You no longer have to shop the Ring lineup if you want an Amazon video doorbell with high-quality visuals. The company’s Blink brand has released two new doorbells that promise a 2K resolution and AI alerts to help you learn who (or what) is outside.
The Blink Wired Doorbell 2K+ and Blink Battery Doorbell 2K+ both use their namesake 1,920×1,920 cameras to provide a clearer “head-to-toe” image, including a better dynamic range that shows more detail in bright sunlight and dark shadows. They won’t match the 4K of Ring’s best models, but they’re major improvements over the 1080p of past Blink models.
If you live in the U.S., you’ll also have the option of smart video descriptions when you subscribe to Blink’s Basic AI ($70 per year) or Plus AI ($200 per year) plan. Rather than simply highlighting movement, they’ll describe what happened. You’ll know if someone dropped off a package, or if a raccoon just darted across your front step.
Both promise IP65 dust and water resistance, color in low light, and two-way audio with noise cancellation.
As the names suggest, the choice comes down to convenience and your living situation. The Wired Doorbell 2K+ is for homeowners willing to hardwire the device and never worry about power. The Battery Doorbell 2K+, meanwhile, serves renters and anyone who can’t justify wiring work. Blink claims “months and months” of battery life for the completely wireless model when using three AA lithium batteries.
Blink Wired and Battery Doorbell 2K+ models: price and availability
They’re both inexpensive, but not available everywhere
Pre-orders are available now for both the $50 Blink Wired Doorbell 2K+ and $80 Blink Battery Doorbell 2K+ ahead of their May 20 release date.
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The doorbells will initially be available in the U.S., Canada, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Amazon hasn’t said if and when it will bring AI video descriptions to other countries, so keep that in mind before making a purchase.
No matter what, the introductions close the gap with Ring video doorbells. They now compete well against Ring’s entry-level doorbell cameras, which offer a comparable resolution and two-way chats. You’re mainly missing out on advantages normally reserved for Ring’s higher-end models, including HDR video, 5GHz Wi-Fi, and quick replies that let doorbells talk to visitors for you. So long as you’re happy with Amazon as a company and the focus on Alexa, these are strong value propositions.
Stephan is the sports journalist for the Maple Grove Report.
