Blink vs. Arlo Review

Arlo has better features than Blink cameras, but you’ll pay a lot extra for the privilege

Best Tech Features
  • pro
    Up to 4K resolution
  • con
    Pricey
Best Budget Pick
  • pro
    Affordable
  • con
    No Google integration
Mindy Woodall
Aug 31, 2023
Icon Time To Read6 min read

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Arlo cameras are sort of like souped-up versions of Blink cameras. Both Blink and Arlo make high-definition, wire-free security cameras with customizable settings and smart features, but Arlo gives you a lot more “smart” for your money.

And that’s good because you’ll spend more money (like, a lot more) on Arlo cameras than you would on Blink’s affordable alternatives. It just comes down to which features you think are worth the cash.

We'll give you all the details to help guide you into your next home security camera purchase.

Arlo vs. Blink cameras comparison
ModelArloBlink
Price$69.99–$199.99$24.99–$119.99
Video resolution1080p to 4K UHD1080p
Battery life*6 mos.2 yrs.
Person detectionYesYes
Storage typeCloud storage or local storageCloud storage or local storage
Smart home integrationsAmazon Alexa, Google Assistant, HomeKit, IFTTT, SmartThingsAmazon Alexa, IFTTT
Cloud subscription cost$4.99–24.99/mo.$3.00–$10.00/mo.
Learn more

Amazon.com List Prices (as of 8/31/2023 10:45 PST) Full disclaimer
* For battery-powered models

Arlo vs. Blink: Prices and storage plans

Arlo cameras cost quite a bit more than Blink cameras

Arlo cameras are pricey, there are no two-ways about it. Arlo’s cheapest wire-free model, the Arlo Essential, is still about $20 more expensive than Blink’s outdoor security camera.

Arlo vs. Blink price comparison
CameraArlo EssentialBlink Outdoor
Price
$69.99
$49.99
Learn more

Arlo equipment price

All but two of Arlo’s six current camera models cost well over $100. And Arlo’s more advanced cameras, like the Ultra 2 or the Pro 5S 2K, cost much more than a Benjamin.

Arlo security camera prices
Camera
Price
Learn more
Arlo Essential

$69.99

Arlo Essential Indoor

$99.99

Arlo Pro 4

$199.99

Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight

$249.99

Pro 5S 2K

$199.99

Arlo Ultra 2

$249.99

Amazon.com List Prices (as of 8/31/2023 10:50 PST)

Most of Arlo’s cameras require the Arlo SmartHub to run, so unless you already have a SmartHub lying around, make sure you’re buying a camera kit instead of just an add-on camera.

If you want to skip the SmartHub, then the Arlo Essential and the Arlo Pro 4 don’t need it. The Essential is also a lot cheaper than Arlo’s Pro or Ultra models.

Arlo cloud storage subscription pricing

If you want to use cloud storage for your Arlo cameras, and have access to all of Arlo’s smartest features (like object detection), then you’ll need to subscribe to a monthly Arlo Smart plan.

Arlo Secure plan pricing
Plan
Price for single camera
Price for unlimited cameras
Resolution supported
Learn more
Arlo Secure

$4.99/mo.

$12.99
/mo

2K

Arlo Secure Plus

NA

$17.99
/mo

4K

Arlo Safe & Secure Pro

NA

$24.99
/mo

4K

Data effective as of 08/31/2023. Offers subject to change.

Notice that if you want full 4K resolution for your Arlo cameras, then you’ll need to subscribe to the Arlo Secure Plus Plan.

View Arlo Plans | Read the Arlo Security Camera Review

Blink equipment pricing

In contrast to Arlo, Blink security cameras are positively cheap. Blink’s most expensive camera starter kit costs about $80. And if you opt for the Blink Mini indoor camera, you’ll pay less than $30.

