VTech DM1211 Review

Founded in 1976 in Hong Kong, VTech has since expanded its presence across several different regions worldwide. The company remains committed to developing affordable electronics that blend innovation and quality. VTech has established itself as a prominent manufacturer of cordless phones and a wide range of baby monitoring devices, including sound and video options.

Performance Comparison

Sound Clarity

The VTech DM1211 falls in the middle of the pack for sound clarity.

We recorded a maximum volume level of 93 dB for the parent unit, which is louder than some contenders. Interestingly, the volume will spike, or in other words, jump back and forth between a slightly lower volume and full volume setting, and this can be helpful to get your attention when your baby is crying. As for sound quality, the parent unit is decently clear, including the mid to high tones. However, we did notice some distortion in the low and bass sounds. We appreciate that the monitor reduces background noise to filter out ambient noises and focus on important sounds. This feature will kick in after 10-15 seconds, and the parent unit will go quiet. If a sound occurs in the nursery, the parent unit will activate.

Ease of Use

This product takes little to no time to set up; it's essentially a plug-and-play situation. It is also easy to use. These qualities helped the VTech DM1211 secure a solid, high-ranking place in this metric.

We had no problems navigating the interface, and the button labeling was clear. The user manual was helpful in finding extra information about the product and its features.

Range

The VTech DM1211 delivered a solid performance in our range tests.

The manufacturer claims a range of 1,500 feet. In our open field test, however, it only reached 1180 feet before the sound cut out, and we could no longer make out what was on the speaker. Interestingly, though, this distance is better than most of the competition. In our indoor test, it made it through 7 walls and over 170 feet, and that is a remarkable performance with flying colors.

Battery Life

The parent unit operates either on its rechargeable battery or through AC power, and the cord is long enough to access various outlets within a reasonable distance. The nursery unit is all about the cord life; it comes with an AC adapter and must be plugged in for power.

For extended monitoring periods, relying on AC power is recommended as the battery power is better suited for short timeframes only. The DM1211 user manual mentions that the parent unit achieves a full charge after 3 hours of continuous charging, and it charges faster when the device is powered off. Therefore, planning for a full charge beforehand might be necessary if you plan on carrying the monitor throughout your home during your baby's naptime.

Features

The VTech DM1211 offers several desirable features.

Here are some features it offers:

• Multiple alert options, either visual LED, auditory, or vibration
• LED visual sound indicator, which displays a color bar from green to red, showing the level of sound in the nursery
• Adjustable microphone sensitivity
• Two-way communication
• Night light & remote night light activation
• Page button on the side of the baby unit to alert the parent unit in the event you lose it around the house
• Low battery indicator
• Out-of-range alert
• Mute
• Sleep mode
• Belt clip

It's worth noting that an audio reminder feature is preset to “on.” When you turn on the parent unit, it will play an audio reminder. If you prefer not to have this feature, it's possible to turn it off in the menu.

EMF

The highest EMF emissions of the VTech DM1211 sound monitor is 1.07 V/m. This reading places this competitor on the lower end of the top-ranked sound monitor competition. This is a notable positive for parents worried about potential exposure to higher levels of EMF.

Should You Buy the VTech DM1211?

The VTech DM1211 is a compelling option for most parents looking for a sound monitor. It's a great everyday option with must-have features, impressive range, and sound quality that will make you feel like you're right there in the nursery. We also appreciate that it comes with an additional parent unit. For those who want simplicity without sacrificing quality, we think you will enjoy this monitor. It offers peace of mind without excessive technology.

What Other Sound Monitor Should You Consider?