Are you looking for the best battery operated baby monitors where both the parent and baby units (camera) work on a battery? Perhaps you’re looking to take one on a camping trip so you can safely monitor your child at the campsite.
In any case, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we will cover:
- 8 of the best battery operated baby monitors
- Reasons why you need a battery operated baby monitor
- And more…
8 Best Battery-Operated Baby Monitors – 2021 Top Picks
1. Our Editor’s Pick: Motorola MBP855CONNECT Portable 5-Inch Color Screen Video Baby Monitor
Parents have one major requirement when it comes to the best battery powered baby monitors: both the units, parent and baby (camera), should run on battery and not need an electrical outlet for plugging in.
However, a vast majority of the baby monitors available out there (even which claim to be battery operated) either have just the parent unit working on the battery but not the baby or camera unit. Also, if both units do work on battery – then they have rather short battery life.
With the Motorola MBP855 Connect Digital Baby Monitor, you avoid both these issues. Both units – parent and baby – run on batteries that last fairly long. This provides you with complete peace of mind indoors and outdoors. You can also choose to view your little on a Smartphone, a laptop, or your tablet.
Several other features make the Motorola MBP855 Connect one of the best battery operated baby monitors out there. They are:
Features
- 5-inch digital color screen with pan, tilt, zoom options
- 2- way communication so you can talk and soothe your baby
- Can add several cameras in the baby’s room or elsewhere and you can choose to switch between cameras every few seconds.
- A wide range of 1000-ft (long-range baby monitor)
- Compatible with SmartPhone
- Pre-loaded lullabies to soothe baby’s cry
- Wifi Baby Monitor – send important notifications to your phone – temperature, motion-sensing, etc.
- You can choose a paid plan and record videos of your baby
- The Hubble app comes with a host of information – tips, parenting articles, etc.
Pros
- Camera/baby unit is cordless and the battery lasts a fairly long time. You can also plug it in if you like.
- This Video Monitor is voted the best baby monitor in 2017!
- Excellent split screen feature
- Two-way talking feature is great for soothing a baby.
- Room temperature monitoring is ideal for parents worried about SIDS
- Infrared night vision provides maximum visibility in dark or low-light areas – ideal for travel, camping, etc.
- Many extra features available with Hubble’s paid membership
Cons
Some units had loud beeping when the parent unit reconnects the signal with the camera. Could wake up baby.
How it compares
Hundreds of parents have loved the Motorola MBP855 Connect video baby monitor. Some have taken it along on their grocery runs, to their neighbor’s decks, and many have used it for camping. They have been able to check on their baby safely and ensure complete peace of mind.
The battery on both units runs for a long time before needing a charge. This is a great feature on the go. Many other features like talk-back, night-light, and preloaded lullabies are also great t have. Price-wise, this is an excellent baby monitor under $200.
2. Best Overall: Philips AVENT Dect Audio Baby Monitor SCD720/86
When you have a Philips on hand, you know you are in for reliability and quality. Hundreds of parents have loved the Philips Avent DECT technology audio baby monitor to safely and reliably monitor their baby.
Philips AVENT DECT SCD720/86 portable baby monitor is one of the few baby monitors that use batteries for both the baby and parent unit. Additionally, you also have a choice of plugging in the monitor but if you plan to go on a camping trip, then the battery option can be very useful.
In short: this is the go-to baby monitor for camping and outdoor use. The battery life is also long so you can safely monitor your baby for several hours before needing a recharge.
Here are some of the other salient features of the Philips AVENT DECT SCD720/86 baby monitor:
Features
- DECT with ECO technology. DECT stands for Digital enhanced cordless telecommunications. It greatly reduces interference. Moreover, the ECO mode minimizes audio transmission and also reduces battery usage.
- Temperature monitoring
- 2-way talking
- Comforting light
- Lullabies
- Long range – 1000 ft outdoors and 160 indoors (long-range baby monitor)
- Convenient docking for charging
- 18-hr operating time.
Pros
- Excellent range
- Long-operating time before needing a recharge
- No interference of devices of baby monitors in the neighborhood
- Custom alerts if temperature changes in the room
- Excellent sound quality and volume control
- Value for money
Cons
The parent unit has a blue light flashing continuously. It might disturb your sleep.
