After an intensive review of 36 distinctive cameras from Blink and Lorex, I've meticulously evaluated their respective features and benefits. This comprehensive examination could prove crucial in identifying the right camera brand that aligns with your security needs.
Join me as I explore the key features of 7 models from Blink and 29 models from Lorex! You can find the specific product codes of the cameras included at the end of this article.
The Winners
Best for Simple Security
Best for Professional Security
Best for Simple Security: Blink
Blink offers an easy and budget-friendly installation process. With its wireless setup and reliance on cloud storage, Blink cameras eliminate the need for complex wiring and provide convenient access to recorded footage from anywhere.
Despite their affordability, these cameras still pack advanced features such as customizable motion detection and impressive battery life, ensuring continuous surveillance coverage.
For hassle-free and cost-effective security solutions without compromising on quality, Blink is my winner.
Best for Professional Security: Lorex
Lorex offers a variety of camera types for different uses and eliminates the need for monthly cloud subscription costs.
Further, a majority of its cameras support third-party security systems and boast advanced motion detection and smart detection features.
With digital WDR, higher resolution, and advanced video features, such as 3D Noise Reduction, Lorex cameras deliver clear and detailed footage even at night!
Additionally, Lorex cameras are known for their durability and weather resistance.
For reliable and high-performance security solutions, Lorex is my winner.
Winners per Category
Lorex generally has higher-grade cameras than Blink which is why they win in most categories. That's not to say that a Blink camera is not worth it, as they are ideal for simple security with no hassle.
| Category | Winner |
| Wired vs Wireless | Draw |
| Storage and Third-Party Compatability | Lorex |
| Smart Detection | Draw |
| Two-Way Audio | Draw |
| Footage | Draw |
| Low Light and Full Night Vision | Lorex |
| Camera Image Sensors | Lorex |
| Optical Zoom and PT Features | Lorex |
| Camera Quality | Lorex |
Overview
In this overview, I compared Blink and Lorex across various attributes such as camera types, power, and data options, pricing, cloud subscription services, and standard warranty.
Camera Types
Blink offers a range of camera types, including floodlight, cube, and video doorbell models.
In comparison, Lorex provides a wider variety of camera types, including bullet, turret, PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom), floodlight, spotlight, and video doorbell models.
Power and Data Types
Blink has a combination of wireless data and wired power security cameras, along with a wireless data and battery-powered option, while Lorex offers more variety in connectivity with models that are completely wired, wireless cameras with wired power, and a few wireless and battery-powered options.
Pricing
Both brands provide cameras at different price points to cater to various budgets.
Blink cameras are generally more affordable, with most models falling in the budget and mid-range categories, like the Mini Pan-Tilt Camera, which is a budget-friendly option for an indoor PT camera.
For those who prefer battery-powered cameras, Blink offers the Indoor and Outdoor 3rd Gen models, which provide wireless data and battery power.
For floodlight cameras, Blink has the Budget Wired Floodlight Camera and the Outdoor 3rd Gen model.
In contrast, Lorex has more high-end cameras, although there are some budget and mid-range options available.
Lorex provides the LNZ44P12B, a high-end PTZ camera that can be used outdoors with wired data and power.
Cloud Subscription Services
All Blink cameras have cloud subscription options, allowing you to store your footage remotely.
However, Lorex cameras do not offer cloud subscription options.
Standard Warranty Offered
In terms of warranties, both Blink and Lorex offer the same 1-year standard warranty for their cameras.
Wired vs Wireless
When analyzing the power and data functionalities, I focused on the power options, data transmission techniques, and data formats supported by Blink and Lorex.
Winner: Draw
While Lorex provides a wider range of power and data transmission options, offering flexibility in setup, Blink stands out with its wireless and battery-powered design.
Power Options
Blink offers cameras with battery, solar panel, DC, and AC power options. Interestingly, most Blink models are battery-powered, with some featuring solar panel support.
Lorex provides a variety of power options, including battery, solar panel, DC, AC, and Power over Ethernet (PoE).
Data Transmission
While comparing data transmission methods, I found that all Blink models rely on 2.4GHz WiFi for data transmission, whereas Lorex cameras offer a broader range of options, with some supporting both 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi, and others exclusively using PoE.
Additionally, some Lorex models utilize coaxial cables for transmitting data, catering to those who prefer analog systems.
