What Is Blink Mini?
The Blink Mini is a compact, affordable indoor smart security camera designed by Blink, an Amazon-owned company. Launched in 2020, it offers a cost-effective solution for home monitoring, featuring 1080p HD video, motion detection, two-way audio, and Alexa integration. Its successor, the Blink Mini 2, introduced in 2024, added outdoor compatibility with a weather-resistant adapter, color night vision, and enhanced features like person detection. This guide explores the Blink Mini and Mini 2, their features, setup, use cases, and how they fit into modern home security in 2025.
Overview of the Blink Mini
The Blink Mini is a plug-in security camera designed primarily for indoor use, retailing at around $34.99, making it one of the most affordable smart cameras on the market. Its compact design (2.0 x 1.9 x 1.4 inches, 1.7 ounces) allows it to blend seamlessly into home environments, either placed on a flat surface or mounted on a wall or ceiling using the included stand. The camera is praised for its ease of use, high-quality video, and integration with Amazon’s ecosystem, particularly Alexa-enabled devices.
The Blink Mini 2, priced at $39.99 (or $49.98 with the weather-resistant adapter for outdoor use), builds on the original with improved image quality, a wider field of view, and a built-in LED spotlight for color night vision. Both models are controlled via the Blink Home Monitor app, offering live streaming, motion alerts, and customizable settings.
Note: The Blink Mini is ideal for budget-conscious users seeking a reliable indoor camera, while the Mini 2 adds versatility for indoor and outdoor use.
Key Features of the Blink Mini and Mini 2
Both the Blink Mini and Mini 2 offer a robust set of features tailored for home security. Below is a detailed breakdown of their capabilities:
1. Video Quality
- Blink Mini: Captures 1080p HD video at 30 frames per second with a 110-degree field of view. It includes infrared night vision for black-and-white footage in low-light conditions.
- Blink Mini 2: Also offers 1080p HD video but with a wider 143-degree field of view and improved low-light performance. The built-in LED spotlight enables color night vision, enhancing visibility.
2. Motion Detection
Both cameras feature motion detection with customizable zones, sending alerts to your smartphone via the Blink app. The Mini 2 adds person detection (with a Blink Subscription Plan), distinguishing between people and other objects to reduce false alerts.
3. Two-Way Audio
Equipped with a microphone and speaker, both models allow you to communicate with people or pets through the Blink app, ideal for monitoring children or deterring intruders.
4. Alexa Integration
The Blink Mini and Mini 2 integrate seamlessly with Alexa, enabling voice commands to view live streams, arm/disarm the camera, or display footage on devices like the Echo Show or Fire TV.
5. Storage Options
- Cloud Storage: A Blink Subscription Plan ($3/month or $30/year for one camera) provides 60 days of video history and up to 90 minutes of continuous live view.
- Local Storage: Using a Blink Sync Module 2 or Sync Module XR with a USB drive (up to 256GB) or MicroSD card, clips can be stored locally without a subscription.
6. Outdoor Use (Mini 2 Only)
The Mini 2 is IP65-rated for weather resistance when paired with the Blink Weather Resistant Power Adapter, making it suitable for outdoor use, such as monitoring porches or garages.
Warning: The original Blink Mini is not designed for outdoor use or motion detection through glass, which can lead to unreliable performance.
Setup and Installation
Setting up the Blink Mini or Mini 2 is straightforward, designed for DIY installation:
- Download the Blink App: Available for iOS (14+), Android (6.0+), and Fire OS (7.0+), the app guides you through setup.
- Create an Account: Link your Blink account to your Amazon account for added functionality.
- Connect to Wi-Fi: Plug in the camera, connect it to a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network, and scan the QR code on the device to pair it with the app.
- Position the Camera: Place it on a flat surface or mount it using the included stand. The Mini 2’s ball-and-socket base allows flexible angle adjustments.
- Configure Settings: Customize motion zones, sensitivity, and privacy settings via the app.
