In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician
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Keeping tabs on your newborn or toddler with a video monitor can provide priceless peace of mind and help you get restorative sleep, making it a must-have baby item for most parents.
The Eufy E21 is the absolute best video monitor for most families, thanks to the hybrid design that includes a dedicated parent unit and WiFi connection for remote viewing. We love the stupidly impressive video quality, remote-controlled camera, and simple setup.
If your budget is smaller or you don't need anything fancy, the Momcozy 1080p HD has everything you really need in an easy-to-use, bare-bones package that is remarkably easy to use, and offers adequate video quality, better sound quality, and sound activation. It really is all you need.
Since 2012, we've tested over 110 baby monitors, including the 13 video monitors in this review. We test video monitors in our lab and with real babies, assessing video and audio quality, range, ease of use, and more. Our tests are designed to help you find the right monitor for your needs and potentially increase your sleeping hours.
The Eufy E21 is a really cool hybrid video monitor that includes a dedicated parent unit and the ability to stream online using your personal device (like a smartphone or tablet). The setup is surprisingly easy, and the app wasn't too much of a pain. As one tester noted, “I hate apps and was dreading this setup, but it wasn't terrible. I could also monitor without it, which felt like the best of both worlds.” We love that both parts have battery backup for uninterrupted monitoring (even during an outage), and the spinning-eye, remote-controlled camera is addictive. If all that wasn't enough, this monitor has unbelievable, life-like video quality (day and night), wonderfully quiet noise cancellation, and some of the best sound activation on the dedicated parent unit.
The Eufy is kind of expensive for a monitor without movement or vitals tracking functionality. Options like the Sense-U Smart cost less than 50 more and provide vitals-tracking socks. However, not everyone wants or needs this kind of detail, and some parents might find that more information brings higher anxiety. Also, if you don't plan to ever view your little one from afar, then it could be more monitor than you need, and something like the Momcozy 1080P HD could be a better, less expensive fit. Whether you want to watch from home without the internet or love to view when away from home on your phone, the Eufy can do it all, and it does it so well that we think it is worthy of being called the best monitor for most families and needs.
The Sense-U Smart is a video camera that comes with a base station and a vitals-tracking sock/shoe (they can't seem to decide what to call it). It is an interesting offering in the world of wearable monitoring devices, and we think there are pros and cons depending on your goals. We think the video quality is outstanding, no, really, we wanted to reach through the screen and feel the softness of the test bear. We even like the app and the lack of advertising pushing their subscription plan on us during use. It is intuitive, and there is no need for cloud storage if you buy a micro SD card. The sound is also impressive with quality we didn't see in most competitors, and the WiFi connectivity means there is no worry about limited ranges.
The Sense-U falls short in terms of sound because it lacks sound activation and relies pretty heavily on notifications, which we don't think are all that effective for monitoring babies. This unit never really gets quiet, with some white noise always transmitted to the parent device, which makes us worried that parents will turn it down and fail to wake when their baby cries, or that they will rely on notifications, which are easy to miss or ignore. If you fall asleep easily or like white noise, it might not be a deal breaker. It also has a stationary camera, so you can't adjust the field of view without being in the room. As one parent noted, “I want to know what is happening in every corner of the room, so not being able to move the camera was super frustrating for me.” If you prefer quiet or a remote camera, the Eufy E21 could be a better choice, but it lacks vital-sign tracking. While the Sense-U isn't the right monitor for everyone, we think that parents seeking the best video quality and vitals tracking will enjoy what the Sense-U offers and can overlook some of the hiccups.
The Momcozy 1080p HD is one of the easiest video monitors to use, with all the features you really need and none of the fluff that can make things complicated or induce anxiety. We love the noise cancellation and sound activation on the Momcozy, and think the included features are the right ones, like 2-way talk to baby, and screen activation when crying is detected. This monitor is plug-and-play and easy enough for caregivers or grandparents to use without a tutorial.
The video quality for the Momcozy is fine. It isn't anything to rave about, and some finer details are missing at night, but it is more than adequate to see what needs to be seen for reassurance about what is going on in the nursery. As one tester noted, “The video could be better, but I can see when my baby's eyes are open, and that is all the detail I really need; I'd rather save the money than have better video.” If a better video is on your short list, it will cost more, and the Eufy E21 is one of our favorites that comes with a parent unit. The Momcozy also has a shorter range of only 110 ft through 3 walls, where it turns spotty, and 4 walls before it cuts out. For comparison, the Eufy is 175 ft through 8 walls. However, if your range needs are shorter and your video quality expectations are flexible, we think most parents will appreciate saving money on this easy-to-use, quiet monitor.
