Cubo Ai Plus Smart Baby Monitor review

Janet tested the Cubo Ai Plus Smart Baby Monitor with her 5-month-old daughter. It was tested in various positions (standing, crib mounted and portable) during daytime naps and at bedtime.

First impressions?

I was pleased with how protected the items were within the packaging and how well laid out they were, making it easy to ensure all parts of the Cubs Ai Plus Smart Baby Monitor were in the box immediately. The instructions were very basic, picture-based steps and I would have preferred a more detailed explanation – maybe with links to a video because while the freestanding option was quite easy to put together, attaching it to the bed can get confusing when you are busy!

How easy was the Cubo Ai Plus Smart Baby Monitor to set up?

The Cubo monitor is mains operated and relies on the use of an app and WiFi to connect the monitor to your smartphone. Although it was straightforward to download the app and follow the instructions to connect the monitor to the WiFi, I struggled with connectivity. Despite following the procedures correctly several times, I was unable to connect.

However, I contacted their customer service via the app and was pleased with the speedy response, the level of attentiveness and dedication to resolving the problem.

Despite their in-depth advice and problem solving, I still had to keep trying over a few days until it finally connected.

It’s worth noting though, that fellow MFM parent tester Janet, who tested the Cubo Ai Plus Smart Baby Monitor with her 16-month-old, felt set-up was very easy: ‘The instructions were clear, and I also found it simple to download and navigate the accompanying App on my iPhone. It was easy to get the monitor set up and going, we did it in around half an hour from the initial unboxing to getting it set up and the app downloaded and explored. I have had no connectivity issues so far with the app, audio or video etc. it has all worked exactly as it should.”

How easy is it to position the Cubo Ai Plus Smart Baby Monitor correctly?

Very easy – and I loved that Cubo has a range of options to position the monitor. The freestanding option allows you the freedom to move the monitor up and down. This is ideal if your child sleeps at either end of the cot as the monitor can be moved to suit your needs.

MFM parent tester Janet adds, “We tried out the stand for the monitor but found that the free-standing element would work the best for us at the moment while we are redecorating my son’s room. I love how you can have the monitor in different positions and on different stands.”

Can you attach the Cubo Ai Plus Smart Baby Monitor to your baby’s cot?

Yes. Attaching it to the cot is an excellent option for those who are tight on space. Although you lose the freedom of mobility, you can attach it securely and still get the benefits of keeping an eye on your child.

Is the Cubo Ai Plus Smart Baby Monitor stylish?

The Cubo looks sleek and sophisticated. The camera sits within a faux-wood holder, and both are securely nestled in a glossy white bird that looks ideal in any nursery, no matter the design. The design looks delicate but is actually quite robust.

MFM parent tester Janet agrees, adding: ‘The design of the monitor is absolutely gorgeous! The clean lines and smooth edges give it a very classy and attractive look. It fits very well into a contemporary nursery and doesn’t compromise on the quality even though the design is flawless. I adore the combination of white and wood effect; it fits my baby’s room perfectly.’

What is the sound quality like on the Cubo Ai Plus Smart Baby Monitor?

I was impressed by the audio quality of the monitor. The Cubo provides clear sound with no background noise or interference. The downside is, it is a little too clear and can mistake high-pitched screams of excitement as a tearful meltdown. The app then repeatedly alerts you to non-existent distress. While there is the option to make the ‘cry alert’ less sensitive, I found that there were the odd occasions that it wouldn’t pick up her cry when in this mode.

Does it feature a nightlight?

Though the Cubo does come with a nightlight, it wasn’t very effective and did nothing to brighten the space beyond its own bulb.

Does the Cubo Ai Plus Smart Baby Monitor have a talk-back function?

Yes, there is a talk-back feature. While it works effectively and is easy to use – you press and hold the microphone symbol in the app – it can be a hit and miss, as some children will find it a comfort to hear their caregiver’s voice and others will find it frustrating if they’re not in the room.

Does the app offer data analysis of the baby’s sleep, and is it helpful?

The Cubo Ai Plus Smart Baby Monitor does offer sleep data analysis. Overall, the sleep analytics were useful. I was able to get a general idea of how long my daughter slept, and I could easily identify when she woke and how restless she may or may not have been during the night.

However, it was unable to consistently identify when a caregiver (i.e. me or her father) had been in to check on her, often marking it down as zero caregiver visits. Though inaccurate, it wasn’t an inconvenience.

