VTech VM819 has been touted as one of VTech’s feature-packed monitors but this video monitor has plenty of critics too. Today, we’ll be looking at the features with keen highlights of this monitor’s bad and good features.
As of this update in November 2022, this monitor has been rated by over 5k customers on Amazon with an average rating of 4.6/5. This high good rating (92% approval) may be driven mostly by the fact that this model is among the cheapest video baby monitors that are secure with FHSS non-wifi technology.
What are some key highlights of this VM819 monitor?
The Good highlights:
What stood out for me about VM819 model is the 2 calming melodies and 2 sets of ambient sounds which have been super handy when getting the baby to fall asleep. For less than $70, this model presents what some top-rated non-wifi models such as Infant Optics DXR 8 Pro lacks. DXR 8 Pro doesn’t have lullabies or ambient sounds. It also has a wall-mounting kit which you won’t need to spend more money on.
As a big advocate of less EMF radiation in the nursery, I also liked that this model switches off after 50 seconds if your baby is quietly asleep and the sound from the nursery does not exceed the set threshold. Voice-activated monitors turn back on the second your baby makes a sound.
The not-so-good highlights.
Disappointing battery life:
While many users were quick to point out in many reviews that the advertised 19-hour battery life of this VM819 brand is misleading, I knew this would be the case as the battery capacity of this unit is only 2600 mAh. This battery capacity is significantly lower and I was very skeptical that it can last for a whole day. On average, you can expect the battery to last for 5 to 7 hours in the first few months and by the 6th month, it will barely last 3 hours – and remember it takes up to 12 hours to fully charge. In other words, this monitor will be getting charged most of the time. If you want monitors with long battery life, check out battery-operated video baby monitors here.
Losing signal constantly:
Despite the advertised 1000 ft. connection range, I found the connection to be very spotty and not stable at all. It keeps losing connection even when one wall is separating it.
No remote PYZ
I also don’t like the small screen which doesn’t even have high resolution. As someone who enjoys the PTZ feature in monitors, I was disappointed that this model doesn’t allow remote adjusting of the camera to face different angles.VTech recommends VTech RM7764HD and RM5764HD as alternative models with remote PTZ capability.
When looking for a reliable baby monitor for your family, the VTech brand is a good place to start. In this post, I review VTech VM819, providing details you need to know about this no wifi baby monitor. VTech is a globally recognized manufacturer of electronic products including, phones, kids learning toys, baby monitors, and more. The company is headquartered in Hong Kong, but its manufacturing facilities are based in mainland China, Malaysia, and Mexico. All its baby monitors are made in China.
VTech has a wide range of baby monitors, so whether you are a budget-conscious shopper, or like a few bells and whistles, or are tech-savvy, you will certainly find a Vtech baby monitor that will meet your needs. Vtech baby monitors range from audio-only to non-wifi monitors with audio and video, and even wifi-based monitors.
Below, we will review some of the newer VTech monitors to help make your decision much easier.
This is one of the best-rated non-wifi video baby monitors offering high-quality audio and video monitoring along with multiple useful functions that make your parenting life much easier. It ranks 5th position on Amazon in the best video baby monitor category.
Best-in-class range and battery Life – The VTech VM819 is perfect for a parent with an extremely busy schedule. Vtech designed this monitor to help you know how your baby is doing from anywhere within your house and even in your backyard. With up to 19 hours of video recording on a single charge, this monitor allows you to keep an eye on your child all day and night. The reliable long working range of up to 1000 feet allows you to move about easily and stay connected to your child from a distance.
It comes with a single camera for your baby’s room and a handheld parent unit that you take with you. Both devices have a sturdy built to last. The parent unit is basically weightless (1.25 pounds) and compact enough to fit in your pocket, just like your smartphone. It has a 2.8-inch screen that is not the largest compared with non-wifi baby monitors, but it is still sufficient to see your baby. It is equipped with lullabies and ambient sound to help soothe the baby to sleep, and you can also calm them down remotely from the intercom. It also has sensors to track your baby’s room temperature to ensure they are safe and comfortable for your little one.
The VM814 baby monitor transmits your baby signal via 2.4 GHz frequency and uses FHSS technology which is highly secure and unhackable. And the fact that it doesn’t need to use your phone is also a plus.
You can place the baby unit on the tabletop or mount it on the wall, and the angle can be adjusted a little bit manually. The Vtech VM819 is a fantastic option if you are looking for a simple video baby monitor at low pricing that you can take on trips or to your grandpas.
- 💖 Best-in-class Battery Life and Range - With up to 19 hours of video streaming on a single charge, this system lets you monitor your baby throughout the night easily. During the day, this monitor systems dependable long operation range up to 1,000 feet, lets you go about your day and stays connected with your baby from another room or even from the yard.
