Blink recently released the third generation Blink Outdoor. So, how does the new product compare to the older Blink XT2?
You can find out in this comparison guide between the two smart security cameras.
Quick Summary
When compared to the Blink XT2, the third generation Blink Outdoor comes with privacy zones for motion detection as well as local storage (although you will need a USB flash drive, which is sold separately).
The XT2 model does offer free cloud storage while the cloud storage for the new Blink Outdoor camera needs a paid subscription after the trial period ends on Dec. 31, 2020.
Otherwise, the two devices have identical features and specifications.
If you want to customize the motion detection and/or would like to save clips on a local device, then the new 3rd Gen Blink Outdoor is the best option.
If you want free cloud storage, then the XT2 is the better choice.
3rd Gen Blink Outdoor vs. Blink XT2 Comparison Chart
You can check out Seeking Tech’s comparison table between the two cameras below.
| 3rd Gen Blink Outdoor Smart Security Camera | Blink XT2 Smart Security Camera | |
|---|---|---|
| What's in the Box | 3rd Gen Blink Outdoor Camera Mounting kit Blink Sync Module 2 2x AA 1.5v non-rechargeable lithium batteries Power adapter USB cable | Blink XT2 Camera Mounting kit Blink Sync Module 2x AA 1.5v non-rechargeable lithium batteries Power adapter USB cable User guide |
| Weight | 48 grams | 89 grams |
| Dimensions | 71 mm x 71 mm x 31 mm | 71 mm x 71 mm x 34 mm |
| Placement | Indoor Outdoor | Indoor Outdoor |
| Weatherproof? | Yes | Yes |
| CPU | Immedia Proprietary AC1002B (4 cores / 200 MHz) | Immedia Proprietary AC1002B (4 cores / 200 MHz) |
| Camera Resolution | 1080p | 1080p |
| Camera Frame Rate | Up to 30 frames per second | Up to 30 frames per second |
| Infrared Night Vision? | Yes | Yes |
| Live View? | Yes | Yes |
| Temperature Monitoring? | Yes | Yes |
| Motion Activated Alerts and Recordings? | Yes | Yes |
| Privacy Zones? | Yes | No |
| Audio | 2-way audio recordings Speaker output | 2-way audio recordings Speaker output |
| Alexa Compatibility? | Yes | Yes |
| Blink Home Monitor App? | Yes | Yes |
| Smartphone OS Requirements | Android 5.0 or higher Fire OS 5.1 or higher iOS 10.3 or higher | Android 5.0 or higher Fire OS 5.1 or higher iOS 10.3 or higher |
| Wireless Connection Requirements | 2.4 Ghz 802.11g/n | 2.4 Ghz 802.11g/n |
| Cloud Storage | Free | Free trial until Dec. 31, 2020. $3 a month per camera or $10 a month for unlimited cameras in a single location after free trial period ends. |
| Local Storage? | No | Yes with Blink Sync Module 2 (included) and USB flash drive (sold seperately) |
| LED Light | 1 optional blue LED to let you know when it is active 1 red LED to let you know that it is recording in night vision | 1 optional blue LED to let you know when it is active |
| Power | 1.5V lithium metal (non-rechargeable) batteries | 1.5V lithium metal (non-rechargeable) batteries |
| Battery Life | Approximately 2 years | Approximately 2 years |
| Warranty and Service | 1-year warranty and service | 1-year warranty and service |
| Pricing | Check price on Amazon.(#CommissionsEarned) | Check price on Amazon.(#CommissionsEarned) |
What’s in the Box
In addition to the main camera, each product also includes a mounting kit, power adapter, USB cable and two AA 1.5v non-rechargeable lithium batteries. Both also come with a sync module although the Gen 3 Blink Outdoor comes with the newer version.
