9 Best Baby Monitors, Tested and Reviewed by Real Parents (2024)

With a temperature display, high-definition video and zoom as well as tilt and pan capabilities, this easy-to-set-up monitor is a high-quality non-Wi-Fi option that'll fit perfectly into just about any nursery. In Lab tests, our pros appreciated that the five-inch display provided a remarkably clear view of the baby throughout the entire night, though some reviewers claim the battery life could be better. We also loved that this monitor allows you to switch between video and audio-only modes as well as zoom in up to 4x to get a closer view of your snoozing baby.

There's the option to purchase up to four additional HiPP cameras and connect them all to one handheld device, so you can view your baby from multiple angles or keep an eye on several kids in different rooms simultaneously. Rest assured that you'll always know what's going on with your baby due to the monitor's seven volume levels and noise indicator lights that work even when the screen is off.

You can also buy the split screen baby monitor if you want to observe two different rooms or see multiple angles of the same room. Just keep in mind that the camera mount is sold separately.

This high-definition camera that doubles up as a home security camera and pet camera is equipped with all the right tech to help you keep watch on baby without the hefty price tag. It’s significantly cheaper than many other models we tested but still offers great features like excellent night vision and motion detection (although it is wired, so it must be plugged in at all times). It can send push notifications to your phone for motion and sound alerts and also features two-way communication so you can soothe your baby remotely.

Pop a MicroSD card into the base of this monitor's stand and you can record 24/7. This way, you can play back the night's sleep to see how it went or send it to other caregivers that may not have been present that night. If your family wants to view in real-time, you can even connect them to the livestream via the Wyze app so nobody has to miss out on checking in on your little one (note that there is no background audio feed).

It also allows you to record 12-second video clips of your snoozing infant. Though you need Wi-Fi to access the app, this Alexa- or Google Assistant-compatible monitor provides free cloud storage with no subscription necessary.

Not only is the Maxi-Cosi sleek and compact, but this 360-degree baby monitor will give new parents peace of mind thanks to its feature-rich and easy-to-use design. The 5-inch display allows you to check on your baby wherever you are (just make sure to stay within 600 feet of the camera), and 2K Ultra HD resolution ensures a clear, sharp image.

Our pros appreciate that it’s built with CryAssist technology, which automatically translates the baby’s cries using AI to help you navigate their needs. We especially like that the display has a claimed battery life of 10 hours and that it works with or without Wi-Fi so you can take it with you when you travel or visit family. Other built-in camera features include white noise, lullabies, motion and noise detection and temperature and humidity sensors.

“This is a top-notch baby monitor with every feature you could possibly want or need,” said one Amazon reviewer. Others rave about the camera’s fantastic picture quality and perfectly sized monitor. Just note that some parents think the AI cry translation could be more accurate.

This LeapFrog baby monitor riffs on the incredible camera quality of its predecessor (the LF925HD), giving you a large seven-inch display for easier viewing. The 925HD previously excelled in our tests, receiving the highest marks for picture quality in both daylight and nighttime lighting as well as clarity of sound transmitted by the monitor. The camera swivels a full 360º and can tilt up to 130º upwards and downwards, so you get a wide range of viewing options. Additionally, this unit allows for motion-enabled wake-up, so you won't miss a beat of what your baby is up to.

We're also impressed by the glowing base on the camera, which acts as a night light and can be altered in color and brightness via app or the included parent unit. Additionally, we appreciate the temperature and humidity monitoring feature (although our testing of the LF925HD showed the temperature sensor to be slightly inaccurate — off by about 10% — so these metrics may not be the most reliable).

Our testers particularly liked how easy it was to set up and use the monitors by LeapFrog. "I didn't even read the directions and was able to get it up and running," one noted.

Looking for a pick that won't have you struggling to connect to Wi-Fi for it to work? This option with over 36k five-star Amazon reviews has lots of helpful features, including a camera with remote pan, tilt and zoom, plus room temperature display and two-way audio — all on a Wi-Fi-free unit. No need to spend those extra minutes connecting to the network or freeing up space on your phone for another app. Even when the monitor screen is off, you'll be able to hear your baby in real-time.

