Last updated: 22 March 2026
By Stiv · Design, technology and personal finance
This is an opinion piece. Views expressed are the author's own and do not constitute professional advice.
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Cool Factor: 3/5 - Cool
This Blink Video Doorbell review covers the latest (2nd generation) model from Amazon's budget security brand. With a head-to-toe HD camera, two-year battery life, Alexa integration, and cloud storage starting at just £2.50 a month, it's one of the most affordable smart doorbells you can get in the UK. We've been testing it on our own front door. Here's our honest verdict.
What is the Blink Video Doorbell?
The Blink Video Doorbell is a wireless smart doorbell made by Blink, a home security brand owned by Amazon. The 2nd generation model launched in the UK in mid-2025, replacing the original with a wider field of view, improved weatherproofing, and person detection. It's positioned as Amazon's budget-friendly alternative to Ring, and it's priced accordingly: around £50 for the doorbell alone, or roughly £60 bundled with the Sync Module Core you'll need to run it.
It runs on three AA lithium batteries (included), connects over Wi-Fi, and integrates with Alexa for live video, two-way talk, and doorbell chime announcements across Echo devices. There's a cloud subscription for clip storage starting at £2.50 a month, or you can use a Sync Module 2 with a USB drive for local storage without a monthly fee.
First impressions
Out of the box, the 2nd gen Blink Video Doorbell looks noticeably sleeker than the original. It's compact, mostly black, and blends in well against a door frame without screaming "security camera" at visitors. The box includes the doorbell, three AA Energizer lithium batteries, a Sync Module Core (in the system bundle), a mounting kit with screws and anchors, and a corner mount. Everything you need for installation is there.
Setup took under 15 minutes. The Blink Home Monitor app walks you through pairing the Sync Module, connecting to Wi-Fi, and positioning the doorbell. No electrician, no complex wiring. If you're renting and can't drill into brickwork, adhesive mounts are available separately. It's genuinely one of the simplest smart home installs we've done.
The experience: living with the Blink doorbell
The headline upgrade on the 2nd gen is the 150-degree head-to-toe field of view. This is a big deal in practice. The original model often cut off the lower part of the doorstep, meaning you couldn't always see parcels left on the ground. The new model captures from roughly head height all the way down to the mat, which makes a real difference for delivery monitoring.
Motion detection is customisable through activity zones in the app. We set ours to ignore pavement traffic and only trigger when someone walked up the front path, which cut out most false alerts. With a Blink subscription, you also get person detection, so the doorbell can distinguish between a human visitor and a passing cat. Without the subscription, you're relying on general motion alerts, which are less precise but still functional.
Alexa integration is where the Blink Video Doorbell really earns its keep. Paired with an Echo Show, you get video previews the moment someone presses the bell, two-way talk so you can speak to whoever's at the door, and chime announcements across every Echo in the house. If you're already in the Alexa ecosystem, this feels seamless.
Night vision works adequately with infrared, though it's not the sharpest we've tested. You can make out faces and figures clearly enough, but fine details like package labels are harder to read in the dark. Daytime footage is crisp and clear.
The main frustration is the wake-up delay. Because the doorbell goes into a deep sleep to conserve battery, there's a noticeable 3-4 second lag before the live view loads on your phone when someone triggers it. It's not a dealbreaker, but it means you might miss a fleeting visitor if they ring and walk off quickly. This is a trade-off for that impressive battery life, and it's common across battery-powered doorbells at this price.
Two-way audio quality is functional but basic. There's a slight delay, and the speaker volume on the doorbell itself is on the quiet side. It's fine for telling a courier to leave a parcel round the back, but it doesn't match the audio quality of premium Ring models.
One thing worth noting for UK households: if your doorbell camera captures footage beyond your property boundary (the public pavement, a neighbour's garden), you're subject to data protection rules. The Blink app's Privacy Zones feature lets you block out specific areas of the frame. The ICO's guidance on domestic CCTV is worth reading before you install any video doorbell.
Value for money
At around £50-60, the Blink Video Doorbell is one of the cheapest name-brand smart doorbells on the UK market. The subscription is equally competitive: £2.50 a month (or £25 a year) for one device, or £8 a month (£80 a year) for unlimited Blink devices on your account. For context, Ring charges £49.99 a year for its basic plan. If you'd rather avoid a subscription entirely, the Sync Module 2 with a USB drive lets you store clips locally, though that's an additional upfront cost.
