Blink XT2 Home Security System 1 Year Review

#blink #homesecuritysystem #xt2
Use these links for the very lowest prices available on the Blink Home Security system. Blink is an amazon company, and these are direct links. Don't pay more at third party distributors and big box stores. Order direct with these links and save.
1 Camera kit: amzn.to/3fgOxYN
2 Camera kit: amzn.to/3dcpOTt
3 camera kit: amzn.to/3c0XBir
5 Camera Kit: amzn.to/2WrC1gB
Just an add on camera (if you already have a system): amzn.to/2Syjv4N
All of the above (except the add on camera) come with the XT2 camera (depending on the kit), sync module, batteries, wall mount, and free hosting. Just set up an account and you're good to go.
Gear I use
Sony a7iii: amzn.to/3b2pFk9
Sony 50mm f1.8 lens: amzn.to/2SwoJ16
Sony 28mm f2 lens: amzn.to/3fiqjNV
GVM LS560 Video Light Kit: amzn.to/3bWwF3g

[@RobertHamm]

Around the 7 minute mark, I mistakenly say 4k. I meant 1080p.

[@utrutr6013]

Yes, at 6:46 and 14:40. This is an important video quality distinction.

[@jesterlogic6886]

omg thank you so much for updating this I was about to cancel my order until I looked at your newest vid

[@ericwhitlow7364]

You should be getting paid for this review. The lighting, camera and the way you speak sounds Ike you are a lifelong pro reviewer.

[@Mojoantdino]

Excellent video! I’ve watched A LOT of security camera video reviews over the past few days and this is one of the best!

[@RobertHamm]

Glad you liked it. Thanks for watching.

[@djharryg]

Great great video. Thank you

[@atownwhitfield]

Purchase this system for the same reasons neighborhood kid's damaged my new vehicle I didn't have a security camera installed, your review help my decision, great review !!

[@gopimenon02]

Thanks Rob, very helpful review. I’ve been on a security camera hunt for a while now, Blink XT2 was definitely one of my options, but was under the impression that it did not have live recording feature and that you could only get alerted by the system after a 8-10 second delay!. So I had kept this one aside. Just ordered this after watching your video. Cleared all my doubts!. Thank you!.

[@denisedoggett3301]

THANK YOU - We are now going to buy. Yes I agree Blink should pay you

[@RobertHamm]

Glad the video helped you.

[@sonicknives]

when blink starts recording how long does it record before it stops recording? can it be set to record for as long as theres motion being sensed?

[@2010gtoner]

great advice and good vid. I'm going to buy one of these things.

[@RobertHamm]

Glad the video helped.

[@jamespaatmag6782]

I had mine for a year now and I’ve been happy with it’s performance. I have a set of two and one finally run out of battery due to high traffic recording. I just orders the power adapter to it in amazon and can’t wait to try it out. With this I can definitely let it record for longer period of time and not worry about battery life. Adapter is only 26ft for only $14.99. Because I have to plug it in the back and possibly expose it to moisture, I have decided to put it under the awning. For the first year my camera’s were scheduled to shut off during the day and come on in the evening until morning. With this new addition I should leave it on for all day and night and not worry about anything.

[@RobertHamm]

That’s good battery life. Let me know how the adapter works after a storm.

[@selw0nk]

Can you share your current settings in the Blink App?

[@mikewill2667]

I got the 5pack. Amazing. Lol people dont even stop by my house anymore lol they see the cameras and just keep it moving.

[@RobertHamm]

Nice. Yeah. When people see the cameras, they usually just move along.

[@moeshickenyay]

I bought a 2 dummy cam, light turns on when is senses motion, my active camera are mounted elsewhere.

[@WEIGHTroomKILLA]

Very good review and explanation. I enjoyed this video, thank you very much. I’m going to be switching from both RIng and Nest to Blink now!

[@RobertHamm]

Thanks for your comment. I hope you enjoy yours as much as I do mine.

[@rebeccalankford2652]

How would the Heimvision hmd2 compair? kzbin.info/www/bejne/q2e2m2dvmsSSfKs Vs kzbin.info/www/bejne/goPJomeNi92tq5o

[@CJihoo]

Very thorough. I was looking for an honest review just like this. Thank you.

