Black Friday deals alert: Black Friday is finally here, which means it’s time to go get your shop on and savor all the discounts. We’re especially excited about some of the biggest savings you can score right now on products we’ve tested and loved, including this security camera. The two-camera bundle for the Blink Outdoor 4 is currently $70, which is an impressive $180 off the original list price. That’s a massive discount on a device that won a CNET Editors’ Choice Award. Plus, its long-lasting rechargeable batteries save you even more money.
I started out skeptical, but Blink’s cam stayed operational on my fence, not just for a few months but season after season while I waited, and I was increasingly impressed.
I consider the Blink Outdoor 4 a “jack of all trades” outdoor camera, which is why it has earned a spot on my list of the best home security cameras. It is also the best camera for battery life, which is why I often recommend it to someone who wants an all-purpose camera at a fairly affordable price.
From the 1080p resolution and Alexa support to the two-way audio and motion detection, the Outdoor 4 does a little of everything in a compact, weather-resistant design. But where it really shines is that extended battery life.
Battery options that keep lasting
The Blink Outdoor 4 runs on two lithium AA batteries (included) slotted into the back. Unscrew the back cover and you can have new batteries in and out in a minute. I just did this part after a year and a half of use, and the hardest part was remembering how to detach the Outdoor 4 from its mount without breaking it.
Unlike some batteries with “lithium” in the name, these aren’t rechargeable. They offer other benefits instead, including extra power compared to traditional AA batteries and an extended shelf life of up to 25 years, so you can buy a pack without worrying about them dying. There’s currently this pack of 24 lithium AAs on sale for $37
If one to two years of battery life just isn’t enough, you can also purchase a Blink extension pack ($30) to add more batteries so the cam can last even longer, a possibility if you want to put it in an out-of-the-way spot.
The mount is a little stiff and requires careful adjustment when angling, but is otherwise problem-free. With an operating temperature range of -4 to 113 degrees Fahrenheit, I watched my Blink Outdoor 4 brave blistering summers and winter snowstorms without complaint, the batteries inside still powering through.
A no-nonsense app to monitor battery life
I’ve tinkered with dozens of home security apps, and Blink remains one of my favorites. The Blink app has a welcome combination of simplicity and easily accessible camera features. A few taps can get you almost anywhere you need to go, including quick camera live views and two-way audio chats.
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