Data Type
Blink exclusively offers IP cameras while Lorex offers both IP (Internet Protocol) and analog cameras.
IP cameras transmit digital video signals over an IP network, whereas analog cameras primarily use older technology with HD analog data formats such as HD-AHD, HD-TVI, HD-CVI, and HD-CVBS.
Storage and Third Party Compatibility
In analyzing the storage and smart integration capabilities of each brand, I put emphasis on evaluating storage capacity, the range of storage options available, and interoperability features.
Winner: Lorex
Both Blink and Lorex offer different options for storage. However, Lorex has models that support compatibility with other third-party applications.
Storage Capacity
One common feature across most Blink models is their reliance on wireless hubs and cloud storage or USB flash drives for storage. This means that Blink cameras generally do not have their own on-board storage.
Several Lorex models include on-board storage with capacities of up to 256GB using microSD cards such as the W881AAD-E, and W452ASDB-E.
Storage Options
Blink cameras are generally wireless and come with various storage options, including cloud storage and wireless hubs with USB flash drives in some models.
In addition to microSD storage, some Lorex cameras such as the LNZ81P25, LBV2531W, and LZV2925SC, are compatible with Network Video Recorders (NVRs), Digital Video Recorders (DVRs), NAS, and FTP systems, offering diverse storage options to suit a variety of needs.
Interoperability
Blink cameras generally don’t play well with other security systems.
On the other hand, some Lorex cameras like the LNZ44P4BW, LNZ44P12B, and LNE9383 offer ONVIF, RTSP, and CGI compatibility, allowing them to work seamlessly with a range of third-party systems.
Smart Detection
In this comparison, I assessed the smart features of Blink and Lorex cameras, with a specific focus on their smart integrations, customizable motion zones and sensitivity, motion alerts, smart motion detection capabilities, and other functionalities offered by both brands.
Winner: Draw
Both brands offer models that integrate into a variety of popular voice assistants. Blink has an edge for its configurable motion zones in all its models, while Lorex stands out for its advanced motion alerts and advanced smart detection features in some of its models.
Smart Integrations
Both brands support popular platforms such as Alexa and Google Assistant. This compatibility allows future owners to conveniently control their security systems with the help of voice commands.
All Blink cameras in this research support Alexa, with some also supporting Fire TV and Echo Show like the Video Doorbell, while its Mini Indoor Security Camera also supports Google Assistant.
Comparatively, Lorex cameras generally support Alexa and Google Assistant. Some models like W461ASC-E and V261LCD-E also support Chromecast and Apple TV.
Configurable Motion Zones and Sensitivity
Both brands also offer configurable motion sensitivity, a helpful tool that allows users to adjust how easily motion triggers the cameras.
For Blink, almost all of its camera models support this feature except for the Wired Floodlight Camera. Meanwhile, a small number of Lorex cameras have this feature among the 29 models included in this research.
Motion Alerts
Push notifications are a standard feature in both brands, ensuring that users receive immediate alerts when suspicious or interesting activity occurs in their vicinity.
Additionally, some Lorex cameras like the LNE9383, E896AB, and E893DD-E support other event-triggering options, such as video tampering, missing object, and abandoned object detection.
Smart Motion Detection Features
A crucial feature of contemporary security cameras is their ability to detect motion in specified zones which enable users to designate areas that need special attention and receive notifications when motion is detected.
In my research, I found that a majority of Blink and Lorex cameras are equipped with this capability.
Blink's range of cameras generally comes with person detection, while Lorex cameras have a more extensive array of specialized detection options.
Several Lorex models such as the W881AAD-E and support person detection, vehicle detection, object detection, and animal detection, with the LNZ44P12B incorporating advanced features such as heat mapping and people counting.
Two-Way Audio
When examining the audio capabilities of each brand, I considered the microphone and speaker quality, two-way audio features, siren and alarm options, and audio and alarm interface.
Winner: Draw
Blink has two-way audio communication capabilities in the majority of its models, while Lorex has models that offer integrated sirens.
Integrated Microphone, Speakers, and Two-Way Audio
The majority of cameras from both brands come with integrated microphones and speakers, which allow two-way audio communication between the camera and an external device like a smartphone.
In particular, almost all cameras in the Blink lineup include this feature, while a large portion of Lorex models come equipped with two-way audio.
Siren and Alarm Features
When it comes to security alarm features, there are a few differences between the two brands. While the majority of Lorex models do not have integrated sirens and alarms, a healthy portion does include them.