[@tomkxor]

Hi! Can you tell me if I would be able to watch live view or recorded view being outside of my WiFi network? Do you have also any experience with animals like cats? The idea is that the camera is not detecting the movement of cats, but it's detecting if somebody is entering into my apartment to feed the cats. What do you think? Will it work like I described? Thanks in advanced!

[@RobertHamm]

Good news it that it will work almost exactly like you described. You don’t have to be on the same WiFi new town to view or receive notifications from the system. All you have to have is the app installed on your device. You can not access the camera from anywhere except for the app. As far as the cat thing goes, yes. Just set the sensitivity lower than what you would normally set. Low sensitivity, like a 1 or 2, will generally only pick up large things, like people. High sensitivity will pick up small things, like birds and small rabbits. I keep mine set on 6 or 7. I don’t mind seeing the cats rabbits walk by. You may want to set it to 2 or 3 to start out. The thing to remember is that it’s a computer, so you may get some false triggers. If your cat runs real fast in front of it, the camera may trigger a record notification because the camera sees the cat run by as a big blur, appearing to be a larger object than when moving slowly. I think it will work fine for you. Just fine tune the sensitivity settings. Cheers.

[@giannoncene]

Hi Robert, I'm sorry for those that you've experienced. I'm kinda in the same situation about those kids trying to damage property thing, so I'll probably get one this week. I've got a question if you don't mind; When blink captured the kid that got into your property and tried to have a fight with you, did it also capture the audio?

[@RobertHamm]

Thanks for your comment. I'm glad you liked the video. Yes. It captured everything.

[@donald550fun]

Rob Great updated review. One question. Will the blink work if you had it mounted inside a internal window recess as I have low soffits and can easily be reached from ground level ie stolen.

[@stevemahoney5209]

I think so, as you can buy a window mount on ebay.uk for around 5 UK Pounds. Either fixed position or moveable within the mount. Hope that helps. I'm also looking to buy this after seeing it on qvc.uk and would also like to place it inside the window for added security & ease of use 🐱🐱

[@RobertHamm]

Yes. As long as you don’t place it inside your house and have the camera looking outside the window from the inside. In that case the infrared sensor won’t work well (if at all). On a side note, I get the question about placement to avoid theft a lot. It’s always better to avoid this, but if you have to place the camera in a place where it could be reached, the person grabbing it would be caught on camera. Since it sends the video straight to the cloud there would be video of the theft. Maybe it’s a compromise worth making.

[@Nautilusbaja]

Great review - I think it help me made up my mind! - Thank you

[@RobertHamm]

Thanks for watching. I’m glad it was helpful.

[@jasonbrown5376]

Great video. I have first series with no 2 way. I am thinking of upgrading. I have no issues but one camera is starting to have issues.

[@jamesmcginnis5832]

Great information. Will be purchasing soon.

[@bradgibson4459]

I have two cameras and have been nothing but disappointed. The live streaming is intermittent and will ask to continue, then shut off at the most inopportune times.

[@lonewolf1647]

Right now through BradsDeals I found a 2pack with an Amazon echo show 5 for 144 prob about to order it for mama and keep the cams lol

[@waleedaboalzhraa5987]

there is a big problem with this product. especially if it is second hand

[@Marine_0317]

I have to say, Great video! Great review and thank you for sharing your personal experiences. the stories were nice to hear. I just purchased a Blink XT2 that was on the clearance table at Office Depot for $25. Your video was defiantly great and informative.

[@RobertHamm]

Glad to help. Simper- Fi.

[@tamo9520]

I'm at the 'stay-or-go' spot; 9:35 into the vid! Absolutely luv that you have covered some issues that even some other very informative people did not cover in their video! Ex. battery cost - immediate upload to server, . . . & being as your delivery and demeanour is extremely pleasant to listen to & already hearing as to how detailed you are - I'm staying. Knowledge is power. Thank you for an awesome video!

[@RobertHamm]

I’m glad you found the video helpful. Cheers.

