If you’re looking for a super affordable security camera that brings some serious upgrades to the table, especially for those on a budget or already in the Amazon ecosystem, the Blink Mini 2 is absolutely worth checking out. This little powerhouse isn’t just a minor refresh. it’s a significant step up from its predecessor, offering fantastic value for its sub-$40 price tag. Whether you need an eye on your living room or a discreet guardian for your patio, this camera packs a punch with features like color night vision, person detection with a subscription, and a wider field of view. It’s a tiny device with big aspirations, and honestly, it mostly delivers. You can grab the Blink Mini 2 on Amazon right now, and if you’re thinking about outdoor use, don’t forget to look into the Blink Weather Resistant Power Adapter which is often available in a bundle.

When you first dive into smart home security, it can feel like you need a whole tech team to set things up, but Amazon’s Blink series, especially the Mini 2, aims to simplify all that. This camera is a standout pick if you want something that’s easy to install, works seamlessly with Alexa, and offers a clear view of your space without breaking the bank. It’s designed to be versatile, serving perfectly as an indoor monitor or, with that special adapter, a reliable outdoor guardian. While it keeps the popular 1080p HD video of the original, the improvements in night vision and motion detection really make it shine. Let’s get into what makes the Blink Mini 2 a top contender in the budget security camera market.

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What’s New and Improved with the Blink Mini 2?

You might be wondering, “What’s the big deal? It’s just another security camera, right?” Well, the Blink Mini 2 actually brings some genuinely exciting upgrades that make it a much more versatile and capable device compared to the original Blink Mini. For just a little extra cash, you get a whole lot more.

From Mini to Mini 2: Key Upgrades You Need to Know

The biggest buzz around the Blink Mini 2 is definitely its ability to finally step outside. The original was strictly an indoor camera, but with the Mini 2, you can use it both indoors and outdoors, thanks to its IP65 weather-resistant rating. Keep in mind, for outdoor use, you’ll need to purchase the Blink Weather Resistant Power Adapter separately, or get a bundle that includes it. This adapter ensures the power connection is protected from the elements, which is a smart move if you want your camera to last through all seasons.

Beyond its new outdoor capabilities, the Mini 2 also boasts a built-in spotlight that enables color night vision. This is a massive upgrade from the original Mini’s black-and-white infrared night vision. While the black-and-white was decent, seeing things in color at night just gives you so much more context and detail, making it easier to identify what’s happening. The spotlight automatically kicks in when it gets dark, illuminating the scene and providing that crucial color footage.

Another significant enhancement is the wider field of view, jumping from 110 degrees on the original Mini to a much more expansive 143 degrees diagonally. This means the Mini 2 can capture more of your space, reducing blind spots and often eliminating the need for multiple cameras in a single area. I’ve found that this wider view is incredibly helpful, especially when trying to cover an entire room or a larger outdoor area from a corner. The Amazon Echo Spot (2024): Your Sleek Smart Alarm Clock Review

Finally, the Mini 2 introduces person detection, a feature that uses embedded computer vision CV to differentiate between a person and other motion sources, like pets or rustling leaves. This is a must for reducing false alerts, but it’s important to note that this feature, along with cloud video storage and extended live view, requires a Blink Subscription Plan. While some folks aren’t thrilled about subscriptions, the accuracy of person detection is a big plus for serious monitoring. It also switches to a more modern USB-C power port, which is a nice touch for those of us trying to move away from older Micro USB cables.

Setting Up Your Blink Mini 2: A Breeze or a Battle?

Nobody wants a complicated setup process for a security camera. We want it out of the box and working in minutes, and thankfully, the Blink Mini 2 largely delivers on that promise.

