VTech Upgraded Smart WiFi Baby Monitor VM901 Review
Summary:
Welcome to the VTech Upgraded Smart WiFi Baby Monitor VM901 review. When it comes to monitoring your baby, choosing the right baby monitor is crucial. The VTech Upgraded Smart WiFi Baby Monitor VM901 is a device that aims to bring parents peace of mind with its combination of features, including a 720p display on the parent unit, 1080p camera, and a range of additional functionalities like two-way talk, motion and temperature alerts, and a smart phone app for remote monitoring. In this review, we’ll dive into what makes this product stand out, explore the pros and cons, and examine whether it’s the right fit for your needs.
Product Overview
The VTech VM901 WiFi Baby Monitor is designed for baby monitoring but could also be used for other purposes, such as keeping an eye on pets or elderly family members. The system includes a parent unit with a 5-inch, 720p display that allows you to view your baby clearly. The camera offers Full HD 1080p resolution, ensuring high-quality video footage day or night, thanks to its night vision feature.
This monitor also boasts a fully motorized pan, tilt, and zoom function. Parents can remotely control the camera to get a better view of the room, using either the parent unit or a connected smart device. The wide-angle lens offers a 120-degree field of view, so you don’t miss a thing.
One standout feature is the dual monitoring capability — both the parent unit and the smartphone app can be used to access the camera. This is ideal for parents who may want to check in while away from home without depending solely on their phone. The system can operate in two modes: Direct WiFi Mode for local monitoring or Router Mode for remote access.
Key Features
5-inch 720p Display: The parent unit’s upgraded screen offers clear visuals for daytime and night-time viewing.
1080p Camera with Night Vision: Full HD camera with automatic night vision ensures sharp images in low-light conditions.
Fully Remote Pan, Tilt, and Zoom: Parents can move the camera to get different angles of the room and zoom in up to 4x locally and 10x digitally.
2-Way Talk: Talk to your baby using either the parent unit or your smartphone.
Motion and Temperature Alerts: Receive notifications of any detected motion or significant changes in room temperature.
Soothing Sounds and Lullabies: The monitor plays calming melodies and ambient sounds to help lull your baby to sleep.
Free MyVTech App: No additional fees or subscriptions required to use the remote access features.
Setup and Usability
The VTech VM901 is designed to be user-friendly, with a quick setup process right out of the box. The camera and parent unit come pre-configured for local monitoring in Direct WiFi Mode, allowing you to start using it immediately. Setting up the Router Mode, which allows you to monitor remotely through the MyVTech app, is straightforward with clear instructions. The app is compatible with both iOS and Android devices, making it accessible for most users.
The camera unit can be placed on a flat surface or wall-mounted for a better view of the room. Another advantage of this model is its portability. The parent unit has a rechargeable battery that can last several hours unplugged, giving parents the flexibility to carry it around the house.
Pros
High-Quality Video and Night Vision: The 1080p camera paired with night vision offers excellent clarity, both in daylight and darkness. The 120-degree wide-angle lens ensures you can see more of the room, and the camera’s ability to pan 270 degrees and tilt 152 degrees provides comprehensive coverage.
Two-Way Talk Feature: Sometimes all a baby needs is to hear their parent’s voice. The two-way talk feature allows parents to soothe their baby from another room or even while out of the house using the smartphone app.
Customizable Alerts and Notifications: The system offers useful motion and temperature alerts. This feature can be a game-changer for parents who want to ensure their baby’s comfort and safety, particularly at night.
Soothing Sounds and Lullabies: This model’s ability to play calming melodies and sounds, such as white noise, can be beneficial in helping babies fall asleep.
Remote Access via App: One of the most appreciated features is the free MyVTech app. Unlike some baby monitors that require subscription fees for remote access, this monitor offers full access with no hidden costs.
Dual Monitoring: The ability to monitor your baby via both the parent unit and your smartphone is a convenience that many parents find valuable. It means you don’t have to rely solely on your phone, but can still check in remotely when needed.
Easy to Use and Set Up: Many reviews highlight how easy the monitor is to set up and operate. Whether you are tech-savvy or not, the intuitive interface ensures you’ll have no trouble using it.
Cons
Spotty WiFi Connection: One downside mentioned by some users is that the connection can be unreliable, particularly when far from the WiFi router. While it works well for most people, if you have a weak or inconsistent WiFi signal, it may cause the video feed to drop occasionally.
Battery Life of the Camera: Another complaint is that the camera does not have a rechargeable battery, meaning it must always be plugged in to function. While the parent unit is portable, the camera’s stationary nature might be a limitation for some users who want more flexibility.
Price Point: While the VTech VM901 offers many advanced features, its price is mid-range, meaning it may still be considered expensive compared to simpler baby monitors. However, when compared to premium brands like Nanit or Owlet, it offers excellent value for money.
Audio Quality: Some users have noted that the audio, while generally good, can sometimes pick up too much background noise or not be as clear when transmitting from the parent unit to the camera.
Conclusion
Overall, the VTech Upgraded Smart WiFi Baby Monitor VM901 strikes a great balance between quality and affordability. Its high-definition video, night vision, and wide-angle lens ensure that you can always keep a close eye on your baby, while the two-way talk, motion alerts, and soothing sounds provide additional peace of mind. The ability to monitor remotely through the free smartphone app makes this device even more versatile, especially for parents who are often on the go.
While the occasional connectivity issues and the need to keep the camera plugged in may be minor drawbacks, the pros far outweigh the cons. If you are looking for a feature-rich baby monitor that doesn’t require a subscription fee and offers a reliable mix of tech features and practicality, the VTech VM901 is certainly worth considering.
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