If You Can’t Have the Baby in Your Arms, These Baby Monitors Are the Next Best Thing (2024)

A baby monitor is a helpful tool that allows parents to see their baby from a distance. While a monitor is not meant to replace direct parental supervision, it will provide you with a way to check on your baby while they sleep—which gives you the freedom to tackle your to-do list, take a little time for self-care, or even go out to dinner while the baby is at home with a caregiver.

When shopping for a baby monitor, there are a few important factors that we consider must-haves. First, you’ll want a monitor that has good audio, a clear picture, and a long range. You should also consider whether or not you want a monitor that connects to Wi-Fi, as ultimately this broadens your extra features and accessibility (but increases the price). No matter which brand or model you choose, you can expect to pay anywhere from $39-$399 for a quality baby monitor. To help you decide, we put 26 of the top models to the test with real parents and their babies to find the best baby monitors for your family.

Our Favorite Baby Monitors

• Best Overall: CuboAi Plus Smart Baby Monitor
• Best Range: Momcozy 1080P High-Performance Video Baby Monitor
• Best for Multiple Kids: Vava Baby Monitor with Split Screen
• Best Bundle: ChillaxBaby DM620 Baby Mood Pro
• Best Picture: Nanit Pro Baby Monitor + Wall Mount
• Best Without Wi-Fi: HelloBaby Monitor HB40
• Best Audio: VTech Safe & Sound DM221 Audio Baby Monitor
• Best Wearable: Owlet Cam 2
• Best With Live Decibel Monitoring: Lollipop Baby Camera
• Easiest to Use: Eufy Baby Monitor E210

Best Overall: CuboAi Plus Smart Baby Monitor

Why We Like It

The CuboAI Plus baby monitor has it all. For starters, it connects to the internet, Google Home, and Amazon Alexa, so you can check on your baby anytime, from anywhere. It uses artificial intelligence (AI) to alert you if your baby’s face or nose is covered and if they cough, cry, or roll over. It also has the ability to differentiate between a true cry and surrounding noises, which we found very useful during testing.

This monitor provides a crystal-clear image of your baby. Our tester rated it a “10 out of 10” and raved that the feed quality was amazing. The CuboAI also plays lullabies, captures photos, and provides detailed sleep analytics, including a daily video compilation of your baby’s sleep and milestones. It can also detect your baby’s body temperature and breathing, though you’ll need separate accessories for that.

Despite its high-tech capabilities, this monitor is surprisingly user friendly. Our parent tester thought the app was easy to use and liked that the monitor assisted with its own setup. “I thought it was really awesome that it talked to me during setup to explain what the steps were and how to get everything connected,” our tester shared. Best of all, you can rest assured knowing that it’s CTIA Cybersecurity Certified and has two-factor authentication, permission-based family access, and 256-bit encryption, which are considered some of the most secure ways to protect your data.

But Take Note

The $229 price tag on this monitor may be hard to justify when you have to buy diapers, wipes, and other baby necessities. However, if having the latest and greatest technology for your baby gives you peace of mind, the CuboAI Plus will be worth every penny.

The Details:

• Type: Wi-Fi
• Range: Unlimited
• Battery life: 10 days
• Resolution: 1080p HD video

Best Range: Momcozy 1080P High-Performance Video Baby Monitor

Why We Like It

The Momcozy monitor has an impressive range of 960 feet, which is more than the length of two football fields. Our tester was able to continuously watch her baby from a different floor across the house and praised the monitor for its speed, video quality, and rotating lens.

According to our tester, setting up this monitor takes less time than putting on a pair of shoes. Plus, she found it quite easy to use and loved that it “gives you the option to move the vantage point around the room remotely.”

But Take Note

While the simplicity of this monitor is convenient, it doesn’t sync with an app or connect to the internet—which means parents can’t check on their little one from outside the house.

