Here is our round up on what is the best baby monitor buyer reports & ratings in 2021. These good quality baby monitors are with camera, without camera, with, and without wifi.
The birth of your child naturally involves many new acquisitions. Some are just supposed to make it easier for your baby, for example a mobile. Other products are essential, such as diapers, clothes or a changing table.
The second category naturally also includes the right baby monitor. This means you always have your baby within earshot and you don’t have to worry about not hearing him or her cry. Basically, you can differentiate between an analog and a digital baby monitor.
In our big baby monitor test 2021 we have tested the different types of baby monitors for you and introduce you to our top favorites. We will also answer all of the questions you should ask yourself before buying a new baby monitor.
List of Best Baby Monitor buyer reports & ratings
These are our top recommendations for the best baby monitors buyer reports & ratings and popular mechanics in 2021.
- Philips Avent audio baby monitor: Best baby monitor with night light
- GHB 3.2 inch video baby monitor with infrared night vision: Best baby monitor with a camera
- HeimVision HM132 baby monitor with camera: Best baby monitor at a low price
- Philips Avent Dect Audio Baby Monitor: Best baby monitor with talk-back function
- HelloBaby HB32 Wireless Video Baby Monitor 3.2Inch LCD Display
- Yimaler Video Baby Monitor Wireless with Digital Camera Night Vision
1. Philips Avent audio baby monitor: Best baby monitor with night light
The Philips Avent SCD503 / 26 is an audio baby monitor with a range of 300 meters outdoors and 50 meters indoors. However, these are only approximate factors, because of course it always depends on the individual circumstances on site. The running time is 24 hours and there is an eco mode with which you can save energy
If the battery is too weak or there is no connection, a green lamp lights up on the Philips Avent SCD503 / 26 baby monitor. A soft night light helps you fall asleep. The secure DECT technology is also part of the equipment. The SCD503 is the cheapest baby monitor in this Philips series. If you want more features like lullabies, starry sky or intercom mode, take a look at the other devices.
2. GHB 3.2 inch video baby monitor with infrared night vision
The GHB 3.2-inch video baby monitor is a device with a monitor for video surveillance of the baby. The baby monitor with video transmission works with GFSK. The abbreviation GFSK stands for Gaussian Frequency Shift Keying and describes a modulation method in radio transmission. Digital data is transmitted in a radio link via GFSK. The parent unit is powered by a lithium polymer battery with a capacity of 750 milliampere-hours.
The baby unit runs on mains power. In VOX mode, the parent unit’s battery lasts up to 24 hours. In this mode, the parent unit is activated when a tone is detected above a certain threshold. Without VOX mode with constant baby monitoring, the battery lasts a maximum of 4 hours.
The baby monitor from GHB has a TFT screen Equipped with a diagonal of 3.2 inches or 8 centimeters. The resolution is 320 × 240 pixels. In the dark and in poor light conditions, the infrared night vision should ensure a good and sharp image, even if the camera is not one of the high resolution.
3. HeimVision HM132 baby monitor with camera
The HeimVision HM132 baby monitor works with FHSS radio technology in the 2.4 gigahertz range and, according to the manufacturer, offers secure digital transmission. The range is up to 300 meters outdoors without obstacles.
The parent unit can be expanded to two baby units with a camera, so that it is possible to monitor two children with one parent unit. Images from both cameras can be viewed on a split screen displayed on the monitor at the same time.
With an extra large display: The HeimVision baby monitor is equipped with an LC display with a screen diagonal of 4.3 inches. That corresponds to almost 11 centimeters. An infrared night vision function should ensure clear images even in the dark.
The baby unit’s camera is equipped with a detachable wide-angle lens. An intercom function enables you to speak to the child.
4. Philips Avent Detect Audio Baby Monitor
The Philips Avent audio baby monitor works with DECT technology. An interference-free and secure transmission should therefore be available. The device has a range of up to 330 meters outdoors and up to 50 meters indoors.
The parent unit of the baby monitor emits a warning signal when the battery is weak or when the receiver is out of range of the baby unit. A night rest mode offers the possibility to dim the display of the parent unit and to weaken the sound.
