Answer Deliveries While You're on Spring Vacation With This $35 Video Doorbell – Setup Takes Just Minutes
The Blink Video Doorbell doesn't require a monthly subscription, too
Spring has arrived, and with many of us preparing for our first vacations of the year, that often means missed deliveries – or worse, packages left on the front porch for days at a time.
A simple video doorbell solves this. By being able to respond to couriers in real time, and with eyes on your porch at all times, you can communicate where to safely leave your deliveries, as well as spot and deter any opportunistic porch pirates.
The Blink Video Doorbell Can Help You Safely Receive Packages While Away
If nobody's home, your precious spring deliveries are likely going to return to the depot, or in some cases, they can be left on your doorstep, out in the open for days.
In both scenarios, the $35.99 Blink Video Doorbell [at Amazon] proves useful. Instead of delivery workers having no option but to send it back, you can let them know a safe location to leave it, giving verbal permission to avoid you having to collect it yourself when you return from vacation.
The Blink Video Doorbell has clear day and night vision, so even if dusk has settled in by the time your deliveries arrive, the video doorbell is able to detect the motion, then feed the video to your smartphone.
During testing, we found there can be a slight delay in smartphone notifications, so leaving a simple note on your front door saying, 'Please wait a moment for us to answer' will allow enough time to ensure deliveries aren't missed.
And as many delivery companies are prone to leaving packages on doorsteps, having a simple camera helps to deter porch pirates, and can give you after-the-fact evidence in the worst-case scenario.
This Blink model offers outstanding affordability compared to other leading video doorbells, such as the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus and the eufy E340, both of which cost more than $100.
It's an accessible entry point into front porch security, without investing too heavily or setting up a comprehensive security system that requires advanced DIY skills and tech knowledge. And on test, we loved how quickly we could set it up, with everything included except for a screwdriver.
The Blink Video Doorbell is discounted to $35.99 at Amazon.
More to Shop
There are other additions you can make for improved home security while you are away. As Home Tech Editor here at Homes & Gardens, these are my six recommendations for their ease of use and maximum positive impact.
All prices were correct at the time of publication.
The Blink Video Doorbell comes with the Sync Module included. If you use a USB flash drive, you can store video clips without having to pay for a Blink subscription.
This 128GB flash drive allows you to store more clips without having to delete old footage as quickly.
If you'd rather avoid installing a video doorbell, you can instead opt for a secure package drop box, for couriers to leave deliveries, which passersby can't access.
If you have an enclosed front porch, this smart lock means you can grant visitors remote access, so couriers can drop parcels securely. Once they leave, it remotely locks.
These affordable outdoor cameras grant you greater visibility around your house while you're away.
It's more expensive, but the eufy E340 is a higher-quality video doorbell in every aspect. Vibrant picture, color night vision, and clearer audio help improve your package protection without a subscription. Read more in our full eufy E340 review.
Next, learn the best security measures for a house, and find out how the best robot vacuums we've tested can keep your home clean at the touch of an app.
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