Unboxing and First Impressions

When you first unbox the Blink Mini 2, you’ll notice its incredibly compact size – it’s roughly 2.0 x 2.0 x 1.5 inches and weighs just 2.2 ounces. It truly is “mini.” In the box, you’ll find the camera, a stand, two mounting screws, an indoor power adapter, an indoor USB-C cable about 6.5 feet long, and a quick start guide. The design is a bit sleeker and more modern than the original, with a slightly larger lens. For indoor use, it’s a straightforward plug-and-play situation. For outdoor use, remember that separate weather-resistant adapter.

The physical installation is super simple. You can just place it on a shelf or desk, or use the included stand and screws to mount it to a wall or ceiling. Many users, including myself, appreciate the flexibility of just setting it down where needed. Logitech flip folio review

The Blink App Experience: Navigating Your Security

Getting the Mini 2 up and running with the Blink Home Monitor app available for Android and iOS is generally a painless process. You simply download the app, create an account if you don’t have one, and follow the on-screen instructions to add your new device. This usually involves scanning a QR code on the camera or entering a serial number, then connecting it to your 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network. The app does a good job of walking you through each step.

Once set up, the app becomes your command center. You can view live feeds, access recorded clips if you have a subscription or local storage, and manage settings like motion detection zones and sensitivity. The interface is clean and straightforward, which is a big plus – no complicated menus or overwhelming options. You can customize motion alerts by setting activity and privacy zones, which helps minimize false alarms from things like a busy street or a fan.

However, it’s worth reiterating the Blink Subscription Plan aspect here. While the camera works for live viewing and motion alerts without a subscription, features like cloud video recording, person detection, and extended live view up to 90 minutes per session instead of 5 minutes, or 60 seconds without a plan are locked behind it. The Basic Plan starts at $3 a month for a single camera, or $30 a year, offering 60 days of unlimited video storage in the cloud. If you have multiple Blink cameras, the Plus Plan $10/month or $100/year covers an unlimited number of devices. This is a crucial point to consider, as many of the camera’s “smart” features truly come alive with the subscription.

Performance in Action: Day, Night, and Everything In Between

A security camera is only as good as its ability to capture clear footage when it matters most. The Blink Mini 2 delivers a solid performance for its price point, especially with its enhanced night vision.

Crystal Clear Views: Daytime Video Quality

The Blink Mini 2 records in 1080p HD video at 30 frames per second. During the day, the video quality is generally sharp and colorful, providing a good overall view of what’s happening. You can clearly identify people, what they’re wearing, and even read larger text on shirts or packages. While it might not have the ultra-crisp detail of higher-resolution 2K or 4K cameras from more expensive brands, for a budget-friendly option, it holds its own. The wider 143-degree field of view also means you’re capturing more of the scene, which is fantastic for broader surveillance. Fujifilm instax mini 41 camera review

One thing some users might notice is that colors aren’t always as vibrant as on some premium cameras, with hues appearing a bit flatter. However, for the purpose of security and monitoring, the clarity is more than adequate.

Piercing the Darkness: Night Vision Capabilities

This is where the Mini 2 truly shines over its predecessor. The color night vision, thanks to its built-in spotlight and infrared LED, is a significant improvement. When there’s enough ambient light or when the spotlight is activated which you can set to turn on with motion, the camera captures footage in color, making it much easier to discern details than traditional black-and-white. This color footage can be a must for identification.

If the environment is completely dark, or if you prefer not to use the spotlight, the Mini 2 will revert to standard black-and-white infrared night vision, which is still quite clear for basic visibility. It might not be as bright or detailed as some higher-end cameras in absolute darkness, but the option for color night vision puts it ahead of many competitors in its price range. Being able to adjust night vision sensitivity in the app is also a neat feature.

Motion Detection and Alerts: Catching What Matters

The Mini 2 features improved motion detection and sends real-time alerts to your smartphone. It uses pixel difference analysis, which means it’s looking for changes in the video frame. The sensitivity can be adjusted, and you can create customizable activity zones to focus on specific areas and reduce unwanted notifications. This is super helpful. I’ve used it to ignore areas like a busy sidewalk or swaying tree branches, which can otherwise trigger constant alerts.

