The Best Nanny Cams to Give You Peace of Mind

If you hire a nanny or babysitter, placing a nanny camera in your home can help you feel more secure about the situation. Whether you want to "pop in" and see what your child and nanny are up to, or you’d like the ability to record your child's developmental milestones, this home tech can be invaluable. 

And you don't need to feel guilty about using one. “Not only are the nanny cams beneficial for the family, but they can also be beneficial for the nanny as well,” says Kelsey Barr, owner and founder of Three Flamingos Agency, a childcare matching service in Naples, Florida. “For the family, they provide peace of mind that their child is receiving the care they deserve. For the nanny, they can provide peace of mind that they’re giving proper care to the child [without] doubts or misconstructions.”

Our Favorite Nanny Cams

• Best Overall: Google Indoor Nest Security Cam
• Best Budget: TP-Link Tapo C210 2K Pan/Tilt Security Camera
• Best Multi-Use: ChillaxBaby DM620 Baby Mood Pro
• Best Wireless: Blink Indoor
• Best With Wi-Fi: Eufy Security Indoor Cam C120
• Best With Audio: Ring Stick Up Cam
• Easiest to Set Up: CuboAi Plus Smart Baby Monitor (3-Stand Set)

Since the camera will be monitoring and potentially recording activities inside your home, its use involves ethical and legal considerations. Barr says parents should be honest with their nanny about the camera and ensure they know it’s not about distrusting them. “Nanny cams become a problem when they're used to ‘trap’ the nanny or micromanage from afar. This makes the nanny feel there’s no trust.” Legality differs from state to state, so you must research whether you can use one without consent.

To craft this list of the best nanny cams, we scoured the market and researched shopping trends to round up the most reliable, high-quality options. We assessed each product based on its features, audio and video quality, portability, ease of set-up, storage capabilities, and other aspects. We also spoke with experts to gain insights on what to look for in a nanny cam and how to use it safely. We even tested a few models at home as part of a larger test of baby monitors.

Best Overall: Google Indoor Nest Security Cam

Why We Like It

When it comes to nanny cams, our favorite brand to protect your nest is Nest. This indoor security camera lets you check in on your home day or night, no matter where you are, with live 24/7 streaming of 1080p HD video. The camera will even send notifications to your smartphone when it detects movement. It has a built-in speaker and microphone for two-way audio, and you can review recorded activity for up to three hours for free. Wi-Fi down? No problem—it records up to one hour in its local memory. 

This Nest Camera is a plug-in model that comes with a stand and a wall-mounting plate to blend into your decor. The security is also top-notch, boasting a two-step verification and video encryption. A “Nest Aware” subscription gets you additional features like up to 60 days of continuously recorded video history. 

But Take Note

The camera only works with the Google Home app, which doesn’t have all the features of the Nest app. For access to some of the bells and whistles, a paid Nest Aware subscription is required.

The Details:

• Resolution: 1080p 
• Field of View: 135 degrees
• Power Source: Corded electric 
• Storage: Cloud and local
• Smart Features: Motion alerts, two-way audio, night vision, one-hour video backup

Best Budget: TP-Link Tapo C210 2K Pan/Tilt Security Camera

Why We Like It

Despite the lower price tag, the C210 boasts nearly every feature an indoor security camera needs: night vision at an impressive 30 feet, 24/7 live streaming, instant alerts, and built-in audio and motion detection. The up/down, side-to-side pan/tilt feature gives you a bit more control over your field of view in a large room, so you don’t miss a thing.

Thanks to the two-way audio, you can have conversations with your little one or caregiver. If you purchase a subscription plan or microSD card for video storage, you can capture and save any special moments. You can set a schedule to automatically record videos at particular times. The unit is also voice-activated, so you can check in whenever you want with a quick command.

But Take Note

Some users wish it had a zoom option, and others dislike the speaker's loudness. The setup can be more complicated than expected.

