8 min read
Reviewed ByRebecca EdwardsFor over 11 years, SafeWise experts have conducted independent research and testing to write unbiased, human reviews (not robots). Learn more.
Whether you’re keeping an eye on the kids or their caretakers, nanny cams are a great home security tool.
For your best option, we think the Reolink E1 Zoom takes the prize with its quality picture and two-way talk, low price, and easy app. It has impressive pan/tilt/zoom features thanks to its swiveling base and moving camera eye. But a few other cameras stood out for features like battery power and local storage capacity.
Check out the nanny cam laws in the FAQ section to make sure you know what is allowed in your state.
What are the best nanny cams of 2025?
- : Best overall
- : Best audio detection
- : Best for budgets
- : Best private connection
- : Best internet connection
Compare the best nanny cameras
Brand | Best for | Price | Cloud storage | Video resolution | Zoom | Learn more |
| Best overall | $89.99 | $0.00–$25.00/mo. | 4K | 3x | View on Amazon | |
| Best audio detection | $34.99 | $3.49/mo. | 2K | 10.8x | View on Amazon | |
| Best for budgets | $39.98 | $2.99/mo. | 1080p | 8x | View on Amazon | |
| Best for privacy | $169.99 | N/A | 720p | 4x | View on Amazon | |
| Best internet connection | $59.99 | $3.99–$12.99/mo. | 1080p | 8x | View on Amazon |
Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.
Before you place a hidden nanny camera, you should know about the laws. All 50 states allow recording without sound, but only a few allow video and audio. Check your state’s laws before you start recording to ensure any evidence or clips you capture can hold up in court.
Video: 4 Things to Know Before Getting a Nanny Cam
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1. Reolink E1 Zoom: Best overall
The Reolink E1 Zoom is one of our favorite indoor security cameras, and there's no reason it can't double as a nanny cam. You'll love its sharp image quality when checking on the kids day and night.
Compatible with Amazon and Google
Adjustable resolution, frame rate, and bitrate
Free cloud + 128 GB storage
Crisp video quality
2-year warranty
Dual-band Wi-Fi
Continuous recording 
Wired only We chose this model out of the Reolink camera line-up thanks to its motion detection pan-and-tilt capabilities, which come in handy when your kids end up playing or napping in a random corner of the room.
Entry-level cloud storage is free, but the E1 Zoom supports microSD cards up to 128 GB if you'd rather store footage locally.
Get the full scoop in our Reolink cameras review.
2. Tapo C210: Best audio detection
The T-Link Tapo C210 is a newcomer to the market that quickly won us over during testing thanks to smooth performance at a budget price. It's our pick for audio detection because it keeps an AI ear out for all your babies with cry, bark, and meow detection.
The Tapo C210 will also alert you to glass breaking, whether it be from rowdy play or an attempted break-in.
Works with Amazon and Google
Detects crying, barking, meowing, and glass breaking
10.8x zoom
Local storage up to 512 GB
Night vision could be better When we tested this budget camera hands-on, we thought it did a decent job tracking motion, and we like that it can be mounted on a wall where it can get the best view. Although the video looked clear with plenty of light, its night vision didn't stand up to the competition. On the plus side, the Tapo C210 supports microSD cards up to 512 GB, so the paid cloud storage plan is optional.
Learn more in our full TP-Link cameras review.
3. Wyze Cam Pan v2: Best for budgets
With a sub-$50 price tag, the Wyze Cam Pan v3 rivals the Tapo C210 as the cheapest nanny camera on our list in terms of upfront costs, but its affordable $2.99/mo. cloud storage makes it the better choice for long-term affordability. Plus, the camera supports a microSD card up to 512 GB, so you can skip the cloud storage fee entirely.
The Wyze Cam Pan v3 impressed us during testing with a smooth pan, tilt, and zoom action, which is great for easily looking around the room to see your kids or their nanny.
