Top Baby Cams of 2021 (Pricing & Features)
Take a look at the ten best monitors below and compare pricing, functionality, connectivity, and other key features.
While most of these monitors feature video properties, a few are audio-only. Keep that in mind, when comparing prices.
| Provider | Price | Best For | Audio/Video | Connectivity | FOV | Integrations | Mobile App | Night Vision | Resolution | Zoom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. VT DM221 | $34 | Budgets | Audio | Battery | N/A | No | No | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2. VT DM111 | $30 | Grand parents | Audio | Battery | N/A | No | No | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 3. Miku | $400 | Motion Sensor | Both | Wi-Fi | 120° | No | Yes | Yes | 1080p | Yes |
| 4. Nanit Plus | $300 | Analytics | Both | Wi-Fi | 130° | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1080p | Yes |
| 5. Infant Optics | $165 | Ease Of Use | Both | Battery | 170° | No | No | Yes | 1080p | Yes |
| 6. Eufy | $299 | Simplicity | Both | Battery | 110° | No | No | Yes | 720p | Yes |
| 7. Motorola | $130 | Anxious babies | Both | Battery | 130° | No | Yes | Yes | 1080p | Yes |
| 8. Baby Sense | $85 | Comfort | Both | Wi-Fi | 130° | No | No | Yes | 1080p | Yes |
| 9. Summer Infant | $300 | Zoom | Both | Battery | 120° | No | Yes | Yes | 760p | Yes |
| 10. Arlo Baby | $200 | Image Quality | Both | Wi-Fi | 130° | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1080p | Yes |
Types & Models of Baby Monitors
Before deciding on a product, it helps to identify the different types of monitors. Believe it or not, there is a difference between each kind of smart home device. These are the main three styles, so consumers should look at each and see which best matches their household.
These days, there are plenty of different options to suit any budget, household, and family.
1. Wi-Fi Baby Monitors
As the name suggests, these connect to the home’s Wi-Fi network. Typically, families can control these accessories with a smartphone or tablet. This makes it a super convenient option, as they can check in on their kids from anywhere. The devices also work well with voice commands via Amazon Alexa or Google Home.
These types of monitors depending on the home’s Internet connection, so use them with caution.
Pros:
- Convenient mobile control
- Easy set-up
- Often include cloud storage
Cons:
- Potential connectivity issues
- Quality concerns since they’re so common
2. Video Baby Monitors
This type of baby monitor camera comes with audio and video functionality. It provides the added peace of mind that busy parents want. Along with two-way communication and night vision, a mobile app is included. These products typically offer some kind of storage, although the size varies depending on the model.
Pros:
- Built-in speaker/microphone for communication
- Night vision is a common feature
- See kids in real-time
Cons:
- More expensive
- Storage size varies
3. Audio-Only Baby Monitors
An audio baby monitor is a typical device that most people are used to seeing. It allows parents to hear their child, but they can’t see them. While customers can expect the sound quality to be superb and the price to be more affordable, it still lacks many features.
Audio-only monitors are convenient for on-the-go, but they don’t provide the peace of mind of a video camera.
Pros:
- Easy to find in stores/online
- Great sound quality
- More affordable
Cons:
- Lacks smart features
- No video capabilities
Top Features of a Smart Baby Monitor
The best video baby monitor has to be useful, simple, and affordable. Below are the top features to look for when shopping for a new device.
Fortunately, the top options on this list include many of the key capabilities that families need.
1. Range
Without the proper range for their household, families will lose connectivity when trying to view or listen in on their children. The bigger their home or room, the more important it is to find a video cam with a decent range.
2. Picture Quality & Night Vision
While some people may be fine with an audio-only monitor, many parents prefer one with video and picture options. Keep in mind that the image quality varies greatly.
Look for a camera that includes night vision, high-definition resolution, and playback features.
