Best Nanny Cams of 2025

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.  

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.

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:

• 4 Things to Know before Getting a Nanny Cam
• The Best Baby Monitors
• How to Build a Smart Nursery for Your Baby
• Smart Home Automation Devices to Get You through the Toddler Years

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.

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.

1. Upcounsel, “Video Surveillance Laws by State: Everything You Need to Know,” June 2020. Accessed December 15, 2024.
2. Digital Media Law Project, “Recording Phone Calls and Conversations,”Accessed December 15, 2024.
3. United States Department of Justice, “1050. Scope of 18 U.S.C. § 2511 Prohibitions,” January 2020. Accessed December 15, 2024.