When I heard parents talking about the best baby monitor under $100, my curiosity was tweaked! After all, aren’t we always looking for the best and then assuming expensive? Think again! Cost-effective baby monitors are available and do the job of a baby monitor well. My best pick is the Moonybaby WideView Baby Monitor with Camera.
I’ve written numerous posts about baby monitors and why they’re an essential inclusion in every parent’s list of items to have when parenting our babies. But do you have to spend a fortune to have the right baby monitor for you? Not necessarily. It all depends on why you’re using a baby monitor in the first place.
- My Top Picks
- How to Find a Cheap Baby Monitor Without Compromising on Quality
- Best Overall – Moonybaby WideView Baby Monitor with Camera
- Best Value – ANMEATE Baby Monitor with Digital Camera
- Best Budget – Vtech DM112-2 Audio Baby Monitor
- Best for Families – Victure Baby Monitor with Camera
- Best for Wireless Technology – Goodbaby Video Baby Monitor with Camera
- FAQ
- Value and Good Quality with a Baby Monitor Under $100
My Top Picks
- Best Overall – Moonybaby WideView Baby Monitor with Camera
- Best Value – ANMEATE Baby Monitor with Digital Camera
- Best Budget – Vtech DM112-2 Audio Baby Monitor
- Best for Families – Victure Baby Monitor with Camera
- Best for Wireless Technology – Goodbaby Video Baby Monitor with Camera
How to Find a Cheap Baby Monitor Without Compromising on Quality
As parents, we’re always wary of “cheap”. As a father, I look for value and high-quality when choosing baby products for my daughter. My research into baby monitors under $100 has shown you can go cheap without compromising on quality.
Affordable baby monitors are available and my post today is about helping parents on a tight budget. Cost-effective options can still meet all your requirements from a baby monitor. And, rest assured your baby is being well-cared for.
Will a Cheap Baby Monitor do the Job?
Why do parents buy a baby monitor? The simple and most obvious answer would be, “To keep an eye on my baby when they’re out of sight”. Because you’re looking for a baby monitor under the price of $100, you worry you’re getting an inferior product.
Let’s look at the word “cheap” – in most dictionaries, it means to be at a lower price, inexpensive, or cost very little. It doesn’t have to mean low-quality. We’ve all grown up believing the best always comes with an expensive price tag. Nowadays, with the advancement in technology, the manufacturing of baby monitors can be done at lower costs. Without compromising on their quality.
So, an affordable baby monitor that matches your budget will do the job of keeping your baby in sight. Different baby monitors have different features. It’s these features that will determine the price of the baby monitor. And, a good-quality baby monitor below $100 will have the features you need – to monitor your baby and give you peace of mind at the same time. Of course, if you have the budget to spend, you can go for one of the three very popular models on the market which I wrote about extensively.
Quality Features of a Baby Monitor Under $100
What are the key features you should look for when choosing a baby monitor under the $100 benchmark? I found the following basic features are useful when looking at cost-effective baby monitors:
- The video image is clear: It should be clear enough to see what your baby is doing.
- Good audio quality: You want to be able to hear your baby clearly especially if you’re not using a video facility.
- The connection is good: This is very important especially if you choose to go with a WI-FI connection or you have physical barriers between the baby unit and parent unit.
- Data encryption is secure: The last thing you want happening is all your information being shared out or easily hacked into when using WI-FI connection.
- Two-way intercom is available: This is a very useful feature if you want to communicate with your baby from another room without having to go to him or her.
- It’s easy to install and easy to use: The simpler the process, the easier it is to use a baby monitor! It helps to be able to install the baby monitor easily without calling in outside help.
- A decent transmission range: This is particularly important if you’re in a large house or living in a double-storey home.
The Pros and Cons of a Cheap Baby Monitor
As with any product, you’ll always encounter the advantages and disadvantages. It’s no different with affordable baby monitors. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of using a cheap baby monitor:
Pros:
- It’s an affordable way of monitoring your baby while they’re out of sight
- It gives you peace of mind especially if you’re an anxious parent
- It gives you hands-free time to do other chores while your baby is sleeping or playing in another room
Cons:
- May only offer basic features of a baby monitor
- Video and audio quality may not be high resolution
- Screen image may not be in color
- May not include high-tech features found with more expensive products
How to Pick the Best Baby Monitor Under $100
It’s all in the features! As a parent decide what you want to achieve from your baby monitor. Do you want to see what your baby is doing or will hearing them be sufficient? Are you living in a large house and need a long transmission range? Do you like the idea of using a WI-FI connection? These are some of the questions to ask yourself when reading the following features of affordable baby monitors:
- Audio or video: If you only need sound, then the Vtech DM112-2 Audio Baby Monitor will be the best pick for you. All the other products reviewed include cameras for video display on the screen of the parent unit. They also include two-way communication features.
