The DXR-8 Pro from Infant Optics is a feature-rich video baby monitor system and is our preferred Plug&Play video monitor! It has advanced features such as a 5 inch 720P HD resolution display, digital zoom, two-way audio communication, pan and tilt, and temperature monitoring.
The DXR-8 Pro also offers an impressive 1,000 foot range so you can keep an eye on your little one no matter where you are in the house; however in our testing we noticed it just a bit under that.
Additionally, it comes with an interchangeable lens to give parents an even more comprehensive view of their baby’s environment. And for added convenience, the Infant Optics DXR-8 Pro has night vision capabilities that allow users to check in on their child during the night without disturbing them.
With all these great features at your fingertips, the DXR-8 Pro is an excellent Plug-and-Play (non-WiFi) option that lets you rest easy knowing that your baby is safe and sound. Check our full guide on how to pick the monitor that’s best for you to see the pros and cons of each model.
Also check out our article on the Best Baby Monitors, for other great options! If you want something more high-tech, check our review of the latest Nanit Pro camera. It comes with machine learning insights to help improve your baby’s sleep quality.
The Eufy SpaceView Pro is our preferred Plug&Play Video Monitor Runner-Up, and my personal favorite. It’s very similar to the Infant Optics and comes with excellent picture and sound quality.
Our Verdict on the Infant Optics DXR-8 Pro Baby Monitor
Infant Optics has had top-selling baby monitors for several years, with all the basic features that we’ve come to expect from a video baby monitor being well-executed. Infant Optics had a previous DXR-8 model which was very highly rated, and is still preferred over the DXR-8 Pro by some.
Differences between the Infant Optics DXR-8 and DXR-8 Pro include screen size and resolution, range, battery, price, as well as some feature improvements with the speaker, battery, night vision, and power save mode. Additionally they added Active Noise Reduction in the DXR-8 Pro to filter out any background noise.
| Features | DXR-8 | DXR-8 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 3.5 inch | 5.0 inch |
| Resolution | 240p | 720p |
| Range | 700 feet | 1000 feet |
| Battery | 11.5 hours | 10 hours |
| Price | $165.99 | $199.99 |
Our Rating: 8.7 / 10
Summary
We like:
- Visual indicator for sound.
- Attaches to up to 4 cameras.
- Quick and easy set up.
- Intuitive navigation, even when using multiple cameras.
- Pan, tilt, and zoom features are great, and quiet.
We don’t like:
- No option to play lullabies.
- Not compatible with DXR-8 model cameras.
- Sound is not real-time (like it was previously).
Where to buy it: check price on Amazon
Alternatives:
- The Eufy SpaceView Pro is the best Plug & Play monitor on our list at the moment. It comes with a dedicated parent monitor, a high-resolution video quality, and the prettiest design (check price).
- The Nanit Pro Smart Camera if you want the best WiFi video baby monitor with high-resolution video quality and personalized smart insights to help improve your baby sleep (check price).
- The Lollipop camera if you want a budget-friendly WiFi monitor with great video quality. It’s one of our favorite monitors of the year as well (check price).
P.S. We received a review unit of this product from its manufacturer. We are, however, not paid or compensated for our review. To remain impartial in our tests, we use objective ranking factors and put each product in the hands of real parents for a few months before we publish our review. Read how we test to learn more.
Everything that we review is independently selected by our team. We only recommend products that we use ourselves with our kids. To support our website, we may receive a small commission if you buy something through our links. These commissions come at no extra costs for you. Read our earnings disclaimer to learn more.
