotlight or had built-in LEDs were brighter than the Blink Mini 2 camera's LEDs.
Buy Blink Mini 2 on Amazon
As for the speaker, since this is a Wi-Fi security camera, the sound is delayed, and the speaker is weak. You need to be close to the camera to hear the person talking. For indoor use, it's okay, but for outdoor use, you will not scare away many since the sound doesn't travel well. Something to be aware of with the Blink Mini 2.
I liked how the Blink Mini 2 camera can work inside or outside the home. If you plan to use it outside, I recommend getting the Blink Mini 2 with the Blink Weather Resistant Power Adapter. This will ensure your camera is protected from the elements no matter the time of the year. If using it inside, the camera's size can be helpful, and you can install it on the wall, ceiling, or shelf. You need to make sure there is a power outlet nearby. This is a common occurrence with wired security cameras.
As for the app, it does provide you with the features you need in a security camera, like alerts from motion detection. And at an attractive price, only $39.99 per camera. However, many of the camera's features do require you to get a Blink Plan. The camera does come with a 30-day free trial for cloud storage and all features. However, after 30 days, you lose the new Person Detection as well as all of these effective security features: Motion detection video recording, Live view recording, 60-day unlimited video history, Auto local storage backup, Rapid video access, Video sharing, extended view, Custom notification snooze, 10% off Blink devices, and Extended warranty coverage. So, in essence, if you get the Blink Mini 2, you will need to get at least the Basic Plan ($3 per month for one camera) if you want to take advantage of the features.
Is the $3 per month a big expense? Based on the price of the Blink Mini 2 ($39.99), which is its best feature, and adding $30 for the year, you get a $69.99 smart security camera with all the features you can get from more expensive smart security cameras by Arlo, Reolink, TP-Link, and Ring which cost more than $80 per camera. So, yes, it is a good deal and worth paying $3 monthly for cloud storage and smart features.
Who should buy this new indoor/outdoor security camera? This camera is ideal for existing Blink users looking to add an affordable and versatile security camera with person detection and allows you to adjust settings to protect your privacy. It's also a good addition to any smart home that needs a reliable Wi-Fi smart security camera added to their DIY smart home security system powered by Amazon Alexa. And if you are looking for an indoor smart security camera, the Blink Mini 2 could also function as a smart baby monitor. You can adjust the motion detection to alert you when the baby moves around or the kids wake up and want to leave their room.
Lastly, if you are looking for an alternative to lower-end security camera models by companies like Wyze, Tapo, or ones on Amazon that cost less than $40, look no further than the Blink Mini 2. For the price, including the monthly cloud storage fee, it's one of the best buys you can make.
All-new Blink Weather Resistant 13ft Power Adapter for Blink Mini 2 and Blink Outdoor 4 (White)
Buy Blink Mini 2 on Amazon
Summary
The Blink Mini 2 is not just a security camera; it's a complete solution that offers advanced features and easy use at a great price. Its flexibility and strong build make it perfect for watching over your home, backyard, or business. Just remember to have reliable Wi-Fi and a power source close by. Investing in the Blink Mini 2 Indoor/Outdoor Plug-In Smart Security Camera is a smart choice.
Pros:
- Excellent Video Quality:
- Color Night Vision
- Person Detection
- Amazon Alexa Integration
- Versatile Use: Suitable for both indoor and outdoor installations.
- Affordable Price
Cons:
- Limited LED Light Performance
- Compatibility Limitations: Does not support Google Assistant, Samsung SmartThings, or Apple HomeKit, or smart home security systems like Abode or ADT
- Subscription Requirement for Full Features
- Power Outlet Dependence:
Check out The GearBrain, our smart home compatibility find engine. It can help you find, buy, and connect any smart device. It can even help you find other smart devices or systems that are compatible with your existing smart devices, such as Amazon Alexa-enabled devices.