You'll never feel far from your baby, either: We found the wide-angle lens to be great at capturing the entire room, and the optical zoom lens lets you see what's happening up close. If you have more than one child or want to monitor multiple rooms, you can purchase up to three additional compatible cameras. The battery life will also last up to 10 hours per charge. In terms of downsides, our analysts say the screen is small at 3.5 inches and battery life could be improved, while testers have reported glitchy reception.

The Hubble Nursery Pal stands out because it's a monitor that doubles as an educational toy when baby's awake. No need to buy two separate products when this one unit can watch over your little one all night and entertain them with fun activities during the day.

It features all the bells and whistles, including crystal-clear night vision, two-way talk, temperature tracking and a privacy blind that covers the camera lens when not in use. Switch the monitor to “baby mode” when your little one’s awake and let them play educational games, watch videos and read picture books on the touch-screen. Or soothe your baby with the library of sounds and lullabies.

You can access the livestream from both your Wi-Fi-connected smartphone or from the monitor within 1,000 feet. Offering the best of both worlds, you don't have to worry about setting up or connecting to Wi-Fi when you use the handheld tablet either, which means you can check in on your baby even if you're vacationing in the remotest of cabins. The connected app has some great free features like live video streaming, expert sleep tips and a growth and development tracker, or you can pay for the premium services like a daily recap summary and the ability to set up a border within your camera's view for motion-activated alerts.

Ideal for parents who are looking for some extra assurance regarding their baby's sleep patterns, this sleek smartphone- and Alexa-compatible monitor provides crystal-clear audio and video in both daytime and nighttime conditions. You'll receive sleep statistics (complete with a time-lapse video) to your phone each morning, and you can also purchase the compatible Breathing Band, which is a soft fabric band that fits snugly over your baby's tummy for enhanced monitoring of their breathing.

In the event of motion or sound changes, you'll receive real-time notifications — even while using other apps or while your screen is turned off. Plus, you can simply adjust the sensitivity level if you're not in need of such a close eye on your little one and require less frequent and meticulous updates. There's no shortage of helpful bonus features: The unit tracks both room temperature and humidity, plus it comes equipped with nature sounds and white noise. We also like that this option can be wall-mounted or set on a table or the floor using a stand. Just beware of subscription fees after the first year, which is required for tracking sleep analytics.

Convenience is why we love this monitor from Motorola. It's among the few on the market that allow you to check the camera feed via both a dedicated screen on the device as well as on its own app. That means it doesn't matter which room in the house you're in, you'll be able to get live updates of your little one's sleep at any given time. "Just having that feature [to use both Wi-Fi or the audio-visual monitor] can drastically expand the range," said one tester. We also love that the camera is motorized, so you can pan, tilt and zoom remotely via the app or screen.

The temperature indicator is a nifty addition to this already strong feature, and the option to wall-mount the camera with the included bracket allows you to be able to see baby from the perfect angles every time. While we wish the picture quality was a bit better (it's just 720p), we found that this monitor offers all the basics necessary to check on your child with ease and give you peace of mind while you get other things done during naptime. Motorola also offers this monitor with two cameras so you can survey multiple rooms at once or view different angles in the same room, making it a great option for multiple kids or as a baby monitor for two rooms.

An audio-only monitor is a less expensive option for those who aren't interested in splurging on a video or smart monitor. While most of these monitors are nowhere near as advanced as video models, they'll do what you need them to: Alert you if baby is awake or crying — and do a good job of it at a fraction of the price.

For the most reliability and crispest sound, we recommend this affordable model from VTech. It features an impressive 1,000-foot range, a multi-level sound indicator, two-way talk, a night light on the baby unit and a vibrating sound alert on the parent unit.

You can also purchase a second parent unit, so you don't need to remember to move the monitor from room to room. There's no staticky white noise either, as this monitor only picks up on true sounds. Just take note: Reviewers (and even the brand itself) said it's best to keep the parent unit plugged into the wall whenever possible since the battery life leaves much to be desired. (It runs off a rechargeable Ni-MH battery and AC power.)

