Written by

Tara Farmer

August 7, 2024

Edited by

Tamatha Hazen

Fact-checked by

Jennifer Carlson

Blink vs. Ring

Amazon's Blink and Ring brands both offer quality DIY home security solutions with their own strengths. Blink is ideal for those seeking an affordable camera-based system with basic features. Ring is better suited for users who want a more comprehensive security setup with advanced features and professional monitoring options.

• Although Blink and Ring do not require a subscription, their features and capabilities are quite limited without one.

• With both Blink and Ring, you save $6 to $40 when you choose to pay annually versus monthly, depending on the plan.

Affordability

Blink has the edge when it comes to affordability. They have lower upfront costs for equipment and a free local storage option, and if you do opt for a subscription, their plans are cheaper. This makes Blink ideal for those on a tight budget or looking for an entry-level doorbell camera with basic features.

Ring costs more, and if you buy their alarm system devices and want to receive alerts and control them from the mobile app, you'll need a subscription. However, the higher price is worth considering if your long-term goal is to have a robust home security system with multiple types of devices.

Equipment

When it comes to equipment, Ring has the edge over Blink due to its broader product lineup and more comprehensive security solutions.

• Blink focuses primarily on cameras and video doorbells. They offer indoor, outdoor, doorbell, mini, and floodlight cameras, as well as a sync module for local storage.

• Ring offers a much wider range of equipment, allowing for a more comprehensive home security setup. Options include several types of cameras and video doorbells, smart lighting, alarm systems, panic buttons, and various sensors (motion, contact, flood).

Ease of installation

Ease of installation is a key strength for both Blink and Ring, as they both promote user-friendly, DIY setups for their products. Each brand offers wired and battery-powered options, straightforward mounting processes, and detailed video instructions in their apps and online.

However, many users report Blink has an easier setup process which is a good thing since they do not offer an alternative. On the other hand, Ring offers professional installation services through OnTech for an additional fee, ranging from $159.99 to $229.99, depending on the product.

Camera quality

While both brands perform well, Ring offers slightly better audio and video quality, with higher resolution options and wider viewing angles on some models. Blink cameras still provide clear HD video that's suitable for most home security needs. However, some users report poor-quality images at night or in low-light conditions.

Data storage

When it comes to video data storage, Blink and Ring differ tremendously. Blink's free local storage option is a significant advantage for budget-conscious users or those concerned about privacy, but it's not available on all models. Ring's cloud-only storage offers flexibility but carries higher long-term costs.

Blink storage options:

• Free local storage with a Sync Module 2 device (up to 256GB with USB drive)

• Cloud storage available with a subscription

• No continuous recording option

Ring storage options:

• Cloud storage only (subscription required)

• Continuous recording available on some models (with higher-tier subscriptions)

• No free local storage option.

• Local storage capability is available with the "Ring Alarm Pro Base Station" and a microSD card, but you must have a Ring Protect Pro subscription.

Subscriptions & features

There’s no clear winner in this category; it depends on your needs. Blink offers simpler, more affordable subscription options, while Ring provides advanced features and professional monitoring. The “Basic” plans for both Ring and Blink cover one camera only, but their "Plus" and "Pro" plans include all devices at a higher price.

Blink subscription prices start at $3 per month and offer basic features that may be sufficient for many users. Ring subscription prices start a little higher at about $5 per month, offering more advanced features, especially in its higher-end models and subscription plans. The following table details the subscription plan features, which vary depending on the model you choose.

A note about Blink's and Ring's "no plan" options:

Neither Blink nor Ring require a subscription. However, without a subscription, you are limited to motion or doorbell alerts, two-way talk, and real-time viewing. Recording and other features are not available, and some users report loading speeds are too slow to view someone when they ring your doorbell.

Mobile app

We’re going to call this category another tie as it really depends on the user. Both Blink and Ring have dedicated mobile apps for iOS and Android devices. The Blink app is more straightforward, while the Ring app offers more features but may have a steeper learning curve.

• The Blink Home Monitor app has a clean, simple, and intuitive interface. It's easy to navigate and has basic features like arm/disarm, live and recorded views, and customizable motion alerts.

• The Ring Always Home app has a more comprehensive interface with additional features like home integration and a community feed for local alerts. However, some people find that it feels cluttered with multiple devices.

Smart home integration

As could be expected, both Blink and Ring integrate well with Amazon's ecosystem, but Ring is somewhat superior, offering more extensive smart home integration. While Blink only works with Amazon Alexa and IFTTT, Ring's compatibility extends to other smart home platforms, such as Apple HomeKit, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings.

Monitoring

Professional monitoring is a key differentiator between the two systems:

• Blink is designed for self-monitoring only, with no option for professional monitoring services. You can receive notifications when the camera detects movement, and view the recorded clips or live video, but the system does not notify police or other authorities.

• Ring has both self-monitoring and 24/7 professional monitoring options, offering a more comprehensive security solution. However, the professional monitoring service requires a Ring Protect Pro subscription, which costs $20 per month, plus a permit fee in some areas.

If professional monitoring is important to you, Ring is going to be the better option because it offers the service and Blink does not.

Blink vs. Ring doorbell

Ring is the winner here, offering a wider range of doorbell options. Ring doorbell prices range from $50 to $350, with more advanced features in higher-end models. Blink currently offers only one doorbell camera for $60, with the option of including a Sync Module 2 local storage device for $10 more.

Both brands offer solid doorbell camera functionality and a similar installation process. However, some users report intermittent connectivity issues with the Blink unit.

Blink vs. Ring pros and cons

As you’ve seen, there are some key differences between Blink and Ring. To summarize, here's a quick list of pros and cons for each system:

Is Blink or Ring better?

Which option is right for you? Choosing between Blink and Ring ultimately depends on your budget, desired features, and overall security goals. Consider your priorities and compare the specific models that interest you before making a final decision.

Choose Blink if:

• You're on a tight budget.

• You prefer simpler, easy-to-use systems.

• You primarily need camera-based security.

• Local storage is important to you.

• Long battery life is a priority.

• You don't need professional monitoring.

Choose Ring if:

• You want a comprehensive security ecosystem with a wider range of product options.

• Professional monitoring is important to you.

• You need advanced features like package detection and color night vision.

• You want extensive smart home integration.

• You don't mind paying for a subscription for cloud storage and additional features

Blink & Ring vs. other security brands

If neither Blink nor Ring is your cup of tea, there are many other options to choose from in the home security space. Some companies like Wyze offer DIY equipment similar to Blink and Ring, while other companies like ADT and Brinks offer professionally installed home security systems with 24/7 monitoring.

The table below provides a cost comparison of several popular home security companies.

• A security camera costs $125 to $450 on average with installation.

• A complete home security system costs $199 to $900 for the equipment and labor, plus $25 to $50 per month for monitoring.

Questions to ask a security system installer

While Blink and Ring are designed for DIY-friendly installation, some users may want to hire a pro for the job to ensure everything is installed and integrated correctly. Asking the right questions when evaluating potential companies can help you select the best security system installer near you:

• Are you licensed and insured?

• Can you provide a list of local customers I can contact for reference?

• Does your estimate include labor and all other fees?

• What home security items do you recommend for my home?

• How often would I have to replace the battery on a wireless security camera?

• How long will it take to complete the installation?

• Do you do the online setup or just the physical installation?

• Does your company offer any discounts or deals?

• Who should I contact if I experience problems after the installation?