Blink vs Arlo: All outdoor cameras compared
Choosing the right smart security camera is especially important in preserving the safety of your home. Deciding on which security camera you go for will be made easy from the in-depth research and hours spent culminating information.
This article will take a focus and compare Blink vs Arlo, by exploring the most important features of each range of devices. Whether it is the camera specs, user interface or motion detection technology, we have not missed a spot. The Arlo Ultra is our recommended pick due to having the best features across the board, especially the quality of the camera,
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Contents
Arlo vs Blink Table
| Model | Arlo Ultra | Arlo Pro 3 | Arlo Pro 2 | Arlo Pro | Blink XT2 | Blink XT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Design |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Wireless | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Live View | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Two-Way Audio | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Resolution | 4K | 2K | 1080p | 720p | 1080p | 1080p |
| Field of View | 180° | 160° | 130° | 130° | 110° | 110° |
| Night Vision | Color | Color | Black and White | Black and White | Black and White | Black and White |
| LED Spotlight | ✔ | ✔ | ||||
| Battery Life (Months) | 3-6 | 3-6 | 3 | 4-6 | 2 Years | 2 Years |
| Siren on Base Station | ✔ | ✔ | Additional Purchase | Additional Purchase | ||
| Siren on Camera | ✔ | ✔ | ||||
| Smart Recognition Subscription | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Availability | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
1.Setup
Blink and Arlo have setup instructions that are similar in regards to their ease and the time taken. This applies to both the physical installation and syncing as well as in-app configuration using the Arlo or Blink Home app.
Blink
Setting up the Blink system is an easy DIY process from start to finish. Every Blink camera system comes with a Sync Module to help with this setup and regulate the camera’s power usage. Just plug the Sync Module in and follow the steps on the Blink Home app. From start to finish it can be outlined in a few easy steps:
- Plug the Sync Module into an electricity socket
- Launch the Blink app and run the setup
- Place your camera/Blink devices wherever you like
- Extended battery life – 2 year battery life on two AA...
- 2-way audio – Talk to visitors through the Blink app...
- Customizable motion detection – Use activity zones to...
Arlo
Setting up this system is as straightforward and the same across the whole range. The Pro comes with the Base Station, which is similar to the Sync Module and the setup is mediated by the companion app. In a summarized manner it can be summed up as:
- Download the app and run the setup wizard
- Connect the Base Station hub to your router via an ethernet cable
- Create a Netgear account
- Sync your cameras to the Base Station hub via the app
- Run the Base Station and camera firmware via the app
- Works with Alexa for voice control (Alexa device sold...
- 100 percent Wire free : Free of power cords and wiring...
- Weather resistant : Arlo Pro cameras are Weather...
2.Design
The design is always the first element of a device that you notice and is especially important when it will be housed in obvious places. Smart security cameras, such as those from Blink and Arlo certainly fall into this category as the role of cameras is both to monitor and deter burglars. These cameras need to be seen, so they also need to look good for all welcome guests. The design of the Blink against the Pro offers slightly different styles, shapes, and colors although their size is similar.
Blink
The design of the Blink XT is modern and slick, coming in matte black in a square shape that measures 2.8-inch x 2.8-inch x 1.34 inches. The camera is placed to face out from the largest surface, ie the 2.8 x 2.8-inch sides. Against white walls, it may stick out a bit too much, but given that it is more important to keep your home secure, you can let it slide.
Almost identical to the previous version, the Blink XT2 is basically the same in every aspect of its design. The branded dark skin with a rounded square look remains consistent. Noto only is the shape the same but the size is also, measuring 2.8-inch x 2.8-inch x 1.34 inches.
Arlo
The design of the Pro is a favorite by many as they are especially sleek white measuring by 3.1 x 1.9 x 2.8 inches. The camera is placed differently to the XT and XT2 as it is on one of the smaller sides, making it look more like a camera.
Arlo also has a strong sense of design and branding, as again the newer Pro 2 is seemingly indistinguishable in appearance to the previous model. The Home Base module seen on the right is the same and home to the built-in Siren of the security system. And again, the dimensions are copied across as 3.1 x 1.9 x 2.8 inches.
Read this: Skybell vs Ring.
The Pro 3 has a sleeker and shinier upgrade from the Pro 2. Instead of the Home Base there is the newer Smart Hub which doesn’t have a siren as each camera has its own built-in.
Finally, the Ultra is of a similar design to the Pro 3 and also has the same Smart Hub, as it has its own sirens on each camera too.
3.Camera Features
Arguably the most important set of features that needs to be considered, the cameras specs and available functions dictate how well the Pro and XT models perform. Included are features relating to how well they capture a triggered event, record video performs as a system.