You can take a look at what’s included in each box below:
3rd Gen Blink Outdoor Smart Security Camera:
- 3rd Gen Blink Outdoor Camera
- Mounting kit
- Blink Sync Module 2
- 2x AA 1.5v non-rechargeable lithium batteries
- Power adapter
- USB cable
Blink XT2 Smart Security Camera:
- Blink XT2 Camera
- Mounting kit
- Blink Sync Module
- 2x AA 1.5v non-rechargeable lithium batteries
- Power adapter
- USB cable
- User guide
Weight
The third generation Blink Outdoor camera weighs in at 48 grams, nearly half as much as the Blink XT2 camera, which has a weight of 89 grams.
Dimensions
The new Outdoor security camera is slightly smaller when compared to the XT2.
You find the measurements for both below:
- 3rd Gen Blink Outdoor: 71 mm x 71 mm x 31 mm
- Blink XT2: 71 mm x 71 mm x 34 mm
Placement
In addition to being made for the outdoors, both Blink security cameras can also be used indoors.
Weatherproof
The smart cameras are also weather proof.
CPU
The two devices are equipped with a Immedia Proprietary AC1002B (4 cores / 200 MHz) processor.
Field of View
The smart cameras have identical field of view at 110 degrees diagonal.
Camera Resolution
The Gen. 3 Blink Outdoor and Blink XT2 can both capture video at 1080p during daytime and nighttime (via infrared night vision).
Camera Frame Rate
Both smart security cameras can capture videos at up to 30 frames per second.
Infrared Night Vision
As we mentioned above, the two products feature infrared night vision.
Live View
The Third Generation Blink Outdoor Smart Security Camera and Blink XT2 Smart Security Camera support live view, which lets you get a live look-in via smartphone.
Temperature Monitoring
Both devices also have temperature monitoring.
Motion Activated Alerts and Recordings
The cameras also come with motion activated alerts and recordings, so you will know immediately if your device notice something.
Privacy Zones
With the third gen Blink Outdoor, Privacy Zones have been added. This feature lets you remove zones from your camera’s field of view that you don’t want to trigger the aforementioned motion detection.
Audio
The audio features for the two cams are identical as you will get 2-way audio recordings as well as speaker output. These will allow you to communicate with anyone that is near your camera.
Alexa Compatibility
The two Blink cameras are also compatible with Alexa as you can control them using your voice on Alexa-enabled devices.
Blink Home Monitor App
Furthermore, you can control your cameras with your smartphone with the Blink Home Monitor App. With this software, you can get a live view, setup privacy zones (3rd Gen Blink Outdoor only) and more.
Smartphone OS Requirements
To use the Blink Home Monitor App, you need to have the following operating system on your mobile phone:
- Android 5.0 or higher
- Fire OS 5.1 or higher
- iOS 10.3 or higher
Wireless Connection Requirements
Both security cams need a Wi-Fi connection of 2.4 Ghz 802.11g/n.
Cloud Storage
The Blink XT2 currently comes with free cloud storage.
The third-generation Blink Outdoor has a free trial until Dec. 31, 2020, for the Blink Subscription Plan if you want to use its cloud storage.
If you want to continue using the cloud after that trial period ends, you have to subscribe at the rate of $3 a month per camera or $10 a month for unlimited cameras in a single location.
Local Storage
The Blink XT2 does not offer any local storage.
The Blink Outdoor Gen. 3 does include local storage with the Blink Sync Module 2 as you can store video clips for up to 10 cameras. You do need a USB flash drive, which is sold separately.
LED Light
The new Blink Outdoor Smart Camera features 1 optional blue LED to let you know when it is active. The device will also show 1 red LED to let you know that it is recording in night vision.
The Blink XT2 Smart Camera comes with 1 optional blue LED to let you know that it is currently active.
Power
Both devices are powered by 1.5V lithium metal (non-rechargeable) batteries.
Battery Life
The battery life is expected to be around two years for both cameras. The duration can vary based on what settings you used, how active the cameras are, as well as environmental factors.
Warranty and Service
The 3rd Gen Blink Outdoor Smart Security Camera and Blink XT2 Smart Security Camera each come with 1-year warranty and service.