With a Blink Subscription Plan, the person detection feature really minimizes false alarms. Instead of getting an alert for every leaf that blows by, you’ll receive a specific “person detected” notification, making your alerts much more meaningful. While some users have reported slight delays in receiving notifications compared to snappier competitors around 3-5 seconds, the camera still begins recording instantly. This feature makes the Mini 2 a much more practical option for both indoor and outdoor monitoring, as it focuses on what truly matters for security. Bang Olufsen x Antolini Beosound Balance Natura Review: Where Sound Meets Stone

Smart Features and Integration: Beyond Basic Monitoring

smart homes, a security camera needs to do more than just record video. It needs to fit seamlessly into your digital life. The Blink Mini 2 excels here, especially for those already invested in the Amazon ecosystem.

Two-Way Audio: Talk and Listen

The Blink Mini 2 includes two-way audio, allowing you to not only hear what’s happening but also speak through the camera. This feature is incredibly useful for greeting visitors, giving instructions to delivery drivers, or even deterring unwanted guests. I’ve found it to be clear enough for indoor use, though the speaker volume can be a bit weak outdoors, meaning you might need to be relatively close to the camera for effective communication. It’s not going to scare away a determined intruder with its volume, but for casual interactions, it does the job.

Alexa Integration: Voice Control at Your Fingertips

Since Blink is an Amazon company, it’s no surprise that the Mini 2 offers excellent Alexa integration. This is a massive perk for anyone with Amazon Echo devices like an Echo Show or Fire TV Stick. Setting it up is straightforward: you enable the Blink SmartHome skill in the Alexa app and link your Blink account.

Once linked, you can use voice commands to do things like: Jbl endurance zone open ear sports headphones review

“Alexa, show me the living room camera” to view a live feed on your Echo Show or Fire TV.
“Alexa, arm the security system” or “Alexa, disarm the security system” to control your camera’s monitoring status.
Receive motion announcements on your Echo devices.
Integrate the camera into Alexa routines. For example, you could set up a routine that turns on your smart lights if the camera detects motion at night.

The ability to stream live video to an Echo Show device is particularly handy. It’s a great way to quickly check in on things without pulling out your phone, and you can even view up to four feeds simultaneously on a Fire TV. If you own a Blink Video Doorbell, the Mini 2 can even act as an additional chime, which is a neat touch. However, it’s important to note that the Mini 2 does not support Google Assistant or Apple HomeKit.

Storage Options: Cloud vs. Local

Understanding your storage options is key, as this is often where budget cameras get tricky. The Blink Mini 2 offers a few ways to save your footage:

Blink Subscription Plan Cloud Storage: This is the most feature-rich option. With a Basic or Plus plan, your motion clips and live view sessions are stored securely in Blink’s cloud servers. This plan gives you unlimited cloud video recording, person detection, extended live view, and 60 days of video history in the US 30 days in the EU/UK. It also includes a “Clip Backup” feature that saves a daily backup of your cloud clips to local storage if you have a Sync Module 2.
Local Storage with Sync Module 2: If you prefer to avoid monthly fees, you can opt for local storage. This requires purchasing a Blink Sync Module 2 which usually costs around $49.99 and inserting a USB flash drive up to 256GB, ExFAT format recommended into it. The Sync Module acts as a hub, allowing your Mini 2 and other compatible Blink cameras to save recorded video clips directly to the USB drive without a subscription. This is a more economical choice in the long run if you don’t want to pay for cloud storage.

There are a few important caveats with local storage:

Remote Access: You can access locally stored clips remotely through the Blink app, even without a subscription.
Live View Recording: If you’re on local storage only and click on a motion alert to view live, you might miss the recording of that specific incident if the system hasn’t had a chance to save the clip yet. Cloud storage generally ensures recordings are captured immediately.
Features: Without a subscription, you miss out on person detection, extended live view, and video sharing.
No Continuous Recording: Neither cloud nor local storage offers continuous 24/7 recording. all clips are motion-triggered or initiated by live view sessions.