Field of View
Field of view (FOV) is the area the camera sees and the width of video it records. The FOV of both Blink XT models is 110°, a more than adequate amount. The Arlo Pro and Pro 2 does have an additional 20°, which is certainly useful. A bigger jump up is the Arlo Pro 3 which has 160° and the Ultra which has 180°
Resolution
The Arlo Pro records video footage in 720p HD, whilst Blinks XT/XT2 and Pro 2 records 1080p. A bigger jump is to the Arlo Pro 3 which records video in 2K and the Arlo Ultra which records video in an outstanding 4K. A clearer image is pleasant on the eyes but it isn’t necessary and only matters if lower resolution interferes with identification and knowing what happens in a triggered event. It certainly will have more of an effect on the quality of video recorded at greater distances.
Live View
Live View and the ability to access it rapidly is a staple feature of each one of these smart outdoor security cameras. Each and every Blink and Arlo camera have this as without it they wouldn’t be quite the same smart camera. Accessible from an app available on desktop and handheld devices, push notifications of activity outside is followed by quickly accessing the camera.
Two-Way Audio
A two-way audio feature is a feature in the Blink XT2, Pro, Pro 2, Pro 3, and Ultra. The absence of two-way audio in the Blink XT was a shortcoming, but Blink has rectified this with the newer model. 2-Way Talk features are enabled through a microphone on each outdoor camera that allows communication with the camera owner on their smartphone accompanying app. Two-way audio may be useful for instructing a delivery man or questioning someone who may be unwelcomely on your property.
Night Vision
Many burglars operate at night and therefore night vision is pretty essential to see video recorded in low light conditions. Every Blink XT and Arlo Pro cameras have black and white infrared night vision but admittedly, the Blink XT and Blink XT2 have a brighter and crisper image. This is not to say that the Arlo Pro and Pro 2 night vision is poor. All in all, each one of these cameras will be able to do their job in producing recognizable footage of any activity detected in their field of vision.
The Arlo Pro 3 and Ultra have color night vision, which far outperforms the traditional black and white. Each one of these levels of the technology simply doesn’t compare.
Motion Detector
Motion detection is triggered using motion sensors in all models. There isn’t really different in quality as the performance of the camera is more related to the sensitivity setting it has enabled. Each Blink and Arlo camera need to be configured on a scale of 1-100 and this will take some trial and error to avoid false alerts. These motion sensors will trigger video recording when activated.
Siren
Any Arlo Pro or Pro 2 bundle comes with an effective smart siren built-in the base station. This alarm is one of the most important as it can deter burglars from stealing your valuable goods. With the Pro 3 and Ultra, the Siren is built-in to each camera rather than the Home Base, making it more effective as it occurs right by the trespasser. The Blink XT and XT2 have a Panic Siren that can be purchased additionally.
The Pro siren outperforms the Blink XTs, for now at least. It can either remotely triggered or automatically when detecting motion. In this case, it is important to get your motion detectors in the right balance or you could be in for some unexpected sirens. This volume is over 100 decibels which is pretty darn loud and audible from some distance.
The Blink Panic Siren has somewhat been slated by its users. It has a price around $50 or so and claims to reach 105 decibels. In reality, the volume is nowhere near this, equatable to a phone ringing. This is a major downfall of the Blink XT and XT over Arlos cameras as deterrence is as important as recording video footage.
Spotlight
The Arlo Pro 3 and Ultra also have a built-in spotlight of 100 lumens. This adds to the deterring effect of the devices and also turns it into a porch light as well.
4.User Interface
| Design | MODEL | Maximum Resolution | App | Alexa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blink XT | 1080p | ✔ | ✔ |
| Blink XT 2 | 1080p | ✔ | ✔ |
| | Arlo Pro | 720p | ✔ | ✔ |
| Arlo Pro 2 | 1080p | ✔ | ✔ |
| Arlo Pro 3 | 2K | ✔ | ✔ |
| Arlo Ultra | 4K | ✔ | ✔ |
App
The Blink XT and Arlo Pro cameras both use apps as the main user interface for their home security systems. The Blink XT ticks the boxes in regards to being able to access live video streaming, motion alerts and customization of your cameras and other settings. The Arlo app is comparatively better organized than the Blink app and is certainly more feature-rich and snappier. Again, this is isn’t a case of Blinks being incompetent, its just Arlos is a little tidier.
Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant
Amazon Alexa can be used to control the Blink and Arlo cameras. This takes a bit of setting up via configuration with your Amazon Alexa device. Arlo also offers compatibility with Google Assistant although Blink doesn’t directly. However, it is possible to use Google Assistant with Blink via IFTTT.
5.Video Storage
| Design | MODEL | Free Cloud Storage | Extended Cloud | Battery Life |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blink XT | ✔ | 2 Years | |
| Blink XT 2 | ✔ | 2 Years | |
| | Arlo Pro | ✔ | ✔ | 4-6 Months |
| Arlo Pro 2 | ✔ | ✔ | 3 Months |
| Arlo Pro 3 | ✔ | ✔ | 3-6 Months |
| Arlo Ultra | ✔ | ✔ | 3-6 Months |
Blink and Arlo cameras must be able to store what it sees as this information may be needed to identify anyone who burgles your house. There are two types of storage that may apply to smart cameras; cloud and local. Cloud has become the go-to method of storing security footage and firms offer complimentary data as part of the package. If this is not enough, then it is possible to purchase more storage for the Arlo and Blink cameras in some circumstances. Trigger events that follow motion detection are usually short bursts of video, typically five seconds or so.