In the last two years, our Lab pros at the Good Housekeeping Institute have tested over two dozen baby monitors. Our experts evaluate each device for video and audio performance, ease of operation, overall functionality and how helpful bonus features are, like tracking capabilities and multi-unit connectivity. Aside from in-Lab tests conducted by our experts, we send our monitors home with real parents to try out and assess them based on things like ease of set up, how well they work in day-to-day life, battery life and more.

Our ease-of-use assessment includes looking at how streamlined the process is to set up the monitors and pair with an app (if applicable), how intuitive it is to change the settings and navigate the physical device and/or app, how useful the alerts are (if applicable) and if there are any issues with reviewing the content on the device/app.

In terms of performance, our Lab's analysts assess the audio quality for both the mic pick-up and speaker playback. If there are alerts for motion or sound, their accuracy is also considered. Same goes for the unit's tracking capabilities for temperature and/or humidity (if applicable). We also examine image quality in both daylight and nighttime conditions and assess the field of view of the monitors to get a sense of how much is captured on the cameras.

✔️ Type: First and most importantly, consider your needs to determine what type of monitor is best for you. Would you prefer something affordable that just alerts you with sound? A budget-friendly audio monitor may be all you need. Besides audio-only options, the most basic option you can buy is a non-Wi-Fi video baby monitor. Our experts believe non-Wi-Fi options are more reliable, plus have fewer security concerns than their Wi-Fi counterparts. They also include dedicated freestanding monitors for continuous, real-time feedback. Unfortunately, they don't allow you to check in remotely (not great for date night!) or record footage.

If you prefer more comprehensive monitoring to put your mind at ease, a pricier, advanced Wi-Fi model is what you're looking for. Many are still relatively affordable, allow for remote viewing and don’t require a dedicated monitor. The main disadvantage is that the connection can falter since they are reliant on a strong Wi-Fi signal.

✔️ Ease of setup and use: You'll want to find a baby monitor that's not only easy to set up and mount but also one that's easy to use. If using a compatible app alongside your baby monitor's camera, an intuitive interface is always a nice bonus so you can quickly navigate to video footage and check in on your baby. If your monitor comes with a parent unit or video display, opt for one that is responsive, portable and simple to navigate.

✔️ Extra features: At the most basic level, it's important to consider sound quality and sensitivity, screen size and interconnectivity to add additional cameras. If you'd like to really zoom in, you may want to buy a monitor with interchangeable lenses. When looking at more advanced models, it's also worth considering exactly what the monitor tracks (breathing, temperature, etc.) and whether or not there's integration with the smart partners (Alexa, Google Assistant, etc.) that you regularly use in your home.

For those who want all the advanced features a baby monitor can offer, smart models are what you should consider. Though pricey, they do it all — remotely monitor movement and track sleep patterns, breathing, heart rate, oxygen and temperature.

✔️ Video quality: Look for models with good picture quality — at least 720 pixels. The most crystal-clear video can be found on units that offer 1080 pixels HD or higher.

There are a few different types of baby monitors that you can choose from depending on the needs of your family. Whether you're looking for an option that doubles as a security camera, something that helps you track the nursery temperature and baby's vitals or just a bare-bones audio machine that alerts you to your baby crying, here's how to figure out which monitor will suit your budget and lifestyle.

✔️ Wi-Fi monitors: A Wi-Fi monitor is great for parents on a date night or running errands who want to check up on their baby while they're with a sitter. With a Wi-Fi monitor, you don't have to worry about going out of range, as long as the device is connected properly to Wi-Fi, you'll be able to see your little one. You can usually access Wi-Fi monitors directly from your smartphone, so you don't have to carry around an extra apparatus, and they tend to have some bells and whistles that make tracking your baby incredibly easy. "Wi-Fi monitors connect to your local network and often feature additional features like being able to record and save videos from the monitor," says Nik Greenwald, GH Institute data engineer.

Some Wi-Fi monitors even have smart partner integration so you can link them to Alexa or HomeKit. However, keep in mind that you must place your monitor somewhere with good Wi-Fi access to see your baby, otherwise the connection can falter. Wi-Fi monitors tend to also have more security concerns, as do other smart products for potential hacking concerns.

