Out of all the many different baby monitors available, the most popular type that parents always go for has to be the baby video monitor.
Basically a baby monitor with screen, you get to both see and hear what baby is doing, as opposed to a baby monitor audio only.
Selecting the best baby video monitor, however, can be a tad overwhelming to say the least. The market is not short of choices, that's for certain, but what are the things that you should look for in a baby monitor? Is the most expensive always the best choice?
Fret not, we have done the hard part for you. By filtering out all the inferior/subpar ones, we have came up with the following Top 10 Best Baby Monitors for your easy reference.
No time to read? Here's our Top Pick!
Best Video Baby Monitor
Overall Rating: 4.5/5.0
- Award-winning
- Lightweight - perfect size and weight ratio
- Interchangeable optical lens
- Remote pan/ tilt/ zoom
- Expandable up to 4 cameras
- Alarm function, 2-way talk, remote thermometer, invisible IR night vision
Best Wifi Baby Monitor
Overall Rating: 4.6/5.0
- Multi award-winning
- Connects to any smart devices
- Crystal-clear HD bird's eye view with 2-way audio
- Temperature, humidity, breathing motion & sleep track
- HSA/FSA approved - 256 bit encryption
Yes, we have separated them into two types here: -
(1) the standard wireless video baby monitor; and
(2) wifi video baby monitor.
Let us look at what are some of the best baby video monitors first before delving into the smart/wireless ones.
Video Baby Monitor Reviews
When it comes to the most well-known, best rated baby monitors in the market, it has to be the Infant Optics DXR-8.
An Amazon's Choice with close to 50,000 user reviews to date, this award-winning infant optics baby monitor is the highest rated baby monitor to date.
It is the very first baby video monitor that came up with the interchangeable leans feature. What this means is that you get to switch between the zoom lens and wide angle lens to see closer or further.
The baby monitor camera works with digital zoom for further zooming performance too. In fact, we're talking about a 4x zoom capability without compromising on video quality.
A night vision baby monitor, other features include remote pan/tilt/zoom, with alarm function, 2-way talk and remote thermometer functions available. Read more here ...
Next up we have the VAVA HD Display Video Baby Monitor.
This one here stood out with its battery life. With a 4500 mAh battery that is the longest lasting so far in the industry, you get up to 24 hours audio mode and 12 hours display mode in one full charge.
Another thing that we like about the VAVA is that it is one of the best long range baby monitor in its category. With a more stable wireless connection, it is able to deliver smooth video from anywhere in the house within a 480ft-900ft range. Continue reading here ...
The Babysense Video Baby Monitor is the best dual baby monitor - it comes with 2 surveillance cameras.
Yep, that essentially makes it one of the best value video baby monitor in the market!
You can set one in 2 different rooms (i.e nursery and living room) so you don't have to move it around when baby goes from one room to the another. If you're looking for a 4 camera baby monitor, this is the one -you can actually add up to 4 cameras to this parent unit here.
For those looking for the best non wifi baby monitor, this is the one for you because both cameras do not require wifi. There is a split-screen version too which makes for the best baby monitor for twins read more here...
Another video baby monitor that comes with dual cameras is the Motorola Video Baby Monitor MBP50-G2.
Regarded by many to be the best 2 camera baby monitor, this Motorola 2 camera baby monitor comes with split screen function!
The 5" LCD colour display shows you the feed from both cameras simultaneously via its split-screen feature. Of course, you'd also get to adjust the viewing angle by panning, tilting or zooming the cameras remotely via the Motorola baby monitor parent unit.
Other features such as room temperature monitoring, 2-way talk, infrared night vision and preloaded lullabies are also present. Also, with a transmission of up to 1000ft, it is the baby monitor with best range to consider.
Not just the best two camera baby monitor, this Motorola digital video baby monitor also has an app that includes a growth and development tracker, as well as abundant sleep and parenting tips to help guide you through parenthood.
For those looking for the best cheap baby monitor, the ANMEATE Video Baby Monitor will be right up your alley.
This little one here is just under $100, easily making it the most affordable video baby monitor for those with a smaller budget!
Don't worry, just because it is a rather cheap video monitor doesn't mean its quality and functions are compromised in any way. You'll still get features like 2-way talkback, infrared night vision, temperature monitoring, even built-in lullabies! On top of that, it can expand up to 4 cameras if you want, and has a wall-mounting option.
The only thing is that you'll get a smaller display screen as evident from the picture above. At 2.4", it is considerably smaller out of all the video monitor reviews here, nevertheless, the display is in HD and there is 2x zoom magnification for comprehensive coverage.
