When you’re looking for the best monitor for your baby, you want to make sure it’s absolutely safe and reliable.
While many parents lean towards video baby monitors for the visual perks, sometimes an audio baby monitor may provide the same peace of mind you need without the information overload. We even discuss the comparison between video vs audio baby monitor on one of our articles.
One of the all-time popular audio monitors in the market is the Vtech DM221. If you’ve been scouring the internet looking for a neutral Vtech DM221 review, you’re in the right place.
So let’s deconstruct this review one step at a time.
VTech Baby Monitor Review: At a Glance
The Vtech DM221 is a full package of what a parent wants in an audio baby monitor. It is built with wonderful sound quality. As it comes with a parent’s unit, it allows you to be in touch with your baby all the time.
With up to 1000 feet range, you can easily hear your baby from another room, even from outside. It also comes with a soothing night-light feature, which you can control from both units. You can also talk to your little one with DM221’s talk-back feature.
Since the beginning of 1976, Vtech has been focusing on presenting its customers with excellent quality cordless audio products. They specialize in manufacturing long-ranged telecommunication products.
Needless to say, their premium quality sound and long-range features also found their place in Vtech digital audio baby monitors. Today, they are trending as the Number 1 baby monitor brand in the USA.
Vtech DM221 audio baby monitor offers many commendable attributes at an affordable price range. Here’s an overview:
Pros:
- Wonderful Sound quality
- Wide range
- Long battery life
- Affordable
- Secure DECT 6.0 transmission
Cons:
- A little complicated to use
- Not for monitoring twins or multiple rooms
Vtech DM221 Review: Commonly Asked Questions
Vtech audio baby monitor might be a good idea for you when you’re looking forward to continuous contact with your child. However, if you want something even more budget-friendly and simpler in usage, you can take a look at Vtech DM111, which has pretty much the same key features.
Regardless, let’s have a quick look to get the answers about Vtech DM221 Baby Monitor you might have in mind.
How does the Vtech Baby Monitor work?
As it has a lot of features, it might take you a little time to understand how to operate the device. But comparing to its contenders, it’s much easier.
You can just plug in the monitor and complete the setup following the user manual. And it’s ready to go.
For clear audio transmission, DM221 uses the DECT 6.0 technology. It allows you to hear your baby without unnecessary interference from nearby devices.
It also has an alert system if you’re out of range or your baby’s unit is unplugged.
Can this Vtech baby monitor be hacked?
Vtech uses DECT 6.0 technology for discontinued communication. It is used as the standard for creating cordless telecommunication.
It makes VTech DM211 a safe & sound digital audio baby monitor. It’s well encrypted and designed to connect only with its paired devices.
But, as it is a radio frequency, there’s a slight possibility that it can be hacked.
But the chances are really low here.
Why does my VTech baby monitor keep losing signal?
If you’re out of the coverage area, you can lose signal.
Also, check if your monitor is properly plugged or charged. Low battery may cause your device to lose signals.
How do you reset VTech baby monitor DM221?
Sometimes your baby monitor might need resetting.
Turn them off and unplug them. Let it be like this for a few seconds. Then turn on the monitor again to operate normally.
Vtech DM221 Review: Features and Benefits
As an audio baby monitor, I find the Vtech DM221 to be full of useful features as a simple yet convenient tool to monitor my little one. Time to dive into the nitty-gritty of VTech safe and sound baby monitor review!
Audio Quality
The audio quality I got from the VTech baby monitor is probably of the highest quality. The vibration sound alert is significant enough to wake a heavy sleeper like me up instantly.
It is rarely distorted and the audio system eliminates the surrounding sounds which make it easier to hear your child. The device emanates crystal clear audio instead of robotic ones, which is a feature I truly appreciate.
Battery Life
In a DM211 audio baby monitor, the parent unit is powered by a Ni-MH rechargeable battery. The baby monitor has to be plugged in at all times.
When fully charged, the battery might live up to 24 hours! And that’s not quite bad – that is pretty satisfactory for me.
Though you will get an alert when the battery is running low, it is always a good idea to recharge it regularly.
Monitor Range
The outdoor range for this baby monitor is up to 1000 feet, provided it’s an open space without walls. The indoor range is told to be 160 feet. People with small houses or houses with fewer walls can get the most out of the DM221 baby monitor’s range feature.
In the event that the baby monitor is disconnected somehow; you’ll get an alarm instantly. Attested by many parents, this monitor is one of the best long-range baby monitors out there.
Ease of Use
Even with multiple features in it, the device is quite user-friendly. All you have to do is plug the devices and set them up according to the manual. The instructions are also very easy to follow.
Along with this, it also has a belt clip. You can carry the parent unit with you while doing your chores by simply clipping it to your pants.
However, the placement of the buttons may create some difficulties, as there’s a chance of pressing the wrong button if you’re not paying proper attention.
Expandability
VTech DM221 baby monitor comes with a single parent unit but it can pair up to 2 nursery units maximum, making it not as expandable compared to video baby monitors that can connect up to 4 cameras.
If you’re looking for more than one parent unit, you can look into the VTech DM221-2 baby monitor that comes with two parent units.
Monitor Sensitivity
This monitor has a microphone sensitivity adjustment feature. You can decide if you want to keep listening while your baby’s asleep, or you prefer to listen only when the sounds cross a certain level. You can do all these adjustments from the parent unit.
