Blink Mini 2 (Newest Model) — Home Security & Pet Camera(s) with HD video, color night view, motion detection, two-way audio, and built-in spotlight — 1 camera (White)Recycled Content Certification for Electrical and Electronic Equipment

Pros:+ Good build quality+ Affordable price (especially with frequent discounts)+ Includes everything needed in the box+ Has microphone and speaker for two-way audio+ Night vision mode works well+ Easy setup and integration with appCons:- No pan or tilt mechanismReview:I’ve been using the Blink Mini 2 for a while now, and I’m really impressed by its performance for the price. The build quality feels solid, and the camera does a great job providing clear HD footage during the day. The night vision is surprisingly good as well, making it perfect for 24/7 monitoring.The camera comes with everything you need to set it up right out of the box, and the setup process via the Blink app is quick and straightforward. I particularly appreciate the two-way audio, allowing me to communicate with people near the camera.One downside is that the camera doesn’t have a pan or tilt function; it’s fixed in place, so if you need a wider view, you’ll need to adjust its position manually.Overall, for the price, the Blink Mini 2 is an excellent value, especially for home security or as a pet camera. Highly recommend if you’re looking for something simple, affordable, and effective.

Why did you pick this product vs others?:My mini camera has been one of my best investments. I love how can place it anywhere in my apartment. How strong and sturdy it is, because I have to be honest I have dropped it a few times, and it’s still going strong. Connection is amazing, I love how I can keep an eye on my pets, while im at work, and be able to talk to them as well.

I recently integrated the Blink Mini 2 into my home security setup and have been largely pleased with its performance.Design & Build:The camera’s compact size allows for discreet placement, and its sleek design complements various interiors. The inclusion of a built-in spotlight enhances its functionality, especially in low-light conditions. However, it’s worth noting that the device requires a constant power source, which may limit placement options.Setup & App Integration:Setting up the Blink Mini 2 was straightforward, thanks to the intuitive Blink app. The app provides a user-friendly interface for live viewing, motion detection customization, and two-way audio communication. Integration with Amazon Alexa is seamless, allowing for voice control and automation within the Alexa ecosystem. However, compatibility with other smart home platforms like Google Home or Apple HomeKit is lacking.  Video & Audio Quality:The 1080p HD video quality is commendable during daylight, capturing clear and detailed footage. The color night vision, aided by the spotlight, provides satisfactory visibility in dark environments. The two-way audio feature is functional, though ambient noise can affect clarity during communication.   Performance:Motion detection is responsive and can be tailored to specific zones, reducing unnecessary alerts. The camera reliably notifies me of activity, and the live feed loads promptly. However, accessing recorded footage requires a Blink subscription plan, which is an additional cost to consider.   Outdoor Use:While primarily designed for indoor use, the Blink Mini 2 can function outdoors with the purchase of a weather-resistant power adapter. This flexibility is advantageous, though the added expense and need for a nearby power outlet should be considered when planning outdoor installation. Overall Experience:The Blink Mini 2 offers a reliable and affordable solution for those seeking a compact security camera with essential features. Its integration with the Amazon ecosystem enhances its appeal for Alexa users. While there are some limitations, such as the need for a subscription to access recorded footage and limited compatibility with non-Amazon smart home platforms, the overall performance and build quality make it a worthwhile investment for basic home monitoring needs.

The camera itself is good. It has a decent picture quality and a lot of customizable settings. I purchased the doorbell camera, Outdoor 4, and two indoor/outdoor Mini 2 wired cameras. I have had the issues with battery life on both the doorbell and Outdoor 4 cameras. I highly recommend purchasing the Minis instead if you don't mind using a wired connection. I find them much more reliable, and you don't have to compromise by lowering motion detection sensitivity or video quality in the hopes that your battery will actually last. They also have a light on the camera itself that will activate when the camera starts recording, depending on your settings.I love the customizable motion detection options. You can mark places in the field of view to block the camera from detecting motion in specific areas, so if the wind blows a tree won't constantly detect motion. But when it does detect motion from a person, it sometimes stops recording before the person leaves. This is more of an issue in the wireless Blink cameras, but it has happened with the Mini 2 as well, albeit to a lesser degree. You can choose the length of each clip and how long it takes for the camera to detect motion after beginning a recording, but it sometimes fails to recognize someone is still in frame when recording, so it doesn't capture what the person is doing or where they go after the initial motion trigger.One other thing that frustrates me about Blink's system is their app constantly uses an incredible amount of power and overheats my phone. I have to force stop the app at least once per day to preserve my battery life, which means I don't actually get any notifications to my phone when the doorbell is rung or when a person is detected. It's also a little frustrating that I can't choose notification settings for each camera individually, and some of the notification options are hidden in the phone's app settings and are not accessible directly in the app.Overall, I like the camera, and much prefer it to their wireless options. I reached out to Blink about poor battery life with the wireless cameras, and I find Blink's response frustrating and disappointing. I hate that I am going to need to buy some third party accessories to make some of my cameras actually work properly so I don't have to change the batteries every week or two. I have to spend even more money on things I shouldn't need, and that I wouldn't need if Blink either made products that actually do have a longer battery life or else were at least honest about how poor the battery life is.I have also seen several reviews mentioning a delay in the app for notifications and when trying to play live video. I haven't really had an issue with this since I got my internet set up at my new house, so I suspect this is likely an issue with internet speeds. Prior to getting internet I was using a mobile hotspot to provide the internet connection and I did notice such delays when I was doing that. The other thing I have read that can cause a delay is low battery, which I haven't really noticed now that I have fast internet, but it could just be because I really haven't been paying attention.