The Babysense True Sleep is one of the last mattress-sensor-pad monitors we know of. This unique video monitor detects movement indicative of breathing without wearables, AI, or WiFi. We love the simplicity of setting up the pads and forgetting they are there, putting our baby down to sleep without worrying about adding a sock or band. “I love not having to remember a wearable. I can just nurse my baby to sleep and put him in the crib,” said one mom tester. It offers some of the longest range among dedicated monitors, better sound activation than most, and video quality that gets the job done, even if it falls short of spectacular. It is easy to use, and the straightforward parent unit has auto screen wake when the baby cries. The camera is remote-controlled with almost full 360 rotation, and it even includes an adjustable nightlight.
If you don't want to monitor movement, this monitor could be overkill. The sensor pads require a firm, flat surface and work best under a traditional mattress, which could be a deal-breaker for some. Also, if the best video is what you crave, the Eufy E21 is better, but it doesn't track anything or monitor movement. In the end, there is something comforting about the sensor pads tracking movement indicative of breathing every time you put your baby to sleep (with no wearable in sight), and for some families, that will be more important than crystal clear videos. If that parent is you, this dedicated monitor is worthy of making your shortlist.
The VTech DM1211 delivers compelling performance with all the essential features, such as sound activation and filtering. It has a high maximum volume (93 dB in our tests) that beats all the video monitors, which is a big plus for deep sleepers. Our tester reports, “It was loud enough to wake my husband, who sleeps like the dead.” It's a user-friendly device and demonstrated an impressive range, covering 170 ft through 7 walls.
This monitor is undoubtedly an all-star, but each time you power up the parent unit, an audible warning reminder preset is enabled (you can turn it off in the menu), and if you do this in a quiet nursery with a baby nearby, it will wake them (ask us how we know). It also doesn't have video, by design. Which means if you want video, it is a deal breaker. However, we think it is a great choice for anyone kicking it old-school, traveling, caregivers, as a backup to WiFi monitors, or for video monitors that don't offer sound activation and might be too loud on their own.
The VTech is an excellent sound monitor that can get the job and save you significant cash. Credit: Abriah Wofford
Product Comparison Table
We used and tested every monitor in this review, side by side, for real-world comparisons. Credit: Matt Lighthart
How We Tested
Since 2012, we've purchased and tested more than 110 different baby monitors across types. Our monitor testing protocols put the products through a multi-point performance test to score and rank video quality and other functionalities. We've logged hundreds of hours of monitoring during testing, covering everything from battery life and range to sound clarity and more.
Our video monitor testing is divided across 6 rating metrics:
Video Quality (30% of overall score weighting)
Sound Clarity (25% weighting)
Range (20% weighting)
Ease of Use (15% weighting)
Battery Life (5% weighting)
Features (5% weighting)
Video baby monitors went through more than 46 individual tests to compare their performance. The most important metric was video quality, which accounted for 30% of the overall score. Our video quality rating is based on 4 specific tests, including a color chart to evaluate accuracy and tonal quality and an eye chart to assess clarity and the ability to convey fine detail. Our testing took place in the BabyGearLab in-house lab and homes with little ones to watch. The monitor reviews draw on over three months of investigation and data compilation information on how well the monitors worked, how easy they were to use, and how well they stayed “connected.” We used each monitor from setup through its features to determine which contender offers the best features, sound, and video quality, ease of use, the longest range, and the most reliable connection.
We measured the maximum volume for each parent unit to see if it is loud enough to wake the dead, or an over-tired parent. Credit: Matt Lighthart
We hit the town to test remote viewing capabilities on the WiFi monitors. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Why Trust GearLab
Overseeing our expert group of monitor testers is BabyGearLab founder Dr. Juliet Spurrier, MD . Juliet Spurrier, a board-certified pediatrician and mother of 2. Dr. Spurrier draws on her extensive experience and education as a pediatrician, the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendations, and her journey as a mother to select products for testing. Our team of expert testers includes Editor-in-Chief Wendy Schmitz (mother of 2), who has been professionally reviewing and testing video monitors since 2014.
We used every feature on every unit to check and rate its efficacy. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Monitoring your little one should be convenient and useful. Credit: Matt Lighthart
After months of testing, we think notifications and smartphone alerts are NOT a good way to keep tabs on your baby. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Analysis and Test Results
We tested and compared the top video products for monitoring little ones in comprehensive, side-by-side tests for months. Our tests provide the details you need to decide which monitor is best for your baby or situation.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
Video monitors started out pretty expensive; they later came down in price, making them an excellent choice for entry-level monitors and a must-have for parents. Unfortunately, in the past few years, the price of video monitors has gone up as they add more features, vitals tracking, subscriptions, and more, making many feel out of reach for new parents. If all the bells and whistles matter to you, it will be hard to find a cheaper monitor, but if you can be content with a dedicated unit with pretty good video and great sound activation, there are still some bargains to be had. These let you peek at your little one, assess their level of need, stand in awe of their adorableness, and can save you hundreds of dollars. Our favorite budget-friendly options are the Momcozy 1080p HD and the GoodBaby SM663. This Momcozy is super easy to use and has excellent sound quality and sound activation, with a video that lets you see what's happening in the crib, even if some finer details get muddled. If your budget is tighter, the GoodBaby can get the job done, but the video won't wow you and, frankly, might even scare you.