- Transmission range: This is important to know especially if you’re in a large house. The Vtech DM112-2 Audio Baby Monitor and Moonybaby Wide View Baby Monitor offer a long transmission range of 1000 ft. The ANMEATE Baby Monitor with Digital Camera has a range of 960 ft while the Goodbaby Video Baby Monitor with Camera can reach 900 ft.
- Wireless technology: Both the Victure Baby Monitor with Camera and the Goodbaby Video Baby Monitor with Camera come with 2.4 G WI-FI connection.
- Image quality: All the video baby monitors had good image quality with the ANMEATE Baby Monitor with Digital Camera offering excellent day and night images. The Victure Baby Monitor with Camera has both good audio and video quality. The Moonybaby Wide View Baby Monitor has excellent image quality even at a long range.
- Two-way communication: If the idea of talking to your baby from another room without having to go to them appeals to you, then the two-way talk feature is a must. The Moonybaby WideView Baby Monitor with Camera, the ANMEATE Baby Monitor with Digital Camera, the Goodbaby Video Baby Monitor with Camera, and the Victure Baby Monitor with Camera all offer this feature.
- Pricing: As we’re looking at cost-effective baby monitors, all the products came in below $100. However, the Moonybaby Wide View Baby Monitor is the most expensive product with the Goodbaby Video Baby Monitor with Camera and ANMEATE Baby Monitor with Digital Camera coming in second with comparable prices. The Vtech DM112-2 Audio Baby Monitor is the cheapest option.
Best Overall – Moonybaby WideView Baby Monitor with Camera
This baby monitor just makes it under the $100 benchmark! The split-screen option may be the reason you choose this one over the other products reviewed here.
Who It’s For
This is perfect for parents with toddlers moving from one room to another with its two cameras.
Why You Should Consider It
As your baby gets more active, you’ll want to consider a split-screen monitor. The 5” screen gives you a wide-angle view with clarity. Up to two cameras can be placed in different rooms. The two-way talk feature allows you to communicate with your baby and hear what they’re up to.
The monitor has 5-built in lullabies, nature sounds, and nursery songs to entertain your baby. The VOX system means longer battery life. It turns on when sound is detected. No WI-FI is needed for connection – simply plug it in and use it.
Product Information
- Maximum range: 1 000 ft
- Style: Monitor with camera
- Type: Audio and video
- Power source: Battery (included) and plug into a wall socket
Pros
- Includes room temperature alerts
- Excellent picture quality even at long range
- Great value including two cameras
Cons
- Audio only plays from one camera at a time
- Cameras can’t be adjusted once installed
- Loud beeping sound whenever turning it down/up
Best Value – ANMEATE Baby Monitor with Digital Camera
If the two-way communication feature is important to you, then this is your baby monitor. And, it includes a display screen.
Who It’s For
This is perfect for parents who want to be able to communicate with their baby without having to go into the baby’s room.
Why You Should Consdier It
This baby monitor has some great features for its price. It includes room temperature monitoring and has high night vision clarity. The color LCD screen gives good coverage of your baby with a transmission range of up to 960 feet.
No Wi-Fi or app is needed to operate this unit, keeping all your data encryption secure. It allows you to connect up to four cameras. The two-way talk feature means you can communicate with your baby from your room and reassure them without having to be in the same room.
Product Information
- Maximum range: 960 ft
- Style: Monitor with a digital camera
- Type: Audio and video
- Power source: Battery
Pros
- Compact and comfortable to use around the house
- Excellent picture quality, day and night
- The screen goes to sleep when not in use, saving battery life
Cons
- No remote control over the camera
- Can beep unnecessarily during the night
- Battery life not good
Best Budget – Vtech DM112-2 Audio Baby Monitor
This baby monitor gives you a range of 1,000 feet with the clear transmission of sounds from your baby wherever they’re in the house.
Who It’s For
This is ideal for parents who want to stay connected with their baby within the home area.
