44 Cons of Blink Video Doorbell (Review 2024)

When it comes to choosing a video doorbell, from the options out there chances are you’ve come across numerous positive reviews. However lets skip the hype and get down to the specifics of what may not be so impressive about the Blink Video Doorbell. If you’ve had your fill of all the praise get ready—this review focuses on the downsides.

If despite these drawbacks you still opt to purchase the product, congratulations! You’re making a choice that’s likely to leave you satisfied, in the end!

Narrow Vertical Field of View

The limited vertical field of view is quite frustrating as it hinders your ability to spot packages at your doorstep or get a look, at someone, near the doorbell. For those of us who depend on monitoring our deliveries or easily recognizing visitors this limitation poses an inconvenience.

Limited Live View

Lets discuss the live view feature or should I say its absence. If you don’t have the Sync Module 2 you won’t be able to peek at your door whenever you want. The live view option is only active when motion is sensed or if someone rings the doorbell. This restriction can be quite annoying, for those who prefer to monitor things.

No Included Chime

And there’s one irritating thing; it doesn’t come with a built in chime. You’ll have to connect it to an existing chime or utilize an Echo device for notifications. If you don’t already have wiring or an Echo, at hand be prepared for expenses and the hassle of setting it up.

Slow Notification Response

One major problem is the notification response. It’s quite obvious that there’s a delay, in receiving alerts and viewing feeds which can make it challenging to respond to unfolding events. This delay could significantly compromise the doorbells effectiveness in terms of security and convenience.

Poor Performance in Dynamic Lighting

The video quality decreases noticeably when the lighting changes dynamically such as, in porches or, against backgrounds. This can lead to visibility making it more challenging to recognize visitors, which’s essentially the main purpose of owning a video doorbell.

Subscription Requirement for Cloud Storage

Although Blink presents itself as a wallet choice it’s important not to be misled. You’ll have to subscribe for cloud storage. The costs can accumulate rapidly reducing its attractiveness as an option.

No Rechargeable Battery

The Blink Video Doorbell relies on AA batteries of a rechargeable option leading to the need, for frequent replacements. This results in increased costs and inconvenience, in the run.

Dependence on Sync Module

Missing the Sync Module means you won’t have access, to functions such, as view when needed and two way audio. Buying this hardware can be an inconvenience that you may not have anticipated.

Basic Features

When you look at video doorbells the Blink Video Doorbell seems basic. It doesn’t have capabilities, like AI powered person detection leading to unnecessary alerts and fewer helpful features.

Limited Clip Length

Short video clips are restricted to a duration of 30 seconds. In case of occurrences there is a possibility that the entire event may not be captured. The brevity of these clips could result in overlooking specifics.

Battery Life Focus

The Blink Video Doorbell includes features that aim to conserve battery life though this can sometimes result in reduced functionality and performance. Users may notice a decrease, in video quality, recording clips and frequent software updates.

No Rich Notifications

The notifications do not show preview images so you have to open the app to view the content. This additional step can be bothersome when you require information.

Setup Issues

Customers have mentioned issues arise when trying to include devices while current ones are not connected. This situation may lead to a lengthier setup procedure than anticipated.

No AI Features

Without features such, as person detection the doorbell may trigger alerts frequently leading to a decrease, in its reliability and effectiveness.

Disposable Batteries

Frequently needing to purchase and swap out AA batteries can be expensive and harmful, to the environment. It becomes a hassle having to buy and change batteries.

Limited Benefits of Wiring

Even if you connect the Blink Video Doorbell to power it just activates the chime function. Doesn’t get rid of the necessity, for batteries. Therefore you’ll still have to manage changing batteries.

Potential Short Battery Life

In locations the batteries may lose charge faster. Frequent motion alerts and recordings can result in depletion leading to increased expenses, for replacements.

Slow Live View Loading

The live feed may take some time to load, which can be a downside when it comes to monitoring things in time. This lag can make it more challenging to identify visitors at your doorstep or observe activities outside.

No Auto Live View on Echo Devices

The Blink Video Doorbell doesn’t instantly display view, on Echo devices like some other brands do. You need to activate it which can be a bit less convenient.

Subpar Video and Audio Quality

The video and audio quality are not very impressive, in light conditions. The night vision capability is lacking, which affects security and makes it difficult to recognize visitors in darkness.

Inconsistent Live View

The live view tends to have some reliability concerns, especially when running on battery power. These inconsistencies can impact the doorbells effectiveness as a security device.

Battery Dependency for Live View

Monitoring your door in time using battery power for live view access is restricted to a 60 second window following a notification, which can pose challenges, in effectively overseeing the area.

Complex Settings Adjustment

To make changes, to the settings promptly you may need to press the button. This can be quite bothersome if you prefer making adjustments remotely using the app.

Amazon-Only Integration

The Blink Video Doorbell is tailored for Amazons setup, which may pose a challenge if you prefer using home systems and desire smooth connectivity.