The Details:

• Resolution: 2K
• Field of View: 360-degree horizontal, 114-degree vertical range pan/tilt field
• Power Source: Corded electric 
• Storage: Cloud and local (with microSD card)
• Smart Features: Night vision, smart home support, two-way audio, motion detection, built-in siren and light alarm  

Best Multi-Use: ChillaxBaby DM620 Baby Mood Pro

Why We Like It

Whether you use the Chillax Baby Mood Pro as a nanny cam, feeding and diaper tracker, baby monitor, or sound machine and night-light, there’s no denying it impressively consolidates everything new parents could want into one device. Even the design (a removable gooseneck camera and base with USB power source) lends itself to versatility. This is a product we recently tested as a baby monitor, and based on its performance, we recommend it as a nanny cam as well.

The pan-scan’s 360-degree field of view and the 4.3-inch parent unit monitor provide wide-angle viewing with clear two-way communication. And when you’re away from home, you can use the ChillaxCare app on your phone for live streaming and access to motion-activated recordings, plus you can zoom in when something piques your curiosity. Our testing parent liked that you can remotely adjust and rotate the angle for a closer view. Bonus: A privacy protection switch turns off Wi-Fi connectivity for additional security.

But Take Note

Our tester noted that the monitor’s high sensitivity can lead to frequent alerts. Also, you must purchase a premium subscription to access all features in the mobile app.

The Details:

• Resolution: 1080p 
• Field of View: 360 degrees
• Power Source: Corded electric or USB port
• Storage: Cloud and local
• Smart Features: Motion alerts, two-way audio, infrared night vision, digital zoom
  

Best Wireless: Blink Indoor

Why We Like It

It’s inconvenient when your security camera’s cord dictates its location. However, you can solve this problem with a compact wireless camera like the Blink Indoor Home Security Camera. This lightweight device is powered by long-lasting batteries (around two years), which allows you to place it just about anywhere.

This Blink camera streams HD video to connected devices. It uses built-in motion detectors that will send alerts to your smartphone, along with a short clip of whatever is happening. Infrared night vision is one of its best features, and you can easily expand your system by adding more cameras around your home for more visibility in different areas.

But Take Note

This wireless device requires a subscription or USB cable (sold separately). The volume may be too low to be heard in a busy room. In addition, you may experience video lag of a few seconds during live streaming.  

The Details:

• Resolution: 1080p
• Field of View: 110 degrees diagonal 
• Power Source: Lithium batteries 
• Storage: Cloud and USB drive
• Smart Features: Motion alerts, two-way audio, night vision, Alexa-compatible

Best With Wi-Fi: Eufy Security Indoor Cam C120

Why We Like It

This futuristic device relies on great connectivity and on-device AI which means it can instantly determine whether it’s your child or Fido that’s coming into view. As soon as motion is detected, the device will start recording and send you a push notification in case you want to check in. It’ll also alert you to excessive noise levels (hello, unhappy baby), so you can help soothe through the built-in two-way audio when needed.

Thanks to the customizable camera, you can choose the areas you want to be monitored to suit your home. You can also switch up where you record your audio and video, either in local storage with an extra SD card (not included) or in the cloud.

But Take Note

The motion triggers can be overly sensitive, and the night vision isn’t very clear.

The Details:

• Resolution: 2K
• Field of View: 125 degrees horizontal, 57 degrees vertical
• Power Source: Cable
• Storage: Cloud and local (microSD)
• Smart Features: Motion alerts, two-way audio, night vision, smart integration (Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, Alexa), built-in AI for noise levels 

Best With Audio: Ring Stick Up Cam

Why We Like It

Whether you have last-minute instructions or just want to say “Hi” to your child, a two-way talk feature is a valuable feature on your nanny cam. One of the best cameras with audio capabilities is the Ring Stick Up Cam, a wire-free device that you can mount virtually anywhere in your home. From a trusted name in monitoring, this camera delivers 1080p HD video, letting you see, hear, and speak to people through your phone or tablet. 