Overview: Infant Optics DXR-8 Pro Baby Monitor
Health & Safety
8/10
Privacy
9/10
Range
10/10
Audio Quality
9/10
Video Quality
10/10
Battery
8/10
Features: Infant Optics DXR-8 Pro Baby Monitor
Infrared Night Vision
YES
VOX
YES
Multiple Camera
YES
Two-Way Talk
YES
Play Lullabies
NO
Room Temperature
YES
Humidity
NO
Remote Pan and Tilt
YES
Remote Zoom
YES
Nightlight
NO
Video Recording
NO
Our Hands-on Review of the Infant Optics DXR-8 Pro Baby Monitor
The Infant Optics DXR-8 Pro has most of the basic features that we’ve come to expect from a baby monitor and are well executed. It continues to lack lullabies, but has upgraded many of its other features. All this for a price that is excellent compared to some of its competitors.
Audio and Video Quality
Let’s start with the most obvious: the Infant Optics DXR-8 Pro comes with an interchangeable lens. This means that you can change the default lens to an optical zoom lens to give you more flexibility. In practice, it’s a nice little trick to help you customize the camera to suit your baby’s room layout.
The extra zoom lens is included in the box, or you can purchase a wide-angle lens (sold here on Amazon). Changing the lens is very easy, you just need to unscrew the one that’s currently on and swap it with another one.
The default lens gives you a good angle that’s very similar to what you’ll find in other baby monitor models. It’s a standard 2.5 mm focal lens and an aperture of f/2.8. This is perfectly fine for mid-range coverage, enough to see your baby and their immediate surroundings.
The zoom lens allows you to place the camera further away from your baby’s bed, which we particularly appreciate considering the controversial debate on baby monitors health concerns.
In our tests, we found that placing the camera at about 8.2 feet / 2.5 meters gives the best results. So depending on the size of your baby’s bedroom, this might be a good option.
Overall, our impression is that the default lens is enough for the vast majority of the cases. The parent monitor also includes digital zoom, so you can always zoom in on your baby if needed. But we do like the option to be able to place the camera further away and utilize the zoom lens.
You have the option to purchase up to three additional cameras if you want, and the Infant Optics DXR-8 Pro can support up to 4 cameras simultaneously. The add-on cameras are sold separately (you can buy them here on Amazon).
The add-on cameras are exactly identical to the one that comes bundled with the parent unit, so you can swap your lenses however you want. However, all that talk about interchangeable lenses and cameras wouldn’t matter if the video quality was poor. But we’re glad to report that this isn’t the case with the Infant Optics DXR-8 Pro.
***Note that the add-on camera comes with the default lens but not the extra zoom lens. Also the previous DXR-8 model cameras are not compatible with the DXR-8 Pro model.
The picture and sound quality on the parent’s monitor is one of the best on the market! The image is crisp and clear, even at night. As is the audio quality, with the microphone on the baby unit able to pick up the faintest of sounds, such as your baby rolling over through the night.
You can adjust the volume and brightness of your display easily, with the buttons directly accessible on the monitor. And you can completely turn off the video picture on your display when you go to bed if you want and the audio will remain on, with a nice light indicator for the sound as well.
The camera on the Infant Optics DXR-8 Pro offers infrared night vision so you clearly see your baby even in the dark or low light. It uses a CMOS GC0308 1/6.5’ image sensor with eight infrared LEDs and one low light sensor. The image resolution is at 640 pixels by 480 pixels (VGA).
Signal Strength
The range on the Infant Optics DXR-8 Pro is decent. The baby monitor uses a wireless 2.4 GHz FHSS signal that can reach up to 1000 feet / 305 meters outside, but realistically 100 feet / 30 meters inside with up to four walls separating you from your baby. Depending on your house’s layout, you might be able to sit outside and still receive the signal from your baby’s bedroom.
Other Good Features
The 5.0″ display allows you to see only one camera at a time. There is indeed no split-screen mode, like with the Nanit Pro. The sound will also only come from one camera at a time. That said, you can easily switch from one camera to the next and there is an auto-switch option in which the camera and sound switch room to room about every 30 seconds.
Disappointingly, there is no pre-recorded lullabies or white noise available to play on the Infant Optics DXR-8 Pro. This is becoming a standard in other models, which we appreciate to smooth our babies while we walk out of their bedrooms.
