9 Best Baby Monitors, Tested by Parents and Experts

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. While testing, we appreciated that the five-inch display provided a remarkably clear view of baby throughout the entire night, though some reviewers claim the battery life is less than ideal. 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 from different rooms at the same time. 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. There's also a helpful two-way talk system. The one downside is that it doesn't charge via USB.

This high-definition camera (it's technically a home surveillance 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 to share with family members. Though you need Wi-Fi to access the app, this Alexa- or Google Assistant-compatible monitor provides free cloud storage with no subscription necessary.

The Miku Pro is the only thing you'll need to watch over your little one since it also monitors the room's temperature and checks on baby's vitals all at the same time. While you'll pay the price for the quality, we found its video performance and added features impressive, scoring high marks across the board in our most recent round of testing. We love that you can use its compatible smartphone app to access all those special features mentioned above (and more), including monitoring your baby's sound and motion as well as the room's humidity levels, plus you can get real-time alerts about changes in your baby's vitals and nursery conditions without the need for wearables. All of this information is easily tracked via securely stored summaries, graphs and video clips that you can download and share straight from your smartphone.

Our consumer testers also found the Miku Pro monitor easy to set up, with all the items you need to mount it securely and safely to the wall included. Its convenient two-way audio, selection of lullabies, and white noise sounds are the cherries on top. Plus, there are no hidden fees or subscription costs with this high-tech pick, which we appreciate. Though for a baby monitor that has these capabilities, it's surprising that it does not have Alexa or Google Assistant voice support. Another great selling point is that the Miku is compatible with both 2.4 and 5 GHz bands of Wi-Fi, which can be a life-saver if you’re traveling and don’t have access to your typical network.

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, which is decent. In terms of downsides, our analysts say the screen is small at 3.5 inches, while testers have reported glitchy reception.

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 the subscription fees after the first year. Without signing up, you can't view your baby's sleep stats online and you will need to access the app for any additional data.

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.

An audio-only monitor is a less expensive option that still offers peace of mind 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) says 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.)

LeapFrog's newest model riffs on the incredible camera quality of its predecessor (the LF925HD), giving you a large seven-inch display for easier viewing. Though we haven't yet gotten our hands on this newest model, 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.

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," says 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.