What Makes a Good Baby Monitor?
Baby monitors are some of the most sought-after devices for new parents. And it’s no wonder, given their robust capabilities. A good baby monitor gives parents peace of mind and lets them focus on other home chores during the baby’s snoozes.
Baby monitors also offer relief to parents worried about sudden infant death syndrome and other safety and health hazards. For this reason, a good monitor needs to have a minimal false alarm rate and strong accuracy.
But what else makes one baby monitor better than another?
First of all, the definition of “the best” depends on your needs and preferences. Some monitors work through WiFi, and others don’t. While the former offer greater features and accessibility, the latter is more secure and impenetrable by hackers.
Baby monitors can play lullabies and white noise, track the baby’s heartbeat, and provide all sorts of other features. Unless you need all the possible functionalities of a baby monitor, you’ll find that the solutions on our list are great deals for any parent.
11 Best Baby Monitors
Let’s jump straight into our top picks of the best baby monitors of 2023.
1. Miku Pro Smart Baby Monitor
Miku is arguably the best baby monitor manufacturer on the market. The Miku Pro video baby monitor is contact-free, meaning that you don’t have to attach any wearables to your baby that disturb their sleep. No batteries, wires, or special clothing are needed either. A major benefit of the no-wearable design is that the device can grow together with your baby, along with the information it records.
The device has motion sensors that measure the baby’s respiration per minute (RPM). Compared to some competitors, the Miku Pro doesn’t have any specific clothing requirements for the monitor to perform the measurements.
There is also a sleep-tracking functionality. You can read your baby’s sleeping summary reports to understand how they sleep on a weekly basis.
In terms of design, the Miku Pro resembles its previous model, the Miku Smart Baby Monitor. Both of the devices look fantastic and have a modern touch. The camera unit is set in a non-removable base and can swivel in most directions.
You can view data, video, and other content the device creates on any Android or iOS device. Just install the app from the app store, and you’ll be good to go. Set alerts and receive notifications when the device detects specific sounds, movements, and more.
Other notable features of the Miku baby monitor include:
- Room temperature display
- Humidity, light, and sound sensors
- White noise playlist
- Perfectly clear night vision
- 1080p HD video
- 256-bit encryption for security
- Pinch to zoom feature to get a closer look at the baby
Pros
- Feature-dense
- Live breathing and sleep tracking
- Wall mount kit included
- No wearables
- Free cloud storage
Cons
- No Alexa or Google Assistant Voice Support
- No web view
2. Nanit Pro Smart Baby Monitor and Floor Stand
The Nanit Pro Smart Baby Monitor is among the most advanced baby monitors of 2023. Its features include crystal-clear picture quality of the crib and its surroundings, robust analytics for tracking and analyzing sleep patterns, and 256-bit AES encryption for data security.
The Nanit Pro is the only baby monitor with a Split Screen feature. Parents can see and control two cameras at the same time. The sensor-free Breathing Wear keeps track of your tot to give you peace of mind. The dimmable light makes late-night feeding sessions and diaper changes more comfortable too (Want more advice on how to change a diaper? Read our guide here).
When you purchase this WiFi baby monitor, you also get a one-year subscription program called Insights Basic for free. This plan is the company’s gateway for sharing personalized tips to improve your baby’s sleep through the app.
While the baby is sleeping, you can relax or do chores around the home. The movement and sound alerts will let you know when it’s time to check on the baby.
The video quality is superb and comes in 1080p resolution with a 130-degree field of view. Other useful features include two way audio, night vision, and alarms. You can also set multiple users as caregivers, so they can access the crib view.
Thanks to the cord cover, you can position this monitor within three feet of the baby crib. The product has an ASTM certification to back up this feature.
Pros
- Excellent picture quality
- Birds eye mounting setup
- Intuitive and feature-dense app
- Has night light
Cons
- Accessories too expensive
- Only one year of free sleep tracking data
3. Motorola PIP 1610-2 HD Connect Baby Monitor
Motorola is a renowned smartphone manufacturer. The company also specializes in baby video monitors. The PIP 1610-2 is among their best-selling and most robust solutions. It comes at a medium-range price while offering many of the features of its more expensive counterparts.
This WiFi baby monitor comes with a 5-inch screen, two cameras, a pan-tilt zoom, and HD 1080p resolution. The special Nursery App is available for iOS and Android phones, allowing you to connect with your baby at all times.
It’s also possible to control calming lullaby songs, check the temperature sensor, and use the two way audio feature. The LED sound level indication lets you talk to your little one through the built-in speakers in the camera unit.
