AirNanny
Dedicated baby monitors run anywhere from $50 to $300, plus they're one more gadget to charge, pack, and eventually outgrow. If you already own an iPhone and a pair of wireless earbuds — AirPods or otherwise — you already own everything you need.
What you actually need
- One iPhone.
- Any pair of Bluetooth earbuds or headphones.
- The AirNanny app.
That's the entire list. No second phone standing by, no monitor unit, no proprietary charging dock.
Which earbuds actually work?
Because AirNanny connects over standard Bluetooth, it isn't picky about brand:
- AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max — the most common pairing.
- Beats headphones and earbuds — Apple-owned, fully compatible.
- Third-party wireless earbuds — Sony, Samsung Galaxy Buds, Bose, and most other Bluetooth earbuds that pair with an iPhone.
If it shows up under Bluetooth in your iPhone's Settings, it'll work with AirNanny.
Setting it up
- Download AirNanny from the App Store.
- Open the app and connect your earbuds — whichever brand you have.
- Place your iPhone near your baby.
- Tap start, put your earbuds in, and go about your evening.
Cost comparison
| Traditional baby monitor | Earbuds + AirNanny | |
|---|---|---|
| Extra hardware to buy | $50–$300 | $0 (use what you own) |
| Second phone needed | Sometimes | Never |
| Setup time | Charge, pair, mount | Under a minute |
The cheapest baby monitor you'll set up tonight
Free to download · works with AirPods and any Bluetooth earbuds
A few practical tips
- One earbud in, one in the case works fine if you'd rather keep an ear free for the rest of the house.
- Keep your charging case within reach for longer monitoring sessions.
- Wired earbuds work too, as long as your iPhone can play audio through them, though wireless gives you the freedom to move around.
How AirNanny makes this easier
AirNanny is the layer that turns "my earbuds happen to work as a monitor" into a real, reliable tool: one-tap start, up to 30m/100ft of range, and support for whatever Bluetooth earbuds you already own — no shopping required.
FAQ
Yes, any Bluetooth earbuds that pair with your iPhone will work with AirNanny. Performance depends mostly on their Bluetooth version rather than the brand.
Audio streams in near real time over Bluetooth, so any delay is minimal and won't get in the way of hearing a cry or a stir.
Yes, though you'll be tethered to your iPhone, so wireless earbuds are the more practical choice if you want to move freely around your home.