Choosing the best baby monitor: Independent TOP-5

For caring and worried parents, special devices were invented - baby monitors. This device has been known for many years. The device consists of two blocks: child and parent. The first one is installed in the child’s room to transmit sounds from there to the second one. If you don’t have a baby monitor yet, then our rating, based on expert opinions and user reviews, will help you choose one. When customers come to a store, they are often confused by the large amount of goods. To choose the model that best suits all your criteria, pay attention to the following characteristics:

1. Radius of
   the device. The place of actual use should be taken into account. A country house requires a large coverage area. In a typical apartment, a range of 30-50 m will be sufficient.
2. Power supply
   . Devices with batteries are preferable. The batteries will last much less, and funds for their purchase will often go out of the budget.
3. Alert system
   : sound, light and/or vibration signals. It is advisable to choose devices with not one, but several options. A light indicator or vibration will be very convenient in moments when you need to turn down or turn off the sound.

We have compiled a rating of the best baby monitors in different price categories. The following factors were taken into account during the selection:

• value for money;
• functionality;
• survey results;
• reviews from parents.

How to choose the right baby monitor model

When choosing a baby monitor, pay attention to the following parameters.

1. Signal type. All devices are divided into digital and analog. An analog baby monitor is inferior to a digital device in terms of sound quality (it is highly distorted, less true to reality) and a small set of channels that have to be configured manually. When using analog technology, interference may occur from other electrical devices, for example, radio, TV, laptop. The digital baby monitor has up to 120 channels, which are adjusted automatically, and the likelihood of interference is reduced to zero.
2. Feedback. Baby monitors are produced with one-way and two-way communication. It's better to buy the second option. A device with feedback allows you to talk to the baby through the parental unit, for example, to calm a crying child while the mother is in another room. In addition, when the baby grows up and can speak, the device can be used like a walkie-talkie.
3. Radius of action. This indicator is individual for each device and is indicated in the technical data sheet. It must be taken into account that outdoor range is always greater than indoors where there are walls and concrete floors.
4. Stable connection. Usually the device is equipped with a communication test function. When one of the users leaves the device's coverage area, a green light on the unit lights up.
5. Purity of communication. When buying a baby monitor, you should definitely check the purity of the sound, otherwise the noise and wheezing coming from the walkie-talkie during the quiet sleep of the newborn will mislead parents.
6. Environmentally friendly materials. The device body must be made of certified materials.
7. Power supply. The best option is when the device supports several types of power, for example, batteries and an AC adapter. Some models work on a single charge for more than 8 hours.
8. Additional functions. Some baby monitors provide the ability to measure humidity and air temperature in a child's bedroom, you can play a lullaby or use the device as a night light.

When purchasing a baby monitor, you should not choose a bright device, because the more attractive the appearance of the device, the more the baby will want to play with it. It is better to take a white or grayish radio, without sharp protrusions and corners.

If there is a baby in the house, the need to buy a baby monitor is beyond any doubt. You can appreciate the help of this useful invention only if you choose high-quality products equipped with all the necessary functions, with a large range and high sensitivity to sounds. The models included in the rating of baby monitors meet all the necessary requirements and, according to buyers, are considered the best in this product segment.

Comparison table of the best baby monitors

After reading dozens of reviews and instructions, I came to the conclusion: digital models with the maximum number of functions can be considered the best. Unfortunately, they are quite expensive. If you plan to use the product only in a small apartment, you can do without some options, for example, two-way communication, and save money.

The best premium baby monitors

Premium lines of gadgets for parents and their children include models with expanded functionality, the latest innovative developments, and improved quality. In addition to the autonomy and information content of the blocks, there are all types of indications, useful security options and much more. After studying reviews and expert opinions, the top baby monitors of 2021 were selected.

Philips AVENT SCD620/52

A distinctive feature of this gadget is its innovative FHSS technology, which guarantees clear sound without interference. The service radius of Philips Avent is standard - 300 m maximum, 50 for ceilings in the form of walls. For comfortable use, two-way communication is provided, so parents can talk to their child while in different rooms. A special indicator will signal that the connection between blocks is broken. In addition to the radio signal, there is a 2.7-inch display for video recording, showing what is happening in the nursery even at night. Additional options include lullabies, autonomy, energy-saving mode, viewing angle adjustment, sound settings, fastening clip, VOX mode.

Advantages

• Reliability;
• Feedback;
• Video shooting;
• Color display;
• ECO mode;
• LED indicators;
• Setting up sounds.

Flaws

• Price;
• Lack of night light.

The Philips AVENT baby monitor allows you to monitor your baby remotely not only in radio, but also in video mode.

Users approve of privacy, data reliability, build quality, many useful features, and feedback. The rather high price and lack of a night light are considered minor drawbacks.

AngelCare AC701

The review ends with a digital model with a wide list of modern useful options. Here you can see not only a good price-quality ratio, but also a high level of reliability. The main feature of this AngelCare baby monitor is the Sensor Pad under-mattress motion sensor. His task is to note every movement and breathing rhythm of the baby. As soon as increased activity is observed within 20 seconds, a signal will notify you of this. The range in the open area is 230 m, the communication frequency is 1880 – 1900 MHz. A 2.5-inch display is provided to receive all the information.

Advantages

• Color touch screen;
• Wide functionality;
• Compactness;
• Motion, breathing sensor;
• Two-way communication;
• Clean signal.

Flaws

• Price;
• Loud alarm.

Buyers consider the breathing and movement sensor, which signals that breathing has stopped, to be a unique development of such a gadget. Also, high marks in reviews of the baby monitor were given for appearance, feedback, and useful options. The disadvantage is the rather high price, as well as the fact that the alarm can frighten the baby.

