The report card
- Sound quality25% of score7.6
High-sensitivity microphone that Mumsnet testers found picked up sounds with minimal interference.
- Range & reliability25% of score7.6
DECT with a quoted range of up to 300m, plus an out-of-range alarm according to Mumsnet.
- Battery & portability15% of score5.2
Mumsnet's testers ran it from the mains; Motorola notes batteries for portable use aren't included.
- Useful extras15% of score4.6
Volume indicator and eco mode, but no talk-back, temperature display or night light.
- Ease of use10% of score8.8
Very simple to set up and use.
- Value10% of score8.8
Usually around £20 or less.
The full review
Motorola's AM21 is about as basic as a digital monitor gets, and at its usual price that's no bad thing. Mumsnet named it its best baby monitor under £20, and its testers found the microphone sensitive, with minimal interference.
It uses DECT, with a quoted range of up to 300m, and Motorola says one baby unit can connect to two parent units, which is handy if you want one upstairs and one down. Mumsnet also points to a visual volume indicator, an eco mode and an out-of-range alarm.
The limitations are clear. There's no talk-back, no temperature display and no night light. Mumsnet's testers ran the parent unit from the mains, and while Motorola describes it as portable, it notes that batteries aren't included, so check what you'll need before relying on it in the garden.
Pros and cons
What I like
- Usually around £20 or less
- DECT sound with a sensitive microphone
- Out-of-range alarm and eco mode
- One baby unit can connect to two parent units
What I don't
- No talk-back, temperature display or night light
- Batteries for portable use not included
Key specs
- Technology
- DECT digital
- Range
- Up to 300m (1,000ft)
- Parent units
- One baby unit can connect to two
- Microphone
- High sensitivity
- Talk-back
- No
- Batteries
- Not included
What I read
This is a research-led review. These are the main sources behind the scores, alongside patterns in verified owner reviews. How I review.