Many users appreciate the flexibility to choose, and for those who just want basic motion-triggered recordings without a recurring cost, the Blink Sync Module 2 combined with a USB flash drive is a solid option.

Pros and Cons: A Balanced Look

Every product has its strengths and weaknesses, and the Blink Mini 2 is no exception. Here’s a quick rundown of what makes it great and where it could be better. Temperature controlled cup review

What We Love About the Mini 2

Affordable Price: At around $40, it’s one of the most budget-friendly smart security cameras out there, especially considering its feature set.
Compact Design: Its small, discreet size 2 x 2 x 1.5 inches allows for flexible placement both indoors and out.
Easy Setup: The installation process is straightforward and quick, making it accessible even for those new to smart home tech.
Color Night Vision with Spotlight: This is a huge upgrade, providing clearer and more informative footage in low-light conditions compared to traditional black-and-white.
Outdoor Use Capability: With the optional Blink Weather Resistant Power Adapter, it can be used outdoors, significantly increasing its versatility.
Person Detection: When paired with a subscription, this feature dramatically reduces false alarms by distinguishing people from other motion sources.
Wider Field of View: The 143-degree diagonal view captures more of your space, covering larger areas more effectively.
Seamless Alexa Integration: Works flawlessly with Amazon Echo devices for voice control and live streaming.
Optional Local Storage: The ability to save clips locally with a Blink Sync Module 2 provides a subscription-free option for video storage.

Where It Could Be Better: Common Complaints and Limitations

While the Mini 2 offers a lot for its price, there are a few areas where it falls short or where users might have complaints.

Subscription Required for Full Features: This is probably the most common complaint. Person detection, cloud video storage, and extended live view are all locked behind a Blink Subscription Plan. Without it, you get basic motion alerts and live view, but lose out on some of its “smartest” capabilities.
No Continuous Recording: The camera doesn’t offer 24/7 continuous recording, only motion-triggered clips or live view sessions. For some, this is a deal-breaker if they need constant monitoring.
No Pan/Tilt Functionality: The Mini 2 is a fixed-position camera, meaning you can’t remotely adjust its viewing angle. Once mounted, that’s the area it covers. If you need remote adjustment, you might consider something like the Blink Mini Pan-Tilt which uses the original Mini camera with a rotating base.
Power Outlet Dependence: Being a plug-in camera means it needs a power outlet nearby, which can limit placement, especially for outdoor use unless you have an outdoor-rated outlet or a very long extension cord.
Black-and-White Night Vision Can Be Sharper: While color night vision is great, if there isn’t enough ambient light or the spotlight isn’t active, the black-and-white mode could be sharper compared to some competitors.
No Google Assistant or Apple HomeKit Support: For users outside the Amazon ecosystem, the lack of integration with Google Home or Apple HomeKit can be a significant drawback.
Audio Quality: The two-way audio can be a bit weak, particularly for outdoor communication.
Motion Notification Speed: Some reviews suggest a slight delay in receiving motion notifications compared to higher-end cameras.
Privacy Zones Aesthetics: While functional, the privacy zones appear as unsightly blocks on the recorded footage, which some users find visually unappealing.

Is the Blink Mini 2 Right for You?

So, after all that, who is the Blink Mini 2 truly designed for?

Who Will Love This Camera?

The Blink Mini 2 is a fantastic option for: Sentinel XR Gaming Glasses Review: Are They Worth Your Money?