You can use the doorbell without a subscription for live view and alerts, but you won't be able to save, replay, or share clips, and person detection won't be available. For most people, the £2.50 a month is worth it.
Compared to the eufy Video Doorbell E340, which offers subscription-free local storage and dual cameras, the Blink is cheaper upfront but more reliant on its subscription for full functionality. Compared to Ring, it's significantly cheaper across the board but lacks some of Ring's premium features like package detection and pre-roll video. It sits in a sweet spot for budget-conscious households who want something reliable without overspending.
We've also featured it on our Blink Video Doorbell detail page with full buying links if you're ready to go.
The verdict
Cool Factor
★★★☆☆
3 out of 5
The Blink Video Doorbell does exactly what it sets out to do: it gives you a straightforward, affordable way to see who's at your front door, with Alexa integration that genuinely works well. The 2nd gen's wider field of view and improved weatherproofing (now IP65) fix the most noticeable weaknesses of the original, and the battery life really does hold up over months of use.
Overall, a solid 3/5 Cool. The Blink Video Doorbell earned its score through unbeatable value, painless setup, and genuinely useful Alexa integration that makes daily life easier. It didn't reach Stone cold because the wake-up delay is noticeable, the two-way audio is merely adequate, and some of the best features (person detection, clip storage) are locked behind a subscription. For the price, though, it's very hard to beat. If you're after a no-fuss smart doorbell that won't break the bank, this is a confident recommendation.
Buy the Blink Video Doorbell on Amazon UKThis review contains affiliate links. If you buy through a link on this page, CoolCuration may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions are editorially independent.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Blink Video Doorbell worth it UK?
If you want a budget-friendly smart doorbell with solid Alexa integration, yes. It's one of the cheapest options from a major brand, with a low-cost subscription and genuinely useful features. It's best suited to households already using Echo devices.
Does the Blink Video Doorbell work without a subscription?
Yes. You can use live view and receive motion alerts without paying anything. However, you won't be able to save or replay video clips, and person detection won't be available. The Basic plan at £2.50 a month unlocks those features. Alternatively, a Sync Module 2 with a USB drive allows local clip storage without a subscription.
How long does the Blink Video Doorbell battery last?
Blink claims up to two years when used with a Sync Module. In practice, heavy use with frequent live views and motion triggers will reduce this, but you should comfortably get 12+ months. The 2nd gen uses three AA lithium batteries, which are inexpensive to replace.
Do I need an Alexa device for the Blink Video Doorbell?
No, it works independently through the Blink app on your phone. But pairing it with an Echo Show or Echo speaker adds doorbell chime announcements, video previews, and two-way talk through Alexa, which significantly improves the experience.
How does the Blink Video Doorbell compare to Ring?
Blink is cheaper both upfront and on subscription. Ring offers more premium features like pre-roll video, package detection, and generally faster response times, but at a higher price. Both are Amazon-owned and work with Alexa. Blink is the better pick for budget-conscious buyers; Ring suits those who want the most polished experience.
Is the Blink Video Doorbell legal in the UK?
Yes, but if your doorbell camera captures footage beyond your property boundary (such as the public pavement or a neighbour's garden), you're subject to data protection rules. Use the Privacy Zones feature in the app to block out areas you shouldn't be recording, and check the ICO's guidance on domestic CCTV for full details.
Can I install the Blink Video Doorbell without drilling?
The included mount uses screws, but adhesive no-drill mounts are available separately from Amazon. This makes it a strong option for renters who can't make permanent changes to their property.
More from CoolCuration
- Google Nest Protect 2 - Another smart home safety essential. Pairs well with a smart doorbell for a properly connected home.
- Echo Studio - If you're going all-in on Alexa, this is the speaker to anchor your setup around.
- Hometree - Keep the rest of your home covered with boiler and home emergency cover from one of the UK's growing providers.
- Eero Wi-Fi - Smart doorbells need strong Wi-Fi at the front door. This mesh system sorts that problem for good.
- Best smart speakers UK - Our roundup of the best Alexa and smart speakers to pair with your doorbell and wider smart home.
- New home gift guide - Moving in? Browse our curated picks for new homeowners, including smart home essentials.
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