The Details:

• Type: Video
• Range: 960 feet
• Battery life: 11.5 hours (display on), 22 hours (display off)
• Resolution: 1080p HD video

Best for Multiple Kids: Vava Baby Monitor With Split Screen

Why We Like It

“This monitor outperformed every other monitor I’ve owned,” said our tester, a mom of three. “The night vision was excellent, the audio was clear, and there were no issues with the quality of the video feed.” However, her favorite feature was the split screen, which allowed her to view the separate cameras in her kids’ rooms at the same time. In fact, this monitor can connect to up to four screens, giving parents with larger families peace of mind.

Because this monitor doesn’t require Wi-Fi or sync with an app, it’s pretty easy to set up and use. We also really like that the camera autofocuses and you can zoom in and rotate it from the monitor itself.

But Take Note

This monitor doesn’t have the bells and whistles that some of the others on our list have, but it still costs a pretty penny ($280, to be exact). However, we think it’s a great option for families with multiple kids since you basically get two baby monitors for the price of one.

The Details:

• Type: Video
• Range: 900 feet
• Battery life: 10 hours (display on), 18 hours (display off)
• Resolution: 720p HD video

Best Bundle: ChillaxBaby DM620 Baby Mood Pro

Why We Like It

This baby monitor is packed with super helpful parenting tools. In addition to a built-in night-light, it can also play lullabies or recordings of your voice to help soothe your baby. It syncs with an app that allows you to use your phone as a monitor and log diaper changes and sleep times. What’s more, its Wi-Fi toggle switch allows you to use it as a non-Wi-Fi baby monitor, which will give you peace of mind if you’re worried about internet privacy issues. Best of all, this monitor gives parents tons of flexibility because it has the ability to detach from its base and connect to a power bank, computer, or wall outlet via its USB plug.

But Take Note

Although this monitor has tons of extra features, it requires a premium subscription to access certain functions within the app. “When I get a noise alert on my phone, the alert takes me to a timeline on the app that I cannot view without upgrading to premium,” our tester says. “I then have to click out and back over to the home screen of the app to actually see what's going on.”

The Details:

• Type: Wi-Fi or Video
• Range: Unlimited
• Battery life: 10 hours (rechargeable battery)
• Resolution: 480 x 272 (not HD)

Best Picture: Nanit Pro Baby Monitor + Wall Mount

Why We Like It

After using the Nanit Pro in her newborn baby’s room, our tester was won over by the quality and clarity of its video, audio, and streaming. She was also impressed with its night vision because it allowed her to see specific details, like her son’s breathing and facial expressions. She also loved that she could access the video and audio on her phone, even when her phone was locked or she was doing other things and the Nanit app was open in the background.

But Take Note

Rather than a handheld monitor, the Nanit relies on your smartphone to view your baby. While we love the Nanit’s portfolio of features, parents must subscribe to the Nanit Insight Plan to gain access to most of them long term.

The Details:

• Type: Wi-Fi or Video
• Range: Unlimited
• Battery life: N/A
• Resolution: 1080p HD video

Best Without Wi-Fi: HelloBaby Monitor HB40

Why We Like It

If you’re looking for a simple, straightforward baby monitor that doesn’t require Wi-Fi, the HelloBaby is for you. Its easy-to-use interface has large buttons and a user-friendly panel, making it accessible even for those who are not tech-savvy.

Despite the fact that there’s no Wi-Fi involved, this monitor is anything but ordinary. In addition to a two-way microphone, it monitors the room temperature, plays white noise and lullabies, and alerts parents when it’s time to feed their baby. Best of all, this monitor is a fraction of the price of some of the others on our list, making it a great budget-friendly alternative for families.

But Take Note

Although we like the interface, our tester pointed out that the “Menu” and “OK” commands are the same button, which could be confusing for some. You also need to hold the microphone button down in order to talk to your baby, which isn’t implied just by looking at it.

The Details:

• Type: Video
• Range: 1,000 feet
• Battery life: 13 hours (video), 29 hours (audio only)
• Resolution: 1080p HD video

Best Audio: VTech Safe & Sound DM221 Audio Baby Monitor

Why We Like It

Our tester (who owns a Nanit Pro) was thoroughly impressed with this audio-only VTech monitor. “It performed exceptionally well and the audio quality was great,” our tester says. She especially liked the five-level sound indicator, which gradually lights up according to the severity of a baby’s cry.

