In an era where security and peace of mind are paramount, so you may ask blink or arlo whats the best home cctv? Choosing the right CCTV system can be a game-changer for your home or business. Among the top contenders in the world of smart security cameras are Blink and Arlo, two industry giants renowned for their cutting-edge technology and innovative features.
But, in a world filled with options, how do you determine which of these two heavyweights is the perfect fit for your security needs? That’s precisely what we’re here to uncover in this comprehensive comparison. We’ll delve deep into the realms of Blink and Arlo, exploring their key features, performance, ease of use, and more, to help you make an informed decision that ensures your peace of mind.
Join us on this journey as we dissect Blink and Arlo, pitting them against each other to find out which emerges as the ultimate guardian of your space. Whether you’re safeguarding your home sweet home or fortifying your business fortress, this comparison will serve as your compass in the realm of smart security cameras.
If you want a cheap spycam solution check my post here on turning an old iPhone into a spycam
For some smart advice on setting up your smart home read my post here
I Need Cameras! So Blink Or Arlo Whats the Best Home CCTV?
Blink Outdoor
Main Features
The Blink Outdoor cameras are wireless and run on long-lasting lithium batteries. This means you can install them virtually anywhere around your property without the need for complicated wiring. The battery is claimed to last 2 years, but as with anything this can vary with usage.
HD Video Quality:
Motion Detection:
Blink cameras are equipped with advanced motion detection sensors that can trigger recording when motion is detected. This feature helps conserve battery life by only recording when necessary. Blinks own companion app is very good, clear and easy to navigate, make sure you enable push notifications so when the camera is triggered, you get the push message on the phone with instant access to the system.
Customisable Motion Zones:
Users can set up customisable motion zones within the camera’s field of view. This allows you to focus on specific areas and reduce false alarms from motion in non-critical areas. one note on this from personal experience, when installing your cameras be conscious on what they are looking at eg trees or swings that may move around in the wind. Also depending on where you live, make sure your cameras arn’t pointing into your neighbours house, or they could be thinking you’re a pervert and report you to the police!!
Live View and Two-Way Audio:
You can access a live view of your camera feed via the Blink app, which is available on smartphones and tablets. Additionally, Blink cameras come with two-way audio, allowing you to listen and speak through the camera using the app.
Infrared Night Vision:
Blink Outdoor cameras have infrared (IR) LEDs for night vision, enabling them to capture clear video even in low-light or complete darkness. This illuminates the field of vision area but only in black and white
Weather-Resistant Design:
These cameras are designed to withstand various weather conditions, making them suitable for outdoor use. They are rated for use in rain, snow, and extreme temperatures.
Cloud Storage:
Blink offers cloud storage plans that allow you to store video clips and access them remotely through the app. At the time of writing blink has now removed the free storage plan so you still get the alerts but the footage isn’t stored.So you’re goona have to spend a couple of pounds a month for this feature, which i believe is the norm now.
Smart Home Integration:
Blink cameras can be integrated with Amazon Alexa, allowing you to control them using voice commands and view live feeds on Alexa-enabled devices like Echo Show.
Easy Installation:
Setting up Blink cameras is straightforward, and the system includes mounting hardware for easy installation on walls, ceilings, or other surfaces. Gone are the days of needing miles of co-axle cable buried in your walls to enable your cameras, these all run off your wifi, be mindful of this if you have a slow connection (less than 2mb) as you won’t be able to access the footage clearly.
Long Battery Life:
Blink’s efficient power management ensures that the batteries can last for up to two years before needing replacement or recharging, depending on usage.
Siren and Alarm:
Some Blink camera models have a built-in siren that can be triggered remotely to deter intruders.
Things we Love ❤️
High Quality Images ✅
Easy to use App ✅
Price ✅
Things We Hate 🤬
Limited Camera Options ❌
No Storage without a paid plan ❌
Smart integration few and far between ❌
Arlo
Next up is blinks number one competitors, Arlo. Lets have a look what the difference in the two are, if any!!
Main Features of the Arlo
The Arlo home CCTV (Closed-Circuit Television) system is known for its advanced features that provide comprehensive home security and surveillance. Here are some of the key features of the Arlo home CCTV system:
Wireless and Weather-Resistant Cameras:
-
- Arlo cameras are wireless, allowing for flexible placement around your property. They are also designed to withstand various weather conditions, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
High-Definition Video Quality:
-
- Arlo cameras capture video in high-definition (HD) and some models offer 4K Ultra HD resolution, ensuring clear and detailed footage.
Wire-Free or Wired Options:
-
- Arlo offers both wire-free and wired camera options to suit different preferences and installation needs. As a rule most high end or commercial cctv systems use wired cameras, as we all know, wifi can drop out when ever it feels like it!!
Motion Detection and Alerts:
-
- Arlo cameras feature advanced motion detection sensors that can trigger recordings and send instant alerts to your smartphone when motion is detected. Again, similar ro blink, Arlo’s app it pretty easy to use and the main functions operate perfectly for the cameras. Again depending on the speed of your home internet and your phone signal at time of usage.
Customizable Motion Zones:
-
- Users can create custom motion detection zones within the camera’s field of view, allowing you to focus on specific areas and reduce false alarms. Unlike the blink, this feature, for me gives the arlo the edge. you can reduce the focus on your swaying trees and more on the crim jumping over your wall to rob your knomes!!
Smart Home Integration:
-
- Arlo cameras are compatible with popular smart home platforms like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. This integration enables voice control and allows you to incorporate Arlo into your existing smart home ecosystem.
Two-Way Audio:
-
- Many Arlo camera models include two-way audio, enabling you to listen and speak through the camera using the Arlo app.
Cloud Storage and Local Storage Options:
-
- Arlo offers both cloud-based and local storage options, allowing you to choose the storage method that best suits your needs. Cloud storage plans offer extended video history and additional features.you can use your arlo camera without a paid subscription if you have a arlo base station.
Smart Siren and Built-in Lights:
-
- Some Arlo camera models feature a built-in siren and lights that can be triggered remotely to deter intruders.
Geofencing:
-
- Geofencing allows Arlo to automatically arm or disarm your cameras based on your smartphone’s location, providing convenience and enhancing privacy. Love this feature, saves the issue of you forgetting to arm your system when you leave the house.
-
- Activity zones enable you to define specific areas within the camera’s view where you want to receive motion alerts.
Battery Life and Power Options:
-
- Arlo cameras are known for their efficient power management, offering long battery life, and some models can be powered by solar panels for continuous operation.
Things We Love ❤️
No need for a paid plan to save footage ✅
Geofencing ✅
Built In Lights ✅
Things We Hate 🤬
Best Features are paywalled ❌
Tricky to set up ❌
Setting wireless SSID to be hidden makes live view unusable ❌
Conclusion
Both of these cctv systems are more than sufficient to protect the outside of your house, for me the Arlo edges it because of the features, the light and the fact you can store some footage on the hub (sold separately!) but it could come down to personal choice as theres not much it price wise.
Arlo pro 4
