Blink vs. Ring: Which Home Security System Is Better?

Blink and Ring are two of the biggest names in smart home security, and besides sharing a parent company—Amazon—many of their products overlap. Both brands offer key security features such as real-time monitoring capabilities, high-quality video recording, and two-way audio, so choosing between them can be a challenge. We’re here to help. We’ve been reviewing Ring devices since the brand introduced its first video doorbell a decade ago. We’ve also been reviewing Blink cameras since before Amazon acquired the brand in 2017. In other words, we know both brands and their product lines well, and we’re here to help you choose between them to determine the best home security solution for you.

Blink vs. Ring: Price

Blink has a straightforward lineup of indoor and outdoor cameras and video doorbells ranging from $39.99 to $159.99, serving as a great starting point for those looking for a budget-friendly home security solution.

Ring, on the other hand, offers dozens of products, including indoor and outdoor cameras, video doorbells, lighting, and complete home security systems with various components such as door, window, and motion sensors. Within each category, the company offers products with a range of features, power options, and specs. Prices for Ring’s products generally range from $99.99 to $279.99, but can be higher if you’re purchasing a bundle or subscription.

If you plan to save footage from your security camera, you should be prepared to incur additional costs, regardless of which platform you choose. That said, Blink is the winner in terms of pricing, with more budget-friendly options and cheaper subscriptions.

Winner: Blink

Blink vs. Ring: Subscriptions

Both Ring and Blink products have limited functionality without subscriptions. Ring allows for real-time video monitoring and lets you communicate with visitors at your door in real time. However, without a subscription, you aren’t able to record anything. The same is true for Blink’s devices, though without a subscription, they only offer five minutes of real-time live viewing at a time.

Ring’s subscription, Ring Protect, offers three tiers: Basic, Plus, and Pro, priced at $4.99, $10, and $20 per month, respectively. Subscribing to any tier of Ring Protect will get you nearly a dozen features, including up to 180 days of cloud storage for recorded videos, person and package alerts, and rich notifications with photo previews so you can see what triggered an alert without opening the app. You’ll need to purchase the Ring Alarm Pro home security system and pay for the highest subscription tier if you want to store footage captured from Ring cameras on an SD card.

Blink’s subscription plan only features two tiers: Basic and Plus, priced at $3 and $10 per month, respectively. Just like Ring, Blink’s cameras only allow you to store footage on an SD card if you have a subscription, unless you own the Sync Module. However, if you’re looking to store footage for more than one camera, you’re going to need the Blink Plus plan, as the Basic option only supports one device. Blink’s Plus plan also adds the ability to snooze custom notifications, extended warranty coverage, and gets you a 10% discount on other Blink devices.

When it comes to subscription features, Ring is the winner, storing videos in the cloud for up to 180 days compared with Blink’s 60 days. The Ring Protect Pro tier also offers 24/7 professional alarm monitoring and backup internet so your devices stay connected in the event of an outage, features Blink does not offer.

Winner: Ring

Blink vs. Ring: Smart Home Device Interoperability

Given their parent company, both Blink and Ring offer native support for Amazon’s Alexa. However, neither offers native support for Apple HomeKit or Google Assistant/Google Home. To use Blink or Ring devices with Apple HomeKit or Google Home, you must use a third-party program like IFTTT.

Winner: Tie

Which Smart Home Security System Should You Purchase?

Both Blink and Ring offer the ability to monitor your home and property in real time, regardless of where you are. The best system for you will largely depend on your needs and budget.

Blink offers a wallet-friendly entry point for those looking to get started with a smart home security camera system. Moreover, if you want to store footage locally on an SD card without spending an additional $300 upfront, you should go with Blink.

On the other hand, Ring offers more choice and flexibility in terms of components, including wireless, hardwired, and solar-powered options. It’s the better option if you’re planning to expand your system down the road. If your goal is a complete home security system with 24/7 professional monitoring, Ring is your best bet.

Beyond Blink and Ring

If you’re looking for a home security device without any features locked behind a paywall or one that plays nice with Apple HomeKit or Google Assistant, you’ll have to look beyond Blink and Ring. For additional home security options, be sure to check out our roundups of the best smart home security systems, outdoor security cameras, and indoor security cameras. Lighting can also help deter burglars, so if you’re looking for illumination and surveillance, you’ll want a floodlight camera. If you’re primarily worried about porch pirates, a video doorbell is an affordable option.

And if you’re just getting started, be sure to check out our guide on how to build your own home home security system.