3. Interconnectivity
This is something that not every family will need, but it’s a huge help. Interconnectivity helps parents and babysitters stay in the loop and check on infants at any time, from anywhere. It might be a good idea to look for a video camera with more than one monitor.
4. Sound Quality & Sensitivity
This metric is one of the most important, so don’t neglect it. Parents rely on the monitor’s speakers to hear when their child is crying or getting nervous. Besides, it’s more convenient to listen than to constantly check the video feed.
5. Alerts/Constant Audio Feed
The good news is that most monitors include instant alerts and smartphone notifications, so parents can always respond quickly. That said, be sure that the alerts are obvious because sometimes emergencies can happen in the middle of the evening.
Some devices can integrate with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, and Google Home, which helps with viewing video feeds at any time.
6. Room Temperature Checker
Here is another feature that parents might not think about. However, it’s easy for infants to get too hot or too cold. A built-in temperature reader or sensor can help families control the heating or cooling remotely and keep babies comfy and quiet.
7. Zoom Capability
It’s a good idea to look for a baby monitor camera with a digital zoom function. This way, customers can get a closer look at their children as well as zoom out and see the entire nursery or bedroom. With a pan and tilt feature, they can rest assured that their child and environment are safe.
8. Indicators
Don’t underestimate the power of responsive indicator lights. Parents must know when the batteries are low, the Wi-Fi connection is lost, or the temperature is too high or low.
Also, pay attention to motion sensors and audio alerts.
Tips for Choosing the Best Baby Monitor
Finally, each product on the best baby monitor list has something to offer. That said, there are some important things to remember when shopping for that perfect device.
1. Reliability
Every feature on the monitor must be reliable, or there is no point. This applies to the notifications, mobile controls, voice controls, as well as the audio and video quality. Also, consider the motion controls and low-battery indicator lights.
2. Type of Monitoring
Families should take time to consider what kind of monitoring they want. For example, some parents might be fine with just audio, but most would like to also have video functionality.
Moreover, remember to check that the home's Wi-Fi network can handle one or more devices.
3. Reviews
Before deciding on a baby camera, be sure to check some customer reviews. Clients aren’t shy about sharing their honest feedback, so see what they have to say about the overall value, ease of use, and functionality.
4. Price
Of course, the family’s budget is a crucial part of choosing a baby camera. Fortunately, there are options for every price range, so that shouldn’t be a huge concern. At the same time, remember that customers will get what they pay for, so if they want quality, they should invest a bit.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What Are the Top-Rated Baby Monitors?
This list of the best video baby monitor options is the perfect place to start looking. Each of these devices offers plenty of benefits and specifications, such as night vision, two-way audio, and smartphone alerts.
Besides, there isn’t one top product that will suit every customer. Each household has unique needs and preferences, which is why this list includes ten choices.
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Are Baby Monitors Safe?
Yes. It doesn’t matter if it’s the best audio baby monitor or a top-rated video camera. These products are safe to use, and many of them include additional security specifications.
Things like live video feeds and instant alerts help parents stay aware of their child’s surroundings and comfort level.
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At What Age Should You Stop Using a Baby Monitor?
There is no definitive answer because each child and household are different. Sometimes, parents can ditch their monitors when their babies are around six months old.
However, they might keep using it if the child is anxious, has a medical condition, or the home is particularly large, and their bedroom is far away.
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Can Someone Hack into a Baby Video Monitor?
Yes, someone can hack these video cameras, but that doesn’t mean parents have to start worrying. Rather, they should make sure that their home’s Wi-Fi network is secure to keep hackers away.
Also, it’s important to have layers of security, such as unique passwords and firewall protection.
Protect Those Little Bundles of Joy
After reading through these baby monitor reviews as well as the shopping tips, families should feel better prepared to buy a suitable device. Children are worth protecting, so don’t be afraid to invest in a quality product that will keep them safe and comfortable.
Also, if you have experience with a monitor or camera, be sure to share in the comments below.