Blink, on the other hand, incorporates an integrated siren in one of its models, the Wired Floodlight Camera.
The sirens found in selected models from both brands have loudness ratings of up to 105 dB for Blink and 110 dB for Lorex, making them effective deterrents against intruders.
Audio and Alarm Interface
For those considering a camera with an alarm interface, options are more limited; just one Lorex model, E881AP-W, includes such an interface. Audio interfaces, on the other hand, are generally not included in the cameras from either brand.
Footage
Here, I particularly focused on the video features of both brands, closely examining the recording capabilities, number of frame rates, video coding formats, WDR functionality, and advanced features.
Winner: Draw
Lorex offers digital WDR and advanced features such as 3D Noise Reduction, Image Rotation, and Mirror Control, but Blink generally has a higher FPS rate and privacy masking in some of its models.
Continuous Recording vs Motion-Activated Recording
Blink cameras can only support motion-activated recording as they are usually battery-powered with low storage capacity.
For Lorex, their PoE, Coax, and even some hardwired Wi-Fi cameras can support 24/7 recording while also supporting motion-activated footage.
Maximum Supported Frame Rates
This feature ensures smoother video playback. In this research, I found out that most Blink cameras support 30 frames per second (fps). Similarly, most Lorex cameras also support 30fps, but some models have lower frame rates like 15fps.
Video Coding Format
Video coding format plays a role in determining video quality and compression efficiency. Both brands support H.264 format, which is a widely-used video compression standard.
Many Lorex models like the W881AAD-E, W452ASDB-E, and E881AP-W also support the more advanced H.265 format, which provides better compression efficiency and video quality compared to H.264.
Wide Dynamic Range (WDR)
This feature helps to balance contrasting bright and dark areas within an image. It is a useful feature for outdoor cameras or cameras operating in environments with uneven lighting.
Digital WDR appears more prominently in Lorex camera models like the LNB9242B-W, E841CD-E, and E841CA-E than in Blink cameras.
Advanced video features
In terms of advanced video features, Lorex cameras provide a wider range of options such as 3D Digital Noise Reduction (DNR), White Balance Control, Gain Control, Image Rotation Control, and Mirror Control, among others.
The majority of Blink models included in this research offer privacy masking but don't provide as many advanced video features compared to Lorex.
Low Light and Full Night Vision
When considering the night vision capabilities of both brands, I specifically looked at the different types of night vision, spotlight functionalities, and the infrared distance offered by the cameras.
Winner: Lorex
Lorex offers models with different types of night vision and spotlight features while Blink generally has infrared night vision across its models.
Types of Night Vision
In terms of night vision functionality and type, Blink primarily focuses on infrared night vision, with its Wired Floodlight Camera and Outdoor 3rd Gen models offering full-color night vision via a spotlight.
On the other hand, Lorex boasts models that provide infrared night vision, full-color night vision via spotlight, and even full-color night vision via low-light sensor technology.
Spotlights
The spotlight feature is another notable difference between these two brands.
As earlier stated, among the Blink models included in this research only the Wired Floodlight Camera, and Outdoor 3rd Gen have this feature.
On the other hand, a more significant number of Lorex models such as E896AB, E893DD-E,E893AB-E and C883DA-Z include spotlights with varying lumen output.
This feature, combined with low-light sensor technology in some models, can significantly improve overall visibility at night.
Infrared Distance
Both brands provide a range of infrared (IR) distance options for both ambient lighting conditions and total darkness.
Blink mostly offers cameras with infrared night vision, while Lorex expands upon this feature with full-color night vision through low-light sensor technology, which can enhance the visibility of objects and people during nighttime.
Camera Image Sensors
Here, I examined the camera and lens specifications of Blink and Lorex, focusing on features such as the field of view, lens type, and resolution of the cameras.
Winner: Lorex
Lorex provides cameras with higher resolution and motorized lenses which enable the camera to zoom in or out remotely.
Field of View
Blink offers a range of cameras with field of view (FOV) options that vary depending on the model.
For example, their wired floodlight camera has a diagonal FOV of 143 degrees, the indoor and mini indoor security cameras offer 110 degrees, and the outdoor 3rd generation has 110 degrees as well. The video doorbell boasts a horizontal FOV of 135 degrees and a vertical FOV of 80 degrees.
