The 8 Best Baby Monitors of 2023
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- Whether you’re expecting your first or fourth little one, a good baby monitor is an essential piece of baby gear.
- And the technology on these things can change so quickly from one year to the next, you might be in the market for an upgrade.
- That’s why we’re here to help you find the best baby monitor for your family.
A good baby monitor will give you peace of mind as your baby sleeps. To you, that might mean simply being able to hear your baby cry from across the house, or it might mean being able to check in on them from the office. In either case, a baby monitor is one of the baby gear essentials you don’t want to skip.
From simple audio only baby monitors to high-end smart monitors, there’s a baby monitor out there for every type of family. And even if you’re on a tight budget, you might be surprised to find some high quality baby video monitors in your price range.
Here are our top picks for the best baby monitors of 2023.
Top Choice: Infant Optics DXR-8 PRO
- RELIABLE MONITORING: Our patented, Active Noise Reduction technology, filters out background noises in the nursery like fans, air purifiers, heaters, and air conditioners so you can hear your baby more clearly and enjoy a restful night’s sleep.
- ULTRA-CLEAR VIDEO QUALITY: Our high definition screen offers sharp video quality and enhanced night vision with 720P resolution for ultimate coverage. The closed circuit camera system is hack proof so the video feed is only viewable by you.
- VIVID LARGE 5″ SCREEN: An improved LCD screen offers better brightness, sharpened viewing angles, and a vivid color display, giving you exceptional clarity day and night, even in low-light settings.
- HACK-PROOF CONNECTION: To assure that your kid’s room camera is secure, our baby monitor with camera and audio operates on a 2nd-generation FHSS closed circuit camera system. Each camera unit only pairs to ONE monitor unit only as a safety mechanism.
While the best baby monitor for your family will depend on your specific needs, we think the Infant Optics DXR-8 PRO is the best baby monitor overall. When it comes to quality, price, and convenient features, this one is a clear winner.
Here’s why with think this is the best baby monitor:
- Quality. This monitor comes highly recommended by parents for its video and audio quality, strong signal, and reliability.
- Price. While it isn’t exactly a budget monitor, this one is still affordable for many parents. And since this one will last you, you can consider it an investment.
- Convenient features. This isn’t a smart baby monitor, but it’s still one of the best baby monitors because almost anyone will be able to use it. And it still has loads of features that compare to pricier options.
Best Video Baby Monitor: VTech WiFi Baby Monitor
- The monitor’s parent unit features an upgraded 720p display, provides a crystal clear wide-angle window into your baby’s world. The COMS image sensor with professional IR-Cut auto filter provides True-Color, sharp images in day light, and HD footage, 7x more pixels in night vision.
- Direct Mode / Router- Mode This advanced monitor system is configured for local monitoring right out of the box in Direct WiFi Mode. Comes with the MyVTech 1080p app, the system can be easily set up to operate in Router Mode, provides live remote access from your iOS or Andriod smartphone or tablet at no fees or monthly subscriptions.
- Fully Remote Pan Tilt Zoom- Enjoy watching your adorable baby in full HD and with up to 4x local and 10x digital zoom. The camera’s pan, tilt and zoom functions are fully motorized, lets you to check in on your little one from the parent unit or remotely on your smart device.
- Built-in Wide-angle Lens- This model has implemented a state of the art FHD 1080p CMOS visual sensor in order to provide the best possible video feed, as well as making features like our 120-degree wide-angle lens and ultra-crisp night vision possible. And the best of all – there is no need for multiple lenses.
With the VTech Wifi Baby Monitor you can keep an eye on your baby anywhere you go. At home, this video baby monitor can be used with the regular parent unit without the use of Wi-Fi or mobile devices. But even when you’re away you can have access to your baby monitor using the free app on your phone or tablet. The flexibility of this baby monitor makes it a great option for families on the go.
You’ll be able to see your baby well with the wide angle lens and HD camera on the 5-inch screen of the parent unit. You can even use the 360-degree pan, tilt, and zoom options using both the parent unit and your mobile device, so you can rest assured knowing your baby will always be in your sight.
