The Infant Optics DXR-8 video monitor is a great option for parents with spotty WiFi signals or those who prefer not to use WiFi cameras due to security concerns. While the display video quality is lower than that from Nest and Lollipop cameras, it is more than adequate to get a good look at what's going on with baby. The DXR-8's radio signal does not travel well in homes with solid wood doors, brick walls, or any other impermeable barriers standing between you and baby, so if that is what you're up against, consider a WiFi monitor instead.
Things We Love
- Great for Houses with Spotty WiFi: Don't have great WiFi in your house? No problem. The DXR-8 communicates using a radio signal.
- Decent Video Quality + Night Vision: The 3.5 inch LCD color display provides a clear picture of your baby, though the quality isn't particularly stellar. It also has infrared night vision technology.
- Separate Display: The DXR-8 has a separate display which holds a charge for 6-10 hours (or can be plugged in). This is great news for your phone battery, but does require you to keep track of one extra thing.
- Clear Audio: Audio comes across clearly and most white noise is successfully filtered out with the DXR-8.
- Supports Multiple Cameras: If you have more than one baby you want to watch or listen for, the DXR-8 supports up to four cameras. Just buy an add-on camera unit and pair it with your existing monitor.
- Fewer Security Concerns: Unlike WiFi video monitors, the DXR-8 has fewer security concerns and is much more difficult to hack.
Things We Don't Love As Much
- Not Great for Houses with Solid Doors, Brick Walls: The DXR-8 communicates between the camera and the display using a radio signal. This is great for houses with spotty or no WiFi; however, if you have solid doors, brick walls, or otherwise impermeable barriers between you and baby, you may have a hard time getting a clear signal. This also means you have to be within 700 feet to see your baby, and will not be able to check in while you’re out and about as you’d be able to do with WiFi cameras.
- Dated but Not Totally Hideous Look: The Infant Optics DXR8 has a slightly dated look to it, especially compared to the Lollipop and Nest cameras. But it’s not awful.
- Does Not Record Video: This camera streams but does not record video.
Buy It
- Infant Optix DXR-8 – ~$150