The micro USB port is for power, so you'll need an outlet for it to work. I was delighted by this because I already have plenty of things connected to my router. Because you can connect the hub via Ethernet or Wi-Fi, you can place it anywhere in your home. The hub is slightly smaller than the cameras and is just a simple white square with micro USB and Ethernet ports on one edge. I tested a system that came with a hub and two separate cameras, all of which came in small, square boxes to reflect their small, square shapes. After starting your system, additional cameras are just $75 per unit. One camera and a hub costs $99, but there are two-, three-, and five-camera bundles to choose from. Design: More for your moneyĮvery Blink system starts with a hub and one or more cameras. While the Blink system has most security cameras beat in price, some caveats are worth considering before taking the plunge.
Blink's approach is different: much like smart light bulbs, a Blink system connects multiple smart cameras via a hub and makes all of them controllable via a mobile app.įor just $169, you get two cameras you can place throughout your home, which is a great deal considering you'll pay more for just one camera from competitors. However, most new cameras still retail for $200 or more, and that's just for one camera that monitors one area of your home. As smart home security cameras become more and more common, you'd think their prices would start coming down.