Keep a close eye on your little one, day & night, with our hand-picked selection of the best baby monitors of 2025
As a parent, ensuring your baby’s safety and comfort is always top of mind, especially when it’s time for sleep. From keeping an eye on their breathing to checking in during the night, a reliable baby monitor can make all the difference in providing you with peace of mind. With a vast range of monitors available – featuring everything from high-definition video to real-time health tracking – finding the right one might feel overwhelming.
But no need to worry – we’ve done all the legwork for you, so you can compare the top models on the market. This comprehensive buyer’s guide covers the top-rated baby monitors for 2024, comparing models with the latest features and benefits, from video clarity and battery life to essential safety certifications. Whether you’re looking for simple audio monitoring or advanced smart technology, we’ll help you find the best monitor to fit your family’s unique needs.
Baby monitors have come a long way from the days when they were essentially two-way radios. While simple audio-only models are still a dependable and affordable option, spending a bit more opens up a whole world of features designed to make monitoring your baby even easier.
Mid-range monitors often come with extras like night lights, temperature sensors and remote pan-and-zoom capabilities. For those seeking a more advanced set up, high-end monitors can track breathing, filter out background noise to focus on your baby’s sounds, and even provide in-depth sleep insights – a comforting choice for parents wanting that extra peace of mind.
The best baby monitors at a glance
Let’s start with a quick overview of some of the best baby monitors available today. These top-rated models offer features and benefits that will help keep track of baby’s wellbeing, all while delivering great value for money.
VTech VM819 2.8 Inch Video Baby Monitor (€69.99)– This budget-friendly option is known for its long battery life and range, combining essential features with affordability.
VTech RM5755HD Smart Video Monitor (€142)– A smart choice at a moderate price point, including remote access via smartphone, soothing night lights, and HD quality.
VTech RM7767HD Ultra Smart Video Baby Monitor (€249.99) – Coming in at a higher price point than some others, this monitor features a 7-inch screen, colour night vision, and a wide viewing angle.
Snuza Hero MD Baby Breathing Monitor (€119.99)– A mid-range, wearable device that monitors breathing, ideal for peace of mind during sleep.
Babymoov YOO-Travel Wireless 2.4 inch Panoramic Video Baby Monitor (€169.99)– A portable, award-winning monitor at a mid-market price point, perfect for travel.
Owlet Smart Sock Baby Monitor 3rd Generation (€349.99)– This higher-end option monitors heart rate and oxygen levels with proven pulse oximetry technology.
How to choose the best baby monitor for your needs
With so many baby monitor options on the market, it can be helpful to understand the main types available:
Types of baby monitors
1. Audio monitors
For families who want a simple, reliable option, audio monitors focus on what you need most: hearing your baby if they stir or cry. These monitors provide a live audio feed of your baby’s room and often come with features like two-way communication and sound-level indicators, so you can hear every snuffle, sneeze or snore. They’re a budget-friendly choice, easy to set up and offer dependable performance, especially for those who don’t want a video feed.
Best for: Parents who want a straightforward, budget-friendly solution without extra frills.
2. Video monitors
If you’d like to see as well as hear your baby, video monitors are a great choice. These monitors have a camera that streams a live video feed to a parent unit or smartphone, allowing you to keep an eye on your little one all night long. Most video monitors now include night vision as well as options to pan, tilt and zoom remotely. Some also feature split-screen viewing, which can be great for families with more than one child.
Best for: Parents who want visual reassurance and additional control over camera angles for better viewing.
3. Smart monitors
Smart monitors offer the most advanced features, using Wi-Fi and app connectivity to allow for remote monitoring on your smartphone or tablet. In addition to video and audio, many smart monitors include health-tracking features, such as heart rate, oxygen level and sleep quality monitoring. These models often provide notifications if your baby’s movements or breathing patterns change, giving parent much-appreciated insights into their baby’s wellbeing.
Best for: Tech-loving parents who want comprehensive monitoring of their baby’s health, with flexible, remote access.
