The Best Baby Monitors of 2022, Tested and Reviewed by Parents
Table of Contents
So you’re a parent searching for the best baby monitors. Should be easy, right? Not quite.
When you become a parent, it can feel overwhelming to buy everything your little one needs, including car seats, cribs, strollers, noise machines, baby carriers and more. Between learning terms like “front versus rear-facing,” watching many parenting “how-to” tutorials on YouTube and extensive amounts of research and trial and error, the process can be time-consuming and frustrating.
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To save you time and frustration when shopping for the best baby monitor of 2022, SPY did the research for you. We’ve tested the best gadgets for parents, and you can read our in-depth baby monitor reviews below. Contrary to its name, parents will likely use their baby monitor long past the infant stage. Video baby monitors help parents keep an eye on their sleeping babies, but they can also be used to watch over toddlers playing independently in a nursery or playroom and can also be used to watch older children in their big kid bed.
Baby Monitors can be used for many purposes, so we put the most popular video monitors through a rigorous testing process to see which one will work best for your needs. Keep reading to find SPY’s guide to the best baby monitors of 2022, including complete reviews and photos of each of the monitors we tested. Remember, SPY before you buy.
The Best Baby Monitors At A Glance
1. Best Overall: Nanit Pro Smart Baby Monitor & Floor Stand – $299.99 at Nanit
2. Runner Up: Miku Pro Smart Baby Monitor – $399.00 at MikuCare
3. Best Non-WiFi Monitor: Infant Optics DXR-8 PRO – $199.99 at Amazon
4. Runner-Up Non-WiFi: Eufy Security SpaceView Pro – $169.99 at Eufy Life
5. Best Bargain: Lollipop Baby Monitor – $149.00 at Amazon
6. Best Health Stats: Owlet Dream Duo – $399.00 at Owlet Care
7. Best Hybrid: Motorola Nursery PIP – $189.99 at Nordstrom
8. Best For Travel: Hubble Connected Nursery Pal Deluxe – $199.99 at Target
9. Best Parent Monitor: Papalook BM1 Baby Monitor – $139.99 at Amazon
10. Best Non-WiFi Range: Panasonic Baby Monitor – $149.95 at Panasonic
11. Best Rechargeable Camera: Motorola VM36XL – $179.99 at Motorola
12. Most Compact Parent Monitor: Infant Optics DXR-8 – $165.99 at Amazon
13. Removable Storage Option: ChillaxBaby Daily Baby DM640 Baby Monitor – $119.99 at Chillax
There Are 3 Types of Baby Monitors To Consider
When testing the best baby monitors, we wanted to include a wide range of options, as this product category has evolved since the days of audio-only baby monitors that functioned like cheap walkie-talkies. The best baby monitors now come with special features such as two-way audio, live video, color night vision, apps and health monitoring.
Modern baby monitors fall into three categories:
WiFi Baby Monitors: These cameras require a smartphone to be used as a monitor. The popular Nanit, Miku, Owlet and Lollipop baby monitors are all popular WiFi baby monitors that made our list (more on WiFi baby monitors here). They allow parents to keep an eye on their child from anywhere, include video recordings triggered by sound or movement, and eliminate the need for a separate video display (parent monitor). These monitors have the highest-quality cameras on our list. Sound from the monitor can continue running in the background while the app is in use, allowing parents to continue monitoring their child while also using their phones. Their biggest drawbacks are price — except for the Lollipop — the lack of panning or tilting features and the need for a reliable WiFi connection to work.
WiFi Crossover or Hybrid Baby Monitors: WiFi Crossover Baby Monitors, also called Hybrid Monitors, are the most versatile video monitors. They include a parent monitor, which is an external handheld baby monitor display, and they also offer live streaming with a companion app. These video monitors are typically less expensive than WiFi-only baby monitors. Parents can share the stream, making it easy for multiple caregivers to have access to the video feed. Having a parent monitor is also useful for parents who don’t want to drain the battery on their phone, don’t want to rely on WiFi all the time, or want to be able to hand the parent monitor to a nanny, grandparent, or another caregiver who would prefer not to download an app.
Plug and Play Video Baby Monitors (Non-WiFi Baby Monitors): We included several plug-and-play video baby monitors as well, which have no WiFi capabilities (more on non-WiFi baby monitors here). They are a great option for parents who are concerned about the security issues that can come with using a WiFi connection or want to be able to use their video baby monitor in areas that don’t get reception. They keep phones free and are convenient for handing off to nannies or grandparents.
1. Nanit Pro Smart Baby Monitor & Floor Stand
BEST OVERALL
Best For: High-tech parents who like to track their child’s breathing and growth and want multiple mounting options. Parents who want the best baby monitor of 2022, full stop.
Why We Chose It: The Nanit Pro is a smart baby monitor that tracks health and growth, has a user-friendly application, a high-quality camera, provides snapshots of sleep patterns and is the most affordable option of the three baby monitors on our list that track health information.
Read More: The 6 Best WiFi Baby Monitors of 2022, Reviewed
Nanit Pro Smart Baby Monitor & Floor Stand
Nanit Pro Smart Baby Monitor at Nanit.com
The Nanit Pro is our top pick for its quality video feed, recording capabilities and price point. Out of all the monitors on our list that have in-app monitoring, the Nanit connected to its livestream the fastest. It was also easy to adjust the sound and motion sensitivity on the app, which reduced the number of false alerts. After dozens of baby monitor reviews, we can confidently say the Nanit Pro performed the best.
The Nanit app includes several features that parents will appreciate. Sleep summaries make it easy for parents to check when their baby fell asleep and how long they slept, with audio and video recordings included. The Nanit app also has a Memories section that automatically creates videos of baby sleeping and celebrates milestones, such as “Longest Nighttime Sleep.” These clips can be saved or shared with others.
Tracking breathing and growth is also easy with Nanit. The company sells Smart Sheets, a set of crib sheets that feature a pattern the Nanit camera can recognize and use to measure a baby’s growth, including height, weight and head circumference. Tracking a baby’s breathing as they sleep is also possible with Nanit’s Breathing Wear, which includes a band, swaddle, sleep sack and pajamas. All of these accessories feature a black and white pattern that the Nanit camera can use to monitor breathing in real-time. Unlike with the Owlet sock, Breathing Wear does not need to be recharged and no electronics are touching the baby. Finally, the Nanit is also the most affordable option of all three baby monitors with health tracking, coming in at $100 less than the Miku (our runner-up) and Owlet (our pick for its amazing health stats).
Pros:
App connection is extremely fast
Camera quality is highest on our list, tied with Miku
Automatically records and stores sound and movement videos for up to two days (longer with premium app upgrade)
Breathing Wear is available in several styles and does not need to be charged
Three mounting options are available, including the multi-stand, which is ideal for travel
Cons:
The floor stand on the Nanit has a massive footprint, much larger than the Miku
Only four sound options are included (White Noise, Waves, Wind, Birds).
If using multiple cameras, parents must switch between live views on the app and cannot do split-screen
Specs:
Video Quality: 1080P HD
Video Recordings: Yes
Access: Up to two user accounts
Number of Cameras That Can Be Paired: Up to five cameras
Mounting Options: Includes a safe wall mounting kit with cord cover, Floor Mount and Multi-Stand available
2. Miku Pro
RUNNER UP
Best For: Parents who want a high-quality camera, a detailed record of their baby’s sleep progression, and breath tracking.
Why We Chose It: The Miku has a high-quality camera, records and stores sound and videos for more than seven days and was the only monitor with in-app viewing that kept an icon on our home screen while the app was running in the background, making it easy to quickly open the camera when we heard a sound. Miku also prides itself on being the only baby monitor that tracks a baby’s breathing pattern without the use of a wearable (i.e. the Nanit Breathing Wear or the Owlet sock).
Miku Pro Baby Monitor
Price: $349.00 (orig. $399.00) 13% OFF
Buy Now
Miku Pro Smart Baby Monitor at Miku.com
The Miku was a close second behind the Nanit. Although it’s priced at $100 more than the Nanit Pro, we liked that the Miku didn’t require any wearables to track health stats. The Miku had high-quality video streams and its apps opened quickly, making it easy for parents to use their phones and easily check in on babies. Price played the biggest role in Miku earning the second spot on our list, but make no mistake, this is a stellar product. The downside, the Miku floor mount is sold separately for $99.
The Miku app opened slightly slower than the Nanit app but was still faster than all other apps on our list. The video quality is excellent and we liked the extended video clips the Miku recorded when sound or movement was detected. At seven days, the Miku had a longer storage period for its recorded videos than the Nanit, which only stores videos for two days.
In our testing, we found that the Miku baby monitor effectively tracked the baby’s sleep patterns while providing detailed analytics, including awake time, sleep time, average breathing rate and more. Inviting other users to the app is simple, making it easy for grandparents and babysitters to take over. We also liked being able to set the sensitivity level for notifications to help cut down on unnecessary pings on our smartphones.
The Miku’s sound library was by far the most extensive of any of the monitors on our list. We also liked that parents could dim the light on the camera without sacrificing video quality.
Pros:
Breath tracking does not require a wearable
Excellent camera quality and the app loads quickly for live streaming
Stores more than seven days of sound and video recording to help track sleep progress
Huge library of lullabies and soundscapes
Best floor mount of all the monitors on our list thanks to its small base
Cons:
No additional sleep expert features like the Nanit or Owlet
Camera Livestream loads slightly slower than the Nanit but faster than every other smart monitor on our list
Specs:
Video Quality: 1080P HD
Video Recordings: Yes
Access: No restrictions on the number of shared users
Number of Cameras That Can Be Paired: Multiple
Mounting Options: Includes safe wall mounting kit with cord cover, floor stand available
3. Infant Optics DXR-8 PRO
BEST NON-WIFI BABAY MONITOR
Best For: Parents who can spend a little bit more to get a baby monitor with a crisp and clear video feed.
Why We Chose It: The Infant Optics DXR-8 PRO takes all the best parts of its super popular and reliable predecessor and improves upon it with better audio and visuals and a larger screen.
Read More: The Best Non-WiFi Baby Monitors, Reviewed
Infant Optics DXR-8 PRO
Infant Optics DXR-8 PRO
The Infant Optics DXR-8 has been a best seller for years and the newly improved PRO is a step up that is worth the price increase. One quick look at the parent monitors of the two Infant Optics makes it easy to see where the company has improved upon the original. The DXR-8 PRO has a larger 5” LCD screen with wide-angle viewing and physical volume and brightness buttons. The menu interface is also now in color for easier viewing.
The DXR-8 PRO offers some advanced features, such as a technology that Infant Optics calls “Active Noise Reduction,” which helps to block out background noise from fans and white noise machines to make it easier for parents to hear their baby. It also features an upgraded speaker system for overall louder and clearer audio.
Like the original, the PRO also includes an LED sound indicator along the left side of the parent monitor. This is a useful feature because it allows parents to mute the monitor, which is helpful when working, talking on the phone or watching TV, and turn off the video feed, thus saving battery life. The LED sound indicator will light up when noise is detected in the baby’s room, allowing parents to monitor their child without a video feed or noise pollution.
The no-lag design of the DXR-8 is carried through on the PRO, which starts up immediately and has a smooth panning and tilting. We also like the improved 3x zoom, the best of any non-WiFi monitor.
The biggest drawback of the DXR-8 PRO is the high price point and DC-type connector, a change from the DXR-8, which has a more universal micro-USB connector. We also don’t like that Infant Optics doesn’t allow the DXR-8 cameras to work with the PRO, which would have been a nice feature for existing customers who wanted to add a second camera and upgraded parent monitor.
Pros:
Excellent zoom and optional additional zoom lens
Intuitive parent monitor buttons including volume and brightness controls
Large 5” LCD screen
Active noise reduction
No lagging when turning on parent monitor, panning or tilting
Cons:
Expensive for non-WiFi
No soundscapes
Specs:
Range: 984 feet
Screen size: 5″ LCD
Battery life: 6 hours continuous use, 10 hours on standby
Zoom Options: Panning, tilting and 3x zoom
Number of cameras that can be paired: Up to four cameras
4. Eufy Security SpaceView Pro
RUNNER UP NON-WIFI
Best For: Parents who want an affordable baby monitor that boasts a high-quality video feed and extended battery life on the parent monitor.
Why We Chose It: The Eufy Security SpaceView Pro is one of the best non-WiFi baby monitors available today thanks to its wide-angle lens, detailed video feed and impressive battery life, all at an affordable price point.
Eufy Security SpaceView Pro
Eufy Spaceview Pro Baby Monitor
The Eufy Security SpaceView Pro tops our list for non-WiFi baby monitors right next to the Infant Optics DXR-8 PRO. The Eufy is more affordable, but it doesn’t have the convenience of physical volume or brightness buttons on the parent monitor, which are helpful when trying to quickly lower the sound/brightness. Its parent monitor buttons are also less intuitive, which is why we rated it slightly lower. But if you’re looking to save a few bucks and still want a high-quality video feed with a wide view, this is a great option.
The Eufy Security SpaceView Pro includes a wide-angle detachable lens that expands the monitor’s view and still allows parents to zoom in. The parent monitor has a super clear 5” LCD screen with a 720HD display that provides crisp visuals in the light and dark. We also like that parents can pan 330 degrees and tilt 110 degrees, leaving very few blind spots in a room. The parent monitor turns on fast with no lag and has several useful features, including lullabies, timers and two-way talk.
The camera component of the Eufy is slightly heavier than other baby monitors, which makes it slightly cumbersome to travel with. Parents will have to take extra care to ensure it’s secure when wall mounting the camera so that it doesn’t detach and fall on the floor or the baby.
Pros:
Excellent price point
Extended battery life on the parent monitor
Impressive 110-degree wide-angle lens
Parent monitor is responsive and user-friendly
Several timers and alarms to help customize parent monitor
Cons:
Zoom function is not intuitive
Heavy camera can be cumbersome to mount
Specs:
Range: 1000 feet
Screen size: 5″ LCD
Battery life: 12 hours of continuous use
Zoom Options: Panning, tilting, and 2x zoom
Number of cameras that can be paired: Up to four cameras
5. Lollipop Baby Monitor
BUDGET PICK
Best For: Parents who want an affordable baby monitor with the convenience of a WiFi connection.
