Cove Security Cameras Review

We tested Cove's cameras for a few days to see how they compare with other security system cameras.
For outdoors
Eufy SoloCam S40
Eufy Outdoor Camera
  • pro
    135º field of view
  • pro
    Works indoors and outdoors
  • pro
    Battery with solar charging
For indoors
Cove Indoor Camera
Cove Indoor Camera
  • pro
    110º field of view
  • pro
    Works indoors
  • pro
    Plugs into an outlet
Battery doorbell
Eufy Video Doorbell with Chime
Eufy Doorbell Camera
  • pro
    160º field of view
  • pro
    Works outdoors
  • pro
    Battery
Wired doorbell
SkyBell Doorbell Camera
  • pro
    180º field of view
  • pro
    Works outdoors
  • pro
    Wired

Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

SafeWise experts have years of firsthand experience testing the products we recommend. Learn how we test and review

Cove's security cameras are a great addition to the alarm system, and the brand's partnership with Eufy means you have access to some unique battery-powered cameras, like the solar-powered Eufy Outdoor Camera.

Beyond that, Cove offers security cameras comparable to most security systems. The cameras have HD video, competitive prices, and AI-driven motion recording. They're a good combination with Cove's user-friendly security systems.

pro
Pros
pro 7 days of cloud storage in base plan
pro Local storage option on most cameras
pro Easy installation
pro Solar charging on the outdoor camera
con
Cons
con Paid cloud storage quickly adds up
con No cloud storage on Eufy cameras
con Cove Plus monitoring plan required


Compare Cove security cameras

Product
Best for
Price
Video resolution
Field of view
Power source
Weatherproof
Learn more
For outdoors1920p (2K)135ºBattery, solar
Icon Yes  LightYes
For indoors1080p110ºWired
Icon No  LightNo
Battery doorbell1080p160ºBattery
Icon Yes  LightYes
Wired doorbell1080p180ºWired
Icon Yes  LightYes

Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

What to expect with Cove security cameras

Similarities

For the most part, Cove's security cameras share the same basic features:

  • Remote access through the Cove and Eufy app
  • Motion-activated recording
  • Two-way audio

The Cove app is your portal to using the cameras and allows you to change settings, receive notifications, and watch live and recorded videos from your cameras. Still, most of these features are pretty standard among security cameras. For our review, let's focus on the most useful: motion detection.

Motion detection

Cove's recording settings come in various flavors to help you sort videos and manage notifications:

  • Motion sensitivity: By adjusting the sensitivity of your camera's motion sensor, you can train it to ignore small movements from pets.
  • Activity zones: Activity zones allow you to exclude portions of the camera's view from triggering recordings or alerts (like a busy sidewalk). It's common on most security cameras and is one of our favorite features.
  • Alert frequency: This helps solve one of the biggest problems with Wi-Fi security cameras—notification overload. We love that you can set how often the camera will alert you so it won't send multiple notifications in less than a minute. This setting is helpful if you want to keep a higher level of motion sensitivity, which usually results in a pile of notifications every time your dog walks by.

Differences

Cove Cloud video storage plans

Plan
Cost per camera
Video history
Cove Cloud7 days
Cove Cloud+30 days

Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

We appreciate that Cove Cloud includes seven days of cloud storage with every security camera, which should be enough for most people. You have plenty of time to download videos before they disappear forever.

Although you can upgrade your storage plan to Cove Cloud+ for around $3 per month per camera, the costs add up quickly if you have more than three cameras. Compared to brands with affordable multi-camera storage plans—like the Ring Stick Up Cam and Google Nest Cams*—Cove's per-camera pricing isn't a great deal.

Bell
Cove Cloud doesn't work with Eufy cameras

Only the Cove Indoor Camera and SkyBell Doorbell Camera are compatible with Cove Cloud. For Eufy cameras, you need to use local video storage, as cloud storage is unavailable.

Video resolution

Although most of Cove's camera offerings come with 1080p video, the Eufy Outdoor Camera can record 2K or 1920p. This is most helpful when zooming in on subjects far from the camera. In contrast, 1080p is plenty acceptable for up-close interactions with doorbells and indoor cameras.

Local video storage

Still, Cove has a big advantage over Ring, thanks to 8GB of built-in storage on the outdoor camera and microSD card slots on the indoor cam and Eufy doorbell. This gives you local video storage that's easier to manage than cloud storage and doesn't require a monthly subscription.

