The Motorola MBP36S is the best baby monitor for our family. After days of shopping for the perfect monitor, we chose this one, and we made the right choice. Without spending several hundred dollars, this is definitely the best working, most reliable monitor. Here's why:
PROS
Clear, quality picture in day and night vision mode. -- I am able to see my baby breathing with the camera located across the room. The daytime video is in full color. I wasn't convinced that a 3.5" monitor would give me the picture results that I wanted, but I couldn't hope for more from the picture reliability.
Durability -- The second day of owning this unit, I dropped the monitor from about 4 feet. The unit withstood the impact flawlessly and has survived every bump and drop since. I never dropped the camera, but I am impressed by the solid feel of both the camera and monitor. I don't feel like i paid for a bunch of cheap plastic.
Sound quality -- My son's voice comes through crystal clear on the monitor even at max distance from the camera. I was also pleasantly impressed with the quality of the microphone on the monitor which allows you to speak to the child through the camera. The first time my husband spoke to me through the camera, I thought he was in the room. There are also small green and red lights that light up when the baby makes noise so I can easily tell if the noise I heard came from his room or one of the cats in my room. This is an awesome feature!
Battery Length -- I've been using this camera for about two months, and the battery seems just as strong as it was when I got it. To save the battery, when you unplug it the screen will shut off after a period of 5, 30, or 60 minutes (which you choose). If you keep the monitor plugged in, the screen stays on. The audio stays on until the battery dies or the monitor is turned off. The monitor also beeps obnoxiously when the battery is dying, which I think is a good feature since I'd probably ignore it otherwise.
Great range -- I take the monitor with me when I check the mail, weed the garden, and split firewood. I am fully confident in the range of this monitor all around my house, garage, and most of my yard.
Able to pan and tilt and zoom -- This is the ONLY monitor that I found within a similar price range that could pan and tilt. From anywhere in my house, I can rotate the camera to view any part of his room. I can also zoom in to 2x to keep a closer watch on my little guy. Again, I can see him breathing when I zoom in. The camera adjusts quickly while panning and zooming in the room.
Easy setup and use -- I literally charged both devices, turned them on, and we were good to go. The camera has to stay plugged in, and the second I turn the monitor on I can see my son's room. Getting the hang of using the controls on the monitor wasn't an issue at all. This monitor is self-explanatory.
Perfect connection -- I have never lost connection with the camera. I have no doubts that I am hearing and seeing my son all night long.
Able to connect up to four cameras -- I currently only use one camera, but I love that this monitor can grow with my family.
Temperature display -- The monitor tells me what the temperature is in my son's room. This has been a lifesaver through this hot summer. It also means I can check it without entering the room to wake my son.
Bonus Features -- The camera also has five lullabies that you can use the monitor to play through the camera. I haven't needed this feature yet since my son is so young. Additionally, this monitor has an alarm for 2, 4, and 6 hours. I have not used this feature either since I am in the habit of using my phone for alarms. These had no weight in my decision to purchase this monitor, but they are nice perks that didn't cost anything extra.
CONS
Battery Life -- The battery is supposed to last for 19 hours, but what isn't clear is that the 19 hours is likely only for audio. If you have the video on the whole time (keep turning off the timed shutoff), the battery lasts closer to 3 to 4 hours. The actual battery life is more of a pro in my opinion, but I am listing it as a con because I felt a bit misled.
Nothing -- Honestly, I dug deep to try to come up with any other complaints I have with this product, but I can't. The Motorola MBP36S baby monitor is exactly what I hoped for and expected. I will update if I have problems with the monitor in the future, but currently I am fully sold that this is the best baby monitor on the market (without spending a lot more money).
OVERALL
If you want a monitor you won't regret purchasing, this is it.
| Compatible Devices | Smartphone |
|---|---|
| Power Source | Rechargable Battery |
| Connectivity Protocol | Wi-Fi |
| Controller Type | Android |
| Mounting Type | Wall Mount |
| Video Capture Resolution | 720p |
| Color | black |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Included Components | 3.5" Digital Video Baby Monitor |
| Number of Channels | 4 |
| Wireless Communication Technology | Wi-Fi |
| Form Factor | Dome |
| Material | crystal |
| Voltage | 1 Volts |
| Wattage | 1 watts |
| Item dimensions L x W x H | 1 x 1 x 1 inches |
| Batteries Required? | No |
| Item Weight | 1 Pounds |
| Low light technology | Night Color |
| Zoom Type | Digital |
| Alert Type | out_of_range |
| Room Type | Nursery |
| Light Source Type | Infrared |
| Video Capture Format | MPEG-4 |
| Specific Uses For Product | Surveillance |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| International Protection Rating | IP54 |
| Control Method | Remote |
| Product Dimensions | 1 x 1 x 1 inches |
| Item model number | MBP36S |
| Batteries | 3 AAA batteries required. (included) |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Target gender | Unisex |
| Material Type | crystal |
| Additional product features | Wireless, night vision |
| Style | 1-Camera |
| Battery life | 3.5 Hours |
| Standing screen display size | 3.5 Inches |
| Display type | LCD |
| Sensor technology | nightvision |
| Dishwasher safe | No |
| Is portable | No |
| Item Weight | 1 pounds |
