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CuboAi

CuboAi Smart Baby Monitor 3: the downsides first

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#8 of 8
$$Wi-Fi cameraScore 3.1/5
Amazon 1–2 star share
not available

Packed with AI alerts (cry, rollover, covered face) and video rewind of up to three days, and CNET's pick for a monitor that grows with kids. But Forbes Vetted hit so many connection problems it needed a backup monitor, the default alerts can be overwhelming, and Wirecutter skipped it over owner reports of an unreliable app.

Subscription: First year of CuboAi Care Premium included (Tech Advisor). After that, CNET says Premium is $4.17/month and Ultimate $6.67/month, with a free Basic plan.

Top complaints

  • Connection and app reliability

    Forbes Vetted had so many connectivity problems that it set up a backup monitor during testing. Wirecutter chose not to test it because of negative reviews saying the app is unreliable. CNET notes that if your Wi-Fi goes down, so does the monitor.

  • Too many alerts

    With default settings, Forbes got an overwhelming number of alerts, and still had issues after lowering the sensitivity, as a previous tester did with the older model. CNET has also seen complaints about too many alerts, though the settings can be adjusted.

  • Features paywalled after year one

    CNET, reviewing the previous CuboAi Plus, says that after the free Premium year it costs $4.17 a month for Premium or $6.67 for Ultimate. Extra sounds, danger-zone detection, growth tracking and sleep highlights are paywalled. Forbes couldn't use the optional sleep sensor pad because it isn't compatible with bassinets.

What owners love

  • AI safety alerts and long rewind

    CNET lists alerts for crying, rollover, a covered face, the baby not being in the crib, and temperature. Tech Advisor reports the Gen 3 rewinds up to three days, up from 18 hours.

  • Clear picture and picture-in-picture

    CNET found the picture and sound very clear day and night on the previous model, with picture-in-picture viewing. Tech Advisor says the Gen 3 moves to 2.5K Quad HD.

  • Flexible mounting that lasts into toddlerhood

    CNET says you can use a floor stand, table stand, crib attachment or wall mount, and that it transitions well to a toddler monitor.

    Source: CNET
Good for
  • Parents who want AI alerts such as covered-face and rollover
  • Reviewing overnight footage (up to 3 days of rewind)
  • Using one camera from the crib into the toddler years

Scores (tap for why)

  • Video & night vision4.0
    Why 4.0?2.5K Quad HD on the Gen 3 (Tech Advisor), and CNET found the previous model very clear day and night.
  • Connection reliability2.0
    Why 2.0?Forbes needed a backup monitor, and Wirecutter cites owner reports of an unreliable app.
  • App & features3.0
    Why 3.0?Rich AI alerts, rewind and family sharing (CNET), but alert overload (Forbes) and paywalled extras after year one (CNET).
  • Privacy & security3.5
    Why 3.5?Wi-Fi only. CNET's comparison table lists the CuboAi Plus as CTIA Cybersecurity Certified. No source assessed the Gen 3.
    Source: CNET

What experts say

  • CNET: Best baby monitor that grows with kids (CuboAi Plus, the previous model). The cons are paywalled extras after the free year, no access if Wi-Fi goes down, and alert overload for some.
  • Forbes Vetted: 3/5 for the Smart Baby Monitor 3: so many connectivity problems it needed a backup, and overwhelming alerts.
  • Wirecutter (NYT): Not tested, because of negative reviews saying the app is unreliable.
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