✔️ Non-Wi-Fi audiovisual monitors (local video monitors): Offering both audio and visual monitoring, these are popular with parents since they can check on their baby using their eyes or ears, but don't have to worry about the security breaches or lack of Wi-Fi access that can hinder Wi-Fi monitors. "Local video monitors don’t connect to Wi-Fi but rather transmit information from the camera to the parent unit using radio frequencies," explains Greenwald.

These monitors are usually easy to set up and just require you to plug in the tech in your baby's room and turn on the handheld unit you'll carry around with you. You don't have to download apps or worry about storage space on your phone. Depending on your needs, these monitors can feature everything from remote pan and tilt capabilities to night-vision. The biggest downside to these is that they have a fairly close range that you must stay in, so if you're traversing too far away from baby's room, you might have trouble picking up the feed. But on the bright side, "they’re resilient when your Wi-Fi goes down," says Greenwald.

✔️ Audio-only monitors: Audio-only monitors tend to be the cheapest option, so they're perfect for parents who are just looking for a basic machine to alert them to their baby's crying. If your baby makes any type of noise, you're sure to hear it. The drawback of this is that not only are you unable to see what's going on in the room without walking over and peeking your head in, it's sometimes hard to tell if your baby is awake or just a noisy sleeper.

✔️ Wearable devices: Higher-end monitors can include the addition of wearable devices, like a sock or band you place on your sleeping baby, which help parents monitor their baby's vitals like their breathing, heart-rate, blood oxygen level, movement and other sleep stats. These monitors usually come with a price tag that reflects their high-tech capabilities, so they're really geared toward parents want these extra features. When considering a wearable device, it's best to choose one that's bundled with an audiovisual monitor as well so you can see or hear your baby in real-time.

Depending on your home's setup, you might not need a monitor at all. If you and your baby share a bedroom or your space is cozy enough that there's no fear you'll miss hearing them cry out, you probably can forgo any extra tech. If not, you may find a baby monitor more convenient than sitting outside their door for hours on end or creeping in a couple times a night to make sure that everything is going okay. Monitors can give you peace of mind if you tend to be a little more anxious, providing reassurance that you'll always know what's going on in your little one's room.

With some monitors, you can venture pretty far away from baby's room without worrying about losing connection, so you finally have the time to do the laundry in the basem*nt or just relax and catch up on some Netflix — all while knowing baby is comfy and cozy in bed. If you spring for a Wi-Fi monitor, you can even watch over your little one when you're away from the house, whether that be to check up on their snooze-fest or play session with the babysitter.

This story was originally written by the Good Housekeeping Institute's former chief technologist and mom of three, Rachel Rothman, who combines real-life parenting experience with 15 years of professional product testing experience to vet and recommend all types of parenting products, from toys to car seats to strollers.

GH Institute writer and analyst, Olivia Lipski, most recently updated this story based on extensive testing data from the latest round of baby monitor testing led by GH data engineer Nikolas Greenwald. Olivia covers everything from tech to travel, home, fitness and more and frequently collaborates with the Pets & Parenting Lab.

Motorola PIP12 Travel Baby Monitor: Our parenting experts like this audio-only monitor from Motorola if you don't think you'll need video monitoring. It performed well in our tests, and we love the portable design that makes it an excellent choice to pack in a suitcase for vacation or quick weekend getaways. Plus, it's claimed 1500-foot range is impressive.

EZVIZ 2K+ Indoor Security Camera: This budget baby monitor performed well in Lab tests and is a great choice for anyone who doesn't want to spend too much on baby tech but still wants a feature-rich device that operates via Wi-Fi. It comes with all the features parents need, like 360-degree viewing, 8x digital zoom, two-way talk, pan and tilt and more.

Panasonic Baby Monitor with Camera and Audio: Though we find the 3.5-inch monitor display a bit limiting, this baby monitor impressed our pros with its long range, night vision, temperature alerts, built-in sound library and 13 hours of claimed battery life.

Momcozy 4.3" HD Video Baby Monitor BM02-Long Battery: A solid budget option according to our product analysts, this monitor received high scores in Lab tests for picture quality and sound detection and notification. "I found it to have a very easy setup process compared to some other monitors I’ve previously tested," says Greenwald. He notes the main drawbacks are that you can’t record content with it, and it has a low field of view (though the camera unit can swivel around with the unit controls thereby expanding it).