Home security cameras from Wyze and Blink are top contenders for DIY, wireless surveillance systems. They provide modern features like full HD recording, motion alerts, and compatibility with smart speakers at relatively low costs compared to professionally installed setups.
But between these two mainstream brands, which comes out on top in critical factors like video quality, flexibility, reliability and value? As an electronics specialist, I‘ve compared them side-by-side below to help you determine the best home security camera for your needs.
Brief Backgrounds
Wyze launched in 2017 in Seattle by former Amazon employees Yun Zhang, Dongsheng Song, Dave Crosby and Elana Fishman. The startup targeted the budget smart home market with its inaugural security camera priced at just $20. Later products expanded into lighting, sensors and more.
Blink, originally named Immedia Semiconductor, began operations in 2009 focusing on indoor wireless cameras. Amazon acquired the company in 2017 to boost its Alexa/Echo ecosystem. Blink subsequently released new outdoor camera models plus video doorbells and floodlight cameras integrating with Alexa voice controls.
At a Glance Comparison
| Features | Wyze | Blink |
|---|---|---|
| Video Quality | 1080p HD | 1080p HD |
| Field of View | 110° | 110° |
| Night Vision | | |
| Two-Way Audio | | |
| Smart Home Compatibility | Alexa, Google Assistant | Alexa |
| Onboard Storage | MicroSD card | No |
| Cloud Storage | Optional subscription | Yes (requires plan) |
| Battery Powered | No | Yes |
| Starting Price | $29.99 | $34.99 |
From core recording specs to smart home connectivity both brands match up well. But key differences lie in local storage options, power sources and monthly fees for accessing footage in the cloud over time. We‘ll analyze those distinctions next.
Video and Audio Quality
A top priority for any home security camera is capturing high quality video and audio to accurately monitor your property from anywhere.
Wyze and Blink cameras both record crisp 1080p HD video at 20fps, providing ample detail of faces or license plates when prompted by motion or sound. This ensures identifying intruders even zooming in on footage after the fact. Their wide 110° fields of view also minimize blindspots.
For night monitoring needs, infrared LEDs enable up to 25 feet of black and white night vision on Wyze and Blink cameras alike. While color night vision would be better for discerning details, infrared suffices for most home use cases.
Finally, built-in microphones and speakers enable two-way talk on both brands. So you can not only see but communicate with visitors or warn off intruders from your phone app.
Video/Audio Winner: Tie
Wyze and Blink are nearly identical in core recording performance for home security purposes. You really can‘t go wrong with either in this regard.
Smart Home Integration
A security camera that integrates with other smart devices offers greater whole-home awareness and control. Wyze and Blink cameras work with voice assistants but have slightly different compatibility.
Wyze supports both Alexa and the Google Assistant for hands-free voice controls. You can view live camera feeds on Echo Shows or Chromecast to a TV via those platforms. Wyze also connects with IFTTT for automating triggers based on camera events.
Meanwhile Blink only natively works with Alexa speakers and displays for voice commands access. There is no official Google Home integration. But IFTTT and other third-party services can bridge this gap somewhat if you don‘t use Alexa.
Overall Wyze has a leg up connecting with multiple major smart home ecosystems out the box. But Alexa households may not need or want Google anyway.
Winner: Wyze
Local Storage with SD Cards
Continuously recording security footage to the cloud for later access adds up in subscription fees over time. An optional local storage approach potentially saves long-term money while providing backup redundancy.
Wyze cameras support onboard recording to standard microSD cards up to 32GB. Play back video right on the camera unit or offload footage to your phone and other devices as needed even without an active WiFi connection. cards not included however.
Blink systems currently lack any local storage option. All video gets streamed to the cloud with no local downloading. Revisiting clips requires maintaining an ongoing subscription.
SD local storage introduces minimal hardware costs for Wyze owners. And footage stays accessible even during internet/power outages when the cloud can‘t be reached.
Winner: Wyze
Power Source Options
While both brands offer completely wireless camera models they take different approaches powering operations over time.
