The 6 Best Nanny Cams of 2022 (2023)

Babies

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The Google Nest Cam lets you check in on your home, no matter where you are, with live 24/7 streaming through 1080p HD video. For a more budget-friendly option, we recommend the YI 1080p Smart Home Camera.

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Who else recommends it? BabyCenter and Healthline both picked the Google Nest Cam Indoor.

What do buyers say? 90% of 15,000+ Amazon reviewers rated it 4 stars or above.

The Nest Security Camera earned our top spot thanks to the camera's ability to live stream any time of the day. This indoor security camera lets you check in on your home, no matter where you are, with live 24/7 streaming. The 1080p HD video will show you everything that’s going on, day or night, and the camera will even send notifications to your smartphone when it detects movement.

The Nest Camera is a plug-in model, and it comes with both a stand and a wall-mounting plate, depending on where you want to put it. It has a built-in speaker and microphone for two-way audio, and you can review photos of recorded activity for up to three hours for free. If you want a continuous recording, Nest offers “Nest Aware,” which provides you with more comprehensive security features.

Price at time of publish: $147

Security cameras can cost hundreds of dollars, but if you want top-notch security on a budget, you should consider the Wyze Camera. This popular budget pick streams video in 1080p HD, and you can check in on your home anytime via the associated app.

This camera comes with a magnetic base, 6-foot power cable, and an adhesive metal plate, allowing you to mount it anywhere without putting holes in your walls. It boasts motion and sound detection, and you can choose to use a microSD card (sold separately) to record footage or use the free rolling 14-day cloud storage. The camera has two-way audio, as well as night vision up to 30 feet.

Price at time of publish: $51

The YI 1080p Home Camera Wireless IP Security Surveillance System was specially designed with kids in mind, right down to its ability to detect crying. This camera doubles as a baby monitor for many, and is a reasonably priced security solution. It offers both live videos and stored footage with 1080p resolution—you can even zoom in up to four times to get a closer look at what’s going on.

With the YI Home app, you can stream real-time video to your phone, watch what your kids and babysitter are doing, or enable motion alerts that let you know when and where any movement is detected. The app also includes two-way audio that lets you have a conversation with your nanny or kids right through the camera.

This camera’s best features are arguably the ones designed just for parents. The YI Home Camera includes special technology that detects when a baby is crying and sends you a smartphone alert. Plus, it boasts advanced night vision that allows you to check on your little one without disturbing them.

Price at time of publish: $25

Corded security cameras can be a bit inconvenient, as you have to place them near an outlet. However, you can solve this problem with a compact wireless camera like the Blink Indoor Home Security Camera, which is lightweight and powered by batteries, allowing you to place it just about anywhere.

Blink cameras stream HD video to connected devices, and they include built-in motion detectors that will send alerts to your smartphone, along with a short clip of whatever is happening. There are no monthly fees associated with these cameras, and what’s great is that you can easily expand your system by adding more cameras around your home.

Price at time of publish: $80

Many security cameras are equipped with Wi-Fi, allowing them to stream video to your smartphone or other internet-connected devices. If you’re looking for a Wi-Fi camera that you can access from anywhere, one of the best options is the Arlo Q, an internet-enabled security camera that delivers 1080p HD video straight to your phone.

This camera has two-way audio capabilities, as well as motion and sound alerts. It comes with a stand and a wall-mounting plate, allowing you to put it just about anywhere, but it is a wired camera, so it will need to be relatively close to an outlet. The Arlo Q comes with seven days of free cloud recording, and you can upgrade to a more advanced plan if you want more storage.

Price at time of publish: $199

Security cameras with two-way talk allow you to speak and listen through the device, which can be helpful if you need to tell your kids to do their homework, yell at the dog to get off the couch, or even scare away an intruder. One of the best cameras with audio capabilities is the Ring Stick-Up Camera, a product that you can mount anywhere in your home.

The Ring Camera delivers 1080p HD video, and it lets you see, hear, and speak to people through your phone, tablet, or computer. It comes equipped with motion-detection alerts, and you can mount it on any flat surface—though it is a wired camera, so it will need to be close to an electrical outlet or ethernet port.

Price at time of publish: $100

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is it bad if I have a nanny cam?

  Having a nanny cam may make you feel like you're doing something wrong—or even illegal, like spying. However, the fact is, you have the right to know what's going on in your home while you're away, especially when it has to do with the care and wellbeing of your child. So, no, don't consider yourself a bad parent for getting a nanny cam. You're just being a vigilant one.

• What is the best nanny cam to purchase?

  The best nanny cam for you will depend on your personal preferences and budget. We've shared our faves, but make sure your nanny cam fits your needs. This includes finding a design that works well with your interior, whether you're looking to keep a more clandestine watch or don't mind babysitters knowing you're keeping an extra eye on them by having it out in the open. From there, you'll find that nanny cams come with a range of features and varying levels of sophistication. Set your budget and monitoring intentions, then look for a nanny cam that fits within those parameters.

• How can I hide my nanny cam?

  To best hide your nanny cam, the smaller it is, the better. Some can be hidden away in unassuming objects like plants or bookcases. Others easily blend in among other knickknacks on a shelf, or mimic other devices such as clocks or picture frames. Get creative! You can even test your family and friends out to see if they can spot it first before putting it to use with a babysitter or nanny.

• What does a nanny cam cost?

  Nanny cams, like most other kinds of security cameras, can vary in cost. A nanny cam's price often raises with additional features, like 24/7 streaming, night vision, and lens quality. You can generally expect to pay $50 to $150 for a nanny cam, with some less expensive options having a more limited feature range.

  Our least expensive pick was the Yi Smart Home Camera at $25 and our most expensive was the Arlo Q at $199.

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