A reliable and best video baby monitor is vital for new parents. It helps you conduct your day to day activities while keeping tabs on your newborn.
You will be able to know when your baby needs your attention or just monitor them playing, sleeping, or just being themselves. You won’t miss a minute of their lives. Choosing the best baby monitor for you can be tricky. There are many video baby monitors available in the market today.
Security, interference, and, parent unit size are some of the things you should consider before purchasing a particular video baby monitor. Some of the features you can find in a video baby monitor include WiFi connectivity, dual cameras, long-range monitoring, and many more. Depending on your budget (most of them are around 40 dollars) you can be able to get the best product for you and your baby.
List of 10 Best Video Baby Monitor Brands to Buy in 2022
Below is a breakdown of the top video baby monitors available and the best features of each option:
1. Infant Optics DXR-8 Video Baby Monitor
The DXR-8 is the best-selling video baby monitor on Amazon with more than 10,000 5-star reviews. This product has a higher price compared to the other products, but because of features like the interchangeable lens system, remotely adjust features and reliability make it a top pick for many parents.
This monitor streams real-time footage to a 3.5” color display without an internet connection. Its battery can last for around 6 hours if the screen is always on and up to 10 hours on standby.
Supplementary to providing high-quality video, the camera has an alarm function, a two-way talk, a temperature monitor, and a night vision. You can also remotely change the angle of the camera or zoom in the controller or even change it to a regular baby monitor by turning off the video function. This monitor’s transmission range is up to 700 feet though parents have noted that it does not transmit signals reliably through many walls.
The interchangeable lens feature is a unique feature this monitor boasts of. It has an optical zoom lens which enables you to get a close- up look at your child (it’s a smart move if you want to monitor your baby’s breathing). A wide-angle lens is also sold separately.
This product has received many positive reviews. Many parents have cited that it provides high-quality video, it is easy to set up, and its performance is reliable. Many reviewers also note that the company’s customer service is impeccable. This is an added advantage for any product.
2. Best Non-WiFi: Babysense Video Baby Monitor
Privacy concerns surrounding WiFi-enabled monitors make some parents go for monitors that do not have an internet connection. The Babysense video baby monitor is a highly-rated option that comes at a reasonable price.
The 2.4” color screen this monitor has that connects to its camera over a secure interference-free connection provides you with a video of up to 900 feet away. It comes with a two-way talk system, a night vision, temperature monitoring, voice-activation mode, 2x zoom, and many more. The manufacturer does not specify the battery life, but many reviewers say that it can give you 6 hours of continuous use.
According to parents and other reviews, the Babysense video baby monitor is easy to set up; it has an impressive range (up to three or four rooms away) and, it produces bright pictures and audio. This monitor is an excellent value for money though it does not tilt or pan remotely.
3. Best Dual Camera: Motorola Digital Video Baby Monitor with Two
If you require double video footage to watch over your kids, Motorola monitor with two cameras is the ideal monitor for you. It allows you to quickly monitor multiple areas in your home from a secure, non-WiFi connection. This monitor is a little pricey compared to other monitors, but it provides you with twice the coverage. This is entirely worth it.
These cameras in this monitor can be panned, zoomed and tilted from the control monitor with a screen of 3.5” color screen. It also comes with the two-way talk feature, a lullaby feature, and night vision. The two cameras can also be toggled back and forth either manually or automatically. This monitor can operate up to 590 feet away from the cameras. Users have also cited that the battery can serve you up to four hours or more.
The reason why parents love the Motorola Digital Video Baby Monitor is that it is easy to set up and the camera can be adjusted remotely. Several users have had one camera died after a few months of use, and this can be very frustrating considering how pricey this product is. However, reviewers have also mentioned that the company sends a replacement if this happens.
4. Samsung SafeVIEW Baby Monitoring System
Just like many monitors in this price range (198.95 dollars on Amazon); this monitor comes with a couple of features: remote zoom, tilt, and a pan of the camera. Two-Way communication and a 900 feet range so you can have a chat with your neighbor when your baby is having a nap without any stress. It also has a built-in nightlight which can be turned on and off using the monitor. You can also decrease its sound sensitivity to prevent it from picking any background noise.
