Today we are going to talk about a part of technology which is very important for parents. We will dedicate some time to parents and their babies by presenting and comparing two products: VTech DM111 and DM221 audio baby monitors. These are the kind of devices that every parent should have in order to enjoy peace of mind knowing that they can hear their baby’s every sound no matter what room they are in. But which one is better? Let’s find out!
After seeing the VTech DM111 vs VTech DM221 main specifications and features in comparison table we will see what their similarities and differences are, their pros and cons, and which VTech audio baby monitor is better.
| VTech DM111 | DM221 | |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |
 |
| Color | Yellow & White | Silver & White |
| Product Dimensions | 1.9 x 4.6 x 2.6 inches | 10.2 x 2.4 x 8.2 inches |
| Item Weight | 14.4 ounces | 12.8 ounces |
| Clear transmission | Yes (DECT 6.0 provides crystal clear transmission) | Yes (DECT 6.0 provides crystal clear transmission) |
| Batteries | 2 AAA batteries required (not included) | 2 Product Specific batteries required. (included) |
| Battery lifetime | 13 hours (not rechargeable) | 18 hours (rechargable) |
| Level Volume Indicator | Yes, 5 levels | Yes, 5 levels |
| Operating Range | 1000 (feet) | 1000 (feet) |
| Two-Way Communication | no | yes |
| Nightlight | no | yes |
| Nightvision | no | no |
| Low battery tone | yes | yes |
| Out of range tone | yes | yes |
| Second parent unit expansion | possible | Possible |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |
| Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
VTech DM111 vs DM221 audio baby monitors – Similarities
Moms will definitely love this device because they are always busy in their home. With these two devices you will be able to finish some important obligations without worrying if your baby is ok. You will be able to hear your baby’s condition no matter where you are. So firstly, we will talk about the similar yet important features that these two devices share.
Clear transmission and great operating range
These digital monitors use DECT 6.0 Digital technology which provide clear audio transmission, eliminating annoying background noise that often happens on analog monitors. In both cases, we have 1,000 feet of range between the units. This means that you can move free from one room into another or even go out in your garden and still be in touch with your baby and listen to every sound he or she makes.
Volume indicator and alert signals
In terms of sound, the parent units emit different alert tones if there is a situation when your attention is needed. There is a low battery tone and out of range tone which beeps when the battery needs to be recharged or replaced soon and if you are too far away from the baby’s room. Another interesting feature is the 5 level sound indicator on the parent unit made visible with 5 led lights which help you visually monitor noise levels with the receiver muted. When the unit is muted it gives you alerts using gentle vibrations if your baby is doing something.
Also read: VTech DM221 vs VTech DM223: Which Audio Baby Monitor is Better?
Differences between VTech DM111 and DM221 audio baby monitors
Two-Way Communication
Having a baby monitor is maybe incomplete if the option of two-way communication is not available. So let’s see which of these two models will make our life a little bit easier.
VTech DM111
This model comes with a high sensitivity microphone for crystal clear and secure transmission but it doesn’t offer the option to talk back to your baby when he/she is upset or is fussing.
VTech DM221
This model on the other hand offers the talk-back feature which allows you to communicate with your little one from anywhere in your home. Sometimes soothing your baby with your voice is all that is needed for the baby to continue sleeping. You won’t need to be in a hurry everytime he /she makes a sound. That is why this plus characteristic is considered as important .
The winner is VTech DM221
Batteries and Batteries lifetime
Even though the baby unit is powered by AC for both of these models, there are some differences in the parent unit which will be pointed out next.
VTech DM111
For this model , more precisely for the parent unit, 2 AAA batteries are required.The batteries are optional and need to be purchased separately. For extended monitoring, the parent unit should be plugged into AC power. When it comes to battery life, it can last to 13 hours, so at night it is for the best to leave it plugged in.
VTech DM221
The parent unit of this model requires 2 batteries, which are included when purchasing it. The battery life is one of the longest when compared to other products and it can last to 18 hours.
In this “combat”, the winner is VTech DM221
Nightlight
This is an interesting feature, especially if you use an audio monitor combined with a camera in order to illuminate the room a little bit. So let’s see who has it.
VTech DM 221
The baby unit of this model has a loop, a soothing light that slightly illuminates a dark room and can be used as a night light. You can turn on or off the light from both devices.
VTech DM 111
Except for the power light, this model doesn’t have the option for illuminating the surrounding space.
Having a soothing night light can sometimes be very useful for your little one, because some babies are used to sleeping with a little light in the room.
The winner here is also VTech DM 221
Pros and Cons
VTech DM 111
Pros
- Easy to use with a very good range
- 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.
- Parent unit can be set to beep when the connection is lost or the batteries are low.
- Great choice for larger homes or multiple walls (over 3).
- Easy volume control
- It has a clip you can put on your belt and move around freely.
Cons
- After some time it happens to make an annoying clicking sound or white noise sound
- Not rechargeable batteries
- No two-way communication.
VTech DM 221
Pros
- Let’s you know when you are out of range
- It picks up even the smallest sounds your kids make, high sensitivity.
- Hands free, belt clip
- Talk back intercom system to soothe your baby
- Rechargeable batteries
- Longest battery life
- DECT 6.0 digital technology provides crystal clear transmission
- Vibrating sound alert on the parent unit
- Dimmed night light enough to see your baby without disturbing him/her.
Cons
- It happens sometimes to un-link at night so you have to re-link it again.
- Baby unit works only on batteries.
Which VTech baby audio monitor is Better?
It is clear that with both these devices you will get secure sound transmission and clear alerts and sounds when your baby will start moving, fussing or crying, but the few additional characteristics that VTech DM 221 contains make it close to perfect. The VTech Model DM221, not only has longer battery life than (which are also rechargeable) and a night light , it also offers a two way communication which makes it stand out completely. This is important because very often all your baby needs is to hear your voice so it can continue with their nap or night sleep. This is very important for parents who live in houses and have to climb stairs in order to get to their baby’s room. With the DM 221 model you can soothe your baby on your way.
Related Comparisons: