Introduction
Whether you’re a new mom or just know one, bringing a newborn home is a stressful time. From setting up a crib to purchasing pacifiers, there is a huge number of things that moms need to do. It’s overwhelming to try to keep track of all of the necessities, let alone make sure that you’re getting top-quality products for your child.
As parents, we understand that. As a result, we’ve taken the stress of finding one of the most important items—the baby monitor—off of your hands. Below is our definitive Top 10 list, in no particular order, of the best baby monitors on the market right now based on price, features, and reliability.
1. NestCam Security Camera
While not specifically a baby monitor, this high-tech camera works wonderfully as one. The NestCam is a top-of-the-line indoor security camera that was originally created for general use in your home.
Click on the image to check the camera out on Amazon.
The NestCam Has a Huge Variety of Features That Make It an Excellent Choice for a Baby Camera:
- 24/7 live recorded video feed delivered directly to the company’s connected app on your smartphone
- Plugs directly into the wall, so no worries about checking the battery life
- 130° wide angle view allows you to see the entirety of your baby’s nursery
- Two-way communication between you and your baby
- Night vision
- Alerts and snapshots notify when there are unusual noises or sounds in the room
- Optional NestAware service gives you alerts when a person walks into the frame or when there is movement in certain “Activity Spots” such as near the crib
What Reviewers Are Saying
On Amazon, this product has an average of 4 stars derived from over 5,000 different reviews. Generally, reviewers are extremely happy with the easy setup, professional-level quality of the picture, and overall design of both the equipment and the companion app. Many reflected that it’s a great way to check and see what is going “bump” in the night!
The thing that most people were unhappy with was the NestAware subscription, which is required to keep any records of the recorded material. Many people complained about the annoying advertisement banner that appears in the app if you choose to forego the service, which feels too obtrusive and is frustrating for customers who have already spent good money on the product.
Nest camera wasn’t built to be used as a baby monitor, and it lacks some of the most basic functionalities that other monitors can offer (more on that below), but it’s also so much more than just a baby monitor. With Nest, you get a smart camera that can connect with a range of other services, such as Amazon Prime and Google assistant.
To Purchase the NestCam or Learn More about the Product, Visit This Link.
The Willcare baby monitor is a great monitor at a low price point. With a number of features and over 200 reviews on Amazon, this monitor is a great option for someone looking at the lower end of the price range but still wanting some amazing features.
Click on the image to check the monitor out on Amazon.
The Willcare Benefits Include:
- Two-way communication
- Background noise reduction
- 160-foot indoor range (1000-feet outdoor range)
- Remote-controlled nightlight
- Micro-USB recharging for convenience
- 3-year protection for an additional $3
What Reviewers Are Saying
With 4.3 out of 5 stars and 255 reviews, it seems that this high-quality product is just starting to get noticed by Amazon buyers. 79% of reviewers rated it at 5 stars, overwhelmingly more than any other monitor reviewed.
Most were wholly surprised at the sound quality offered by the Willcare, saying that the background noise reduction worked like a charm and the sound sensitivity was unparalleled. Parents also loved the fact that the night light on the baby’s unit could be controlled remotely!
The negative reviews that we found seem to stem from faulty devices. As an additional protection though, we recommend buying the extra 3-year protection for just $3 to make sure that your monitor is operating smoothly for a long time.
To Learn More about the Willcare DBM-8, Click Here.
3. Infant Optics DXR-8 Video Baby Monitor with Interchangeable Optical Lens
The Infant Optics DXR-8 Has the Pleasure of Being the Most Popular Baby Monitor on Amazon. A Classic Baby Monitor, This Product Offers a Variety of Features:
Click on the image to check the monitor out on Amazon.
- Two-way talk
- Sound-activated LED light
- Remote camera control so you can pan and tilt the camera to see any way you want as well as zoom in on anything from the handheld device
- Night vision
- Interchangeable lens
- Temperature monitoring
- Automatic screen shut-off
What Reviewers Are Saying
This product has an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon and has been reviewed by over 11,000 people. This is an impressive number and it is largely due to the quality of the device and the customer service provided by Infant Optics.
Many reviewers claim that the company was quick to replace any parts that were malfunctioning at no cost to the customer and some seasoned parents even stated that this was the best video monitor they have ever used!
The biggest complaint that customers had was the battery life of this piece, stating that it ran out faster than they were expecting. The reason is that video monitors generally drain battery life more quickly than audio monitors and this is something to consider when making your purchase.
To Learn More about This Product, Click Here.
4. VTech DM221 Safe & Sound Digital Audio Baby Monitor
Made by VTech, one of the best brands in mobile phones and baby care products, this digital audio monitor is a great option for families who don’t feel that they need a video feed for their baby. As a company dedicated to extraordinary consumer electronics, VTech’s baby monitors are some of the best that you can get.
Click on the image to check the monitor out on Amazon.
The VTech DM221 Safe & Sound Digital Audio Baby Monitor Offers a Number of Features, Including:
- Vibrating feature that lets you “feel” your baby’s cries
- DECT 6.0 technology reduces interference from other radio waves
- Visual sound indicator
- Built-in nightlight on baby unit
This product has an average of 4 stars on Amazon with over 4,000 reviews. Over half of the reviewers gave it 5 stars, citing the clarity of sound and the sensitivity level as the best parts of the monitor.
The VTech monitor will remain quiet until it picks up on your baby’s cries, so ambient noise will not be a bother to parents. Negative reviews focused on the lifetime of the product, claiming it was shorter than they expected.
To Learn More about the VTech, Visit the Amazon Page Here.
5. VTech DM111 Safe & Sound Digital Audio Baby Monitor
Click on the image to check the monitor out on Amazon.
Similar to the DM221 but without the two-way transmission or rechargeable batteries, this device is an amazing option for families looking for a simple monitor at a low price.
Features Include
- Powered by two AAA batteries (not included)
- 5-level visual sound indicator
- 150-foot indoor range (1000-feet outdoor range)
- Battery life up to 20 hours
- DECT 6.0 technology
What Reviewers Are Saying
Most reviewers on Amazon are generally happy with their “no-frills” baby monitor, one man even commenting, “We can hear the same baby, same crying, $80 less [than more expensive units].” With an average of 4.1 stars out of 1,680 on Amazon, it’s hard to challenge this simple but powerful device.
Negative reviews complained of static noises and short device lifetime, but by being diligent in turning off the monitor when it is not in use, you can probably prolong the battery life.
Reviewers also commented that the static noise issues were like caused by low battery life. Additional power cords help the battery life issue and at a reasonable price, this unit can be easily replaced if need-be.
To Learn More about the VTech DM111, Click Here.
6. Hello Baby Wireless Video Baby Monitor with Digital Camera HB24, Night Vision Temperature Monitoring & 2 Way Talkback System
If you are looking for a battery-powered baby monitor that has everything but the kitchen sink, the Hello Baby Wireless Video system is the choice for you!
Click on the image to check the monitor out on Amazon.
Features of This Device Include:
- Two-way communication
- Temperature monitoring
- Video with night vision
- VOX voice-activated sound control
- Digital zoom
- 8 lullabies
- 8-level alarm
- 960-foot range
- Ability to connect one parent unit to four different cameras
- Optional 2- or 3-year warranty
What Reviewers Are Saying
Most reviewers are absolutely in love with their Hello Baby camera. With 1,295 reviews, 50% of customers rated it at 5 stars, giving it an average of 3.8 across the board. The happiest customers were blown away by the quality of the camera and the distance of range (one woman commented that it worked like a charm in her 2,800 square foot home and even extended over to her neighbor’s house!).
Negative reviews focused on the short battery life that is inevitable with video-based monitors, but several reviewers who initially gave low scores updated their reviews after being in contact with customer service.
Overall, this is a great camera that’s in the middle-of-the-road price range.
To Learn More about the Hello Baby, Visit the Amazon Listing Here.