At a price like such, there really isn't much we can fault the ANMEATE. We especially like how it has an alarm feature as well so that you can set your feeding/diaper reminder. No wonder it is by far one of the best rated video baby monitors to date!
Video Baby Monitor Comparison Chart
Header | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Screen Display | 3.5" | 5" 720P | 5" 720P | 5" | 2.4" |
Max Range | 700ft | 900ft | 960ft | 1000ft | 960ft |
Battery Life | Up to 12 hrs | Up to 24 hrs | tbc | tbc | 8 hours |
-Temp. - Night Vision - 2-way talk back | +lullaby | +lullaby | +lullaby | ||
Pan/Tilt/Zoom | P: 330° T: 100° Z: 4X | P: 270° T: 108° Z: 2X,4X | P: 350° T: 70° Z: 2X | P: 360° T: 60° Z: 2X | |
Cell |
Wifi Baby Monitor Reviews
Moving onto the wifi baby monitors - the baby monitor that connects to phone or any smart devices (iOS, Android etc.). Due to this, people also often call them a "smart baby monitor", "iphone baby monitor" or generally "smartphone baby monitor".
It is like having a baby monitor on phone. A video baby monitor with app, you can view baby wherever you are and not be limited by transmission range - as long as you are connected to the internet.
Because of this, they are regarded as the best baby monitor by many parents. The choices available are aplenty so it took us awhile to shortlist them.
Nevertheless, here are 5 options which we think are the best wifi video baby monitor (or best video baby monitor with app) you can consider.
Winner of the CES 2020 Innovation Award, 2020 Business Insider's Best Video Baby Monitor, 2019 Forbes' Best Baby Monitor, 2018 TIME's Best Invention, the Nanit Plus Smart Baby Video Monitor is the No.1 choice of many parents when it comes to choosing the best wifi baby camera.
Why so? - because it is not just a video baby monitor. The Nanit Plus is also a digital baby book, a sensor-free breathing motion monitor as well as a personal sleep trainer for baby.
A baby monitor that records, the Nanit camera will capture baby's finest moments automatically right into your app. You can then share your very own private baby book with friends and family.
It also gives you baby's sleep stats each morning, including a timelapse highlight reel of their sleep so you can rewatch baby's entire night in seconds.
Not just that, but you have access to personalized, science-backed sleep guidance and tips from the world's leading paediatric sleep experts, right in your Nanit app. This is no cheap video baby monitor, but oh-so-worth-it! Find out why here ...
The Owlet Duo Smart Baby Monitor shouldn't be foreign to many of you if you have been doing your research on "what is the best baby monitor to buy" in the wifi/smart category.
This Amazon's Choice device is hands down one of the best rated baby monitors ever in the market.
Again, it is not just a video baby monitor per se. The Owlet Monitor Duo goes beyond what you can see and hear - it displays readings of your baby's heart rate and oxygen level in real time too!
Such intelligent monitoring doesn't stop there. This device here tracks baby's sleep patterns and quality and it will notify you immediately if any reading leaves the 'safe' zones. Audio and video wise, it has some of the best features i.e. 4x zoom, wide angle view and room temperature sensor.
With more than a million of parents trusting the Owlet Duo to keep their baby safe, you know you can't go wrong with this one here. Read more here ...
The Lollipop Baby Monitor is not quite your usual video baby monitor. This is the best smart baby monitor which has its entire design patented.
It has a bendable leg which you can wrap around your baby crib or on a Lollipop wall mount, or simply stand it on any surface. Brilliant!
Apart from its design, what distinguish the Lollipop from the rest is its True Crying Detection technology. If you're wondering which baby monitor is best in terms of accuracy i.e. no false notification, it will be the Lollipop.
This one here is able to recognize baby's crying from other noises with a minimum of 96% accuracy rate so there is no frustrating false notifications. It also detects baby's movement besides crying, so you will be notified if baby climbs out of the crib or make loud noises.
Audio-only mode is available, as well as multi-streaming feature. You can add as many cameras as you want, and it is the best affordable baby monitor in the wifi baby monitor category. Continue reading here ...
There are many iBaby monitor reviews out there but to us, its best product has to be the iBaby Smart Wifi Baby Monitor M7LK.
Having won over 20 awards in the past decade, this smart wifi baby monitor here is inbuilt with powerful augmented speakers that can play thousands of lullabies and bedtime stories for your little one.
Do not underestimate its functions by its size. This tiny device here is one with the most jam-packed features - from mommy assistant like privacy breastfeeding button to social sharing with your tribe, this is the best baby wifi monitor that does it all.
