• 2K resolution
• Zoom function
• Good smart home support
• Two-way audio
• Night vision

• Some nice features locked behind subscription

Arlo’s top-end Pro 5S cam has hit the top of other home camera lists, but for this focus, we’re choosing the Essential Indoor Cam’s latest model. It’s much more affordable and is focused on indoor monitoring with several key benefits for nanny cam purposes. The 2K resolution and zooming functions are excellent for capturing details, especially if you’re watching over a large space like a living room/dining room area.

We found the night vision on this camera to be high quality and had no problems communicating over the two-way audio. Plus, we like Arlo’s direct smart home support, which includes Alexa, Google Assistant and Samsung SmartThings. Arlo typically benefits a lot from a subscription plan (starting at $8 per month) to store video in the cloud, detect alarm sounds and a few other extras. We’re not rating video storage as a must-have for these picks because nanny cams benefit more from live viewing and communication, so you can consider this cam a subscription-free option if you want to save.

• Pan/til for 360-degree viewing
• Very affordable
• Audio and motion detection
• Video storage options

• No zoom
• Video storage will cost extra

We love the C210 for its incredible affordability combined with nearly every feature an indoor security camera needs, including night vision, two-way audio and built-in audio detection (useful for hearing babies cry, dogs bark, etc.) along with motion detection, at no extra charge. Also, pan/tilt features are excellent for following movement around a large room and making sure you don’t miss any happenings.

This cam also provides a choice between signing up for a subscription plan to get video storage or buying a microSD card for local storage. Again, storage isn’t quite as important on nanny cams where live views are a focus, but it’s excellent to see the choice.

Note that if you don’t want or need a pan/tilt cam,there’s also the Tapo C120, which costs a bit more but swaps pan/tilt features for a much better 2K resolution and better objection detection, a worthwhile trade for some homes.

• 2K resolution
• Pan/tilt capabilities
• Room-wide night vision
• Two-way audio

• Mounting with the magnetic base is a little awkward
• No battery version

Lorex brings several quality features to the table with an ideal nanny cam option for those who want a bit more than our pan/tilt Tapo option. The 2K resolution remains an excellent choice for better detail, while the night vision reaches far enough for the average living or bedroom. Plus, the pan/tilt features combine well with the person detection so you always have a good idea of what’s going on. Two-way audio and Alexa/Google Assistant support also round off this cam nicely.

One of our favorite things about Lorex cams is that they’re strictly subscription-free and don’t rely on cloud storage (which can raise privacy concerns for some parents). A 16GB microSD card is included with the purchase, but you can upgrade that as you see fit. There’s also a privacy feature that covers the cam lens entirely, which some nanny cam users may prefer to guarantee privacy.

• Portable and weather resistant
• Great field of view
• Color night vision
• Two-way audio with noise cancellation

• 1080p resolution is a bit low for the price

Your kids don’t stay in the same place (or sometimes even the same dimension), but you have the option to spend more and get a high-end battery camera that you can position anywhere. The Ring Stick Up Cam Pro is one of our favorite picks for this job, with a reliable battery and shelf-mounting design that lets you take it from a child’s bedroom to the living or gaming room to the patio -- and anywhere else they may go. It’s weather resistant enough to spend a night in the rain too, so you don’t have to worry about forgetting it outside, and if you ever find a permanent spot then you can also mount the cam.

That versatility is backed up by great color night vision, two-way audio and an especially broad 155-degree field of view for capturing every detail. The “bird’s eye” option allows you to see visual tracking for movement over time, while the two-way audio is some of the best around with its noise cancellation.

We do wish that the resolution was higher than HD, and you are limited to Alexa (part of being an Amazon brand), but this is an excellent higher-end option for keeping an eye on loved ones no matter where they’re spending their time. Just keep an eye on battery life notifications so you know when to recharge.

• Easy voice chats
• Versatile touchscreen
• Quick contact options
• Music streaming support
• Trial of Amazon Kids Library

• Poor video quality compared to security cams
• May be too invasive for some users

Two-way audio is a practical feature for any nanny cam, but if you prefer more interaction with kids (or pets, or grandmas), then you should consider asmart display alternative instead. This Echo Show 5 allows you to video chat at a moment’s notice and drop in quickly to say goodnight, wave goodbye, or check on a temper tantrum. You can use the Alexa app from your phone or another Echo device to make contact at any time, and if you have a compatible security camera you can look at live views from the Echo Show whenever you want.

The downside is that the video chat cam is very limited compared to a home security camera. In return, you have a full screen that you can use to watch shows or clips, speakers that can connect to your favorite music services and a touchscreen that enables anything from games to finding a perfect recipe video. Alexa is there to ask for help on homework or other details (with some built-in mutes and privacy shutters, too). The kid’s version comes with a year’s subscription to Amazon Kids+ with its library of kid-friendly content and parental controls, usually $5 a month.