Budget-Conscious Shoppers: If you want reliable security without spending a fortune, the Mini 2’s price point is incredibly attractive.
Amazon Alexa Users: For those with an existing Alexa-powered smart home, the seamless integration and voice control capabilities are a major selling point. You can easily link it to your Amazon Echo devices.
Renters or Small Homeowners: Its compact size and easy setup make it ideal for temporary setups or smaller spaces where extensive wiring isn’t an option.
Existing Blink Users: If you already have a Blink system, the Mini 2 is an excellent and affordable addition, expanding your coverage with improved features.
Those Needing Basic Indoor/Outdoor Monitoring: It’s perfect for keeping an eye on pets, monitoring entryways, or adding a watchful eye to a porch or backyard, especially with the optional weather-resistant adapter.
Users Prioritizing Person Detection: If reducing false alerts is important to you, and you’re willing to pay for a subscription, the Mini 2’s person detection is highly effective.
Individuals Who Prefer Local Storage: With the Blink Sync Module 2, you can store videos locally and avoid monthly fees, which is a big plus for some.

Alternatives to Consider

If the Blink Mini 2 doesn’t quite hit all your requirements, or if some of its limitations are deal-breakers for you, there are other budget security cameras out there. For example:

For higher resolution and free intelligent alerts without subscription with a weatherproof build: Cameras like the TP-Link Tapo C120 or Eufy Indoor Cam C120 often offer 2K video and fully weatherproof designs out of the box, with some intelligent alerts available without a subscription.
For pan/tilt functionality: The Blink Mini Pan-Tilt offers remote movement, though it uses the original Mini camera’s optics. Other brands also offer affordable pan/tilt options.
For Google Home or Apple HomeKit integration: You’ll need to look at cameras from brands that specifically support those ecosystems, as Blink is firmly rooted in Amazon’s smart home platform.

Ultimately, the Blink Mini 2 is a commendable upgrade that brings a lot of value for its modest price. It’s an accessible, feature-rich option that expands its utility beyond indoor spaces, making it a strong contender in the crowded market of smart security cameras.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Blink Mini 2 weather-resistant?

Yes, the Blink Mini 2 has an IP65 weather-resistant rating, meaning it’s protected against dust and water jets. This allows it to be safely used outdoors. However, for outdoor use, you must use the Blink Weather Resistant Power Adapter sold separately or as part of a bundle to ensure the power connection is also protected from the elements.

Do I need a subscription for the Blink Mini 2?

A subscription is not strictly required for basic functionality like live viewing and motion-triggered alerts. However, to unlock premium features such as cloud video recording, person detection, extended live view up to 90 minutes, and video sharing, an optional Blink Subscription Plan is needed. Without a subscription, you can still use local storage with a Blink Sync Module 2 and a USB drive. McIntosh MTI100 Integrated Turntable Review: Your All-in-One Hi-Fi Dream?

Can the Blink Mini 2 record continuously?

No, the Blink Mini 2 does not offer 24/7 continuous recording. It is designed to capture motion-triggered clips and allows for live view sessions. Recordings are initiated by detected motion or when you start a live view from the app.

How does the Blink Mini 2 differ from the original Blink Mini?

The Blink Mini 2 offers several significant upgrades over the original. Key differences include: IP65 weather resistance for outdoor use with a special adapter, a built-in spotlight for color night vision, a wider 143-degree field of view compared to 110 degrees, and person detection with a subscription. It also features a USB-C power port.

Can I view the Blink Mini 2 feed on my Alexa device?

Yes, the Blink Mini 2 integrates seamlessly with Amazon Alexa. You can link your Blink account to the Alexa app and then use voice commands to view live feeds on Amazon Echo Show devices, Fire TV, or receive motion announcements.

What are the storage options for Blink Mini 2?

You have two main storage options. First, you can subscribe to a Blink Subscription Plan for cloud storage, which offers unlimited video history for up to 60 days in the US/CA/MX/AU/NZ. Second, you can use local storage by purchasing a Blink Sync Module 2 and inserting a compatible USB flash drive up to 256GB into it.

Does the Blink Mini 2 have person detection?

Yes, the Blink Mini 2 has person detection capabilities. This feature uses computer vision to identify people in motion events, helping to reduce false alarms from pets or other non-human movements. However, person detection is a premium feature and requires an active Blink Subscription Plan. Enbrighten wifi vibe led cafe lights review

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