Blink Mini 2K+ Review: Amazon’s Tiny Security Camera Gets Sharper

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The Blink Mini 2K+ is the third generation of Amazon’s tiny plug-in security camera, and one of the best-selling smart home products on Amazon. It upgrades to 2K video, adds clearer two-way audio with noise cancellation, and can even work as a chime for the Blink Video Doorbell, all at a launch price of $49.99.

The catch, as with most budget cameras, is how you store your video. Here is the full picture before you buy.

Note: this review is based on Blink’s official specifications, the Amazon listing and published independent reviews. We have not run our own lab measurements.

Quick Verdict

Best for: renters, pet owners and anyone who wants an inexpensive, easy-to-install indoor camera, especially if you already use Alexa or other Blink devices.

Skip it if: you want free local recording without buying extra hardware, you need 5 GHz Wi-Fi, or you want a fully weatherproof outdoor camera out of the box.

Blink Mini 2K+ Specifications

Video Quality: The 2K Upgrade

Moving from 1080p to 2K (2560 x 1440) is the headline change. The extra resolution makes faces, pets and details across a room noticeably sharper, and it is what makes the up-to-4x digital zoom useful. The 138-degree diagonal field of view covers most of a typical living room from a corner or a shelf.

Audio and Two-Way Talk

Blink improved the microphone and speaker with noise cancellation, so talking to a pet, a family member or a delivery person through the app sounds more natural than on older Minis.

Installation and Placement

Setup takes minutes: plug it in, scan the code in the Blink app and connect to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. It can sit on its stand or be screwed to a wall. It is an indoor camera by default, but you can use it outside with Blink’s Weather Resistant Power Adapter, sold separately.

Storage and Subscription: Read This First

This is the most important part of any Blink purchase:

• Cloud storage: the camera includes a free 30-day trial of a Blink Subscription Plan. After that, cloud clips, person and vehicle detection and other smart features require a paid plan.
• Local storage: you can save clips without a subscription using a Sync Module 2 or Sync Module XR plus a USB drive, sold separately. Note that the newer Sync Module Core included in some bundles does not support local USB storage.
• Without either: you still get live view and motion alerts, but no saved clips.

Check Blink’s current plan pricing before you buy, and factor it into the real cost of the camera.

Alexa and the Blink Ecosystem

With an Alexa device you can view the camera, arm and disarm your system, and answer your front door by voice. If you own a Blink Video Doorbell, the Mini 2K+ can also act as a plug-in chime, so you hear an alert inside when someone rings.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Sharp 2K video with up to 4x zoom
• Wide 138° field of view
• Improved two-way audio with noise cancellation
• Very easy setup and tiny footprint
• Works with Alexa and doubles as a doorbell chime

Cons

• Saved clips need a subscription or a separate Sync Module 2/XR
• Smart person and vehicle detection requires a paid plan
• 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi only
• Outdoor use needs an extra adapter

Final Verdict

The Blink Mini 2K+ is a meaningful upgrade over earlier Minis: sharper 2K video, better audio and useful extras like the doorbell chime, in a camera that costs little and installs in minutes. Just go in with eyes open about storage. Budget for a subscription or a compatible Sync Module, and it is one of the easiest ways to start a home security setup.

Check the current price of the Blink Mini 2K+ on Amazon

Building a local smart home instead? See our SONOFF Zigbee Dongle Plus review.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Blink Mini 2K+ need a subscription?

No for live view and motion alerts. Yes for cloud clips and smart detection, unless you record locally with a Sync Module 2 or XR and a USB drive.

Can the Blink Mini 2K+ be used outdoors?

Yes, with Blink’s Weather Resistant Power Adapter, sold separately.

Does it work with 5 GHz Wi-Fi?

No. It requires a 2.4 GHz network.

Does it work with Alexa?

Yes. You can view the camera and control your Blink system with Alexa devices.

What is the resolution of the Blink Mini 2K+?

2K, or 2560 x 1440, with a 138-degree diagonal field of view.