Does the Cubo Ai Plus Smart Baby Monitor have a temperature indicator?

Yes, it does. I found the temperature and humidity functions were also extremely useful. I run hot, so it can be difficult to tell if the room is generally too warm or if it’s just me. However, it was the humidity function that was particularly helpful. Parents who have children with eczema know that a dry environment can increase irritation, Cubo Ai Plus allowed us to identify the dryness and takes steps to rectify the problem.

What is the picture like on the Cubo Ai Plus Smart Baby Monitor?

Much like the sound, the picture quality is very sharp, even in night mode. I loved how the Cubo was able to capture and record moments, allowing you to see the development of your child (e.g. are they able to stand? Roll? etc.).

In addition, you are able to download these precious keepsakes. However, there’s a catch. While the photo captures can be saved you are only able to download recordings with the premium option of the app for which you must pay either £7.99 a month or a yearly fee of £79.99. This also comes with an ‘age-based moments’ wall for 30 days and the ability to save the sleep tracking analytics for 30 days, otherwise the two only last for 10 and one day(s), respectively.

That said, the all Cubo Ai Plus come with one year of Cubo Ai Care Premium included so you can decide whether or not you feel these additional qualities are worth paying for.

MFM parent tester Janet adds,“I love that the monitor has a cyber security feature as this is something I have definitely worried about in the past. The quality of the camera is outstanding and it is not difficult to see detail on the screen.”

What other features do you like about the Cubo Ai Plus Smart Baby Monitor?

Another benefit to the Cubo is the ability to tailor some of the features to your specific child’s needs, e.g. the ‘Covered Face and Rollover Alerts’ can be adjusted so that you can disable the ‘Roll Over’ alert if your child becomes a tummy sleeper when they grow older. You can also set the ‘Danger Zone Alerts’ to pick up areas that you believe are dangerous.

Read our safe sleep rules for newborns and babies under 6 months

The selection of lullabies ranges from melodies and nature sounds to white and brown noise (a deeper version of white noise). While this feature only stimulated my curious infant, it is useful for those who find gentle music calming.

Being able to scroll back on the timeline was also a bonus. It was useful to scroll back and forth on the live feed to see if there were any common factors causing my daughter to wake up at certain times. I also liked the autonomy it gives parents, allowing them to look over footage and decipher things on a more human level that an AI isn’t able to, e.g. does she sometimes wake up calm or cry instantly?

How does it compare to other similarly priced baby monitors?

When it comes to competition on the market, the Owlet Smart Sock 3 Baby Monitor is Cubo’s biggest rival. At £289 the Owlet works a little differently – instead of traditional video and audio monitoring, the Owlet comes in the form of a wearable sock that tracks a baby’s heart rate and oxygen levels while they sleep. The sock is suitable from birth to 18 months and has a 30m range.

Though an asset for anxious parents, there are a few key features missing that some would feel necessary. The cry alert and video monitoring (and recording) are some basic functions the Owlet does not possess that many parents would expect of any baby monitor. Features more specific to Cubo that would also be missed are the sleep analytics and the timeline scroll-back.

Those who are really keen on having the best of both worlds could opt for the Owlet Baby Monitor Duo which has both the sock and the audio-visual monitor, but this comes at a very high price of £399. While it has the video function it does not have the lullabies feature, the talkback option or the option to download the video like Cubo.

What age is the Cubo Ai Plus Smart Baby Monitor suitable for?

From 0-5 years+.

What additional accessories can you buy?

You can purchase a wall mount for the Cubo Ai Plus Smart Baby Monitor.

How does the Cubo Ai Plus Smart Baby Monitor compare to other similar products on the market?

Where can you buy the Cubo Ai Plus Smart Baby Monitor?

It’s available from CuboAi and Amazon.

MadeForMums verdict

There are certainly other, more affordable options on the market, and if you’re just looking for a monitor to put your mind at ease while you’re out of the room, then the price can seem a bit steep.

However, the Cubo is so much more than just a baby monitor. The other features are perfect for taking care of your child’s wellbeing as a whole. Considering the longevity of the product and its capabilities, the Cubo Ai Plus Smart Baby Monitor is worth spending on.

Fellow MFM parent tester Janet agrees, “I feel so much more relaxed on a night now I know that when myself and my husband are asleep that my baby is being monitored and that we will be alerted if we need to be. It is also extremely simple to use even though the Cubo has so many different features on offer.”