Best Baby Cameras: Top Picks for Keeping an Eye on Your Little One

#1
Vimtag VT-361 HD
 
$49.95
Pro Bullet Remote pan and tilt
Pro Bullet Two-way audio
Con Bullet Internet required
#2
Infant Optics DXR-8
 
$165.98
Pro Bullet Remote pan, tilt, and zoom
Pro Bullet Two-way audio
Con Bullet Can't view remotely
#3
Arlo Baby Monitor
 
$119.93
Pro Bullet Real-time live video view
Pro Bullet Two-way audio
Con Bullet No pan, tilt, and zoom

Amazon price as of 1/27/2020 01:50 p.m. MST). Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change.

When you’re starting your family there are many things you need to buy: a crib, clothes, changing table, diapers, toys...the list goes on and on. We know that it can be expensive, but there are some things you just need. A baby cam is one of those.

Many parents look at baby cams as a luxury but they are so much more practical than people might think. Read about the best baby cams below so you know which one can help you keep an eye on your little one, and if you're not quite sure where to start, begin with what to look for in a baby monitor.

Baby monitor

Compare baby monitors

Amazon price as of 1/27/2020 01:50 p.m. MST). Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change.

#1. Vimtag VT-361 HD review

Vimtag VT-361 HD
 
$49.95
    Resolution
    1280 x 720p
    Frames per second
    25 fps
    Night vision
    10 meters

    Amazon price as of 1/27/2020 01:50 p.m. MST). Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change.

    Pros
    • Pro BulletRemote pan and tilt
    • Pro BulletTwo-way audio
    • Pro BulletRemote live video streaming via Android and iOS on smartphone, tablet, and computer app
    • Pro BulletMotion detection
    • Pro BulletAllows a 32GB SD card
    Cons
    • Con BulletInternet required

    Why the Vimtag made our list

    This camera is used for other purposes besides baby monitoring, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less great. The Vimtag camera has great features and lets you view the footage via your smartphone while you’re away from home. You may love or hate this, depending on your concerns with security. Once your child has grown up, this camera can be used as a security camera or a pet camera. We chose this as our #1 pick for this list due to its versatility, reasonable price point, and a number of features.

    >>Get the Vimtag on Amazon


    #2. Infant Optics DXR-8 review

    Infant Optics DXR-8
     
    $165.99
      Resolution
      640 x 480p
      Frames per second
      10-15 fps
      Night vision
      Included

      Amazon price as of 1/27/2020 01:50 p.m. MST). Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change.

      Pros
      • Pro BulletRemote pan, tilt, and zoom
      • Pro BulletColor, wireless 3.5” LCD display
      • Pro BulletAdd up to 4 cameras
      • Pro BulletTwo-way talk
      • Pro BulletNot connected to Internet so no worries about privacy hack
      • Pro BulletReal time streaming
      • Pro BulletGreat customer service
      Cons
      • Con BulletMust purchase wide angle lens separately
      • Con BulletCan’t view remotely
      • Con Bullet10-hour battery life (power saving mode) and 6-hour life (with screen on)

      Why the Infant Optics DXR-8 made our list

      The Infant Optics DXR-8 baby monitor gives you many viewing options. You can change the optical lens to your viewing angle and zoom; you can also pan, tilt, and zoom remotely so if your baby moves in her crib you can move the camera onto her as well. This plug-and-play baby monitor does not connect to your Internet, which is a good or bad thing depending on how you feel. If you’re looking for a wifi baby monitor that you can view on your smartphone, this isn’t the one for you. However, we love this because your chances of being hacked greatly decrease since it’s Internet-free. For these reasons, we have chosen it as our #2 pick for the best baby cam.

      >>Get the Infant Optics on Amazon


      #3. Arlo Baby Monitor review

      Arlo Baby Monitor
       
      $119.93
        Resolution
        1080p HD
        Night vision
        Included

        Amazon price as of 1/27/2020 01:50 p.m. MST). Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change.

        Pros
        • Pro BulletReal-time, live video view
        • Pro BulletTwo-way talk
        • Pro BulletHigh definition video resolution
        • Pro BulletIntegrates with smart home assistants (Alexa, HomeKit, and IFTTT)
        • Pro BulletCan play lullabies, white noise, nature sounds, or recordings of your own voice
        • Pro BulletCute kid-friendly design
        Cons
        • Con BulletNo pan, tilt, and zoom
        • Con BulletSome reviews report glitches with iOS

        Why the Arlo Baby Monitor made our list

        The Arlo baby monitor is the cutest of the baby cameras on our list. Adding to the suite of high-quality Arlo cameras, this baby cam stands out from the competition with tons of cool features. With the Arlo baby monitor, you can live stream your camera feed straight to your phone from wherever you are, get humidity and air quality updates, play lullabies and white noise, or even your own pre-recorded voice through the camera–a huge benefit for parents that want to sing their baby to sleep, even when they're out on a date. If you're looking for a high-tech, multi-use baby monitor, the Arlo is the way to go.

        >>Get the Arlo Baby Monitor on Amazon


        Other best baby cameras reviewed

        Below are some other baby monitors we reviewed that didn’t make our top 3 list. However, they’re still great cameras so be sure to check them out.

