If you search any app store, you’re sure to find a wide range of baby monitor apps. But it can be hard to know which apps are worth your time or money.
Don’t spend countless hours reading user app reviews in app stores (many of which are fabricated) or buying and testing multiple apps, only to be disappointed. We’ve done the dirty work for you.
We’ll highlight the 10 best baby monitor apps based on connection quality, features, and cost. And we’ve included something for everyone! Apple users, Android users, caregivers on a budget, and parents on the go — you’ll find many suitable options to meet your needs.
What Do You Need in a Baby Monitor?
When it comes to baby monitors, there’s an endless array of features that make monitoring easier and, in some cases, more fun. But, before you get sucked in by the ten different lullabies it can play, you’ll want to ensure any baby monitor (app or otherwise) has the basics.
- Reliable alert system: You don’t want to stress after putting the baby down that you can’t hear clearly whether they’re crying. Many monitors now have sound-activated audio and visual alerts to provide backup in case one system fails.
- Strong signal: The monitor won’t give you any true freedom if the signal doesn’t make it downstairs. A strong signal radius will help you ensure that your baby is still sleeping while you enjoy a glass of wine on the porch.
- Good battery power: Monitors go where you go, and you don’t want to be attached to an outlet. Good battery power will ensure you can go wireless for hours without the constant beeping that comes with low battery alerts.
Features of the Best Monitor Apps
When reviewing baby monitor apps, we look for a few specific features.
- Activity Logs: One of the hardest things about parenting is adjusting to the ever-changing sleep schedule. Many baby monitor apps can create activity logs for your child. These logs allow you to find trends in your baby’s nighttime schedule and ensure they’re getting the recommended snooze time (1).
- Photos and Videos: Does your little one talk in their sleep or play games in their crib before they finally doze off? Many of these apps allow parents to save those candid moments on their phones or computers.
- Dual Monitoring: If you have more than one child, it often means buying two different sets of monitors. Some of these baby monitor apps will allow you to watch two children in different locations at once. This minimizes the equipment you need to carry around the house. Most baby monitor apps also allow for two parent stations, giving both parents a set of eyes and ears.
Baby Monitor Apps FAQs
Is There an App to Connect to Any Baby Monitor?
Most baby monitors come with specific apps for connectivity and functionality. There isn’t a universal app that connects to any baby monitor, as different monitors use different technologies and protocols for connectivity.
Are Baby Monitor Apps Safe?
Baby monitor apps can be safe when proper security measures are in place. Always use strong, unique passwords, keep the app updated, and ensure your home Wi-Fi network is secure. Be cautious of public Wi-Fi networks when accessing the monitor remotely.
Can I Use My Smartphone As a Baby Monitor?
You can absolutely use your smartphone as a baby monitor by installing apps that convert your phone into a monitoring device.
These apps use the phone’s camera and microphone to let you watch and listen to your baby. However, this should not replace a regular baby monitor for overnight or extended monitoring.
Product Reviews
Check out our list of the most popular baby monitor apps for every kind of smartphone.
Baby Monitor 3G
Best All Around
The Baby Monitor 3G app works with almost any device you can think of, including Android and Apple products, giving you the option to use multiple devices as a monitor.
It also works on Wi-Fi or cellular networks. This ensures that you maintain connectivity in most situations.
The app offers night vision mode, the ability to adjust the microphone’s sensitivity, and the opportunity for multiple phones to connect to the child device. You can also create activity logs.
But the one thing that stood out to us about this app over others we looked at was that the app support team responds quickly to user questions and feedback.
Pros
- Compatible with Android and Apple devices.
- Works over Wi-Fi and cellular networks.
- Baby activity logs.
- Easy-to-reach support team.
- Allows multiple caregivers to watch the baby at the same time.
Cons
- No free version or trial.
- Cannot monitor multiple children at once.
Dormi Baby Monitor
Best for Android Users
This app works over Wi-Fi and cellular networks, in addition to offering options for when the internet isn’t available (Wi-Fi direct and hotspots).
It also allows multiple users to monitor the same child, provides vibration alert options, and offers two-way communication with your child. Battery usage hasn’t been forgotten, and Dormi claims one charge will carry you through for hours.
The app’s info center tells you everything you need to know in one place. But our favorite feature is the app’s ability to alert the parent’s device to notify them if they’ve missed a call or text message.
Pros
- Info center gives users critical status updates on devices.
- Works over Wi-Fi and cellular networks.
- Allows multiple caregivers to monitor the child at the same time.
- Vibration alert option.
- Two-way communication.
Cons
- It only works with Android.
- Must be purchased for unlimited monitoring capabilities.
Cloud Baby Monitor
Cloud Baby Monitor provides service over Wi-Fi and cellular networks and also offers a Bluetooth option for areas with limited connectivity. For parents who want access to their smartphones, the app allows an Apple Watch to act as the caregiver unit and will push live video and noise alerts to the device.
This app’s most unique feature is the ability to watch multiple children at a time from the same caregiver unit. This can be a lifesaver for parents of two or more small children.