How it compares
Hundreds of parents have trusted the Phillips Avent DECT Technology ECO monitor for each of their kids. The range is really impressive and it is heard very clearly in a multi-storied house. The battery life is moderate but most people needed to recharge it after 3-4 hours. Great baby monitor under $200.
3. Best Budget Buy: TimeFlys Audio Baby Monitor
TimeFlys audio baby monitor is an excellent choice for parents who want basic audio monitoring and do not want to spend too much on fancy or high-tech monitors. You will love the fact that the monitor has been designed by a single dad in 2002. Today, his company sells millions of baby monitors annually.
TimeFlys baby monitor will serve the basic needs of most parents. It lets you hear your baby clearly if you happen to work in the yard or another part of a large home. It is also good to take on travel.
Both units – baby and parent-run on battery and they last for about 3 hours before needing a recharge. The monitor indicates when the battery is low so you can immediately plug it in. Here are some other great features of TimeFlys:
Features
- Digital-interference free technology with 36 channels
- 2-way communication
- Alarms for low-battery
- Vibration alert feature lets parents rest or use the monitor in meetings.
- Pre-recorded lullabies and soothing nightlight
- Long-range of 850 ft indoors. Also comes with an out-of-range alarm if you happen to carry the parent unit too far.
- Temperature sensor and alarm
Pros
- Excellent audio quality
- Great range
- Lightweight and portable – excellent for camping
- Inexpensive
- Nightlight feature makes it convenient to see in the darkroom. You can also turn it off.
- Cute design – Great for gifting
Cons
- Temperature sensor isn’t accurate and shows reading in Fahrenheit only.
- Loud music.
How it compares
TimeFlys baby monitor has an excellent range, crystal clear sounds, and sensitive sound detection. Also, the audio drops once the child is asleep – so parents can get rest too. Its vibration alarm feature is great when you’re working or do not want to be disturbed by loud beeps and alerts. TimeFlys baby monitor’s price is extremely attractive too and its lightweight and compact design are cute and perfect for camping trips.
4. Best Battery-Operated Baby Monitor with Excellent Range – BILLFET Audio Baby Monitor
Billfet audio baby monitor is another great battery operated, audio-only baby monitor under $50 and it also comes with a superior range of nearly 150 sq .m inside the house. This feature makes Billfet baby monitor a boon for parents living in multi-storied homes or for those who go on camping trips frequently.
Billfet monitors both units – parent and baby – can be operated on battery and the charge lasts for about 3 hours.
There are many other features that have made Billfet monitor one of the bestsellers in this category of battery powered baby monitors. Here they are:
Features
- Crystal-clear communication lets you hear your baby clearly and also soothe it if need be.
- The FHSS technology (Frequency-hopping spread spectrum) prevents interference from other devices or baby monitors in the neighborhood.
- VOX/voice-activated function – this puts the baby monitor on standby and enables audio transmission only once your baby is awake.
Pros
- Parent unit has a clip that lets you carry it around with ease.
- Volume control is a blessing!
- VOX means that your monitor will only beep or alert you if the baby is awake. This ensures sound sleep for parents.
- Can work on 100-240 V range
Cons
Batteries used are non-rechargeable. You will go through several AAA batteries.
How it compares
Many users have raved about BILLFET battery operated baby monitor’s ability to distinguish between baby sounds and other unwanted noises – this means you won’t be waking up due to other sounds. Its range is great – most parents were even able to take the parent unit along when they made quick grocery trips.
This audio-only monitor is also great for camping trips and other areas where you cannot plug it in. The downside is that its batteries do not last long – a couple of hours tops. You will also have to keep buying AAA batteries – unless you use the rechargeable ones. All in all, this is a great battery-powered monitor for less than 50 bucks.
5. Best Phone-Based Battery-Operated Baby Monitor – Owlet iOS and Android Compatible Smart Baby Monitor
Millions of parents trust the Owlet Smart baby Monitor to monitor their baby’s sleep trends. It is designed for babies up to 1 ½ years of age and combines the Smart (wearable) sock design with a Wi-Fi cam.
Owlet has even modified this Smart Sock after taking feedback from real parents. The result is that parents can use this monitor for accurate live readings and trends on their baby’s sleep patterns.