Of course, you need to buy the microSD card upfront. But considering you can buy a compatible card for less than $10, it's the best alternative to paying for a Cove Cloud+ plan on the Indoor Camera.

AI smart detection

While SkyBell's motion detection is useful for recording anything that moves in front of the camera, it's less potent than the human detection used by Cove's other three cameras. As the name suggests, this AI-driven feature looks for motion from people-shaped objects, so your camera ignores everything that isn't human.

The Cove Indoor Camera has an extra detection trick: baby crying. It can record video when there's a loud sound—hence the namesake. Fortunately, it's not limited to babies crying (it also works for alarms and other loud sounds), but it is very helpful for capturing video without motion detection.

Field of view

The doorbell cameras' fields of view—160º for Eufy and 180º for SkyBell—are wider than those of the Eufy Outdoor Camera (135º) and the Cove Indoor Camera (110º). They can see more area, which makes sense when its outdoor setting doesn't have to deal with walls that naturally restrict a camera's view.

Night vision

The Eufy Outdoor Camera comes with a bright spotlight that gives it access to color night vision. Spotlights are popular among newer security cameras like Arlo, Wyze, and Reolink. Although the other Cove cameras offer infrared night vision, they lack the color imaging of the Eufy Outdoor Camera.

Weatherproofing

The Eufy Outdoor, Eufy Doorbell, and SkyBell can handle adverse weather conditions like rain, dust, and snow. The Indoor Camera doesn't need weatherproofing and isn't suitable for outdoor use.

Power source

Both Eufy cameras use battery power, so you can install them where there's a good view without thinking about a power cord. The Cove Indoor and SkyBell both use wired power sources. You need to recharge the batteries occasionally, but it's worth the extra portability. Just remember to keep the cameras in range of your Wi-Fi network.

Still, Eufy Outdoor Camera's built-in solar panel tops off your battery daily. While this isn't the only solar-powered security camera on the market—Arlo, Ring, Wyze, and SimpliSafe offer the option—other brands sell solar chargers separately.

Cove security cameras reviews

Eufy Outdoor Camera: For outdoors

For outdoors
Eufy SoloCam S40
Eufy Outdoor Camera
$199.99
pro 2K video resolution
pro Integrated solar panel

Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

The Eufy Outdoor Camera's biggest strength is portability, thanks to a rechargeable battery and built-in solar panel.  you'll never need to unmount the camera to charge indoors. This means you can install it far from a power outlet for enhanced placement flexibility.

We like that the Eufy Outdoor Camera has a wide 135º field of view, above the 130º average for most security cameras. Still, it can't see as much as the Arlo Pro 4, which boasts an impressive 160º view. The integrated spotlight is another highlight—allowing you to record color video at night. This camera has 8GB of built-in video storage, which Cove says will last about two months. Still, it's a bummer that cloud storage isn't an option.

Overall, this camera brings a lot of value to Cove's security system and ultimately helps Cove keep up with camera-centric systems like Arlo and Ring. It's also a great way to get the Eufy SoloCam S230 for less—Cove regularly discounts its equipment.

Cove Indoor Camera: For indoors

For indoors
Cove Indoor Camera
Cove Indoor Camera
$99.00
pro 1080p video resolution
pro Smart detection

Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

The Cove Indoor Camera trades weatherproofing for smart detection that uses AI to spot humans, detect when a baby cries, and produce fewer false notifications. This isn't a bad tradeoff considering the camera costs half as much as the outdoor model. We're huge fans of the camera's human detection for tracking when a person sets off the motion sensor.

Although this camera's 110º field of view is narrower than average, it works well enough indoors where a wide angle might record more blank walls than you might think. The power cable is also quite convenient indoors since you don't need to monitor battery levels.

Like the outdoor camera, Cove's indoor camera has much to offer for people already using or considering buying a Cove security system. But if you want a standalone security camera with arguably better features, consider checking out the Wyze Cam v3.

Video: A Quick Look at Cove's Indoor Camera

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Eufy Doorbell Camera: Battery doorbell

Battery doorbell
Eufy Video Doorbell with Chime
Eufy Doorbell Camera
$99.99
pro 1080p video resolution
pro Easy installation

Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

Of the two video doorbells Cove sells, the Eufy Doorbell Camera is our favorite. The rechargeable battery makes for an easy installation process, ideal for renters looking to add a home security system. It has a wireless chime that hosts a microSD card slot for local video storage to save videos long-term without paying extra for Cove Cloud+.