The night vision and a highly sensitive microphone will catch the slightest movements and sounds coming from in and around the crib. You’ll receive alerts as soon as the baby starts crying.
This smart monitor also has a split screen functionality, so you can keep an eye on more than one child in real time.
Overall, this is one of the best WiFi baby monitor solutions for those looking for a separate parent unit with the possibility of phone or tablet streaming. The monitor’s strong set of features like robust battery life (2800 mAh) and the full picture-in-picture view of up to four cameras are truly impressive.
Pros
- Split screen functionality
- Feature-packed smartphone app
- Two way intercom talk
- Can pair up to four cameras
- Sleep timer
- Great battery life
Cons
- Bulky parent unit
- Lack of home integration
4. Panasonic Extra Long Range Video Baby Monitor
The Panasonic Extra Long Range baby monitor is probably one of the best baby monitors this company has ever made. It shares some of the best tech features found in their telephone systems to provide a secure and clear signal. The video and sound signal stretches for up to 1,500 feet in a straight line of sight.
This baby monitor is suitable for indoor and outdoor use and comes with a 3.5-inch monitor and controls. The device syncs to the monochrome night vision camera you can set in the baby’s room. The current set can expand to up to four cameras that you can tilt, pan, and zoom directly from the monitor.
The battery life is strong and can handle up to 13 hours of standby time. For continuous use, the performance time is about five hours. The motion and sound alerts will tell you when the baby wakes up, stirs, cries, or talks. You can customize the notifications to match your preferences.
A temperature sensor lets you know if the room environment is too hot or cold for your baby. The tot can sleep and relax to soothing sounds, white noise, and lullabies coming from the in-built speakers.
The product is FCC certified and comes with a wall mount kit, a camera lens, and a charging base.
Overall, this Panasonic baby monitor is among the more affordable solutions with all the basic features you need to ensure your baby is safe and sound during snooze time.
Pros
- A 1,500 feet signal range
- Strong battery life
- Includes a wall-mount kit
- Affordable price
- Night vision camera
Cons
- Dark video too dark
Lower resolution compared to competitors
5. Infant Optics DXR 8 Pro Digital Video Monitor
The Infant Optics DXR 8 Pro is possibly the best baby monitor on this list. It comes with a 5-inch screen controller with HD 720P video resolution, uses active noise reduction tech, has two way audio, and a sound-activated LED bar.
The company’s most advanced baby monitor offers digital security without an internet connection. Parents concerned about hackers jeopardizing their family’s privacy can have peace of mind knowing that can never happen with the Infant Optics DXR 8 Pro.
The system operates in a closed loop system on a 2.4GHz FHSS frequency. The parents are the only ones who have access to the camera and audio. Two other features Infant Optics specializes in are a high-definition display with enhanced night vision and high-quality interchangeable lenses.
Parents can toggle the active noise reduction feature on or off to filter humidifiers, air conditioners, fans, or other sources of static noise on their baby monitor. The monitor runs on a non-universal lithium battery already included in the package. The device can also handle up to four cameras with a maximum operating range of 900 feet.
The main downside of this monitor is that it doesn’t support tablet or smartphone use.
One of the best features of this baby monitor is that you can zoom your baby on the screen up to six times without the image blurring or causing poor pixelation. For all of the abovementioned reasons, it’s safe to say that the Infant Optics DXR 8 is among the best smart baby monitors of 2023.
Pros
- High-definition display
- Enhanced night vision
- Active noise reduction
- Supports multiple cameras
- Excellent operating range
- Ultimate security
Cons
- No phone or tablet support
- Doesn’t include wide angle lens
6. Motorola VM65 Connect-5 Video Wi-Fi Baby Monitor Set
Here’s yet another Motorola baby monitor that made our top 11 list due to its robust features, WiFi functionality, magnetic mount, special sound features, and two way audio. Parents can enjoy all the features of more expensive products at a more affordable price thanks to the VM65 Connect-5.
The five-inch screen has a digital pan, zoom, and tilt that work through WiFi and deliver a clear picture quality (HD 1080p). A fully charged device lasts for five hours, which is more than enough to track your baby’s sleeping session.
The magnetic mount allows you to place the camera near the baby to get a better view. Attach it to a bracket, shelf, or other convenient place for peace of mind. The two-way communication or intercom system lets you talk to the tot through the built-in speakers in the camera.
The camera post is flexible and comes with a wall mount (sold separately). The infrared night vision and high-sensitivity microphone mean you get to stay connected with your baby day and night.
