In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

VTech DM111 Review

An affordable monitor set that gets the job done without any fuss
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VTech DM111 Review
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $30 List
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Manufacturer:   Vtech
By Juliet Spurrier, MD & Wendy Schmitz  ⋅  Sep 29, 2023
65
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#6 of 6
  • Sound Clarity - 30% 6.8
  • Ease of Use - 25% 10.0
  • Range - 20% 7.3
  • Battery Life - 15% 1.0
  • Features - 10% 3.3

Our Verdict

The VTech DM111 is a no-nonsense top-ranked baby monitor designed to transmit sound from one component to another without many features. This product gets the job done with better-than-average sound clarity and an impressive range. It's user-friendly, but its simplicity might not tick all the boxes for parents seeking features like two-way talk to comfort their baby from a different room. However, the best thing about this product is its lower price tag, meaning all families can afford a monitor that allows them to hear the baby for a better night's sleep. If your budget is tight or you are looking for a secondary monitor for travel, this top-ranked sound monitor is likely the ticket.
REASONS TO BUY
Easy to use
Nice range
Inexpensive
REASONS TO AVOID
Limited features
Short battery life
You can also get this monitor with two-parent units. Check out the VTech DM 112-2.

Editor's Note: This gear review was given a refresh on September 29, 2023. With new products added to the sound monitor review, we detail how this product compares so you can select the perfect monitor for your needs.

Compare to Similar Products

 
vtech dm111
This Product
VTech DM111
Awards  Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Sound Baby Monitor
Best Value Award
Best Budget-Friendly Option
  
Price $30 List
$15.69 at Amazon
Check Price at Amazon$36 List
$32.99 at Amazon
$40 List
$38.95 at Amazon
$30 List
$29.99 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
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Bottom Line Priced nicely for the tightest budgets and gets the job done without added featuresA well-rounded sound monitor that comes with two parent unitsAn adorable, inexpensive sound monitorAwesome sound with lots of features that is a winning choice for almost any familyA sound monitor with a performance that falls short
Rating Categories VTech DM111 VTech DM1211 TimeFlys QQ Portable VTech DM221 Motorola AM24
Sound Clarity (30%)
6.8
8.0
7.5
9.5
7.3
Ease of Use (25%)
10.0
9.1
9.1
5.5
6.1
Range (20%)
7.3
8.8
5.3
5.5
6.0
Battery Life (15%)
1
10.0
10.0
10.0
10.0
Features (10%)
3.3
8.7
10.0
8.7
6.2
Specs VTech DM111 VTech DM1211 TimeFlys QQ Portable VTech DM221 Motorola AM24
Indoor Range Test (Walls & Feet) 7 Walls
98 Feet
7 Walls
170+ Feet
7 Walls
115 Feet
5 Walls
90 Feet
7 Walls
110 Feet
Open Field Range Test 1350 Feet 1180 Feet 575 Feet 1325 Feet 750 Feet
Manufacturer's Claimed Range (*Buyer Beware!) Not Listed 1500 Feet 1000 Feet 1000 Feet 1000 Feet
Communication Technology DECT 6.0 Digital Technology DECT 6.0 Digital Technology DECT 6.0 Digital Technology DECT 6.0 Digital Technology DECT 6.0 Digital Technology
Sound Activation No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Adjustable Mic Sensitivity No Yes Yes Yes No
Sound Filtering Test Results Very Poor Excellent Excellent Excellent Average
Two-Way Talk No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Max Sound 104 dB 93 dB 92 dB 103 dB 87 dB
Temperature No No Yes No Yes
Battery Type AAA Rechargable Rechargable Rechargable Rechargable
Nursery Unit Battery Backup No No Yes No No
EMF @ 6 Feet Nursery Unit 2.63 V/m 1.07 V/m 1.38 V/m 3.11 V/m 1.01 V/m
Night Light No Yes Yes Yes No
Lullaby Music No No Yes No No
Out Of Range Alert Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Vibrate Alert No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Warranty 1 Year 1 year 1 Year 1 year

Our Analysis and Test Results

Originating in Hong Kong in 1976, the VTech company has expanded to over ten different regions worldwide. The company's mission is to develop innovative and quality products while maintaining affordability. VTech's North American operation is one of the top three companies in cordless phones. In addition, VTech is also the manufacturer of many different best baby monitors, both sound and video.

Performance Comparison


vtech dm111 - the sound clarity for the dm111 isn't super impressive, but for the...
The sound clarity for the DM111 isn't super impressive, but for the price, it is hard to quibble with no distortion and bright sounds with a sound filtering option that works well.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Sound Clarity


In the world of the best sound monitors, the DM111 outshines certain competitors in this particular metric, but it doesn't surpass them all.


