Best Baby Monitors: Top Picks for New Parents

Introduction

Choosing the best baby monitor is one of the most important decisions for new parents. When you bring your newborn home, peace of mind is everything. You want to be able to step into the kitchen, fold laundry, or even take a much-needed nap while knowing your baby is safe and sound. That’s where a reliable baby monitor comes in.

Today’s baby monitors are more advanced than ever before. Parents can now choose from a wide range of options — from simple audio-only monitors to HD video monitors with night vision, breathing motion tracking, and app-based smart features. Some parents prefer a non-WiFi baby monitor for maximum privacy, while others love the convenience of WiFi-enabled smart monitors that connect to their phones from anywhere in the world.

With so many models available, it can be overwhelming to know which monitor is right for your family. That’s why we’ve created this 2025 baby monitor buying guide. We’ve rounded up the 10 best baby monitors of the year, including trusted names like Eufy, VTech, Hello Baby, Infant Optics, Nanit Pro, Motorola, Owlet, Arlo, Philips Avent, and Lollipop.

Whether you want crisp video, a budget-friendly pick, or a monitor that integrates with your smart home, this guide will help you make the right choice.

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Key Features to Consider in a Baby Monitor

Before diving into the top picks, let’s review the most important features to look for.

1. Video & Audio Quality

Clear audio is essential — you don’t want to miss your baby’s first cry. If you’re choosing a video monitor, look for at least 720p HD resolution with infrared night vision. Some high-end models now offer 1080p full HD with zoom and wide-angle lenses.

2. Range & Connectivity

If you live in a large home or multi-level house, choose a monitor with an extended range (up to 1,000 ft for non-WiFi models). For parents who work outside the home or travel, WiFi monitors allow remote access via smartphone apps.

3. Battery Life

Long-lasting monitors are key for overnight use. A good battery should last 8–12 hours on video mode and even longer on audio-only standby.

4. Safety & Security

Non-WiFi monitors provide the highest level of privacy since they don’t rely on internet connections. If you choose a WiFi monitor, make sure it offers encrypted data transmission and secure log-ins.

5. Extra Features

Many of today’s monitors come with bonus features such as:

• Temperature sensors (to monitor nursery climate)

• Two-way talk (to soothe your baby remotely)

• Lullabies or white noise

• Sleep tracking and breathing motion sensors (premium models)

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Top 10 Baby Monitors in 2025

Here are our expert-reviewed picks for this year:

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1. Eufy SpaceView Baby Monitor

Best For: Parents who want HD video without WiFi.

• Key Features: 5-inch 720p display, 330° pan/tilt camera, secure FHSS connection (no WiFi).

• Pros: Great video quality, strong privacy protection, impressive battery life.

• Cons: No smartphone app access.

💡 Parent Insight: The Eufy SpaceView is often described as the perfect balance between video clarity and privacy. Parents who don’t want WiFi love the dedicated monitor screen.

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2. VTech DM221 Audio Monitor

Best For: Budget-friendly audio-only monitoring.

• Key Features: DECT 6.0 digital technology, two-way talk, secure signal.

• Pros: Affordable ($35–50), crystal-clear audio, simple to set up.

• Cons: No video feed.

💡 Parent Insight: Many parents buy this as a secondary monitor for nighttime use, relying on sound only to avoid bright screens in the bedroom.

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3. Hello Baby HB65 Video Monitor

Best For: Affordable video monitoring.

• Key Features: 3.2-inch screen, infrared night vision, remote pan/tilt camera, built-in lullabies.

• Pros: Budget-friendly, night vision works well, two-way audio.

• Cons: Smaller screen, average build quality.

💡 Parent Insight: A favorite among parents who want video monitoring on a tight budget without giving up basic features.

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4. Infant Optics DXR-8 Pro

Best For: Customizable video monitoring.

• Key Features: Interchangeable lens system (wide-angle + zoom), active noise reduction.

• Pros: Adaptable viewing, strong audio filtering, secure non-WiFi connection.

• Cons: Pricier than some competitors ($180–230).

💡 Parent Insight: The DXR-8 Pro has been a parent favorite for years thanks to its lens-swapping feature. It grows with your baby — from crib days to toddler playtime.