The Eufy provides unbelievable clarity and a field of view thanks to its high-resolution, remote-controlled camera. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Video Quality
Video quality is something you'd expect all video monitors to do well. However, in our opinion, some failed to provide lifelike images, even in daytime with impeccable lighting. While all were adequate, they ranged from acceptable images where a baby is visible to stellar, with impressive, life-like detail.
Given technology advancements, it is disappointing that most dedicated video monitors don't offer better visuals. It's hard to say whether this is the fault of the camera or the parent unit it comes with, but given the lower camera resolution on most dedicated monitors, we suspect it is the camera's fault, or both. Many video images weren't clear enough to see the baby's features, much less offer a real-world view of the nursery. While you don't need this to use a video monitor effectively, it can be useful or, at least, adorable.
While some of the tiniest details are blended together, the Nanit still provides crisp enough night video to see what you need to for adequate monitoring. Credit: Rachael Lamore
The Nanit day video offers significantly more detail and texture than its night images. Credit: Rachael Lamore
For most monitors, night-vision images are worse than daytime video. Some visuals are so blurry and indistinct in the dark that parents might rush to the nursery because their baby has no face or demon eyes. Sadly, nighttime is the best time to use a video monitor, so we recommend choosing wisely based on what you think you need to see before deciding whether to go to the crib or stay in bed.
Eufy E21VTech VM819
This is a comparison of the daytime video images from our testing.
Daytime video is where any monitor camera should shine, because it isn't hindered by night-vision technology or a lack of light. We tested the video in daylight conditions using a color chart, an eye chart, a pattern chart, and our favorite bear assistant to determine what was and was not clearly visible, and we assessed how well the images matched reality.
Sense-U SmartMomcozy 1080p HD
This is a comparison of nighttime video images during testing.
Most of the monitors have clear images with enough detail to potentially see your baby breathe, which is significantly more impressive than viewing a faceless (and terrifying) blob in the crib. Sure, you know that is your baby, but what is the point of a video feed if it doesn't show something useful?
The Nanit provides a bird's-eye view with the optional floor stand, and the included parent unit is somewhat less clear than on a smartphone. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Overall Video Quality
The monitor with the best video is the Sense-U Smart. In fairness, however, sometimes quality is in the eye of the beholder, and we were equally impressed with video from the Eufy, Owlet, Nanit, and the Momcozy Baby Monitor BM08. All of these are WiFi monitors, and their cameras claim resolutions of 1080p HD or higher. The Eufy brags about a 4k UHD, and our test bear looks downright pettable on the parent device. The Owlet, Momcozy, and Sense-U sport 2K HD technology.
The worst in the group were all dedicated monitors with lower resolution cameras and dated parent devices. These include the VTech VM819, HelloBaby Monitor HB6550, and the GoodBaby SM663, all with 480p resolution cameras. The video for all three allows you to see the bigger picture, but there is a distinct lack of detail, muddying of colors and patterns, and it can be challenging to see how distressed a baby is, especially at night.
The Eufy parent unit includes VOX or true sound activation that helps a monitor stay quiet unless it detects a baby's cries. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Sound Quality
Monitors should provide true-to-life video and high-quality audio that is easy to hear and clear enough for you to determine whether you need to see what is happening on the video, go back to sleep, or get moving to the nursery. So, while you might initially believe that video quality is the most important factor, we rated sound almost as high because, without sound, the video quality doesn't matter, because you'll never look at the video if you aren't alerted by sound.
Sound Quality Performance Ratings
Product
Max Volume
Sound Clarity
Noise Reduction
Sound Activation
Eufy E21
9.0
7.5
6.5
9.0
Babysense PRO Full HD
8.0
6.8
8.0
9.0
Momcozy 1080p HD
6.3
8.8
7.5
9.0
Babysense True Sleep
6.6
5.8
8.0
9.0
Sense-U Smart
8.1
9.0
8.0
3.5
Nanit Smart System
8.0
7.7
6.0
3.5
Owlet Dream Duo (Gen 3)
6.9
4.0
9.5
3.5
GoodBaby SM663
6.7
4.5
4.0
8.0
Momcozy Baby Monitor BM08
8.5
4.5
8.0
1.0
HelloBaby Monitor HB6550
3.7
3.5
6.5
7.0
VTech VM819
4.0
4.7
3.0
8.0
iBaby i20
7.2
4.5
3.5
3.5
TP-Link Tapo C200
5.6
5.0
4.0
1.0
If a monitor has muffled sound, is hard to decipher, or is not loud enough, you could miss your baby's cries and not know when to look at the video screen. If the sound activation or thresholds for background noise don't work well, you might lose sleep listening to a loud monitor generating excessive white noise or, worse, noises completely unrelated to your baby. Once alerted by the sound, you need a clear view of your baby with enough detail to determine their needs; otherwise, the video device isn't much better than a sound monitor.