Free Cloud Storage
Free storage options are available from Blink and Arlo cameras, but the way this is done is slightly different. The Pro, Pro 2, Pro 3 and Ultra cloud storage work on a weekly/seven-day cycling basis. Arlo offers snippets of video to be recorded for 7 days. The Blink XT and XT2 will record video up to two hours of triggered events before wiping the oldest footage.
Arlo Smart
Arlo offers a subscription plan for extending the amount of data that can be stored on the cloud but Blink does not. There are several packages available from $2.99 to $14.99 per month.
For their 2K resolution and below cameras, such as the Pro 3, the fee is $2.99 per camera per month. Their 4K camera, the Ultra costs $4.99 per camera per month. This is because 4K video is more data-heavy.
The most expensive plan provides cloud storage for triggered events up to 60 days after and allows up to twenty cameras to be used. The free option just allows six cameras, so if you want to upsize your camera system and keep the storage on the cloud, you must be prepared for this subscription cost.
There are additional benefits to Arlo Smart, such as advanced object detection. When this plan is used, the cameras can tell false alerts such as dogs or cars from people. Blink has no extended service like this, it is a more basic offering when it comes to add ons.
Local Storage
The Arlo Pro, Pro 2, Pro 3 and Ultra security system come with the option to record triggered events and place the data in a local USB device that plugs into the Arlo Pro base station. This may be a preferred option if you want permanent storage of video footage, rather than the expiring cloud style of storage.
Blink does not have this as an option for their cameras. When you purchase a Blink XT or XT2 you tied down to their free system with no extended option or local storage option. Realistically, serious home security incidents will be identified and dealt with swiftly, within the timeframe of these cloud options.
Battery Life
Blink and Arlo take slightly different approaches to the rechargeable battery each camera uses. The Arlo Pro has a shorter overall battery life of around 4-6 months whilst the Pro 2 is around 3, although it may be less in reality. These batteries are rechargeable and take just two hours to recharge, which is quite a remarkable ratio of usage to recharge time. The rechargeable battery of the Pro 3 and Ultra last anywhere from 3-6 months.
Blink claims their batteries can last for a whole two years.
6.Other Features
A few points to note are the wire-free and weatherproofing features. Although less important, we want to quickly clear upon the facts
Wireless
As it says on the tin, each one of these cameras are 100% wire-free cameras. This is standard for the best smart security cameras and makes the set up far easier and the camera itself more sightly. They can also be plugged in but this reduces their range as they must be near a power socket. Each camera can relay the signal, which helps extend the range of these cameras.
Weatherproofing
Being able to withstand a range of weather types is a must for an outdoor security camera like the Blink XT or Arlo Pro models. There isn’t much need to go into detail here, both of these cameras are suitable for the outdoors with an IP65 rating or better.
Price
The price of Arlo cameras is more expensive as you would expect given they are more advanced. Another factor to consider with the price is the ongoing cost of Arlo Smart should you choose to subscribe.
- Spend less time recharging with 6 months of battery...
- HD video quality – Zoom in on objects and see clearer...
- Includes 3 months of Arlo Smart with rolling 30-day...
Final Word
Two of the leading forces of the outdoor camera market (along with Nest and Ring), Arlo, and Blink have produced a very solid range of devices. Arlo is the winner as their cameras are more advanced with better features, whilst the Blink cameras are relatively basic. They still perform well, but lack the extensive range of addons such as sirens and higher resolution. The Arlo Smart plan also takes the Arlo range to a new level with advanced object detection. Out of the bunch, it is fair to say that the Arlo Ultra is the highest spec thanks to its 4K.
Blink vs Arlo FAQ
In this section, we will quickly touch upon the most asked questions about Blink and Arlos camera range in relation to one another.
Which is better Arlo or Blink?
When it comes to objectively comparing the best of the Blink XT and XT2 up against the Arlo Pro and Pro 2, it is the latter which range which wins. However, a lot of it comes down to personal preference, which features the user wants and how the camera will be used. However, the fact Arlo is more advanced is reflected in the price as Blink cameras are cheaper.
Is the Blink XT any good?
The Blink XT is now an outdated camera due to only recording video in 720p and having no two-way talk feature.
Does Blink have a monthly fee?
Nope, all of Blinks cloud storage service is completely free. This in contrasts to other brands such as Arlo which tend to have a paid storage option.
Can Blink continuously record?
Blink does not have continuous video recording and will only capture the footage that is triggered by motion detection. The camera live feed can be viewed at all times through the Blink app. Arlo, on the other hand, does have continuous video recording.
Do Arlo and Blink have indoor cameras?
Yes, both brands have indoor cameras, although their main focus is on outdoor cameras. The Arlo indoor cameras are called Arlo Q, Q Plus and Baby, whilst Blinks indoor cameras are Blinks is the Indoor Blink Mini.