For outdoor use, the Mini 2 requires the 13-foot weather-resistant adapter, which must be plugged into a standard outlet, limiting placement to within 6.5 feet of a power source.
Note: Ensure a strong Wi-Fi signal for reliable performance, and disable VPNs during setup.
Subscription Plans and Costs
The Blink Mini and Mini 2 offer flexible storage options, but some features require a subscription:
| Feature | Without Subscription | With Subscription |
|---|---|---|
| Live View | 60 seconds (extendable to 5 minutes) | Up to 90 minutes |
| Video Storage | Local (with Sync Module 2/XR) | Cloud (60 days) |
| Person Detection | Not available | Available (Mini 2 only) |
The Blink Subscription Plan starts at $3/month or $30/year for one camera, with a 30-day free trial included. Local storage requires a Sync Module 2 ($34.99) and a USB drive, offering a cost-effective alternative.
Advantages of the Blink Mini
The Blink Mini and Mini 2 stand out for several reasons:
- Affordability: At $34.99 and $39.99, they are among the cheapest smart cameras, rivaling the Wyze Cam OG.
- Ease of Use: The plug-in design and intuitive app make setup and operation simple, even for beginners.
- Alexa Compatibility: Seamless integration with Amazon devices enhances smart home functionality.
- Compact Design: Their small size makes them discreet and versatile for various indoor settings.
- Outdoor Versatility (Mini 2): The weather-resistant adapter expands the Mini 2’s use to outdoor environments.
Limitations
Despite their strengths, the Blink Mini and Mini 2 have some drawbacks:
- Subscription Costs: Features like person detection and cloud storage require a subscription or additional hardware.
- Limited Smart Features: Unlike competitors like Google Nest, they lack facial recognition.
- Power Constraints: Both require a nearby outlet, limiting placement compared to battery-powered cameras.
- No Google/Apple Support: They only integrate with Alexa, not Google Assistant or Apple HomeKit.
- Motion Detection Issues: The Mini is unreliable for detecting motion through glass, and the Mini 2’s outdoor range is limited.
Warning: Secure your Blink account with multifactor authentication to prevent unauthorized access to your footage.
Use Cases
The Blink Mini and Mini 2 are versatile for various scenarios:
- Home Monitoring: Check on pets, kids, or elderly family members via live view and two-way audio.
- Small Apartments: Their compact size is perfect for renters or small spaces.
- Outdoor Monitoring (Mini 2): Monitor porches, driveways, or backyards with the weather-resistant adapter.
- Doorbell Chime: Both can serve as a chime for the Blink Video Doorbell, alerting you to visitors.
- Budget Security: Ideal for those seeking affordable surveillance without complex setups.
Comparison with Competitors
Compared to rivals like the Wyze Cam OG ($23.99) or TP-Link Tapo C120 ($39.99), the Blink Mini offers competitive pricing but lacks free cloud storage and some advanced features. The Wyze Cam OG includes local storage without a hub, while the Tapo C120 offers 2K resolution. However, the Blink Mini 2’s outdoor capability and color night vision give it an edge for versatile use.
Privacy and Security
Blink emphasizes privacy with customizable activity zones, on-device image processing, and encrypted cloud footage. The app supports multifactor authentication and Face ID for secure access. Users can disable recording in specific areas to avoid capturing public spaces or neighbors’ properties.
Conclusion
The Blink Mini and Mini 2 are excellent choices for budget-conscious users seeking reliable, easy-to-use security cameras. The original Mini is a top pick for indoor monitoring, offering 1080p video, motion detection, and Alexa integration at a low cost. The Mini 2 enhances this with outdoor compatibility, color night vision, and person detection, making it more versatile. While subscription fees or a Sync Module are needed for full functionality, their affordability, compact design, and robust app make them standout options in 2025’s smart home security market. Whether you’re monitoring a small apartment or a backyard, the Blink Mini series delivers peace of mind at an unbeatable price.
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