We tested how loud each monitor got at maximum volume while a baby was crying. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Maximum Volume
The maximum monitor volume can be important, especially for deep sleepers or those unlikely to wake when their baby cries. While some parents may slumber in light sleep, alerted to a sneeze a block away, others will sleep very deeply and may miss cries if the monitor volume is too low. We measure the maximum decibels for each monitor at full volume using the same crying-baby loop.
The loudest monitor in the group is the Eufy E21 with a max volume of 89dB, making it the go-to option for deep sleepers. Not only does it get loud, but the sound is very lifelike and similar to what you'd hear standing in the nursery. The quietest are the HelloBaby and VTech VM819, at 68dB and 69 dB, respectively. That is a big step down, and it makes them both options we worry won't wake deep sleepers.
It is important to note that this is the sound of the baby crying, not the volume of any alerts or push notifications. In our experience, none of the alerts or notifications were loud enough to wake a tired parent and should not be relied upon for monitoring.
The Owlet offers customizable sound features that almost make up for the lack of true sound activation, but its sound clarity isn't great. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Sound Clarity
The clarity or quality of the sound might be one of the most important aspects of a monitor. If the sound from the nursery is hard to decipher, it isn't as useful as monitors that provide realistic sounds that mimic being in the room with your baby. We look for units that let you clearly hear the nuances of what is happening in the room. If the baby's cries sound robotic or tinny, it can be hard to determine how urgently you need to respond.
The clearest sound comes from the Sense-U Smart. The baby's tone and range are perfectly matched to real life, and cooing and happy, playful sounds are pleasant to hear. Smaller breathy sounds are also captured and don't feel exaggerated or otherworldly. The least clear sound came from the HelloBaby. While you can tell it is a baby crying, the crying has a twinge and an inauthentic sound. Any baby sound has a high-pitched, sharp edge, with a definitive warble at higher pitches, as if the speaker is struggling to get there.
Background Noise Reduction
A monitor's ability to reduce the amount of background noise it transmits to the parent unit is critical. Using a monitor should help increase the odds of a better night's sleep; it should not result in monitor sounds keeping you awake. Other than cries from your little one, there is little going on in the nursery that you need to hear. Noisemakers, lullabies, HVAC, and other sounds can all transmit from the nursery to your bedroom, so finding a monitor that can be silent is a big deal. We tested the volume output of each monitor during regular use, when the baby was sleeping and not making noise.
The top performers that created the quietest parent devices (without sacrificing overall volume) were the Owlet, Sense-U, both Babysense monitors, and the Momcozy BM08. The Eufy suffered somewhat here because at the highest volume, there is a feedback sound we couldn't shake. However, dropping the volume even a little resolved the issue, and the overall volume remained louder than most competitors'.
The worst noise cancellation belongs to the VTech VM819 and the iBaby i20. The iBaby never goes truly quiet, and we always hear some kind of sound from the baby's room or feedback. The VTech has little to no reduction in background noise.
Screen wake-ups and auto audio transmission when your baby cries are key features for nighttime monitoring. Alerts are less useful. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Sound Activation
All parents should seriously consider sound activation functionality. This feature helps keep the monitor silent unless a baby is actively making noise. For many monitors, it also wakes the screen, so there is no fumbling in the dark to turn it on to see your baby.
This feature can lead to more sleep because you aren't exposed to unwanted, annoying background noise. Sound activation translates to hearing only what you need to hear, such as a fussy or crying baby. This feature isn't available on all monitors, and we almost consider it a deal breaker if a monitor doesn't have it. The only acceptable alternative is a monitor with better noise cancellation to create a quieter experience. Maybe we are just old-school, but we love silence and the immediate knowledge of crying.
The best sound activation was on the Eufy with the included parent device, but not over WiFi with a smartphone. We also like both of the Babysense monitors and the Momcozy 1080p. None of the WiFi monitors even offer this feature (a huge mistake, in our opinion), and they require constant audio monitoring if you hope to hear your baby cry. They do their best to use noise cancellation and adjustable sound sensitivity to compensate for the lack of activation, but it isn't as effective.
