If you‘re in the market for a smart home security camera, you‘ve likely come across the popular Blink cameras. Owned by Amazon, Blink offers affordable, easy-to-use wireless cameras with seamless Alexa integration. However, Blink may not be the ideal choice for everyone. Maybe you prefer cameras with higher video resolution, more advanced AI features, or that work with other smart assistants besides Alexa.
Fortunately, there are plenty of excellent alternatives to Blink on the market today. To help you find the best fit for your home, we‘ve rounded up our top picks and created this comprehensive guide. We‘ll walk you through the key factors to consider, provide detailed reviews of each camera, and share expert tips for choosing and using your new security system. Let‘s get started!
How We Evaluated Blink Camera Alternatives
When searching for the best Blink camera alternatives, we focused on these core criteria:
Video Quality – Higher resolution means clearer, more detailed footage. We looked for cameras offering at least 1080p HD, with options up to 2K and 4K.
Price – While Blink is known for affordability, the alternatives on our list provide great value at a variety of price points to fit any budget.
Storage Options – We prioritized cameras that offer flexible storage, such as free cloud plans, optional subscriptions, and local storage via SD card.
Smart Home Integration – All of our picks can connect with popular smart home systems like Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, or IFTTT for easy control.
Extra Features – Bonus points went to cameras with handy extras like spotlights, sirens, person detection, pan-and-tilt, and more.
Ease of Use – We made sure to include cameras designed for simple DIY setup and intuitive everyday use through well-designed mobile apps.
The 5 Best Blink Camera Alternatives
Best Overall: Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera
For a top-of-the-line Blink alternative, it‘s hard to beat the Arlo Pro 4. This wireless camera comes loaded with high-end features, starting with beautiful 2K HDR video. Colors are vibrant and accurate, while the 160° viewing angle ensures you capture a wide area.
The integrated spotlight allows the Arlo Pro 4 to record full-color video at night, a rare capability among security cameras. It also has an advanced AI detection system that can distinguish between people, vehicles, animals and packages. This allows you to customize alerts so your phone doesn‘t blow up every time a squirrel runs by.
Another big selling point of the Pro 4 is its versatility. With a weather-resistant build, wire-free design, and long-lasting rechargeable battery, you can mount it essentially anywhere – indoors or outside. It also works with Alexa, Google Assistant and IFTTT for easy smart home integration.
The main downside is the price tag. At around $200 per camera, the Arlo Pro 4 is one of the most expensive options on our list. However, the stellar performance and feature set justify the cost for many. If you want the best of the best in a Blink alternative, the Arlo Pro 4 is our top recommendation.
Best Budget Pick: Wyze Cam v3
On the other end of the price spectrum, the Wyze Cam v3 offers unbeatable bang for your buck. You get 1080p Full HD video, color night vision, intelligent motion detection, and free 14-day cloud storage, all for around $35.
Wyze‘s special "Starlight Sensor" allows the v3 to capture full-color footage in environments up to 25x darker than traditional cameras can. The IP65 weather resistance means you can use the camera outside without worrying about the elements. It also supports 24/7 continuous recording with a 32GB microSD card (sold separately).
In terms of smart integrations, the Wyze Cam v3 works with Alexa and Google Assistant for voice commands, as well as IFTTT for connecting with other devices. The Wyze app is very user-friendly, with a simple setup process and intuitive controls.
The compact cube design won‘t win any style awards, and some may prefer a higher resolution than 1080p. But for such an affordable price, the Wyze Cam v3 is a fantastic value and our favorite budget-friendly Blink alternative.
Best Picture Quality: Eufy Indoor Cam 2K Pan & Tilt
Eufy, Anker‘s smart home security brand, consistently puts out some of the best cameras around. Their Indoor Cam 2K Pan & Tilt is especially noteworthy for its crystal-clear video quality.
As the name suggests, this camera outputs impressive 2K resolution. That means you can zoom in on details while still retaining a sharp image. The pan-and-tilt function also contributes to stellar video by allowing the camera to swivel 360° horizontally and 96° vertically for maximum room coverage.
The Eufy Indoor Cam 2K also stands out for its AI capabilities. On-device processing enables smart detection of humans and pets, with the ability to automatically lock onto and track subjects. It‘s also equipped with infrared night vision, two-way audio, and intelligent sound detection that can alert you to crying babies.
Importantly for indoor use, the Eufy Indoor Cam 2K has a physical privacy shutter you can close when you want the lens blocked. It‘s also one of the few security cameras that requires no monthly fees, as your video footage is stored locally on a built-in 8GB eMMC chip.
At about $50, this camera costs substantially less than the Arlo Pro 4 while still delivering exceptional video quality and features. The main limitation is that it‘s rated for indoor use only. But if you‘re looking for an inside Blink alternative with top-notch optics, the Eufy Indoor Cam 2K is our pick.
Premium Pick: Ring Spotlight Cam Pro
If you‘re open to spending more for advanced features, the Ring Spotlight Cam Pro is worth the splurge. This high-end security camera produces excellent 1080p HDR video day and night, with a bright LED spotlight for color night vision.
One of the Spotlight Cam Pro‘s standout features is 3D Motion Detection. Using radar technology, it can detect motion and measure the precise distance to the moving object. This allows you to set very specific motion zones and customize alerts to only notify you when someone crosses a certain threshold.
Another unique perk is Bird‘s Eye View, which provides an aerial map showing the path a visitor took around your property. For more protection, the Spotlight Cam Pro has a 110-decibel siren you can activate remotely if you spot an intruder.