It's disappointing that you can't connect to existing doorbell wiring like the SkyBell can. This means you'll need to plan for regular recharges, which involve removing the doorbell from its mounting bracket to charge indoors with a USB cable.

Despite the inconvenience of indoor charging, the Eufy Doorbell Camera is an excellent value compared to options from brands like SimpliSafe, Frontpoint, and ADT Self-Setup.

SkyBell Doorbell Camera: Wired doorbell

Wired doorbell
SkyBell Doorbell Camera
$189.00
pro 1080p video resolution
pro Wide field of view

Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

The SkyBell Doorbell Camera is Cove's premium option for your front door. It connects to the doorbell wiring for continuous power and works with an existing doorbell chime. As such, you can't install this doorbell anywhere else, making it more suitable for homeowners than renters.

We like how SkyBell's 180º field of view sees more than other Cove security cameras, which is appropriate for a wired video doorbell. SkyBell's narrow shape isn't much larger than a traditional doorbell button, so it's less likely to clash with your home's decor than the Eufy Doorbell Camera.

This is the only Cove security camera without a local storage option—it entirely depends on a Wi-Fi connection and cloud video storage to work properly. Still, some folks will value SkyBell's contributions to a Cove security system.

Final word

As you might expect, Cove's security cameras don't offer much to folks without a Cove alarm system. Still, we like that it plays to the strengths of outdoor and indoor cameras. The price is on the lower end, so you can get as many cameras as you need without busting your home security budget. Check out our Cove security review to learn more about the security system.

Eufy Outdoor Camera: Flexible installation options and great night vision outdoors

Cove Indoor Camera: Dynamic detection features and an affordable way to watch over common areas in your home

Eufy Doorbell Camera: Solid video doorbell for monitoring activity around your home's entrances

SkyBell Doorbell Camera: Wide field of view and continuous power through existing doorbell wiring

FAQ

Installing Cove security cameras is an easy process that's similar to what you'd expect from any other Wi-Fi security camera:

  1. Power on the camera.
  2. Select the camera from the setup menu in the Cove app.
  3. Scan the camera's QR code using the Cove app to connect your phone to the camera (the camera talks during setup to let you know its status).
  4. Put in information about your Wi-Fi network, which generates a QR code on your phone.
  5. Scan the QR code with the camera and wait to hear if it was successful.
  6. After the camera connects to your Wi-Fi, name it and choose the location where you're installing it.
  7. Place or mount the camera in its final location.

You should expect setup and installation to take about 10 minutes—though maybe a bit longer if you need to track down tools in your junk drawer.

Learn more about installing home security cameras.

Cove has a partnership with Eufy to provide some of its home security cameras—both are functionally identical. You'll even use the Eufy app for Cove's Eufy cameras. The only fundamental differences are that Cove sells these Eufy models for less than traditional retailers and that Eufy cameras don't interact with Cove security systems.

How we reviewed Cove security cameras

Cove Indoor Camera next to Cove Control Panel

Image: SafeWise. 

We've tested other Cove cameras in the past—but that was before the company switched to Eufy and SkyBell cameras. Cove's approach to partnering with other companies for security cameras is admirable. Still, it's a little confusing that there are three manufacturers among Cove's four camera models. And that's on top of the Kami and YI cameras it formerly supported over the last few years. Hopefully, Eufy has more staying power.

Of the new cameras, we've tested the Eufy and Skybell video doorbells but not the Eufy Outdoor Camera. We also have hands-on experience with the Cove Indoor Camera. During our tests, we looked at the video quality, setup, and unique features that set these cameras apart from the competition. You can learn more about how we test and review products in our ranking methodology.

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Disclaimers

*Google, Google Nest, Google Assistant, and other related marks are trademarks of Google LLC.

John Carlsen
Written by
John Carlsen
John is a technology journalist specializing in smart home devices, security cameras, and home security systems. He has over a decade of experience researching, testing, and reviewing the latest tech—he was the Smart Home Editor for Top Ten Reviews and wrote for ASecureLife before joining SafeWise as a Staff Writer in 2020. John holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism emphasis from Utah Valley University. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking, photography, cooking, and starting countless DIY projects he has yet to complete.

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