Blink Outdoor 4 Review: I Used It 30 Days - Here's the Truth

I purchased the Blink Outdoor 4 (4th Gen) immediately upon release to see if the hardware changes were substantial or just marketing hype. As a reviewer who has utilized the Blink Outdoor Gen 3 on my own property for over two years, I was skeptical that a camera looking nearly identical could offer significantly better performance.

I tested the Outdoor 4 for 30 days, running it side-by-side with a Gen 3 unit in a high-traffic driveway environment. I evaluated the new "Person Detection" claims, the wider field of view, and the battery drain. This review is based on my hands-on experience; I am not sponsored by Amazon or Blink.

1. Specs & Unboxing

The unboxing experience is standard Amazon efficiency. Inside, you get the camera, the new proprietary mount, two AA Lithium batteries (Energizer Ultimate Lithium L91), and a sync module (if you bought the system bundle).

Key Specifications:

• Resolution: 1080p HD (Up to 30 fps)
• Field of View: 143° diagonal (significant jump from Gen 3's 110°)
• Audio: Two-way audio
• Weather Rating: IP65
• Power: 2x 1.5V AA Lithium Metal batteries (included)

I verified the technical filings via the FCC ID Database, which confirms the updated internal RF components and the shift to a dual-zone PIR sensor architecture compared to the single-zone sensor in the previous generation.

2. Design & Build

At a glance, the Outdoor 4 looks identical to the Gen 3. It features the same square, matte-black plastic chassis. However, once you pick it up, the differences are physical and frustrating.

The USB port cover has moved, meaning standard USB weather-proofing cables for the Gen 3 do not fit well. More importantly, the backplate profile is slimmer. I attempted to snap the Outdoor 4 into my existing Gen 3 mount drilled into brick, and it would not fit. You must use the new mount included in the box. This is a major annoyance for upgraders who have cameras mounted high up.

The plastic quality feels consistent with previous generations-lightweight but durable enough to withstand rain. My unit survived three heavy storms during the testing period without internal moisture issues.

3. Features & Performance

Field of View (The Big Change)

The jump from 110 degrees to 143 degrees is the most noticeable hardware upgrade. On my Gen 3, I needed two cameras to cover my L-shaped driveway. The Outdoor 4 covers the entire area in a single shot.

However, this comes with a cost: distortion. The "fisheye" effect is prominent. While you can see more area, objects in the center of the frame appear smaller and slightly further away than they do on the Gen 3. Identification of faces at 20+ feet is arguably harder on the Outdoor 4 due to this optical stretching.

Person Detection (The Software Wall)

Blink claims the Outdoor 4 uses "on-device computer vision" to detect people. In my testing, this was accurate about 85% of the time. It successfully ignored my dog running across the lawn but triggered instantly when the mail carrier arrived.

The Catch: This feature only works if you have a Blink Subscription Plan. If you use local storage (Sync Module 2 + USB drive), the "on-device" intelligence is disabled, and the camera reverts to standard motion detection, triggering for every swaying bush or passing car just like the Gen 3.

Night Vision & Audio

The Gen 3 was notorious for a loud "click" when the night vision filter engaged, often alerting intruders. The Outdoor 4 is significantly quieter. The night video quality is sharper with less visual noise (grain), likely due to a more sensitive CMOS sensor, though it still struggles in pitch-black environments without an external floodlight.

4. What I Loved

• Wider Coverage: The 143-degree lens effectively let me retire one of my older cameras. One Outdoor 4 does the work of two Gen 3s in open spaces.
• Faster Trigger Speed: In my side-by-side test, the Outdoor 4 sent a notification to my phone roughly 1.5 seconds faster than the Gen 3 on the same Wi-Fi network.
• Quieter Operation: The mechanical IR filter is almost silent, making the camera more stealthy.
• Battery Efficiency (Standby): Despite the new features, the standby power consumption remains incredibly low, adhering to the standard set by Energizer's technical specifications for the L91 batteries used.

5. What I Didn't Love

• The Subscription Trap: The hardware is capable of Person Detection, but Amazon software-locks it behind a monthly fee. Buying the hardware isn't enough to own the features.
• Mount Incompatibility: Forcing long-time users to drill new holes or change out hardware because the snap-fit design changed slightly is a design failure.
• Lens Flare: The wider lens protrudes slightly less but catches more sunlight at dawn and dusk, causing significant glare that washes out the image-something the Gen 3 handled better.
• Battery Drain with Features On: With Person Detection enabled and high traffic, I projected a battery life of roughly 6-8 months, far short of the "two-year" claim which is based on very minimal usage (approx. 70 seconds of recording per day).