[@LalaLunaticcc]

When it records those clips, does it also record audio?

[@BDX55]

Yes

[@Inconsistently_ConsistentVlogs]

Thank you for the information. I just ordered blink 3 cameras can’t wait to get them up and recording.

[@RobertHamm]

Im glad you found the video helpful. I hope you were able to order them through my amazon links. I’m trying to build the channel and that kind of support really helps. Either way, thanks for commenting and watching:)

[@CasaDeGomez]

Great video sir

[@RobertHamm]

Thanks. Glad you liked it.

[@tradedate]

Thanks for the video. Have you compared Blink xt2 vs the Eufy cams? The Eufy seems to have much longer battery life. And they also have a wireless battery operated video doorbell. I've narrowed my choices to these two brands. I'd appreciate your opinion.

[@RobertHamm]

Not yet. I am considering buying some other cameras and doing a direct comparison. I’ll consider the Euffy. Thanks.

[@zeeosix]

Could you quickly setup a Blink camera inside the house if you wanted it to monitor while you were on vacation, etc ... then remove it from the system when you get back home?

[@RobertHamm]

Absolutely. The cameras are wireless. Use them indoor or outdoor. Move them when you want to. I have one configuration for when I’m home and another for when I leave for more than a day. I just move them. That’s all.

[@mousem7071]

Thank you for the review, so far this is on my short list for my mom. Unfortunately like so many places the neighborhood isn't what it once was.

[@RobertHamm]

Glad to help.

[@susanjeffay3851]

Very very helpful! My neighbors East and West of me have security systems and have captured trespassers but since "hoodies" always cover the faces, the cops can't do anything to ID them. How can I mount a Blink camera low to the ground at my front door so it records upward and possibly captures an intruder's face? Just looking for an idea- thanks.

[@RobertHamm]

Glad you found it helpful.

[@ronniechristie5599]

Very Nice Review. Hoping all The Best with your Neighbours . Ronnie From Toronto 🇨🇦👍 will Check out The Blonk System. Thank You 😊

[@RobertHamm]

Thanks:)

[@arycosta7293]

Great videos, my camera arrived today and i noticed amazon just raised the prices on the kits. I was wondering if you had any thoughts on the solar panels they make for the camera.

[@dennisdeleon4495]

Was looking for a battery powered indoor or outdoor camera and decided to get the Armorax battery cameras. Couldn’t have made a better decision. Long lasting battery, easy set up and each camera comes with its own wifi base station and they don’t even charge you for it

[@RobertHamm]

This exact same comment has been posted several times.. Bot? Anyway... If Armorax wants me to review their cameras, have them contact me.

[@pmat4780]

It says 2 years battery life on the box

[@cryptosavy9716]

Wish you could sink the xt module with xt2 cameras. I would love to use the 2 way audio feature.

[@RobertHamm]

Yeah. Me too.

[@jaredmanders9128]

One of the better videos I’ve seen reviewing blink. Good job.

[@RobertHamm]

Thanks for watching.

[@kenmorton2161]

News flash. Blink now charges a monthly fee on their "new" version called the "Outdoor Camera". Looks very similar to TX & TX2. Their is still no charge for storage on the older models, so far.

[@sriderhi8784]

Thanks for both videos. I was always on the fence about which system to buy and now leaning hard towards Blink since I noticed there is a 5 cam system for sale at Costco. Excellent content quality btw. :)

[@rickys6955]

For $130 canadien money its is ok for thé price. you can spand $1000 on real Time camera system dépend on you need. For me its ok no wired to pass inside and outside wall witch is a BIG job to do. I used this camera in case somebody break to my car at night. It is complementary to a good alarm system

[@stephanierolfe7579]

Hi, I am considering using this to monitor my dog when I'm not home. Thing is, I really need to know if/when he is barking moreso than moving. I know he will probs be moving around and so he'll set the camera off so that's fine I guess... But 1. I don't want tonssssss of clips to check through, so can the sensitivity be set to help this? 2. If the max clip length is 60secs, can I set it so that if he just jumps up on the sofa and sleeps then the clip length is short cos he's not moving, and vice versa, so if he continues to move(bark moreso) then another clip will start to continue the monitoring? Many thanks! Steph

[@richardglazer7813]

New blink cameras now ask for a cloud payment. If you have an older account cloud service remains free...