The package comes with two cameras you can track simultaneously for multiple children. You can download Motorola’s special Nursery App to remotely track the baby’s movement. This way, you can stay in touch even at work.
Pros
- Great value for money
- Magnetic mount
- Two way audio connection
- Two cameras included
Cons
- Poor night vision quality
7. HelloBaby Video Baby Monitor
The HelloBaby is among this manufacturer’s best-selling baby monitors of 2023. It’s also among the most affordable yet feature-dense monitors overall. The HelloBaby HB6550 comes with a 5-inch color screen, two way audio, temperature monitoring, and plenty of other features.
The color display offers a clear image and shows your baby’s subtle movements and gentle breathing. You can adjust the camera remotely using the pan and tilt zoom feature on the monitor. The camera rotates 120 degrees vertically and 350 degrees horizontally so you don’t have to adjust the camera manually every time you lose sight of the baby.
The rechargeable 2000mAh battery offers up to 12 hours of audio only monitor setup and up to 9 hours with audio and video mode on. Thanks to the two way audio feature, you can talk to your tot and soothe them with your voice from up to 1,000 feet in distance. Though you will need a stable internet connection for the signal to work for so long.
The smart VOX function turns off the screen to save power when there’s no sound in the room and the baby has fallen asleep. Once the baby wakes up, the monitor lights up with them.
Other notable features include eight soothing lullabies, a feeding reminder every two, four, or six hours, support for up to four cameras, and a 2x digital zoom.
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- VOX function for added battery life
- Audio only mode available
- Portable, lightweight parent unit
- Great audio quality
Cons
- Picture quality could be better
8. Owlet Dream Smart Sock Plus Child Monitor
Smart sock monitors offer robust sleep and health monitoring features most video baby monitors can’t. The Owlet Dream Smart Sock monitor is among the best on the market, and for a good reason.
With this smart sock monitor, you can understand your baby’s health and sleep patterns from birth to age 5 (or until they reach 55 pounds). The device tracks your tot’s heart rate, wakings, oxygen levels, and movement. The in-depth analysis of this information allows you to create better sleep habits for your little one from the very first day.
This robust sleep tracker performs great even when there’s gentle moving. You can access the readings in the Owlet Dream App. Also, the Predictive Sleep tech helps track your baby’s wake and sleep windows.
The tracker runs on one lithium-ion battery, and it’s HSA and FSA-approved. It also has FCC, ASTM, and CPSC certificates.
The company behind this product also has a special personalized sleep program for babies from four to 12 months old. You can select one from multiple methods to get a flexible sleep schedule for your baby.
Pros
- Very little false alerts
- Great fit
- Long-lasting performance
- Detailed sleep tracking
Cons
- Not suitable for older kids
- Expensive
9. VTech RM5866HD 5″ Smart Wi-Fi 1080p Pan and Tilt Video Monitor
The VTech RM5866HD is a five-inch WiFi baby monitor with a nice set of features for the price. It has a 720p HD LCD and also supports live streaming on any smartphone device. The smart baby monitor lets you view the room from top to bottom and side to side with a 100-degree vertical and 360-degree horizontal tilt feature.
The gentle sounds from the in-built speaker will soothe your baby and enhance its environment. The 30x time zoom in the smartphone app is among the best in the industry. There’s also an 8x zoomer on the parent unit.
The temperature and humidity sensors keep track of the room conditions and show you all the data on your parent unit.
The night light is touch adaptive and comes with seven colors that adjust brightness automatically for perfect lighting conditions.
Overall, this is a solid baby monitor for parents looking to save money on more premium versions yet get all the features of a robust device.
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- A 360-degree pan, tilt, and zoom camera
- Full HD video quality
- Wall mountable
Cons
- Speakers could be better
10. Lollipop Baby Monitor
The Lollipop Baby Monitor is without doubt the cutest WiFi monitor around. It comes with an accompanying mobile app with a free Basic version. This camera looks like it came from the future while having some of the most advanced features. The high-quality video baby monitor is easy to use, reliable and has many features.
Remote music lets you play smooth sounds or lullabies through the built-in speaker. The multiple screen functionality lets you control multiple monitors if you’re taking care of more than one child.
The monitor comes in a range of soft colors and is made from toxic-free silicone.
The Audio Mode is perfect for overnight monitoring with a reliable alarm system. With the audio only mode, you get alarms whenever the network disconnects so you can have a better night’s sleep. You can also keep the WiFi connection private, which offers additional privacy benefits.