Works with Alexa and Google
Simple installation
360° field of view
8x zoom
Affordable cloud storage
512 GB local storage
1080p HD
No adjustable video settings
Not wire-free
Brand has had security breaches in the past Setup is easy with Wyze too. Simply plug in the camera and download the Wyze app onto your smart device. Connecting is a snap, but there are step-by-step videos if you need help along the way.
From the app, you can watch past videos ($2.99/mo. subscription required), move the camera, and use the two-way audio to talk to anyone on the other side. Turn on cry detection or motion detection if desired, and you're good to go.
Read our full Wyze Cam Pan v3 review for more details.
4. Eufy Baby Monitor E20: Best privacy
A lot of parents have safety concerns when it comes to a baby monitor with a WiFi connection. We chose the Eufy Baby Monitor E20 as an FHSS connection option if you’re looking for something more traditional and secure.
Rather than dealing with a WiFi connection or an app, you can carry around the included Eufy monitor from room to room like a traditional nursery camera. This is also one of our favorite battery-operated cameras, so you don't have to worry about creating a possible playroom hazard by leaving the cord plugged in
Secure FHSS connection up to 600 ft.
Adjustable pan angle with wide lens attachment
Audio and motion alerts
2-way audio
5-inch display screen monitor included
Battery operated for portability
No online or local storage Compared to other nanny cam options, Eufy's baby monitor is admittedly a bit more expensive. But you get exceptional image quality, a secure FHSS connection, and background noise reduction up to 20 dB.
There's also an optional charging base for the monitor. It keeps the monitor upright while charging so you can easily glance at it any time. If you have twins, check out Eufy's two-camera bundle and split screen monitor.
The E20's camera resolution is 2K when viewed on the app but only 720p on the monitor. For 4K resolution and greater zoom capabilities, consider the E21.
5. EZViz C6CN: Best internet connection
We chose the EZViz C6CN as the best nanny cam for a stable internet connection because it's compatible with an Ethernet cable. This means it's less likely to glitch and freeze.
Pan-and-tilt with 8x zoom
Ethernet port
256 GB local storage
Adjustable frame rate and bitrate
Works with Amazon, Google, IFTTT
Pricey cloud storage
No battery option The C6CN also excels when it comes to local storage, supporting microSD cards up to 256 GB—more than any other nanny camera on our list.
To take advantage of advanced storage and internet options, you'll need to buy an ethernet cable and/or microSD card separately.
As a 1080p pan-and-tilt camera with 8x zoom, the EZViz C6CN rivals the Wyze Cam Pan in both functionality and price.
Learn more about the C6CN in our full EZViz cameras review.
Things to consider before you buy a nanny camera
While there are plenty of hidden nanny cams on the market, we looked into the more conspicuous options.
Hidden nanny cams and spy cams can fall under hazy legal territory, so we feel it’s best to be open with your nanny or any in-home caretaker about your monitoring system. This helps build a trusting relationship and makes better use of the camera itself.
For example, your babysitter can reach you through the nanny cam’s two-way audio when needed or help you find important clips in case of an emergency.
Before you get a nanny cam, you should hire a nanny you can trust to watch your children. Nanny cameras make sense if you have reason to suspect something’s wrong, but they aren’t usually necessary when you have a trustworthy child care provider.
Do you know the nanny cam laws in your state? We gathered them in our FAQ.
Want inspiration for building a smart home that benefits your baby? These will help:
Nanny cameras as we know them today weren't invented until the 1990s. Before then, security cameras were mainly of the CCTV variety and used by public spaces, businesses, and government organizations.
Nanny camera FAQ
Different rules apply to hidden and exposed nanny cams. Hidden nanny cams can be cleverly disguised in devices like alarm clocks and picture frames to monitor your nanny without their consent.
It’s legal in all 50 states to record video-only footage in your home from a hidden camera as long as it isn’t set up in a private space.1 That said, there are several states that require “two-party consent” for video and audio footage in public or private spaces.2
- California
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Illinois
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Montana
- New Hampshire
- Pennsylvania
- Washington
- Hawaii
Even if you don’t live in one of these states, we recommend getting consent from your nanny before recording audio, video, or both. Their consent can also help you avoid prosecution and loss of evidence.3
In other words, without their permission, you could be sued, and your footage won’t be admissible in court.