Why We Chose It: The Lollipop Baby Monitor is one of the most affordable options on our list. It’s amassed a legion of fans thanks to its inventive design, which makes it easy to attach the camera to just about anything.
Lollipop Baby Monitor
Lollipop Baby Monitor
Affordable, convenient and creative are the three words we would use to describe the eye-catching Lollipop Baby Monitor. The monitor’s “lollipop” shape is comprised of a non-toxic silicone case around the 1080P HD camera, which extends to a long stick that can be twisted, curved and bent to wrap around crib rails, door handles and more. The Lollipop also comes with a branch-like hook and cord covers for a safe wall mounting option.
Not only is the Lollipop’s design a parent-pleaser, but its app is also user-friendly. Parents can get a livestream of their baby from anywhere and easily see their little one thanks to the advanced infrared night vision. Parents can snap and store pictures, use a two-way talk feature, play soundscapes and check the dB levels of the room. There’s also unlimited account sharing, making it simple for babysitters and grandparents to also use the Lollipop.
The Lollipop can monitor temperature and humidity levels as well as other environmental stats, but that requires the purchase of the Lollipop Smart Baby Sensor. We also found that it could be difficult to get the Lollipop into a shape that allowed it to sit level on a flat surface.
Like the Owlet, Miku and Nanit, the Lollipop does not include a parent monitor and utilizes the users’ phone as the monitor. Unlike the best baby monitors from those brands, the Lollipop is significantly less expensive than the alternatives. It doesn’t have the same camera quality, health tracking abilities or in-app features the other three brands boasts, but for parents who want a WiFi baby monitor and are willing to skip those features, the Lollipop is a great option.
Pros:
Unlimited account sharing
Bendable holder provides several mounting options
Excellent price point
Multiple cameras can be added
Records and saves 30-second videos for up to seven days
Cons:
Navigating the app’s interface takes some time
Slight lag when watching livestream and using two-way talk
Sleep tracking and additional milestone videos are available, but this feature only has a 30-day free trial before an in-app purchase is required
Specs:
Video Quality: 1080P HD
Video Recordings: Yes
Access: No restrictions on the number of shared users
Number of Cameras That Can Be Paired: Multiple
Mounting Options: Includes safe wall mounting kit with cord cover, bendable arm
6. Owlet Dream Duo
BEST HEALTH STATS
Best For: Parents who want the most in-depth health tracking for their baby.
Why We Chose It: The Owlet’s inventive Dream Sock makes it easy for parents to monitor their child’s heart rate in real-time and collect data on their little one’s sleep patterns. Owlet also offers several assessment tools and educational videos to help parents create the best sleep routine and environment for their baby.
Owlet Dream Duo at Target
Owlet Dream Duo at Owlet.com
Owlet has developed a reputation for its innovative smart parenting gadgets. Owlet recently revamped its best-selling monitor and sock with the Owlet Dream Duo in January 2022 after a warning from the FDA. The letter, which did not include any safety concerns, listed the Owlet Smart Sock as a medical device since it alerted users to drops in heart rate and oxygen levels. This classification requires an additional clearance from the FDA, which Owlet is in the process of obtaining. In the meantime, Owlet has stopped selling their Smart Sock and is instead offering customers the Dream Sock, which also tracks oxygen levels and heart rate, but does not include the same alerts.
The Dream Duo includes the Dream Sock, which fits over the baby’s foot to monitor their heart rate, and the Owlet Cam, which monitors, temperature, humidity, movement and more. Through the Owlet app, parents receive alerts when sound or movement is detected as well as when the baby is awake. The app compiles this information to form a sleep schedule to help parents find the best routine for their baby.
The Owlet app includes an assessment for parents to fill out, which further helps cater Owlet’s sleep program to the individual. The app features the Dream Lab, which includes several videos by sleep experts with advice on improving a baby’s sleep and creates an ongoing sleep schedule that adjusts to babies as they grow.
In terms of setup, the Owlet requires the most legwork of all the monitors on our list due to putting the sock on the baby during every sleep session and making sure the sock base is plugged in and the sock is charged. However, using the sock to track sleep can help parents personalize their baby’s sleep routine to try to get their baby to sleep longer. The Dream Sock can be used until babies are 18 months old and the Owlet Cam can continue being used as a baby monitor for as long as necessary.* [Update: Owlet is now making the Dream Sock Plus which can be used from ages 0 to 5].
