Best Baby Monitor Reviews 2017

A baby monitor gives you the peace of mind to carry out your daily chores as your little one enjoys uninterrupted nap times. You can monitor them from the comfort of your hand or lap. Your baby can enjoy more sleep time between feedings and changes since you won’t have to come into their bedroom frequently to check on them. Because there are so many different brands, models, and features for baby monitors, choosing the right one can be a daunting task. We’ve saved you the hassle by bringing you five of the best baby monitor brands you can find.

Overview

PROS

CONS

SPECS

Range

Video

Voice

Mobile App

Extras

Our Top Choice

Philips Avent FHSS Baby Monitor with Digital Video

Perfect for those willing to make the investment to have a private, secure connection to their baby through audio and visual contact.

Perfect sound quality. Visual contact. Prerecorded lullabies. Soft nightlight. Private, secure connection. Over 900 feet of range.

Disruptive background noise reported that can keep the camera on.

164ft indoors. 984ft outdoors.

High res. Infra-red night vision.

Includes Talkback feature

None

Lullabies. Nightlight. 2x zoom.

Best Value

Angelcare AC401 Deluxe Plus Baby Monitor

The Angelcare AC401 Baby Monitor has been chosen as our Best Value product because of the incredible features to price ratio.

Movement detection through sensor pads. Easy locator. Digital display of room temp, movements. Nursery Night Light

Not a video monitor. Issues with receiver screens. False movement alarms.

262-328ft indoor. 820ft outdoor.

Digital display but not video.

One-way audio only.

None.

Audio Tic,Temp control,Nightlight

Infant Optics DXR-8 Portable Video Baby Monitor

Two of the reasons the Infant Optics DXR-8 Video Baby Monitor has made it on to our list are the interchangeable lens technology and voice connection to your baby.

10 hours of power in power-saving mode. 6 hours of power with the display remaining on. Remote zoom, tilt, and pan.

Some reported issues with the charging port. Thick walls affect range.

Up to 700 feet outdoor.

4 lenses. Color LCD. Zoom. Pan.

Two-way talk.

None.

Temp monitoring. Wireless.

Motorola MBP85 CONNECT Baby Monitor - Wireless

We know them for phones, but Motorola also has with a video monitor that ensures you can see your baby at all times.

Smartphone, computer, and tablet capability. Notifications for all sounds, temperature change, and motion.

Does not work well with web portals. Some monitor issues reported.

Unlimited.

HD Video. Tilt. Zoom. Pan.

Two way communication.

Connect with Hubble App.

Temp display. Recording plans.

Summer Infant Babble Band Audio Baby Monitor - Wearable

Summer Infant has created a wearable baby monitor, which has never been done before, with a price tag that is practically a steal for what it's worth.

Wearable. Three monitoring modes. Transmitter acts are both charger base and audio transmitter.

Charging period of five to six hours. Strap too short for some. Reports of feedback loop issues.

Up to 800 feet outdoors.

None.

None. One-way audio only.

None.

Wearable. Digital. Hands-free.

(Updated September 22, 2017)

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How Do I Choose the Best Baby Monitor?

A baby monitor is the all-seeing, ever-present guardian angel that you trust to transmit your baby’s whereabouts and condition, conveniently blending into the background as your little one enjoys a peaceful nap, with some simple models just alerting you when the baby cries. Other advanced models relay high-resolution, multi-angle videos of your baby’s condition with night vision capabilities, to allow you to monitor every single move your baby makes in bed.

The recent advancements in wireless and video technology have seen the emergence of terrific baby monitors that surpass the expectations of every parent. You can still find some dated devices on the market, but they only exist due to familiarity and brand legacy, not functionality.

Any parent with a newborn baby understands that you may only get two to four hours of relaxation times between cries. To maximize that sleep time, you need a quality baby monitor to give you some peace of mind, so you don't worry and only drift into light sleep. You can keep an ear or an eye on your baby as you shower or make a quick meal in the kitchen. If you choose a video baby monitor, you can let your baby have fun in a playpen as you do some laundry, and still monitor their every move. When you sleep coach, whichever style you choose to employ, a baby monitor helps you determine when to enter the room or when to allow babies to fuss themselves back to slumber.

How do you choose the right baby monitor for your needs? It all depends on the features you’re looking for and the price you’re willing to pay. Whether it’s a dated baby monitor that simply alerts you when the baby cries or an advanced multi-angle video baby monitor, it’s all up to you. Note that baby monitors should never be used as a substitute for adult supervision, but as an additional set of ears, or sometimes eyes!

Price

Prices of baby monitors vary widely depending on the functionalities and safety features. The basic audio baby monitors start from about $50, while more advanced designs with high-end security features and multiple receivers can cost around $150. Video baby monitors cost between $75 and $300, depending on the transmission range and image quality. Movement monitors or remote viewing/Wi-Fi monitors can cost between $70 and $300. Many parents consider baby monitors to be essential, and will most likely spend more to get the best.

