Blink Mini 2 (Newest Model) — Home Security & Pet Camera(s) with HD video, color night view, motion detection, two-way audio, and built-in spotlight — 1 camera (White)

Pros:+ Good build quality+ Affordable price (especially with frequent discounts)+ Includes everything needed in the box+ Has microphone and speaker for two-way audio+ Night vision mode works well+ Easy setup and integration with appCons:- No pan or tilt mechanismReview:I’ve been using the Blink Mini 2 for a while now, and I’m really impressed by its performance for the price. The build quality feels solid, and the camera does a great job providing clear HD footage during the day. The night vision is surprisingly good as well, making it perfect for 24/7 monitoring.The camera comes with everything you need to set it up right out of the box, and the setup process via the Blink app is quick and straightforward. I particularly appreciate the two-way audio, allowing me to communicate with people near the camera.One downside is that the camera doesn’t have a pan or tilt function; it’s fixed in place, so if you need a wider view, you’ll need to adjust its position manually.Overall, for the price, the Blink Mini 2 is an excellent value, especially for home security or as a pet camera. Highly recommend if you’re looking for something simple, affordable, and effective.

I don't know what's different about the Mini 2, BUT I have two Outdoor 4 cameras as well as one Video Doorbell and those other camera models take several seconds to load (10 seconds or more) when you want to do an on-demand live view, but the Mini 2 loads very quickly (usually within 2 seconds and it's showing the live view, which is great). The issue is, if you don't have a subscription that will save live view videos, if the camera is taking 15 seconds to load before you see anything, that makes it not so useful because a person hanging around your door may already be out of view, so you don't get a good idea of what's going on (why your camera was triggered). If you have a subscription, it WILL record the live view as well as motion triggered videos, so that's not an issue...but it's an issue if you don't have a subscription. Anyway, my point is that unless something changes with a future firmware update to improve the live view loading time for the Outdoor 4 & Doorbell cameras, as of today, the Mini 2 beats the pants off those other models (it's faster).The exposure (lighting) of the video with the Mini 2 is surprisingly good in low light even with the tiny LED light. I'm referring to the LED light, not the infrared light which gives you a black and white video, so I've decided to use the LED light so I can get color recordings instead of black and white. I have one of my Mini 2 cameras inside the house to watch a certain room (room is 15'x15') and with all the interior lights off in the house and only the LED from the Mini 2 activated for video, I can see the whole room clearly in color, the image quality is good and the exposure looks good. I.E., if (God forbid) I ever did have an intruder in the house, I would have a very good description to give the police. The only downside to using the LED light is this will obviously get an intruder's attention and they may try to quickly grab the camera and unplug it before the video gets to the servers (but hopefully the live stream is saved in real time so you'd at least get any video saved that was streamed - I'll ask Blink about that to see how it works, if you have a subscription).The Mini 2 is weather resistant, so because I'm so pleased with the overall performance of the Mini 2 vs the other cameras I mentioned above, I ordered a second Mini 2 to use outside in my most high traffic area. I will be replacing the video doorbell with the Mini 2 and move the video doorbell to the door with the LEAST traffic. That'll be a benefit in two ways. First, it will mean my video doorbell's battery life will last longer since it'll be in a low traffic area. Second, I'll get better video quality and faster reaction times in my high traffic area. I ordered the weather sealed USB cable for the second Mini 2 I ordered and I have an easy way to power it outdoors, so the fact that it's not powered by batteries is not an issue for me. I power my two Outdoor 4 cameras via a weatherproof USB power cord as well, so no batteries are needed. I'll have 5 cameras total now (two Outdoor 4, two Mini 2 and one doorbell) and only one of them will need batteries (the video doorbell, in the low traffic area). That's a big money saver since I don't need batteries for the other 4 cameras. Regarding the doorbell, my biggest issue with the Video Doorbell is that even though you can use your existing doorbell power wire to trigger your old doorbell, you CANNOT use it to power the video doorbell camera :-( Blink really needs to update that camera (make a new model) so it can be powered solely by the old doorbell wiring (like my old Skybell camera can, but I'm retiring my Skybell camera).

I recently integrated the Blink Mini 2 into my home security setup and have been largely pleased with its performance.Design & Build:The camera’s compact size allows for discreet placement, and its sleek design complements various interiors. The inclusion of a built-in spotlight enhances its functionality, especially in low-light conditions. However, it’s worth noting that the device requires a constant power source, which may limit placement options.Setup & App Integration:Setting up the Blink Mini 2 was straightforward, thanks to the intuitive Blink app. The app provides a user-friendly interface for live viewing, motion detection customization, and two-way audio communication. Integration with Amazon Alexa is seamless, allowing for voice control and automation within the Alexa ecosystem. However, compatibility with other smart home platforms like Google Home or Apple HomeKit is lacking.  Video & Audio Quality:The 1080p HD video quality is commendable during daylight, capturing clear and detailed footage. The color night vision, aided by the spotlight, provides satisfactory visibility in dark environments. The two-way audio feature is functional, though ambient noise can affect clarity during communication.   Performance:Motion detection is responsive and can be tailored to specific zones, reducing unnecessary alerts. The camera reliably notifies me of activity, and the live feed loads promptly. However, accessing recorded footage requires a Blink subscription plan, which is an additional cost to consider.   Outdoor Use:While primarily designed for indoor use, the Blink Mini 2 can function outdoors with the purchase of a weather-resistant power adapter. This flexibility is advantageous, though the added expense and need for a nearby power outlet should be considered when planning outdoor installation. Overall Experience:The Blink Mini 2 offers a reliable and affordable solution for those seeking a compact security camera with essential features. Its integration with the Amazon ecosystem enhances its appeal for Alexa users. While there are some limitations, such as the need for a subscription to access recorded footage and limited compatibility with non-Amazon smart home platforms, the overall performance and build quality make it a worthwhile investment for basic home monitoring needs.