VTech DM111 Review

Originating in Hong Kong in 1976, the VTech company has expanded to over ten different regions worldwide. The company's mission is to develop innovative and quality products while maintaining affordability. VTech's North American operation is one of the top three companies in cordless phones. In addition, VTech is also the manufacturer of many different best baby monitors, both sound and video.

Performance Comparison

Sound Clarity

In the world of the best sound monitors, the DM111 outshines certain competitors in this particular metric, but it doesn't surpass them all.

The DM111 proves you don't need to spend a lot to get good sound quality. It impresses with a maximum volume reading of 103.6 dB, surpassing the decibel levels of some monitors. It also has very little interference and static, and the tones it produces offer a range without the dreaded tinny quality that can occur with some monitors.

Ease of Use

In this specific metric, the DM111 emerges as a superstar.

This monitor's simplicity is its strength when it comes to ease of use, as there isn't much to it. It works right out of the box when you plug it in and turn it on. There is no need to pair the parent and child unit; you can start using it immediately. The child unit has a single power button, and the parent unit has power and up and down volume buttons. These buttons are easy to use and find in the dark, and there isn't much chance of making a mistake, even in a sleep-induced haze. However, it's worth noting that being this easy to use often translates to minimal features. But it's so user-friendly that even Grandma and Grandpa won't break a sweat trying to figure it out.

Range

The DM111 performs about average for range distance.

The manufacturer doesn't make claims for the range of this monitor. In our tests, we were able to keep a connection of some kind up to 1,350 feet in a line-of-sight test. We maintained a connection through 7 walls and 98 feet for the indoor range. The connection was past the 6th wall, but it was still trying after the 9th wall. This distance is relatively impressive, given this unit's low price. This range should work for most families, with the longer ranges working through 8 or 9 walls and up to 165 feet.

Battery Life

The DM111 faces some challenges in this metric due to its reliance on batteries.

The DM111 operates on AAA batteries instead of rechargeable batteries, and the manufacturer claims it can last up to 13 hours of battery life. However, you may find yourself frequently changing batteries or investing in a minimum of two sets of rechargeable AAA batteries. That way, one set can be in use while the other set charges. On the upside, the baby unit also has backup batteries to allow both monitor parts to run without electricity.

Features

The DM111 has a no-frills design for simple, straightforward monitoring without the frustration of a complicated user interface or a plethora of features you are unlikely to use.

This plain Jane monitor has no advanced features, so you'll need to look elsewhere if you are looking for those. It offers features that help it operate and relay information to the parent, such as low battery alert, out-of-range indicator, mute sleep mode, belt clip, and sound level indicator.

Something that is lacking on this device that we think is important is sound activation. This feature ensures that the parent unit remains quiet unless the baby is actively making noise. This feature helps parents get a better night's sleep without listening to the white noise coming from the baby's room. This feature may not be important to you. If you sleep easily as soon as your head hits the pillow, no matter what is happening around you, you may not think this feature is essential. It is also missing two-way talk-to-baby communication that some parents feel is necessary. In our experience, many parents find they don't use this feature often or rarely after the novelty has worn off.

EMF

In terms of EMF emissions, DM111 performed relatively poorly, with a higher reading, an EMF of 2.63 V/m at 6 ft from the unit.

With a higher reading, you can decrease the baby's exposure to EMF by placing the monitor as far from the crib as possible and unplugging the unit when not in use.

Should You Buy the VTech DM111?

While VTech DM111 allows you to hear what's happening in your baby's room, it doesn't offer many features. It could be handy for specific situations, such as if you need a bare-bones monitor to supplement a top-ranked movement monitor, a monitor for travel, or an option to use at a grandparent's house where simplicity is key. But, we suggest exploring other options that offer a more comprehensive experience for everyday monitoring needs.

What Other Sound Monitor Should You Consider?

Several options in the lineup offer more than the DM111. The VTech DM1211 is a standout choice for a well-rounded performance across the board. The VTech DM221 offers the best sound clarity in the group, with a minor price increase. Tech-savvy parents looking for an app-driven monitor with baby-centric features may like the Hatch Rest+. Alternatively, if you're mindful of your budget but still want a monitor that doesn't compromise on features, the TimeFlys QQ Portable is one to consider.

Manufacturer Video