Overview
If you're looking for a "premium" experience without the premium price tag, the Boifun 5" is the standout choice. Offering a massive screen and high-end features like remote panning and phone integration, it's the bridge between a basic budget monitor and a high-priced smart system.
✓ Pros
- Large 5-inch display with up to 1.5 days battery life
- Phone app compatibility to save monitor power
- Exceptional garden range with remote pan/tilt/zoom
- Handles thick walls and outdoor use well
- Stable infrared night vision without flicker
- Impressive zoom capabilities while maintaining clarity
✗ Cons
- Wall mount requires drilling
- No manual colour-mode override in dim light
- Large screen consumes more power on "auto-scan" mode
Battery: Powering the Big Screen
With a large 5-inch display, the battery has a lot of work to do. However, the feedback from parents is surprisingly positive regarding its stamina.
- Unexpected Longevity: Many users report getting up to a day and a half of use on a single charge.
- The "Smart" Save: One of Boifun's best features is the ability to connect via your phone. Several parents noted that by using their smartphone as the screen occasionally, they can save the main monitor's battery for when they really need it.
- The Trade-off: As expected with a screen this size, some users found the battery drained faster than smaller, more basic units, especially if you use the "auto-scan" feature between multiple cameras.
Range: The Apartment and Garden Hero
Range is where the Boifun truly punches above its weight class. Whether you're in a flat or a house with "thick walls," the signal remains stable.
- Outdoor Freedom: Verified reviews consistently mention the ability to head into the backyard or garden with the antenna up without losing reception.
- The Connectivity Suite: Beyond just range, parents love the Remote Pan/Tilt/Zoom. Being able to adjust the camera from the garden to keep a moving toddler in frame is a feature usually reserved for monitors costing double this price.
- Stable Signal: Unlike some Wi-Fi-only monitors, users report the signal is remarkably stable even at the opposite end of large apartments.
Night Vision: Crystal Clear Infrared
The night vision on the Boifun 5" is frequently described as "brilliant" and "perfect." It avoids the common pitfalls of cheaper budget monitors.
- No "Flicker" Issues: A common complaint with budget cameras is the night vision turning on and off in "dim" light. Boifun users report the infrared is smart enough to stay on when needed without getting confused.
- Zoom Clarity: Even when zoomed in, the night vision maintains enough detail to keep parents at ease.
- The Only Quirk: Some users noted that the monitor doesn't let you manually force "colour mode" if the room is slightly dim; it prefers to stay in its (very clear) black-and-white night mode until it senses bright daylight.
✎ The Bottom Line
A feature-rich monitor offering high-end display quality and remote control at a mid-range price. If you want premium features like phone integration and remote pan/tilt without spending over £100, this is your best choice.