<br>Monitoring our kids as they sleep (or don’t sleep) is nothing new. The first <a href=”https://www.esquire.com/lifestyle/g44961510/best-baby-monitors/” target=”_blank”>baby monitors</a> were invented in the 1930s, spurred on by the Lindbergh kidnapping case. For many of these products—it must be said—the technology does not appear to have evolved much since then. The Infant Optics DXR-8 we use for both my five-year-old and my one-year-old has visuals that look like they were filmed using a potato—and it’s still considered to have some of the best optics in class. It also has the battery life of one of those insects that are alive for like half an afternoon in late August before they mate and die. That being said, the DXR-8 does the trick. Both of my kids are alive and healthy and blissfully unaware that Mom and Dad are going full Big Brother on them while we sit on the couch and binge old episodes of <em>Top Chef</em>. </p><p>Non-Wi-Fi baby monitors run the gamut in price, quality, and general usage. Some <a href=”https://www.esquire.com/lifestyle/g45600041/gifts-for-new-parents/” target=”_blank”>parents</a> I know still use the walkie-talkie-like, sound-only monitors my own parents used in the eighties, while others use high-tech versions that are ridiculously advanced. The one you choose will be right for your lifestyle—and of course your general state of parental anxiety. Here are some of the best non-Wi-Fi baby monitors around.</p>”/>
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Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links.
Best Overall
eufy SpaceView Pro
Pros
- Easy setup
- Good range
Cons
- Bulky
The eufy gets high marks for its simplicity of use. The last thing I want is to be futzing around with a baby monitor’s settings, particularly after I have finally wrangled my kids into bed at night—that’s Daddy’s time. The battery has a twelve-hour life with thirty hours’ worth of standby, and connectivity is as strong as anything on the market. Range for this monitor is a thousand feet, and it comes with a sturdy triangular base. Some may find that bulky, but you can also rest assured it’s not going to topple over into the crib, waking up your sleeping toddler. Priceless.
| Resolution | 720p |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 5 inches |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (streaming video), 30 hours (sleep mode) |
Best Value Baby Monitor
Anmeate Video Baby Monitor
Pros
- Good video quality
- Solid audio
Cons
- Small viewing screen
Despite a price tag right around fifty bucks, the Anmeate is able to compete with much more sophisticated (and expensive) systems. It has good video resolution despite a screen that some may find a tad small. However, the latter quality also means that this monitor is highly portable. The audio is also good, so you’ll be able to hear your little one holler loud and clear—for better or worse. The Anmeate also offers 360-degree panning, active temperature monitoring, and two-way audio. It’s a very impressive package for what’s considered a budget option.
| Resolution | 720p |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 2.4 inches |
| Battery Life | Up to 14 hours |
How we picked the best non-Wi-Fi baby monitors
Here at Esquire we understand that your kids’ rest time is a serious thing. Bad sleep makes for cranky babies and parents. And we also know that for peace of mind, particularly in the beginning of parenthood, a good baby monitor goes a long way. That’s why we filtered through a bunch of different options for you at varying price points and strengths to help you find the baby monitor that best fits your needs.
We took a look at range, resolution, and price as major factors in our decisions.
Range This really depends on the size of your home, and how close you suspect you’ll be when your child is sleeping.
Resolution Some imagery on these monitors is super crisp, while some is rather blurry. It’s really just a choice regarding what you feel most comfortable with, particularly as it applies to price points.
Price Most baby monitors probably won’t break the bank, but with a range in prices from about forty to two hundred dollars, it’s something to consider, especially if your budget is tight at the moment.
Why Trust Esquire?
This review was written by a dad who has deep firsthand experience testing baby monitors, strollers, and high chairs. He understands the importance of getting your kids the best rest possible and what the consequences will be if you don’t. After all, when they get good sleep, so do you. On that note, I need a nap.
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