Blink Outdoor Camera: Subscription Requirements and Video Storage Options

Home security cameras have become an essential tool for protecting our homes and loved ones. One popular option on the market is the Blink Outdoor Camera, known for its affordability and user-friendly features. However, it’s important to consider the video storage options and subscription requirements that come with this camera. In this article, we’ll explore the different subscription plans offered by Blink and discuss the possibility of using the camera without a subscription, as well as the local storage option.

Using the Blink Outdoor Camera without a Subscription

The Blink Outdoor Camera offers a range of features that can be accessed without paying any subscription fee. These features include the ability to save motion alerts, access two-way audio, and watch live feeds. Compared to other home security subscriptions, where alerts may be disabled without payment, Blink provides a decent set of free features.

However, the downside of not having a subscription is that you won’t be able to save any video clips. Video clips are crucial for identifying porch pirates, monitoring suspicious activity in your yard, and providing evidence to the authorities if needed. Additionally, without a subscription, you are limited to five-minute Live View sessions and miss out on advanced features like Person Detection and video sharing.

Subscription Plans and Video Storage Options

Blink offers two subscription plans that provide video storage in the cloud: the Blink Basic Plan and the Blink Plus Plan.

Blink Basic Plan

For $3 per month, the Blink Basic Plan allows active video recording to the cloud for one device. This plan is suitable for those with a single Blink camera. Cloud video clips are stored for 60 days before they are permanently deleted. The Basic Plan also offers a backup option using a Sync Module 2 hub. By attaching a USB drive to the Sync Module 2, eligible clips saved in the cloud can be backed up, ensuring you can keep them permanently.

Blink Plus Plan

Priced at $10 per month, the Blink Plus Plan offers the same features as the Basic plan but allows for unlimited devices. This plan is ideal for users who want to use multiple Blink Outdoor Cameras. The Plus Plan also provides a discount for future Blink device purchases and an extended warranty. Like the Basic Plan, video storage lasts for 60 days, and the option to back up cloud clips on a USB drive is available with the Sync Module 2.

Local Storage Option

For users who prefer not to have a subscription, the Blink Outdoor Camera offers a local storage option. This method allows you to store video footage without relying on cloud storage or paying any ongoing fees.

To use local storage, you will need to purchase a Blink Sync Module 2, available for a one-time fee of $35. Connect the Sync Module 2 with the Blink app and your Blink Outdoor Camera. Then, insert a configured USB drive into the module with sufficient storage space. The Blink app will prompt you to add the USB drive if it’s not recognized.

Once set up, the camera will automatically save clips to the USB drive as they are recorded. The Blink app allows you to conveniently monitor all your recorded videos, making management easier. However, it’s important to note that this method does not allow for recording live video feeds without a subscription.

Conclusion

The Blink Outdoor Camera offers both subscription-based and local storage options for video storage. While the camera can be used without a subscription, you will not have access to the essential feature of saving video clips. Subscribing to a plan provides cloud storage for video clips, along with additional features like Person Detection and video sharing. If you prefer not to pay ongoing fees, the local storage option using the Sync Module 2 and a USB drive offers a viable alternative. Just ensure that your Blink Outdoor Camera and Sync Module 2 are updated through the Blink app to ensure compatibility with future security cameras.

In the end, the choice between a subscription or local storage depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider the importance of video clip storage and the additional features offered by the subscription plans before making a decision.