Regardless of the baby monitor type you choose to buy, there are extra accessories you should look for to get real value for your money. A standard audio monitor should come with a single transmitter and receiver, and at least a single adapter with battery backup. A video baby monitor should include at least a single video monitor, a wall-mounted or tabletop camera, and an AC adapter.

The prices of baby monitors will vary depending on the additional features incorporated in the design. Cheap baby monitors might not come with all the necessary features, while fairly priced to high-end ones come with all the bells and whistles. For instance, vibrate modes, multiple receivers, long range reception, low-battery or out-of-range indicators, night vision, and other features will raise the cost of a baby monitor.

Features

What should you look for when choosing the right baby monitor for your little one? There are numerous features that can influence your choice, including security, frequency, size, battery life, and much more. Let’s look at them in more detail.

Security - Analog vs.Digital - Analog monitors cost less, but anyone within the range can clearly hear the signal. Digital models encrypt the audio transmission, making it almost impossible to tap the signal. Others come with digital clocks to encrypt video images as well. To minimize any interference with surrounding devices, look for digital enhanced cordless technology devices, usually marked as DECT.
Audio or Video - If you want to watch your baby sleep, you’ll need to purchase a video baby monitor. However, if you just need to be alerted when your baby wakes up, an audio monitor will work just fine. Audio monitors are less costly and take up minimal space. Video monitors provide a variety of options, such as different screen sizes, cameras that can zoom and pan, and sometimes even night vision.
Frequency - The most basic baby monitor models use frequencies of 49 MHz. Others use 900 MHz, which offers better range, but is still susceptible to interference from traditional cordless radios operating at the same frequency range. The modern designs of baby monitors have now shifted to 2.4 gigahertz (GHz), but there can still be interference, as modern cordless phones and Wi-Fi systems use the same frequency range. To be sure your baby monitor is free of interference, consider models with frequency ranges of 1.9Ghz to 2.4 GHz with DECT support.
Low-Battery Indicator - Sometimes you could be waiting for a signal on your receiver to know if your little doll is screaming for attention, only to realize the battery has run out. Get a model that alerts you when your battery is running low for timely replacements

Construction and Design

Parents purchase baby monitors for two main reasons: security and convenience. Unless you’re looking for an advanced setup, a basic baby monitor that offers adequate security levels and convenience is good enough. However, some manufacturers add extra features to make your life easier as your baby enjoys comfort. Here are the critical construction features you may want to look at:

Power - A baby monitor uses either batteries or electricity. For some models, the child unit is electrically powered, while the parent unit is battery powered since you have to walk with it. If you’re concerned about power outages, consider units that run on batteries.
Indicators - A good baby monitor should offer a wide range of indicators for convenience. In addition to sound, you should consider brands with vibration alerts, light-up sound detection, out of range alerts, low battery alerts, and find functions in case you misplace your parent unit.
Size - Choose a model with a smaller receiver that's easy to carry around. You should also decide if you want a design with a separate parent receiver or one that integrates with devices you already have, such as smartphones.
Multiple Receivers/Transmitters - Some models come with multiple receivers. You can choose to leave one in the room, and carry one around in the house or in the backyard. Other models come with a single receiver, with options to purchase additional receivers as your situation dictates. There are also models that allow you to monitor more than one room using multiple transmitters.
Safety Features - A baby monitor with a wall-mountable child unit allows you to safely fix the unit away from the tiny fingers of your toddler. However, be sure to locate a place that’s close enough to your child's bed to pick up tiny sounds. A temperature sensor may be necessary if you want to monitor the room temperature and ensure that your child enjoys peaceful sleep free of too much heat or cold.

Performance and Ease of Use

The best baby monitors are pretty simple to install and operate. Even if you’re half asleep and the lights are out, you should be able to operate a baby monitor.

Setting up any electronic gadget can be a nightmare for some people, but child's play for others. If you’re not technically inclined, the traditional baby video monitors are the easiest to use, since they don’t incorporate Wi-Fi connectivity. Other complex models with Wi-Fi touch panels and extra wireless capabilities are a little complicated to set up and operate, unless you’re tech savvy.

If your cell phone or smartphone has an AV output, you can easily connect your baby monitor to your TV for a wider view. Some models also have options for SD card memory slots for saving your images for later viewing.

Consider brands that have elaborate and functional support systems, and extended warranties that run for at least two years. Most manufacturers offer technical support through their websites, emails, customer care teams, help lines, and FAQs to guide users on the various functionalities of the baby monitor.

What is the Best Baby Monitor?

Though baby monitors all have the same purpose, each brand has different features. Making the final decision on the right brand and model for you can be tough. Having this list in hand should make your decision-making process easier. Why wait? Go ahead and pick a baby monitor that suits your personal needs and preferences.

Our Top Choice

We have chosen the Avent Digital Video Baby Monitor by Philips as our Top Choice because of its range, FHSS technology, and its reliability. Philips Avent has an incredible baby line, and even carries monitors that are audio only, such as the DECT Baby Monitor.

