The Blink camera is a popular choice for home security, known for its affordability, ease of use, and wireless design. One of the most common questions about the Blink camera is whether it works without a subscription. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of the Blink camera’s functionality, its subscription plans, and what you can expect if you choose not to subscribe.
Understanding the Blink Camera’s Functionality
The Blink camera is a wireless, battery-powered security camera that can be placed indoors or outdoors. It’s equipped with motion detection, night vision, and HD video recording capabilities. The camera can be controlled and monitored remotely through the Blink app, which is available for both iOS and Android devices.
Key Features of the Blink Camera
- Motion detection: The Blink camera can detect motion and send alerts to your smartphone or tablet.
- HD video recording: The camera records HD video, which can be viewed live or played back later.
- Night vision: The camera has infrared LEDs that provide night vision, allowing you to see what’s happening in the dark.
- Wireless design: The camera is battery-powered and can be placed anywhere, without the need for cables or wiring.
- Weather-resistant: The camera is designed to withstand the elements and can be used outdoors.
Does Blink Camera Work Without Subscription?
The Blink camera can work without a subscription, but there are some limitations. Without a subscription, you’ll still be able to:
- View live video: You can view live video from your camera, as long as it’s connected to the internet.
- Receive motion alerts: The camera will still send motion alerts to your smartphone or tablet.
- Record video locally: You can record video locally to the camera’s internal storage or to an external USB drive.
However, without a subscription, you won’t be able to:
- Store video in the cloud: Without a subscription, you won’t be able to store video in the cloud, which means you’ll lose access to your recorded video if the camera is damaged or stolen.
- View recorded video remotely: You won’t be able to view recorded video remotely, unless you have a local storage device connected to the camera.
Blink Subscription Plans
Blink offers two subscription plans: the Basic Plan and the Plus Plan.
- Basic Plan: The Basic Plan costs $3 per month per camera and includes 60 days of cloud storage.
- Plus Plan: The Plus Plan costs $10 per month and includes 60 days of cloud storage for an unlimited number of cameras.
Benefits of a Blink Subscription
While the Blink camera can work without a subscription, there are several benefits to subscribing:
- Cloud storage: With a subscription, you’ll be able to store video in the cloud, which means you’ll have access to your recorded video even if the camera is damaged or stolen.
- Extended warranty: Blink offers an extended warranty for subscribers, which covers repairs and replacements for up to one year.
- Priority customer support: Subscribers get priority customer support, which means you’ll get help faster if you have any issues with your camera.
Alternatives to Blink Subscription
If you don’t want to subscribe to Blink’s cloud storage, there are several alternatives:
- Local storage: You can store video locally to the camera’s internal storage or to an external USB drive.
- Third-party cloud storage: You can use third-party cloud storage services, such as Google Drive or Dropbox, to store your video.
Conclusion
The Blink camera can work without a subscription, but there are some limitations. Without a subscription, you’ll still be able to view live video, receive motion alerts, and record video locally. However, you won’t be able to store video in the cloud or view recorded video remotely. Blink offers two subscription plans, the Basic Plan and the Plus Plan, which include cloud storage, extended warranty, and priority customer support. If you don’t want to subscribe, there are several alternatives, including local storage and third-party cloud storage.
Does Blink Camera Work Without Subscription?
The Blink camera can work without a subscription, but with limited features. You can still use the camera to live stream video and receive motion alerts. However, you won’t be able to store video recordings in the cloud, and you’ll only be able to store a limited amount of video locally on the camera’s internal storage.
If you don’t have a subscription, you can still use the Blink app to view live video, receive motion alerts, and customize your camera settings. However, if you want to store video recordings in the cloud or access advanced features like person detection, you’ll need to sign up for a subscription.
What Features Are Available Without a Subscription?
Without a subscription, you can still use the Blink camera to live stream video, receive motion alerts, and customize your camera settings. You can also use the Blink app to view live video, arm and disarm your camera, and adjust your camera’s sensitivity settings. Additionally, you can store a limited amount of video locally on the camera’s internal storage.
However, without a subscription, you won’t be able to store video recordings in the cloud, access advanced features like person detection, or receive alerts when a specific person is detected. You also won’t be able to store video recordings for an extended period, as the camera’s internal storage is limited.
How Much Does a Blink Subscription Cost?
A Blink subscription costs $3 per month per camera, or $30 per year per camera. If you have multiple cameras, you can sign up for a plan that covers all of your cameras for $10 per month, or $100 per year. This plan includes cloud storage for up to 60 days of video recordings, as well as access to advanced features like person detection.
It’s worth noting that Blink offers a free trial period, so you can try out the subscription service before committing to a plan. Additionally, Blink occasionally offers promotions and discounts, so it’s worth checking their website for any available deals.
Can I Store Video Recordings Locally Without a Subscription?
Yes, you can store video recordings locally on the Blink camera’s internal storage without a subscription. However, the amount of storage available is limited, and you’ll only be able to store a short period of video recordings. The exact amount of storage available will depend on the specific Blink camera model you’re using.
It’s also worth noting that local storage is not as secure as cloud storage, as the video recordings are stored on the camera itself. If the camera is damaged or stolen, you could lose access to your video recordings. Cloud storage, on the other hand, is more secure and allows you to access your video recordings from anywhere.
What Happens to My Video Recordings If I Cancel My Subscription?
If you cancel your Blink subscription, you’ll no longer be able to store video recordings in the cloud. Any video recordings that are currently stored in the cloud will be deleted after a certain period of time, usually 30 days. However, you’ll still be able to use the Blink camera to live stream video and receive motion alerts.
If you want to keep your video recordings, you can download them to your computer or mobile device before canceling your subscription. You can also consider signing up for a different cloud storage plan, such as Amazon S3 or Google Drive, to store your video recordings.
Can I Use a Third-Party Cloud Storage Service with Blink?
Yes, you can use a third-party cloud storage service with Blink. Blink cameras are compatible with Amazon S3 and Google Drive, among other cloud storage services. This allows you to store your video recordings in the cloud without having to sign up for a Blink subscription.
However, using a third-party cloud storage service may require some technical expertise, as you’ll need to set up the integration yourself. Additionally, you may need to pay for the cloud storage service separately, which could add to your overall cost.
Is a Blink Subscription Worth It?
Whether or not a Blink subscription is worth it depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you want to store video recordings in the cloud, access advanced features like person detection, or receive alerts when a specific person is detected, a subscription may be worth it. However, if you’re on a budget or only need basic features, you may be able to get by without a subscription.
It’s also worth considering the cost of the subscription compared to the cost of the camera itself. If you’re already invested in a Blink camera, a subscription may be a relatively small additional cost. However, if you’re just starting out, you may want to consider the overall cost of ownership before committing to a subscription.