With a range of up to 1,000 feet, our tester was able to carry this monitor through her house—even into her basem*nt—and walk around her 0.25-acre backyard without a loss of connection. “It was really nice to have ears on the baby while being on the back porch or doing something outside or downstairs during naptime,” our tester said.

But Take Note

Obviously, one drawback of this monitor is that it doesn’t have a video screen. However, our tester pointed out that it would be a great alternative to bring on a trip or have at home as a backup monitor in case the Wi-Fi goes out.

The Details:

• Type: Audio
• Range: 1,000 feet
• Battery life: 16 hours
• Resolution: N/A

Best Wearable: Owlet Cam 2

Why We Like It

The Owlet Cam is a smart Wi-Fi baby monitor that allows you to stream a live HD video of your baby anytime, from anywhere. It provides a 130-angle view of your baby’s bedroom, tracks the room’s temperature and humidity level, and is equipped with a 4x zoom so you can get a close-up look at your little one. Rather than a parent unit, the Owlet Cam feed is viewed through your smartphone via the Owlet Dream app. This gives parents the advantage of checking on their baby when they’re not home, which our tester says was a big plus.

When used alongside the Owlet Dream Sock (sold separately), parents can also monitor their baby’s heart rate and oxygen levels.

But Take Note

While the Owlet Dream Sock is certainly a bonus feature, parents should keep in mind that the FDA has not cleared or approved any baby products to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Instead, the newest version of the Owlet Dream sock has FDA clearance to "offer live health readings and health notifications for use with healthy infants," according to the manufacturer. We always recommend that parents followthe AAP's safe sleep guidelines.

The Details:

• Type: Wi-Fi Video
• Range: Unlimited
• Battery life: 18 hours
• Resolution: 1080p HD video

Best With Live Decibel Monitoring: Lollipop Baby Came

Why We Like It

Aside from the cute name, we love the Lollipop Baby Camera because it has excellent audio quality and controls. For example, parents can set their desired decibel sensitivity level and get notified when the monitor picks up a relevant sound.

We also like that there’s a setting in the app that enables parents to continually monitor the audio while using their phone for other purposes. “It’s a super nice touch that makes me feel like my phone isn’t trapped in baby monitor mode,” our tester said.

But Take Note

While it was easy for our tester to set up the monitor, it took her nearly 45 minutes to save her preferences and familiarize herself with the features within the app. She compared the process to learning a new video game, which could be too challenging for some.

The Details:

• Type: Wi-Fi Video
• Range: Unlimited
• Battery life: 18 hours
• Resolution: 1080p HD video

Easiest to Use: Eufy Baby Monitor E210

Why We Like It

If you’re looking for a baby monitor that doesn’t rely on Wi-Fi but still has a reliable signal, clear audio, and great video quality, the Eufy Baby Monitor E210 is for you. Our parent tester was impressed with how well it worked as she moved throughout her three-story home, noting that the signal reduced slightly—but was still very usable—as she ventured into her concrete-walled basem*nt. Best of all, the battery lasts for up to 30 hours in default mode and the camera pans 330 degrees and tilts 110 degrees to see floor to ceiling.

But Take Note

Although our tester thought the video quality on this monitor was excellent, she found that the resolution diminished whenever she zoomed in on her baby. Parents should also keep in mind that since this monitor doesn’t connect to Wi-Fi, it’s not going to have all the bells and whistles that other monitors have, like an app or the ability to check on your baby when you’re away from home.