Check out this Smart baby monitor’s features:
Features
- Multiple devices supported. You can also add multiple child profiles in the case of twins or triplets
- Volume control
- Fast charge – 8-hour charge in under 20 minutes
- You can also connect through Bluetooth if you don’t wish to use Wi-Fi
Pros
- Long-lasting battery – True peace of mind for parents having kids with health issues
- Excellent picture quality
- Sensitive motion detection
- Easy to set up and use
- Clear Infrared night vision
- Value for money Wi-Fi baby monitor
Cons
- Expensive
- Needs Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Outdoors, it could increase your data usage and could drain your phone battery too.
How it compares
If you don’t mind the expense, then the Owlet Smart baby monitor is a truly reliable baby monitor with smart wearable Sock technology. It has ensured peace of mind to millions of parents in the US and abroad. It is especially a blessing for parents having premature babies or ones with health issues like acid reflux that could lead to choking.
Owlet Smart baby monitor even lets you monitor multiple kids and can be used with Bluetooth technology. Its battery is long-lasting as well. These features make it one of the top-rated battery-powered baby monitors in our books.
6. Best Rechargeable Battery Baby Monitor – EURANE Security Camera
Most baby monitors on the market use non-rechargeable batteries. Parents often complain that they have to go through numerous batteries – bad for their wallets and our planet.
EURANE indoor-outdoor wireless security camera overcomes this issue. It is equipped with 2 x 2600 mAh rechargeable batteries that offer nearly 4000 hours of running time.
There are several other top features on this great camera:
Features
- You can easily screenshot images and send them to cloud storage (comes with paid subscription) for creating memories
- The camera also allows you to speak to your baby
- By downloading the Eurane Smart Life mobile app, you can even record your baby’s videos.
- The app will indicate when the battery is low
- 1080p resolution with 2 million pixels hi-def display makes it crystal clear for you to view your baby. You can also zoom in or use the full-screen option for more clarity.
- The camera is suitable for outdoor use too and is water and dustproof.
- Features like Infrared night vision (with 26.2 ft visible range in the dark) and motion detection enhance the camera’s useful applications
Pros
- Easy to install – no holes, drilling, needed
- Sturdy and waterproof
- Real-time notifications are a boon for parents
Cons
· Many parents complained of lag. Also, the night vision isn’t as clear as most parents would desire.
How it compares
EURANE indoor-outdoor wireless security camera makes for a reliable baby monitor thanks to multiple features and an attractive cost of less than $100. The easy installation is a boon – you can quickly set it up hassle-free.
Eurane baby monitor’s rechargeable battery lasts long and is good for the environment too. Features like screenshots, video capture, recording, etc. will be useful for many parents. On the downside, the monitor only works on a 2.4 GHz wi-fi network.
7. Best Baby Monitor for Camping – Retevis RT45 Walkie Talkies Rechargeable
If you want a reliable baby monitor for camping or hiking with your baby, then look no further than the Retevis RT45. Like a good old military-grade walkie-talkie, this one has almost 8-12 hours of operating time thanks to its 3 x 1000 mAh rechargeable batteries.
It is also compatible with ordinary AA batteries and you can charge it with a USB charger as needed. The walkie-talkie charges fully within 3-4 hours and can be kept on standby for up to 48 hours.
Retevis RT45 also comes with 22 channels for interference-free monitoring. Its in-built high-quality audio lets you hear your baby clearly. Moreover, the VOX technology means that it only gets activated due to a sound and that preserves its battery life. You can also choose from 5 different sensitivity levels for sound sleep.
Check out RETEVIS RT45’s impressive features:
Features
- Squelch function for crystal clear audio outdoors
- Made with advanced silicone material that keeps it dust-proof and shock-proof
- Keypad locking feature
- Weather alerts
Pros
- Long-lasting battery with versatile charging options
- Easy to use
- Gives up to a 1-mile range between parent and baby unit.
- Excellent sound-quality
- Durable – perfect for outdoor use.
Cons
Cannot charge the units while using them.