        #4. Babysense Video Baby Monitor review

        Babysense Video Baby Monitor
         
        $49.98
          Technology
          2.4GHz digital wireless audio and video
          Zoom
          2x digital zoom

          Amazon price as of 1/27/2020 01:50 p.m. MST). Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change.

          Pros
          • Pro BulletTwo-way talk
          • Pro BulletPlays lullabies
          • Pro BulletMonitors room temperature
          • Pro BulletPortable monitor
          • Pro BulletInfared night vision
          Cons
          • Con BulletNo pan or tilt included
          • Con BulletNo smart home or mobile compatibility

          Why the Babysense made our list

          Babysense's baby monitor crept up on our list because of its portability. The Babysense looks and feels a bit "cheaper" than the competition, but it also comes in at a lower price point, without sacrificing things like night vision, two-way talk, and temperature monitoring. We love that the LCD monitor is so portable, for the parent that likes to stay busy while their baby is asleep, and with a 900-foot range, you never feel like any corner of your home or backyard is off limits. If you're looking for a lower-priced baby monitor without sacrificing any of the tech of our top picks, this is the monitor for you.

          >>Get the Babysense Baby Monitor on Amazon


          #5. AXVUE E632 Video Baby Monitor review

          AXVUE E632 Video Baby Monitor
           
          $169.99
            Technology
            2.4GHz digital technology
            VOX
            Video on Crying feature

            Amazon price as of 1/27/2020 01:50 p.m. MST). Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change.

            Pros
            • Pro BulletRoom temperature monitoring
            • Pro BulletTwo-way communication
            • Pro BulletMonitor sports 800-foot range
            • Pro BulletRechargeable battery with power-saving video
            • Pro BulletPrice includes two cameras
            Cons
            • Con BulletCamera doesn't pan or tilt on its own
            • Con BulletNo smart home integration
            • Con BulletLower picture quality than our other top picks

            Why the AXVUE E632 made our list

            The AXVUE E632 baby monitor earned its spot on our list with its power-saving technology, voice activation capabilities, and its lower price-point: coming in around $110 for two cameras gives the competition a serious run for their money. Without compromising any of the key features we like to look for in baby monitors, like two-way communication, night vision, and temperature detection, we love that this monitor gives you two for the price of one.

            >>Get the AXVUE E632 Baby Monitor on Amazon


            #6. VTech VM321-2 Safe & Sound Video Baby Monitor review

            VTech VM321-2 Safe & Sound Video Baby Monitor
             
            $99.00
              Technology
              2.4GHz digital video and sound
              Range
              Up to 1,000 feet

              Amazon price as of 1/27/2020 01:50 p.m. MST). Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change.

              Pros
              • Pro BulletLongest range of other baby monitors on this list
              • Pro BulletTwo-way talk
              • Pro BulletPlays lullabies with 5 different melodies
              • Pro BulletTemperature sensor
              • Pro BulletSplit-screen capabilites
              Cons
              • Con BulletHigher price-point than other cameras and monitors on this list
              • Con BulletNo mobile or smart home integration

              Why the VTech VM321-2 made our list

              While we wanted to opt for a lower priced monitor for the #6 position on our list, the VTech beat out its competitors by offering two higher quality cameras, a longer range than its competitors, and more expandable options (up to 4 cameras) for all situations. Two-way talk lets you soothe your baby from another room, and temperature monitoring will put you at ease, knowing that if your thermostat is back on the fritz, you'll be notified before your baby becomes uncomfortable or unsafe. With lots of positive reviews, we were confident rounding out our list with the VTech baby monitor.

              >>Get the VTech VM321-2 Baby Monitor on Amazon


              What to look for in a baby monitor

              There are some features you’ll want your baby monitor to do and others that you are indifferent about.

              Night vision

              Night vision, is it really that important? In our opinion, yes! You’ll be putting your baby to sleep at many times of the day and some of those times it will be dark out. If your camera doesn’t have night vision, you won’t be able to see your baby. So we think night vision is a must!

              Remote access

              Another thing to consider is remote access. Do you want to have access to the baby cam footage while you’re away from the home? This is more of a personal preference. While some parents like this idea of this because they travel often or simply want to check in throughout the day others prefer not to have footage of their baby connected to the Internet 24/7. This is completely up to you.

              Two-way voice

              Two-way voice is another feature that we love but ultimately, is up to you as a parent. Two-way voice allows you to speak with your baby without physically being in the room. You can help calm your baby by talking to her or, depending if you have remote access, you can say goodnight to her even while you’re away from your home.

              Pan, tilt, zoom

              The ability to pan, tilt and zoom remotely is another option to consider. In our opinion, this isn’t as important. Your baby will most likely be in her crib, therefore, there’s not much need to pan throughout the room. However, you may want this feature and that’s completely fine. We don’t find it to be as necessary, but as a parent, this is up to you!


              So should you get a baby cam?

              We recommend it. Baby cameras will give you peace of mind and allow you to check in on your child without having to risk waking them, and once your baby grows up, people often reuse them as pet cams or more traditional security cameras.