Pros:
The Dream Sock provides real-time information on a baby’s heart rate
The Owlet comes with multiple sizes of Dream Socks and additional socks can be ordered
Wall mount includes cord cover for added safety
Excellent camera quality
Owlet’s app provides an assessment and several videos by experts to help parents identify what is keeping their child from sleeping and how to improve their child’s sleep health
Cons:
The base for the Dream Sock must be plugged in for the sock to collect data and the sock must be charged daily
No video recordings
The live stream was the slowest to load of all monitors on our list
High price point and no option for floor mount
Specs:
Video Quality: 1080P HD
Video Recordings: No
Access: Up to four people
Number of Cameras That Can Be Paired: Up to two cameras
Mounting Options: Includes a safe wall mounting kit with cord cover
7. Motorola Nursery PIP
Best Hybrid
Best For: Parents who want smartphone live streaming and a parent monitor that can be used for backup.
Why We Chose It: The new Motorola Nursery PIP has several features built into its app, including a journal that is useful for tracking feeding and diaper changes and a music library that also allows for personal audio recordings. This video baby monitor records movement and features two-way talk, but its coolest feature is the ability to take pictures via the Motorola Nursery app.
Motorola Nursery PIP at Nordstrom
Motorola Nursery PIP at Target
The Motorola Nursery PIP was released in February 2022, but it’s already earned its spot among the best baby monitors. This new product gives parents the versatility of using the monitor’s in-app live streaming to keep an eye on their child, as well as the physical parent monitor. We like the fun design of the PIP camera, which is reminiscent of Wall-E, and being able to tilt and pan the camera from both the app and parent monitor is useful.
The PIP has a Journal section in its app that provides a space for parents to track important information, including diaper changes and feeding schedules. We also like that the app allows parents to take pictures and store them in a gallery. Video recordings taken when sound or movement is detected will also be stored in the app for up to 24 hours.
The parent monitor has a 2800mAh battery that makes it possible for parents to use the monitor all day without charging it. The parent monitor is the bulkiest of all the models on our list. It, unfortunately, doesn’t have a physical volume button, but it does have an LED sound indicator, which is a great feature that allows parents to continue monitoring their little one even with the sound and video feed turned off.
Pros:
Features live streaming via the Motorola app and includes a parent monitor
Keeps a video record of movement for up to 24 hours
Allows for panning and tilting when using the app or the parent monitor
Includes two-way talk and lullabies and allows for personal audio recordings
Journal feature has space for feeding, diapering, and sleep tracking information
Cons:
The parent monitor is extremely bulky and the video quality is very low
The video feed, as well as panning and tilting using the parent monitor, is delayed
A wall mount is included, but no cord cover
Specs:
Range: 900 feet
Screen size: 5″ LCD
Battery life: 10 hours continuous use, 15 hours on standby
Zoom Options: Panning, tilting and 2x zoom
Number of cameras that can be paired: Up to four cameras
8. Hubble Connected Nursery Pal Deluxe
BEST FOR TRAVEL
Best For: Parents who want the versatility of a live streaming app and a parent monitor, as well additional content, such as pre-loaded educational videos for kids.
Why We Chose It: The Hubble is one of only two rechargeable cameras on our list. We also like that the parent monitor can be used as a tablet and that the app features space for tracking pertinent information, including feeding and diapering. In addition, this smart baby monitor stores videos for 24 hours, features two-way talk and can accommodate up to four cameras.
Nursery Pal Deluxe at Target
Nursery Pal Deluxe at Hubble Connected
The Hubble is one of two cameras on our list that is rechargeable and therefore able to work without being plugged in (the Motorola VM36XL is the other baby monitor with a rechargeable camera). We like the Hubble for travel because it gives parents the flexibility to leave the parent monitor at home and use their phone to keep an eye on their little one, or they can use the camera and parent monitor together in an area that doesn’t get WiFi. Plus, with the Hubble camera boasting a three-hour charge, parents can watch their baby nap even in a space that isn’t close to an outlet.
Once inside the app, there are several useful features, including a tracking section for diapering, feeding and other parenting duties. We also liked that the parent monitor includes added features, like preloaded entertainment content to keep kids busy.
The Hubble parent monitor is the only monitor on our list that comes with a rubberized protective case, which we liked. Even with the case on, the Hubble still has one of the thinnest and most lightweight parent monitors on our list. The Hubble also comes with the Hubble Grip, which, like the Lollipop, makes it possible to mount the camera on a variety of surfaces.
The parent monitor has a touchscreen interface that cuts down on the physical size of the unit, but unfortunately, it was slow to respond at times during our test. Both the app and parent monitor feature ads for upgrades that can quickly get annoying. Still, despite these drawbacks, it packs a ton of features into an affordable product (relatively speaking), which made it a worthy inclusion in our guide to the best baby monitors of 2022.