Lorex provides an even wider array of security cameras with more diverse FOV options. For instance, the LNZ44P4BW model has a motorized lens with a horizontal FOV ranging from 104 to 33 degrees, while the LNZ44P12B model has a horizontal FOV of 54 to 4 degrees.
Lens Type
Most Blink cameras are built with fixed focus lenses, which means they maintain a fixed focal length without the need for adjustments.
Lorex cameras are equipped with fixed focus lenses like Blink; however, several Lorex models such as the LNZ81P25 and E881AP-W feature motorized lenses.
Resolution
Another key distinction between the two brands is camera resolution. Blink cameras typically offer a resolution of 2MP, while Lorex offers a range of resolutions, including 2MP, 4MP, and even 8MP for crystal-clear image quality.
Image Sensors
Regarding image sensors, both brands equip their cameras with CMOS sensors to ensure high-quality image capture. While not all Blink cameras specify the size of their image sensors, Lorex often includes this information – with 1/3″, 1/2.7″, or 1/2.8″ sensors listed on various models. Larger sensors generally result in better image quality, especially in low-light conditions.
Optical Zoom and PT Features
Here, I assessed the PTZ capabilities of both brands, focusing on pan, tilt, and zoom options.
Winner: Lorex
Lorex offers various PTZ cameras across its camera lineup compared to Blink.
PTZ Capabilities
PTZ features (pan, tilt, and zoom) are essential if you're looking for a security camera that can automatically cover a wide area, track subjects, or be remotely controlled.
Pan and tilt abilities are essential for broader coverage areas, and Blink’s Mini Pan-Tilt Camera, offers a pan angle of 350° and a tilt angle of 125°, while Lorex models like LNZ44P12B, LNZ81P25, and E881AP-W feature pan angles of 360°, providing a comprehensive view of the surroundings.
Zoom Features
Some Blink models offer digital zoom, such as the Wired Floodlight Camera and Video Doorbell.
Conversely, Lorex has multiple models with both digital and optical zoom capabilities. Notably, models LNZ44P12B, LNZ81P25, and LZV2925SC offer 16x digital zoom, while models LNZ44P4BW and LNE9292B provide optical zoom with 4x magnification.
PTZ Camera Choices
Lorex has multiple PTZ cameras like the LNZ44P12B, LNZ81P25, and LZV2925SC, which include various tours, presets, scans, and patterns. In contrast, Blink does not have any models with PTZ features.
Camera Quality
In assessing the build quality of camera models, I focused on factors such as durability in different weather conditions, the choice of materials, and the recommended operating temperature range.
Winner: Lorex
Lorex cameras are better built and provide a wider range of operating temperatures to withstand the changing weather.
Weather Resistance
Blink offers a weather-resistant Wired Floodlight Camera and two IP65-rated models (Outdoor 3rd Gen and Video Doorbell).
However, Lorex has a much wider range of options. They provide cameras with IP65, IP66, and IP67 ratings, thus meeting the needs of those who want a high level of protection against various weather conditions.
Build Quality
When it comes to materials, Lorex offers cameras made of metal, heavy-duty metal, aluminum alloy, polycarbonate, and aluminum.
Blink, on the other hand, focuses on using metal and plastic materials for their camera construction.
Operating Temperature
The operating temperature range is a significant consideration for users in extreme climates.
Blink has a narrow range of temperatures, with a maximum of 95°F to 113°F and a minimum of 32°F to -4°F.
Lorex, on the other hand, has a wider range, with a maximum of 45°F to 158°F and a minimum of -10°F to -40°F. This makes Lorex suitable for regions with more extreme temperatures.
How I Researched
| Blink | Lorex |
| Wired Floodlight Camera Mini Pan-Tilt Camera Indoor Mini Indoor Security Camera Outdoor 3rd Gen Video Doorbell 3rd Generation | U424AA-E B463AJDB-E W881AAD-E W452ASDB-E LNZ44P4BW LNZ44P12B LNE9383 E896AB E893DD-E E893AB-E C883DA-Z C883DA-WA LNZ81P25 E881AP-W F461AQD-E C861XC-W LBV2531W W461ASC-E V261LCD-E B451AJD-E LZV2925SC U471AA-E U222AA W282CAD-E LNE9292B LNB9242B-W E841CD-E E841CA-E E892ABW RLC-542WA RLC-511W RLC-810A RLC-822A RLC-811A RLC-823A |