Blink security camera prices
Camera
Price
Learn more
Blink Mini

$24.99

Blink Mini Pan-Tilt

$41.99

Blink Indoor

$79.99 (for 1-camera kit)

Blink Outdoor 3

$49.99

Blink Outdoor 4

$119.99

Amazon.com List Prices (as of 8/31/2023 10:55 PST)

Blink’s version of the Arlo SmartHub is the Blink Sync Module 2. The Sync Module connects your cameras together and lets you store video footage locally on your own USB flash drive.

Blink cloud storage subscription pricing

Blink’s cloud video storage subscription starts at the same price as Arlo’s Smart plans. You’ll pay $3 per month per camera for 60 days’ worth of cloud storage. If you have multiple cameras, you can pay $10 per month for unlimited cameras at a single location.

If you’re going to have more than five cameras, then Blink’s subscription plan is cheaper than Arlo’s—but its features aren’t nearly as smart.

Blink subscription plan pricing
Plan
Price per camera
# cameras supported
# days of rolling storage
Learn more
Basic

$3.00/mo. OR $30/yr.

1

60 days

Plus

$10/mo. OR $100/yr.

Unlimited*

60 days

Data effective as of 8/31/2023. Offers subject to change.
* Unlimited cameras in a single location only

Arlo vs. Blink: Features

Arlo and Blink have many of the same basic features, but Arlo has extra tech built in

Both Arlo and Blink offer wire-free camera models. That means the cameras don’t use any cords at all, not even a power cord. Wire-free cameras run off batteries, which makes them really easy to install. You can put Blink and Arlo cameras anywhere without worrying about power outlets.

Another Blink/Arlo similarity is that they both offer cloud and local storage options. They have monthly subscription plans if you prefer cloud storage, but if you’d rather keep your footage to yourself, then you can store videos on a USB flash drive plugged into the Blink or Arlo hub.

Arlo features

Arlo Ultra 2-camera starter kit

Source: Arlo

Arlo cameras are smart—much smarter than Blink cameras. Whereas Blink offers somewhat generic human detection, Arlo cameras can tell the difference between a person, an animal, a car, or a package.

Smarter recognition means that Arlo cameras send smarter notifications to your phone. Instead of just telling you “motion detected,” Arlo cameras can send alerts telling you what they saw, such as “vehicle detected.”

One last thing: if you’re a high-definition junkie, then Arlo cameras are where it’s at. Some Arlo cameras, like the Arlo Ultra 2, can go up to 4K, ultra-HD resolution, if you just gotta be able to see the brand name on your neighbor’s sunglasses when he walks by your house. And with motion detection with color night vision, you'll capture every detail of your teenager sneaking out last Saturday.

Blink features

Two blink cameras in a house

Blink cameras might not be as smart as Arlo’s models, but they still have a lot going for them. Blink offers five camera options: the Blink Indoor, Blink Outdoor 3, Blink Outdoor 4, Blink Mini, and Blink Mini Pan-Tilt.

The Blink Indoor and both Blink Outdoor cameras all battery-powered, wire-free cameras, so they’re a piece of cake to install. Best of all, these cameras have a two-year battery life. Compare that to Arlo’s roughly six-month-long battery life.

 Video resolution

Blink cameras can’t measure up to Arlo’s 4K tech specs, but, to be honest, you don’t really need 4K resolution to get a crisp, clear image of your yard (or living room, or driveway). Blink cameras’ 1080p resolution is enough to give you a clear view of objects and faces, and it takes up less internet bandwidth than 4K.

Arlo vs. Blink: Home automation

Arlo is a smart home star, whereas Blink has limited smart integrations

Arlo has several more smart home integrations than Blink.

Arlo vs. Blink home automation
CompanyArloBlink
Smart home integrationsAmazon Alexa, Google Assistant, HomeKit, IFTTT, SmartThingsAmazon Alexa, IFTTT
Learn more

Arlo home automation

Arlo Pro 3 camera

Not a lot of security cameras integrate with Apple HomeKit, but several Arlo models do. And that’s in addition to Arlo’s integrations with smart speaker standards Alexa and Google.

Blink home automation

Blink has customizable settings in the Blink Home Monitoring app, but its third-party smart home integrations are limited.

