Two of the best budget home security cameras are now selling for their lowest prices ever, now that the Blink Mini 2 and Blink Outdoor 4 have been reduced to new all-time lows at Amazon. The plug-in Mini 2 comes down to $17.99, while the battery-powered Outdoor 4 drops to $27.99: Both of those are about 55 and 65 percent off their usual prices. Price trackers such as Keepa show these matching or bettering previous sale events, which make this among the best entry points into smart home security we’ve seen in 2021.
Deep Price Cuts on Blink’s Best-Selling Cameras
These are markdowns of a kind that require a moment not just for sticker shock but because they are in the economy category. They are few and far between to find the sub-$30 price point with a known brand for a reliable camera. Those who buy the Mini 2 can also choose between black or white finishes, something that may be handy when blending into different interiors. Since Blink is an Amazon brand, these listings are filled by the retailer itself, and precedent suggests they don’t last long once inventory begins running low.
What You Get With the Blink Mini 2 Camera
The Mini 2 is a small device and very plug-and-play, in the sense that wherever you put it, it should work instantly. Since it is wired, you are able to extend live view sessions and shoot continuously up to 90 minutes without worrying about your battery, a common drawback associated with cordless models. It has two-way audio, motion alerts and infrared night vision, along with a built-in light to help you see in low light for better nighttime detail.
In the house, it’s small enough to blend in on a bookshelf or countertop. For outdoor use, it can be combined with Blink’s new weather-resistant power adapter accessory. Because it’s Alexa-compatible, you can pull up a live feed on Echo Show displays, utilize voice controls, and arm/disarm using routines. This ease of installation and ecosystem support is particularly attractive to renters and first-time buyers.
Blink Outdoor 4 for Cord-Cutters and DIY Installers
The Blink Outdoor 4 takes that same 1080p core and instead plants it in a rugged, weatherproof housing meant for exterior walls, porches or gates. It’s powered by two AA lithium batteries and should last up to two years under normal settings, a claim that Blink has made consistently across generations. Real-world battery life depends on how often video is requested, clip length and temperature, but for most suburban driveways and backyards users commonly experience months of use without ever touching a screwdriver.
The Outdoor 4 does away with a spotlight, relying on IR night vision instead, but introduces a broader field of view than older Blink models and an improvement in motion detection. It is still small and nondescript enough to sit under an eave without attracting attention. And for homes with challenging cable runs, the combination of a ladder, a drill and two lithium cells is hard to beat.
Smart Features and Storage Plans for Blink Cameras
There are two primary storage paths supported by Blink. An optional subscription brings cloud recording and smart features like person detection. A Basic plan has traditionally run about $3 per month, per device, while a Plus tier features unlimited cameras in one location for something like $10 a month. For those who don’t want to subscribe, Blink’s Sync Module 2 supports local clip storage with a USB drive, which provides an offline route for recordings.
Out of the box, both cameras work with activity zones, motion alerts and two-way talk. They also play well with Alexa routines, allowing you to, for instance, turn on smart lights when movement is detected or broadcast activity over Echo speakers. Independent testers at companies like Consumer Reports and Security.org have frequently cited Blink’s easy installation and minimal monthly expense as compelling features for consumers.
How These Cameras Stack Up on a Tight Budget
Wyze and Eufy are competitive when it comes to features: They’ll often pitch you on more resolution or built-in local storage using a microSD card. Arlo’s lower-tier offerings are focused more broadly on smart home integrations and more polished software. Yet at sub-$30, Blink’s offering is abnormally compelling: a name you can trust (ugh), some big 1080p clips, and multiyear battery life with the Outdoor 4. For users already on the Alexa team, the integration perks may outweigh spec sheet holes such as 2K video or continuous recording.
Should You Buy Now or Wait for a Better Deal
If you are in the market for a quick, trustworthy way to monitor doors, hallways or your backyard without stopping to think about wiring through walls, these prices are impossible to pass up.
The Mini 2 is well-suited for entryways, home offices, or a baby’s room where a wall outlet is convenient and live view is helpful with longer streaming. For those who are renting or aren’t sure they want to commit to a wireless system, the Outdoor 4 offers totally cable-free monitoring for minimal maintenance.
Smart home gear usually goes on sale at significant discounts during big retail events, and current pricing is near historic lows based on historical trackers. If either of these meets your needs, waiting runs the risk of prices bouncing back or supplies running short. As ever, manage your expectations: 1080p video is crisp and good enough for notifications and incident review, but isn’t the forensic detail of higher-end 2K or 4K systems. At these sub-$30 tags, though, the value-per-dollar factor is about as strong as it gets.