The True Crying Detection technology has a 96% accuracy rate, so it almost never gives false alarms. The monitor also supports the contactless breathing monitoring functionality and doesn’t require any extra wearable sensors. However, this feature is only available in their premium subscription plan.
The live view and sharing option allow you to let family members or friends have a peak into your baby’s room. You can even send links to pre-recorded videos for events of your choice.
Another useful feature is crossing detection. You can set a border in the camera, and whenever the baby crosses that limit, you’ll get an alert. This is a useful trick when your baby’s leg or arm gets stuck in the crib.
Pros
- Lovely design
- Robust privacy settings
- Excellent audio and video feed quality
- Great battery life
- Intuitive mobile app
Cons
- No pan and tilt features
11. Eufy Spaceview Pro Baby Monitor
The Eufy Spaceview is a robust baby monitor with some of the best features on the market. The potent signal lets you keep an eye on your baby from up to 1,000 feet away. The Eufy Spaceview can pan to 330 degrees and tilt up to 110 degrees for a comprehensive corner-to-corner and floor-to-floor view. You can place the WiFi monitor wherever convenient for you.
The Noise Alert feature allows you to set an ambient noise limit and sends a notification whenever that limit is passed. The two way audio is crisp and clear so that you can hear and speak to your tot from indoors or outdoors.
The 5-inch monitor comes with 720p resolution and has a high-quality night vision camera for easy viewing in low-light conditions. The image sharpness is up to ten times better than regular 240-p monitors.
The incredible battery life of 5,200 mAh offers up to 30 hours of regular usage monitoring in the default mode. Even if you check the monitor more often or use it for continuous monitoring, you can expect up to 12 hours of battery life.
The installation is simple as it uses the plug and play system. Attach the monitor to a shelf or raised surface, mount it to the wall, turn it on, and that’s it.
This non-WiFi baby monitor operates on a radio frequency-based system, so it doesn’t have all the monitoring and data tracking features like WiFi baby monitors. Parents worried about hackers getting into their devices will be relieved, while those looking for the best possible product may find this to be a disadvantage.
Pros
- Exceptional battery life (up to 30 hours)
- The whole-home coverage range of 1,000 feet
- A 720p display
- Plug and play
- Most comprehensive solution
Cons
- No WiFi connection
What to Consider When Buying a Baby Monitor
If you want the best video baby monitor, consider the elements below.
WiFi vs. Closed Circuit Baby Monitor
WiFi monitors offer greater flexibility and accessibility. You can track your baby’s sleeping from any device. Also, you get more detailed insights into their sleep patterns. However, although minimal, there’s always a risk of data leaks and hacking attacks.
A closed circuit monitor offers maximum protection because it doesn’t need internet connectivity. It comes with a portable parent unit you can carry around.
Some benefits of smartphone apps over parent units include unlimited range, the possibility to share views with loved ones, and clip-saving. However, a parent unit offers continuous audio and may offer a longer battery life, depending on usage.
Audio vs. Video vs. Health Tracking Baby Monitor
There are three types of baby monitors:
- Audio and video monitors
- Audio only monitors
- Health tracking monitors
The first option is the most popular because it offers new parents the biggest variety of features. However, health-tracking devices like smart socks are growing in popularity as well.
If your main goal is to monitor your baby’s sleep patterns and get notifications when awake, you can try audio and video or audio only monitors. If you’re more concerned about your baby’s health and heartbeat, then health tracking devices are better.
Battery Life
Different manufacturers make units with different battery life. If you plan to use the video feature a lot, look for a baby monitor that can last at least a few hours with constant video streaming without having to charge.
For smartphone tracking, the app can drain your battery as it runs in the background, so beware if you leave the home or the baby unattended for longer periods.
Additional Features
Smart baby monitors are available for parents who wish to get the most out of their devices. It’s also for those who love data. You can get smart monitors that detect breathing, movement, track the baby’s heartbeat, analyze their sleep quality, and much more.
However, note that these monitors also come at a price. Also, remember that intelligent monitoring isn’t necessary, nor does it make you any less good of a parent. It’s a cool perk you can enjoy if you can afford it.
The Best Baby Monitors of 2023 Revealed
Baby monitors are highly beneficial and make parenting much easier. With the right device choice, you and the whole family can have greater peace of mind, improve sleep quality, and connect with the baby more often.
Hopefully, the best baby monitors of 2023 article has helped you understand which type of device you’re looking for and how it can benefit your parenting journey.