The Details:

• Type: Video
• Range: 1,000 feet
• Battery life: 30 hours (default), 12 hours (continuous monitoring)
• Resolution: 720p

Other Notable Baby Monitors

• Motorola PIP12 Travel: This handheld plug-and-play monitor is easy to use and is equipped with HD sound, rechargeable batteries, and has an impressive range of 1,500 feet. However, while you can hear your baby, you won’t be able to see them, which some parents may not like.
• Infant Optics DXR-8 Pro: It took us 30 seconds to setup and begin using this monitor, since there was no app to install and it doesn’t connect to Wi-Fi. We love that it comes with interchangeable lenses and actively filters out background noise; however, the battery only lasts six hours with continuous screen monitoring.
• HelloBaby Monitor HB6550: This non-Wi-Fi monitor has an impressive list of features and up to 30 hours of battery life. It’s also worth noting that the temperature gauge isn’t always accurate because the camera heats up when it's plugged in for a long time, which impacts the overall temperature reading.
• Nanobebé Aura (With Floor Stand + Wall Mount): This smart monitor’s camera rotates up to 360 degrees, giving parents a full view of their baby’s room. It has a built-in sound machine and uses artificial intelligence (AI) to track a baby’s breathing; however, parents should be prepared to spend up to $399 to bring one home.
• Moonybaby LCD Video Baby Monitor (Two Camera Pack): This monitor is ideal for growing families because it comes with two cameras and allows parents to monitor two rooms at once with its split-screen technology. You can’t hear both rooms at once, though, which parents may find inconvenient.
• Panasonic Long Range Baby Monitor With Color Video Monitor: With a strong signal and an extended range of up to 1,500 feet, this monitor is ideal for large homes. It will require frequent charging though, since it has a short five-hour battery life when in use.

Our Testing Process

To determine which baby monitors are the best, we asked real parents to test 26 different monitors in their homes and provide detailed feedback on the experience while focusing on the following attributes:

• Ease of Setup: Using a stopwatch, parents timed how long it took them to unbox and set up their monitor, including reading the instructions and performing any necessary Wi-Fi connection and app configuration. They also noted how easy or difficult it was to place the monitor in an ideal position to watch their baby (e.g. mounting on a wall) and if it required special tools to do so.
• Ease of Use: While experimenting with their monitor’s interface and app (if it had one), parents took note of features that they thought were user friendly or confusing, especially for those who may have limited technical knowledge. If they encountered difficulty, parents attempted to utilize a monitor’s customer support communications to troubleshoot their issue.
• Range: To test how well a monitor worked in their home, parents measured how far away they could go from the camera (e.g. down two flights of stairs) before the signal was compromised. If a monitor connected to Wi-Fi, parents attempted to access it from outside their home through the designated app and noted how well it worked and if there were any connectivity issues.
• Performance: Based on testing, parents gave feedback on how well their monitor performed in terms of video and audio quality, signal reliability, and real-time monitoring. If their monitor had standout features, like a thermometer, sound machine, or night-light, parents shared how well they worked and if they provided additional peace of mind.
• Quality: How well parents could see their baby in the dark was an important determinant of the monitor’s overall quality. Additionally, parents focused on the clarity of the video and audio and if there were any issues with the feed.

Our Experts

In addition to testing each monitor, we interviewed the following experts to develop a better understanding of how baby monitors work, how they benefit parents, and what safety precautions parents should consider when using one:

• Tomomi Hayashi, MD, pediatrician at Stanford Medicine Children's Health Pediatrics.
• Lyndsey Garbi, MD, pediatrician and co-founder/chief medical officer of Blueberry Pediatrics.
• Ian Harris, MD, PhD, professor of computer Science at University of California, Irvine.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Baby Monitor