There are plenty of other features that will come in handy, too. Use the two-way audio at home or on the go, or play soothing sounds and lullabies for your little one easily. The screen on the parent unit is sound-activated, and you can get motion and temperature alerts on both the parent unit and your phone.
Who’s it for?
If you’re looking for a baby monitor that you can use at home or access while you’re out at the office, this one is highly rated by parents. It’s easy to use and loaded with convenient features that you can even access from your phone or tablet. And while some smart baby monitors can come with a high price tag, this one is very affordable.
Parents who are looking for something simple might be a little overwhelmed with all of the features this smart baby monitor includes. And as with any smart baby monitor, there can be occasional connectivity issues when using the monitor remotely, though usually only for a moment.
Display Resolution: 720p | Screen Size: 5 inches | Wi-Fi: Yes
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Best Simple: HelloBaby HB65 Video Baby Monitor
- Large LCD Display & Safe Wireless Technology: This video baby monitor come with a 3.2″ LCD display. Application of frequency hopping and digital encryption technology ensures secure and reliable connection.
- REMOTE PAN TILT and ZOOM &3.2″ LCD DISPLAY: Remote control camera rotate 355° in horizontal and 120° vertical ensuring you always have a clear view of your baby from any angle.
- SMART FEATURES:The crystal clear two-way audio feature allows conversation both ends as clear as if you were in the same room with your little one. Room temperature monitor and alert, night vision, lullaby, sound level LED indicator, audio only mode.
- EASY and CONVENIENT to OPERATE: Setup is simple just like plug and play. The Parent Unit powered by rechargeable battery gives you full mobility in the house.
If you’re looking for something simple and affordable that you can rely on, the HelloBaby HB65 Video Baby Monitor is all of those things. Even though it isn’t loaded up with extra features, it’s convenient, easy to use, and has all of the basic features you’ll need. This video monitor is durable and will hold up to years of use, too.
Although this baby monitor is relatively simple, it still comes with tilt, pan, and zoom options so you’ll always have a clear view of your baby’s room. It also includes room temperature monitoring, two-way audio, and 8 different lullabies that you can play for your baby as they sleep.
Other handy features include different screen brightness levels on the parent unit and a user-friendly design for when you need to change any settings.
Who’s it for?
This monitor is super simple to set up and doesn’t require the use of Wi-Fi or any apps, making it a great option if you’re looking for something easy to use. It’s also very affordable, but still a reliable baby monitor.
Keep in mind that this isn’t the most high-tech baby monitor out there. While it comes with plenty of conveniences, the video quality isn’t as great as some other video baby monitors. And of course, this is a non WiFi baby monitor, which might not be what you’re looking for depending on your family’s needs.
Screen Size: 3.2 inches | Wi-Fi: No
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Best Overall: Infant Optics DXR-8 PRO
- RELIABLE MONITORING: Our patented, Active Noise Reduction technology, filters out background noises in the nursery like fans, air purifiers, heaters, and air conditioners so you can hear your baby more clearly and enjoy a restful night’s sleep.
- ULTRA-CLEAR VIDEO QUALITY: Our high definition screen offers sharp video quality and enhanced night vision with 720P resolution for ultimate coverage. The closed circuit camera system is hack proof so the video feed is only viewable by you.
- VIVID LARGE 5″ SCREEN: An improved LCD screen offers better brightness, sharpened viewing angles, and a vivid color display, giving you exceptional clarity day and night, even in low-light settings.
- HACK-PROOF CONNECTION: To assure that your kid’s room camera is secure, our baby monitor with camera and audio operates on a 2nd-generation FHSS closed circuit camera system. Each camera unit only pairs to ONE monitor unit only as a safety mechanism.
The Infant Optics DXR-8 PRO gets rave reviews from parents and is one of the best baby monitors you can find. This video baby monitor is easy to use (no need for Wi-Fi or apps) and is loaded with convenient features for parents.
Some unique features you’ll find with this baby monitor include a large 5-inch screen and pan and tilt options so you can always see your little one—even if they’re known to be an escape artist. Overall, the HD video quality is fantastic, too, with great night vision. And you can even zoom in for a better view of your baby.
