Snuza Vs Owlet

Trying to figure out what the difference is between Snuza vs Owlet baby monitors?

Then let us help you decide which baby monitor will be best for you and your baby with our Snuza Hero vs Owlet comparison guide.

While baby monitor cameras often help us check on the immediate wellbeing of a child, they don’t necessarily provide the full picture.

For some parents, even audio and video monitoring won’t feel like enough, especially if you are concerned about SIDS. 

Thankfully, a new generation of baby monitors are taking things to another level.

Instead of watching over the baby, these utilize advanced technology to collect data, spot movement, and report back to parents.

Snuza and Owlet are two examples of the latest in baby monitoring technology.

While Snuza takes a simple approach, Owlet provides plenty of detail.

But which baby monitoring system should you choose?

Read on as we look at functionality, versatility, durability, and cost so you can easily decide which one is right for you.

And if you love this guide on Owlet vs Snuza camera, then make sure to also check out these guides on Nanit vs Owlet, Owlet vs Angelcare, Miku vs Nanit, and best baby monitors for more great baby monitor options!

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Snuza Vs Owlet

Let’s dive in and look at the key differences between the Owlet Smart Sock vs Snuza!

All About Snuza

Snuza Hero SE is a small and portable baby monitor that track the movement of your baby at night.

Able to clip into the diaper or pajama pants, the Snuza detects even the tiniest motions that your baby makes as they sleep.

After 20 seconds of no movement, the Snuza device will alarm, alerting parents, who are then able to act.

The Snuza product range encompasses several different devices with the same basic functions but some variable features.

Features that parents love about Snuza that make it an excellent option.

  • Simple – This monitor doesn’t come with all the frills of other monitors. You simply turn it on and attached it to your baby’s diaper.
  • It is a mechanical monitor, so whilst it doesn’t have video monitoring, two way talk, or even an app, you do not have to worry about connectivity issues or electrical emissions.
  • There are also no cords, wires, pads, or external power to worry about.
  • Detects the slightest of movements and will alert you if abdominal movement is weak or less than eight movements per minute.
  • If the Snuza Hero detects no abdominal movement for 15 seconds it will vibrate in an effort to rouse your baby to resume abdominal movement.
  • A Rouse Warning will alert you that movement has stopped for 15 seconds on three occasions. If an additional 5 seconds of no abdominal movement is detected a sharp audible alarm will sound.
  • The Hero SE can also make an audible “tick” noise as your baby breathes, for extra peace of mind. 

Pros

  • Small and portable
  • Self-contained so no cords
  • It a mechanical mechanical monitor which means no bluetooth/wifi/electrical waves
  • Does not need to be recharged or plugged in
  • Easy set up

Cons

  • Attaches to front of diaper so not suitable for tummy sleepers
  • Too big to use on newborn diaper so you may need an additional pocket onesie
  • Basic – No video or advanced tracking
  • Battery operated (can not be recharged)
  • No suitable for co-sleeping as it will pick up external movements

All About Owlet Smart Sock

Owlet is a new take on the baby monitor, using wearable technology to provide parents with real time updates on the health of their baby. 

The heart of the Owlet system is their Dream Sock, a simple device that allows parents to track their child’s well-being as they sleep.

The Dream Sock detects heart rate, oxygen level, and sleep, notifying you when it detects a problem.

This can also be combined with the Owlet baby monitor camera, which provides two-way audio, HD 1080p video, and monitored notifications. 

Features that parents love about Owlet that make it an excellent option.

  • Parents are about to track their baby’s heart rate, oxygen level and sleep trends while streaming HD video.
  • You can view your baby’s readings in real time on your smartphone as well a review a detailed 7-day wellness history.
  • Owlet uses encryption to keep your data safe.
  • The wireless camera comes with night vision, wide-angle view, 4X zoom, room temperature tracking, 2 way talk, and background audio.
  • Parents receive sound and motion notifications from the camera that alert them if Baby is crying or moving whilst the Smart Sock notifies them is their baby’s readings leave “safe” zones so you can know when your baby really needs you.

Pros

  • 3 sock sizes to suit a growing baby
  • Able to be used with multiple devices
  • Easy to set up
  • Wi-Fi Camera and HD video
  • Detailed tracking including vitals such as oxygen level, heart rate and total hours slept
  • 7 day wellness reports

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Sock has to be worn
  • No lighting options
  • Not an external display

Similarities And Differences Between Owlet Vs Snuza

Reporting

It’s important that any baby monitor is able to quickly convey information to the parents about the health of the baby.