Its motion-detection alerts put you right in the center of any goings-on. With the customizable privacy zones, you can monitor the areas that matter most to you—and leave out the ones that don’t. Want to put up more than one Ring? You can easily control them all from a single dashboard on the app.

But Take Note

The device has only 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connectivity (it doesn’t support a 5G connection). The battery life is fairly short. If you want to record video, you must get a Ring subscription.

The Details:

• Resolution: 1080p/HD
• Field of View: 130-degree diagonal, 110-degree horizontal, 57-degree vertical
• Power Source: Battery  
• Storage: Cloud
• Smart Features: Color night vision, two-way audio and view, motion alerts, Alexa-compatible

Easiest to Set Up: CuboAi Plus Smart Baby Monitor (3-Stand Set)

Why We Like It

When it comes to security cameras, everyone appreciates a quick setup, and the CuboAi Plus Smart Baby Monitor delivers, as we discovered when it was part of our baby video monitor test. This device streams basic video and can be used as a nanny cam by setting up the additional features on the app and utilizing a Wi-Fi connection. Co-created by a pediatrician, the cam is extremely user-friendly. Its app has easy-to-follow audio instructions for setup that take all the guesswork out of getting connected.

Making the most out of your device is also a breeze. The unit boasts 1080p HD video that gives you access to 18-hour playback with event tags. And its CTIA Cybersecurity Certification (a third-party certification) gives you peace of mind that those moments are just for you. The purchase includes a year of CuboAi Premium, which allows extended storage and download options, as well as short daily highlight compilation videos so you don’t miss a thing.

But Take Note

This device has a higher price point, which may be seen as a splurge for some. It also requires a Wi-Fi setup, and the camera doesn’t follow motion.

The Details:

• Resolution: 1080p, 4x magnification
• Field of View: 135 degrees
• Power Source: Battery 
• Storage: Cloud and local
• Smart Features: Motion alerts, two-way audio, 1-year premium subscription included

Our Testing and Review Process

When building our list of the best nanny cams for your home, we researched the market and even tested a few options. We based our choices on the following criteria:

• Setup: We judged how easy it was to set up the nanny camera in terms of required technical expertise, placement mounts within the home, and integration of Wi-Fi, apps, and phones or other smart devices.
• Audio and video quality: We judged how clear the audio and video quality was, whether the device has night vision capabilities, and if the device effectively transmitted clear and uninterrupted audio and/or video to and from storage.
• Design: We noted how well the camera fit into the surroundings, as well as the viewing span in degrees.
• Additional features: We considered any extras the camera had, including customizable areas, remote control, two-way audio, compatibility with smart homes, motion alerts, and more.
• Portability: We noted the power source of the nanny cam, and whether it required mounting near an electrical outlet or was battery-operated.
• Storage: We considered how videos and audio were stored, whether through an SD card, in the cloud, or both, and whether a subscription was required for long-term storage or other options.
• Versatility: We tested baby monitors to see how they stood up to designated nanny cams in terms of features and ease of alternating from one use to another.

Our Experts

Before and after we researched and tested the security cams that made our list, we spoke to the following professionals to determine what to look for in a nanny cam and how to use them safely: 

• Daniela Perez, media relations director for the National Domestic Workers Alliance
• Kelsey Barr, owner/founder and coordinator at Three Flamingos Agency, a childcare matching agency in Naples, Florida

Factors to Consider When Buying a Nanny Cam

• Design: If you want your nanny cam to be completely undetectable, the smaller and more discreet the better. (Though, again, we encourage you to be open with caregivers about using a camera.) Others are medium-sized pieces of tech that are set on a surface or wall-mounted—perfect if you’re not trying to conceal your monitoring efforts. Some can be tucked away easily in everyday objects, while others double as everyday objects (e.g., an alarm clock).
• Image Quality: From basic models that simply record video footage of an area to those that allow you to stream from your phone over Wi-Fi, nanny cams vary across the technological spectrum. In terms of pixel resolution (how clear the images are), higher resolution and more advanced options like night vision mean a higher price tag. 
• Extra Features: Your budget and reasons for monitoring typically dictate any extras, such as motion detection, night vision capabilities, two-way audio, and compatibility with smart home assistants. These additional features may cost you more upfront but can offer extra peace of mind.
• Storage Options: When it comes to storing your video, most nanny cams require microSD cards that are typically sold separately for around $12 to $30, depending on the storage size (high-resolution videos of 1080p or 4k require more storage space), while others offer subscriptions for cloud storage (typically around $3-$5 per month).