Babylist parents love this monitor because it has a high-quality video screen, it is sensitive to baby movements and sound and, the monitor view can be adjusted. However, the downside to this monitor is that its battery drains fast as reported by parents and the monitor does not always adapt to light changes in the room.
Some of the additional specifications include:
- A 5-inch color screen.
- A rechargeable battery which lasts for 4.5 hours. It also has an audio-only sleep mode to extend battery life.
- Transmission of 2.4 GHz FHSS.
- It can also be mounted on the table.
5. Summer Infant in View 2.0 Video Monitor
In the view, the monitor is not only budget-friendly, but it also provides you with features like a big screen, a camera that zooms, and built-in night light. It also offers standard features like low battery and out of range indicators, sound-activated lights and rechargeable batteries for the handheld monitor. The camera works with up to four cameras making it ideal if you have or planning to have a big family. Its camera can be mounted on the wall or used as a tabletop.
One thing you should keep in mind when purchasing this monitor is that the video quality is not as good compared to other monitors so you won’t be able to see sharp details.
Babylist parents love this monitor because they can be able to turn on the video and also the availability of a light which indicates noise level in case the volume is down.
Additional Specifications:
- It has a 5-inch color screen.
- It has a range of 800 feet.
- The battery life of 6-8 hours.
- Its technology is 100% digital.
6. Best Travel Baby Monitor: Samsung SEW-3040W Simple View Baby Monitoring System
Traveling with kids is hard enough so having a reliable baby monitor that delivers on both its features as well as performance will make your stay away from home much more manageable. If the camera is less bulky and straightforward is even much better. A baby monitor with a long-range is also an added advantage especially if your baby is going to be sleeping further away from you than usual.
If you are looking for a quality baby monitor for travel, with the qualities mentioned above, then the Samsung SEW-3040w should be at the top of your list. Samsung is a trusted brand in electronics. This monitor provides excellent performance with effortless functionality. It delivers crisp audio and video at the touch of a button.
Choosing a non-wireless model for travel is useful because bringing a wifi device requires that you check ahead that there are no spotty internet connections in your destination.
7. Best Dual Baby Monitor: Summer Side by Side 2.0 Split Screen Baby Monitor
Imagine being able to check on your baby and also keep the dog out of the kitchen trash – what today’s dual baby monitor delivers. You can follow tabs on multiple rooms at once.
Just like many other dual monitors, summer infant side-by-side split screen baby monitor comes with a split-screen. It offers a crisp, sizable 5-inch display. It supports up to 4 cameras allowing you to monitor four rooms simultaneously.
The reliable brand, large display, two-way communication, and, remote-controlled pan, and zoom make this baby monitor the best dual baby monitor.
8. Samsung SEW-3043W Bright View HD Video Baby Monitor
Coming just under 250 dollars, this monitor has a lot of features to admire.
The following reasons make this monitor a damn good baby monitor:
- It has Samsung reliability and quality control making it a long-lasting baby monitor that is not likely to drop any signals in the middle of the night.
- It has a large display (5 inches) with high definition 720p resolution.
- It has a two-way intercom that allows you to hear and talk to your kid.
- It has automatic voice activation. The screen turns on and alerts you if your child fusses or says something.
- It has a pan- tilt- zoom camera, selectable music/lullabies, and a night light on the camera. You can switch the camera on and off
- It is expandable up to 4 cameras with just one display.
In comparison to infant optics, infant comes ahead in several aspects. Here are some of the advantages of Samsung in contrast to the infant. Samsung has a larger screen than the infant optics, selectable music, the nightlight and it is expandable up to 4 cameras that can be viewed simultaneously on the single screen. Both products night vision capabilities are almost the same.
On the other hand, some shortcomings were however noted about infant optics.
- Even though this monitor has a 900 feet range, the signal drops when you go outside. For example in the front and backyard. It works quite well when going up the third floor or even the basement while still in the house.
- The infant optics have the baby room temperature monitor which is quite useful if you want to monitor your baby’s vitals.
- The infant has a smaller screen, but it is faster, more responsive to a touch screen, and brighter.
Despite all these limitations, the Samsung is more expensive than the infant optics.