It does, however, include the option to talk to your child through its speaker if you want. The two-way talk function can easily be accessed by pressing and holding the microphone button on the parent monitor. The sound only goes to the camera that is currently selected, so don’t risk waking up your child in the other room.
Another good feature of the Infant Optics DXR-8 Pro is the ability to remotely pan, tilt, and zoom the video image as needed. You can tilt the camera on a 270-degree horizontal angle (135 degrees both left and right), and pan across a 120-degree vertical angle (95 degrees up and 25 degrees down), which is great to perfectly keep your baby’s bed in focus.
In our tests, the Infant Optics DXR-8 Pro did particularly well with keeping the noise level down, and is very quiet when panning or tilting the camera.
The DXR-8 Pro also comes with a built-in room temperature indicator in both Fahrenheit and Celsius. It will show the temperature in each room on your display. It’s handy for ensuring your baby’s room is comfortable and might help avoid cases of SIDS, but only if the sensor is accurate. In our tests we found the sensor to be quite accurate when compared to our dedicated thermometer.
Unlike its predecessor, the Infant Optics DXR-8 Pro includes VOX mode as well as a Sleep mode, where the monitor screen will turn off after a pre-set time delay while keeping the audio on. Allowing you to easily configure the monitor’s settings, while also ensuring you will be alerted when needed. And it helps save the battery too!
Battery Life
In our testing, the battery life on the Infant Optics DXR-8 Pro monitor was enough to be used unplugged during nap time and when your baby goes to bed in the evening until you go. So about five hours in total with the screen on. You can bump that up to 8 hours with the screen on standby.
The battery takes about 7 hours of charging to be full. Your monitor will start beeping when its battery is almost spent. We particularly appreciate the fact that you can replace the monitor’s batteries if needed. Batteries tend to deteriorate over time, so this is a good option to extend a little further the life shell of your Infant Optics DXR-8 Pro.
Security: Infant Optics Hacking
Because the Infant Optics DXR-8 Pro uses a non-wifi, closed-loop, encrypted FHSS radio signal, risks of hacking and security breach are minimal. It’s impossible for someone to hack into the Infant Optics via your WiFi connection, they would need to be within signal range.
Infant Optics DXR-8 Pro Health and Safety
The Infant Optics DXR-8 Pro camera connects to its parent unit through a wireless 2.4 GHz FHSS connection. It means that an electromagnetic field (EMF) will be constantly emitted from the camera to the monitor in order for you to receive an audio and video feed. We recommend that you read our article on electromagnetic field if you want to understand what it means in terms of health and safety for your baby.
In our testing, the Infant Optics DXR-8 Pro camera produced an average EMF reading of 1.89 mG when placed 6 foot / 1.8 meters away from our baby’s bed. This is the minimum approximate distance for most baby monitor cameras. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends that you limit your exposure to 0.5 mG to 2.5 mG at a time, so this is within range. The further you place the camera from your baby, the less EMF they will be exposed to.
Note that the parent monitor also emits EMFs. When placed at 3 foot / 1 meter from you, it will produce an average of 3.6 mG. Most parent will sleep with the unit on their bedside table, but we recommend you move it further away.
Infant Optics DXR-8 Pro: What’s in the box
Wondering what’s in the DXR-8 Pro box? Here’s everything that will be included in the Infant Optics DXR-8 Pro package:
- 1 x Parent monitor unit
- 1 x Baby camera unit
- 1 x Standard camera lens
- 1 x Optical zoom camera lens
- 1 x Power adapter for the Baby camera unit
- 1 x Power adapter for the Parent monitor unit
- 1 x USB power cable
- 1 x Screw and anchor
Infant Optics DXR-8 Pro User Manual
You can download the Infant Optics DXR-8 baby monitor user manual from here.
Other Infant baby monitors models
- Infant Optics DXR-8: the older version of the DXR-8, has a smaller screen but also a lower price. Read our full review here.