You’ll find that this baby monitor comes with plenty of features to make your life easier. It includes background noise reduction, so you can hear your baby easily over fans or AC units. And the two way audio also allows you to talk to your little one if you can’t make it to their room right away. You can also control the screen brightness and volume easily on the parent unit with the buttons on top.
Who’s it for?
Parents who are willing to spend a little extra for a high quality baby monitor will appreciate this option. It’s durable and has a strong signal. And while it’s somewhat simple, it’s very convenient and is overall a reliable baby monitor. If you have more than one child, you can even add on multiple cameras to use with the parent unit.
However, if you’re set on having a smart baby monitor, this one doesn’t use any Wi-Fi or connect to your phone. It’s great for parents who want something simple, but that could be a negative for some.
Display Resolution: 720p | Screen Size: 5 inches | Wi-Fi: No
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Best Budget: VTech Video Baby Monitor
- Plug & Play ** The monitor’s parent unit and the camera are configured for local monitoring right out of the box – no set up is required. The parent unit is intuitive to use and loaded with useful functions.
- Long Range ** Stay in touch to your baby from another room or even from the yard. Go about your day with up to 1000 feet of range.
- 2 Way Talk ** Sometimes all your baby needs is to hear the sound of your voice. With the two-way talk-back intercom, you can comfort your baby from any room.
- Soothing Sounds and Lullabies ** Gently lull your baby to sleep with 5 calming melodies and 4 sets of ambient sound.
If you don’t have a lot of extra cash to spend on a baby monitor, the VTech Video Baby Monitor might be the best budget baby monitor on the market. And while it’s inexpensive, it still has all of the features you need for peace of mind while your baby sleeps in the other room.
This isn’t one of the most high-tech video monitors out there, but it still has a lot going for it. You can rest assured knowing that you’ll have a clear view of your sleeping baby, night or day, since it has a nice, clear video and night vision. If you’re a light sleeper, you can even use the audio only mode at night so light from the screen doesn’t keep you up.
There are quite a few other convenient features you might not expect from a budget baby monitor, too. Two-way audio allows you to talk to your little one if you can’t make it to their room right away. There’s a room temperature display and lullabies that you can choose from using the parent unit—so you can be sure your baby is comfortable without going into their room.
Who’s it for?
Parents on a budget won’t be disappointed by this video baby monitor. It’s simple to use but still has lots of useful features you’d expect from a more expensive baby monitor. If you have more than one child, you can easily add on additional baby units as well.
If you’re looking for something high end, this one is lacking some features that you might miss. It’s pretty simple, doesn’t work with a phone or other mobile device, and you can only move the baby camera manually. But if you’re on a budget, it’s a solid choice.
Display Resolution: 720p | Screen Size: 2.8 inches | Wi-Fi: No
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Best Audio Baby Monitor: VTech DM221 Audio Baby Monitor
- CLEAR AUDIO AND LONG RANGE – DECT 6.0 technology provides clear audio transmission, eliminating annoying background noise while allowing you to move from room to room. Up to 1,000 feet of range lets you stay connected to your baby from another room
- 5-LEVEL SOUND INDICATOR AND 2-WAY TALK-BACK INTERCOM – LEDs on the parent unit indicate the level of sound in your baby’s room so you can visually monitor the noise level. The built-in intercom on the parent unit lets you talk to your baby from any room.DO NOT use cleaning spray or liquid cleaners
- NIGHT LIGHT ON THE BABY UNIT – A soothing light on the baby unit gently illuminates a dark nursery. Both the parent unit(s) and baby unit allow you to turn on or off the nighlight on the baby unit
- SOUND SENSITIVITY OF THE BABY UNIT – You can choose to hear sounds from the baby unit all the time, or to hear sounds that exceed a certain level. You can use the parent unit to adjust the microphone sensitivity of your baby unit
Remember the old days when parents used audio monitors to listen for their babies? If you’re looking for basic and don’t want to bother with a video baby monitor—or maybe you don’t want the light from a video monitor to keep you up at night—the VTech DM221 Audio Baby Monitor is a fantastic audio only baby monitor.
