With high customer ratings and compatibility with Amazon Alexa and IFTTT, the wireless indoor/outdoor Blink XT2 is a smart option for anyone looking for affordable home video surveillance. At just under $100, the Blink XT2 is priced in the midrange for home security cameras, but it has no monthly subscription fees and comes with up to a year of free cloud storage.
The Blink XT2 also features two-way talk, motion-activated recording, and customizable activity zones. Get real-time alerts whenever it detects motion, and use the Blink Home Monitor app to view live video feeds from your phone or tablet.
Pros
- Wireless setup
- Two-way talk
- Free cloud storage
Cons
- Not compatible with Google Home
- No third-party storage options
- Sluggish motion detection
Blink XT2 Overview
| Price | $99.99 on Amazon |
| Features | Indoor/outdoor operation 2-way talk Motion-activated recording Motion activity zones Wireless DIY installation 2-year battery life Free cloud storage |
| Ratings | 4.3 / 5 on Amazon 4.6 / 5 on Best Buy App 3.3 / 5 on iTunes 3.9 / 5 on Google Play |
| Warranty | 1-year limited |
| Trial Period | 30 days (Amazon standard return policy) |
| Compatibility | Amazon AlexaIFTTT |
Amazon Alexa integration
To enjoy the full range of Blink XT2’s Alexa skills, connect it to an Amazon Echo Show, Echo Spot, or Fire TV device. You can say, “Alexa, show backyard camera,” and you’ll be able to view the live video feed from your backyard on your Amazon device.
If you don’t have an Amazon device with a screen, you can still use voice commands to arm and disarm your cameras with your Echo or Echo Dot. For example, when you arrive home you can say, “Alexa, ask Blink to disarm; my pin is ####.”
Energy-efficient technology
Blink states that the battery life of the XT2 camera is up to two years, based on “average use.” This is twice the battery life of the original XT camera, but if you frequently stream the live feed and use the two-way talk, it will drain the battery quickly.
Adjusting the recording time after a motion event triggers it can help conserve battery life, but you might end up with videos of motion events that get cut short. You can also save energy by customizing the activity zones to pinpoint relevant activity and avoid unnecessary motion, such as passing cars and pedestrians.
Other key features
One of the most notable features of the Blink XT2 is its free cloud storage. You won’t have to sign a service contract or pay any monthly subscription fees, and you can get storage for hundreds of clips for up to a year. Your Blink XT2 camera purchase also includes a one-year limited warranty and service. Customer reviews indicate that Blink is very responsive to customer issues and works to resolve them to the owner’s satisfaction. You can also use Amazon’s 30-day return policy to return the Blink XT2 if you run into any problems with your device.
Blink XT2 vs. Other Providers
| Prices starting at | Monitoring options | Installation options | |
| Blink XT2 | $99.99 | Self-monitoring with free cloud storage | DIY only |
| Google Nest Cam Outdoor | $149 | Self-monitoring through Nest Aware subscription starting at $6/month | DIY only |
| Wyze Cam | $19.99 | Self monitoring with free cloud storage | DIY only |
*Data as of 4/20/2020
Further Reading
FAQs
About the Authors
Kasey Tross has been researching home security and writing about it for top security sites like SafeWise.com, Safety.com, and Reviews.com for the past three years. When she’s not writing about security, she’s taking care of her four kids, husband, and dog, and can often be found hiking and camping in the woods near her home in Virginia.
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