VTech DM221-2 Sound Sensitive LED Baby Monitor

Last updated: January 5, 2022


This baby monitor lacks a video monitor, but it still features excellent sound quality, battery life and affordability. We like that you get two parent units for dual-monitoring with visual cues for sound level and a two-way talk option for comforting your baby. The parent units are cordless (with rechargeableĀ batteries) and can also be programmed to beep if they lose touch with the baby unit or need to be recharged. We found them to be handy for attaching to your belt or keeping with you as you move around the house.

VTech DM221-2 Sound Sensitive LED Baby Monitor

We looked at the top Baby Monitors and dug through the reviews from some of the most popular review sites. Through this analysis, we've determined the best Baby Monitor you should buy.

Product Details

Key Takeaway: It's easy to take the two parent units around the house with you as you use this baby monitor.

In our analysis of 38 expert reviews, the VTech Sound Sensitive LED Baby Monitor placed 8th when we looked at the top 15 products in the category. For the full ranking, see below.

From The Manufacturer

This configuration includes two parent units (monitor) and one baby unit (audio monitor). DECT 6.0 provides crystal clear transmission, eliminating the annoying white noise you hear from analog monitors. 5-level sound indicator – graphic bars on the parent unit indicate the level of sound in your baby’s room so you can visually monitor the noise level with the unit muted. Sometimes all your baby needs is to hear the sound of your voice – comfort your infant with the 2-way talk-back intercom. Rechargeable batteries provide parent unit with up to 18 hours of monitoring time on a single charge, or use two AAA batteries (not included). Go hands free with the belt clip on the parent unit – carry the parent unit everywhere you go without the hassle of holding it. The operating range of the parent unit is up to 1,000 feet outdoors or 160 feet indoors. Parent unit can be set to beep if: (1) link between the parent unit and the baby unit is lost, and/or (2) rechargeable battery is low.

Expert Reviews


What reviewers liked

The DM221 has excellent sound clarity with some of the best and loudest sounds in the group. This monitor has sound activation and two-way talk to baby, the two most sought after features in monitors. If that isn't enough to sway you it has a remotely controlled nightlight, belt clip, and mute features.
It has crisp sound and better talk-back functionality than the best video monitors we found, as well as a longer range and better battery life than our video picks. It easily beats out its audio-only competitors for various basic reasons like being cordless, rechargeable, or less expensive.
The 5 level sound indicator is an amazing feature of this monitor. The sound is visually indicated so that you are able to monitor the amount of sound that your baby is making. Crystal clear transmission is provided by the DECT 6.0 feature. If you want to take this monitor with you, all it takes is a quick plug in and go! No complicated setup or fuss to worry about.

What reviewers didn't like

It has a short range.
For most people, losing video is a major sacrifice, and we think most parents looking for a first monitor will prefer being able to do a visual check-in on a baby.
Parents have noted that the monitor requires constant relinking leading to a loss of sound. Luckily, it only takes a couple of seconds to relink the devices. Unlike most audio-only monitors, the VTech DM221 Audio Baby Monitor requires a little extra attention to navigate the menu and configure its settings.
View our Baby Monitor buying guide for in-depth advice and recommendations.

From our partners