With a starry sky projector: The starry sky projector throws many small stars and light in different colors onto the ceiling. The projection is supposed to calm the baby and help him fall asleep. The starry sky projector can be activated and deactivated in the nursery on the baby unit or on the parent unit.
The baby unit and parent unit are powered by a power pack or batteries. The runtime in battery operation is up to 18 hours. The scope of delivery includes a parent unit, a baby unit, two power packs, a charging station, a belt clip and two AA batteries.
5. HelloBaby HB32 Wireless Video Baby Monitor 3.2Inch LCD Display
The HelloBaby HB32 baby monitor is a video baby monitor with a 3.2 inch TFT screen. The device works with the FHSS radio technology. Who wifi with 2.4 gigahertz, the device can use wireless technology.
However, the device does not work with 5 gigahertz WLAN. Users should find out in advance in which gigahertz range their WLAN works. In addition, it should be ensured that the network is not unencrypted.
According to the manufacturer, the device is easy to start, no set-up is required. The range of the device is up to 300 meters outdoors.
For up to four baby units: The HelloBaby HB32 baby monitor can be connected to up to four cameras, so that four children can be monitored with their own camera with one parent unit.
A parent unit and a baby unit are included in the scope of delivery. Additional baby units can be purchased separately.
The baby unit of the baby monitor works with a power cord, the parent unit is equipped with a lithium-ion battery, which is included in the scope of delivery. The battery life is up to 12 hours in the energy-saving VOX mode. In screen mode it is up to 8 hours.
6. Yimaler Video Baby Monitor Wireless with Digital Camera Night Vision
The baby unit of the Yimaler baby monitor is equipped with a moving camera with night vision function. The parent unit has a color LC display with a diagonal of 3.2 inches.
The device works in the 2.4 gigahertz network with FHSS radio technology. The range of the baby monitor is up to 260 meters outdoors and up to 50 meters indoors. The device has an energy-saving VOX mode.
In night vision mode, the baby monitor’s camera offers a range of 5 meters.
The device offers a music box with eight lullabies and an intercom function. The mobile parent unit shows the temperature in the children’s room. Mains power or rechargeable batteries are required to operate the parent unit.
The maximum battery life in VOX mode is 20 hours, in normal mode it is 3 to 5 hours. The baby unit must be connected to the mains, battery operation is not possible. The delivery of the baby monitor includes the parent unit, the baby unit, two power packs and an instruction manual.
Important Points
- There are two types of baby monitors: digital and analog baby monitors. In contrast to analog devices, digital devices are bug-proof.
- A baby monitor should have a long range and high sound quality and, moreover, be low-radiation and energy-saving.
- Baby monitors are available in different price categories and with various helpful additional functions such as night light, lullaby or intercom function.
What is a baby monitor and what can I use it for?
A baby monitor offers the possibility to monitor a child in the nursery via radio or WLAN . The baby monitor consists of two devices – the baby unit as a transmitter and the parent unit as a receiver.
Parents place the baby unit in the room where the baby sleeps. The parent unit is usually mobile and stays with the parents or the babysitter. It is possible to set up the parent unit in the living room, the kitchen, the master bedroom or another room or, for example, to take it with you into the garden or the basement.
The baby unit transmits noises and, if necessary, pictures from the children’s room via radio or WLAN to the recipient so that parents can tell when their baby is restless or awake, or when the little one is just waking up.
The use of a baby monitor can increase both the safety of the child and the freedom of movement of the parents, as the parent unit can be easily taken within reach.
How does a baby monitor work?
The monitoring systems from our comparison consist of two devices: a transmitter unit that is located in the children’s room and a mostly mobile receiver that the parents carry with them or set up close to them.
A sensitive microphone in the transmitter unit transmits the noises from the children’s room to the receiver. In this way, the parents know at all times whether their child is sleeping peacefully or is awake and needs them.
Some devices also provide a picture of the baby via camera. The signal is usually transmitted by radio.
In the case of the mobile parent unit, the power supply is usually guaranteed either by a power cord or rechargeable battery or battery. Some devices for the safety of the offspring are equipped with a built-in rechargeable battery, while others can be operated with standard rechargeable batteries or batteries.