Learn more in our Security Camera Laws, Rights, and Rules guide.
Picture resolution is simply a pixel count on your camera. Numbers like 1080p refer to the vertical lines of pixels lined up across your camera’s view. Generally, the more pixels create a sharper picture, but this can change based on how closely you zoom or the size of the screen you watch a video on.
Most smartphones screens are 1080p and up, so it’s best to find a nanny cam with a similar resolution for a clear picture.
It varies from camera to camera, but most nanny cams use a separate SD memory card or send videos to a cloud that you can access online. Both can be uploaded and shared to different devices.
Battery-powered nanny cams can hide almost anywhere. Spots like potted plants, bookshelves, stuffed animals, kitchen cabinets, and out in the open can all give you a good view of your home and anyone inside.
Nanny cameras powered by cables are more restricted because they need to stay plugged in to work. Cables can also give away your hiding spot if they aren’t concealed properly.
All 50 states allow silent video recording within your own home. But we still think it’s best to tell your nanny that you’re recording. If they consent to be filmed and recorded, you can use audio in addition to your video. You don’t have to tell them where you’ve hidden the camera, but if you want audio, most states require their permission. Learn more in our Security Camera Laws, Rights, and Rules guide.
The main difference is intent. Baby cameras (also called baby monitors) show a live feed of your sleeping baby so you know right away if they start to squirm, fuss, or cry. Nanny cams provide a much larger view of the room and are useful for parents who want to check in now and then on their kids or talk through two-way audio. They typically also save footage, which can be useful if you need to find out how the lamp got broken, etc.
Another major difference is that baby monitors often come with a hand-held screen that lets you see the camera footage. This leaves your phone free for other tasks and ensures a secure, private connection.
How we reviewed the best nanny cams
Image: Clark Cruz, Pexels
To find the best nanny cameras, we narrowed down the features that are important for checking on children:
- Two-way audio
- Pan-and-tilt or a wide field of view
- Excellent zoom capabilities and quality
- Superior video quality
- Excellent night vision
- Local storage capacity
- Affordable cloud storage
We didn't want to limit ourselves to cameras specifically marketed as baby monitors or nanny cams. We chose the best contenders from our years of testing and reviewing home security cameras.
We tested the Reolink E1 Zoom, Wyze Cam Pan v3, and Tapo C210—plus dozens of cameras that didn't make the cut—hands-on. For the most authentic experience, we set up each camera and proceeded with our day as usual. When we got alerts from each camera, we used the apps to check the footage, speak through the cameras, and share footage.
We selected the Reolink E1 Zoom as the best nanny cam overall based on top user reviews and product specs that fit our standards for quality nanny cams. Learn more about how we test and research by reading our full methodology.
Final word
We like the Reolink E1 Zoom best for its 360° field of view, affordable price point, and pan/tilt/zoom prowess. Whether you’re checking in on your child’s safety or ensuring they ate their veggies while you’re out, this nanny cam keeps clear tabs on your kiddo and their caretaker.
Our other favorites are close contenders:
- The Tapo C210 includes crying detection and other audio alerts.
- The Wyze Cam Pan v3 boasts affordable cloud storage and a low upfront price.
- The Eufy camera’s wire-free design makes it easy to move from room to room.
- The EZViz C6CN uses an optional Ethernet cable for steady video feeds.
Sources
- Upcounsel, “Video Surveillance Laws by State: Everything You Need to Know,” June 2020. Accessed December 15, 2024.
- Digital Media Law Project, “Recording Phone Calls and Conversations,”Accessed December 15, 2024.
- United States Department of Justice, “1050. Scope of 18 U.S.C. § 2511 Prohibitions,” January 2020. Accessed December 15, 2024.
Disclaimers
*Amazon.com list price as of post date. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. SafeWise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.
Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.
†Google, Google Nest, Google Assistant, and other related marks are trademarks of Google LLC.
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