REASONS TO BUY
Good range
Sound quality
Two parent units
User-friendly
REASONS TO AVOID
Baby unit must be plugged in
VTech DM1211 Review
A sound monitor with two parent units that checks most of the must-have boxes
Credit: Abriah Wofford
RELATED: Best Audio Baby Monitors
Our Verdict
The VTech DM1211 is a top choice among the best sound monitors, especially for user-friendliness and range. From the get-go, it won't give you any problems, thanks to its straightforward user interface. From our experience, it has been consistently trouble-free to navigate. What also sets the DM1211 apart from others is its sound clarity and valuable features like sound filtering and adjustable microphone sensitivity. Additional features include night light functionality, sound level indicators, vibration, audible alerts, and more. These features let you tailor the device to your preferences and needs. Overall, we consider the VTech DM1211 a strong contender that's likely to please most parents looking to monitor a slumbering baby.
Editor's Note: GearLab conducted an update to the DM1211 review on September 29, 2023.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
VTech DM1211 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Overall Sound Baby Monitor |  Best Budget-Friendly Option | |||
| Price | Check Price at Amazon | $36 List $32.99 at Amazon | $40 List $38.95 at Amazon | $30 List $29.99 at Amazon | $30 List $15.69 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | A well-rounded sound monitor that comes with two parent units | An adorable, inexpensive sound monitor | Awesome sound with lots of features that is a winning choice for almost any family | A sound monitor with a performance that falls short | Priced nicely for the tightest budgets and gets the job done without added features |
| Rating Categories | VTech DM1211 | TimeFlys QQ Portable | VTech DM221 | Motorola AM24 | VTech DM111 |
| Sound Clarity (30%) | |||||
| Ease of Use (25%) | |||||
| Range (20%) | |||||
| Battery Life (15%) | |||||
| Features (10%) | |||||
| Specs | VTech DM1211 | TimeFlys QQ Portable | VTech DM221 | Motorola AM24 | VTech DM111 |
| Indoor Range Test (Walls & Feet) | 7 Walls 170+ Feet |
7 Walls 115 Feet |
5 Walls 90 Feet |
7 Walls 110 Feet |
7 Walls 98 Feet |
| Open Field Range Test | 1180 Feet | 575 Feet | 1325 Feet | 750 Feet | 1350 Feet |
| Manufacturer's Claimed Range (*Buyer Beware!) | 1500 Feet | 1000 Feet | 1000 Feet | 1000 Feet | Not Listed |
| 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 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Adjustable Mic Sensitivity | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Sound Filtering Test Results | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Average | Very Poor |
| Two-Way Talk | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Max Sound | 93 dB | 92 dB | 103 dB | 87 dB | 104 dB |
| Temperature | No | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Battery Type | Rechargable | Rechargable | Rechargable | Rechargable | AAA |
| Nursery Unit Battery Backup | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| EMF @ 6 Feet Nursery Unit | 1.07 V/m | 1.38 V/m | 3.11 V/m | 1.01 V/m | 2.63 V/m |
| Night Light | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Lullaby Music | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Out Of Range Alert | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Vibrate Alert | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 Year | 1 year | 1 Year |
Show full specification details ▼Hide full specification details ▲
Our Analysis and Test Results
Founded in 1976 in Hong Kong, VTech has since expanded its presence across several different regions worldwide. The company remains committed to developing affordable electronics that blend innovation and quality. VTech has established itself as a prominent manufacturer of cordless phones and a wide range of baby monitoring devices, including sound and video options.
Performance Comparison
The DM1211 had a decent performance for sound clarity in our tests.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Sound Clarity
The VTech DM1211 falls in the middle of the pack for sound clarity.
We recorded a maximum volume level of 93 dB for the parent unit, which is louder than some contenders. Interestingly, the volume will spike, or in other words, jump back and forth between a slightly lower volume and full volume setting, and this can be helpful to get your attention when your baby is crying. As for sound quality, the parent unit is decently clear, including the mid to high tones. However, we did notice some distortion in the low and bass sounds. We appreciate that the monitor reduces background noise to filter out ambient noises and focus on important sounds. This feature will kick in after 10-15 seconds, and the parent unit will go quiet. If a sound occurs in the nursery, the parent unit will activate.
The VTech DM1211 has a straightforward user interface.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Ease of Use
This product takes little to no time to set up; it's essentially a plug-and-play situation. It is also easy to use. These qualities helped the VTech DM1211 secure a solid, high-ranking place in this metric.
We had no problems navigating the interface, and the button labeling was clear. The user manual was helpful in finding extra information about the product and its features.
Range
The VTech DM1211 delivered a solid performance in our range tests.
The manufacturer claims a range of 1,500 feet. In our open field test, however, it only reached 1180 feet before the sound cut out, and we could no longer make out what was on the speaker. Interestingly, though, this distance is better than most of the competition. In our indoor test, it made it through 7 walls and over 170 feet, and that is a remarkable performance with flying colors.
The VTech DM1211 has a rechargeable battery.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Battery Life
The parent unit operates either on its rechargeable battery or through AC power, and the cord is long enough to access various outlets within a reasonable distance. The nursery unit is all about the cord life; it comes with an AC adapter and must be plugged in for power.
For extended monitoring periods, relying on AC power is recommended as the battery power is better suited for short timeframes only. The DM1211 user manual mentions that the parent unit achieves a full charge after 3 hours of continuous charging, and it charges faster when the device is powered off. Therefore, planning for a full charge beforehand might be necessary if you plan on carrying the monitor throughout your home during your baby's naptime.
The VTech DM1211 has a soothing night light glow.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Features
The VTech DM1211 offers several desirable features.
Here are some features it offers:
- Multiple alert options, either visual LED, auditory, or vibration
- LED visual sound indicator, which displays a color bar from green to red, showing the level of sound in the nursery
- Adjustable microphone sensitivity
- Two-way communication
- Night light & remote night light activation
- Page button on the side of the baby unit to alert the parent unit in the event you lose it around the house
- Low battery indicator
- Out-of-range alert
- Mute
- Sleep mode
- Belt clip
It's worth noting that an audio reminder feature is preset to “on.” When you turn on the parent unit, it will play an audio reminder. If you prefer not to have this feature, it's possible to turn it off in the menu.
We took EMF readings for all the sound monitors. In this video, the VTech DM1211 sits roughly six feet away on the nightstand.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
EMF
The highest EMF emissions of the VTech DM1211 sound monitor is 1.07 V/m. This reading places this competitor on the lower end of the top-ranked sound monitor competition. This is a notable positive for parents worried about potential exposure to higher levels of EMF.
We experienced no problems navigating the VTech DM1211.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Should You Buy the VTech DM1211?
The VTech DM1211 is a compelling option for most parents looking for a sound monitor. It's a great everyday option with must-have features, impressive range, and sound quality that will make you feel like you're right there in the nursery. We also appreciate that it comes with an additional parent unit. For those who want simplicity without sacrificing quality, we think you will enjoy this monitor. It offers peace of mind without excessive technology.
What Other Sound Monitor Should You Consider?
If the VTech DM1211 doesn't fit your needs, there are other options to explore. The Hatch Rest+ is a multifunctional option offering many unique features. It might appeal to parents looking for more customization and versatility; however, you will pay more for this device. Alternatively, the TimeFlys QQ Portable offers performance, essential features, and the icing on the cake: it's affordable.
—
Juliet Spurrier, MD & Molly Bradac
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