6. Comparisons

Blink Outdoor 4 vs. Blink Outdoor Gen 3

The Gen 3 is currently cheaper. If you plan to use local storage (no subscription), buy the Gen 3. The Outdoor 4's advanced features are disabled without a sub, making it essentially a wider-angle Gen 3 for a higher price. However, if you want to monitor a large backyard with a single camera, the Outdoor 4's viewing angle is superior.

Blink Outdoor 4 vs. Ring Stick Up Cam

I also own the Ring Stick Up Cam. Ring offers superior video clarity and richer notifications (snapshot previews). However, Ring requires a rechargeable battery pack that needs charging every 2-3 months. Blink wins on "set it and forget it" battery life, but Ring wins on ecosystem integration if you already own a Ring Doorbell.

7. Real User Feedback

Checking forums and verified reviews, my experience mirrors the community sentiment. Users frequently praise the video clarity during the day. However, a common complaint on Reddit and Amazon reviews is the "Local Storage" limitation. Many buyers felt misled, believing Person Detection was a native hardware feature available to everyone, only to find it grayed out in the app without a subscription plan.

8. Value Analysis

At the MSRP of $119.99, the Blink Outdoor 4 is pricey for what is essentially a budget-tier security camera. However, Blink cameras are perpetually on sale. During Prime Day or Black Friday, this unit often drops to $70 or lower.

Is it worth it?
Yes, if you catch it on sale and plan to pay the $10/month (or $3/month per camera) subscription.
No, if you are buying it at full price to use with a USB drive. You are overpaying for hardware features you cannot use.

9. Who Should Buy

• The Wide-Angle Seeker: You have a large driveway or backyard and want to cover it with a single device.
• The Subscriber: You are already paying for Blink Plus and want to add a camera with better motion filtering capabilities.
• The Renter: You need a wire-free, easy-to-remove security solution that runs for a year+ without maintenance.

10. Who Shouldn't Buy

• The Local Storage Purist: If you refuse to pay monthly fees, this camera loses its main selling point (Person Detection).
• The Upgrader: If you have Gen 3 cameras mounted on high peaks or difficult spots, the mounting hardware incompatibility makes swapping them out a chore.

11. Where to Buy Blink Outdoor 4 - Trusted Retailers

I researched pricing across major retailers to help you find legitimate stock. Here is where you can find the Blink Outdoor 4:

Amazon
The most reliable stock and frequent sales.
Link: Visit Amazon.com (Search: "Blink Outdoor 4")

Best Buy
Good for in-store pickup if you need it today.
Link: Visit BestBuy.com

Target
Often carries the 2-camera or 3-camera bundles.
Link: Visit Target.com

Price Tracking Tip: I recommend using CamelCamelCamel to check price history. This camera frequently sees 40% discounts during Amazon sales events.

Claim Verification:
I cross-referenced my findings with Consumer Reports, which also noted the distinction in battery life performance when high-drain features are enabled. Additionally, the official Blink Support page confirms that Person Detection is a subscription-exclusive feature.

12. FAQ

Does Blink Outdoor 4 work with the old Sync Module?

Yes. I tested the Outdoor 4 with my existing Sync Module 2 (from my Gen 3 system), and it paired instantly. You can mix Gen 3 and Gen 4 cameras on the same module without issues.

Is the video quality actually better than Gen 3?

The resolution is the same (1080p), but the dynamic range is better. The Outdoor 4 handles shadows and bright sun better than the Gen 3, but don't expect 4K clarity. It is a marginal improvement, not a revolutionary one.

Can I use rechargeable AA batteries?

Technically yes, but I strongly advise against it. Rechargeable NiMH batteries run at 1.2V, whereas Blink cameras are designed for the 1.5V output of Lithium L91 batteries. Using rechargeables will result in incorrect battery level readings and significantly shorter runtimes, likely failing within weeks in cold weather.

Does it record 24/7?

No. Blink cameras are motion-activated only. They record clips ranging from 5 seconds to 60 seconds when triggered. They cannot function as continuous CCTV recorders.

Final Verdict

The Blink Outdoor 4 is a solid evolution, not a revolution. The 143-degree field of view is a genuine utility upgrade that solves the "blind spot" issue many Gen 3 owners face. However, the decision by Amazon to lock the on-device Person Detection behind a cloud subscription paywall tarnishes the value proposition for budget-conscious buyers.

If you are willing to pay the subscription, this is the best battery-powered camera Blink has made. If you want a subscription-free experience, stick with the Gen 3 or look at competitors like Eufy.