Amazon's Blink is making waves with its new 2K video doorbells, the Wired Doorbell 2K+ and the Battery Doorbell 2K+. These devices are part of Blink's expanding 2K camera lineup, which includes the previously announced Blink Arc Camera and Mini 2K+. The new doorbells offer enhanced features such as AI-powered video descriptions, which provide text summaries of events captured by the camera, like a person playing basketball in the driveway. These descriptions are cloud-based and require a subscription to Blink's AI tiers, starting at $6.99 per month for one device and $19.99 per month for multiple devices.
One of the standout features of the new doorbells is their affordability. The Wired Doorbell 2K+ is listed at $49.99, making it one of the cheapest 2K-capable buzzers on the market. In comparison, Wyze's 2K wired doorbell costs $60, and Ring's wired 2K doorbell camera is priced at $79.99. This affordability is particularly appealing to budget-conscious consumers who still want access to high-quality security features.
However, the Wired Doorbell 2K+ does have its trade-offs. Unlike previous Blink doorbells, it does not require a Blink Sync Module, but it is also the first wired-only buzzer from the company. This means that it cannot run on lithium AA batteries, which could be a concern for those who want a backup power source in case of a power outage. The Battery Doorbell 2K+, on the other hand, offers the flexibility of running on batteries or being wired, but at a higher cost of $69.99 if you already have a sync module, or $79.99 bundled with the required hub.
In my opinion, the new 2K video doorbells from Blink are a significant step forward in the world of home security. The affordability and enhanced features, such as AI-powered video descriptions, make them an attractive option for consumers who want to upgrade their security without breaking the bank. However, the trade-offs, such as the lack of backup power with the Wired Doorbell 2K+, should be carefully considered before making a purchase decision. Overall, I believe that these new doorbells from Blink are a welcome addition to the market and are sure to be a hit with consumers looking for an affordable and feature-rich security solution.