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 well-being of your child. So, no, don't consider yourself a bad parent for getting a nanny cam—you can even add it to your baby registry . 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 Chillax Baby Mood Pro at $300.

The 7 Best Nanny Cams of 2023

For many families who hire a nanny or a babysitter, a nanny camera is essential. A camera can give parents peace of mind while away, allowing them to check in whenever they’d like. Nanny cameras often have many features, from night vision and mobile alerts to wide-angle lenses, so you can use the camera how you see fit.

Consider other additional features, like two-way communication, especially if you want to talk to your child without entering the room. Plus, think about the camera's picture and how you plan to use it, such as for travel purposes or keeping it at home. Regardless of where you decide to use a nanny camera, we carefully looked at audio and video quality, design, additional features, and value for each product on our list. We also had a nurse practitioner on our Review Board review this article for accuracy around nanny cams, and how to evaluate the different features of these cameras.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Google Nest Cam Indoor 1st Gen at Amazon

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Best Budget:

WYZE Cam v2 at Amazon

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Best Multi-Use:

Chillax Baby Mood Pro at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Budget Runner-Up:

YI Home Security Camera at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Wireless:

Blink Home Security Blink Indoor at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best with Wi-Fi:

Arlo Q at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best With Audio:

Ring Stick Up Security Camera at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
How We Selected
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Family

4.4

Amazon

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Pros

Mobile alerts
Wide-angle lens
Night vision

Cons

Subscription for perks
Settings must be reconfigured for each log out

Google Nest Cam Indoor Review

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 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 publication: $147

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 2.8 x 2.8 x 4.5 inches | Power Source: Corded electric | Wi-Fi: Wireless | Alert Type: Motion and audio}

Amazon

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Pros

Motion/sound recording
Sharing compatibility
Two-way audio

Cons

App use only (no other screen than phone)
Metal plate may rip paint off wall upon removal

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, a 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 use a microSD card (sold separately) to record footage or use the free-rolling 14-day cloud storage. The camera has two-way audio and night vision up to 30 feet.

Price at time of publication: $70

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 2.2 x 2 x 2 inches | Power Source: Corded electric | Wi-Fi: Wireless | Alert Type: Motion and audio}

Amazon

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Pros

Monitor and light separate
Camera connects to any USB port
Privacy protection switch

Cons

Volume could be louder
Monitor automatically turns on when plugged into outlet (for charging)

Whether you use the Chillax Baby Mood Pro as a nanny cam, baby monitor, or nightlight, our writer admits there's no denying this is one impressive piece of baby gear after receiving a sample from the company. Use this baby monitor as a camera with a nightlight, or separate the two pieces for individual use. The gooseneck camera features a USB power source that plugs into other USB ports, like a power bank or wall outlet, so you can take the camera anywhere and keep the nightlight in another spot. A remote pan-scan allows for a 360-degree field of view, while the 4.3-inch parent unit monitor provides wide-angle viewing, tracks diaper changes, the ability to zoom, two-way communication, and more.

The nightlight changes to eight colors and brightness levels with the tap of your finger, which is handy for sleep training. There's even a built-in speaker to play lullabies or the audio of your choice. Plus, the nightlight's base is wall-mountable, with only two screws needed.

If you want to keep an eye on your child while you're away, simply download the ChillaxCare app to watch live streaming, view motion-activated recordings, sleep analytics, parenting tips, and reap sharing capabilities—just to name a few.

Bonus: A privacy protection switch turns off Wi-Fi connectivity for additional security whenever you want it.

Price at time of publication: $300

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: Not listed | Power Source: Corded electric or USB port | Wi-Fi: Wireless | Alert Type: Motion}

Amazon

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Pros

Two-way audio
Optional emergency response service
Zoom in up to 4x

Cons

Indoor only
Recorded footage disappears after a week

The YI 1080p Home Camera Wireless IP Security Surveillance System keeps kiddos a priority with its ability to detect crying. This camera doubles as a baby monitor for many, and is a reasonably priced security solution. It offers 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 happening.

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 movement is detected. The app also includes two-way audio that lets you talk with your nanny or kids 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 publication: $22

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 3.15 x 1.26 x 4.49 inches | Power Source: Corded electric | Wi-Fi: Wireless | Alert Type: Motion and audio}

Best Buy

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Pros

Two-way audio
Alexa compatible
Built-in motion detectors

Cons

No continuous live feed
Only one person can be added to app

Corded security cameras can be 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 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 publication: $80

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 71 x 71 x 31 millimeters | Power Source: Battery | Wi-Fi: Wireless | Alert Type: Motion}

Amazon

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Pros

Budget-friendly
Audio/motion alerts
Stand/wall mounting plate included

Cons

Indoor only
Clicking sound made when recording begins

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. This internet-enabled security camera delivers 1080p HD video straight to your phone and 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 (costs extra).

Price at time of publication: $69

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 4.45 x 5.99 x 4.93 inches | Power Source: Corded electric | Wi-Fi: Wireless | Alert Type: Motion and audio}

View On Amazon View On Bed Bath & Beyond View On Abt.com

Pros

Indoor/outdoor use
Night vision
Two-way audio

Cons

No 5G connection
Recorded videos part of subscription

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, letting 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 publication: $100

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 2.36 x 3.82 inches | Power Source: Corded electric | Wi-Fi: Wireless | Alert Type: Motion}

How We Selected the Best Nanny Cams

We chose the best nanny cams by researching reviews from customers and competitors, and we studied the features of more than 30 products on the market. We considered design, price, ease of use, and setup, as well as additional features like night vision or 360-degree camera rotation. Our editors and writers stay up-to-date on the latest trends in the tech industry and share everything we know about what families love year after year for their home’s and their children's safety.

What to Look for in a Nanny Cam

Size and Shape

The size of the nanny cam you need will depend on how you plan on using it. Some parents and caregivers use a nanny cam to double as a baby monitor. So when your nanny goes home, you can still keep an eye on your little one. However, if you want it to be completely undetectable, then the smaller the better.

Also, consider where you’ll place it. Some can be tucked away easily in everyday objects, while others double as everyday objects (e.g. an alarm clock). Others are set on a tabletop or mounted, which is fine if you’re not trying to conceal your monitoring efforts from anyone.

Sophistication

From basic models that simply record video footage of an area to those that connect to Wi-Fi so you can stream from your phone, nanny cams vary across the technological spectrum. Another feature that differentiates nanny cams is the pixel resolution, which translates into how crisp and clear the images are when you view them. Typically, the higher the resolution and included tech features, the higher the price tag.

Extra Features

Beyond capturing footage, some nanny cams offer other features, such as night vision capabilities and two-way voice communication. These additional features may cost you more upfront, but offer a big peace of mind, especially if you need to ask the nanny questions or speak to your child.

Your budget and reasons for monitoring will dictate what features you want in a camera. There are features you will likely be able to live without, but others you'll definitely want to invest in, such as the ability to record if that's what you need.

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 well-being of your child. So, no, don't consider yourself a bad parent for getting a nanny cam—you can even add it to your baby registry. 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 Chillax Baby Mood Pro at $300.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Katrina Cossey is a commerce writer for Verywell Family with nearly eight years of experience under her belt. Katrina’s background in journalism began at an Emmy Award-winning news station in Oklahoma before she obtained her B.A. in professional media. Her love for service journalism, helping others, and becoming a parent led to her commerce writing role, which allows her to research and recommend the best products for families, pregnant people, and kids of all ages.