If you‘re in the market for a home security system, two of the biggest names you‘ll encounter are Blink and Nest. Both companies make security cameras, video doorbells, and accompanying software to turn your house into a smart home. But which one should you choose – Blink or Nest?
This in-depth comparison examines everything from products and features to app experience, smart integrations, and video storage options to help you decide.
An Introduction to Blink and Nest
First, let‘s take a quick look at the origins and offerings of each brand.
Blink Background
- Founded in 2009 as Immedia Semiconductor by Peter Besen and his business partners. Originally focused on chips for low-powered devices.
- Launched first consumer product in 2014 – Blink wire-free HD security camera – via a successful Kickstarter campaign raising over $1 million.
- Acquired by Amazon in 2017 for a reported $90 million. Now operates as Blink Home Security, an Amazon subsidiary.
- Currently makes indoor and outdoor security cameras, video doorbells, a security system hub, and accessories like solar panels.
Nest History
- Founded as Nest Labs in 2010 by Tony Fadell and Matt Rogers, former Apple engineers.
- Gained popularity with the launch of the revolutionary Nest Learning Thermostat in 2011.
- Google acquired Nest for $3.2 billion in 2014. Nest operated independently under Alphabet after restructuring in 2015.
- Now makes indoor and outdoor security cameras, video doorbells, smart thermostats, smoke/CO detectors, locks, home automation displays, and speakers.
So while Blink is focused exclusively on security devices, Nest has a wider range of smart home products under its umbrella. Both are backed by tech giants Amazon and Google.
Blink vs Nest Product Lineups
Blink and Nest take different approaches when it comes to their security hardware lineups:
Blink
- 4 security camera models – indoor, outdoor, floodlight, pan-tilt
- 2 video doorbell models – wired and wireless
- Blink Mini security camera
- Sync Module 2 hub required for local storage
Nest
- 4 security camera models – indoor, outdoor, floodlight, pan-tilt
- 2 video doorbell models – wired and wireless
- Additional products like smart locks, thermostats, smoke detectors
- No hub required
While their offerings overlap quite a bit, Nest goes beyond security cameras with their broader ecosystem of smart home devices. Blink keeps things simple with just cameras and doorbells.
Here‘s an overview of how leading products in each lineup compare:
| Product | Blink | Nest |
|---|---|---|
| Indoor Cam | Blink Indoor | Nest Cam Indoor |
| Outdoor Cam | Blink Outdoor | Nest Cam Outdoor |
| Resolution | 1080p | 1080p |
| Field of View | 110° | 130° |
| Power | 2 AA batteries | AC power |
| Storage | Cloud only OR local w/Sync Module 2 | Cloud only |
| Weatherproofing | IP65 | IP54 |
| Doorbell | Blink Video Doorbell | Nest Hello Doorbell |
| Resolution | 1080p | 1080p |
| Power Source | 2 AA batteries OR wired | Wired ONLY |
| Field of View | 135° horizontal, 80° vertical | 160° diagonal |
Both brands offer easy-to-install cameras with two-way audio, night vision, motion alerts, and free cloud storage options. But there are some key differences:
- Power: Blink cameras run on replaceable AA batteries while Nest requires an AC power source. This gives Blink more flexible mounting options.
- Weather resistance: Blink Outdoor is rated IP65 making it more water resistant compared to Nest‘s IP54 rating.
- Storage: Blink supports optional local storage with the Sync Module 2 hub. Nest is cloud storage only.
- Doorbell: Blink‘s doorbell works wired or wire-free. Nest Hello is wired only.
So when it comes to hardware, Blink provides battery-powered flexibility while Nest has a more weatherproof design for outdoor use. Storage and doorbell options differ as well.
Video and App Experience
A security system is only as good as the video footage it captures and software it runs on. Here‘s how Blink and Nest compare when it comes to video quality and mobile app experience:
- Video resolution – Both offer crisp 1080p HD video streaming and recording. No 4K support.
- Night vision – Infrared night vision allows clear footage in the dark up to around 20-30 feet.
- Video storage – Cloud storage requires paid subscriptions for each, while Blink additionally supports local storage. More details below.
- Smart features – Nest cams offer person/animal/vehicle detection. Blink lacks AI detection but can arm/disarm other Blink devices.
- Mobile apps – Blink and Nest apps have live viewing, alerts, customizations like activity zones. Reviews give Nest app the edge.
- Video playback – The Nest app makes reviewing security events simpler with its scrollbar preview. Blink lacks this convenience.
Cloud Storage Cost Comparison
| Plan | Blink | Nest |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $3/month per camera | $6/month per camera |
| Extended | $10/month per camera | $12/month per camera |
| Storage Term | 14 days video | 30 days video |
Nest storage plans are more expensive but offer more recording time. Blink‘s basic tier is the most affordable.
The Verdict
For video quality, the two brands are nearly identical, offering sharp 1080p feeds with night vision. However, the Nest app provides a smoother playback experience thanks to its event timeline. And Nest‘s intelligent detection gives it the edge regarding smart features. But Blink costs less for cloud storage.
Smart Home Integration
A security system is only part of a complete smart home ecosystem. Here‘s how Blink and Nest integrate with popular platforms:
- Voice assistants – Both work with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice commands and smart home routines.
- HomeKit – Nest has official HomeKit support for use with Apple devices. Blink has no HomeKit integration.
- IFTTT – Blink and Nest both integrate with IFTTT for automations between platforms.
- SmartThings – Nest plays directly with Samsung SmartThings. Blink has no direct integration but can connect through Alexa.
The Verdict
Nest is the winner when it comes to smart home and voice integrations. With official support for HomeKit and direct SmartThings integration, it fits better into a technology ecosystem. Blink still covers the basics with Alexa and Google Assistant but lacks robust integrations.
Prices and Warranty
Pricing is another key difference between the two brands:
| Product | Blink | Nest |
|---|---|---|
| Indoor Cam | $99.99 | $129.99 |
| Outdoor Cam | $89.99 | $179.99 |
| Doorbell | $49.99 (wireless) $59.99 (wired) | $179.99 (wired only) |
Across the board, Blink products are more affordable compared to similar offerings from Nest. The price difference is most noticeable when it comes to outdoor cameras and doorbells.
For warranty coverage:
- Blink cameras and doorbells come with a 1-year limited warranty.
- Nest cameras and doorbells come with a 2-year limited warranty.
So Nest provides that extra year of warranty protection on top of its more expensive devices. For budget shoppers though, Blink is the clear value winner.
Final Verdict: Blink vs Nest
So when all factors are considered, is Blink or Nest the better home security system?
For those wanting a complete smart home ecosystem, Nest is the way to go. You get wider product selection, better smart integrations, and extra features like intelligent alerts. Just be prepared to pay a premium.
On the other hand, Blink is ideal for budget buyers who still want solid security basics. You‘ll get functional cameras and doorbells at very wallet-friendly prices, though flexibility and smarts take a backseat to affordability.
Overall:
- Nest is best if you want premium performance with lots of intelligent features.
- Blink is the top choice if low cost and simplicity are your main concerns.
Other factors like camera design, video storage needs, and warranty term may sway your decision as well. At the end of the day, choosing between Blink and Nest comes down to aligning their strengths with your home security priorities.