Important features to consider
Budget. Baby monitors come ina range of prices, from affordable audio-only models to high-tech options with extensive features. Deciding on your budget first can help you narrow down choices and make it easier to focus on the monitors that offer the best value in your chosen price range.
Range. If you live in a larger home or need to move between floors, it’s worth considering a monitor that can cover a greater area. Many video and audio monitors offer ranges up to 1,000 feet, providing consistent coverage to make sure that you’re always connected.
Battery life. A long battery life is essential, especially for video monitors, which tend to drain the battery more quickly. Look for models with battery lives that meet your needs, especially if you’ll be taking your monitor with you when you travel.
Image quality. For video monitors, high-resolution screens and night vision are important for clear viewing at all times. A higher resolution means a clearer, crisper image, which can be helpful at night when lighting is low.
Audio quality. Clear audio quality is crucial, especially if you’ve chosen an audio-only monitor. Look for models that reduce background noise, so you can hear your baby more clearly.
Two-way communication. Monitors with two-way talk allow you to comfort your little one remotely, allowing them to hear your voice without you needing to enter the room. This can be especially helpful if you have other children that may need your attention at any given time.
Temperature and humidity sensors. These features monitor the conditions in your baby’s room, allowing you to adjust as needed to ensure your baby’s comfort and safety.
Convenience. Portable, lightweight parent units are ideal for parents on the go within the house. Features like hands-free options, voice activation or app-based monitoring can add additional convenience, especially in busy households.
Attachments and accessories. Many monitors offer additional features like night lights, lullabies or sleep tracking. These comforting extras can make the monitor a valuable part of your baby’s bedtime routine.
Security. Last but definitely not least, security should be top of mind when choosing a baby monitor. If you’re using a Wi-Fi monitor, this is especially important. Choose a monitor with strong encryption and privacy settings to keep your feed secure. Many high-quality monitors offer secure connections, meaning that only authorised users can access the video or audio feed.
Top baby monitors for 2025
VTech VM819 2.8 Inch Video Baby Monitor
• Screen size: 2.8-inch colour LCD screen
• Battery life: Up to 19 hours of video streaming or 29 hours of audio-only streaming
• Range: Up to 1,000 feet
• Additional features: Temperature sensor, 5-level sound indicator, two-way talk, automatic infrared night vision, adjustable camera angle and x2 zoom
Looking for a compact, reliable monitor with a long battery life? The VTech VM819 delivers with its high-resolution 2.8-inch LCD screen, making it easy to check in on your little one from anywhere at home. With an impressive battery life of up to 19 hours for video and 29 hours for audio, it’s designed to give you complete peace of mind, day or night.
The VTech VM819 also comes with handy features like a temperature sensor and a 5-level sound indicator, so you’ll always know if the nursery is comfortable and quiet. Need to soothe your baby from another room? With the two-way talk functionality, you can calm them with your voice. And when night falls, the automatic infrared night vision ensures you can still see clearly, even in low light.
Best for: Parents seeking a budget-friendly, all-day monitor that’s simple yet packed with essentials.
Pros: Long battery life, portable parent unit, temperature sensor, two-way talk function.
Cons: Small screen size compared to other models.
VTech RM5755HD Smart Video Monitor
• Screen size: 5-inch HD colour monitor
• Battery life: 12 hours of video and 22 hours of audio
• Range: Up to 1,000 feet
• Additional features: Free smartphone app for live remote access, multi-colour night light, lullabies, temperature sensor, 10x digital zoom
The VTech RM5755HD Smart Video Monitor combines tech-savvy functionality with a high-definition viewing experience. The 5-inch HD screen offers crisp, clear visuals, and with the MyVTech Baby Pro app, you can access the feed remotely on your smartphone, making it perfect for busy parents on the go.
It also includes soothing night light options and a selection of lullabies and ambient sounds to help your baby drift off. The temperature sensor helps ensure the nursery is always at the ideal temperature, and with 10x digital zoom, you can see even the smallest details from afar.
Best for: Parents wanting a high-definition monitor with remote access for flexible monitoring.
Pros: 5-inch HD screen, remote viewing via smartphone, night light, lullabies, temperature sensor.
