Audio Baby Monitors
Audio baby monitors have quickly become a must-have item for new parents seeking to monitor their baby’s sounds when they are not in the same room. As technology has improved, signal clarity and security have paved the way for newer models featuring advanced features such as signal encryption, temperature monitoring and talk back features (similar to a walkie-talkie) that allow parents the ability to sooth their children from afar.
Our Top 3 Audio Baby Monitor Recommendations
The Philips Avent Baby Monitor is our top recommendation due to it’s zero-interference DECT technology. The monitor has automatic channel switching, securely encrypted transmission, 2 way communication, automatic channel switching and host of other great features.
- DECT Technology with no interference
- Excellent, clear sound quality
- Compact parent unit
- 1.9 GHz Frequency
- Over 100 channels
- User friendly, easy to setup and use
- Secure encryption and privacy
The Sony BabyCall monitor is a high quality, 900 MHz analog monitor that has over 27 channels to make sure that you get clear, interference-free reception. In addition, the deluxe model is available with multiple receiver option so that more than one parent can monitor the baby at the same time. The Voice Activation Mode also does an incredible job of canceling white noise and only transmitting the sounds your baby makes. Overall, this is a highly recommended choice of parents seeking the best analog audio baby monitor on the market.
- Designed to offer the clearest connection to your baby
- 27 channels to minimize interference
- Built-in rechargeable battery receiver
- Voice activation mode
- 900 MHz technology for extended range
If your budget is your biggest concern you’ll be quite pleased with the performance of the Safety First Crystal Clear Audio Monitor. Although it’s only 49 MHz (with only 2 channels), it has a good range of up to 600 ft and excellent sound clarity. And the price is simply unbeatable.
- 49 MHz signal has a range up to 600 feet
- Portable parent unit with belt clip
- Low battery indicator
- 2 channels and volume control
- Energy savings AC adapters
An audio baby monitor is typically comprised of two parts, a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter has a microphone which picks up the baby’s sounds which are transmitted over a radio frequency to the receiver’s speaker. As mentioned before, some models are bi-directional, which means that both operate as transmitter-receivers. The most basic baby audio monitors operate on the 49 MHz frequency, with higher priced models operating on the 900 MHz and 2.4 GHz frequencies. A relatively newer technology called DECT (Digitally Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications) uses the 1.9 GHz frequency.
What does this all mean? In basic terms, the lower the frequency, the more chance of signal interference from other devices sharing the same frequency. Baby monitors using 49 MHz and 900 MHz frequencies are often referred to as analog baby monitors while those using the 1.9 and 2.4 GHz frequency are often referred to as digital baby monitors. DECT baby monitors only use the 1.9 GHz frequency as mentioned above.
Analog vs Digital and DECT Baby Monitors
Analog baby monitors are usually less expensive but more prone to static and interference from other devices including cordless phones or other baby monitors. They also tend to have a weaker signal and, as a result, shorter range of operation. Most of the common ones sold will be able to operate in the home environment, however. Some of the better analog versions also have automatic channel switching and multiple channels so that you can switch if you experience static or interference.
Digital monitors are usually more expensive than their analog counterparts but are also less prone to interference due to signal encryption. This is not to say that they are 100% immune to other devices, however, there is much less chance than analog devices. Due to the encryption, no one can eavesdrop, however, there have been reports of wireless routers and cordless 2.4 GHz phones causing issues with these devices. DECT baby monitors have emerged to completely eliminate theses issues by operating on the seldom utilized, voice only 1.9 GHz frequency. DECT is also more expensive, however, as technology progresses the DECT monitors have dropped in price and are now affordable to most families.
Tips For Selecting The Best Audio Baby Monitor
So how do you choose the best audio baby monitor for your needs? A couple of tips can help you decide which model is right for your situation:
Am I in close proximity to other parents, possibly using monitors with the same frequency? If the answer is yes, a digital baby audio monitor may be a better choice.
Do I have a lot of electronic devices such as cordless phones, routers, etc that can interfere with the reception? If the answer is yes, a DECT baby audio monitor will make the best choice.
Is my budget limited or is my location free of other potential interference? If the answer is yes, an analog baby monitor will fit your needs perfectly.
One last tip when selecting your audio baby monitor. Remember to keep your receipt and make sure there’s a good return policy. Everyone’s situation is different so it’s best to have some insurance if the monitor you purchase doesn’t live up to your expectations.