Wyze vs Blink Cameras

When it comes to home security cameras, there are plenty of options to choose from. Wyze and Blink offer several great camera options.

Blink started in 2016 following a successful Kickstarter campaign and was later picked up by Amazon. Blink offers HD indoor and outdoor security cameras with night vision and other unique features.

Ex-Amazon employees started Wyze in 2017. They are best known for offering flexible and affordable security cameras.

Wyze and Blink have unique benefits; let’s look at what they can offer you.

Wyze vs Blink: What do they have in common?

• Flexibility: These providers are best known for flexible offerings; you won’t be forced into any long-term contracts.
• DIY installation: You’ll install your new security cameras, meaning there’s no installation or activation fee.
• Mobile app: You can receive motion-activated notifications via a handy mobile app. The apps are available on Android and iOS.
• Costs: Wyze is the cheapest, but each represents an affordable price point, with most cameras costing less than $100.
• Smart home functionality: Wyze and Blink can be used with voice control, thanks to Amazon Alexa. They share several other smart home automation such as If This Then That (IFTTT) technology, including Echo Show speakers and Google Assistant.
• Pan tilt and zoom: You can adjust your camera view to get a better view.

Wyze vs Blink: What are the differences?

• Local storage: Blink offers USB flash drive compatibility alongside MicroSD card slots, so you have a greater potential for local storage.
• Free cloud storage: Wyze offers free cloud storage.
• App Ratings: The Blink app has better ratings.
• Frame rate: Blink cameras have a better frame rate, producing clearer video quality.
• Temperature sensors: Some Blink cameras come with built-in temperature sensors. Wyze doesn’t offer environment sensors.
• Professional monitoring: You can purchase professional monitoring via Noonlight for $5 a month if you choose Wyze.

Blink: What you need to know

Blink started in 2016 as a Kickstarter campaign, first offering video doorbells and indoor security cameras. It expanded when Amazon later bought it out, and Blink offers excellent features such as night vision, smart security systems, various storage options (including SD card compatibility), and more.

Installation

Installation with Blink is easy, and there’s no need for wires, drilling, or complex set-ups. You receive the camera along with a Sync Module. The module plugs into the wall and automatically begins set up in conjunction with the Blink app (available on your smartphone). Once you’ve launched both, you can place your cameras and get started.

Equipment

Blink is a great low-cost provider that offers an array of security equipment, including cameras, with motion detection and built-in environmental sensors.

Equipment available includes:

• Blink outdoor cameras
• Indoor cameras
• Battery-powered cameras

Blink also offers equipment packages, including 2-5 cameras and a Sync Module 2, from $139.99 up to $379.99. you can buy individual cameras cheaply on an a la carte basis, the Blink Mini can be purchased for less than $40.

Most Blink cameras come with crisp video quality and advanced features such as two-way audio, motion detection, and more.

Home automation

There aren’t many smart home options unique to Blink, but several third-party automation such as If This Then That (IFTTT) technology will work for your Blink security system. You can use voice commands to control your system, thanks to Amazon Alexa.

Pricing

Individual cameras start at $35-$99, with packages starting at $139.99. They’re not as cheap as Wyze, but they remain competitive. Blink doesn’t offer additional monitoring services for a monthly fee.

Nerd pros

• Price: Blink is competitively priced in the home security market.
• Battery life: The battery-powered cameras have excellent battery life, with up to two years offered per charge.
• Flashdrive compatibility: Blink provides additional local storage options.

Nerd cons

• DIY: You’ll need to be comfortable monitoring and installing your own security system, too.
• Smart home options: Blink doesn’t provide many smart home integrations, though it does provide temperature monitoring.
• Hardware options: There are limited hardware options - Wyze has more variety in its range.

Wyze: What you need to know

Wyze was launched in 2017 to provide cheap, reliable home security equipment; Wyze cameras can be bought for $20 and offer some advanced features such as customizable motion zones, infrared night vision, and person detection. Let’s take a look at what Wyze has to offer.

Installation

Wyze offers simple installation, there’s no professional installation option, but you won’t miss it - installation is easy. You connect your camera to a power outlet, wait a few seconds, press the setup button and follow the prompts. Most setups can be completed in less than 30 minutes.

Equipment

Wyze offers a variety of cameras, including indoor cameras and video doorbells, but they provide other equipment, too, such as:

• Smart gun cabinets
• Robotic vacuums
• Garage door controls
• Smart light bulbs
• Smart locks
• Smart thermostats

If you want to save money purchasing your home security equipment, you can consider one of their bundles. The Wyze Home Monitoring kit costs $60 and includes:

• Keypad
• Basestation
• Three entry sensors

Wyze cameras have 720p or 1080p HD resolution; the Wyze Cam v3 is weather-resistant and can be used indoors or outdoors, though many of Wyze’s cameras are indoor only. Wyze products are reliable, but they lack the sleek design of many Blink cameras.

Home automation

Wyze offers a selection of great smart home integrations, including the Wyze app and Z-wave compatibility, allowing it to be integrated with equipment such as Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and other If This Then That (IFTTT) equipment. You can also purchase smart thermostats and lights from Wyze.

Pricing

• Monthly fees: Professional monitoring is available for $5 per month.
• Equipment: Wyze is incredibly affordable - you can purchase cameras for just $20, and complete bundles start at under $60.

Nerd pros

• Pricing: Wyze cameras are feature-packed but easy on your budget.
• Free cloud storage: Wyze allows you to monitor your home security effectively with free cloud storage. You can purchase additional cloud storage, but the free allowance is generous.
• Professional monitoring: Basic professional monitoring is offered alongside security equipment kits for $5 per month.
• Customizable motion sensors: Your motion zones and sensitivity are customizable.
• Field of view: Most Wyze cameras have a 130-degree field of view.

Nerd cons

• Mobile app: The mobile app has some bugs that have had a negative impact on its reviews.
• Environment sensors: Wyze doesn‘t offer environment sensors.

Wyze or Blink?

These are two great providers, and you can’t go wrong with either. If you’re looking for more convenient local storage and continuous recording, then Blink is an excellent choice. Blink also offers affordable packages and an excellent app with a live feed. But if you’re looking for the cheapest security cameras, Wyze is the best choice, offering better variety and lower prices.