How it compares
Several firefighters have stated that the Retevis RT45 is better than their work walkie-talkies. Also, many parents have used it on their camping trips to ensure peace of mind and keep an eye on their kids. Its range is very impressive and so is its battery life. This is definitely the best-rated walkie-talkie to choose if you want a reliable baby monitor while camping with your baby.
8. Best Battery-Operated Wireless Camera to use as Baby Monitor – MASCARRY Wireless Outdoor Security Camera
MASCARRY wireless camera is great for use as a baby monitor. It will easily help you keep an eye out on your little one and has many great features that make it ideal as a baby monitor.
A major advantage of this security cam is that it has an in-built battery that is rechargeable. You can choose to download the company app (Adorcam) and watch your baby from anywhere you want. Its movement alert system tells you when your baby is awake and stirring so you can attend to it before it starts crying.
Check out MASCARRY wireless camera’s features that make it ideal for use as a baby monitor:
Features
- 5000mAh long-lasting battery
- 1080p resolution for picture clarity
- 2-way audio lets you soothe your baby
- IP66 waterproof makes it great for outdoor use as well.
- Infrared night vision
- Motion detection
Pros
- Super-easy installation. Most users set it up under 15 minutes
- Long range of 35-50 ft
- Excellent resolution and picture quality
- Movement alert notification
- Full charge lasts for over a week.
Cons
· Sometimes, there is a lag.
How it compares
Hundreds of happy parents have used the MASCARRY wireless monitor as a baby cam and have been impressed with its reliable battery and long range. Its motion detection is a blessing for parents who want to get alerted before their baby is fully awake. Its picture and audio quality are excellent too. The price of the MASCARRY wireless monitor is also decent – a great baby monitor under $75.
When Do You Use A Battery Operated Baby Monitor?
A battery operated baby monitor is essential for the following scenarios:
#1. Camping/travel
One of the most important uses of a battery powered baby monitor is when you take your baby camping with you. You and your partner can sit by the fire while your little one naps in the tent a distance away. Your monitor will warn you when your baby stirs so you can attend to it right away before it wakes up the camping grounds!
#2. To check on the baby in the car for long drives
Sure, you have special car baby monitors for the job but if you don’t want to buy one separately, you can use the battery operated camera in your SUV’s backseat to watch your child. This will give you much-needed peace of mind while driving. You won’t have to turn behind to ensure if your baby is okay, especially in a rear-facing car seat. Moreover, you won’t have to adjust mirrors in the car to get a good view of your little one.
#3. When you run errands
In a large or multi-storied home, you could place your baby in a room without an electrical outlet while you do the laundry or work in the yard. The battery operated baby monitor will keep an eye on your baby for you. In both scenarios, you’d need a sturdy parent and baby unit(camera) which operates on reliable batteries that last for a long time.
#4. To keep an eye on pets
Many dog-parents have used battery operated baby monitors to check on their elderly or sick pets that are housed outdoors or in another part of the house. The monitors can pick up your dog’s barking and you can quickly check the video on the parent unit to ascertain if it really needs help.
#5. To watch elderly parents
Some people house their elderly parents in an outhouse or an extension of their home. A battery powered unit can come in handy here – you can continue working and also keep an eye on your parent as they move about or sit outside in the yard with the camera or baby unit to monitor them.
Why Should You Use a Battery Powered Baby Monitor When Traveling?
Still unsure why you need a battery operated baby monitor when traveling? Then check out the following reasons:
#1. You can enjoy some me-time as adults
Baby monitors are a blessing when you travel. The battery operated ones are especially useful when you go hiking, camping, or in the RV or car. You can keep an eye on your baby as it sleeps in the tent/RV/Camper while you enjoy some wine around the fire. The campfire may not always be near your tents. So, a battery operated baby unit will alert you to your baby’s crying right away.
You can attend to your baby before it wakes up fully. A baby monitor with a sound-activated feature immediately picks up your baby’s stirring sounds. It can quickly alert you to your child’s cries so you can rush to it before it is fully awake and scared. This way, you need not wake up the entire campground.
#2. Useful in the car
A battery operated baby monitor is especially a blessing for parents in the car on long drives with their baby. Many states require rear-facing car seats for the baby. In a large SUV, if your baby is in the back row, it can be difficult to see its face.