This camera installs easily with no wires to deal with thanks to the rechargeable battery pack. Like other Ring products, it offers seamless integration with Alexa and other smart home devices.
At around $230, the Ring Spotlight Cam Pro is definitely a splurge. But if you‘re looking for a Blink alternative with cutting-edge capabilities, this is our top luxury pick. It‘s a particularly great option if you already have other Ring devices, as you can sync and control everything through the Ring app.
Best Indoor Alternative: Kasa Smart Spot Pan Tilt
The Kasa Spot Pan Tilt is our favorite Blink alternative for indoor surveillance needs. Despite the affordable price of around $35, it boasts features on par with much pricier competitors.
With crystal-clear 2K resolution, this camera delivers superb video quality day and night. The pan-and-tilt design provides 360° horizontal and 113° vertical rotation, allowing you to see every corner of a room. Four infrared LEDs enable crisp night vision up to 30 feet.
The Kasa Spot also offers intelligent alerts that can distinguish between people and sounds. When motion is detected, the camera will automatically track the moving person to keep them in frame. Two-way audio allows you to speak with whoever is in the room, whether you want to tell your kids it‘s bedtime or warn an intruder to leave.
Cloud storage requires an affordable subscription, but you can also record continuous video to a microSD card up to 256GB. The camera integrates with Alexa and Google for voice commands and smart home routines.
More than 15,000 Amazon reviewers give the Kasa Spot Pan Tilt 4.5/5 stars on average, praising its phenomenal image quality, reliable performance and easy setup. If you‘re looking for an indoor Blink alternative that‘s affordable and full-featured, you can‘t go wrong with this camera.
How to Choose the Best Blink Alternative for You
Consider these questions to help select your ideal smart security camera:
What‘s your budget? The cameras on our list range from about $35 to $200+, so think about how much you‘re willing to spend per device. Keep in mind that some companies require paid subscriptions to access all features.
Where will you place the cameras (inside, outside, or both)? Make sure to pick a camera rated for your intended environment. Not all indoor cameras are suitable for outdoor use.
How important is video quality? If you want the sharpest, most detailed picture, spring for a camera with 2K or 4K resolution. If you‘re okay with standard HD, 1080p models are often more affordable.
What features matter most to you? Prioritize the specs you really need (like a spotlight, siren, AI detection, color night vision, or local storage) while skipping extras you don‘t care about.
How tech-savvy are you? Some DIY security cameras are easier to install and use than others. Look for a system with a straightforward app, clear instructions, and good customer support.
What to Know Before You Buy
Here are a few important considerations to keep in mind before purchasing a Blink camera alternative:
Upfront vs. Ongoing Costs – In addition to the initial price of the cameras, some companies charge ongoing subscription fees for cloud storage, advanced AI features, and professional monitoring. Be sure to factor in any monthly or yearly costs when comparing options.
Internet Requirements – Wireless smart cameras need a strong internet connection to function properly. Make sure your home network can support the bandwidth demands of the camera system you choose. Spotty WiFi can lead to issues like delays, lost connections, and poor video quality.
Installation and Placement – Consider how and where you‘ll mount the cameras. Battery-powered wire-free models offer the most flexibility, while wired cameras may require drilling holes or running cables. Also make sure to position cameras out of reach to prevent tampering.
Privacy Concerns – Putting internet-connected cameras in and around your home understandably raises privacy questions. Look for security systems that use encryption, two-factor authentication, and other safeguards to protect your data and video footage. For indoor cameras, a physical lens cover can provide extra peace of mind.
Cloud vs. Local Storage – Storing videos in the cloud usually requires a paid subscription, but makes it easy to access footage anywhere from your phone. Local storage via SD card or hard drive can save money, but you‘ll need physical access to the memory device to view videos.
Benefits of Smart Security Cameras
A Blink camera alternative can provide several key advantages over a traditional security system:
24/7 Surveillance – With live streaming, you can check on your home anytime from anywhere using your phone. Most cameras also offer night vision to keep watch in low light.
Smart Alerts – Get instant notifications on your phone when a camera detects a person, animal, vehicle, or other motion. Some advanced cameras can even identify specific faces and alert you when an unrecognized visitor approaches.
Simple Self-Monitoring – Avoid the high monthly fees of a professional monitoring service. With a few taps on your phone, you can easily keep an eye on things yourself.
Deterrent – The mere presence of visible security cameras can deter criminals from targeting your home. For even more protection, choose a camera with a built-in spotlight, siren or alarm you can trigger remotely.
Two-Way Talk – Many smart cameras have a built-in microphone and speaker so you can communicate with whoever is in the room. Ask the delivery driver to leave a package at the door, tell your kids to stop fighting, or shout at intruders to leave.
Affordable Price – Smart security cameras cost much less than a professionally-installed and monitored alarm system. You can get a great camera for around $100-$200, with some solid budget options as low as $35.
The Bottom Line
While Blink offers reliable, affordable cameras, the alternatives on this list provide compelling reasons to look elsewhere. The Arlo Pro 4 delivers top-tier video quality and advanced features in a premium package. The Wyze Cam v3 packs outstanding performance into a shockingly low price. The Eufy Indoor Cam 2K nails the essentials with excellent optics and on-device AI. The Ring Spotlight Cam Pro brings cutting-edge perks for a premium price. And the Kasa Spot Pan Tilt is a superb value for indoor surveillance.
Ultimately, the best Blink alternative depends on your specific needs and preferences. But we‘re confident that one of these stellar cameras will help you keep a watchful eye on your home with greater peace of mind. Choose the one that fits your budget, feature priorities, and intended use, and you can‘t go wrong. Here‘s to a smarter, safer home!
