When it comes to home security, there are a lot of options out there. While Ring and Google Nest may dominate the market, other names like Blink and Arlo also excellent options.
This review is going to compare Blink vs. Arlo to see which camera system may be right for you.
Let’s go ahead and get started.
Blink vs. Arlo: The Best
PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
---|---|---|---|
Best Budget | Blink Indoor |
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Best Value | Arlo Q |
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Most Versatile | Blink XT2 |
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Best Resolution | Arlo Ultra |
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Best Doorbell | Arlo Video Doorbell |
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Below we look at the full camera model lineup for both Arlo vs. Blink.
Blink vs. Arlo: The Models
Blink Cameras
- Blink Indoor: low cost, entry-level camera for indoor use only with basic 720p video quality and free Cloud-based video storage; wireless battery power; requires the Blink Sync Module
- Blink XT2: indoor / outdoor camera with better 1080p video quality and free Cloud-based video storage; wireless battery power; requires the Blink Sync Module
Arlo Cameras
- Arlo Ultra: Top-of-the-time wireless indoor / outdoor camera with 4K resolution, motion tracking, and auto-zoom capabilities
- Arlo Pro 3: Indoor / outdoor camera with 2K review resolution, color night view, and an integrated spotlight
- Arlo Pro 2: Indoor / outdoor camera with 1080p resolution, and free 7-day video storage on the Cloud
- Arlo Pro: Indoor / outdoor camera with 720p video resolution and maxes out at 8-minutes of video recording
- Arlo Q: great budget option for indoor wired video surveillance
- Arlo Cam: Arlo’s most basic indoor wired video with 720p video resolution and average clarity & sensor performance
- Arlo Video Doorbell: wired-install doorbell camera to replace traditional doorbells. 1:1 video aspect ration with 180° viewing angle for better visibility of the surroundings
Table of Contents
Design Overview
10-SECOND SUMMARY: Design-wise, both Blink and Arlo have some similarities. They are single body cams without a base (when used freestanding) or also come with a mount to wall-mounted installations. Blink and Nest both have cameras in overlapping categories (indoor vs. outdoor), but in design, performance, and function, they have some big differences.
Blink Design
Arlo Design
Blink offers an entry-level camera with basic features and excellent value. For more advanced sensors, intelligent activity detection, and emergency response options, Nest more easily checks those boxes.
Mounting Styles
Blink
- Surface Mount
Arlo
- Total Round Mount
- Corner Round Mount
- Hardware Mount
The Mount: Blink
Blink cameras have a flat bottom and wireless power so they can easily sit freestanding on any flat surface.
For mounting the camera to a wall, you can also use the surface mount included with the camera. There are a few different versions of this mount, but here’s the rundown of how it works.
It is a 2-piece system that breaks down like this:
- Rigid base attached to a vertical substrate using two screws
- Secondary arm installs into the back of the camera with a ball socket that connects into the rigid base (see #1).
The Mount: Arlo
There are three different kinds of mounting styles with the Arlo camera. Like the Blink, this camera can sit freestanding on its base or you can use one of the mounts below to mount it on a wall.
- Mount #1: Total Round: This first mount has a flat disc back with a rounded circle portion that magnetically attaches to the camera. This style mount comes with the Arlo Pro 2 and the Arlo Pro.
- Mount #2: Corner Round: Slightly modified from the total round mount, this corner round mount is designed to mount on the CORNER of the camera. It can still pivot freely, but it holds it a bit more securely in my opinion. This style mount comes with the Arlo Ultra and the Arlo Pro 3.
The only Arlo camera that is not designed with the magnetic mount in mind is the wire indoor Arlo Q security camera.
- Mount #3: Hardware Mount: There is also a hardware mount that can be used with some of the Arlo cameras. A variation of the hardware mount comes standard on the Arlo Q camera. Click here to add the hardware mount to other compatible Arlo cameras (compatible with: Arlo Pro, Arlo Pro 2, Arlo Go, Arlo lights)
RELATED – Ring vs. Nest
Video Storage
Blink
- Cloud-based only (up to 120 minutes, free)
Arlo
- Cloud-based
- Local storage (SD card not provided)
When it comes to video storage both Blink and Arlo have Cloud-based storage. Arlo has an advantage since it also offers local storage when paired with an SD card.
Here’s the limits of each company:
Blink Storage Plans
- Free: Up to 120 minutes of video storage
Blink currently does not offer any subscription option for more storage or any local backup
Arlo Storage Plans
- Free: Up to 7 days free of video storage (excludes Arlo Pro 3 and Arlo Ultra)
- Arlo Smart: Elite ($6 / mo): 30-day video history, rolling
- Arlo Smart Premier ($12 / mo): 30-day video history, rolling
The Takeaway: Arlo is the clear winner when it comes to video storage. For free, it offers significantly more storage (7 days vs. 120 minutes) while also allowing local storage with an SD card. For even more storage, the paid Arlo subscriptions are a great alternative for an upgrade. There is no paid subscription available with Blink.
Video Quality
When it comes to video quality, I found Arlo to be a bit more “true to life” and with slightly more contrast. Blink struggled a little bit with overexposure at windows and night mode was black and white. Arlo night mode is in full color.
Blink– Day
Blink – Night
Arlo – Day
Arlo – Night
Cameras with 4K Resolution
Between Blink and Arlo, the cams with the best picture quality are the Arlo Ultra and the Arlo Pro 3. Both of these cameras are indoor / outdoor cameras with color night mode, digital zoom, and a very crisp picture quality.
Blink does not offer any cameras with 4K video resolution.
