This baby monitor was a baby shower gift, and honestly, I didn’t think much about it at the time. Fifteen months later, it’s one of the things I’ve used the most, every single day. It still works well, I still use it wirelessly around the house, and the battery still charges just fine.
Here’s my honest review after more than a year of real use.
Quick verdict: A reliable, no-Wi-Fi baby monitor with a 5″ screen, a camera you can move from the parent unit, two-way talk and soothing sounds. The image is good, not the sharpest. If you want something simple, private and long-lasting, it’s a great choice.
Key Specs at a Glance
| VTech VM924 | |
|---|---|
| Connection | No Wi-Fi: private, encrypted link between camera and parent unit |
| Parent screen | 5″ |
| Camera | Pan 360°, tilt 132° and up to 2x zoom from the parent unit |
| Battery (parent unit) | Rechargeable, up to 17 hours of video, up to 31 hours in audio-only mode |
| Range | Up to 1,000 ft |
| Sounds | 5 lullabies and 4 soothing sounds, including white noise |
| Two-way talk | Yes |
| Night vision | Yes, infrared |
| Temperature | Room temperature shown on the parent unit |
| Sound lights | 3-level lights on the parent unit that show how loud your baby is crying |
Specs from VTech’s Amazon listing. My experience is below.
What I Love After 15 Months
- It’s still going strong. After more than a year of daily use, it still works great, and the battery still holds a charge.
- I use it wirelessly all the time. I carry the parent unit around the house while my baby naps, and I don’t depend on Wi-Fi or an app.
- The sound lights are my favorite feature. On the parent unit there are lights that change depending on how hard my baby is crying. Even with the volume low, one glance tells me if it’s a little fuss or real crying.
- Sounds, music and white noise. It has several options to help my baby settle without me going into the room.
- The camera moves. From the parent unit I can turn the camera and zoom in to check on my baby without getting up.
- Two-way talk. Sometimes a soft “I’m here” from the parent unit is enough.
- No Wi-Fi means more privacy. The video doesn’t go through the internet.
What Could Be Better
- The image is good, not perfect. It’s clear enough to see what my baby is doing, but it’s not the sharpest picture, especially when you zoom in.
- The battery doesn’t last as long as advertised. It still holds a charge after 15 months, but in my experience it lasts less than the 17 hours VTech lists, and charging is slow. Plug it in whenever you can.
- No phone app. That’s what keeps it private, but you can’t check on your baby when you’re away from home.
Who It’s For
- Parents who want a simple, private, no-Wi-Fi monitor
- Families who want to move around the house with the parent unit
- Anyone looking for a great baby shower gift (it’s the one I got!)
Not ideal for: parents who need to watch from their phone when they’re away from home, or who want very high-definition video.
Tips for Using a Baby Monitor Safely
- Place the camera at least 3 feet away from the crib, with all cables out of reach.
- A monitor is a helper, but it doesn’t replace safe sleep: baby on their back, on a firm, flat mattress, with nothing else in the crib.
- Keep the parent unit charged, or plugged in at night.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the VTech VM924 need Wi-Fi? No. The camera connects directly to the parent unit through a private connection. No app or internet needed.
How long does the battery last? VTech lists up to 17 hours of video per charge (up to 31 hours in audio-only mode).
Can you move the camera from the parent unit? Yes. You can turn it and zoom in from the parent unit, so you don’t have to go into the room.
Is it a good baby shower gift? I think so. It’s something you’ll use every day for a long time. Mine is still going strong after more than a year.
The Bottom Line
The VTech VM924 was a gift I didn’t know I’d love this much. Fifteen months later, it still works great, and features like the cry-level lights and the movable camera make everyday life easier. The image could be sharper, but for a simple, private, reliable monitor, I’d recommend it to any new parent.
Comparing options? See my guide to the best baby monitors.
Written by Raf’s Mom
Baby and mom gear from real experience. Dog guides built from vet advice and owner reviews.
