There has been advancement in technology in different aspects of life. Security is not left out of the picture as our need to protect our lives and properties grows daily. The home is a basic unit of the community and thus keeping it safe is a primary requirement. Home security involves both hardware and personal security practices. It includes of a set of physical electronic materials all working together to secure a home from danger. One innovative way of securing the home is through security cameras. Here we will see about Ring vs Blink
A home security camera is a video device that records footage of your house and property and allows you to view it on devices, anywhere using an internet connection. The battle between the Amazon-owned companies Blink and Ring has been going on for a while and people are still curious about which is better. Picking between two of the best home security cameras is no easy task especially when they are from the same parent company. The truth is that there are various options to consider as well as factors. The two systems have very similar services, but we would also look deeper into their differences, benefits, and downsides.
Ring vs Blink Overview
Ring is a home security company currently owned by Amazon. It manufactures home protection products that make use of surveillance cameras and hosts an application called Neighbors. The app is an online platform for the joint sharing of recorded footage among users. The app also enables sharing of footage with law enforcement agencies. Blink is a home automation company currently owned by Amazon. It manufactures battery-powered HD home security cameras that monitor your property with infrared night vision. The main distinction between the two companies is their primary focus. Ring specializes in all-round security which includes a category of other security equipment asides from cameras while Blink mainly focuses on cameras. Blink came from a semiconductor company with an objective explained in their Kickstarter pitch- a “truly wire-free home monitoring system”. Ring however, was initially “Doorbot”. This was a product that rebranded after appearing on Shark Tank.
Similarities
Before we distinguish Blink and Ring, we would address their common areas. Understanding their similarities can help with your decision between the two. For starters, both Blink and Ring do not require contracts. There is no long-term commitment and you can choose to opt-out of the subscription at any time and without extra fees. Secondly, both Blink and Ring are easy to install. It should take at least an hour to set it up if you follow the right process. Thirdly, both systems provide remote connectivity through mobile applications. These apps allow you to watch your homes anytime anywhere. Both cameras can spot a problem, record the issue and alert you through the app. They also include speakers and so live communication is possible.
Differences
Although Blink and Ring have some things in common, there are some variants between them. Blink has a 30-day money-back policy on its cameras that lets you have a refund within the stipulated time. This improves their customer policy. Ring, however, does not have a refund policy. Though self-monitoring is possible on both Blink and Ring, only Ring has 24/7 professional monitoring. Another difference between Blink and Ring is their power supply. The Blink Mini requires an outlet, unlike other wireless cameras. Ring has battery-powered cameras that last up to a year. You can even switch power modes on some Ring cameras. Finally, only Blink has local storage of up to 256 GB. Both companies generally include cloud storage subscriptions.
Conclusion
Both companies offer high-end quality and affordable cameras which are convenient. But, to make a decision, you will have to determine your specific needs and requirements in your home. Blink is more inexpensive than Ring and it provides more compact devices. Ring has more advanced camera features including the ability to differentiate people from other sources of motion. This prevents false alarms, a downside that is common in home security systems. If you already have existing security systems, Ring would be a better option but if you are about to incorporate your first security system, Blink is a better and more affordable option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I get Blink and Ring together?
Yes, you can if both devices are connected to Alexa. But, Blink cameras cannot operate with Ring. They can however be used in the same location but concurrently and they should be formatted with different applications.
Can Ring function without Wi-Fi?
The answer to this question depends on the Ring product. The ring video doorbells will work as normal doorbells without Wi-Fi but the other features are inaccessible. Ring Alarm will function because of its cellular backup case but this is only available for Ring Protect Plus subscribers. Ring Smart Lights cannot be controlled without Wi-Fi and Ring security cameras do not work without Wi-Fi.
What is Arlo?
Arlo is another brand that is usually compared to Blink and Ring. Arlo primarily specializes in wire-free home security. It has battery-powered security cameras that come in HD and 4K. It also has other home security accessories.
