Blink Black Doorbell

Blink Black Doorbell Review

Brand: Blink
Released: October 2020
Updated: 3 months ago
3.5
Overall review score
77
Review evidence points
34
Scored features
10
Expert reviews

Bottom Line

Choose it for a cheap, simple Blink/Alexa doorbell with local storage options. Skip it if you need strong package detection, broad smart-home support, fast live intervention, or clearer face detail.

Best for

Best for budget buyers already using Blink or Alexa who want simple visitor alerts, basic video, and local storage through Sync Module 2 instead of required cloud fees.

Not for

Not for shoppers who need rich AI detection, reliable package visibility, Google Home or HomeKit support, or the fastest possible live response when someone is at the door.

Verdict

Reviewers treated the Blink Black Doorbell as a budget-first video doorbell that works best inside an existing Blink or Alexa setup. Its biggest strengths are low price, quick installation, useful motion alerts, acceptable two-way audio, and the ability to avoid mandatory cloud fees with Sync Module storage. The tradeoff is that Blink keeps the feature set simple: no meaningful AI/person recognition, limited package visibility, mixed chime behavior, and live-view or response delays that can matter during package-theft moments. Video quality is often good enough for basic front-door awareness, but several reviewers found faces shadowed, compressed, or less crisp than expected.

Feature Scorecards

Summary

34 reviewed features
  • Very positive 4.5-5.0
    4 (12%)
  • Positive 3.5-4.4
    13 (38%)
  • Neutral 2.5-3.4
    11 (32%)
  • Negative 1.5-2.4
    5 (15%)
  • Very negative below 1.5
    1 (3%)

Pros

  • 4.5
    4 reviews strong consensus
    Installation and Mounting: 4.5, 4 reviews, strong consensus
    Installation was a consistent strength, described as quick, simple, easy, or a breeze.
  • 4.3
    5 reviews strong consensus
    Price and value: 4.3, 5 reviews, strong consensus
    Price and value were a major strength, with reviewers repeatedly calling it affordable, competitive, or strong for budget buyers.
  • 4.2
    3 reviews strong consensus
    Motion detection: 4.2, 3 reviews, strong consensus
    Motion detection was usually praised as responsive and reliable, with several reviewers saying it captured visitors or matched Ring's detection in their use.
  • 3.6
    8 reviews strong consensus
    Video resolution and detail: 3.6, 8 reviews, strong consensus
    Reviewers generally found the 1080p image usable or clear for basic door monitoring, but some noted compression, shadowed faces, or only adequate detail.
  • 4.3
    2 reviews limited evidence
    Design aesthetics: 4.3, 2 reviews, limited evidence
    Design was generally liked, especially its sleek look and acceptable size, though one reviewer found materials less premium than photos suggested.
  • 4.3
    2 reviews limited evidence
    Storage: 4.3, 2 reviews, limited evidence
    Storage was praised when using Blink's local Sync Module option or existing free Blink storage.

Cons

  • 1.0
    1 review
    AI features: 1.0, 1 review
    AI features were a clear weakness because reviewers noted the absence of AI, person, human, or object classification.
  • 2.3
    3 reviews strong consensus
    Object and person detection: 2.3, 3 reviews, strong consensus
    Object, person, and face handling was a weak point because reviewers emphasized the lack of AI distinction and inconsistent face identification.
  • 2.0
    1 review
    Base / Hub integration: 2.0, 1 review
    Sync Module integration adds useful live view and storage flexibility, but one reviewer said needing it can undermine the cheap appeal.
  • 2.0
    1 review
    Delivery package monitoring: 2.0, 1 review
    Package monitoring was a weakness where discussed because reviewers noted no package detection or limited ability to see packages below the camera.
  • 2.0
    1 review
    Ongoing ownership costs: 2.0, 1 review
    Ownership costs were criticized by one reviewer because subscription or Sync Module/local storage additions raise the real cost for new buyers.
  • 2.0
    1 review
    Snapshot capture: 2.0, 1 review
    Snapshot capture was criticized as an imperfect substitute for true on-demand live view.

Compared With Category Average

Compared with other Video Doorbells, this product is above average in Subscription, Size and form factor, Power Options and Compatibility, near average in Installation and Mounting, Audio, below average in AI features, Base / Hub integration, Snapshot capture.

Comparison summary

33 compared features
  • Above average 0.4+ pts higher
    4 (12%)
  • Same as average within 0.3 pts
    11 (33%)
  • Below average 0.4+ pts lower
    18 (55%)

Largest category differences

Attribute This product Category average Difference
AI features 1.0 4.0 -3.0
Base / Hub integration 2.0 4.3 -2.3
Snapshot capture 2.0 4.0 -2.0
Object and person detection 2.3 4.1 -1.7
Ongoing ownership costs 2.0 3.7 -1.7
Field of view and framing 2.7 4.2 -1.5
Delivery package monitoring 2.0 3.5 -1.5
lag) 2.7 3.9 -1.3

Consider This Instead

If you want better AI features

Choose Tapo D210 Doorbell. It scores 4.5 vs 1.0 for AI features, with a 4.2 overall score.

Compare

If you want better Base / Hub integration

Choose Aqara G4 Video Doorbell. It scores 5.0 vs 2.0 for Base / Hub integration, with a 3.8 overall score.

Compare

If you want better Field of view and framing

Choose Blink Video Doorbell. It scores 4.1 vs 2.7 for Field of view and framing, with a 3.6 overall score.

Compare

Compared in Reviews

Products reviewers directly compared with this model, grouped into quick takeaways.

ring video doorbell

  • Worse: storage cost and ownership experience The reviewer regretted switching from Blink to Ring because Blink fit his existing system and avoided the Ring subscription burden.

wise video doorbell pro

  • Compared: budget wireless doorbell comparison The CNET review directly compared Blink against the Wise/Wyze Video Doorbell Pro and ultimately favored the competitor for value and features.

FAQ

Does the Blink Black Doorbell require a subscription?

Reviewers said it can be used without a subscription when paired with Sync Module storage, though some subscription features such as faster access, cloud history, or live-view recording may be missing.

Is the video quality good enough?

Most reviewers found the 1080p video usable or clear for basic monitoring, but several noted compression, shadowed faces, limited vertical framing, or less crisp detail than higher-end options.

How well does motion detection work?

Motion detection was generally praised as responsive and reliable, especially for detecting people approaching the door. The weakness is that it does not offer advanced AI classification for people, packages, animals, or cars.

Is it easy to install?

Yes. Multiple reviewers described installation as quick, simple, or a breeze, whether using the battery setup or connecting to an existing doorbell chime.

How good is the audio?

Reviewers generally found two-way audio good enough for door conversations, with one calling the speaker loud and clear. Some still mentioned slight voice or live-view delay.

Does it work well with Alexa, Google Home, or HomeKit?

Alexa support was a clear advantage, including Echo chimes and viewing on Echo Show devices. Reviewers criticized the lack of direct Google Home and Apple HomeKit support.

Sample Expert Reviews We Analyzed

These are a few of the reviews included in our analysis.

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