TOP 5 best baby monitors

When choosing the best baby monitor, I realized: the choice of brands is huge! Let's look at the most popular models.

The best two-way baby monitor

Philips Avent SCD506

The digital baby monitor of the Philips Avent SCD506 series is not an economy option. Its relatively high price - about 4,000 rubles - is justified by its rich functions. The device has 120 communication channels. In open areas, it transmits a signal over a distance of up to 330 m. The range indoors is up to 50 m.

The baby monitor of this model switches to two-way communication mode. The baby unit plays soothing melodies and can be used as a night light: the light is emitted by a crescent-shaped indicator.

The parent unit is small in size and weight. It will notify you when the battery charge is low. The sound signal will also sound if the adult is outside the reception area. The volume is adjustable, so don't worry about waking your baby. If you wish, you can attach a special strap to the device (it comes included) and wear the speaker around your neck.

Both units operate both from mains and batteries.

Philips Avent SCD506 has a built-in Smart ECO function. It automatically reduces the radio signal intensity as the distance between the baby and parent units decreases. This saves energy.

Price: RUB 3,798

The best baby monitor with a range of 300 m

Beurer BY33

The digital version of the baby monitor from Beurer (series BY33) costs about 3,500 rubles and has 120 working channels. Most manufacturers make the parent unit smaller than the child unit so that adults can carry the device with them. Here it’s the other way around: the children’s sensor is smaller.

The model is convenient because it can be used with various power sources: mains, batteries, batteries. If you unplug the device from the outlet, it will automatically switch to battery mode. This quality comes in handy when the lights in the house suddenly go out. Before using the parent unit for the first time offline, it is recommended to charge the parent unit for approximately 16 hours.

If the child is sleeping quietly, the baby monitor switches to Eco+ mode. The radiation level decreases.

Disadvantage of the model: lack of two-way communication.

Price: RUB 3,388

The best baby monitor with two parent units

Alcatel Baby Link 100

The Alcatel Baby Link 100 baby monitor, with its colors, resembles a toy, but at a price of about 2,500 rubles, its functions are not toy-like.

The device uses digital data transmission over a distance of up to 300 m (without obstacles). Indoors, the signal extends to 50 m. DECT technology is used to reduce interference and give the voice a clear sound. VOX mode (automatic voice activation) and two-way communication work.

There are small handles at the top of both blocks for convenience. The parental transmitter operates both on mains power and on batteries. It has an additional clip (for attaching to clothing). You can carry such a device with you almost everywhere. If you accidentally leave the reception area, the baby monitor will sound a signal. The device is equipped with two parental units: for mom and dad.

The baby unit must be connected to the mains. It is equipped with a convenient stand, a night light and a lullaby player.

Price: RUB 2,248

The best inexpensive baby monitor

Motorola MBP140

Motorola MBP140: among the digital baby monitors from our selection, this is perhaps the most economical. Despite the relatively low price of 2000 rubles, the device pleases with its technical capabilities. It has a long range (up to 300 m outdoors) and two-way communication. The number of channels is only 10, but this is enough for home use.

The parent unit operates from mains or battery (up to 8 hours). To charge it, you need to place it on a special stand with a cord. Straps are included with the product.

The children's unit is larger in size than the parent unit. Please note: it plugs into an outlet directly, without a cord. The crib will have to be placed close to a power source. If you plan to take the baby monitor on vacation or leave it in the stroller with a sleeping child, it is better to look for another option.

Price: RUB 1,701

The best analog baby monitor

Beurer BY84

The Beurer BY84 analog baby monitor with two working channels costs more than some digital devices - about 3,500 rubles. Its signal transmission range reaches 800 m in open space. Power supply: mains, rechargeable batteries or batteries.

Externally, both blocks are very similar. To prevent parents from confusing them, the antenna on the children's sensor is yellow, and on the adult sensor it is white.

The highlight of the Beurer BY84 baby monitor is its interesting display. The image on it changes along with the child’s behavior. If the baby is sleeping, you will see closed eyes on the screen. If the child starts to cry, a capricious grimace will appear. The display also shows the range and battery charge level.

The device has an EcoMode mode, which reduces radiation and energy consumption.

Price: RUB 3,498

Which baby monitor is better to buy?

Each rating nominee presented has a large list of advantages and minor disadvantages. The evaluation criteria proposed by the experts will tell you which baby monitor to choose and buy from those recognized as the best this year. The results of the comparative analysis were the following recommendations:

• Long battery life – Alcatel Baby Link 100;
• The best design for a children's room is Maman BM2300;
• High degree of reliability and confidentiality - Philips AVENT SCD620/52;
• Good value for money – Balio MV-03;
• Full control over your child – AngelCare AC701.

Standard gadgets, those that offer two-way communication, as well as innovative developments for complete control over the child’s condition were presented for consideration. If the choice is not so easy to make, some models can be rented; this practice is found in large cities of Russia, for example, in Moscow, St. Petersburg, etc.

How to choose a baby monitor

Before purchasing a baby monitor, you need to determine:

• purpose of the device (for monitoring a child, an elderly person, an animal);
• type of device - radio or video baby monitor;
• Are additional functions needed and what exactly?
• duration of operation of the device before recharging the battery;
• the amount you plan to spend on the device.

Important parameters:

• indoor range – 50-100 m;
• coverage radius in open space – 250-400 m;
• number of reception channels (for wireless) – 2;
• camera viewing angle (for video nanny) – up to 360°;

Secondary parameters:

• display type;
• sound level control;
• timer;
• night light function;
• thermometer to monitor the temperature in the child’s room;
• presence of lullabies.