No Indoor Chime

If you don’t have a doorbell you have to depend on your phone alerts or buy items, for sound notifications. It can be bothersome if you like having the classic doorbell sounds in your house.

Delay in Live View

The wait to access live view impacts communication and monitoring. This delay can hinder interactions, with guests or swift evaluation of security conditions.

Lag in Voice Response

Communication, with visitors can be challenging due to delays, in voice response during moments or emergencies.

Phone Dependency

Relying heavily on your phone for notifications can be a downside especially if its, on silent or you happen to miss an alert leaving you unaware of someone waiting at your door. This dependency, on devices has its drawbacks.

Motion Detection Sensitivity

The sensitivity of the motion detection feature sometimes results in alerts, which can be quite bothersome and cause alert exhaustion.

Subscription for Advanced Features

In order to view real time videos and utilize premium functions you must have a subscription. This contributes to the expenses diminishing the appeal of the Blink Video Doorbell, as a budget choice.

Battery Life Variability

Battery life can differ depending on how you use your device and the settings you have. When you’re, in places or receive a lot of notifications the battery tends to run out than usual.

Setup Complexity for Non-Amazon Users

Integrating with systems of Amazon can be. Not, as user friendly. The lack of compatibility can be a hurdle if you are not already immersed in Amazons ecosystem.

Slow Response Time

The motion alert notifications seem to be lagging behind which hampers the devices ability to deliver security updates and alerts.

App Limitations for Battery Users

When relying on battery power accessing view is only possible when a motion alert is triggered. This restriction diminishes the devices usefulness and adaptability, for access needs.

Non-Intuitive Installation Instructions

The setup steps may not be as straightforward, as with some items, which could result in annoyance and extended installation durations for those who are less familiar, with technology.

Lacking Third-Party Integration

The Blink Video Doorbell doesn’t work well with home setups that’re not, from Amazon. If you have Google Home, Apple HomeKit or other systems you might get frustrated by the lack of compatibility. This issue could prevent you from achieving a home setup.

No Continuous Recording

The Blink Video Doorbell unlike rivals does not offer recording. This limitation could pose a challenge if you seek monitoring of your premises. Instead you will receive video clips triggered by motion detection or doorbell activations potentially missing out on capturing all footage.

Limited Two-Way Audio

The audio feature that allows for two way communication is sometimes unreliable as users have experienced delays and subpar sound quality. This makes it challenging to have conversations, with visitors at your doorstep, which can be particularly troublesome, in situations.

No Local Storage Without Sync Module

If you’re looking to avoid cloud storage fees and prefer local storage, you’re out of luck without the Sync Module. This additional piece of hardware is necessary to store footage locally, adding another layer of expense and complexity.

High Sensitivity to Weather

The Blink Video Doorbell may not be as resistant, to weather conditions as advertised. Some users living in climates have experienced problems with the devices battery life and video quality. This vulnerability to weather could pose an inconvenience for individuals residing in regions, with weather conditions.

Software Bugs and Glitches

Certain individuals have encountered hiccups and malfunctions such, as the application crashing or the doorbell failing to capture important events. Dealing with these problems can be quite annoying. Can undermine the dependability of the Blink Video Doorbell.

Minimal Customization Options

Customizing the settings, on the Blink Video Doorbell is somewhat limited which could be frustrating, for users looking to tailor their device to meet requirements.

Inconsistent Motion Detection

The motion sensor can be unreliable, at times. It tends to be too sensitive, on occasion while times it fails to detect any activity all. This lack of consistency can reduce the devices effectiveness as a security tool.

No Adjustable Motion Zones

Unlike some competitors, the Blink Video Doorbell doesn’t allow you to adjust motion detection zones. This means you can’t tailor the detection area to avoid false alerts from busy streets or other non-relevant areas.

Limited Field of View Adjustment

The set field of view may feel restrictive when you wish to concentrate on spots, near your entrance. The lack of adjustability in this aspect could pose an inconvenience, for individuals seeking surveillance flexibility.

Slow Firmware Updates

Users have expressed frustration, over the release of firmware updates that aim to resolve issues. Waiting periods, for bug fixes and performance enhancements has left users feeling agitated by the persisting problems.

Conclusion

In summary although the Blink Video Doorbell offers some advantages it’s crucial to take into account its shortcomings. Factors, like its field of vision lack of functionalities and dependence on subscriptions should be carefully considered before you make a choice.

This candid evaluation aims to provide you with an understanding so that you can select the suitable video doorbell, for your requirements.

Nonetheless if after reviewing these downsides you still decide to purchase the product, congratulations! You are making a decision. Are unlikely to regret your investment.

Reference:

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHX039svuaI&pp=ygUbQmxpbmsgVmlkZW8gRG9vcmJlbGwgcmV2aWV3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQZohTiYV0I&pp=ygUbQmxpbmsgVmlkZW8gRG9vcmJlbGwgcmV2aWV3