A battery operated baby monitor can overcome this issue. It will clearly show you your child and you can make sure it is breathing properly. This can be a boon for parents of sick kids. You can also use a battery operated baby monitor to monitor multiple kids in the back seat on long journeys. No more bickering and “s/he started it” – you will know exactly who started it!
#3. Night vision and talk-back
Many baby monitors have the Infrared night vision feature. This is very convenient when you travel to areas with low light conditions. You can easily see your baby in the dark and can assure it is doing okay without having to turn the light on. You can even soothe it with a two-way communication feature.
#4. Useful anywhere there is no electrical outlet
The main advantage of a baby monitor with a battery for its camera and parent units is that you can use it outdoors and anywhere where there is no facility for plugging it in.
How To Choose the Best Battery-Operated Baby Monitor?
Battery-operated baby monitors come with many great features that can make it quite confusing as to which one to pick. Here are some main features to consider when it comes to a battery operated monitor:
#1. Has a long battery life
This is clearly the most important feature to consider while picking a baby monitor that runs on a battery. The running or operating time of your baby monitor should be at least 8 to 10 hours without needing a charge. This way, you can monitor your baby all night without having to plug the unit in.
#2. Is easy to charge
Next, consider how the units are charged. Some monitors use rechargeable batteries. Others need non-rechargeable AA or AAA batteries. Often, you need to keep buying batteries in the non-rechargeable ones. This can be detrimental to the environment – not to mention expensive too. So, look for units with rechargeable batteries and short recharging times.
#3. Has a good range
Babies sleep earlier than their parents. The entire idea of a battery operated baby monitor is that you can enjoy some downtime while the baby naps or sleeps at night. If your parent and baby units both run on batteries, then you definitely need to ensure that they have a good range. This way, you can enjoy the campfire which may be several feet away from the tent where your baby is.
#4. Does not drain your Smartphone/mobile data
If you select a Smart baby monitor having compatibility with your iOS or Android phones, then make sure that the monitor does not drain your phone’s battery. If you are outdoors, charging your phone can be tricky (and you’d need to carry a power bank or use your car’s battery for charging it).
Another factor to consider is the availability of Wi-Fi and/or data usage. The monitor should not use up your data rapidly. Do look for monitors that work on Bluetooth technology or go in for audio-only monitors which don’t need too much data. Also, some monitors run only on 2.4 GHz and are not compatible with 4G/5G. So, check out these requirements as well before you buy.
#5. Is lightweight
Select a baby monitor that is lightweight and portable. You should be able to easily take it outdoors on your camping/hiking trips without adding to the weight you need to haul.
#6. Gives real-time coverage
When you’re outdoors, you’d use your phone’s mobile data to live stream your baby. The real-time coverage should be fast and should not have a lag.
#7. Is easy to use
If you are outdoors, the last thing you’d want is to play around with the baby monitor’s settings. It should be easy to use and not have complex menus to sift through. If you select a monitor with multiple channels, it should let you switch easily between channels.
The remote adjustability features of the monitor should be easy and intuitive. Look for monitors that have a camera pan, tilt, and zoom feature, and 2-way audio so you can communicate with your baby even when outdoors.
#8. Is tough and durable
Since portability is the main thing, look for units that are made with sturdy and durable materials. Ensure that the monitor can withstand shocks and impacts and is shatterproof. It should also be dustproof and waterproof.
FAQs
What Is The Best Battery Operated Baby Monitor For Camping?
Many battery operated baby monitors are excellent for camping. Choose the Motorola MBP855 Connect which has been rated the top baby monitor recently. It has many great features including decent battery life, 2-way communication, night-light, sturdy build, and pre-recorded lullabies which can come in handy during travel.
How Do I Prevent My Baby Monitor from Running Out Of Battery While Camping?
You can use Bluetooth instead of Wi-fi and dim down the night light (or only use it when the unit is plugged in). Other tips like lowering the volume for lullabies and decreasing the parent unit’s sensitivity settings (where applicable) to reduce picking up redundant sounds can also prevent battery drainage.
Can you use a walkie-talkie as a baby monitor?
Yes, walkie-talkies like the Retevis RT45 have ensured peace of mind to hundreds of parents on their camping trips and travels. It is sturdy, weatherproof, has long-range, and comes with incredibly long-lasting battery life too.