Pros:
Includes protective bumper on parent monitor
Parent monitor comes with pre-programmed educational content that turns the monitor into a tablet
Privacy cover on the camera
Hubble Grip can be used as a wall mount, tripod or can wrap around objects, like the edge of a crib or the handle of a car seat
A rechargeable camera does not need to be plugged in at all times to work
Cons:
Touchscreen on parent monitor slow to respond
Video quality is not as good as more expensive options
Ads in the app and parent monitor are annoying
Specs:
Video Quality: 720P (parent monitor)
Video Recordings: Yes
Access: Only one account without an app upgrade
Number of Cameras That Can Be Paired: Up to four cameras
Mounting Options: Includes wall mounting kit and Hubble Grip
9. Papalook BM1 Baby Monitor
BEST PARENT MONITOR
Best For: Parents who want excellent camera quality at an affordable price. Parents who don’t want a WiFi or app-connected baby monitor.
Why We Chose It: The Papalook BM1 is an affordable monitor with an excellent camera that delivers a crisp and clear 1080P view on its 5-inch LCD screen. Although the Papalook BM1 isn’t a smart monitor, it still has useful features, including eight songs, an alert that lets parents know when crying is detected and a slot for a memory card to enable video recording.
Papalook BM1 Baby Monitor
Among the best baby monitors, the Papalook is one of the most affordable options on our list because it doesn’t include any smart features, such as breath tracking or recording (without the use of a memory card). It also lacks a corresponding app, which is either a pro or a con depending on how you feel about downloading another app to your phone.
For this reason, it’s also the best baby monitor for parents who want a monitor that doesn’t require WiFi or a smartphone. The Papalook has a large 5-inch LCD screen that provides one of the best live video feeds we’ve seen on any baby monitor. We also like that the parent monitor is thin and lightweight, making it much easier to slip into a pocket or use while traveling.
After a few weeks of use, we found that the parent monitor did not hold its charge as long and had to be plugged in more frequently. We also found that the camera began having some ghosting and blurring issues, but it had been placed directly under the path of a humidifier on full blast, so this was likely due to water damage.
Pros:
Cute design on camera is child friendly
Parent monitor is thin and lightweight
Includes eight lullabies and soundscapes, plus two-way talk
Several alarm settings to notify parents if noise is detected
Memory card can be added for video recording
Cons:
Monitor resets each time it’s turned off, so the date and time are continually wrong
Battery life on the parent monitor began to deteriorate after a few weeks and eventually only lasted a few hours before needing a charge
Does not come with mounting hardware
The camera makes an activation noise every time it’s plugged in, which could wake a sleeping baby
Specs:
Range: 900 feet
Screen size: 5″ LCD
Battery life: 10 hours continuous use, 15 hours on standby
Zoom Options: Panning, tilting and 2x zoom
Number of cameras that can be paired: Up to four cameras
10. Panasonic Baby Monitor
BEST RANGE FOR NON-WIFI MONITOR
Best For: Parents who want a baby monitor that won’t lose its connection even in large homes or outdoor spaces.
Why We Chose It: The Panasonic is an affordable and compact baby monitor that boasts an extended range and includes several useful features, including soundscapes and the ability to pair multiple cameras.
Panasonic Baby Monitor
Panasonic Baby Monitor
The Panasonic Baby Monitor is a budget buy that packs an impressive range. The compact parent monitor has a 3.5” LCD screen that doesn’t give parents the same wide visual as its competitors with 5” screens, but still provides a detailed look at objects even in the dark. Its small size makes it preferable for travel and the parent monitor can fit inside a parent’s pocket.
The best feature of the Panasonic is its extended 1,500-foot range, much longer than any of the other non-WiFi baby monitors on our list. This is great for parents in large homes or those who want to be outdoors in a back or front yard and still keep an eye on their baby sleeping inside.
The Panasonic also includes useful features like soundscapes, including white noise, and an LED sound indicator that alerts parents to changes in noise level in the baby’s room without having the sound or video feature active. This is useful because by not having the video on, the parent monitor saves battery power, and muting the parent monitor allows for parents to work, watch TV, take phone calls etc., without noise from their baby’s room interrupting them. Parents can customize alarm sensitivity and the monitor includes two-way talk, panning, tilting and zooming.
Pros:
Long-range connection
Parent monitor can fit in a pocket
LED sound indicator
Includes white noise option
Good night-vision visibility
Cons:
Small screen size
Battery life on parent monitor is 5 hours of continuous use
Specs:
Range: 1,500 feet
Screen size: 3.5” LCD
Battery life: 5 hours continuous use, 13 hours on standby
Zoom Options: Panning, tilting, and 2x zoom
Number of cameras that can be paired: Up to four cameras
11. Motorola VM36XL
BEST RECHARGEABLE
Best For: Parents who don’t want a WiFi monitor but do want a camera that will continue working for a limited time even in the event of a power outage.