Philips Avent Digital Video Baby Monitor with FHSS

Philips Infant Monitor SCD630/37

Features

Philips is a brand that is known and praised across the globe, and for good reason. The Avent FHSS Baby Monitor is the perfect choice for parents who are willing to invest in a monitor that will bring multiple benefits to the table. With a recommended retail price of $220, it has the features that are offered through this brand and model that make it our overall top choice.

This model has all the basic features you would expect from an infant monitor, plus some that you will not find easy in a others, especially when it comes to the FHSS technology.Let’s take a look at what you get -

3.5" color screen
Able to mount on the wall
Automatic infrared night vision
Voice activation mode
Talkback
Prerecorded lullabies
Temperature monitoring
Night light
Private, secure connection through FHSS technology
Wireless
Rechargeable battery

Don’t spend another night worrying about your baby. Get your Avent FHSS baby monitor today.

Best Value

The Angelcare AC401 Baby Monitor has the best bang for your buck, thanks to many of its great features, such as the sensor pads that monitor the movements of your precious little one. Angelcare has video monitors as well, such as the Angelcare AC 1300.

Angelcare AC401 Movement and Sound Monitor – Audio Tic Feature

Angelcare Infant Monitor 401-A-2P-US-2SB – Aqua/White

Features

Angelcare is a brand that has stormed the market since its initial release. They are a "mom and pop" company, one that came from parents wanting better, and it shows in their products. The AC401 Baby Monitor by Angelcare has some features that you will not find in many other models at this price. At a MSRP of $101 it is not the cheapest monitor on our list, however, our Best Value product is not simply the cheapest product, but the product that offers the most for a reasonable price tag.

Here are the features that make the Angelcare AC401 Baby Monitor our choice for Best Value-

Two Sensor Pads
Two Portable Units
Color Digital Displays
Temperature Control and Display
Calming Audio "Tic" Feature
Gentle Night Light
Clear, Secure Transmission
Range Indicator
Sound Light
AC Adapter or Battery Powered
Low Battery Indicator

One of the more notable features for this model is the calming audio "tic" feature, which you can turn on to create a ticking noise that will help soothe your baby. It also helps to ensure that your end of the monitor is still working.

Find the Angelcare AC401 Baby Monitor at Amazon.

The Infant Optics DXR-8 Video Baby Monitor has incorporated technology that no other brand has yet, being the interchangeable lens. Infant Optics also has simpler baby monitors for those looking for a basic model, such as the Infant Optics DXR-5 Portable Video Baby Monitor.

Infant Optics Video Baby Monitor – Portable with LCD Color Display

Infant Optics Infant Monitor DXR-8

Features

Because they are a leader in interchangeable lens technology, Infant Optics is a step ahead of the game. This is the exact reason for our choosing the DXR-8 model in our top rated list of baby monitors. With a mid-range price tag of $170, Infant Optics offer a good range of features.

One of the more notable features of this infant model would definitely have to be the zoom capabilities. Some of the other great features you can expect when you choose to go with the DXR-8 model from Infant Optics-

Custom viewing angles
3.5" full color LCD display
Retractable antenna
Sound activated display
10 hours of battery on power-saving mode
6 hours of power when screen is on
Remote pan and tilt

With the Infant Optics Video Baby Monitor you can keep an eye on your baby, from all different angles. Get yours today.

Motorola has always been one of the bigger brands when it comes to electronics, but they have now branched off into baby monitors. Our selection has come down to the MotorolaCONNECT. For those looking for a baby monitor that has more advanced features, we highly recommend the Motorola MBP36S.

Motorola CONNECT Wireless Video Monitor - Wi-Fi, Smart Functionality, Remote Monitoring

Motorola Infant Monitor MBP85

Features

Motorola has come out with some pretty impressive baby monitors, which is why we've chosen to include the MotorolaCONNECT within our review. We think the price tag of $150 is very reasonable considering you’re buying peace of mind from anywhere, through the use of their smart features.

Here are the many features that factor into why we chose the MotorolaCONNECT-

Wi-Fi wireless connectivity
Remote HD, 720p, streaming
Compatible as an add-on or accessory with a Motorola video monitor
Notifications sent for temperature changes, movement, and sound
Infrared night vision
Two-way communication
Remote panning, tilting, and zooming

While the MotorolaCONNECT may not have as many features as the other baby monitors in our review, the features that it does have make it the perfect choice for someone looking for something that is both basic and technological.

Buy your Motorola MBP85 Baby Monitor now and get connected!

Get the Best Baby Monitor of 2017!

With you in mind, and the safety of your little one at the forefront, we've looked at five of the best-rated baby monitors available. We've ensured that no matter what your preference or budget may be, we have a recommendation that could just suit you. However, if you didn’t find a perfect fit among our selections, feel free to consider other alternatives from these trusted brands.

Our Top Choice

Philips Avent FHSS Baby Monitor with Digital Video

Best Value

Angelcare AC401 Deluxe Plus Baby Monitor

Infant Optics DXR-8 Portable Video Baby Monitor

Motorola MBP85 CONNECT Baby Monitor - Wireless

Summer Infant Babble Band Audio Baby Monitor - Wearable