As someone who can't afford to spring for a security system like the Arlo Pro 2, the need to look for a more budget-friendly option was necessary. That research brought me to the Blink Indoor 1 and XT 1 cameras, and if you're facing this same choice, we're here to help you decide which is truly better for your home.
Blink XT 1
Better specs
Pros
It's clear that Blink took the best features from the Indoor 1 and brought them to the XT 1, while making things even better. The XT 1 camera sports a 1080p camera, is weatherproof with a IP65 rating, and includes Infrared Night Vision.
Blink Indoor 1
Getting started
Pros
The Blink Indoor 1 is a fine way to get integrated in the Blink ecosystem, especially at its $100 price point. However, you will only be limited to using these indoors, and there is no built-in night vision included. Plus, the 720p camera resolution may not be the best choice in case of an emergency.
The Blink Indoor 1 camera system is great for someone who wants to keep an eye on a specific room or area of the home. The Blink XT 1 system is for those who want to be able to put these cameras wherever they want, while also having a better camera resolution.
Incremental but major improvements
At first glance, you wouldn't think that there would be too many differences between the standard Blink Indoor 1 and the XT 1. It's not until you start diving deeper that you begin to see the differences really make themselves known.
Blink Indoor 1 Blink XT 1
Resolution 720p 1080p
Field of view 110° 110°
Power 2 AA Batteries 2 AA Batteries
Two-way audio No No
Motion detection Yes Yes
Night vision No Yes
Wi-Fi 2.4GHz 2.4GHz
LED lights Yes No
Battery life 2 years 2 years
Starting off with the similarities between the Indoor 1 and XT 1, there are quite a few. These include the same field of view (110°), battery life (2 years), Wi-Fi capabilities (2.4GHz only), and motion detection. Additionally, since Blink is now owned by Amazon, both security cameras sport for the complete smart home experience. But the XT 1 starts to prove its worth in many of the key specifications needed for a good security video camera.
While the Indoor 1 sports a video resolution of 720p, the XT 1 bumps things up all the way to 1080p, providing a much clearer image, regardless of the situation. This combined with the impressive field of view makes for a great option for those who don't want a situation where the subject may be blurry when the motion detector activates.
Keeping with the camera for a moment, the XT 1 includes a feature that is not available on the Indoor 1, and it's a pretty crucial one - Night Vision. The XT 1 features an "Infrared Light Emitter" making it possible to easily identify people or objects when viewing the camera at night. On the other hand, while you can still look through the Indoor 1 camera at night, you won't really be able to make anything out.
Keeping with the camera for a moment, the XT 1 includes a feature that is not available on the Indoor 1, and it's a pretty crucial one - Night Vision.
Another big benefit of the XT 1 is the weatherproof rating, which comes in at IP65, which means it's fully protected from dust and can stand water jets (i.e. strong rains). This makes it possible to use the newer Blink camera as either an outdoor or indoor security camera. The Indoor 1 is limited to only being used inside, which can be problematic if you want to create a full security system.
At just $30 more, the XT 1 is the better overall camera, and the included benefits won't end up breaking the bank when compared to the Indoor 1. If you just need a basic security camera then the Indoor 1 will perform admirably, but we recommend spending a few extra bucks and getting the superior Blink XT 1.
Blink XT 1
Better specs
The XT 1 from Blink includes many of the features that those in the security camera market will want.
Blink did a superb job with its release of the XT 1 as it improved upon the Indoor 1 and created a much better security camera. With its improved resolution, weatherproof rating and night mode, the XT 1 is the obvious choice and is just $30 more than its predecessor.
Blink Indoor 1
Getting started
The Blink Indoor 1 is a serviceable camera, but is not the best option.
While priced at $99, the Indoor 1 is a decent security camera, but the lack of a night vision, lower video resolution, and the lack of a weatherproof rating cause leave us wanting more.