• Ease of use: Monitors that don’t connect to Wi-Fi are often referred to as “plug-and-play” because they are so easy to set up and use. These monitors tend to have basic features, which makes them easy to use—though they aren’t without standout qualities.
• Range and dependability: An effective baby monitor is one that reliably gives parents the ability to see their baby from a distance. A huge plus about monitors that connect to Wi-Fi is that they have an unlimited range and enable parents to check in on their baby from outside the home. On the other hand, the non-Wi-Fi Momcozy High-Performance Video Baby Monitor BM01 allowed our tester to see her baby even when she was a block-and-a-half away from her home.
• Video and audio quality: Many of today’s baby monitors are equipped with HD video to give parents a crisp (and often in-color) view of their baby. Equally important is how well the night vision works and how clear the audio is, especially because you may rely on the audio alone while sleeping.
• Battery life/power source: If your baby monitor streams through your smartphone, chances are it may drain your battery more quickly. Therefore, it’s important to make sure you have a fully charged device before you plan to monitor your baby. If you plan to stay put, you can plug in your monitor or smartphone while keeping an eye on your baby from the comfort of your bed or favorite chair.
• Additional features: Most monitors go beyond surveying your baby and are equipped with extra features, like lullabies, a temperature gauge, or two-way talk. More premium devices may have options like a built-in night-light, sound machine, and the ability to collect sleep-related data.
• Your budget: Above all, your family’s budget will determine how much you can spend on your baby monitor. Keep in mind that parents got by for years (and still do) with monitors that played audio only, so there’s no pressure to overspend on a monitor that has all the bells and whistles. A baby monitor is a great item to add to your baby registry, too, which gives friends and family the opportunity to support you and your partner with a helpful and practical gift.

How to Use Baby Monitors Safely

While baby monitors are helpful, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises parents that they should never consider one to be a reliable substitute for directly supervising a baby. If you haven’t seen your baby move or heard them cry in a while, that’s a sign that you should check in on them. This is especially true if your baby is sick, because monitors can’t determine if your baby is in pain or has a fever.

Parents should also place an emphasis on setting up the monitor properly. “Make sure that the cords and other parts of the monitor are not within reach of the baby so they can’t [access it] through their crib,” says Dr. Hayashi. Specifically, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) states that baby monitors with cords be at least 3 feet from where the baby sleeps, including a crib, bassinet, or play yard.

While it’s true that baby monitors emit radiation, Dr. Garbi explains that the impact of it has never been studied. “There is radiation everywhere to which babies are constantly being exposed,” Dr. Garbi says. “If you are concerned, keep the monitor as far away as possible from your baby but close enough to where you can still see them.”

When it comes to internet safety and protecting your monitor from hacking (because, yes, it has happened), Dr. Harris says the most important step is to create a Wi-Fi password that is difficult to predict. “It really is the best thing that you can do to ensure security, because once your password is revealed on one system, it can easily be reused for future attacks,” Dr. Harris says.

Dr. Harris also advises parents to look for a monitor that has end-to-end encryption and two-factor authentication. He explains that end-to-end encryption means that any audio or video being transmitted is protected because an attacker cannot interpret the data, even if it’s observed through eavesdropping.

Additionally, Dr. Harris describes two-factor authentication as a feature that prevents an attacker from accessing your monitor—even if they have your password. “I believe that the Nanit Pro Baby Monitor supports both end-to-end encryption and two-factor authentication, and I’m sure that there are other brands as well,” Dr. Harris says.

Can a Baby Monitor Be Hacked?

Whether a baby monitor uses Wi-Fi or low-frequency radio signals, it’s possible that it can be hacked. “There are published incidences of this happening,” says Dr. Harris. However, it doesn’t happen often because it’s unlikely that hackers will benefit financially from doing so, Harris explains.

Should You Leave a Baby Monitor on All Night?

“Parents can choose to leave a monitor on overnight, check it intermittently, or not at all,” says Dr. Garbi. “Whatever works best for them is the right thing.” While leaving a baby monitor on all night may give you peace of mind, you may also find that it disturbs your sleep because you are awoken by your baby’s every sound. Ultimately, there is no wrong answer—just do what’s best for you and your family.

When Should You Stop Using a Baby Monitor?

There’s no hard and fast rule on when you should stop using a baby monitor, and parents are encouraged to do so when it feels right to them. While some parents stop using a monitor once their child is regularly sleeping through the night, others may continue to use it because their child’s bedroom is on a different floor or in another area of the house. You can also repurpose your baby monitor by setting it up in your child’s playroom, the basem*nt, or garage.

Who We Are

Laura Lu, MS, is a commerce and parenting writer at Parents and a mom of two. Although she is fascinated by the features on today’s Wi-Fi monitors, she and her husband have happily used the same basic, non-Wi-Fi monitor since both of their children were born.