TheBlink Miniwas one of the most popular indoor security cameras when it launched , thanks to its rock - bottom price and dependable performance . It did n’t offer a bunch of special features , but what it did do was offer an low-cost way of life to keep tabs on your property . That ’s mostly the guinea pig with the new Blink Mini 2 , which learned a few new tricks over the year , but remains a budget - minded product .
The Blink Mini 2 lacks many of the bounty features discover on other security tv camera , but it ’s a great step forward for Amazon ’s mighty petty equipment . Anyone search the most robust camera will require to look elsewhere for their penury , though everyone else will chance much to get it on about this adorable gadget .
Up and running in minutes
Like its forerunner , the Blink Mini 2 is easy to establish . There ’s a mount bracket and screw if you desire to jump on it to a rampart , or you could simply place it on a countertop or table using its swivel mount . Once you ’ve figured out where you want the security department tv camera , you just call for to put in the companion mobile app , scan a QR code , and configure your setting . That ’s it . From start to finishing , the entire process take less than 15 mo .
The Blink app itself is easy to use , giving you nimble accession to chute into a live feed , arm your organisation , toggle its options , or flip on the built - in spotlight . It feels a bit sparse compared to the Ring app , but there ’s no denying that it ’s easy to use and highly nonrational .
Perfecting the basics
The Blink Mini 2 is a no - frills security camera . It does n’t bundle in a bunch of premium feature — but considering that it costs just $ 40 , it works implausibly well . It put down in 1080p , and the image looks crisp when viewed on a smartphone . you could also surge in quite a act before the image becomes boggy , allowing you to piece up small detail from across the way . The machine habituate a lowlight sensor for enhanced prototype in sorry rooms , though you wo n’t get full - color effigy unless you toggle on its spotlight .
Another nice touch is reenforcement for Person Detection , thanks to its new chipset . This appropriate the camera to only send you alerts when a mortal is notice in your place , rather of every time your computed axial tomography or dog walks into view . For further customization , you may alter the camera ’s sensitivity configurations so it clean up move more ( or less ) often .
Amazon gave the Blink Mini 2 a bit of a face - lift , and it ’s now sporting a legato design that looks more cohesive than that of the Blink Mini . It ’s just as low as its precursor , but it boasts a new gloss scheme and appear more modern than the grim - and - snowy design of the past times . For an even little footprint , the cube - shaped television camera can be bump off from its outdoor stage .
Alexa support works just as well as you ’d expect from an Amazon product , and the photographic camera faithfully picked up question and sent alerts to my phone throughout testing . In unforesightful , it worked fantastically well as an indoor security photographic camera , ensuring all motion was right get across and reported .
Keep in mind that most of these feature film require a Blink Subscription Plan , which starts at $ 3 per month .
Forgoing the extras
The Blink Mini 2 serves as a great indoor surety camera , but it does n’t go the extra mile to outpace the competition . It lack a built - in concealment shutter , it does n’t proffer full - color night vision , and you ’ll need to clean up the optional Weather Resistant Power Adapter if you want to use it outdoors . The former Blink Mini could n’t work alfresco at all , so it ’s nice to have that option on the Blink Mini 2 — but it would have been even overnice if it was a standard feature that did n’t require a second purchase .
The Blink mobile app lets you customize Activity Zones and Privacy Zones , secure that only the area you want to supervise are caught on flick . However , these can only be modified in square sections by touch off or inactivate unlike segment of an on - screen door grid overlay . Other products , including those from Ring , give you more options when tailor-make these zones , such as allow you to make a freeform area rather of tap predesignated blocks . This makes the use of zones less compelling on the Blink Mini 2 than other camera , and it could be difficult to build up the perfect move geographical zone for your needs .
Still , the comprehension of Activity Zones and Privacy Zones is dainty — though it would be better if they were a bit more customizable .
The Blink Mini 2 record in a nipping 1080p , but other security cameras on the food market look even better . Some now offer 2 K and 4 kB resolutions , which make the 1080p offered here feel a bit dated . It also ca n’t be panned or tilt remotely , but its stand can be manually spread out and tilted to help you get the best perspective of your plate .
Verdict
The Blink Mini 2 is a just , affordable security camera . It run incredibly well for a $ 40 equipment , offering you a frugal way to keep tabs on your home . It forego a deal of the gong and whistling found on premium alternatives — such as the Ring Stick Up Cam Pro — but the Blink Mini 2 remain an likeable low - priced camera . With serviceable 1080p footage , a small footprint , backing for Person Detection , and a built - in public eye , the tiny camera nails the fundamentals .
If you ’re just appear for a way to ascertain in on your home while you ’re aside , the Blink Mini 2 is up to the undertaking .
Conversely , if you ’re look to build a muscular security system with the late and great technology , you ’ll need to keep shopping . Other , more expensive Cartesian product propose improved resolution , better motion zone customization , full - colour dark sight , and built - in privacy shutters . The Blink Mini 2 is also only available as a pumped-up model , with no choice for a battery - power model . But for an entering - floor security department tv camera that wo n’t prick your wallet , the Blink Mini 2 is grueling to baffle .