This monitor includes many more features, such as night vision, motion alerts, white noise, and lullabies. And it’s now available for Android devices as well.
Pros
- Works over Wi-Fi and cellular networks.
- Has a Bluetooth option.
- Allows for multi-child and multi-parent monitoring.
- Compatible with many devices.
Cons
- No free version of the app.
Alfred Home Security Camera
Best Multi-Functional
When used as a baby monitor, this app provides many of the standard monitor features. It has night vision, so you can see your baby better at night and it provides instant sound and motion alerts. It even allows you to record videos from the caregiver station manually.
The app also has a web viewer that lets you watch the live stream video from a PC. Two-way communication is an option as well.
What makes this app unique? It works with your phone’s camera to provide a 360-degree view of the area, allowing you to adjust the camera for a better view.
Pros
- Provides instant noise and motion alerts.
- Compatible with most smart devices.
- Camera flexibility.
- Provides live video feed.
- Two-way communication.
- Free to use.
Cons
- Does not allow for multi-child monitoring.
- Requires internet access.
Wi-Fi Baby Monitor
Something for Everyone
The Wi-Fi Baby Monitor app offers different app versions at various price points. At no cost, users can try an audio-only version to see how they feel about it. After that, they can continue to upgrade to include features like a video feed, signal range, and two-way communication capabilities.
The app is also designed to work with other traditional monitoring tools, such as temperature gauges and humidity sensors.
What makes this app so special is that it allows for password-protected entrance and provides full encryption, even in the free version.
Pros
- Compatible with most smart devices.
- Offers a wide range of features, a la carte.
- Password protected for an extra level of security.
Cons
- The free version has ads.
- No video or photo included in the free version.
Nancy Baby Monitor
Best for Simplicity
Nancy Baby is compatible with all major platforms (Android, Mac, Windows) and can run over the internet or cellular networks. Instant alerts and two-way notifications let you see and hear your child anytime.
A unique feature is that users don’t need to set up an account or provide an email address. It pairs phones by using a verification code system, allowing for easy setup and use.
Pros
- Functional free version.
- Easy setup.
- Compatible with all major platforms.
- Allows for two-way communication.
Cons
- Doesn’t offer lullabies.
- Doesn’t allow for multi-child monitoring.
Ahgoo Baby Monitor
Best for Visual Alerts
The Ahgoo Baby Monitor app is another app that prioritizes simplicity. Setup is easy, using a QR code system for pairing devices. It’s compatible with Apple and Android devices, and you can download it to multiple devices.
We really love that the live video screen also visualizes sound disturbances. This is great for deaf or hard-of-hearing caregivers or when you have to call into the office during nap time. Furthermore, it allows you to play music remotely for your child.
Pros
- Compatible with Apple and Android.
- Allows for download on multiple devices.
- Visual and audio alert systems.
- Compatible with Wi-Fi and cellular networks.
- Remotely plays music for your child.
Cons
- Doesn’t allow for multi-child monitoring.
GeoLocator App
Best for Parents with Older Children
This app is excellent for use with older babies and young children. In the same app, you can listen to your baby and make sure your older child is still playing safely at their friend’s house. The two-way communication system allows parents or caregivers to communicate directly with their baby or child.
The lack of video imaging will allow you to run it for hours without noticing battery problems. This is handy for when caregivers are away from an outlet for a long time. The app also allows you to create routes and track movements to help you keep organized.
Pros
- Doesn’t drain your battery.
- Allows for multi-child monitoring.
- Offers two-way communication.
- Create routes and save movement histories.
Cons
- Requires internet connection.
- Must be purchased.
Baby Monitor - MVA
Best for Parents on the Go
This app provides the bare basics and is perfect for caregivers who don’t have access to multiple smart devices. You only need one smart device, Android only, and an emergency contact number. The phone monitors your child’s room for sounds and calls or texts the number when your baby cries.
What’s great is that it only requires a cell signal to work. On top of that, a “sleep diary,” or activity log, allows you to make notes and clock those sleeping hours.
Pros
- Only requires access to one smartphone device.
- Totally free app.
- Doesn’t require internet access.
- Produces sleep diary of baby’s movements.
Cons
- Only compatible with Android devices.
- Doesn’t live stream sound or video.
Baby Monitor - Faebir
Best for Minimalists
This app monitors noise levels in your baby’s room and calls or text messages. It will Skype you when there’s a disturbance. It allows you to manually set the threshold at which it alerts you, which is great for parents of babies who talk in their sleep (or snore loudly).
A handy feature is that you can text the child device for status updates or to turn it off or on. This allows you to have more control over the child device without going into your baby’s room. Moreover, calls received will be automatically silenced to ensure they won’t wake the baby.
Pros
- Doesn’t require internet connectivity.
- Allows for manual adjustment of the alert threshold.
- Sends texts and calls or uses Skype to contact caregiver.
- Free with no ads.
Cons
- Doesn’t provide a video feed.
- Doesn’t allow multi-child monitoring.