This sound activation vibration system allows the device to be silent unless your baby is making any sound, so you will receive an alert without disturbing your baby or anyone else.
You also get to know the noise level in your child’s room thanks to the visual cue on the parent unit in the form of 5-level sound indicator bars.
Transmission Technology
VTech baby monitor uses DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunication) 6.0 technology for better audio transmission. This technology is widely used in the USA and Canada for cordless telecommunication.
Not only does it let you monitor the noise level of your baby’s nursery clearly but you don’t have to worry about poor data security or strangers listening in via the monitor.
Two Way Talk & Night Light
While VTech audio baby monitor has various features, the talk-back system grabbed my attention. I found it helpful because it allowed me to comfort my baby while I couldn’t be with her that instant. You can find the talk button at the side of the parent unit.
The remote-controlled nightlight is also worth mentioning. The night light is in the form of the handle loop of the nursery unit, which you can either manually turn it on via the baby unit or with the parent monitor.
These features may give you a better experience if you’re interested in getting multiple services at once.
Vtech Baby Monitor Review: Alternatives to the DM221
It is always normal to want to consider a few other options prior to purchasing a baby monitor. Here are some good recommendations similar to the features seen in the Vtech DM221 audio monitor.
#1 Philip Avent Dect SCD720/86
Philip Avent Dect SCD720/86 is another multi-featured audio baby monitor. It comes with wonderful sound quality and assures communication without any interference.
If you want to have a few extra features and have a higher budget, you can check the Philip Avent Dect monitor out.
Similarities & Differences:
- Both VTech DM221 and Philip Avent Dect SCD720/86 uses the DECT technology
- Have an intercom feature
- Remote-controlled nightlight feature
- Philip Avent Dect has a room temperature sensor
- Philip Avent baby monitor comes with a lullaby option
- Philip Avent Dect monitor has a smart eco mode. It minimizes the audio transmission by detecting your presence nearby but Vtech DM-221 only has voice activation mode.
- DECT technology provides zero interference & a private connection
- Night light and lullabies to calm your little one
- Talk-back feature, talk remotely to your baby
#2 TimeFlys Mustang OL Audio Baby Monitor
The first thing you’ll notice about this baby monitor is its cute and smart appearance. It is a battery-powered portable baby monitor. It is quite simple and easy to use.
You can try TimeFlys Mustang OL monitor if you care about the outlook of your baby monitor and also want to get affordable quality service.
Similarities & Differences:
- Two-way talk system
- Low battery and out of range alert
- Remote-controlled nightlight
- Timeflys baby monitor uses FHSS ( Frequency-Hopping Spread Spectrum) digital technology.
- TimeFlys has lullaby feature but not Vtech DM221
- TimeFlys has temperature sensor and alarm unlike DM221
- PACKAGE - The parent unit additionally comes with rechargeable NiHM batteries, while both baby and parent units contain battery compartments and Micro USB connection.
- TWO-WAY TALK & LULLABIES - Parents can talk to and comfort the baby by pressing the talking button. Lull your baby to sleep with a wide option range of up to 8 lullabies !
- NIGHT LIGHT CONTROL - Parents can remotely control the night light for the baby unit anytime needed.
#3 HelloBaby HB180 Two-Way Audio Baby Monitor
If you’re looking for more options to choose from, you can consider HelloBaby HB180 Two-Way Audio Baby Monitor. It has pretty much the same features as the VTech DM211, except a few ones. Along with the wide range and two-way communication, it is portable and lightweight.
It might be a good choice for you if you’re more into simple things. If it is something you’re expecting, then take a look HelloBaby HB180.
Similarities & Differences:
- Uses DECT 6.0 technology
- Two-way communication
- Sound level indicator
- HelloBaby HB180 audio baby monitor is more portable
- HelloBaby HB180 has a temperature monitoring system but not DM-221.
- Secure Private Connection: DECT 6.0 provides a secure private connection to your baby, clear audio transmission for up to 1,000ft (300m) unobstructed range.
- Two Way Talk Back Communication - Comfort your baby with the sound of your own voice by using the two-way talk back system.
- Room Temperature Monitoring: Allows to ensure your baby stays in a comfort and safe environment at all times.
Stay Connected to Your Baby with VTech DM221
Baby monitors are a wonderful solution for taking care of your baby and getting all the work done at the same time. With VTech DM221 everything might be a little easier for us moms and dads.
Its uninterrupted sound quality is good enough to keep our minds away from worrying. Personally, the systems of comforting your baby through the intercom and monitoring from a long range securely with reliable emergency alerts are a life-saver.
If you’ve set your mind to choose the best audio monitor for your little munchkin, and see your needs getting satisfied, consider the baby monitor!
What do you think about this Vtech monitor model?
Do you have experience using it?
Comment below!
Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
hi,
is it possible to get something which has 3 or 4 parent units and 1 baby unit?
any suggestions how to get that.
Hi Ayush, you could opt for smart baby monitors that use mobile app to sync data. Because these monitors work primarily on Wi-Fi, this means you can have a few mobile devices installed with the baby monitor app to sync with one baby unit and watch via that one camera anytime, anywhere so long as you have Internet connection. We recommend the Nanit or Nanit Plus for this, and you can check them out from our recent comparison article here: https://babyjourney.net/nanit-vs-nanit-plus/
Hope that helps!