While we’re not trying to make this post a VTech advertisement, their baby monitors come highly rated by parents, and the audio only version is no exception. This monitor has great audio quality, a long range, and even a vibration alert—great for when you’re vacuuming or mowing the lawn.
Use the two-way audio to comfort your little one before you get to the room. You can also use it like an intercom if you have older children (or even an older family member) that want to communicate with you easily from their room.
Who’s it for?
This is perfect for parents, grandparents, and caregivers who like the simplicity of an audio only baby monitor. Because as much as we want to watch our baby’s every move—even while they sleep—is it really necessary? It’s inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to use. It also works well as an intercom for caregivers of older family members.
Obviously this isn’t the most high tech baby monitor out there, and it’s certainly not a Wi-Fi monitor, if that’s what you’re looking for. So if you really need audio, video, and all the other bells and whistles, skip this one.
Wi-Fi: No
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Best WiFi Baby Monitor: Lollipop Baby Monitor
- ★【Lollipop Care Subscription Plan with 7-Days Free Trial】【Contactless Breathing Monitoring and Sleep Track】No extra wearable sensor required. Monitoring your baby’s breathing by AI technology and you’ll be able to view your baby’s respiratory rate and sleeping position history.
- ★【Forever-Free Plan】【Live View & Sharing Video】With 1080p Full HD quality, checking on baby by look at the Lollipop live feed on your tablet or smartphone from anywhere you are. You may also invite family to take a peek at your baby. Or send a link of a pre-recorded video of a specific event.
- ★【Forever-Free Plan】【Downloadable Triggered-Event Video】All 30s cute and treasured triggered-event video downloadable (7-Days Preserved)
- ★【Forever-Free Plan】【True Crying Detection】The Lollipop can tell the difference between ambient noises like wind and when your child needs attention. If the baby cries when you’re out of the room, you’ll receive an alert on your phone.
The Lollipop Baby Monitor is similar to other smart baby monitors, but there’s no parent unit—you use an app on your phone, tablet, or other device that you can use with Wi-Fi. If you’re already connected to your phone all day (like many of us), this can actually make things much simpler for you. When your baby cries or makes noise, you’ll get a notification on your phone.
This smart monitor has a unique design that’s stylish and sure to catch your eye. The bendable leg makes it easy to attach to any crib (there are no wires), making it a nice option for travel. It’s also easy to attach multiple cameras to your app, so you can keep an eye on multiple rooms and kids at the same time.
Parents rave about the video quality and ease of use with this baby monitor. When you have multiple cameras, you can use this as a split screen baby monitor and watch everyone at the same time. But if you need to simplify things, you can put it on the audio only mode and turn off notifications.
Who’s it for?
Parents who are already attached to their phone or other device throughout the day will appreciate how easy this is to use. It’s also great for parents with multiple kids to keep an eye on everyone at once. You’ll just want to be sure you have a stable Wi-Fi connection and a decent phone for the Lollipop app.
However, this one isn’t for anyone who gets frustrated with technology or doesn’t have a good internet connection. If that sounds like you, go for a classic audio monitor or video monitor with a parent unit.
We’re big fans of this monitor here at WonderBaby. For more, see our full Lollipop baby monitor review.
Display Resolution: 720p | Screen Size: 0.96 inches | Wi-Fi: Yes
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Best Smart Baby Monitor: Miku Pro Smart Baby Monitor
- MONITOR BREATHING & SLEEP: Your Miku Pro video baby monitor shows you your baby’s RPMs (respirations per minute) in real time connecting you with your baby and offering peace of mind. No more peeking in or zooming in on the video – all you need to do is open up your Miku app on your smartphone to see their breathing rate, in real time, right on the screen.
- COMPLETELY CONTACT FREE: The Miku Pro tracks breathing and sleep patterns with no wires, wearables, batteries, or special clothing touching them for ultimate flexibility. All tracking is done straight through the monitor.
- REAL-TIME PEACE OF MIND: The Miku Pro captures and analyzes breathing and sleep using proprietary SensorFusion technology. Our advanced technology consists of multiple sensors that deliver unparalleled accuracy in comparison to monitors that use a single sensor. The live breathing waveform shows your baby’s respiration in real time on your smartphone while a local processor immediately analyzes data and delivers real-time awake/asleep, movement, and sound alerts.
