A full security system may be the peace of mind you and your loved ones need.
- Ring Stick Up Cam (Battery Operated) – Best Multipurpose Security Camera
- ADT Indoor Camera – Best for Monitored Home Security
- Mini WiFi Hidden Camera with Alarm – Best Hidden Nanny Cam
- Vivint Ping Camera – Safety.com Runner Up
- Nest Cam IQ Indoor – Safety.com Top Pick
What Is A Nanny Cam, Exactly?
A nanny camera is a security camera that watches your children or their caretakers when you’re away. They’re installed in common areas so parents can keep tabs on the babysitter, watch kids in another part of the house, or check on older kids home alone. If you’re shopping for a nanny cam and you’re looking for something that’s easy to set up, you have a few main categories of options: multipurpose self-monitored security cameras, hidden nanny cams and cameras that are part of a larger monitored home security system. In this guide, we’ll present options across all three categories and break down the pros and cons of each.
2019’s Leading Nanny Cams
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Our take
This indoor security camera presents a good mix of features, positive reviews, overall value and user-friendliness and can easily be used as a nanny cam. We like this Ring camera because it’s easily installed thanks to battery power and versatile indoor/outdoor mounting options. Plus, it works with Amazon Alexa voice commands. It has long battery life, but there’s also a wired version if you don’t want to deal with batteries.
Stand-out features include
- Works with Amazon Alexa
- 115-degree field of view
- Wireless & battery-powered
- 1080p HD video with two-way audio
- Motion detection & night vision
- Indoor/outdoor use with an optional solar panel charger (sold separately)
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Our take
The ADT Indoor security camera connects to your ADT security system to help protect your home. It’s built with motion detection, night vision and 720p HD video quality. When your camera detects activity, you’ll receive instant alerts to watch live footage from your smartphone. ADT wireless security cameras connect to a secure wireless network for secure video storage and playback.
Stand-out features include
- 90-degree field of view
- 720p HD video quality
- View real-time and historical footage via mobile device
- Connects to additional smart home and security equipment
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4. Vivint Ping Camera
Our take
Vivint is a monitored home security provider that is well-known for its innovative connected devices, and its indoor camera is no exception. The Ping Camera has top-of-the-line specs like a wide viewing angle and two-way audio, in addition to professional installation as part of a fully monitored home security system. Vivint also offers conveniences like month-to-month contracts and financing.
Stand-out features include
- 155-degree field of view
- 1080p HD video quality and two-way audio
- Connects to additional home security equipment
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5. Nest Cam IQ Indoor
Our take
This self-monitored security camera with built-in Google Assistant can be used on its own or with other Nest and Google products. This wireless security camera plugs into a standard wall outlet, connects to Wi-Fi and can send instant mobile alerts when motion is detected. Use the Nest app to playback up to three hours of snapshots and view live footage on your smartphone.
Stand-out features include
- 130-degree field of view
- 1080p HD video quality with two-way audio
- Includes built-in Google Assistant
- Connects to additional smart home and security equipment
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6. Zmodo Wi-Fi Home Security Camera
Our take
The Zmodo Wi-Fi security camera is a Wi-Fi is equipped with 720p HD video quality, a 115-degree field of view and two-way audio. You’ll be able to view real-time and historical camera footage using your smartphone and the Zmodo web portal in up to four places at one time. The Zmodo indoor security camera is also designed with customizable motion detection to prevent false alerts from pets or high-traffic areas in the home. And motion-detected video footage is stored on Zmodo’s cloud storage for 12 hours to playback and share for your convenience.
Stand-out features include
- 115-degree field of view
- 720p HD video quality
- Works with Amazon Alexa
- Equipped with two-way audio to speak with guests
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7. Canary All-In-One
Our take
True to its name, the Canary All-In-One is a 1080p HD security camera with a 90-decibel alarm that also monitors your home’s temperature, air quality and humidity. If you’re hoping for one self-monitored device that packs in as many smart features as possible, check out this affordably priced option with optional professional installation.
Stand-out features include
- 147-degree field of view
- 1080p HD video quality with two-way audio
- Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
- Includes a 90-decibel alarm
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8. Wyze Cam Pan
Our take
Wyze is a newcomer to the self-monitored security market but its small suite of cameras, sensors and smart light bulbs are quickly earning a reputation for their extreme affordability and high-end specifications. The Wyze Cam Pan is a standout because it’s mounted on a 360-degree swivel, which you can operate remotely to pan and zoom in on specific areas.
Stand-out features include
- 1080p HD video quality
- 120-degree field of view with two-way audio
- Motion detection & night vision
- Pan & zoom features
- Works with Amazon Alexa
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Nanny Camera FAQs
What’s the difference between a regular indoor security camera and a nanny cam?
Sometimes, nothing at all! Choose whichever security camera offers the functionality that you’re looking for in a nanny cam, whether it’s specifically designated as a nanny cam or not.
Are nanny cams legal? Do I have to tell the babysitter if I have one?
Good question, since the exact laws vary from state to state. The cameras themselves aren’t illegal, but it depends on how you use them. In many places, it is legal to record the common areas of your own house, but you need to check the laws to know for sure whether or not you’re abiding by them.
How can I get a monitored home security system with a nanny cam?
With a monitored home security system, you have a 24/7 emergency response team that receives alerts if a smoke, carbon monoxide, glass break, motion sensor or another alarm in your home is triggered. When your system has an integrated security camera, you’ll be able to monitor that security feed and receive automated notifications about it from your home security app. Your response team snaps into action if there’s some kind of security issue detected at your property, but they’re not monitoring your camera feed or your kids. Home security response centers protect your privacy and they are not a substitute for adult supervision.