Why We Chose It: The Motorola VM36XL has a quality resolution and several features we liked, including physical volume buttons on the parent monitor, but its best asset is the three-hour battery life on its camera.
Motorola VM36XL
Price: $164.99 (orig. $179.99) 8% OFF
Buy Now
Motorola VM36XL
For an affordable, non-WiFi baby monitor that will last throughout a short power outage, there’s the Motorola VM36XL. For parents who like the rechargeable camera feature of the Hubble Connected but don’t want a WiFi baby monitor or would like to save money, there’s the more affordable Motorola VM36XL. A 1,200 mAh rechargeable battery provides three hours of battery life for the camera, which makes this a great option for homes prone to power outages or parents who want a camera that can work for a short period without the need for a nearby outlet.
The parent monitor of the Motorola VM36XL has several features that we like, including physical volume buttons that allow for quick silencing when necessary, as well as an LED sound level indicator that keeps parents alert to noise changes in their baby’s room even when the sound and video has been silenced. We also like that it has a 1,000-foot range, which is on the higher end for non-WiFi baby monitors.
The Motorola VM36XL has an admirable 480 x 272 resolution, super responsive panning and tilting functions and a good 5” TFT color display on the parent monitor. Its zoom feature is weak and doesn’t include much detail and the Motorola VM36XL doesn’t provide a wide view, which could be an issue for parents who want to see a child’s entire room without panning.
Pros:
3-hour camera battery life
LED sound level indicator
Physical volume button on the parent monitor
Excellent range
Parents can customize their parent monitor with several alert features
Cons:
Short battery life for parent monitor
Zoom quality is lacking
Low resolution
View is not very wide
Specs:
Resolution: 480 x 270
Range: 1000 feet
Screen size: 5″ LCD
Battery life: 12 hours of continuous use
Zoom Options: Panning, tilting, and 2x zoom
Number of cameras that can be paired: Up to four cameras
12. Infant Optics DXR-8
MOST COMPACT DISPLAY
Best For: Parents who don’t want to use WiFi or a smartphone and need a dependable baby monitor that can help them keep an eye on the baby. Parents who want the best baby monitor under $200.
Why We Chose It: The Infant Optics DXR-8 is one of the most popular baby monitors available because it’s reliable, affordable, durable, has an impressive tilt and pan function and is compact. It doesn’t record video, which is a plus for parents concerned about cybersecurity.
Infant Optics DXR-8
Price: $165.99 (orig. $229.99) 28% OFF
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Infant Optics DXR-8 at Walmart
If you want to banish bulk and need a reliable baby monitor that doesn’t require WiFi, then the Infant Optics DXR-8 is one of the best baby monitors for you. Easily one of the most popular options on the market, the affordable Infant Optics has an impressive 355-degree pan that makes this a great monitor for keeping an eye on kids in playrooms or anywhere else they are mobile. For parents of multiples or anyone who wants eyes on the nursery and other rooms in the home, Infant Optics allows up to four cameras to be added and viewed at once with the split-screen.
Infant Optics is a plug-and-play monitor that requires zero setup time and no WiFi, making it a great option for travel and as a backup monitor for grandma’s house. The small parent monitor is compact and durable and features two-way talk and impressive battery life. We’ve had our DRX-8 for 3.5 years and it continues to work even after daily use and several drops and bumps, with almost no video delay.
Pros:
Small parent monitor can fit in a pocket
Includes replacement lithium-ion battery
Good night vision, two-way talk, and room temperature sensor
LED sound indicator
Parent monitor is durable
Cons:
Video quality not as sharp as other monitors.
At 3.5”, the Infant Optics has the smallest screen on our list and parents will likely need to pan to get a full view of their child in the crib
Wide-angle lens must be purchased separately
Specs:
Range: 700 feet
Screen size: 3.5” LCD
Battery life: 6 hours continuous use, 10 hours on standby
Zoom Options: Panning, tilting, and 2x zoom
Number of cameras that can be paired: Up to four cameras
13. ChillaxBaby Daily Baby DM640 Baby Monitor
REMOVEABLE STORAGE
Best For: Parents who want an affordable crossover option that includes both live streaming via an app and a parent monitor.
Why We Chose It: The ChillaxBaby is the least expensive crossover monitor on our list, provides versatility in its viewing options and includes useful parent tools both in the app and on the parent monitor. Parents can also view a split-screen view with up to four cameras, a feature that’s lacking in even the best baby monitors on our list.
ChillaxBaby Daily Baby DM640 Baby Monitor at Chillax Care
The ChillaxBaby sets itself apart from the other crossover monitors on our list with its low price and in-app features. The ChillaxBaby app includes an extensive Journal section that has room for parents to record pertinent information, including daily schedules, appointments, health information, and more. The ChillaxBaby also includes a feeding and diaper button on the parent monitor that adds convenience by allowing parents to send tracking information directly to the app with the push of a button. Additional users, such as nannies and grandparents, can easily be added or removed from the live stream on the ChillaxBaby app.
