The Hatch Rest + is an interesting, app-enabled sound monitor that does a whole lot more. This unique offering also functions as a nightlight, sound machine, lullaby generator, and a time-to-wake clock for toddlers. This monitor works via remote control with the downloaded app and connects via WiFi for a more extended range than the competition. We like that it does multiple things and can be activated remotely, potentially calming a little one with sound or light without leaving your bed. Unfortunately, this option also has no sound activation or filtering, and the sound it offers is less than impressive (though not the worst). It also has a shorter battery life, but at 13 hours, it is plenty if you need it all night or during nap time. While the Hatch Rest+ doesn't have all the features we'd want, we love what it offers and believe it can meet the needs of some parents looking for a remote option that does more than transmit sound.
Editor's Note: This audio monitor review was updated on March 25, 2022, with new details on our favorite monitors.Hatch Rest+ Review

Pros: Multiple functions, app-enabled, better range, easy to use for the tech-savvy
Cons: Shorter battery life, not the best sound quality, few features for sound
Manufacturer: Hatch
The Skinny
Compare to Similar Products
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Hatch Rest+ | |||||
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Awards | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | |
Price | $90 List $89.99 at Amazon | $40 List $38.95 at Amazon | $50 List $54.99 at Amazon | $30 List $21.95 at Amazon | $40 List |
Overall Score ![]() |
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Star Rating | |||||
Pros | Multiple functions, app-enabled, better range, easy to use for the tech-savvy | Excellent sound clarity, lots of features, long battery life, price | Good sound clarity, easy to use, budget-friendly | Easy to use, nice range, inexpensive | Easy to use, good range distance |
Cons | Shorter battery life, not the best sound quality, few features for sound | Harder to use, shorter range | Limited features, average range | Limited features, short battery life | Expensive for what it is, poor sound quality, short battery life |
Bottom Line | An app-enabled, multi-purpose monitor that is easy to use, but it has a shorter battery life and sub-par sound | An inexpensive, yet great sounding, monitor with loads of features that is an excellent choice for most families | A great option if you favor ease-of-use and good sound over features, at a relatively good price | An affordable monitor set that gets the job done without any fuss | This easy to use option has poor sound quality and disappointing features and battery life |
Rating Categories | Hatch Rest+ | VTech DM221 | Philips Avent DECT... | VTech DM111 | HelloBaby HB178 |
Sound Clarity (30%) | |||||
Ease of Use (25%) | |||||
Range (20%) | |||||
Battery life (15%) | |||||
Features (10%) | |||||
Specs | Hatch Rest+ | VTech DM221 | Philips Avent DECT... | VTech DM111 | HelloBaby HB178 |
Indoor Range Test (walls & feet) | 8 Walls 169 Feet (WiFi) |
5 Walls 90 Feet |
5 Walls 90 Feet |
7 Walls 98 Feet |
7 Walls 123 Feet |
Open Field Range Test | 155 Feet (WiFi) | 1325 Feet | 1320 Feet | 1350 Feet | 1330 Feet |
Manufacturer's Claimed Range (*buyer beware!) | NA | 1000 Feet | 984 Feet | Not Listed | 1000 Feet |
Communication Technology | WiFi | DECT 6.0 Digital Technology | DECT Technology | DECT 6.0 Digital Technology | DECT 6.0 Digital Technology |
Sound Activation | No | Yes | Yes | No | |
Adjustable Mic Sensitivity | No | Yes | No | No | |
Sound Filtering Test Results | Very Good | Excellent | Poor | Very Poor | Very Poor |
Talk-to-Baby | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
Max Sound | 96.3 | 103.4 db | 101 db | 103.6 db | 92.3 |
Temperature | No | No | No | No | No |
Battery Life | 13 Hours Hrs | 46 Hours Hrs | 19 Hours Hrs | 13 Hours Hrs | 13.5 Hours Hrs |
Nursery Unit Battery Backup | Yes | No | No | No | No |
EMF @ 6 Feet Nursery Unit | 0.43 V/m | 3.11 V/m | 0.95 V/m | 2.63 V/m | 0.43 V/m |
Night Light | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Lullaby Music | Yes | No | No | No | No |
Out Of Range Alert | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
Vibrate Alert | No | Yes | No | No | No |
Warranty | 1 Year | 1 Year | 2 Years | 1 Year | 1 Year |
Our Analysis and Test Results
Ann Weiss and her husband Dave believe technology can improve lives. As entrepreneurs at heart, their passion for helping people led them to create Hatch, starting with products specifically for babies before branching out to adults. Their experience with their first baby and insomnia, in general, inspired them to create Rest and Rest+. Since being featured on "Shark Tank" in 2016, the company has grown into a leader in restorative sleep products.