Alternative Options
- The Eufy SpaceView Pro is the best Plug & Play monitor on our list at the moment. It comes with a dedicated parent monitor, a high-resolution video quality, and the prettiest design (check price).
- The Nanit Pro Smart Camera if you want the best WiFi video baby monitor with high-resolution video quality and personalized smart insights to help improve your baby sleep (check price).
- The Lollipop camera if you want a budget-friendly WiFi monitor with great video quality. It’s one of our favorite monitors of the year as well (check price).
Infant Optics DXR-8 Pro: Most Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I see more than one Infant Optics DRX-8 Pro camera at a time in split-screen?
No, you cannot see more than one Infant Optics DRX-8 Pro camera at a time in split-screen. While you can add up to four cameras to one parent unit, you will be able to see only one camera at a time. The Infant Optics DXR-8 Pro does not have a split-screen mode.
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How do you change the viewing camera when using multiple cameras with the Infant Optics DRX-8 Pro?
To change the viewing camera when using multiple cameras with the Infant Optics DRX-8 Pro, press the OK button on your parent monitor to quickly cycle through each paired camera.
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How do you pair a new Infant Optics DXR-8 Pro camera with the parent unit?
To pair a new Infant Optics DXR-8 Pro camera press and hold the PAIR key underneath the camera unit for at least 3 seconds. The LED light will flash green to indicate that the camera is in pairing mode. On your parent monitor unit, you will see the new camera appearing in the add camera menu. Just select the new camera, and you’re done!
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Can I hear the Infant Optics DXR-8 Pro audio from all the cameras at the same time?
No, you can only hear the audio from one Infant Optics DXR-8 Pro camera at a time. But you can easily switch cameras from your monitor or use the auto-switch option to automatically rotate from one camera to the next.
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Does the Infant Optics DRX-8 Pro have an iPhone App?
No, the Infant Optics DRX-8 Pro does not have an iPhone App. The DRX-8 is not a WiFi baby monitor, so you will need the parent unit to see and hear your baby. Have a look at our review of the best WiFi baby monitors if you want to be able to pair it with your iPhone or Android phone.
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Can I speak to only one Infant Optics DXR-8 Pro camera at a time?
Yes, when you use the two-way communication feature on the Infant Optics DXR-8 Pro, your voice only goes to the camera that is currently selected.
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Can the Infant Optics DXR-8 Pro extra camera be purchased separately?
Yes, you can use up to four Infant Optics DXR-8 Pro cameras in total with your parent monitor. You can purchase the additional add-on cameras here. Make sure to get DXR-8 Pro cameras, as the DXR-8 cameras are not compatible with the Pro version.
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Can I pair one Infant Optics DXR-8 Pro camera with two receivers?
No, you can pair up to four Infant Optics DXR-8 Pro cameras with one receiver, but not the other way around.
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Is there an Infant Optics DXR-8 Pro range extender available?
No, there is no range extender available for the Infant Optics DXR-8 Pro. That said, Infant Optics DXR-8 Pro baby monitor offers one of the best ranges possible for a radio baby monitor. If you need even more range, we recommend you get a WiFi monitor instead (check the Nanit Pro Smart Camera) and boost your home WiFi network with a relay antenna.
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What is the Infant Optics DXR-8 Pro baby monitor warranty?
The Infant Optics DXR-8 Pro comes with a standard one year warranty, but is extendable to 2 years for free upon registration. We recommend you contact Infant Optics if you experience any issue with your model after purchase. Their response time was relatively quick and comprehensive.
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What is Infant Optics’ customer service number?
If you’re calling from the US, you can contact Infant Optics customer service by phone: (800) 291-0195, email their support team at [email protected], or visit their website. Their email support center should get back to you within 24 hours.
Megan is a wife and mother of three, as well as an experienced foster mother. She loves building and testing new products, and helping identify what works best for readers and clients. She has her degree in Computer Software Engineering and has been a Product Lead with over 8 years of experience designing, building, testing, and selling products to companies ranging from sole proprietors to the largest retailers in America!
