The Philips Avent SCD560/10 Baby Monitor is a top-of-the-line audio monitor, with crystal-clear sound, interference-free DECT technology, and a long range. It’s also packed with nice convenience features that include an intercom, lullabies, a temperature and humidity sensor, a night-light and even a feeding timer. Even when it’s muted, the LED lights allow you to “listen” in on your baby.

Reviewers laud the Motorola MBP36 Digital Video Baby Monitor for admirable performance where it counts: clear video images, even at night. Sound quality is also top-notch. The monitor offers some nice-to-have extras including an intercom, lullabies and a temperature sensor. Best of all? The camera can pan, tilt and zoom with whisper-quiet precision, experts say.

In the expanding market for motion-detection monitors, the Angelcare AC401 Deluxe Movement and Sound Monitor remains one of the best. Parents say its movement-tracking sensor eases their nerves, and experts are impressed with sound quality, range and extra features including sound activation, a temperature sensor and vibration alerts.

The Withings Smart Baby Monitor was one of the first of a burgeoning number of smartphone-compatible monitors. It has a formidable list of features, including customizable night-lights, an intercom and lullabies. More importantly, image and sound quality are good, reviewers say. The Withings is also easy to set up and operate, requiring little special technical knowledge from its owner.