Whether you are a first-time parent, a growing family, or a seasoned pro, the search for the perfect baby monitor has changed. You might be looking for a dedicated system to replace an aging model, or perhaps you are ready to join the shift toward “smart” monitoring, using a high-spec camera and your smartphone as a powerful, portable baby cam.
After months of carrying your little one so close, it is only natural to want to see and hear them every second they are safely home. However, because no two families have the same nursery layout or routine, there is no “one size fits all” solution. From signal range and encryption to AI cry detection, there is a lot to consider for a device that will become a constant companion in your daily life.
Types of Baby Monitors and Smart Camera Alternatives
There are various types of baby monitors from the traditional dedicated baby monitors with a base station to smart security baby monitors with phone apps and more. Traditional baby monitors have become very expensive and most of the time, don’t do a great job either. This is where smart cameras or mobile phone baby cameras come in. All you need is a mobile phone and a smart baby cam. With the latest advancements in technology today, smart cameras are readily available from various brands and use cases. Some of the smart cameras also double as a baby monitor featuring AI BabyCry detection technology and also have dedicated phone Apps that run in the background when minimised, to provide audible notification for any baby sound or movement, which is probably the the two most important features parents look for in a baby monitor.
Dedicated Baby Monitor and Smart Camera Brands
There is a huge list of Baby monitor brands ranging from VTtech, Owlet, Nanit, Babymoov, Babysense, Momcozy, LeapFrog and more but a few smart security camera brands. Two brands we know that manufacture these types of smart cameras with baby monitoring features at very reasonable price points are TP-Link and EZVIZ. These units only need an Android or iOS App to get you going and have several advantages over dedicated baby monitors.
If you have spent any time browsing Amazon UK or tech forums lately, you have likely seen TP-Link Tapo cameras dominating the “Best Seller” lists. Once known as a budget alternative to heavyweights like Ring and Arlo, Tapo has evolved in 2026 into a serious contender that often outperforms more expensive rivals.
But is a £30 Tapo camera really as good as a £150 Arlo? In this guide, we compare the best home security cameras that can also function as baby monitors, focusing on how Tapo compares to the industry giants in terms of value, privacy, and performance
Advantages Of Using Smart Cameras as Baby Monitors
Smart cameras with baby monitoring features are now affordable and readily available to buy. These also double as smart security monitoring cameras when you need them. Some advantages of using a smart camera with Baby monitoring features over dedicated baby monitors are:
- Carrying only one device (Your phone) around the house
- Dedicated mobile phone Apps
- Instant sound or motion detection notifications to your phone
- Clear Two-Way audio
- Clear video and image quality
- Remote monitoring of your baby from anywhere
- Easily give family access to monitor baby when they visit
- Local storage with SD cards
- No hubs are required as these connect directly to your wifi network
- No need to worry about the base unit range
Smart Camera Baby Monitor Features
These smart cameras come with various features and options to suit most needs.
- BabyCry Detection
- Instant baby cry and movement detection and notification
- Indoor or Outdoor use
- Manual camera rotation
- Pan/Tilt 360 degrees rotation through an app
- Android and Apple mobile Apps on your phone
Best Smart Camera Alternatives to Baby Monitors and Where to Buy
In this day and age, baby monitors are an essential part of parenting, but depending on what you need, there are smart cameras with baby monitoring features suitable for every parent or family. Here is a list of what we think is the best value for your money, safe and reliable alternatives to dedicated baby monitors out there with all the best features.
TP-Link’s Tapo brand has carved out a massive niche by offering subscription-free features that others charge monthly for. While brands like Ring and Nest have increasingly moved core features (like person detection and cloud history) behind “Pro” paywalls, Tapo offers robust local storage via microSD cards and free AI-driven alerts.
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Tapo C120: Our top pick for a versatile indoor/outdoor hybrid. It offers 2K QHD resolution and “Starlight” color night vision for under £40.
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Tapo C210: The king of budget pan-and-tilt. It provides a 360-degree view of a room, making it ideal for large living areas or as a pet cam.