- 💖Privacy Guaranteed. No Wi-Fi or App Pairing - Trusted by US families for more than 3 decades, each VTech monitor is transmitted via secured internal 2.4GHz channel with FHSS technology, so you can rest assured that youre the only one who can hear and see your baby.
- 💖 2.8 Display Seeing Your Baby in Full Sight Day and Night - The 2.8 display shows your adorable babys body in full view - no movement is over-sighted. Need more detail? The camera zooms up to 2 times.
- 💖 Soothing Lullabies and 2-Way Talk - Gently lull your baby to sleep with 2 calming melodies and 2 sets of ambient sound, including white noise and a trickling stream. Besides, this system supports 2-way talk back, lets your baby to hear the sound of your voice no matter where you are.
- 💖 Auto-on Screen and Sound Indications - Understand that your rest is as important as your babys, the monitors screen can be turn off and the sound be muted to let you the silence needed and to save power. Be rest assured that while it is off, it is still monitoring the baby in the background. When it picks up any sound over your VOX settings, the screen will automatically turn back on. The 3-level sound indicator on the parent unit can let you visually alerted when baby is crying.
- 💖 Easy Set-up Plug & Play - The parent unit and the camera are configured for monitoring right out of the box - no pairing or connections required. The camera can be set on desk top or wall mounted.
- 💖 Temperature Sensor - The built-in temperature sensor on the baby camera will send alert to the parent unit. Lets you know when it’s time to adjust the thermostat.
Specs of VM819:
| Product Dimensions | 4.92 x 1.3 x 2.87 inches |
|---|---|
| Item model number | VM819 |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required. (included) |
| Target gender | Unisex |
| Additional product features | Portable, Night Vision, Motion Sensor |
| Number Of Items | 1 |
| Style | 1 camera |
| Compatible products | Video Monitor |
| Best uses | Baby Monitor |
| Communication technology | 2.4Gz technology |
| Power Source | Battery Powered, Corded Electric |
| Batteries required | Yes |
| Standing screen display size | 2.8 Inches |
| Sensor technology | Nightvision, room_temperature |
| Item Weight | 1.23 pounds |
| Country/Region of origin | China |
Features of VM 819
- 1000ft operating range
- 2600 mAH battery that lasts up to 19 hours of continuous video and 29 hours in audio mode only
- Sound indicator lights
- Automatic night vision with infrared lights
- Sound activation mode
- Temperature sensors
- VOX mode with five levels of sound sensitivity
- Two-way talkback feature
- Two lullabies and two ambient sounds
While this brand doesn’t support split-screen viewing, it is expandable and you can get VTech VM819-2 Video Baby Monitor, a dual-camera unit that’s still going for less than $80
- Privacy Guarranteed. No Wi-Fi or App Pairing
- 2.8 Display with Temperature Indication
- Two Viewing Options. Choose how you want to keep an eye on your family - single view or patrol model (single view that transitions to a different camera every 10 seconds).
- Soothing Lullabies and 2-Way Talk - Gently lull your baby to sleep with 2 calming melodies and 2 sets of ambient sound
- Auto-on Screen and Sound Indications
- Easy Set-up Plug & Play - The parent unit and the two cameras are configured for monitoring right out of the box - no pairing or connections required. The cameras can be set on desk top or wall mounted.
- Temperature Sensor - The built-in temperature sensor on the baby camera will send alert to the parent unit. Lets you know when it’s time to adjust the thermosta
What people like about VTech VM819
Easy to use
VM819 is very easy to use. The setup is straight forward you just need to plug into AC for charging, and you are ready to view since the parent unit and camera are already configured. Also, the parent unit is large and intuitive, with icons showing functions and shortcuts that are not tricky for anyone to figure out.
Clear picture day and night
This monitor comes with a 2.8-inch screen with high resolution for high-quality colorful pictures.
Hack proof technology
Vtech VM 819 uses FHSS transmission technology which is hackproof. The FHSS (Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum), is a highly secure technology that was invented in 1941 for secret communication by the US military. FHSS guarantees 100 % privacy as the signal hops at supersonic speed from one sub frequency to another over 70 sub frequencies, making it impossible to hack.
Sound indicator lights
The parent device has sound indicator lights on the right side with three levels that show you how much noise is in your baby’s room so you can differentiate between soft cries and screaming. This enables you to get some peace and quiet and be alerted when your baby starts crying.
VOX mode
VOX mode stands for the Voice Activated Alert (VOX), and it allows you to save charge on the parent unit monitor. For example, you may want your screen to shut off when you are sleeping, and turn on when your baby cries. Vtech VM 819 has VOX mode with five sensitivity levels. The sensitivity levels help determine how sensitive the camera is to your baby’s cry, so it doesn’t startle you awake just because of some small noises from your baby.
Awesome battery life
The VTech VM 819 offers the longest battery life anywhere in the market and promises up to 19 hours in continuous video mode and 29 hours in audio mode. Note that the battery life is only good during the first few months and should definitely not expect it to last for 19 hours. Read reviews on battery life here.