Not limited to just temperature tracking, it is able to read the air quality and humidity level, as well as detect any scent that is present. Of course, motion and sound detection is available and you can even do a split screen viewing and customize your feeding and diaper alarm. Find out more here.
Boasting to be the most accurate breathing and sleep monitor ever, the MIKU Smart Baby Monitor has one of the best baby monitor app that works with your smartphone to track breathing, movement, sleep patterns and nursery conditions besides the usual audio and video monitoring.
All the aforementioned doable - without any wire, pads, clips or wearables. Yep, nothing coming will come in contact with your baby or the crib for the monitoring to work.
But what stood out to us most is its security function. It has an embedded tamper-resistant crypto chip which when paired with advanced encryption and two-step authentication, you can be sure you are totally in control of who sees your baby.
HSA/FSA approved, rest assured there is no hidden subscription fees. Probably the most accurate contactless breathing monitor ever equipped with video and audio features, you will want to know that the MIKU is a multi award-winning smart baby monitor too !
Wifi Baby Monitor Comparison Chart
Here's a side-by-side summary comparing the above baby monitor with phone app:
Header | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Screen Display | 3.5" | 5" 720P | 5" 720P | 5" | 2.4" |
Max Range | 700ft | 900ft | 960ft | 1000ft | 960ft |
Battery Life | Up to 12 hrs | Up to 24 hrs | tbc | tbc | 8 hours |
-Temp. - Night Vision - 2-way talk back | +lullaby | +lullaby | +lullaby | ||
Pan/Tilt/Zoom | P: 330° T: 100° Z: 4X | P: 270° T: 108° Z: 2X,4X | P: 350° T: 70° Z: 2X | P: 360° T: 60° Z: 2X | |
Cell |
We actually have an extensive baby wifi monitor article here where we have compiled the best baby monitor with wifi selections. Head over to have a read if you'd like to find out more about them.
(P/s. they are some of the best baby gifts/best baby products to get for new parents-to-be!)
The 5 Features To Look For In A Baby Monitor
1. Viewing Angle Coverage
The first thing to look out for is the angle coverage of a baby room monitor. You would need a video baby monitor that covers as wide an angle as possible to allow you see as much of the room as possible.
If possible, choose one which you can tilt and pan the camera direction using a remote control. This way, you can always follow your baby’s movement at all angles.
Some models provide add-on lenses that display panoramic views so that is another option to hunt for too.
2. Video Clarity
Next, you should check on the clarity of the video display. Nobody wants a grainy or blurry display. Most baby monitors come with colour display nowadays.
Check if videos are streamed smoothly without any lagging or delay. Look for a zoom-in function. This is particularly useful as it allows you to zoom in to check on your baby or on any object that draws your attention. Remember to check if clarity and resolution are compromised when lenses are zoomed in.
You should also look for baby monitors that are equipped with Night Vision function. This will allow you to have a clear view of your baby even in the darkest room.
3. Audio Quality
Most baby monitors come with audio features. This allows you to hear every sound in your baby’s room to detect if there is any abnormality.
Check for sound quality and if there is any time delay in sound and picture display. Two-way audio communication is a plus as it allows you to speak to your baby remotely, but this is something you'd see in most video baby monitors anyway nowadays.
4. Reception Range
The larger the reception range it is, the better. This is especially so if your residence is relatively big.
You want the best long range baby monitor that displays clear, no-disturbance video and sound when you are at the kitchen downstairs and baby is sleeping in a room upstairs.
5. Portability, Expandability and Safety Features
A good baby monitor should be easy to set up and easy to move around. Of all things, it goes without saying that a wireless video baby monitor is the key to one being the best video monitor.
Look out for features like long-lasting battery. This way, you don’t have to always keep it connected to a power adaptor. Alarm function, brightness control as well as bluetooth baby monitor are some attractive add-ons to have, while built-in data encryption is a must for safety reason.
It is also always a plus if the baby monitor is expandable with multiple camera units. This way, when your family expands, all you need is just purchase add-on cameras and you can continue using the same unit. (You may want to consider getting a dual screen baby monitor in this case.)
Conclusion
We hope our baby video monitor reviews above will be of great help to you in choosing the best baby video monitor for your little one.
They are some of the top video baby monitors the market currently has to offer today. The ones we have chosen certainly covers a wide variety - from a relatively inexpensive baby monitor to those really on the high end spectrum, there's bound to be one that suits your needs and budget.
(In case you don't already know, they make for some of the best baby items/best baby gift ideas for parents-to-be!)