Push notifications and alerts on a smartphone are quiet and easy to ignore. They also tend to be delayed. All of which makes them poor substitutes for actual live monitoring. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Notifications and Alerts
Notifications and alerts send a message or email to your personal device when motion or sound is detected. This kind of feature is only found on WiFi monitors. It isn't ideal for monitoring a baby because it is typically delayed, sometimes as long as 30 minutes after your little one starts crying. The alert also can't provide details about the type of sound or motion, and excessive, vague messages can get annoying. For these reasons, we prefer sound activation over notifications/alerts, which we believe are not useful for monitoring children.
We worry some parents will turn off constant monitoring in hopes of creating a quieter space for sleep. Unfortunately, none of the alerts are loud enough, sufficiently repetitive, or timely enough to do the job of real-time monitoring. We caution parents not to rely on these features, even if some alerts might be useful when you are awake and tuned in to respond, rather than ignoring them. It is also worth noting that not all alerts come through when your phone is on “do not disturb,” which many parents rely on to avoid loud calls during sleep.
Overall Sound Quality
The overall sound score reflects how easy the monitor is to hear, how closely it matches the sound inside the nursery, and how well the unit's filtering or sound activation works. Do not ignore this metric, as the monitor's audio alerts you to the need to check the video. Without good sound quality and features, you might not get the information you need or a monitor quiet enough to let you sleep.
In our tests, the best sound scores were achieved by the Eufy E21 and the Babysense PRO Full HD. The Momcozy 1080p HD wasn't too far behind. The worst for sound quality is the TP-Link Tapo C200; this isn't a big surprise, as it is less a baby monitor and more a security camera cosplaying as one.
We measured the connectivity range between the camera and parent unit on every dedicated monitor. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Range
The range for video monitors is the distance and the number of walls between the nursery and parent units, where the product stays connected and works without interruption or interference. A useful range is necessary to ensure connectivity and continued monitoring while you sleep.
Open Field Range
While most manufacturers offer a “line of sight” or “open field” range to describe their monitors, this distance doesn't indicate how well the monitor will work in your home, where walls and interference abound. It doesn't matter how much you want a particular model or brand; if it doesn't have reliable connectivity in your home, you won't be happy or be able to use it. And since we don't advise leaving your baby in an open field and walking away, the open-field range test and the related claims by manufacturers are largely useless. It simply isn't how monitors work or how you will use them.
Indoor Range
We conducted indoor range tests to provide a better, real-world picture, using the same measuring devices in the same house, with the same walls and interference.
Larger homes with more than 4 or 5 walls between the camera and the parent unit might be stuck using a WiFi camera. Most dedicated units only work through up to 4 walls, with spotty connections beyond that. The best range of the dedicated monitors is that of the Goodbaby with a distance of 186 feet through about 4 walls. However, depending on your home's layout, the Eufy E21 could be a better match. When using the included parent device, it stays connected up to 175 feet and 8 walls in our tests! If your needs exceed that, it is unlikely that any of the dedicated monitors in this review will meet your needs. The bonus with the Eufy is that it is a hybrid system that can also connect via WiFi, giving you connectivity anywhere with internet.
Measured Range
Indoor Range in Feet
GoodBaby SM663
186, 4 walls
HelloBaby Monitor HB6550
176, 7 walls
VTech VM819
174, 7 walls
Babysense True Sleep
168, 7 walls
Momcozy 1080p HD
110, 3 walls
Babysense PRO Full HD
85, 2 walls
Eufy E21
Anywhere You Have Connectivity
iBaby i20
Anywhere You Have Connectivity
Momcozy Baby Monitor BM08
Anywhere You Have Connectivity
Nanit Smart System
Anywhere You Have Connectivity
Owlet Dream Duo (Gen 3)
Anywhere You Have Connectivity
Sense-U Smart
Anywhere You Have Connectivity
TP-Link Tapo C200
Anywhere You Have Connectivity
WiFi-connected cameras are limited only by the wireless router's location and power relative to the camera and parent unit, and by the strength and speed of your WiFi. If necessary, you can often move routers or add range extenders to increase the range between the components if the WiFi monitor struggles to maintain a consistent connection.
While the WiFi-enabled monitors can work wherever there is WiFi, they won't work if your internet goes out. However, this style could be your only choice if you have a large home or one with lots of walls or interference. Purchasing a monitor from a retailer with a useful return policy lets you test it at home to see how well it works, with less risk.
Overall Range
A monitor's connection range is a make-or-break metric that determines whether a specific monitor will work in your home and meet your needs. You must test your monitor immediately in the home where you plan to use it. Don't rely on the manufacturer's claims or even our test results. Because every home is different in materials, design, and potential interference, our test results are intended to show which monitors have the best potential performance, rather than hard-and-fast, “for sure” distances.
Test Now
We recommend you test your monitor as soon as you get it. If you wait, you could miss the potential return window. Even if your baby hasn't arrived, you can set up the monitor in the locations where it will be used and use a partner or a radio to test whether the connection and features work as you need them to. Don't wait!