Blink cameras don’t work with Google (or Apple HomeKit, or SmartThings). They do work with Alexa and IFTTT, but we consider that a pretty limited lineup.

Arlo vs. Blink: Installation

Arlo cameras and Blink cameras are both easy to set up
Blink Mini camera, power adapter, power cord, and mounting kit shown arranged on a table

Because both Arlo and Blink have wire-free cameras, they’re both a cinch to install. For either Arlo or Blink cameras, you’ll just need to download the app, sync your cameras with the hub, and put them wherever you want them.

If you don’t want a battery-powered camera, then Blink and Arlo both have hardwired models as well. These cameras are technically still considered “wireless” since they connect to your Wi-Fi network wirelessly. But these “wireless” cameras use power cords that you have to plug into the wall.

Arlo vs. Blink: Which is better?

Arlo and Blink are both good options, but Blink is for budgeters while Arlo is for technophiles

If you want fancy tech, then Arlo cameras win the day. They have higher video resolution, smarter software, and better smart home integrations.

But if you don’t care about having the smartest possible cameras and would rather save your money, then Blink cameras are a budget-friendly alternative.

  • Features: Both Arlo and Blink have wire-free cameras with HD resolution, but only Arlo cameras can differentiate people, cars, animals, and packages. Some Arlo cameras also go up to 4K resolution, whereas the best you’ll get with Blink cameras is 1080p.
  • Pricing: Arlo cameras are more expensive than Blink models—by a lot. Blink cameras are pretty cheap for what you get, whereas Arlo cameras are known for being pricey. You also need to subscribe to one of Arlo’s monthly plans if you want access to the highest possible resolution and all available smart features.
  • Home automation: Blink’s home automation offerings are a little sad. Blink doesn’t work with Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, or Samsung SmartThings, whereas Arlo cameras work with all of the above. Both Blink and Arlo cameras work with Amazon Alexa and IFTTT.
  • Installation: Arlo and Blink’s battery-powered cameras are easy to set up. You don’t have to string any cords, just link them to the app and put them wherever you feel like it.

Blink doesn’t have all the bells and whistles you get with Arlo cameras, but its cameras are still a solid choice for the price. Arlo cameras are great if you want the best and brightest security cameras out there, but otherwise, Blink will serve you just fine.

Arlo and Blink comparison
Home security company
Monitoring price range
Camera price range
Details
Arlo$4.99–17.99/mo.$69.99–$199.99
Blink$3.00–$10.00/mo.$24.99–$119.99

Methodology

We research and test home security cameras to compare based on these two categories: price and features.

To decide which smart security camera is the best for your home, we looked at pricing of equipment and plans, the innovative technology it possesses, smart home integrations, clear video, and professional monitoring.

FAQs

Arlo cameras have fancy tech, like better video quality, smarter software, and better smart home integrations.

But if you'd like to save money and don't care to have the smartest camera, then Blink cameras a good budget-friendly alternative.

Yes, you can use Arlo and Blink home security cameras without a subscription.

If you'd like to store your video in cloud storage, Arlo charges $5–$18 per month and Blink costs $3–$10.

Blink cameras are great if you're on a budget, but they aren't the best home security cameras on the market. They don't have as many of the smart features and integrations as other cameras on the market, but if you're looking for a cheaper camera option, they're a good pick. 

Yes, Blink and Arlo both offer a video doorbell camera. In fact, the Arlo Wired Video Doorbell made our pick as one of the best video doorbells.

Arlo offers a wired and wireless option, you'll pay between $130-$150 depending on which option you prefer. Blink's Video Doorbell is only $60 and offers two-way audio, HD video, and motion alerts.

Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon.com. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Reviews.org utilizes paid Amazon links.

Mindy Woodall
Written by
Mindy Woodall
Mindy has been writing about technology for seven years. She covers all things smart home for Reviews.org, and keeps track of the latest robot gadgets. Mindy attended the University of Utah and her work has been featured on the likes of Parents.com, Digital Care, Hostfully, and more.

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