Performance Comparison
Sound Clarity
The Hatch Rest+ isn't super impressive for a sound monitor, but it gets the job done despite lacking sound-specific features. This product does not have sound activation or microphone sensitivity adjustment but still manages relatively impressive sound filtering technology keeping a quiet monitor quiet unless your baby is crying.
However, for sound quality, this product isn't the best or the worst in the group, with a score that manages to be just below average. The Hatch Rest+ has a maximum dB output of 96.3 in our tests which is better than most of the competition. Unfortunately, the sound it emits isn't impressive at higher volumes. It wasn't until the sounds dropped below 75dB that we could decipher what was said in the nursery. You will be able to hear your baby crying, but if the noises are more subtle or super loud, the details could be lost. This monitor is never totally quiet, but the features let you turn it down low enough for most parents to sleep. Of course, if you use the sound machine or lullaby features, you will hear those through your device.
Ease of Use
The Hatch Rest+ is one of the easier sound monitors to use, which is surprising given the more involved setup and app-enabled user interface. While we doubt your average grandparent will love this unit, we think most tech-savvy parents accustomed to utilizing their smartphones will have no trouble with this setup or application.
This monitor automatically connects to your phone as soon as you open the Hatch sleep app, as long as you are in range and the product is on. This is far superior to products that require linking or syncing to start. You can manually sync the Hatch to your phone if it doesn't connect after setting up an account. The app automatically registers your Hatch, which is a nice feature if you have problems.
The app is intuitive and straightforward if you are familiar with smartphone apps. We were able to set up programs and nightlight/sound schedules easily. The touch ring on the top of the Hatch allows you to toggle through your pre-programmed settings, and there are buttons on the bottom for volume and brightness control. One of the best advantages is that all features can be operated from the parent device and outside the nursery.
Range
The Hatch Rest+ is a WiFi option that requires this technology to work. The upside is this typically extends range past where most dedicated monitors can go.
The Hatch Rest+ has a better than the average range in our tests but will depend entirely on your WiFi range in your home. It should work wherever you have a WiFi connection.
Battery Life
The Hatch Rest+ battery life is long enough, with 13 hours in our tests. While this is plenty to make it through the night should the electricity go out, it isn't on par with some of the competition.
Depending on your use of this option, your battery life will be affected. Using the sound machine and nightlight will decrease your overall battery life over using it as a monitor alone. The manufacturer writes that the battery is not intended for frequent or all-night use and is designed as a backup or for shorter nap times.
If the battery on the Hatch dies, you'll have to start the setup process over again. We highly recommend not letting the battery die to avoid this annoyance.
Features
The Hatch Rest+ has some fun features for little ones, but none are helpful for a sound monitor. So depending on your goals, the available features may be exciting or disappointing. While we'd like to see a sound activation or microphone sensitivity adjustment, it didn't offer either, instead choosing to focus on soothing features for little ones like sound and light.
The Hatch Rest+ also has the following features:
- Nightlight with infinite colors and brightness levels
- Sound machine
- Lullabies
- Ok to wake clock for toddlers
- Talk to baby
- Clock
- Remote capabilities
- Alexa capable
EMF
The Hatch offers one of the lowest EMF readings in the group, with a reading of 0.43 V/m at a distance of 6 ft. This result is even more impressive than it might be with an ordinary monitor because it uses WiFi, which often increases the production of EMF.
If you want even lower levels near your little one, we recommend placing the Hatch as far from the crib as possible to still be effective. Given that it is also a nightlight and sound machine, this might not be as far as some of the competition as you'll want your little one to be able to see and hear everything the Hatch has to offer for soothing.
Should You Buy the Hatch Rest+?
If you are looking for a stylish app-enabled or WiFi-driven monitor, Hatch might be the one for you. This product has night lights, lullabies, a sound machine, and more. While it isn't the best for sound clarity, it isn't the worst either and could be all you need if features are your main goal. We think this is a cool option for those who love app-assisted products, and little ones will love the sounds and colors for soothing entertainment.
What Other Sound Monitor Should You Consider?
The Hatch + is more complicated than a standard sound monitor with WiFI and App control; it could be more than you need or want. If simplicity or tight budget is the goal for you, the VTech DM221 is likely a better choice because it has a straightforward setup and user interface. It is one of the highest-rated in the review and very reasonably priced.
Manufacturer Video
— Wendy Schmitz and the BabyGearLab Review Team
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