The Momcozy parent device is one of the most intuitive we've ever seen. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Ease of Use
Ease of use may seem less important because once you know how to use a product, it typically stops being challenging and, after a while, can even feel intuitive, even if it isn't. However, monitors can have a learning curve depending on the type you select and its features. While the dedicated monitors are plug-in-and-go products that even technology-challenged grandmas can use, some require more skill or tech savvy to operate.
Ease of Use Performance Ratings
Product
Setup
Useability
Travel Friendliness
Momcozy 1080p HD
8.0
9.0
8.5
Babysense PRO Full HD
8.0
8.0
8.0
Eufy E21
6.5
8.0
9.0
Babysense True Sleep
7.0
8.0
8.0
GoodBaby SM663
7.0
6.0
7.0
Sense-U Smart
7.5
8.0
3.0
HelloBaby Monitor HB6550
7.0
4.0
7.0
iBaby i20
6.0
7.0
5.0
Nanit Smart System
6.0
7.0
5.0
VTech VM819
7.8
4.0
6.0
Owlet Dream Duo (Gen 3)
6.0
7.7
3.0
Momcozy Baby Monitor BM08
4.0
6.5
5.0
TP-Link Tapo C200
4.0
3.0
4.0
On the other hand, the WiFi monitors require some technical knowledge and app navigation skills, or the patience to learn new things. With all of them, you need to set up the camera using a smartphone or other device; they all require you to set up an account and manage things like passwords, settings, and subscriptions within the app. While this can be a no-brainer for some, it can be more challenging if you lack technical knowledge, and it could be useless if your caregiver doesn't have the required app to use the monitor.
The Eufy is a hybrid system with WiFi connectivity and a dedicated parent unit that is easy to use and highly customizable. Credit: Matt Lighthart
If you struggle with technology and don't need or want to see your baby from outside your home, you might want to choose a dedicated monitor that requires little setup and has a more straightforward user interface. We aren't saying that most people can't sort out the WiFi monitors, but it is undeniably less work to plug the monitor into an outlet and turn it on than to download and sign up for an app you need to learn.
Data Collection
Some of the WiFi-enabled monitors that required an app asked us for a lot of personal data that felt icky and unnecessary. Things like our baby's full name, date of birth, and other personal information, just to set up a camera, began to feel invasive. This data is likely being collected to sell to other baby-related companies looking to solicit and advertise to new parents. However, we don't think any of this data is necessary for monitoring your baby. We lied during our sign-up. If you have any reservations about privacy and data harvesting, we recommend keeping them in mind when choosing what, if anything, you share.
Every app has a different interface and setup requirements. Credit: Rachael Lamore
Most of the app-required monitors are easy to set up for those comfortable downloading and configuring apps. All options walk users through the setup process step by step and feature intuitive menus that will feel familiar to most smartphone users. They all come with a quick start guide that will have you up and watching your baby fairly quickly. For those who loathe technology or older generations, it is tough to beat the setup of plugging in a monitor and turning it on, which you get with the dedicated options.
The Momcozy 1080p has easy-to-access on/off and volume buttons on the top of the unit. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The easiest monitor to use by far is the Momcozy 1080p HD. It is a dedicated option with a foolproof setup, an intuitive user interface, menus that make sense, and all the main functional buttons right on the unit, where you can access them quickly. Next is the Babysense Pro Full HD, with similarly easy usability for the same reasons. The hardest dedicated monitors to use included the HelloBaby and the VTech, while the most challenging WiFi monitors was the TP-Link Tapo C200, which we think should really stop marketing itself as useful for baby monitoring.
The Nanit parent unit has a very short battery life and is best used at night. plugged in, to avoid it dying while you are monitoring. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Battery Life
Testing battery life was for the parent device only. While some of the dedicated options have a battery in the camera for limited use in a power outage, most don't, and they are not intended for all-night use. So our battery tests focus only on the parent device.
Battery life ranges from 3 hours and 45 minutes for the parent unit on the Nanit Smart System to over 25 hours for the HelloBaby HB6550. Six of the 7 dedicated parent units lasted over 8 hours with the screens at full brightness and the sound on continuous audio at 50% volume, so almost all of them will last through most nights with a baby. The WiFi options are harder to gauge because battery life depends on the parent device, whether it is used for other applications, and how old the battery is. For scoring the WiFi options, we based our runtime on the average iPhone runtime of about 9 hours.
Most parent-unit batteries, including the Nanit, last long enough for nap time. Credit: Matt Lighthart
All measured battery durations will last through nap time, when you are most likely to be using the parent unit without plugging it in. Overnight, we recommend using the device plugged in by your bedside, so the battery is less of a concern.
