Blink's New Doorbell: Big Features, Small Price

Blink has released its latest affordable video doorbell, the Blink Battery Doorbell 2K Plus, priced at $60. This new model offers an upgraded 2K resolution and enhanced audio, building on the brand's existing security line. It retains a strong battery life, with an expected duration of up to two years, and features a familiar design with minor improvements.

The doorbell's 2K resolution provides a head-to-toe viewing angle, offering clear detail for motion detection. Audio has been improved with noise cancellation, though its effectiveness was noted as minimal in testing. The accompanying Blink app is user-friendly, simplifying setup and offering various settings for video quality, motion detection, and privacy zones.

For those seeking advanced features, Blink offers subscription plans. Basic smart detection for people and vehicles requires a subscription starting at $4 per month, which also includes cloud storage. A higher tier, at $7 per month, unlocks AI video descriptions that summarize detected events, though reliability varied during testing. An optional Sync Module Core is included, but an upgrade to a better hub and microSD card can enable local storage and avoid recurring fees.

Overall, the Blink Battery Doorbell 2K Plus is positioned as a compelling budget option in the video doorbell market. While some features, like the AI descriptions, may not be consistently perfect, the core functionality, resolution, and battery life make it a strong contender for value-conscious consumers.