[@donaldcarlson6209]

I find the Armorax battery powered cameras better than the Arlo, Blink and Reolink. In fact compared to almost any other battery camera on the market the Armorax cameras outshine them when it comes to the important things: battery life, easy of install, video quality and connection quality!!

[@RobertHamm]

Thanks for your thoughts. I have the Reolink cameras on my list to review. Cheers.

[@RobertHamm]

This exact same comment has been posted several times.. Bot? Anyway... If Armorax wants me to review their cameras, have them contact me.

[@gmingledorff]

Great video Rob...especially enjoyed the stories. Thanks!

[@michellelyman7092]

do you get alerts when your battery is getting low?

[@RobertHamm]

Yes. You get An alert that the battery is getting low.

[@rkroz4005]

Helpful Video. Thanks!

[@RobertHamm]

No problem.

[@susanmraz2151]

This video has been very helpful. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us.

[@0008dustin]

Maybe you should move out of Compton California....

[@vincentgianotti5384]

Thanks very much for your video

[@RobertHamm]

Thanks for watching. I’ve got a, “top 10 questions answered” from the comment section of this video coming soon.

[@MrJhuerta88]

Hi 👋 if I wanna just use Local storage could I access see my recordings away from home?? And can I use 3 cameras and have motion detection on all 3 cams

[@RobertHamm]

Hello. Yes, but with the “New XT2” which has local storage option. The storage is built into the receiver unit. So if you have the previous generation like I do, you won’t be able to save locally. You can buy a new sync module for 35 bucks and add that feature, but I haven’t tried that yet.

[@MrJhuerta88]

@@RobertHamm plz let me know how it is i wanna buy one bit don't want to pay monthly fees just wanna use local storage with multiple cams

[@samdawg12]

Thank you Robert..Really helped me decide.

[@markli00]

Great review Robert! I just purchased the 2 Blink XT2 camera kit. I hooked it up and noticed the live stream has about 3-4 sec lag. I don’t know if this is normal since I own other cameras and the lag is a lot smaller ~.5 sec. I am not sure how the two way audio should work if the picture is so delayed. Please let me know if you see the same thing. Thanks.

[@RobertHamm]

Hi Mark. Yes. I experience the same thing with my unit. However, it used to be worse! This is something that they seem to be getting better at over time. I was willing to deal with it because there are no other monitoring fees. The audio delay isn’t an issue. You don’t really notice it. Cheers.

[@markli00]

Thanks for the reply

[@szabogergely3827]

👍 Great Video

[@BTs-BackToThesFeaturingBobbyMc]

great video, going to use blink

[@RobertHamm]

Glad it helped. Thanks for watching.

[@mickthemardy]

Thanks, we just bought a system to protect our RV and found out we can protect the whole house with it.

[@tonykirkman3554]

Great video found this very helpful thanks

[@jeffking29]

Absolutely great job on the video, thanks!!

[@mikes2477]

Where do you live? Jesus! I have blink and wyze. Wyze are from live views threw every window. Blink are in the house passively

[@GLANCEVLOGS]

I am thinking to buy this , and i am sorry to hear what you been thru with this bad boys and thanks for sharing

[@MichaelBrantleyJr]

Great review video. I actually brought a blink camera before I seen the video and it's currently on the way. But great info to have before receiving the camera in hand.

[@maurey3434]

good video

[@jesterlogic6886]

Can I set up only one to record traffic? I want a couple in the house so I can check that I locked my door and my stoves off from anywhere(with wifi) in the world!!!!!!

[@mihaeladog7187]

I have my trusty cctv system around my house, 6 cams on 24 hrs BUT I still like to play with these IP toys they are fun.Got the blink , I like it bc I can move it everywhere I need, I don’t mount it on wall bc I already have cams up. But this one is my tiny portable back up .Very useful review, thanks.

[@RobertHamm]

Thanks for your thoughts. Cheers.

