Amazon launches budget-friendly Blink security suite in Australia

Amazon has today announced the local launch of its affordable home security brand, Blink. First launched in the US in 2015 and acquired by Amazon in 2017, Blink was one of the first brands to introduce battery-powered security cameras.

Available now from Bunnings Warehouse and Amazon, the initial offering consists of three budget-friendly products: the Blink Outdoor 4, a battery-powered outdoor camera; the Blink Mini 2, a plug-in indoor/outdoor camera; and the Blink Sync Module 2, which acts as a control hub and local storage for all your Blink devices. And, of course, they're all compatible with Alexa.

Here's what you can expect from each device, and stay tuned for our full reviews.

The Blink Outdoor 4 is powered by just two AA batteries, lasting up to two years before needing replacement. It records in 1080p quality with infrared night vision, two-way audio and a wide 143° field of view. Available in packs of one, two, three and five, the Blink Outdoor 4 comes with the Blink Sync Module 2 (see below) which enables local storage via an inserted USB drive (sold separately). Prices start at $149 for the one-camera pack and go up to $599 for the five-camera pack.

Included with the Blink Outdoor 4 and sold separately for $79, the Blink Sync Module 2 acts as a control centre for up to 10 Blink cameras. Most importantly, however, it also functions as a local storage hub, meaning you don't have to fork out for a paid subscription unless you desperately want cloud storage and other advanced features. Simply pop in a USB drive and you're good to go.

The Blink Mini 2 is a plug-in HD camera with a built-in spotlight for colour night vision, two-way talk, motion detection and the same 143-degree field of view as the Outdoor 4. It retails for just $69 for one camera or $99 for a two-camera pack.

It's suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, however outdoor use does require the Blink Weather Resistant Power Adapter, sold separately for $19.

As the Blink Mini 2 doesn't come with the Sync Module 2, you'll need to purchase one separately if you want local storage, otherwise, there is a Blink subscription available from $4.95 per month, which includes cloud storage.

Speaking of the Blink subscription, there are two options available, depending on how many cameras you have. $4.95 per month (or $49.95 annually) will get you a Blink Basic plan, which provides cloud storage, extended live view (90 minutes of continuous streaming vs. 5 minutes without a subscription), person detection, photo capture and more for one Blink camera.

The Blink Plus plan will set you back $15 per month (or $150 annually), but covers unlimited cameras and adds Blink Moments, a unique feature that stitches together footage from multiple cameras into one seamless video.

All Blink cameras come with a 30-day free trial of the subscription plan.