Blink XT 1
Better specs
Pros
- 1080p video quality
- IP65 weatherproof rating
- Night vision
- Use indoor or outdoor
- LED only included to let you know when it's on
- No two-way audio capabilities
It's clear that Blink took the best features from the Indoor 1 and brought them to the XT 1, while making things even better. The XT 1 camera sports a 1080p camera, is weatherproof with a IP65 rating, and includes Infrared Night Vision.
Blink Indoor 1
Getting started
Pros
- Amazon Alexa and IFTTT integration available
- Visible white LED
- Camera limited to 720p
- No infrared night vision
- No two-way audio capabilities
- Limited to indoor usage
The Blink Indoor 1 is a fine way to get integrated in the Blink ecosystem, especially at its $100 price point. However, you will only be limited to using these indoors, and there is no built-in night vision included. Plus, the 720p camera resolution may not be the best choice in case of an emergency.
The Blink Indoor 1 camera system is great for someone who wants to keep an eye on a specific room or area of the home. The Blink XT 1 system is for those who want to be able to put these cameras wherever they want, while also having a better camera resolution.
Incremental but major improvements
At first glance, you wouldn't think that there would be too many differences between the standard Blink Indoor 1 and the XT 1. It's not until you start diving deeper that you begin to see the differences really make themselves known.
Blink Indoor 1 Blink XT 1
Resolution 720p 1080p
Field of view 110° 110°
Power 2 AA Batteries 2 AA Batteries
Two-way audio No No
Motion detection Yes Yes
Night vision No Yes
Wi-Fi 2.4GHz 2.4GHz
LED lights Yes No
Battery life 2 years 2 years
Starting off with the similarities between the Indoor 1 and XT 1, there are quite a few. These include the same field of view (110°), battery life (2 years), Wi-Fi capabilities (2.4GHz only), and motion detection. Additionally, since Blink is now owned by Amazon, both security cameras sport for the complete smart home experience. But the XT 1 starts to prove its worth in many of the key specifications needed for a good security video camera.
While the Indoor 1 sports a video resolution of 720p, the XT 1 bumps things up all the way to 1080p, providing a much clearer image, regardless of the situation. This combined with the impressive field of view makes for a great option for those who don't want a situation where the subject may be blurry when the motion detector activates.
Keeping with the camera for a moment, the XT 1 includes a feature that is not available on the Indoor 1, and it's a pretty crucial one - Night Vision. The XT 1 features an "Infrared Light Emitter" making it possible to easily identify people or objects when viewing the camera at night. On the other hand, while you can still look through the Indoor 1 camera at night, you won't really be able to make anything out.
Keeping with the camera for a moment, the XT 1 includes a feature that is not available on the Indoor 1, and it's a pretty crucial one - Night Vision.
Another big benefit of the XT 1 is the weatherproof rating, which comes in at IP65, which means it's fully protected from dust and can stand water jets (i.e. strong rains). This makes it possible to use the newer Blink camera as either an outdoor or indoor security camera. The Indoor 1 is limited to only being used inside, which can be problematic if you want to create a full security system.
At just $30 more, the XT 1 is the better overall camera, and the included benefits won't end up breaking the bank when compared to the Indoor 1. If you just need a basic security camera then the Indoor 1 will perform admirably, but we recommend spending a few extra bucks and getting the superior Blink XT 1.
Blink XT 1
Better specs
The XT 1 from Blink includes many of the features that those in the security camera market will want.
Blink did a superb job with its release of the XT 1 as it improved upon the Indoor 1 and created a much better security camera. With its improved resolution, weatherproof rating and night mode, the XT 1 is the obvious choice and is just $30 more than its predecessor.
Blink Indoor 1
Getting started
The Blink Indoor 1 is a serviceable camera, but is not the best option.
While priced at $99, the Indoor 1 is a decent security camera, but the lack of a night vision, lower video resolution, and the lack of a weatherproof rating cause leave us wanting more.