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5. Nanit Pro Smart Baby Monitor

Best For: Sleep tracking + advanced smart features.

• Key Features: 1080p HD video, breathing motion monitoring, app-based sleep analytics.

• Pros: Tracks sleep patterns, offers growth insights, integrates with smartphones.

• Cons: Subscription required for full analytics.

💡 Parent Insight: This is the monitor for tech-savvy parents who want data-driven insights on their baby’s sleep.

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6. Motorola MBP36XL

Best For: Portable monitoring with a big screen.

• Key Features: 5-inch display, rechargeable camera battery, extended wireless range.

• Pros: Large screen, portable, works well in big homes.

• Cons: Bulkier design, shorter battery life than Eufy or Infant Optics.

💡 Parent Insight: Parents love the big display and solid reliability, making it a go-to option for multi-level houses.

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7. Owlet Cam

Best For: Tech-savvy parents with smartphones.

• Key Features: 1080p HD video, encrypted WiFi, two-way talk, integrates with Owlet Dream Sock.

• Pros: Crystal-clear video, secure connection, works seamlessly with Owlet ecosystem.

• Cons: Requires strong WiFi to function.

💡 Parent Insight: Great for parents who already use the Owlet Sock and want to track heart rate and oxygen along with live video.

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8. Arlo Baby Monitor

Best For: Smart home families.

• Key Features: HD video, night vision, air quality sensors, music player, Alexa/Google Home compatible.

• Pros: Smart home integration, sleek design, versatile features.

• Cons: Higher price ($180–250), WiFi-only.

💡 Parent Insight: The Arlo Baby appeals to families already invested in a smart home setup who want a nursery monitor that connects to their system.

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9. Philips Avent DECT Baby Monitor

Best For: Reliable, secure monitoring with fewer extras.

• Key Features: DECT/FHSS secure connection, 3.5-inch display, temperature sensor.

• Pros: Reliable, private signal, compact size.

• Cons: Lacks advanced features like sleep tracking.

💡 Parent Insight: Perfect for parents who want dependability over bells and whistles.

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10. Lollipop Smart Baby Monitor

Best For: Stylish, flexible mounting options.

• Key Features: Cry detection, app-based monitoring, flexible silicone stand/wrap mount.

• Pros: Modern design, versatile placement, user-friendly app.

• Cons: Requires WiFi, initial setup can be tricky.

💡 Parent Insight: Parents love the aesthetic design and ability to mount the camera on cribs, shelves, or wrap it anywhere.

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Comparison Table: Best Baby Monitors 2025

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FAQs About Baby Monitors

Q1: What’s the best baby monitor for privacy?
A: Non-WiFi models like the Eufy SpaceView and Infant Optics DXR-8 Pro are the most secure.

Q2: Are WiFi baby monitors safe?
A: Yes, as long as you buy from trusted brands with encrypted transmission and secure apps.

Q3: Can I use a baby monitor for travel?
A: Absolutely. Compact models like the Motorola MBP36XL or Hello Baby HB65 are great for road trips.

Q4: Do I really need video?
A: Video isn’t essential, but it’s helpful for parents who want visual reassurance without rushing to the nursery at every sound.

Q5: What’s the best baby monitor for large homes?
A: The Motorola MBP36XL (non-WiFi) or Nanit Pro (WiFi with app) are excellent for multi-level or spacious homes.

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Final Thoughts

The best baby monitor depends on your family’s needs and lifestyle:

• ✅ Best Overall Non-WiFi: Eufy SpaceView

• 💲 Best Budget: VTech DM221 (audio) or Hello Baby HB65 (video)

• 📱 Best Smart Features: Nanit Pro

• 🏡 Best for Big Homes: Motorola MBP36XL

• 🎨 Best Stylish Design: Lollipop Smart Baby Monitor

At the end of the day, the right baby monitor gives you peace of mind, flexibility, and reassurance. Whether you choose a privacy-first non-WiFi monitor or a feature-rich smart WiFi model, the goal is the same: to stay connected to your baby while enjoying the confidence that they are safe and comfortable.

With this guide, you’ll be able to select the perfect monitor for your nursery in 2025 and beyond.