How to Use Nanny Cams Safely

• Placement: To get the most out of your nanny cam’s capabilities, place cameras wherever your children spend most of their time, such as a living area, playroom, or child’s bedroom. For the best view, mount your camera high in a corner. No matter which area you choose, be thoughtful. “Remember that while this is your home, this is your nanny's place of work,” says Barr. “Some families have placed a camera in every corner of their home, [and] for a nanny, that sends off major red flags.”
• Privacy: While every state allows the freedom to install a home security camera in your home, how and what you can record (especially audio) varies from state to state. In two-party consent states such as California, it’s illegal to record someone’s audio without their knowledge. Conversely, in one-party-consent states, you are not required to alert anyone to the camera’s presence. Check your state to find out any legal restrictions. All states prohibit you from installing cameras in places where privacy is a reasonable expectation. “State-specific laws offer protections by prohibiting nanny cams in private areas such as bedrooms and bathrooms, with additional safeguards for live-in domestic workers,” says Perez.
• Security: It’s important to ensure your nanny cam is safe from hackers. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) suggests securing your Wi-Fi network with a hard-to-guess password that’s a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters. You should also change the nanny cam’s software password every three months. Registering your device is also vital; that way, you’ll be alerted to manufacturer security updates for the camera’s firmware. Experts suggest turning off the home security camera when not in use and disconnecting it from the internet for a few minutes every week.

Are Nanny Cams Legal?

It’s legal in all 50 states to make a video-only recording of what’s happening in your home in areas where this is not an assumption of privacy (such as bathrooms). Audio recording legality varies from state to state. So while you don’t need to tell your nanny you’ve installed a video-only hidden camera, according to Barr, you should.

Should I Tell Our Nanny About the Camera?

“Be completely open and honest with your nanny,” Barr says. “Take [the nanny] around the home and point out all the areas that [the cameras] are placed in. Relay that this is a tool not meant to micromanage or be used because of a sudden lack of trust.”

Perez concurs. “Transparency and mutual understanding are essential in building a trusting relationship between employers and care workers, particularly when incorporating nanny cams,” she explains. “By securing informed consent and agreement from all parties, we not only adhere to legal standards but also promote a supportive and safe environment for employers, families, and care workers alike.”

How Can I Hide My Nanny Cam?

OK, if you’re ignoring the above advice, when it comes to hiding your nanny cam, the smaller it is, the better. Some can be tucked away in unassuming objects like plants or bookcases. Others easily blend in among other knick-knacks on a shelf or mimic other devices, such as clocks or picture frames. Hiding isn’t just about concealing it from care workers; it can be about ensuring the device isn’t an eyesore that ruins the aesthetics of your home, or to keep it out of sight from curious little eyes and hands. 

What’s the Difference Between a Nanny Cam and a Baby Monitor? 

With a basic video baby monitor, you’ll just be able to view a live feed of your baby, as these units don't typically connect to the internet or record footage. But deluxe versions offer many of the same functions as a nanny cam, such as footage storage and remote viewing capability.

Can I Use a Regular Security Camera as a Nanny Cam?

While they are similar in function (both can track and record activity within their range of view), using a true security camera instead of a designated nanny cam to watch over your child might mean giving up certain functions, such as two-way audio. 

Who We Are

Cheryl Fenton is a Boston-based freelance lifestyle writer who has enjoyed a 30-year career of bylining in both national magazines and popular websites, as well as authoring a book or two. She and her husband love their Ring doorbell for checking out what’s going on at their front door, and they might even consider moving it inside if their teen ever has a party when they’re out of town.