Blink and Aqara sit in the DIY security market, but they are usually bought for different reasons. This 2026 comparison looks at cameras, alarm coverage, smart-home control, monitoring, privacy, and the full 36-month cost.
Quick verdict
Choose Blink if it better fits your camera, storage, or monitoring expectations. Choose Aqara if its smart-home integrations, device mix, or low-commitment setup better matches your home. Start with sensor coverage and response needs before comparing camera specs.
Best for renters
Renters should look for removable sensors, no-drill mounts, simple app control, privacy-safe camera placement, and useful features that still work without a long subscription.
Best for homeowners
Homeowners can build broader coverage with entry sensors, motion detection, outdoor cameras, garage protection, smoke/CO, leak sensors, smart locks, and backup connectivity.
Alarm coverage
- Entry points: compare door, window, garage, and secondary-entry sensors.
- Motion: check room coverage, pet handling, false alerts, and automation options.
- Hazards: compare smoke/CO, leak detection, siren behavior, and backup power.
Cameras and storage
Compare local storage, cloud storage, video history, smart alerts, night vision, package detection, live view speed, and whether important camera features require a paid plan.
Smart-home control
Check Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, Matter, Thread, Zigbee, Z-Wave, smart locks, lights, thermostats, and garage doors. The best smart-home fit is the one that reduces daily friction without weakening security.
Monitoring and response
If emergency response matters, verify professional monitoring, cellular backup, dispatch rules, permits, video verification, and which features disappear when downgrading to self-monitoring.
36-month cost model
Add starter kit, sensors, outdoor cameras, storage, monitoring, cellular backup, batteries, mounts, replacement parts, and cancellation risk. Over three years, subscriptions often cost more than hardware.
Bottom line
Blink vs Aqara is not just a device comparison. Buy the system that gives you the right sensor coverage, privacy controls, smart-home fit, and response path for the lowest long-term cost.
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With over 20 years of experience evaluating home security technologies, Andrew is a trusted home security expert. He specializes in DIY home security systems, indoor and outdoor security cameras, doorbell cameras, and safety software such as password managers. Andrew uses in-depth research to provide accurate and actionable insights. His work helps you make better decisions to protect your home.
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