The DM111 proves you don't need to spend a lot to get good sound quality. It impresses with a maximum volume reading of 103.6 dB, surpassing the decibel levels of some monitors. It also has very little interference and static, and the tones it produces offer a range without the dreaded tinny quality that can occur with some monitors.

vtech dm111 - with a power button and volume controls, the vtech dm111 parent unit...
With a power button and volume controls, the VTech DM111 parent unit is easy to use with almost no opportunity for mistakes.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Use


In this specific metric, the DM111 emerges as a superstar.


This monitor's simplicity is its strength when it comes to ease of use, as there isn't much to it. It works right out of the box when you plug it in and turn it on. There is no need to pair the parent and child unit; you can start using it immediately. The child unit has a single power button, and the parent unit has power and up and down volume buttons. These buttons are easy to use and find in the dark, and there isn't much chance of making a mistake, even in a sleep-induced haze. However, it's worth noting that being this easy to use often translates to minimal features. But it's so user-friendly that even Grandma and Grandpa won't break a sweat trying to figure it out.

vtech dm111 - the range for the dm111 is better than most with only 2 products...
The range for the DM111 is better than most with only 2 products scoring higher in this metric.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Range


The DM111 performs about average for range distance.


The manufacturer doesn't make claims for the range of this monitor. In our tests, we were able to keep a connection of some kind up to 1,350 feet in a line-of-sight test. We maintained a connection through 7 walls and 98 feet for the indoor range. The connection was past the 6th wall, but it was still trying after the 9th wall. This distance is relatively impressive, given this unit's low price. This range should work for most families, with the longer ranges working through 8 or 9 walls and up to 165 feet.

vtech dm111 - you'll want to leave the dm111 plugged in as often as you can as the...
You'll want to leave the DM111 plugged in as often as you can as the battery life is under 13 hours and it requires AAA batteries.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Battery Life


The DM111 faces some challenges in this metric due to its reliance on batteries.


The DM111 operates on AAA batteries instead of rechargeable batteries, and the manufacturer claims it can last up to 13 hours of battery life. However, you may find yourself frequently changing batteries or investing in a minimum of two sets of rechargeable AAA batteries. That way, one set can be in use while the other set charges. On the upside, the baby unit also has backup batteries to allow both monitor parts to run without electricity.

vtech dm111 - the vtech dm111 doesn't offer many features, but it does have a...
The Vtech DM111 doesn't offer many features, but it does have a handy belt clip.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Features


The DM111 has a no-frills design for simple, straightforward monitoring without the frustration of a complicated user interface or a plethora of features you are unlikely to use.


This plain Jane monitor has no advanced features, so you'll need to look elsewhere if you are looking for those. It offers features that help it operate and relay information to the parent, such as low battery alert, out-of-range indicator, mute sleep mode, belt clip, and sound level indicator.

Something that is lacking on this device that we think is important is sound activation. This feature ensures that the parent unit remains quiet unless the baby is actively making noise. This feature helps parents get a better night's sleep without listening to the white noise coming from the baby's room. This feature may not be important to you. If you sleep easily as soon as your head hits the pillow, no matter what is happening around you, you may not think this feature is essential. It is also missing two-way talk-to-baby communication that some parents feel is necessary. In our experience, many parents find they don't use this feature often or rarely after the novelty has worn off.

EMF


In terms of EMF emissions, DM111 performed relatively poorly, with a higher reading, an EMF of 2.63 V/m at 6 ft from the unit.


With a higher reading, you can decrease the baby's exposure to EMF by placing the monitor as far from the crib as possible and unplugging the unit when not in use.

Should You Buy the VTech DM111?


While VTech DM111 allows you to hear what's happening in your baby's room, it doesn't offer many features. It could be handy for specific situations, such as if you need a bare-bones monitor to supplement a top-ranked movement monitor, a monitor for travel, or an option to use at a grandparent's house where simplicity is key. But, we suggest exploring other options that offer a more comprehensive experience for everyday monitoring needs.

What Other Sound Monitor Should You Consider?


Several options in the lineup offer more than the DM111. The VTech DM1211 is a standout choice for a well-rounded performance across the board. The VTech DM221 offers the best sound clarity in the group, with a minor price increase. Tech-savvy parents looking for an app-driven monitor with baby-centric features may like the Hatch Rest+. Alternatively, if you're mindful of your budget but still want a monitor that doesn't compromise on features, the TimeFlys QQ Portable is one to consider.

Manufacturer Video



Juliet Spurrier, MD & Wendy Schmitz