With traditional monitors, this would be audio or video that is sent to a parent unit.

However, things are a little different when it comes to these intelligent baby monitors.

The Snuza Hero SE doesn’t come with a parent unit.

Instead, any alert noises are issued directly from the device itself, which is a sharp, loud, and repetitive beeping alarm.

Whilst this generally isn’t an issue, if you have a large home, you may want to also consider an audio baby monitor in the room, as this can ensure you hear any beeping, no matter where you are. 

This can also be a little frustrating for false alarms as the noise will wake your baby and others in the house.

The Snuza does not collect data or provide reporting other than the warning sounds.

The Owlet Dream Sock on the other hand is designed specifically to collect a large amount of data from your baby including your baby’s heart rate, oxygen level and sleep trends. Even the humidity and temperature of the nursery.

It connects directly to your smart phone through an app.

The app not only provides alerts when the Dream Sock notices a problem, but it also displays the data the tech has gathered.

This helps spot any potential issues early, but it also can guide you to build a better sleep schedule for your little one!

As the Owlet is linked directly to your smartphone, it meant charging happened naturally, and you don’t have to worry about carrying an additional device with you.

However, you do have to rely on a Wi-Fi connection, and not everyone will like the lack of a separate device.

Portability

One serious advantage to both the Snuza Hero SE and the Owlet Dream Sock is that these advanced baby monitors are portable.

Neither of them requires a lot of additional tech, and the Hero SE doesn’t even have a charging cable. 

The Snuza Hero SE simply clips onto a diaper, and the small size makes it easy to pack in your purse.

As there are no additional parent units, all you need to take is the Hero SE itself, and you have accurate baby monitoring wherever you go.

Some parents have even reported using the Hero SE while traveling, clipping the device to the diaper as your little one drifts off in the back of the car.

The Owlet Dream Sock is also highly portable, although it does use a charging cable, rather than a battery.

The small charging platform is portable, but it’s also an extra thing to carry.

However, as you don’t have a parent unit – and let’s be honest, none of us travel without a smartphone – the overall portability is exceptional.

But only for the sock. The camera isn’t easy to travel with, especially if you have it wall mounted. 

Comfort

Snuza and Owlet both make wearable monitors, that means they need to be in direct contact with the baby.

This can take them some time to get used to, although most parents report their babies are happy to sleep with the Hero SE or Dream Sock.

Both can work through clothing, providing you with accurate monitoring that might be slightly more comfortable for the baby.

If your child tends to move around in their sleep, then be careful when anchoring the Snuza Hero SE. It also is not suitable for tummy sleeper as it needs to be attached to the front of the diaper.

For the most part, it should stay in place, but some find it knocks loose and gives inaccurate readings or false readings.

Similarly, you might find if your child hates keeping their shoes on, they need some time to get used to the Owlet Dream Sock.

Price

The Snuza Hero SE is by far the cheaper of the two devices, but it doesn’t offer the same level of monitoring that the Owlet Dream Sock does.

And you will need to factor in if you need to purchase an audio monitor for the Snuza to ensure that you can hear the alarm from other rooms. 

The Owlet Dream Sock is expensive, but it does a lot more than the Snuza Hero SE.

We love that the price includes full use of the app, where you can find detailed information regarding sleep patterns, plus some expert advice as well as a video and audio monitor.

Final Thoughts On snuza hero vs owlet

Both the Snuza Hero SE and the Owlet Dream Sock do an excellent job at reassuring parents.

The monitored alert system inspires quick reactions, and can provide an extra level of protection.

The biggest advantage to the Snuza Hero SE is the price and the portability.

With just a clip-on alert needed, the Snuza monitors breathing movement even on the go.

However, there’s no reporting, and no way of discovering irregular breathing patterns.

The Owlet Dream Sock provides an exceptional level of information, but it does so at a high cost. This is an expensive monitoring system, although you get a lot for the price. 

If you want detailed analysis, then the Owlet Dream Sock is worth the money. But if you prefer a simple alert system, we highly recommend the Snuza Hero SE.

We hope this guide has been helpful in helping you decide which is the right monitor for you and your baby.

And if you want to check out any more of our guides, we recommend checking out these guides on best non Wi-Fi baby monitors, best baby monitors with wifi, and best travel baby monitors!

snuza hero vs owlet