Cons: Requires app set up for remote access.
VTech RM7767HD Ultra Smart Video Baby Monitor
Screen size: 7-inch HD colour display
Resolution: 1080p full HD
Additional features: 360-degree pan, tilt, zoom, automatic full colour night vision, smartphone access for live remote viewing, two-way talk, 3-level sound indicator, multi-colour night light, temperature and humidity sensors
With its large 7-inch screen and 360-degree viewing capability, the VTech RM7767HD gives you a complete view of your baby’s sleeping area. This model stands out with its 1080p full HD resolution, making it easy to see every detail. The free smartphone access also lets you check in remotely, giving you full flexibility.
The temperature and humidity sensors ensure that your baby’s room stays just right, while the multi-colour night light and soothing lullabies help create a calming bedtime environment.
Best for: Parents wanting a large display with panoramic viewing and smartphone compatibility.
Pros: Large 7-inch screen, 1080p full HD, 360-degree view, temperature/humidity sensor.
Cons: The larger unit may be less portable (but you can use the smartphone app when you’re on the move).
Snuza Hero MD Baby Breathing Monitor
• Type: Wearable breathing monitor
• Additional Features: Detects weak or slow breathing, vibrates to stimulate if no breathing is detected, immediate alerts
For parents focused on breathing monitoring, the Snuza Hero MD is a small, wearable device that attaches to your baby’s nappy. It detects weak or slow breathing, and if there’s no breathing detected for 15 seconds, it vibrates to prompt your baby to resume breathing. An immediate alert will notify you if breathing does not resume.
This monitor is a solid choice for parents of newborns or those who want extra peace of mind in addition to audio or video monitoring.
Best for: Parents who want extra breathing monitoring in addition to video or audio monitors.
Pros: Wearable design, immediate alerts for weak or paused breathing.
Cons: Only monitors breathing, no video or audio.
Babymoov YOO-Travel Wireless 2.4 inch Panoramic Video Baby Monitor
• Screen size: 2.4-inch digital screen
• Battery life: Up to 24 hours
• Additional features: 180° panoramic night vision, voice activated mode, two-way talk, nightlight, temperature indicator
Perfect for on-the-go families, the Babymoov YOO-Travel offers up to 24 hours of battery life and a panoramic 180-degree night vision to give you a clear view, no matter how low the lighting. Its voice activated mode conserves power by only activating when sound is detected.
The Babymoov’s portable design and long battery life make it ideal for travel, ensuring you can monitor your baby wherever you go.
Best for: Families who frequently travel and need a compact, portable monitor.
Pros: Portable, long battery life, panoramic view, temperature indicator.
Cons: The range is on the lower side compared to other options.
Owlet Smart Sock Baby Monitor 3rd Generation
• Type: Wearable health monitor
• Battery life: 16 hours
• Additional Features: Tracks heart rate, oxygen, sleep patterns, wireless charging, app connectivity
The Owlet Smart Sock is more than just a baby monitor. With its wearable design, it tracks your baby’s heart rate and oxygen levels, alerting you if readings go outside of pre-set safety zones. The device also offers a detailed wellness history, including total hours slept, number of wakings and sleep quality, so you can keep track of sleep patterns and trends over time.
Perfect for health-conscious parents, the Smart Sock’s insights help you keep a close eye on your baby’s health and understand their wellness more thoroughly.
Best for: Parents wanting detailed health tracking alongside video capabilities.
Pros: Tracks heart rate and oxygen, midwife-approved, app integration.
Cons: Pricey and requires frequent charging.
Tips for first-time baby monitor buyers
First time purchasing a baby monitor? We’ve got you covered with these top tips to get started confidently.
1. Choose a monitor that’s suited to your home
When you’re researching your purchase, consider the size of your home and where you’ll be spending most of your time. Larger homes may require monitors with an extended range, while smaller homes may find a shorter-range model fits more easily into their budget.
2. Set it up & test before baby arrives
Give yourself time to get familiar with your monitor’s features, settings and controls. Doing a test run before you need it can help you feel confident when your bundle of joy actually arrives.