7. Babysense Video Baby Monitor
Babysense is committed to beautiful, simple designs that are inspired by real families everywhere. The company focuses on building intuitive devices that are easy to set up and reduce the stress of new mothers everywhere. The 2.4-inch video baby monitor is no exception and it is truly a beautiful piece of technology.
Click on the image to check the monitor out on Amazon.
This Video Monitor Offers a Huge Number of Features:
- Temperature monitoring
- Colorful LCD display
- Two-way communication
- 900-foot open space range
- Auto infrared night vision
- Voice activation technology
- Digital zoom, pan, and tilt
- Lullabies
- Expandable to four cameras
What Reviewers Are Saying
With 242 reviews and an average of 4.5 stars, this camera is a great option for all parents. Reviewers were impressed with the clarity of the picture and while some complained of connectivity issues the overwhelming number of 5-star reviews is indicative of the quality of this monitor. One woman even commented that it was as good as the “name brand” Motorola monitor she had bought her older child at double the price!
To Learn More about This Monitor, Click Here.
8. LeFun Security Camera
Much like the NestCam, the KeeKoon is actually a security camera that many people choose to use as a video baby monitor. This item is a top seller on Amazon and has over 1,000 reviews, and it is easy to see why!
Click on the image to check the camera out on Amazon.
The LeFun Camera Has a Number of Features That Make It a Great Baby Monitor:
- Wifi connectivity
- Two-way communication
- Easy placement and setup
- Full 1-year warranty
- Motion detecting
- Remote pan, tilt, and zoom
- Featured app for smartphones or tablets
- Night vision
What Reviewers Are Saying
This camera averages 3.8 stars out of 5 on Amazon. Most were impressed with how intuitive the app is to use and how easy it was to set up the camera (a sometimes tedious process). The camera connects to your home’s wifi network so you can easily see what is happening through the connected app.
You can also have guests log on so your family and friends can see your baby from afar. While you have to open the app to see what is happening in your child’s room, it is a great solution for parents who want to repeatedly check on their child rather than let a baby monitor run at all times.
To Learn More about the Camera, Click Here.
9. GBH Video Baby Monitor
Much like the other video baby monitors we have mentioned, the GBH is a fantastic option for parents who want to look over their child as they sleep.
Click on the image to check the monitor out on Amazon.
Since This Camera System Is Actually Designed as a Baby Monitor, It Comes with a Separate Handheld Parent Unit That Helps Monitor a Number of Different Features:
- Two-way communication
- Night vision
- Temperature monitoring
- Easy setup
- Color screen
- 160-feet indoor range
What Reviewers Are Saying
This monitor has an average of 4.1 stars among the 150 reviews featured on Amazon. Over 60% of these reviewers rated it at 5 stars and most bad reviews seemed to be the result of malfunctioning devices and connectivity issues. Overall, this seems to be a great product for parents who are looking for video monitors but who still want a more basic unit.
To Learn More about the GBH Video Monitor, Click Here.
10. The First Years Crisp and Clear Audio Monitor
Click on the image to check the monitor out on Amazon.
The First Years has a proven 60-year track record of creating products for young children and new parents. The company knows that babies don’t come with an instruction manual, so their products reflect the creative solutions parents have to come up with every day.
The Crisp and Clear Audio Monitor Is a Top of the Line Audio Monitor That Is Simple and Well-Tested. It Includes:
- Low-battery and out-of-range alerts
- Sound level lights
- Battery-powered
- Belt clip or wall mounted
What Reviewers Are Saying
With an average of 3.8 stars, reviewers are generally happy with the simplicity of this device. Many felt that it served its purpose well, but did not go above and beyond other monitors. If you’re the kind of parent that is looking for something simple but reliable, this monitor is one to consider.
To Learn More about the Clear and Crisp Monitor, Click Here.
Conclusion
If you are searching for a baby monitor, don’t let the overwhelming process get to you. By knowing what you are looking for and paying attention to reviews, you’ll find the right device for your family.