The parent unit does not always offer the option of charging the batteries. Devices that are only equipped with a power supply unit are only able to supply the parent unit with power.
A separate charger is required to charge the batteries. Devices with a charging cable or charger can charge the batteries while they are connected to AC power.
The baby unit is usually connected to the socket via a power supply unit. Some devices offer a back-up function via batteries so that the device continues to work in the event of a power failure.
How did the baby monitor come about?
The basis of today’s baby monitors is provided by two-way radios. For example, soldiers in the military used radio equipment to communicate with one another.
The first two-way radios were very large and heavy and could only be transported with great effort. Little by little, the radios became smaller and more manageable. The first baby monitor was created in the USA around 1970.
An American came up with the idea after overhearing a baby crying in a house. In the 1980s, the baby monitor spread throughout Europe. Nowadays, a baby monitor is part of the basic equipment of most parents.
The early baby monitors were equipped with a fairly simple technology and provided no unnecessary frills. Modern devices offer much more than just acoustic monitoring.
Many devices are equipped with additional functions such as a sensor for monitoring the room temperature or a visual display of the noise level.
In addition, numerous video baby monitors with cameras are available, which offer the possibility of supervising the child not only acoustically but also visually.
Functions and features of the baby monitor
Modern monitoring devices offer more than just acoustic monitoring of the baby. Digital devices in particular often offer many other functions.
The functions of a modern baby monitor include:
- The intercom function: An intercom function can now be found on many baby monitors. If the baby is restless, the parents do not have to rush to him immediately, but can try to calm the child with their voice. A few calm words or a lullaby sung by mom or dad are sometimes enough to calm the offspring.
- The lullaby function: Some baby monitors have a lullaby function. It usually offers a selection of different lullabies, which should make it easier for the baby to fall asleep. Some devices offer soothing natural sounds such as the sound of the sea or the chirping of birds. Most models are controlled via the parent unit, so it is not necessary to go into the children’s room to start or deactivate the function.
- The night light: Many babies and toddlers spend a quieter night when the children’s room is not completely darkened. A night light offers orientation and in many cases scares away discomfort and fear. The night light integrated in many baby monitors can usually be switched on and off via the parent unit.
- Climate monitoring: a thermometer is integrated in many baby monitors . According to experts, the ideal room temperature in the baby’s bedroom is between 16 and 18 degrees Celsius. A baby monitor with a thermometer shows the room temperature on the display of the parent unit. Some devices are also equipped with a hygrometer that measures the humidity in the room.
- The vibration alarm: Some baby monitors are also equipped with a vibration alarm or an optical alarm that reports when the baby is crying in the nursery. This feature can come in handy when the area is noisy or when the situation requires you to mute the baby monitor.
The advantages and disadvantages of the baby monitor
New parents often do not want to let their offspring out of their sight, and so hope for a high level of safety for their baby. Baby monitors offer many advantages because they make it possible to supervise the child acoustically or even visually at all times.
Parents in particular who are expecting their first child are initially very unsure which type of baby monitor is suitable for them. In the following we will show you the main advantages and disadvantages so that you can get a better idea of which one is particularly suitable for your baby.
You should first ask yourself how important the need for such a product is to you. Would you like a model that transmits acoustic signals from the baby room or do you want to be able to watch your baby while it is sleeping?
As with any technical device, there are also advantages and disadvantages of baby monitors without a camera. This type of baby monitor cannot display a video picture. However, this feature could make it much easier for you to observe your baby more closely.
Another disadvantage is that you will likely go straight to the nursery whenever strange noises are broadcast. Therefore, you are always concerned about what would not happen if the baby monitor not only transmits sound but also a picture.
Of course, baby monitors without a camera also have some advantages, such as acoustic monitoring, which signals whether everything is okay. They are also much cheaper to buy. Another advantage is the ease of use and installation. In addition, they often have a longer range. These products also have a longer battery life.
As you can see, a baby monitor without a camera fulfills the most important basic requirements.
What types of baby monitors are there?