The Nanit has a nightlight on the back of the camera that glows toward the ceiling. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Features
All of the products in our tests provide features for convenience and functionality. Some of the options also have additional baby-centric features. All the cameras have night vision, an automatic sensor that adjusts to ambient light, and 2-way communication with the baby so you can talk to your little one from a distance.
Some monitors come with lullabies, while others can relay the nursery's temperature and humidity. Some offer tracking for movement indicative of breathing or of vitals like heart rate nd blood oxygen levels. Other track sleep patterns and try to quantify the quality of sleep. No matter which features or functionality you want or need, this review likely has a monitor to meet your goals.
The Eufy's remote-controlled camera brings us joy. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The features we focus on are those we believe improve the monitor's performance, make life easier for parents, and increase your chances of getting a good night's sleep.
Potential Features
Movement or Vitals
Sound Activation
WiFi
Babysense PRO Full HD
✖
✖
Babysense True Sleep
✖
Eufy E21
✖
GoodBaby SM663
✖
✖
HelloBaby Monitor HB6550
✖
✖
iBaby i20
✖
Momcozy 1080p HD
✖
✖
Momcozy Baby Monitor BM08
✖
Nanit Smart System
✖
Owlet Dream Duo (Gen 3)
✖
Sense-U Smart
✖
TP-Link Tapo C200
✖
✖
VTech VM819
✖
✖
We prefer options with sound activation that keep the parent unit silent as long as the baby is quiet. We believe this functionality helps you fall asleep faster because ambient noise from the monitor speaker can keep you awake. Some of the monitors are loud enough (even at low volumes) to keep light sleepers from getting the shut-eye they need. This lack of sound filtering defeats the purpose of using a monitor. We also like units with automatic “wake” screens that turn off after a set period of inactivity.
Number of Cameras vs Number of Viewers
Number of Cameras
Number of Viewers
Babysense PRO Full HD
4
1
Babysense True Sleep
4
1
Eufy E21
2
5
GoodBaby SM663
4
1
HelloBaby Monitor HB6550
4
1
iBaby i20
4
Unlimited
Momcozy 1080p HD
4
1
Momcozy Baby Monitor BM08
1
Unlimited
Nanit Smart System
2+
2+
Owlet Dream Duo (Gen 3)
Unlimited
4
Sense-U Smart
4
Unspecified
TP-Link Tapo C200
Unlimited
5
VTech VM819
4
1
Other features to consider when looking for the best monitor for your needs are whether it detects movement indicative of breathing, also known as a “movement monitor,” the ability to move the camera (pan/tilt/zoom) remotely, the number of cameras you can add, the number of viewers who can monitor, a room temperature sensor, and a humidity sensor.
The Babysense True Sleep camera has an adjustable nightlight you can control remotely. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Overall Features
Features are important, but we encourage you to consider which features you will use and which sound like fun in theory but probably won't be used over time. Many options have a higher price tag and justify this with features parents are unlikely to use. Features like alarm clocks for feeding schedules and alerts for low humidity might seem like something you would use, but sound activation and quality images are more critical in practice. In fact, additional features often make devices harder to use, and many are novelty functions that most parents stop using. Don't be persuaded by bells and whistles that you might stop using in the first few weeks. Ultimately, you want a good monitor with great sound and video quality.
The Owlet includes a sensor sock that can monitor and track vital signs such as heart rate and blood oxygen levels. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The most feature-filled options are the WiFi-enabled “movement” monitors, like the Owlet, Nanit, and the Sense-U. These monitors track some vitals, including movement and motion detection, and offer lullabies, nature sounds, or white noise, a nightlight, room temperature readings, and more.
The Momcozy 1080p menu is easy to navigate. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The dedicated products don't have as many fancy bells and whistles as the WiFi options, but they have what you need, like sound activation (missing on most WiFi options), lullabies/nature sounds, and some have room temperature sensors. Most of them also include a remote camera (also missing on many WiFi monitors), which can be invaluable as your little one grows and becomes more mobile. We think most dedicated monitors offer all the features for great baby monitoring, and we find that many of the fancier features either have short lifespans or go unused after the novelty wears off.
We tested the EMF emissions of every monitor. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Electromagnetic Field (EMF) Levels
Electromagnetic fields (EMF) are something we feel should be discussed when considering any baby monitor. Given that all wireless devices emit some level of EMF, we believe it is negligent not to discuss the potential health risks associated with the kind of radiation emitted by wireless products. While the jury is still out, and studies are not conclusive yet, there is enough evidence that EMF can potentially cause health problems that we feel it is better to err on the side of caution when it comes to exposing children than to ignore the potential impact.
Average EMF reading measured at 6 feet from the camera.