9. Babysense (or Smilism) Video Baby Monitor
This is an excellent bang for the buck best monitor with some fantastic features. This monitor is sold under two categories: Babysense and Smilism. However, they are the same aside from the different logos. This monitor has excellent features like two-way intercom, room temperature monitoring, eco mode (this keeps the screen off until your baby makes a sound), remote zoom, and lullaby options.
This monitor is also expandable up to 4 cameras using the same base unit with the possibility of cycling through which camera you would like to view at which time. However, you cannot see them simultaneously. There is also a little flashing light to reassure you that it’s in eco mode. If you are not already impressed with all these features, then you should know that this monitor is $75 and each add-on camera is about $40.
This monitor has some missing features. These include
- The remote tilt and pan feature. Due to this, you will have to position the camera the right way from your baby’s room.
- During the tasting, it took a lot of time to cycle between each of the cameras; the screen would turn white, and it would take time for the other camera to appear on the screen. The same white screen would appear when starting up the unit as well.
- The base unit range is not reliable if you are upstairs or several rooms away.
Despite all these downfalls, this is a reliable, great bang-for-the-buck baby video monitor with outstanding features at a reasonable price.
10. Avent SCD630 Digital Video Baby Monitor
This monitor is relatively new to the market, but it comes with some great features. The company making this product (Avent) has a long history of making quality products. A good example is their great (Non – Video) DECT monitor. Avent SCD630 is no exception.
- This monitor is easy to set up (just put the camera in the nursery and the screen unit at a place you can monitor your baby efficiently like the dining room).
- Excellent screen with a 720p resolution.
- Good night vision.
- 2x zoom feature (they have to be lined up correctly since you can’t remotely pan or tilt the camera).
- A private, secure connection.
- Very clear sound so you will be able to hear your baby’s every little peep.
- ECO mode. This feature saves power in the screen unit by shutting off the screen and sound. It only turns on to notify you when it detects a sound from your baby.
- Remotely controlled lullabies. This is a great feature especially when you are using the hand-held screen.
Limitations:
- You cannot add multiple cameras.
- The video quality is not entirely on par with some of the better-ranked
Despite the limitations, this is a highly recommended video monitor from a company with a good track record of making safe and reliable baby products deserves its place on this best baby monitor list.
What Type of Baby Monitor is Best?
There are several monitors you can choose from depending on what you prefer and what you are comfortable with. The following are the types of baby monitors:
- Audio Cameras – They allow you to listen to any sound coming from the nursery.
- Vital Monitors – They track sleeping and breathing.
- Video Monitors – Many parents prefer these because, in addition to sound, it also provides a sight that helps you monitor your baby’s every move. The security of seeing what your baby is up to for example, if they have gotten tangled in their swaddle, pulled their diaper off or even climbed out of their crib makes video monitors worth the extra cost.
What to Look for in a Baby Monitor?
The following factors were taken into consideration when evaluating video baby monitors. Watch out for these criteria when shopping for a video baby monitor.
- Included Monitor: Determine whether your monitor comes with a handheld monitor or if it relies on your phone.
- Camera: Here’s what to look for in a monitor’s camera. The resolution that the camera records in, the camera’s pan and tilt features and also the range of view.
- Audio: Push-to-talk features let you soothe your baby remotely. Check if the monitor can play lullabies too.
- Battery Life: Some cameras come with power adapters that can mount on the wall. On the other hand, handheld viewers come with removable, rechargeable batteries. It is essential to know how long the batteries last.
- Specialized Features: There are monitors which not only help you check in on your child, they also help you monitor their vitals, i.e., temperature and humidity. Night-vision is also a unique feature that lets you check in on your baby in the dark.
Monitoring your child’s vitals and the temperature is essential. If you want to do this, get a camera with these extra features.
How We Tested?
Each monitor was situated in an elevated position in a child’s room. Households with dedicated handheld viewers were tested from 12, 20, and 35 feet away while the baby monitors which offered WiFi connectivity were connected to a home WiFi network.
Every unit had cords protruding from the back, so the design wasn’t much of a factor. Nonetheless, parents should keep dangling cables and wires away from their children when setting up the monitor.