The trade offers many different types of baby monitors. In general, the devices can be divided into two main types:
- Baby monitors without a camera
- Baby monitors with cameras
There are other differences with regard to radio transmission. A distinction is made here between analog and digital radio transmission. Digital baby monitors work with different technologies. The most commonly used are DECT and FHSS.
What is the difference between analog and digital radio transmission?
Analog signals are stepless, while the digital signal can only assume certain values. The difference can be clearly illustrated using a clock: the pointer of an analog clock can stand between two values and display information there as precisely as required.
A digital watch, on the other hand, shows clearly defined threshold values without any leeway. With regard to radio technology, the difference between analog and digital means, for example, that with an analog connection, noise and distortion can occur depending on the reception quality.
Different connection qualities are therefore possible. The digital connection knows only two states: one connection – or none.
Analog or digital baby monitor – what are the differences?
With regard to baby monitors, the use of analogue or digital radio technology makes some differences. Analog devices usually cannot transmit additional information such as the room temperature.
Fewer channels are available for analog transmission and it is considered less secure against eavesdropping. With analog baby monitors, there is often interference or noise, which leads to poor quality transmission.
On the other hand, analog baby monitors have less radiation than digital devices.
Digital baby monitors often compensate for the radiation intensity with a VOX or ECO mode, which ensures that the device only switches on when it perceives noises in the nursery and that it automatically adapts the transmission power to the distance to the receiver.
This reduces the radiation. Unlike analog devices, digital baby monitors can be combined with a camera and, in addition to an acoustic transmission, also transmit images.
They offer a good, noise-free and interference-free signal quality. For this purpose, the channel selection, which has to be made manually for analog devices, takes place automatically.
The range of digital devices is significantly greater than the range of analog baby monitors.
Baby monitors without a camera
Baby monitors without a camera are available as analog or digital devices. Analog devices are usually of a simple design and only offer the basic function of acoustic monitoring of the baby. Digital baby monitors without a camera often have a small display that shows information such as the room temperature in the child’s room. Additional features such as a lullaby function are only offered by digital devices.
Baby monitor with camera
A baby monitor with a camera is always a digital device. In these devices, the baby unit consists of a camera with a microphone. The parent unit is equipped with an LC display, which, depending on the model, is usually between 2 and 4 inches. Baby monitors with a camera often offer the same additional functions as digital baby monitors without a camera, such as a room temperature display, an intercom function or a lullaby function.
The baby monitor with motion detector
Baby monitors with motion detectors are also equipped with one or two mats. The parents place these mats under the mattress of the baby cot. The mats control the baby’s movements so that, thanks to movement sensors, it is possible to monitor the newborn’s breathing.
The devices have a certain time buffer that accepts the baby’s immobility in order to avoid false alarms. If the baby lies motionless in bed for a long time or stops breathing, the device sounds an alarm. There is a rather low demand for these devices, so that only a few manufacturers offer them. They are particularly suitable for parents of sick children.
What does a baby monitor cost?
Baby monitors without a video camera are available in all price ranges – from inexpensive devices to professional models. We think that, especially with products that are used for monitoring and safety, you should not save at the wrong end, because the focus is on the health of your child.
Of course, there are also high-quality transmission devices that you don’t have to dig deep into your pocket. This is exactly where the baby monitors convince without cameras. These are available at a very low starting price of less than 50 euros.
However, the weak point is the small selection of available functions. However, if you want a fully equipped device and are not afraid of the higher costs, there are also models for over 100 euros.
What alternatives are there to baby monitors without a camera?
In addition to the conventional baby monitor, there are basically two possible alternatives.
On the one hand, the baby monitor with camera serves as a possible option. These baby monitors are basically the same as the conventional ones. However, a baby monitor with a camera also has a camera built into the baby unit.
Thus, the parents can perceive not only acoustic but also visual inputs on their receiver device and the child is even better under control.
There are also baby monitor apps . Compared to the baby monitors, however, the apps do not require a separate receiver and transmitter device. Because your own cell phone serves as a transmitter unit.
This picks up screams and calls and triggers a call to a programmed number. As a result, the parents are alerted on an additional cell phone and can go and look after the baby.