Wyze cameras connect directly to indoor power outlets via an included 6 foot USB cable and adapter. Outdoor models add a weatherproof adapter offering installation flexibility up to 100 feet from an outlet.
Conversely Blink cameras run on two replaceable AA lithium batteries touted to last around two years with normal usage. While pricier upfront this avoids any wiring. Newer Blink models also have a USB port to optionally power off electrical outlets long-term instead of batteries.
Consider easy access to outlets in your mounting locations. But it‘s tough to beat Blink‘s versatile wire-free flexibility.
Winner: Blink
Cloud Storage and Subscription Fees
To provide seamless remote viewing and archiving both brands offer subscription plans for storing videos in the cloud. But approaches and pricing vary.
Wyze grants limited free cloud access including a rolling 14-day video history per camera. For $1.25 per month per cam you upgrade to longer 31-day history with smarter detection and alerts. Optional Complete Motion Capture add-on records all footage continuously.
Blink now mandates a subscription for any sort of cloud access. The Basic Plan runs $3.99 per month with 30-day video history, rich detection and custom activity zones. Upgrading to Plus for $10 doubles that to 60-day searchable video storage.
While needing a subscription isn‘t ideal Blink includes more advanced features in their base plan than Wyze. Overall costs are comparable if not slightly lower with Blink too.
Winner: Draw
Installation and Maintenance
Getting cameras up and running then making tweaks down the road also factors into a choice between Wyze and Blink.
Wyze touts a super simple 5 minute DIY install process across models. But hardwiring for continuous power limits final placement flexibility in some cases. Maintenance-wise video and settings are handled through the Wyze app.
Blink also focuses on easy wireless mounting to walls, eaves or stand options taking just minutes. Completely wire-free systems allow more creativity placing cameras pointed at ideal spots. Manage all features through the Blink Home Monitor app.
First-time installation is painless on both systems. But Blink‘s cable-free flexibility and independence appeal to more users for placement versatility.
Winner: Blink
Pricing and Value Comparison
Lastly upfront and ongoing costs should fit within budget expectations. Wyze and Blink are competitive here stacked against more expensive professional install brands with compulsory monitoring contracts.
| System | Cameras Included | Extras | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wyze Cam Outdoor Starter | 1 Outdoor Camera | Bridge, Chime, 2 Contact Sensors | $89 |
| Blink Outdoor 2 Camera Kit | 2 Outdoor Cameras | Sync Module 2 | $139 |
- Per camera + subscription: Wyze $29.99 upfront + $15/year optional. Blink $70 upfront + $48/year required
Do you want continuous recording, longer history and smarter alerts? Then figure about $100 per year total for a single Wyze cam or $120 for Blinks.
Going with more cameras spreads subscription costs across the system. Scalability and DIY aspect keep both very budget-friendly all considered.
I‘d call it a pricing draw overall. Wyze excels on an ultra tight budget perhaps. Blink costs more upfront but then includes flagship features from the start. Expanding both brands stays relatively affordable in the grand scheme.
Winner: Draw
The Verdict: Wyze vs Blink Security Cameras
Bottom line – both Wyze and Blink deliver impressive bang for the buck home monitoring. It‘s hard to beat either brand investing in wireless security cameras on a budget.
Wyze wins on wider smart home compatibility, local SD card storage and incredibly low single cam starter costs. Go Wyze to supplement an existing Google/Alexa setup on a shoestring budget.
But Blink takes the crown overall based on flexible placement plus longer included cloud history and smarter alerts without paying extra. Wyze lacks some key features unless you upgrade to a paid subscription plan.
Here are my recommendations choosing between them for your situation:
- Want continuous capture option? Go Wyze.
- Have pets/little kids roaming property? Go Blink for speed.
- Already use Alexa around the house? Pick Blink for native integration.
- Need cameras running even during power/internet outages? Choose Wyze for local SD backup.
- Prioritizing completely wire-free flexibility where cameras go? Blink is best.
Hopefully you now have a better feel for comparing Wyze and Blink overall. Let me know if any questions pop up picking new home security cameras for your house!
