I Was Skeptical of Wireless Cams, But This Deeply Discounted Blink Blew Me Away

Black Friday Deal Alert: Black Friday maybe it's over, but Cyber ​​Monday is just around the corner. There will still be plenty of discounts running during this time, including sales on home security systems you'll want to keep an eye on, like discounts on some of the products we've tested and loved. Let's take this for example: this A two-camera kit for the Blink Outdoor 4 currently costs $120.which is a whopping $180 off the original price. That gets you nearly $200 off the CNET Editors' Choice-winning device. And since it comes with a long-lasting battery, you can save on that too.

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Key Takeaways from CNET

• Blink Outdoor 4 CCTV Camera Comes with AA lithium batteries that lasted me over a year, unlike competing cameras that require frequent charging, about once a month.
• The Blink Outdoor 4 is one of the most affordable cameras out there and is often on sale.
• The Blink app is limited to supporting Alexa only, meaning you can't connect to Google, Apple, or other third-party smart platforms.

Blinka Outdoor 4 cameras When I first started reviewing it, I had big promises: AA lithium batteries that could last for two years without needing to be replaced. That's ridiculously long for wireless surveillance camerawhich usually contains batteries that need to be recharged every few months.

I started out skeptical, but the Blink camera continued to work on my fence not only for months, but season after season while I waited, and I became increasingly impressed.

While my Blink Outdoor 4 model didn't live up to the full two years that Blink rates its wireless camera batteries at, the year and a half is far superior to any wireless camera with a rechargeable battery like the Ring or Nest. In my experience, these rechargeable batteries usually last a few months at most before you have to bring them in to recharge or replace them with a new battery pack.

This charging becomes annoying in cold winters or for wireless cameras that are placed out of reach and require a ladder to change batteries. And if your cameras are constantly activated, your batteries will drain even faster. I don't mind leaning out and grabbing the video intercom for a quick charge, but for other outdoor cameras it becomes an unwanted and inconvenient task.

Meanwhile, Blink promises long-lasting batteries that you'll replace rather than recharge when the time comes. These new batteries cost between $4 and $5, which is about 22 cents a month if you don't worry about it. I've found this to be a particularly useful option for an outdoor camera that I can set up and leave to do its job, giving me one less thing to worry about.

My experience using Blink Outdoor 4

I consider the Blink Outdoor 4 to be a jack-of-all-trades outdoor camera, which is why it earns a spot on my list of best cameras. best home security cameras. It's also the best camera in terms of battery life, so I often recommend it to those who want a versatile camera at a fairly affordable price.

From 1080p resolution and Alexa support to two-way audio and motion detection, the Outdoor 4 does it all in a compact, weather-resistant design. But what really pays off is the increased battery life.

Battery options that last a long time

Blink Outdoor 4 runs on two AA lithium batteries (included) inserted into the back panel. Unscrew the back cover and you can slide new batteries in and out in a minute. I only did this part after a year and a half of use, and the hardest part was remembering how to detach the Outdoor 4 from the mount without breaking it.

Unlike some batteries that have the word “lithium” in their name, they are not rechargeable. Instead, they offer other benefits, including extra power over traditional AA batteries and an extended shelf life of up to 25 years, so you can buy a battery without worrying about them dying. At the moment there is this A pack of 24 lithium AA sells for $37.

If one to two years of battery life is not enough, you can also purchase Blink Extension Pack ($30) Add more batteries to make the camera work even longer, this is possible if you want to place it in a hard to reach place.

Installation and placement

The Blink Outdoor 4 uses a small screw-in mount. I can't bolt anything to my non-permeable fiber cement siding, but the fence post has proven to be the perfect option for keeping an eye on my backyard and various wildlife displays.

The mount is a little stiff and requires careful adjustment when tilted, but other than that there are no problems. With operating temperatures ranging from -4 to 113 degrees Fahrenheit, I saw my Blink Outdoor 4 brave hot-tempered summers and winter snowstorms without complaint, the batteries inside still working.

Serious application for monitoring battery charge

I've tried dozens of home security apps, and Blink remains one of my favorites. The Blink app combines simplicity and easy-to-access camera features. A few taps take you almost anywhere, including quick live camera views and two-way audio chats.

The app also allows you to check the battery life so you can see when it's “ok” or reaching danger levels – until, as I learned, it's completely dead, in which case you can't check the battery life.

The Blink app provides motion and people alerts based on your settings. This also allows you to connect to the included Synchronization module 2which has a USB connector that can be used to store video clips, making Blink's subscription service ($3 per month) completely optional.

Blink's solar option

I can't talk about battery life without mentioning solar panels. Many are available for the Blink Outdoor 4, and if you have the space, you can add one more. Some work better than others, and the best ones, e.g. this model sells for $36have their own built-in battery to power the Blink as these AA lithium batteries are not rechargeable.

The ultra-long battery life makes a solar panel less necessary, but it's an option if you place the Blink camera in a sunny location and don't want to worry about battery life at all. I haven't tested the solar panels with the Blink Outdoor 4, but I have tested them with many other security cameras and I can say that they keep the batteries charged, especially during the summer months.

Blink Outdoor 4 Specifications

• Size: 2.76 x 2.76 x 1.61 inches (70 x 70 x 41 mm)
• Weight: 5.0 oz (141 g)
• Main battery: 2 AA 1.5V lithium non-rechargeable batteries.
• Optional: Weatherproof power adapter (sold separately), 4-outdoor battery extension cord (available in US and Canada)
• Battery life: Up to two years with default settings. Individual settings, usage and environmental conditions can affect battery performance.
• Field of view: Diagonal 143 degrees
• Permission: HD video 1080p
• Images: View captured images in 640×360 resolution.
• Frames per second: Up to 30fps
• Connectivity: High-speed Internet connection (such as broadband, fiber optic or DSL), Wi-Fi network: 2.4 GHz 802.11b/g/n
• Hub support: The camera is compatible with all Blink Sync modules.
• Audio: Two-way audio
• Headlights: 1 blue LED to let you know when it is active (optional), 1 red LED when recording in night vision mode
• Operating temperature: -4 to 113 F (-20 C to 45 C)

CNET Buying Tips

If you find it annoying to have to recharge your batteries every few months, Blink's AA lithium batteries will really provide you with added convenience. For me, replacing them every year or two costs an extra $4.

These long-lasting batteries also make work easier. choose a place It's harder to access, but it's ideal for an easy vantage point like above a garage door because you know you won't have to drive there often to recharge.

Top it off with a user-friendly app and a very reasonable price. compared to other street camerasfor example, the $200+ Ring Spotlight and Blink Outdoor 4 should definitely be on your list if you're looking for a wireless camera. As a bonus, it often goes on sale during major sales, such as the current Prime Day sale and the upcoming Black Friday.

If you want an outdoor camera with more bells and whistles, smart features, and voice assistants beyond Alexa, I recommend the Arlo Pro 5S.. You'll have to recharge the battery more often, and the camera does require a subscription (at a cost) to make it work, but it can do just about everything and includes Arlo's advanced AI customization options.

To find out about even bigger discounts, check out our editorial news review. The best Black Friday deals available right now.