Arlo Ultra
Arlo Pro 3
Cameras with 1080p Resolution
For a security camera with 1080p video resolution, top players are going to be the Blink XT2 and the Arlo Pro 2. Both of these cameras are powerful indoor / outdoor cams with good picture quality.
Blink XT2
Arlo Pro 2
Cameras with 720p Resolution
Arlo Pro
Blink Indoor
Setup & Usability
Between Blink vs. Arlo, the setup is similar, but not identical. To get started, the steps are about the same.
- Unbox the camera.
- Connect the camera to your wifi network.
- Install the app on your smartphone and pair the two.
- Install the camera in the desired location.
Simple enough. One extra step that Blink has will be configuring the Sync Module.
The Sync Module comes with the Blink cam and works like a little mini-hub.
The module is used in conjunction with your wifi network to make sure that the camera can always communicate with the app.
Input Connections
Blink
- Micro USB
- Hardware mount
Arlo
- Magnetic charging disc
- Hardware mount
The Input: Blink
The back of Blink cameras have similar connections. Both the Blink Indoor and the Blink XT2 have a spot to connect to the mount. The Blink Indoor also has a micro USB port on the back while the Blink XT2 does not.
For clarification, here is the Blink Indoor:
And here is the Blink XT2 Indoor / Outdoor:
In addition to the ports shown, both Blink cameras also require the use of the Sync Module.
What is the Sync Module used for?
A Sync Module works in tandem with the camera to communicate between the camera and your devices. Wireless cameras can be placed anywhere within the range of the centrally located Sync module.
The USB input on the Sync Module is used to pair the camera to the Sync and perform any future updates.
The Input: Arlo
Arlo cameras have two inputs.
- A magnetic disc that connects the charging cable
- A threaded insert that screws in a hardware mount (optional)
Here’s a quick visual of how the Arlo connects to the power cord.
What’s in the box?
Exactly what you get with the Arlo or Blink cameras may vary depending on which model you go with. But overall, the 4 similar parts will be.
- The camera
- Power (battery or cords)
- Mounting (plates, screws, plastic anchors, and/or magnetic base)
- User Guide
Blink Indoor Camera
Blink XT2 Camera
Arlo Ultra Camera
Arlo Pro Camera
In addition to the contents above, Blink cameras also require the Sync Module.
This module comes with the camera and allows you to pair multiple Blink cams under one system.
Blink vs. Alro Subscriptions
Some companies offer subscription plans to have access to additional features, commonly that means more video storage. Arlo has a pretty standard tiered subscription, but what about Blink?
Well, Blink does not offer a subscription plan at all.
The lack of a paid subscription does mean that you get free video storage on the Cloud, but the amount of storage is limited.
If you want more than 120 minutes of footage, Arlo could be a better option whether you opt for their free plan or paid subscription.
Blink vs. Arlo Smart
Blink (free) | Nest (free) | Nest Aware | Nest Aware Plus | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Price Starting At | No subscription | No subscription | $6/month | $12/month |
Motion-activated Notifications | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Live View | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
2-Way Audio | Varies by Model | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Lifetime Theft Protection | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Video History | Up to 2 hours | Up to 3 hours | Rolling 30 days | Rolling 60 days |
Max Video Resolution | Determined by camera | Determined by camera | Determined by camera | Determined by camera |
Snapshot Capture | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
24/7 Professional Monitoring | No | No | No | No |
e911 | No | No | Yes | Yes |
Support | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Is Blink or Arlo best for you?
Ok, so that’s all folks. We’re hit the highlights of the top models, specs, performance, and more. Still not sure which camera is right for you?
Here’s a quick list of our top recommendations between these two brands—Blink vs. Arlo.
Best Indoor Camera
Winner: The Arlo Q is our winner for the best indoor camera. Is it value-priced and plugs in for continuous power. It also has a wider field of view (130° on the Arlo Q vs 110° on the Blink Indoor Cam). Arlo offers a wide variety of options in terms of video storage and free or paid subscription options.
REVIEW: Click here to read the full review of the Arlo Q camera.
RUNNER UP: The Blink Indoor camera is our runner up. The video resolution of this camera falls to 720p so it’s not quite as clear as the Arlo Q, but the price is cheaper. If the bottom dollar is the top priority, the Blink Indoor may be a better choice.
REVIEW: Click here to read the full review of the Blink Indoor camera.
Best Outdoor Camera
WINNER: The Arlo Ultra takes the cake for the “best outdoor camera”. This camera touts 4K clarify, color night mode, and flexible power options. The Ultra also has an integrated spotlight for extra security in dimly lit environments.
REVIEW: Click here to read the full review of the Arlo Ultra camera.
RUNNER UP: The Blink XT2 camera is an indoor / outdoor camera with wireless power, no subscription fees, and easy setup and usability. The sensors aren’t quite as advanced as the Arlo Ultra and it lacks 4K resolution, but it also is less expensive. For outdoor surveillance on a budget, the XT2 is a solid option.
REVIEW: Click here to read the full review of the Blink XT2 camera.
Best Doorbell Camera
WINNER: For doorbell cameras, Blink doesn’t have anything to offer so the winner of this category is the Arlo doorbell by default. This doorbell has a 1:1 ratio for screenshots and maximum visibility as well as 1536px by 1536px video resolution, which is fantastic for a doorbell camera.
RELATED: Click here to see a side by side comparison of the Arlo Doorbell vs. Ring Pro Doorbell.
Still have questions?
Feel free to drop us a comment down below and we’d be happy to answer any questions or make a recommendation for you. We do our best to respond to all questions within 24 hours.