Blink

Video Doorbell (2nd Gen)

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Overall

#36 in

Smart Doorbells

according to Reddit Icon Reddit

Sentiment score52% positive
24
9
13
Last updated: May 7, 2026

Reddit Reviews

Reddit Icondemcrumblies
11 months ago

I compared the new 2nd Generation doorbell against the first gen. Overall I think it's a worthwhile upgrade over the previous doorbell, mostly for the wider field of view since you can now see packages on the ground or visitors from head to toe. Pros: \+ Wider 150 degree field of view \+ Official IP65 Rating \+ Loads live view around 2x faster \+ Slightly better lowlight video \+ 1440P by 1440P resolution (not that impactful) Cons: \- Low bitrate video still so 1440P video doesn't look much better than 1080P video on previous gen doorbell \- If purchased with Sync Module Core unit, zero local storage options are available, however, you can purchase the doorbell alone and pair it with the previous Sync Module 2 or Sync Module XR, which does allow for local storage.

11 months ago

Yep correct. The Sync Module Core has no USB slot or microSD slot, so a monthly plan is necessary. However, I deleted the Sync Module Core and added the Sync Module 2 instead and that works.

11 months ago

Yea I think they did it on purpose to force people to pay for the monthly plan, but at least we can use the previous sync module models to get around that.

11 months ago

I did delete the Sync Module core later in the video and added the Sync Module 2 afterwards, but that was after canceling the 30 day trial so I could test that local storage works on the Sync Module 2, which it does. It still pulls up quicker than the 1st gen doorbell even with the Sync Module 2, but I didn't time it against the Sync Module Core. Still, it pulls up within 3 seconds for me using the Sync Module 2, so that's pretty quick. Yea it would be nice to have some level of adjustment even if slight for downward tilt. They keep the sky recorded so we can capture UFO footage ; )

11 months ago

You're right, my box says it comes with the corner wedge. Strange they chose to only bundle the corner wedge with the sync module core since the sync module core has exactly zero relevance or connection to the corner mount.

Reddit IconFeMaster1
3 months ago

The reason you are seeing varying information is because there are two versions on the doorbell camera, each with different situations. Original (Gen 1) doorbell does not require a Sync Module, but without the Sync Module the doorbell will be in "event response mode" if not connected to a hardwired chime. Also, the doorbell will require a subscription for clip storage without a Sync Module. "Newest" (Gen 2) doorbell does require a Sync Module. If purchased with a Sync Module, it will come with the Sync Module CORE, which does not support local storage. If the Sync Module Core is used, you will need to pay for a subscription for clip storage. If you purchase / use a Sync Module 2 or Sync Module XR (pointless to buy this one unless you need extended range on an Outdoor Gen 4 camera) you won't need a subscription for either generation of doorbell.

Reddit IconGhnty5
11 months ago

Got it today. Went to install. And found out it didn’t come with the corner mount. (My 1st gen did come with a corner mount) so I gotta wait for the corner mount to come in

11 months ago

Okay. Update: I got it installed on the corner wedge that came with the gen1 I like the fact that on this one you can take it off the mount without having to take the wires off. I don’t like the fact that it doesn’t properly sit on the gen 1 corner wedge. BUT it does lock in. So I’m not too concerned. Now I need it to rain for a few days straight to see if it can handle the moisture

Reddit IconLokamurti
2 months ago

Doorbells can be purchased with local storage and no subscription fees. Theyre a bit more up front and cheaper in the long run. Blink and Ring require subscriptions to get any decent service out of them.

Reddit Iconorthodoxscouter
3 months ago

We use this battery version with a pressure holder that mounts around the door: [Blink Video Camera](https://amzn.to/3ZPIK4P)

Reddit IconSeaSalt_Sailor
11 months ago

I have new versions ordered because of the taller FOV, I have mine mounted on a wedge facing down to get less of the sky and more of my sidewalk and porch. I’ll be curious to time the opening of the two devices in live view to quantify the difference.

11 months ago

I’m going to use a gen 2 sync module for both to see if it makes a difference. Wondering if the new “core” version of sync module is faster. You should try a sync module 2 with record VS core on a generation 2 doorbell. I used a 3D printed one previously, guessing the footprint of this one isn’t the same and will need to get a new one printed. Hoping I can skip it all together with the taller field of view, or at least use something a bit smaller so it doesn’t stick out as far. I never have understood why the camera is aimed to get pictures of the sky. Distortion in the upper and lower zones maybe? Would be nice if lens could be aimed down a few degrees by user and skip the adding wedges. Only real use I can think of is a basement apartment it can capture people walking down stairs.

11 months ago

I installed two generation 2 doorbells this evening. I can’t say the live view is any faster loading than my generation 1. Both on a sync module 2. I moved a generation 1 doorbell to my garage entry door, because I had it and could. I do have a subscription and a stable 2.4ghtz network with a ping of about 24ms. If I turn off my VPN it’s closer to 12 ms ping. I just turned off my VPN and I can get a live view in 2 -3 seconds consistently. I can see where a slow connection or a connection with a high ping rate could cause issues. That’s not an issue with the camera it’s an issue with your ISP or WiFi equipment.

Reddit IconSheisty25
3 months ago

Why would it be pointless to get the "newest doorbell" with a Sync Module XR?

3 months ago

Thanks. I see where the problem lies, OP newest doorbell comes with the core and no XR camera. I use a "newest" doorbell with a xr. It made the most cents at the time and came with a XR outdoor camera (that is currently not being used).

Reddit Iconveriviener
8 months ago

Has anyone noticed that it’s really easy to just pull it off the mount? Doesn’t take any force, you can just grab it and remove it and walk away with it - never had that issue with the old one.…

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