Like the crossover Hubble and Motorola PIP, the ChillaxBaby records and stores video footage for up to 24 hours. Also, like the Hubble and Motorola PIP, where the ChillaxBaby falters is in video quality. It does have a slim parent monitor that is much smaller than the bulky Motorola PIP and is only slightly larger than the Hubble.
Additional cameras can be added and viewed on a split-screen. Lullabies and personal audio recordings are available and two-way talk is included. We also liked that the ChillaxBaby camera includes a physical switch that allows parents to turn off WiFi for privacy.
Pros:
Impressive 1200-foot range
Physical WiFi button on parent monitor for privacy
Physical feeding and diapering buttons on the parent monitor
Lightweight parent monitor
App includes gallery for storing pictures taken via the app
Cons:
Livestreaming video quality on the app is low
Small viewing range
Cannot pan or tilt using the app or parent monitor
Specs:
Range: 1200 feet
Screen size: 4.3″ LCD
Battery life: 8 hours of continuous use
Zoom Options: 2x zoom, no panning or tilting
Number of cameras that can be paired: Up to four cameras
Baby Monitor Reviews: About Our Testing Process
For this review, we tested each of the baby monitors for at least two weeks, and the top options were tested for much longer. All three styles of baby monitors have pros and cons, and we evaluated each monitor using the following criteria when applicable:
Records Movement: WiFi-enabled video baby monitors typically record videos when sound or movement is detected and store the footage, which is how most home security cameras operate (that’s why some of the best indoor security cameras are now used as baby monitors). Some parent monitors include space for memory cards.
Sound Features: All the monitors on our list include two-way talk, which allows parents to soothe their baby or chat with another adult. Some of the monitors also included lullabies and soundscapes, which eliminates the need for a white noise machine.
Mounting System: All the cameras on our list can be wall-mounted. We indicated whether the camera comes with mounting hardware and a cord cover (a long piece of plastic that secures the wiring to the wall and adds an extra safety element).
Camera Quality: We rated camera quality as Fair, Good and Excellent, and we’ve included screenshots from the video feed so you can judge for yourself.
Can Additional Cameras Be Added: We indicated whether additional cameras could be added and viewed with the same app or parent monitor. Having additional cameras is useful for parents of multiples or parents who want to set up a camera in the nursery, playroom, living room, etc.
Unique Features: Does a particular baby monitor have any unique features that set it apart from the competition?
For this guide, we spent weeks using each video baby monitor with a newborn and a toddler to ensure the products we recommend will work for multiple ages. All of the testing was conducted by real parents. We know that moms and dads want an easy-to-use and reliable baby monitor that will give them an equally clear view of their little one at 3 p.m. and 3 a.m.
Click here to read more about how we test and review products.
Why Trust SPY When Shopping for a Video Baby Monitor
SPY is a product review and discovery platform that connects readers with the best gadgets, appliances, home goods and men’s grooming and style finds. The SPY team includes e-commerce editors and product testers with decades of experience, and we would never recommend something that we wouldn’t purchase ourselves. Whenever possible, we personally test and review the products we feature, and we’re always honest about the pros and cons we discovered during the testing process. Sponsored content and advertisements are always clearly labeled.
The SPY team has tested and reviewed several types of video cameras over the last two years, from indoor and outdoor security cameras to adventure video cameras, and, of course, video baby monitors. We have also reviewed several categories of baby products and are constantly searching for new items that help make life better for babies and parents. As new products become available, we’ll be sure to update this guide with the best new baby monitors.
Editor’s Note: We last updated this piece on June 29, 2022. We added a few hands-on reviews to the piece for the Lollipop, Eufy Security SpaceView Pro, Motorola VM36XL, Panasonic Baby Monitor, and Infant Optics DXR-8 PRO.
About the Author: Allison Bowsher
Allison Bowsher is an entertainment writer, product reviewer and a long-time contributor to SPY.com. In her years writing for SPY, she has reviewed everything from baby monitors to folding kayaks, and she is one of our most experienced e-commerce writers. As a mom, Allison often reviews parenting products. Before joining SPY as a contributor, Allison spent four years as the Editor and head writer for Much.com (aka the Canadian MTV).
Allison’s work continues to focus mainly on entertainment, as well as parenting, fashion, travel, fitness and household goods. Her writing has been featured on E! Online, MTV, Metacritic, Etalk, Bustle, and CTV. Born and raised outside of Toronto and now living in the United States, Allison earned her Masters in Communication and Culture from York University. Allison spends most days running around after her children.
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