Read on to find out more
1. TP-Link Tapo C110 UHD Smart Wi-Fi Video Camera 3MP
Tapo C110 Features and Options:
- Baby Cam, Ultra-High Definition Home Security Wi-Fi Video Camera, 3MP
- BabyCry Detection
- Baby motion and sound detection
- Baby motion and sound notification
- Baby motion and sound recording
- Two-Way Audio
- Wi-Fi Connectivity
- Remote monitoring – View From Anywhere
- Indoor only use
- SD card slot for local recording
- Cloud storage (Free trial Optional)
- Works with Alexa & Google Home
- Tapo Mobile App
- IP66 weatherproof construction
- Easy Setup and Management – Manage everything with Tapo App
Where to Buy:
2. Lollipop Baby Monitor 1080HD Smart Wi-Fi Video Camera
Lollipop Baby Monitor Features and Options:
- Baby Camera, 1080P Full HD High Definition Wi-Fi Video
- Colours: Turquoise, Pink and Pistachio
- Wall mount kit included
- Bendable/ Flexible leg
- Detection push notifications
- Audio mode (Monitor and hear baby’s sound even when smartphone screen is off)
- True Baby Cryi Detection
- Safe zone crossing detection
- Baby motion and sound detection
- Baby motion and sound notification
- Baby motion and sound recording
- Room Temperature, humidity and air quality monitoring (Optional)
- Baby Breathing monitoring (7 Day free trial)
- Sleep tracking (7 Day free trial)
- Lullaby Mode (12 different types of music + white noise)
- Advanced night vision
- Multi-stream mode
- Two-Way Talkback
- AC powered via USB Type-A cable, and Power Adapter (Included)
- Push to Talk
- Wi-Fi Connectivity
- Built-in speaker
- Bluetooth 4.0 BLE is required for mobile devices (Android 4.4 (KitKat) or later iOS 9.0 or later)
- Remote monitoring – View From Anywhere
- Indoor only use
- Cloud storage recording for up to 7 days
- Downloadable recorded videos (30 seconds clips)
- There is no SD card slot for local recording
- Lollipop Smart Baby Monitor App (Android, iOS, Mac and Windows)
- Compatible with Mobile, Tablet and Desktop PC
- Easy Setup and Management with Lollipop Smart Baby Monitor App
Where to Buy:
3. TP-Link Tapo C120 HD Smart Wi-Fi Video Camera 2K QHD
Tapo C120 Features and Options:
- Baby Cam, High Definition Wi-Fi Home Security Night Vision Camera, 2K QHD
- BabyCry Detection
- Baby motion and sound detection
- Baby motion and sound notification/ alerts
- Baby motion and sound recording
- Two-Way audio
- Wi-Fi Connectivity
- Remote monitoring – View From Anywhere
- Indoor or Outdoor use
- SD card slot for local recording
- Cloud storage (Free trial Optional)
- Works with Alexa & Google Home
- Tapo Mobile App
- Built-In dual spotlights
- Optional invisible infrared lights
- Easy Setup and Management – Manage everything with Tapo App
Where to Buy:
4. TP-Link Tapo C200 HD Smart Wi-Fi 360° Video Camera 1080P
Tapo C200 Features and Options:
- Baby Cam, High-Definition Video 360° Pan/Tilt Smart Security Camera, 1080p
- BabyCry Detection
- Baby motion and sound detection
- Baby motion and sound notification/ alerts
- Baby motion and sound recording
- Two-Way audio
- Wi-Fi Connectivity
- Remote monitoring – View From Anywhere
- Indoor only use
- SD card slot for local recording
- Cloud storage (Free trial Optional)
- Works with Alexa & Google Home
- Works with Alexa & Google Home
- Tapo Mobile App
- Easy Setup and Management – Manage everything with the Tapo App
Where to Buy:
5. TP-Link Tapo C210 HD Smart Wi-Fi 360° Camera 2K 3MP
Tapo C210 Features and Options:
- Baby Cam, High Definition 360° Pan/Tilt Home Security Wi-Fi Camera, 2K 3MP
- BabyCry Detection
- Baby motion and sound detection
- Baby motion and sound notification/ alerts
- Baby motion and sound recording
- Two-Way audio
- Wi-Fi Connectivity
- Remote monitoring – View From Anywhere
- Indoor use only
- SD card slot for local recording
- Cloud storage (Free trial Optional)
- Works with Alexa & Google Home
- Tapo Mobile App
- Easy Setup and Management – Manage everything with the Tapo App
Where to Buy:
6. TP-Link Tapo TC60 HD Smart Wi-Fi Video Camera 1080P
Tapo TC60 Features and Options:
- Baby Cam, High Definition Video Home Security Mini Smart Wi-Fi Camera, 1080p
- BabyCry Detection
- Baby motion and sound detection
- Baby motion and sound notification/ alerts
- Baby motion and sound recording
- Two-Way audio
- Wi-Fi Connectivity
- Remote monitoring – View From Anywhere
- Indoor use only
- SD card slot for local recording
- Cloud storage (Free trial Optional)
- Works with Alexa & Google Home
- Tapo Mobile App
- Easy Setup and Management – Manage everything with the Tapo App
Where to Buy:
7. TP-Link Tapo TC70 HD Smart Wi-Fi 360° Video Camera 1080P
Tapo TC70 Features and Options:
- Baby Cam, High-Definition Video 360° Pan/Tilt Indoor Wi-Fi Camera, 1080p
- BabyCry Detection
- Baby motion and sound detection
- Baby motion and sound notification/ alerts
- Baby motion and sound recording
- Two-Way audio
- Wi-Fi Connectivity
- Remote monitoring – View From Anywhere
- Indoor use only
- SD card slot for local recording
- Cloud storage (Free trial Optional)
- Works with Alexa & Google Home
- Tapo Mobile App
- Easy Setup and Management – Manage everything with the Tapo App
Where to Buy:
8. EZVIZ CS-BM1 Smart WiFi Battery-Powered Baby Monitor 1080P
EZVIZ CS-BM1 Baby Monitor Features and Options:
- Baby Monitor, WiFi Battery-Powered Smart Baby Monitor, 1080p
- Cry Detection
- Out-f-Crib Alerts
- Baby Activity Detection
- Auto-Play Soothing Music
- 2000 mAh all-night Battery
- Clear night Vision without Red light
- Wi-Fi Connectivity
- Remote Viewing – View From Anywhere
- SD card slot (Free)
- Cloud storage (Subscription required)
- Wireless – No cables
- Made with baby-safe materials
- Available Colours: Peachy Bunny (Pink) and Aqua Bear (Baby Blue)
- EZVIZ mobile App
Where to Buy:
Conclusion
Smart camera alternatives are no longer just a “budget” choice; they are often the more powerful choice. By opting for a brand like Tapo, you get a higher resolution and better AI features without the “pink tax” associated with nursery-specific products. Ultimately, the best alternative baby monitor depends on your specific needs, priorities, and budget. It is always a good idea to weigh the pros and cons of each option and select the one you feel will give you the most comfort and peace of mind. We believe the list of security alternatives and baby monitors we have provided will give you options and ideas for what you really need.
Questions People Ask
The answer is No. The vast amount of technology available these days means dedicated Baby monitors will be a thing of the past soon if not already. Security cameras with baby monitoring options do a better job, are cheaper, practical and full of options making them easy to use with your phone too.
Yes, almost all Security Baby monitors have sound and motion detection alerts. You can have your mobile phone screen off and still receive these alerts. If you feel better monitoring live, you can keep the screen on the entire time to monitor the video feed.
Yes, you will need to buy 2 or more of the same brand, to give you the ability to connect them through the phone App and monitor.
You can buy the Lollipop Baby Camera either from the Lollipop Website or on eBay. Lollipop does ship worldwide so you can still purchase from their website for UK delivery.
Yes. Most smart cameras like the Tapo C120 have a “Background Audio” mode. This allows you to lock your phone or use other apps while still hearing the audio from the nursery.
Many do. The Tapo C120 allow you to draw a virtual box on the screen (e.g., around the cot). If the baby moves outside that box, you get an immediate alert.
Most eputable brands use 256-bit encryption. To ensure maximum safety, always enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) and keep your camera’s firmware updated via the app.
If you use a Wi-Fi camera, you will lose the live feed on your phone. However, if you have a microSD card installed, the camera will often continue to record locally. For 100% reliability during outages, or if you live in an area prone to outages a dedicated bsby monitor is recommended.