Wireless devices and dirty electricity are nearly impossible to avoid in our technological age, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't make an effort to limit your family's exposure. Despite current scientific evidence being somewhat conflicting, we feel that parents should make informed, deliberate decisions about their children's exposure to potential health risks. Especially given that their developing bodies and systems are more susceptible to this kind of radiation. We can't say with absolute certainty that monitors pose a potential health risk, but we also can't say for sure that they don't. Given this, we feel it is critical to test and report on the EMF emission levels of each competitor in our review. With this knowledge, you have the information you need to determine which products align with your goals and beliefs concerning EMF exposure.
Some cameras require close mounting within 3 feet of the crib, such as the Nanit on a floor stand. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The lowest average EMF reading was on the Nanit Smart System, at 0.20 V/m. The highest EMF measurement was recorded on the VTech, at 3.75 V/m. The Momcozy 1080p HD was next with a reading of 2.78 V/m. The Owlet and Sense-U round out the highest emitters.
You can reduce your baby's potential exposure if your camera is more than 12-15 feet away from your baby's usual resting place (an adequate distance for night vision on most units), but much further than many cameras that recommend a range of 3-5 feet for mounting or above crib placement. However, given the sensitivity of a baby's developing systems, we recommend placing the monitor as far away from your little one as possible while still allowing the monitor to do the job it was designed for.
Safer Practices
Even though the jury might be out concerning the potential effects of EMF on health, you don't need to wait for definitive proof before you err on the side of caution and make thoughtful adjustments or decisions. There is sufficient preliminary evidence to suggest that limiting EMF exposure makes sense, even if it is “just in case.” EMF exposure compounds over time, and the number of devices emitting EMF has increased. You can help decrease your baby's exposure by:
Turning devices off when not in use
Unplugging wireless routers at night (not possible with WiFi monitors)
Keeping in-use products as far from your baby as possible
Don't put your WiFi router in the baby's room
Not convinced of the potential for harm? It never hurts to make thoughtful decisions that could improve the health of your home and the children in it. We encourage all parents to weigh the pros and cons of each home addition for how it could impact home health.
The Infant Optics is dated, lackluster, and has never performed well in our tests. Credit: Abriah Wofford
Other Notable Options
Not all monitors made the cut for this review. Some have been cut from prior updates as they failed to impress us enough, and others are perhaps just a little too new for inclusion. Here are some popular choices you might be curious about.
Infant Optics DXR-8 PRO — This monitor is ridiculously popular, and we aren't sure why. It has never been a standout in our testing, and we've tested just about every iteration. The video isn't great, and the design is dated; trust us, it has been around forever. While the interchangeable lenses are interesting, we think most parents will lose whichever one they find least useful. In general, it's fine, but way overpriced for what it is.
There are many factors to consider before purchasing the perfect video monitor. Credit: Matt Lighthart
How to Pick the Best Video Monitor
Video monitors come in various types and have a variety of features. While we've identified our favorite features like sound activation and true pan-and-tilt video, many parents will want features like two-way talk to the baby or expandability. Some key considerations include:
Wifi or Dedicated
Dedicated options don't rely on WiFi, but some homes might require a WiFi option if the dedicated video range isn't long enough or if there are too many walls between units. The dedicated options tend to be more straightforward and great for grandparents or babysitters; WiFi often means great range, better connectivity, and watching little ones away from home. While you might have the option of either, sometimes your home or your needs will make the decision for you. At least two monitors in this lineup include both viewing options.
Some monitors offer features that track blood oxygen levels and heart rate. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Baby-centric Features
While we don't think baby-centric features or lack thereof are deal-breakers, some parents might. If you want an option with features like a nightlight or lullabies, pay close attention to what each one offers. Some are very baby-centric and even include features like vitals tracking, while others are more utilitarian, with video and sound. There are lots of fun night lights or sound machines to help keep little ones soothed without placing that burden on a video monitor, so keep your options open that having multiple products designed specifically for specific tasks could be a better solution than a one-and-done multi-use option.
Expandability
There are dedicated monitors that can expand by a camera or two, but most are a one-camera operation, which could be frustrating if you have a second child down the line. If you hope to expand your system to two bedrooms or set up nanny cams, then a WiFi option with a less baby-centric design is probably the better fit for your long-term needs. Some of the options we tested can add four or more cameras to create a more comprehensive monitoring system.
Every monitor has pros and cons; finding the right one requires determining which features you must have and what are deal-breakers. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Conclusion
The peek-in on your baby using a video monitor can be a game-changer for parents looking for peace of mind or just enjoying watching their baby sleep. The ability to view inside the nursery can help you decide whether or not you need to check on your baby in the nursery or if your little one can settle without help. We believe our months of intensive, hands-on, side-by-side testing of video monitors can help you narrow the products to the right solution for your family. Don't forget that a monitor is a useful and much-appreciated baby gift.
