Swap Ring for a cost-effective, fashionable camera boasting impressive battery longevity instead
Let's Talk Blink Outdoor 4:
Alright, mates, onto the task at hand! The Blink Outdoor 4 security camera is no joke. If you've already got Blink stuff or fancy yourself a smart home, this puppy is a bloody great add-on or standalone device.
Amazon, being the brilliant company they are, has made sure Blink plays well with Alexa, Echo Show, and other devices. That means you can display your camera feed on your screens using Alexa, just like with the Ring models.
Blink entered the UK market not long ago but has been in the States since 2023, so this bad boy's been around for a while, even though it's new to these shores. And the price? It's cheaper than its Ring counterparts and boasts a pretty slick design. So, you can kit out your whole abode with smart cameras for less, without compromising on swanky aesthetics!
I've gotten my hands on the Blink Mini cameras, testing their performance for pet monitoring, and was eager to see how the Outdoor 4 fares for outdoor use. After all, the specs claim it's up to snuff with some of the top security cameras in the market for a fraction of the cost.
How Much's the Blink Outdoor 4?
The Outdoor 4 goes for £64.99 / $79.99 (€74.99) and hit the UK in April 2025, though it's been in the US since August 2023. The impressive two-year battery capacity can be extended to four years with the battery extension pack, which'll cost you an additional £20 (or $20, €20). You can also find this camera in bundles of up to five, often paired with Blink Mini 2 indoor cameras or Amazon Echo Show devices.
Design and Features
The Outdoor 4 sports a unique, oversized action camera vibe that I rather like. The square black box has the lens in the top left corner - a change from the previous gen, which sported a central lens.
That lens delivers a wider 143-degree field of view and enhanced image quality, including in low light, so you can catch any cръrazy happenings in crystal clear detail. It's not quite 4K, but hey, not every camera needs to be.
The camera features both infrared night vision and motion detection, alerting you to any shenanigans day or night. It's also got an enhanced motion detection setting that can tell if it's a person rather than just general movement. Unfortunately, it doesn't recognize animals or deliveries like some devices do.
There are two tiny lights next to the lens - a red one for when infrared's in action, and a blue light to show it's recording. Want to turn off the blue light? No problem. The camera's got an in-built mic and speaker for two-way conversations with anyone lurking nearby, straight from your phone or smart speaker.
The battery-powered Outdoor 4 comes complete with two Lithium batteries and can also be powered via USB-C through an optional weather-resistant power adapter if you'd rather it was plugged in, though you'll have little need for it with that long battery life. You can even use it indoors for pet monitoring in a hall or garage if the mood takes you.
Installation
Setting up the Blink Outdoor 4 proved surprisingly simple, even for those of us who struggle with technology. Even devices that connect via 2.4GHz Wi-Fi can sometimes struggle with multi-band routers, but this one connected without a hitch, mostly thanks to the supplied Sync module.
The Sync module plugs into a USB socket or plug socket and can handle up to ten devices. Connecting the Sync module first helps save the battery life of the camera, extends the range (depending on placement), and makes setup a breeze. Once the Sync module is installed, connecting the camera itself is even quicker!
An extender tool helps unscrew the back panel (though you could also use a screwdriver or coin), the AA batteries slot into their places, and a quick QR code scan from your phone seals the deal. If you've got an Amazon Echo Show device, the camera will automatically appear among your smart home gadgets. You can then access it by simply summoning Alexa and asking it to display the camera's name.
From the Blink app, you can not only turn on motion detection but also adjust sensitivity, specify for motion that includes a person, and set activity and privacy zones. Activity and Privacy zones allow you to set areas of the camera's view that don't trigger motion detection, perfect if your camera looks out onto a public path or road.
In Use
The Outdoor 4 comes with a simple two-screw mount that attaches it to an outdoor wooden or brick wall, or horizontally to a shelf/ceiling with the extender tool. I already had three Blink mini cameras, so the Outdoor 4 simply rolled up and joined the party. Arm all the devices for maximum security when away or opt for motion detection with just the Outdoor 4 if that's your preference.
With a thirty-day trial of the Blink Subscription Plan, you get cloud storage for all recorded clips, so you can re-watch them anytime. The subscription costs £24 / $30 per year for a single camera, £80 / $100 per year for unlimited cameras, or more if you pay monthly. It's a pretty reasonable price, especially if you've got all Blink cameras in your home security system - a good reason to stick with one brand, by jove!
The only thing missing when using this device instead of my previous one was the lack of a light. Fear not, my friends! You can buy a floodlight attachment for the Outdoor 4 for a very reasonable £34.99 in the UK.
Should I Buy the Blink Outdoor 4?
The Outdoor 4 ticks all the boxes, performing exceptionally well for such a bloody things. Building a smart home system or need a one-off outdoor security camera? This model fits the bill, both in affordability and capability.
With multiple Blink Outdoor 4 cameras, you could cover your entire property for the price of a premium security camera. The fact that the battery can last up to two years on one set of AAs is a testament to its efficiency, and a lot more convenient than having to bring it inside for recharges.
I'd have preferred a built-in LED light, like the indoor Blink Mini 2 and the Ring Spotlight. But as previously mentioned, there are add-ons available for those who really want the light feature.
Overall, the Blink Outdoor 4 offers great features and performance, making it one of the best outdoor cameras for the cash. The deciding factor will likely come down to what cameras you've got already, as it's cheaper to stick with one brand for your home security. If you're starting from scratch, Blink's worth considering, mate.
Alternatives to Consider
Talking about Blink without mentioning its main competitor, Ring, is a no-go. Ring's Outdoor Camera Battery model is similar in features and price. It's also available in a plug-in and solar power versions. If you've already got Ring gear, you might prefer it.
For sheer value, the Eufy S220 Solocam is the real alternative. It's cheaper than the Outdoor 4, boasts a 2K resolution, and comes with a built-in solar panel. Subscription-free local storage of clips is another bonus.
There are plenty of options out there, mate, but these brands and models offer a mix of affordability, advanced features, and smart home compatibility, making them significant opponents in the outdoor security camera market. Stick with me for more on these and other devices in upcoming mates! 🎯🎓👍🏼🤘🏼💪🏼💖💙💰⛱️🌞🌌🔥🚀🌟🤖🕵️♂️🚀🏆🎉🕷️🎽🤺🛍️🎳🎾⚽️🏀🏓🥊🤼♂️🎯🎲🎱🎵🕺️🤔💭💎🌈💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼
In line with the provided text, here are two sentences that include the given words:
- The impressive selection of Blink smart home devices, such as the Outdoor 4, offers an economical way to build a sophisticated outdoor security system without compromising on technology and design.
- The Blink Outdoor 4 camera can be easily integrated with other devices in your home, such as Amazon Echo Show or Alexa, turning it into a valuable addition to your collection of cutting-edge gadgets and smart home technology.
