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Blink vs Arlo: Side-by-Side Comparison

Derek Hales

Written By: Derek Hales

Updated on:

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.

Blink vs. Arlo

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

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Blink Indoor
  • Power: Wireless
  • Resolution: 720p
  • Hub Required? Yes
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Best Value

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Arlo Q
  • Power: Plug-in
  • Resolution: 1080p
  • Hub Required? No
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Most Versatile

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Blink XT2
  • Power: Wireless
  • Resolution: 1080p
  • Hub Required? Yes
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Best Resolution

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Arlo Ultra
  • Power: Battery
  • Resolution: 4K
  • Hub Required? Yes
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Best Doorbell

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Arlo Video Doorbell
  • Power: Wired-in or Battery
  • Resolution: 1536p
  • Hub Required? No
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Below we look at the full camera model lineup for both Arlo vs. Blink.

Blink vs Arlo camera review

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

Angled view of the Blink XT2 camera

Arlo Design

Arlo Ultra home security camera
Arlo Ultra home security camera

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:

  1. Rigid base attached to a vertical substrate using two screws
  2. Secondary arm installs into the back of the camera with a ball socket that connects into the rigid base (see #1).
Back of the Blink XT2 camera
Back of the Blink XT2 camera

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.
Magnetic mount for the Arlo Pro 1 camera
Magnetic mount for the Arlo Pro 1 camera
  • 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.
Arlo Pro 3 camera on magnetic mount
Arlo Pro 3 camera on magnetic mount

The only Arlo camera that is not designed with the magnetic mount in mind is the wire indoor Arlo Q security camera.

Side view of the Arlo Q camera
Side view of the Arlo Q camera

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 XT2 daytime video performance - indoor

Blink – Night

Blink XT2 nighttime video performance - indoor

Arlo – Day

Arlo Pro 3 camera - indoor video quality

Arlo – Night

Arlo Pro 3 camera - night vision outdoors

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 Ultra security camera with smart hub
Arlo Ultra camera - outdoor daytime video quality
Arlo Ultra camera – outdoor daytime video quality

Arlo Pro 3

Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight camera
Arlo Pro 3 camera - night vision outdoors
Arlo Pro 3 camera – night vision outdoors

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

Blink XT2 security camera
Blink XT2 nighttime video performance - outdoor
Blink XT2 nighttime video performance – outdoor

Arlo Pro 2

Arlo Pro 2 camera
Arlo Pro 2 camera night vision
Arlo Pro 2 camera night vision

Cameras with 720p Resolution

Arlo Pro

Arlo Pro Camera
Arlo Pro Day Time Video Looking Out Window
Arlo Pro outdoor video quality 720p

Blink Indoor

Blink indoor camera
Blink indoor camera - night video quality
Blink indoor video quality 720p

Setup & Usability

Between Blink vs. Arlo, the setup is similar, but not identical. To get started, the steps are about the same.

  1. Unbox the camera.
  2. Connect the camera to your wifi network.
  3. Install the app on your smartphone and pair the two.
  4. 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:

Back of the Blink Indoor camera
Back of the Blink Indoor camera

And here is the Blink XT2 Indoor / Outdoor:

Back of the Blink XT2 camera
Back of the Blink XT2 camera

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.

Blink XT2 Sync Module
Blink XT2 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.

  1. A magnetic disc that connects the charging cable
  2. A threaded insert that screws in a hardware mount (optional)
Arlo Pro Bottom Buttons

Here’s a quick visual of how the Arlo connects to the power cord.

Arlo Pro 3 power cord
Arlo Pro 3 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.

  1. The camera
  2. Power (battery or cords)
  3. Mounting (plates, screws, plastic anchors, and/or magnetic base)
  4. User Guide

Blink Indoor Camera

What's in the box with the Blink indoor camera

Blink XT2 Camera

Blink Xt Security Camera With Accessories

Arlo Ultra Camera

Arlo Ultra camera with accessories

Arlo Pro Camera

Arlo Pro Camera Accessories

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 AwareNest Aware Plus
Price Starting AtNo subscriptionNo subscription$6/month$12/month
Motion-activated NotificationsYesYesYesYes
Live ViewYesYesYesYes
2-Way AudioVaries by ModelYesYesYes
Lifetime Theft ProtectionNoYesYesYes
Video HistoryUp to 2 hoursUp to 3 hoursRolling 30 daysRolling 60 days
Max Video ResolutionDetermined by cameraDetermined by cameraDetermined by cameraDetermined by camera
Snapshot CaptureYesYesYesYes
24/7 Professional MonitoringNoNoNoNo
e911NoNoYesYes
SupportUnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited

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

Arlo Q security 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.

Blink indoor 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

Arlo Ultra security camera with smart hub

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.

REVIEWClick here to read the full review of the Arlo Ultra camera.

Blink XT2 security 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

Arlo Video Doorbell review

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.

About Derek Hales

Derek HalesDerek Hales is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of ModernCastle.com. He has been featured in Fast Company, Reader's Digest, Business Insider, Realtor.com, She Knows, and other major publications. Derek has a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Kansas State University. Hales has been testing and reviewing products for the home since 2014.