Longest transmission range
This monitor reaches up to 1000 feet to deliver a reliable signal to stay connected to your baby as you go about your day doing stuff at home.
Great Price
The Vtech VM 819 monitor is affordable, and many consider it to be a quality buy. It is currently retailing at less than $60 on Amazon, while most others in its class cost upwards of $100.
Cons
Limited field of view
VTech VM819 camera can be mounted on a tabletop or the wall, and the angle can be adjusted manually. However, the angle adjustment is limited in terms of range, and the view angle is also limited, which makes this monitor less ideal if you desire whole room viewing. You have to move the camera really far if for you to see around the baby’s crib or their bed.
Blinking light
There is a blinking light on the camera and parent device, which is bothersome for some when trying to sleep.
Limited features and low-quality screen
This baby monitor doesn’t have many camera options like pan and tilt, nor is it expandable like some other non-wifi video monitors. And even though its picture quality is good, an upgrade to the current high-definition resolution standard would be a nice touch.
No extra or additional camera for VM819:
Unfortunately, the camera of the VTech VM819-2 is not sold separately. The baby monitor only works with the camera that it will come with. You can get VM819 with one camera or VM819-2 with 2 cameras.
VTech VM819 Specs:
| Product Dimensions | 4.9 x 1.24 x 2.8 inches |
|---|---|
| Item model number | VM819-2 |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required. (included) |
| Additional product features | Night Vision |
| Number Of Items | 1 |
| Style | 2 camera |
| Compatible products | Video Monitor |
| Best uses | Baby monitor |
| Communication technology | Wi-Fi |
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
| Batteries required | Yes |
| Standing screen display size | 2.8 Inches |
| Number of channels | 2 |
| Sensor technology | Room_temperature, nightvision |
| Item Weight | 1.61 pounds |
| Country/Region of origin | China |
VM819 Manual:
Vtech vm819 video baby monitor manual you would like to learn more about how this baby monitor works, you can check and download the Vtech VM819 manual by clicking on this link.
VTech VM819 Video Baby Monitor with 19Hour Battery Life 1000ft Long Range Auto Night Vision 2.8” Screen 2Way Audio Talk Temperature Sensor Power Saving Mode and Lullabies, White
VTech VM819 vs VM923:
In April 2022, VTech released an upgrade to VM819 with the VTech VM923 which has similar features except with the addition of remote pan, tilt, and zoom capability in the VM923. VM819 doesn’t have remote PTZ and is also referred to as fixed-camera monitor.
- Best-in-class Battery Life and Range - With up to 19 hours of video streaming on a single charge, this system lets you monitor your baby throughout the night easily. During the day, this monitor systems dependable long operation range up to 1,000 feet, lets you go about your day and stays connected with your baby from another room or even from the yard.
- 2.8 Display Seeing Your Baby in Full Sight Day and Night - The high resolution LCD screen lets you clearly see every little move in full color by day, and in greyscale infrared images at night - thanks to the enhanced night vision with invisible IR LED. The 2.8 display shows your adorable babys body in full view - no movement is over-sighted.
- Pan, Tilt and Zoom Camera from the Parent Unit - Watch as your little one moves about with the camera pans up to 270 degrees side-to-side and tilts as many as 105 degrees up and down. Need more detail? The camera zooms up to 2 times.
- Soothing Lullabies and 2-Way Talk - Gently lull your baby to sleep with 2 calming melodies and 2 sets of ambient sound, including white noise and a trickling stream. Besides, this system supports 2-way talk back, lets your baby to hear the sound of your voice no matter where you are.
- Auto-on Screen and Sound Indications - Understand that your rest is as important as your babys, the monitors screen can be turn off and the sound be muted to let you the slience needed and to save power. Be rest assured that while it is off, it is still monitoring the baby in the background. When it picks up any sound over your VOX settings, the screen will automatically turn back on. The 3-level sound indicator on the parent unit can let you visually alerted when baby is crying.
- Easy Set-up Plug & Play - The parent unit and the camera are configured for monitoring right out of the box - no pairing or connections required. The camera can be set on desk top or wall mounted.
- Temperature Sensor - The built-in temperature sensor on the baby camera will send alert to the parent unit. Lets you know when it’s time to adjust the thermost
In Walmart, the VM819 model is called VTech VM3254 Fixed Camera Baby Monitor
You can check VTech VM819 on Amazon here
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Hi there! I am Ashley Davis, a mom of three kids and the editor here at Motherhoodhq.com. I have been a parent since 2011 and have been doing full-time consulting as a baby sleep expert since 2019. When I am not researching or testing the next baby gear hitting the market, you’ll find me teaching my toddlers a trick or two – especially over the last few months with the lockdown. I hope you’ll find my guides and reviews helpful as you make your next purchase decision. If you have any questions, you can reach me at ashley.d@motherhoodhq.com.