Why You Should Consider It
This audio baby monitor makes it easy for the parent to hear their baby. It uses DECT 6.0 digital technology eliminating background noise. It prevents any interference during connection, guaranteeing perfect transmission. This same technology keeps your data encryption secure at all times.
The LED screen on the parent’s unit indicates the levels of sounds coming from the baby’s room. This allows you to mute your unit without missing out on hearing what you need to hear. A green light will flash if the parent unit is out of range from the baby unit. Both units are AC powered, with the parent unit using battery back-up when moving around the house.
Product Information
- Maximum range: 1 000 ft
- Style: Monitor with 2 parent units
- Type: Audio
- Power source: Batteries – AAA/ AC adaptors
Pros
- Convenient belt clip for attaching parent unit
- Good battery life
- Very easy to set up and use
Cons
- Two-way communication feature not included
- Does make annoying clicking sounds
- Loud white noise
Best for Families – Victure Baby Monitor with Camera
This product gives you both audio and video features with smart motion detection.
Who It’s For
This is perfect for parents who are using WI-FI connection for their baby monitor.
Why You Should Buy It
The two-way audio feature is designed with anti-noise technology giving you less noise to deal with and clearer communication with your baby. Notifications are immediately sent to your phone when any unusual movements are detected. The camera gives absolute clarity whether it’s daytime or night time.
A bonus feature has to be the unlimited number of shared members using this unit. Let your whole family get involved in watching over your baby! WI-FI connection under 2 G is stable and Cloud/SD card storage facilities are available. It’s compatible with both iOS and Android systems.
Product Information
- Maximum range: Not specified (indoor use)
- Style: Monitor with 2.4G Wireless
- Type: Audio and video
- Power source: 150 cm power cable and plug included
Pros
- Easy to install with easy-to-follow instructions
- Good image and audio quality
- The app works very well
Cons
- Two users can’t log onto the same account at the same time
- Can’t record live feed and motion detection unless you purchase the iCloud storage facility
- Power cords are a bit too short
Best for Wireless Technology – Goodbaby Video Baby Monitor with Camera
This baby monitor uses 2.4G wireless technology bringing you a high-quality LCD display.
Who It’s For
This is perfect for parents using WI-FI connection at a long range.
Why You Should Consider It
Not only will you get live streaming to your display unit but a two-way talk feature means you can communicate with your baby at any time. The infrared night vision gives you good viewing throughout the night. And, you can manage the temperature of the baby’s room when the monitor alerts you.
A 5-level adjustable volume level means you can set it at the highest level if you’re a heavy sleeper. The parent unit allows you to add reminders such as for feeding without disturbing your baby. The long transmission range gives you good coverage within 900 ft (in an open area). Up to four additional cameras can be connected to this baby monitor.
Product Information
- Maximum range: 900 ft
- Style: Monitor with WI-FI connection
- Type: Audio and video
- Power source: Parent unit uses rechargeable batteries/baby unit plugged into a wall socket
Pros
- Up to 8 hours of battery life
- Well-priced compared to other baby monitors offering similar features
- No distracting light from the camera base
Cons
- The camera doesn’t rotate
- Only alerts with sounds, not motion
- When the screen in “sleep mode” the button has to be pressed a few times before turning on
FAQ
Will I lose on quality with a baby monitor under $100?
The quality of baby monitors under $100 may differ from a more expensive baby monitor. However, as long as the cheaper baby monitor offers the basic features which will give you peace of mind, the quality will be good. If you’re looking for high resolution from your baby monitor, then a cheaper baby monitor may disappoint you. The same applies to audio sounds.
It’s always a good idea to choose a well-known brand when picking an affordable baby monitor. This will normally ensure a better quality product.
Do I need a baby monitor?
If you get anxious when your baby is out of sight while you’re in another room, a baby monitor will give you peace of mind. A baby monitor is useful at night time or at any other time when your baby is sleeping. You’ll be alerted if they wake up or are uncomfortable.
Value and Good Quality with a Baby Monitor Under $100
Most parents may think it’s near impossible to find the best baby monitor under $100 and if you’re one of them, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Companies producing baby monitors have gone out of their way to bring you a baby monitor at affordable prices. You no longer need to worry about being out of touch with your baby when they’re in another room.
I picked the Moonybaby WideView Baby Monitor with Camera for its widest range of features at an affordable price. While it was the most expensive of all the products reviewed here, if you can stretch your budget, seriously consider this one. However, the other options can do the job of the baby monitor just as well. So, which one will you choose for peace of mind?
Last update on 2024-03-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