[@kiko1968]

Hey Robert, I when and go ahead and bought 5 of them, I will guess that I will expend more than $20 a month? More than $200 a year. I don't think it worthed it. How can I make batteries last? Thanks

[@RobertHamm]

Hey Jorge. If you want them to last a long time just set a schedule in the app. Since I’m home a lot now because of the virus and lockdown, I don’t have mine running all the time anymore. I just set a schedule for them to turn on around 10pm and turn off around 10am. I will also turn the system on whenever I leave the home with my family. It’s been a big battery save. That’s your best way to save battery. Hope it works out for you. Cheers!

[@fra_dp]

Excellent video. Everything's on point and loved how you put anecdotes at the end. If only everyone did that.

[@RobertHamm]

Hey, thanks for your thoughts. Glad it was helpful.

[@danpena4472]

So yes or no? Would you buy again? I saw your video but so many negatives..

[@RobertHamm]

Yes. I would, and I did. I started with one camera and now have two. They work great.

[@danpena4472]

@@RobertHamm Thanks. :)

[@WilliamVallance]

Thank you for the review! We recently noticed things being messed with on our front porch. Of course my wife now wants cameras. Your review has sold me 😁

[@michealnorthern1048]

Just got a couple of Armorax battery powered cameras, one for my front porch, the other for my daughter’s room. Couldn’t be happier. Great battery life and so easy to install

[@RobertHamm]

This exact same comment has been posted several times.. Bot? Anyway... If Armorax wants me to review their cameras, have them contact me.

[@souphanhvu8363]

Great review. I am sold. Too bad about the issue with your neighbor's kids. I have same issue with my nasty neighbor too.

[@RobertHamm]

You and me both!

[@markweinsheimer9129]

I have the older Blink system and there is app a 30 second delay, is the delay on the XT2 that much better ? BTW there is a 90 degree cable on Amazon

[@RobertHamm]

I don’t have the older system, but the delay is almost nonexistent. It can take several seconds to show an image on your device, and that could be a deal breaker for some, but it is recording that time. If you have good WiFi then it will connect even faster. I had an old WiFi router and the connection was noticeably slower. When I upgraded to a new router, because the old one died, I noticed the speed increase right away.

[@kathyfolk4511]

If you have the 5 cameras can I turn off the ones inside the house and still have the outside ones on ?

[@Jags22079]

It was really helpful.. thank you

[@RobertHamm]

Glad it helped.

[@thebellamayra]

Great video thank you, you have made my decision easy to purchase

[@howardslade267]

I wonder if they offer trade in, I have the Blink XT.

[@saki10man]

Great video really good information. Do you have any links to the lithium batteries you use?

[@RobertHamm]

Hello. Yes, I use these batteries. Thanks for asking. amzn.to/2E9RFrR

[@looneylooney2232]

Can I use a 5 pack at different addresses? 2 at one address and 3 at another? 100 miles between them?

[@Hershal13]

U can if u use 2 base stations and other location would need internet connection

[@princeg6864]

Thanks for this great video

[@lela.playlistcampbell7823]

So I'm looking to get security cam but I can't get wifi in my area will a hot spot work

[@RobertHamm]

No, because the sync module needs to plug into the router for the system to work.

[@tjk1009]

I've had 6 Blink XT cameras for 2 years and 3 Blink XT2 cameras for about 1 year. Your review about performance is spot on. Listen to this review & you will know exactly how Blink works. It's not instantaneous- there is lag time. The Blink XT2 is way better than the original Blink XT. I use mine differently. Nine camera surround my home but are only on when we are gone & at night. When traveling cameras are on 24/7. I've had alerts twice while hundreds of miles away. I called my local police on the non-emergency number. A squard car was sent out. In both cases the man was a legitimate utility workman. Our village police are happy to provide this service. My cameras are set to I get few false notification. Dog walkers and cars going by are "grayed out". My alerts are people on my property. For this reason my batteries have lasted 2 full years and are still good. I do see the foxes, coyotes, rabbits, and raccoons that come through my backyard . It's fun to see how they act at night.

