Blink subscription pricing and what's included

Blink is a video doorbell and home camera system owned by Amazon. The subscription is optional — you can use Blink cameras without paying anything, but the paid plan unlocks cloud storage and certain features. The standard Blink subscription costs $3 per month per camera or $30 per year per camera, though pricing can vary depending on which Blink product you own and which plan tier you choose.

Without a subscription, your Blink cameras will still record and send you alerts when motion is detected. The subscription layer adds the ability to store video clips in the cloud so you can watch them later, rather than only viewing live footage. Most people use the subscription to keep a rolling history of what happened at their door or in their home, especially when they're away.

Blink also offers a Blink+ plan that covers multiple cameras under one subscription. This plan costs $10 per month or $100 per year and covers up to 10 cameras on the same account. If you have more than three cameras, Blink+ becomes cheaper than buying individual subscriptions.

Key Takeaways

  • The standard Blink subscription is $3 per month or $30 per year per camera, and it adds cloud video storage to your account.
  • Blink+ costs $10 per month or $100 per year and covers up to 10 cameras, making it the better choice if you own more than three cameras.
  • You do not need a subscription to use Blink cameras — they will still record and send motion alerts without one, but clips won't be stored in the cloud.
  • Blink subscriptions renew automatically, and you can cancel anytime through your account settings without penalty.

What you can do without paying for a subscription

Blink cameras work without a subscription. You'll receive motion and sound alerts on your phone in real time, and you can watch live video from the camera whenever you want. The camera stores a short clip locally on the device itself, but that clip is temporary and limited in length.

The main limitation is that you cannot access a history of past events. Once the local clip expires, it's gone. If you want to review what happened at your door three days ago, or build a record of activity over weeks, you need the subscription to store those clips in Amazon's cloud servers.

How to purchase and manage your Blink subscription

You set up a Blink subscription through the Blink app on your phone or through your Amazon account if your Blink system is linked to Amazon. Open the app, go to your account settings, and look for the subscription or plan section. You'll see the option to add a subscription to individual cameras or to switch to Blink+ if you have multiple devices.

Payment is automatic. Your credit card or payment method on file will be charged monthly or yearly depending on which billing cycle you chose. You can cancel the subscription at any time through the same settings menu — there is no cancellation fee, and your service will stop at the end of your current billing period.

If you're unsure whether you need the subscription, most people start with the free version and add it later if they find they want to review past clips. You can turn the subscription on and off without losing your camera or any settings.

Blink subscription compared to other home camera services

Other home camera brands charge differently. Ring, also owned by Amazon, charges $4 per month per camera or $40 per year for cloud storage. Wyze charges $1.99 per month per camera or $15 per year. Google Nest charges $6 per month per camera or $60 per year. Blink's per-camera pricing sits in the middle of that range, though Blink+ becomes competitive if you own several cameras.

The real difference is not just price but what each service stores and for how long. Blink keeps clips for 30 days in the cloud. Ring keeps them for 30 days. Wyze keeps them for 14 days. Google Nest keeps them for 30 days. If you need longer storage, some services offer paid add-ons, but Blink does not — you get 30 days or nothing.

Whether Blink subscription is worth the cost

The subscription makes sense if you want to review what happened at your home when you weren't there. A 30-day rolling history of video clips is useful for security, package theft, or just checking in on your home. At $3 per month per camera, the cost is low enough that most people who own Blink cameras find it worth it.

You don't need it if you only want real-time alerts and live viewing. Some people use Blink cameras purely to check in on their home while they're away — they don't care about past events. Those users can skip the subscription and save $36 per year per camera.

If you own more than three cameras, Blink+ at $10 per month is almost always cheaper than paying per-camera rates. The math is simple: three cameras at $3 each is $9 per month; Blink+ is $10 per month and covers up to 10 cameras.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Blink cameras without a subscription?

Yes. Cameras will record and send motion alerts without a subscription. You just won't be able to store clips in the cloud or review past events. Live viewing still works.

Does Blink subscription work with all Blink camera models?

The subscription works with most Blink cameras, including Blink Video Doorbell, Blink Outdoor, Blink Indoor, and Blink Mini. Some older or specialized models may have different storage options — check your camera's manual or the Blink app to confirm.

What happens to my clips if I cancel the subscription?

Any clips stored in the cloud will be deleted once your subscription ends. Download any clips you want to keep before canceling. After cancellation, your camera will still work, but you won't be able to access cloud storage anymore.

Can I try the subscription before I pay?

Blink occasionally offers free trial periods, usually when you first set up a camera. Check the app or your account to see if a trial is available. Otherwise, you can purchase a one-month subscription and cancel immediately if you decide it's not for you.

Is the subscription the same price everywhere?

Pricing is the same in the United States. International pricing may differ. If you're outside the US, check the Blink app or Blink's website for your region's rates.