- CRYSTAL CLEAR 1080P HD VIDEO & NIGHT VISION: Digital zoom and enhanced audio with custom dual Ole Wolff speakers provide the ultimate connection with your child, whether you are playing music, lullabies or using the two-way talk feature. Temperature, humidity, sound, and light sensors also monitor nursery conditions.
While all baby monitors help you to keep your baby safe, the Miku Smart Baby Monitor takes it to another level with sleep and breathing tracking. This smart baby monitor is a little pricey, but if you want something with all the bells and whistles—this is it.
This smart baby monitor connects to your phone and has all the features you’ll need and more. You can expect clear video and sound, two-way talk, and room temperature and humidity sensors. White noise and lullabies are a nice added bonus, and it’ll even track your baby’s sleep patterns.
There are few baby monitors out there that can claim to help protect your baby from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), but this one actually shows you your baby’s respirations per minute in real-time as they sleep. And it does this without your baby having to wear anything that might disturb their sleep.
Who’s it for?
If you’ve found yourself zooming in to check if your baby’s breathing, this baby monitor might give you some peace of mind. If you have a decent phone that you don’t mind being connected to throughout the day, you can’t go wrong with this smart monitor.
However, this smart monitor is on the pricier side, and might not be for parents who are looking for something simple.
Display Resolution: 720p | Wi-Fi: Yes
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Best Travel Baby Monitor: Eufy Security Video Baby Monitor
- Crystal-Clear Baby Insights: Enjoy peace of mind with a 5″ 720p display that delivers 10 times the detail of standard 240p baby monitors, ensuring no precious moment is missed.
- Home-Wide Monitoring Made Easy: Stay connected with your little one from anywhere in your home, thanks to a robust wireless range of 460-600 ft, even reaching up to 600 ft in open spaces.
- Full Nursery Coverage: Effortlessly survey every corner of the nursery with comprehensive 330° pan and 110° tilt camera control, capturing every giggle and step.
- Embrace Every Adventure: Keep an eye on your active toddler with the included attachable 110° wide-angle lens, perfect for watching as they explore their growing world.
When you’re traveling you want something simple that makes keeping an eye on your little one easy. That’s why the Eufy Security Baby Monitor makes a fantastic travel monitor that works great at home, too.
Since this isn’t a WiFi monitor or smart baby monitor, all you have to do is plug it in and you’re set. But the long battery life is what really makes this stand out as a portable baby monitor. With a 15-hour battery life, you can charge it ahead of your trip and not have to worry about keeping the parent unit plugged in.
The baby unit has a wall mount option if you plan on using it at home. You can also connect up to four cameras if you have more than one child. Aside from that, it has clear audio and video, two-way talk, and you can pan and tilt the camera unit remotely.
Who’s it for?
This is a user-friendly portable baby monitor for families on the go. If you want something you can use at home or on overnight trips with minimal stress—this one is really convenient. It’s also a nice choice for multiple children since you can add additional cameras.
Keep in mind that this one isn’t a smart baby monitor, so you won’t be able to connect it to your phone. While it isn’t loaded with high-tech features, it’s a step up (in quality and price) from some of the budget monitors you can find.
Display Resolution: 720p | Screen Size: 5 inches | Wi-Fi: No
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FAQ
What are some important safety considerations to keep in mind when using a baby monitor?
One of the most important things to keep in mind when using a baby monitor is to keep any cords away from your baby’s crib or sleep area. These can be a strangulation hazard. Three feet away is generally considered to be a safe distance.
At what age should I use a baby monitor?
While it’s partly a matter of personal preference, baby monitors are generally used from birth up to about 4 years old, depending on your child’s needs. By this age, your child will be more independent and capable of coming to you at night when they need you. However, audio-only baby monitors can make a convenient intercom for older children or even sick or elderly family members.
Are video baby monitors necessary?
Up until recent times, the world survived without video baby monitors. So, of course a video monitor isn’t necessary. And some parents prefer the simplicity of audio baby monitors. However, being able to keep an eye on your baby as they sleep can help put your mind at ease—especially if you have a little escape artist on your hands.
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