[@RobertHamm]

Hey, thanks for you input. It’s nice to hear that you get long battery life. I also like using the activity zones, and have seen lots of bunnies around my house caught on camera:)

[@TheKingsComingAlefTav]

Does anything have to connect to a router cause I only have a jet pack

[@RobertHamm]

Yes. The sync module must connect to a router for the system to work.

[@TheKingsComingAlefTav]

@@RobertHamm I wonder why that is? Even the new Wyze outdoor does that I don't quite understand why. What outdoor security camera doesn't have to do that and just connects to Wi-Fi

[@TheKingsComingAlefTav]

@@RobertHamm connect by Wi-Fi or by an ethernet cable?

[@jnc.8792]

I just bought two blink camera for inside my house and it is really helpful I can monitor my kids even I’m away or working can still monitor my kids..thanks for the blink..

[@jkontos2012]

Excellent review...thank you for making it.

[@orionsstars76]

Hi thanks for the video. Do you know what the power consumption is for the hub? I take it you need the hub on 24/7? Also can you switch the camera off via the the app on your phone to save battery on the camera? Thank you

[@RobertHamm]

Hi. Yes. You can turn it off using the app. Just choose to arm or disarm the camera. As for power consumption, it is powered over usb, do less than 5 volts at 1.2 amps. So, less than charging a phone.

[@PeeDistinctXOXO]

I’m sold I’m getting this shit! You’re amazing....did they sponsor you?

[@Smallballzzz]

He says at 0:25 he paid for and it’s not sponsored

[@PoohBah]

Would you do a review on the indoor? For for new blink users ? Great video .

[@2tzus]

I bought the system 6 months ago and didn't really use it. I just pulled it out again today and my storage went from 1% to 0%, yet it shows all videos deleted...?

[@adiejam]

What do you mean you didn’t use it? Like you kept them in the box? Or just didn’t turn them on? I’m a Eufy user but think Blink have a great basic camera here. Good luck on your problem with them.

[@josephkraft5640]

Those are nice looking glasses. Are those Ray Bans? Also thanks for the review. I am going to buy the 5 camera pack of this Blink system. Looks like what I’m looking for.

[@RobertHamm]

Tallow. Thanks. The glasses are Oakley’ Holbrook. I hope you enjoy the system. It’s been working great for me.

[@Jdz716]

@@RobertHamm is the 5 pack for 229$ a good deal

[@moneyman8214]

Just ordered 5 where is the best place to put em nice review

[@RobertHamm]

Cool. Anywhere that the camera can see across the traffic area will be best, and about 8 feet up if possible. So consider a sidewalk, you don’t want to look down the sidewalk, you would want to place the camera so it sees motion from left to right. If you have to place it head on that will be ok too. I’ve just found that placing it so the camera sees things moving across the screen instead of straight at the screen helps pick up motion better.

[@christineneary5673]

When the teenager was threatening you, were you able to capture what he said on audio and use that as well as the video?

[@RobertHamm]

Yes. The camera caught everything.

[@riverbenddrummer]

Can you get solar chargers for the cameras?

[@RobertHamm]

I have not tried it but I have heard of other people powering it that way.

[@ErickCarbajal18]

Gracias por ayudar a aclarar dudas.Excelente video

[@RobertHamm]

Thanks!

[@jeffjeffjeff2]

Great video and anecdotes, thanks very much. I've managed to find one on the local Facebook marketplace so I'm going to take a punt on the system. Thanks again

[@RobertHamm]

Glad you found the video helpful.

[@Abdulla.A]

Hi, very helpful information. What happened if the power went off from the main unit, do the camera will keep recording and I can see it later when the main unit up again? Also if the WiFi went off do the camera keep recording and I can see later what has been recorded when the WiFi up again?

[@ikhan920]

This was fantastic! Thank you.

[@RobertHamm]

Glad to help.

[@DIRTTBOYZ]

What a fantastic review. Thank you sir.

[@RobertHamm]

You’re welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@rodswanson1505]

Great vid Rob straight simple to the point and along with some neighborhood stories

[@RobertHamm]

I’m happy you found the video helpful.

[@tkds56]

thanks for the update. it was helpful.