3. Find a good spot for the monitor
Place the baby monitor in a location where it has a clear view of the crib, but keep it out of your child’s reach and ensure cords are safely secured. It’s worth experimenting to find the right angles to avoid blind spots.
4. Set up privacy & security features
Explore your monitor’s settings to make sure the privacy settings are switched on. For smart monitors, enable encryption and password protection on your Wi-Fi network to keep your feed secure.
5. Experiment with alerts & sensitivity settings
Get familiar with your monitor’s alert types, from sound and motion to temperature or breathing changes. Some models will allow you to change the settings to modify the number of notifications you receive.
Frequently asked questions about baby monitors
Still have questions about your baby monitor? You’re not alone. Take a look through the most common concerns and some troubleshooting tips, plus advice for first-time buyers to help make your baby monitor experience as smooth as possible.
Common concerns & solutions
1. How can I reduce background noise on my baby monitor?
High-quality monitors often come with noise-filtering technology, which helps focus on the sounds that matter most to you – your baby’s snores, snuffles and cries. If you’re experiencing excessive background noise, check the monitor’s settings, as you may be able to adjust the sensitivity of the microphone. If your model allows you to, set it to pick up only louder sounds, which should reduce the amount of ambient noise that comes through.
2. Is it safe to keep a monitor near my baby?
Yes, baby monitors are designed with safety in mind. However, it’s important to keep them out of your child’s reach, particularly if your monitor has electrical cords that they could pull on. A good rule of thumb is to place the monitor at least three feet away from their crib and make sure the cords are securely out of reach. If you’re using a smart monitor, choose models with secure, encrypted connections for added safety.
3. What is the best way to monitor my baby without disturbing their sleep?
Most video monitors now come with infrared night vision, so you can monitor your baby confidently without needing to turn on the lights. If you find entering the room wakes your baby up, try a monitor that allows for two-way talk. Used sparingly, this can help soothe your baby back to sleep without disturbing their slumber.
4. Are there baby monitors that work without Wi-Fi?
Yes, many monitors offer a secure local connection, which is more private and won’t rely on Wi-Fi. This can be useful when travelling or if you’re particularly concerned about security.
5. Can I reuse a friend’s baby monitor now that they don’t need it?
Yes, a second-hand baby monitor can be a good option if you’re on a tight budget. However, you’ll need to check that it meets the most recent safety guidelines and that the manufacturer hasn’t issued any recalls. You’ll also need to ensure that it’s in good working order, with no loose wires or damaged parts.
Generally, the safest option is to go with a new monitor, which will meet all the latest safety and performance standards and won’t carry any existing wear-and-tear. By purchasing new, you’ll also have access to the manufacturer’s labels and instructions in case you need to contact their customer support team.
Technical support & troubleshooting
1. My video monitor isn’t connecting to Wi-Fi. What should I do?
First, make sure your Wi-Fi is working and your monitor is within range. Then, restart your router and reset the monitor by following the manufacturer’s instructions. If issues persist, consult the monitor’s support app or contact customer support for troubleshooting steps specific to your model.
2. The video quality on my monitor is blurry. How can I fix it?
Blurry video may be due to low lighting, a settings issue or a smudged camera lens. First, check whether the quality improves when there is more light in the room (this should be less of an issue with infrared baby monitors). Secondly, check your monitor’s settings to make sure you’re on the highest resolution possible. Finally, use a soft, clean cloth to wipe the monitor lens.
3. My monitor’s battery life isn’t lasting as long as expected. Any tips?
Battery life can be affected by certain settings, such as screen brightness, continuous audio or video streaming and connectivity. Try lowering the brightness on the parent screen or switching to an audio-only mode at night to extend the battery life. However, if your monitor is regularly running out of battery much faster than expected, it’s worth reaching out to the brand’s customer support, as it may need replacing.
Now that you’re ready to buy the best baby monitor for you, why not explore some more baby gear buyer’s guides From car seats to pushchairs, we have all the expert advice to help you make an optimal choice.
