Blink subscription plans and their monthly cost
Blink offers two subscription tiers: Blink Basic and Blink Plus. Blink Basic costs $3 per month or $30 per year and covers cloud video storage for one camera. Blink Plus costs $10 per month or $100 per year and covers unlimited cameras on your account.
Both plans require a paid subscription to store video recordings in Blink's cloud. Without a subscription, your Blink camera will record video only to local storage on a Sync Module 2 or newer hardware, which means you cannot view recordings from outside your home network. The Sync Module itself is a separate purchase.
Blink also sells a Blink+ subscription through Amazon Prime Video Channels for $4.99 per month, which includes Blink Plus features but is only available to Prime members who add it as a channel.
Key Takeaways
- Blink Basic costs $3 monthly or $30 yearly and covers one camera; Blink Plus costs $10 monthly or $100 yearly and covers unlimited cameras.
- Without a subscription, you can record only to a Sync Module 2 or newer device on your home network, not to the cloud.
- Cloud storage is the main difference between paid plans — both include the same features like motion detection and two-way audio.
- Blink cameras themselves have no subscription requirement, but cloud video storage does.
- Annual plans save money compared to paying month-to-month: $30 versus $36 for Basic, and $100 versus $120 for Plus.
What cloud storage includes in each plan
Both Blink Basic and Blink Plus store video clips in Blink's cloud servers. The difference is camera count, not video quality or retention. Blink Basic covers one camera; Blink Plus covers as many cameras as you own on the same account.
Video clips are stored for 30 days in the cloud on both plans. After 30 days, clips are deleted automatically. Neither plan offers longer retention periods or the option to pay more for extended storage.
Both plans also include motion detection alerts, two-way audio, and live view from the Blink app. These features work the same way on both tiers. The subscription pays for cloud storage space, not for feature access.
Local storage without a cloud subscription
If you own a Sync Module 2 or the newer Sync Module 2.1, you can record video to a USB drive connected to the module without paying for a subscription. This is called local storage. Video saves to the USB drive on your home network only, so you can view it only when you are home or connected to your home Wi-Fi.
The original Sync Module does not support local storage. If you have the older version, cloud storage is your only option for saving video.
Local storage requires you to buy a compatible USB drive separately. Blink does not sell the drives, but the company publishes a list of tested drives on its support site. Storage capacity depends on the drive you choose — a larger drive holds more video.
When you need a subscription and when you do not
You need a subscription if you want to view video recordings from outside your home or if you do not have a Sync Module 2 or newer. You do not need a subscription if you own a Sync Module 2 or 2.1 and are willing to view recordings only on your home network using a USB drive.
Blink cameras record motion-triggered clips whether or not you have a subscription. The subscription determines where those clips are stored and how you can view them. Without a subscription and without local storage hardware, motion detection still works, but you cannot save the video.
Comparing annual and monthly payment options
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | Annual Savings vs. Monthly | Cameras Covered |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blink Basic | $3 | $30 | $6 | 1 |
| Blink Plus | $10 | $100 | $20 | Unlimited |
| Blink+ (Prime Video Channels) | $4.99 | N/A | N/A | Unlimited |
Paying annually saves money on both Blink Basic and Blink Plus. If you pay month-to-month for Blink Basic, you spend $36 per year; an annual plan costs $30. For Blink Plus, monthly payments total $120 per year versus $100 for annual.
You can change your plan or cancel at any time. If you switch from monthly to annual or vice versa, the change takes effect on your next billing date.
Blink cameras without a subscription
Blink cameras work without a subscription, but their usefulness is limited. Motion detection and notifications still function, and you can view live video in the app from anywhere. You straightforward cannot save video recordings to the cloud.
If you have a Sync Module 2 or 2.1 and a USB drive, you can save video locally without a subscription. This setup lets you record and review video at home but not remotely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a subscription to use my Blink camera at all?
No. You can view live video and receive motion alerts without a subscription. A subscription is only required if you want to save video to the cloud. If you have a Sync Module 2 or 2.1 and a USB drive, you can save video locally instead.
Can I use Blink Plus for just one camera instead of paying for Basic?
Yes. Blink Plus costs more per month but covers unlimited cameras, so if you plan to add more cameras later, it may be cheaper in the long run. If you only ever need one camera, Blink Basic is the lower-cost option.
What happens to my videos if I cancel my subscription?
Cloud videos are deleted when your subscription ends. If you have local storage set up on a Sync Module 2 or 2.1, those recordings remain on your USB drive and are not affected by canceling a cloud subscription.
Is there a free trial for Blink subscriptions?
Blink occasionally offers free trial periods for new customers, but the terms change. Check the Blink app or website to see if a trial is currently available in your region.
Can I share my Blink subscription with family members?
You can share camera access by inviting other people to your Blink account through the app. They see the same cameras and video history as your account. One subscription covers all invited users.