Blink bumps its budget buzzer to 2K

The wired version is Blink’s first wired-only buzzer and its first not to require a Blink Sync Module (although it can work with one). Previous Blink doorbells relied on the small hub, and could be wired or run on lithium AA batteries — as the new 2K battery doorbell does. Removing the batteries allows for a smaller form factor, but also means you don’t have a backup if the power goes out.

The AI-powered video descriptions are cloud-based and require one of Blink’s new AI tiers. There’s the Basic AI subscription for $6.99 a month / $69.99 a year for one device (with a deal for the first year of $49.99); if you have multiple Blink devices, there’s the Plus AI sub, which covers all your cameras for $19.99 a month / $199.99 a year (currently $149.99 for the first year).

If you don’t want the AI descriptions, Blink still offers its standard plans starting at $3.99 a month or $39.99 a year per camera, which include 60 days of video cloud storage and on-device person alerts. Without a subscription, you will just get a live view, two-way audio, and motion alerts.

The doorbell cameras also have the option of recording locally to an SD card using the Sync Module XR or to a USB stick using the Sync Module 2.