Which Wi-Fi baby monitors are best?
You can’t watch your baby around the clock. You need a break and to get some sleep every once in a while. That’s why a baby monitor can be a lifesaver, but not any old hand-me-down model will do.
Technology has evolved tremendously over the years, and today’s baby monitors will not only allow you to hear what’s going on in your child’s room, but you can watch, change angles, and even let your baby hear your voice. And you can do all of this from your smartphone.
Features, compatibility and price all factor into what model what might be best for you, but our top choice is the Google Nest 1080p Cam Indoor Security Camera.
What to know before you buy a Wi-Fi baby monitor
The benefits
Wireless baby monitors that utilize Wi-Fi work through an app that you download on your smartphone to access audio and video.
Aside from the technology and the improved quality of video and audio, the main difference between Wi-Fi baby monitors and traditional models is that you no longer have to worry about issues such as portability and range.
Utilizing the app, you can check in on your child from anywhere. Not that you ever want to leave your child home alone, but if you’re out for the night or out of town, you can still check in on your child and receive clear audio and video.
Wearables
Not only can you utilize technology to see and hear what’s going on in your baby’s room, but some monitors are portable or can track your baby’s breathing. Some models can be attached to diapers and detect movement, while you can secure others to the baby’s foot to monitor their heart rate and oxygen level in their blood.
What to look for in a quality Wi-Fi baby monitor
High resolution
Gone are the days of grainy video footage of a dark room. Quality Wi-Fi baby monitors come equipped with HD resolution and some will naturally transition to night vision when the room gets dark.
Two-way communication
Instead of just listening to what’s going on in your baby’s room, two-way communication allows you to talk as well. This allows your baby to hear your voice, and for you to possibly calm them down from another room.
Security measures
One possible downside of a Wi-Fi baby monitor is that it’s susceptible to hacking, so it’s best to look for a model with wireless encryption. It’s always a good idea to ensure your wireless home network is secure and the monitor’s firmware is up to date.
Remote adjustments
You have to place the monitor in a fixed position in your child’s room, but some models allow you to adjust the view of the camera from your phone.
How much you can expect to spend on a Wi-Fi baby monitor
The price of Wi-Fi baby monitors can vary significantly depending on the features and the quality of the device. On the low end, you can find monitors in the $30 range, and they can go all the way up to $300 or more. You can find a quality Wi-Fi baby monitor for $100-$200.
Wi-Fi baby monitor FAQ
Can I view multiple cameras from one device?
A. Yes. This is an excellent option if you have more than one child. You can set up two or more cameras in different rooms and view them all from the same app on your phone. You can also give others access to the app to view the same audio and video feed.
Can a Wi-Fi baby monitor record video?
A. Yes. Most models can not only record video, but some have settings with motion detection that you can set to record any movements and send you the video in an alert, so you can see for yourself what’s going on in your baby’s room.
What are the best Wi-Fi baby monitors to buy?
Top Wi-Fi baby monitor
Google Nest 1080p Cam Indoor Security Camera
What you need to know: This monitor offers livestream video of your baby in 1080p HD, available 24/7. It features two-way audio and night vision, complete with eight high-powered infrared LEDs.
What you’ll love: Not only will you be able to monitor your baby around the clock, but this monitor will also send you alerts and notifications as soon as the camera detects any activity. If privacy is a concern, you can protect your account with two-factor authentication. Nest offers a 30-day free trial.
What you should consider: Some customers have found that their network lost connection with the camera.
Top Wi-Fi baby monitor for the money
Wansview Wi-Fi Home Indoor Camera
What you need to know: This is a quality monitor with all the high-end features and bells and whistles, but for a fraction of the price.
What you’ll love: This monitor has a high-resolution Wi-Fi camera and two-way audio compatible with Alexa. It comes with night vision and real-time motion-detection alerts. You can pan, zoom, and tilt the camera to get a view from all angles. There is also financial protection encryption technology for cloud storage.
What you should consider: You have to download the app, and some customers have not found it user-friendly.
Worth checking out
VTech Upgraded Smart Wi-Fi Baby Monitor
What you need to know: This user-friendly baby monitor is easy to manage from your smartphone.
What you’ll love: It has a wide field of vision and includes an HD monitoring tablet. You can communicate with your child via two-way audio. It plays lullabies and has motion and temperature alerts.
What you should consider: It has a limited battery life.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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