Gist.product intelligenceBuying guides
Buying guide

The Best Smart Baby Monitors

We compared seven smart baby monitors on owner ratings, expert reviews, and specs. The Owlet Dream Sock is our top pick for its pulse and oxygen tracking, but the Nanit Smart Baby Monitor is a strong alternative with video monitoring.

Updated

The bottom line

The Owlet Dream Sock (B09YVSYGDW) is our top pick for smart baby monitors, thanks to its real-time tracking of pulse rate and oxygen levels, which 94% of parents report leads to better sleep. At $214.83, it's a bit pricey but offers peace of mind for many. The closest alternative is the Nanit Smart Baby Video Monitor (B0FTSL4FXJ), which offers 1080p HD video quality and advanced sleep tracking for $289.99. For a budget pick, the Momcozy Smart WiFi Baby Monitor (B0DQXPWHSK) at $189.99 provides dual connectivity options and smart motion detection, though it lacks the advanced features of the top picks.

Top pick
Owlet Dream SockOwlet Dream Sock $214.83

Best for pulse and oxygen tracking

The Owlet Dream Sock tracks pulse and oxygen levels in real-time, alerting parents when readings deviate. At $214.83, it's pricey but offers peace of mind for many, with 94% of parents reporting better sleep. Skip if you prefer video monitoring or have connectivity issues.

Check price on Amazon
Runner-up
Nanit Smart Baby Video MonitorNanit Smart Baby Video Monitor $289.99

Best for video monitoring

The Nanit Smart Baby Video Monitor offers 1080p HD video and advanced sleep tracking for $289.99. It's slightly more expensive but provides detailed sleep insights and customizable alerts. Skip if you need pulse and oxygen tracking.

Check price on Amazon
Budget pick
Momcozy Smart WiFi Baby Monitor with Camera and AudioMomcozy Smart WiFi Baby Monitor with Camera and Audio $189.99

Best budget option

The Momcozy Smart WiFi Baby Monitor offers dual connectivity and smart motion detection for $189.99. It's a good choice for those on a budget but lacks the advanced features of the top picks.

Check price on Amazon

The field, ranked

  1. Owlet Dream Sock Best for pulse and oxygen tracking, despite occasional connectivity issues. 9.0/10 $214.83 Amazon
  2. Nanit Smart Baby Video Monitor Best for video monitoring, with advanced sleep tracking and HD video. 8.0/10 $289.99 Amazon
  3. Nanit Smart Baby Video Monitor Good for advanced sleep insights but has accuracy and reliability issues. 7.0/10 $399.99 Amazon
  4. Owlet Dream Sock Smart Baby Monitor Similar to B09YVSYGDW but with some setup and functionality issues. 7.0/10 $234.99 Amazon
  5. Momcozy Smart WiFi Baby Monitor with Camera and Audio Budget-friendly with basic features, lacking advanced tracking. 6.0/10 $189.99 Amazon
  6. eufy Baby Monitor E21 High-resolution camera with good video quality but requires an SD card. 6.0/10 $259.99 Amazon
  7. Nanit Smart Baby Monitor System with Wall Mount & 8" Display Screen Comprehensive system with advanced features but requires a subscription. 5.0/10 $399.00 Amazon

Where the differences show up in daily use

The Owlet Dream Sock is known for its real-time pulse and oxygen tracking, which provides a level of reassurance that video monitors alone cannot match. However, this comes at the cost of occasional connectivity issues, which some users find frustrating. On the other hand, the Nanit Smart Baby Video Monitor offers high-quality video and advanced sleep tracking, making it a strong choice for parents who prioritize visual monitoring and detailed sleep insights. The Momcozy Smart WiFi Baby Monitor, while more budget-friendly, offers basic features that may not satisfy parents looking for advanced tracking capabilities.

What owners complain about after buying

Owners of the Owlet Dream Sock frequently mention connectivity issues and the high price point. Some users also report difficulties with setup and functionality. For the Nanit Smart Baby Video Monitor, the main complaints revolve around the need for a subscription for full features and occasional false notifications. The Momcozy Smart WiFi Baby Monitor has fewer complaints, but some users wish for more advanced features.

The also-rans

The eufy Baby Monitor E21 (B0GJ5CM3C9) and the Nanit Smart Baby Monitor System with Wall Mount & 8" Display Screen (B0GN8Y4RJX) did not earn picks due to specific drawbacks. The eufy monitor requires an SD card for recording and has motion detection sensitivity issues. The Nanit system requires a subscription for initial setup and has had reports of reliability issues.

How this was put together

This guide is based on owner ratings (totaling over 17,000 ratings), expert reviews, and spec comparisons. We did not test any products hands-on. The evidence was thinnest for the eufy Baby Monitor E21 and the Nanit Smart Baby Monitor System with Wall Mount & 8" Display Screen, which affected their rankings.