Hive home security review | The Independent

Hive has discontinued its line of home security products and they are only available from third parties, such as Amazon. The support for these devices is due to cease on 1 August 2025. 

Hive’s security cameras deliver a good all-round performance but don’t, we feel, offer value for money. There are limited models available and with the cessation of support, Hive cameras could potentially be at risk of hacking attacks due to vulnerabilities that are no longer being fixed. 

Rating: ★★

To thoroughly test Hive’s home security products, our experts analyse every product’s performance, features and value for money. Customer reviews and industry opinions are also considered. 

The following categories determine our Hive review:

• Upfront and contract pricing
• Packages available
• Features and functionality
• Usability
• Customer experience

We examine 18 elements within these categories, including:

• Monitoring services and contract types
• Data backup and storage
• Warranties
• Flexibility/customisation in bundles
• Quality (image, sound, product)
• Installation

Every Independent Advisor home security article undergoes verification by our internal team to ensure we provide an unbiased, reliable review, allowing homeowners to make informed decisions. For more information, read our article on how we review home security systems.

Generally, smart systems employ interconnected devices to deliver a comprehensive security solution. Unlike traditional systems that depend on alarms and direct contact with emergency services, smart systems provide instant responses to threats and hazards and give the homeowner an improved degree of command, personalisation, and interaction.

Automation can be preprogrammed to carry out actions, such as turning the lights on if a camera senses activity, and instant notifications are sent to your smartphone if any device is triggered. An app allows you to control your system remotely, and this degree of control and customisation sets smart security apart from traditional systems.

Due to Hive discontinuing its home security products, none of the relevant devices are available on its website and only limited numbers are available from third parties, such as Amazon. As a result, carrying out a comprehensive comparison is challenging. 

Hive’s products are designed for self-installation and the packages include the necessary mounting equipment. Self-monitoring is via the Hive app, and there is no option for professional monitoring. 

In August 2025, Hive’s cameras will stop working effectively. As a result, our researchers feel that they do not offer value for money. You would be better served by purchasing Ring, Abode, or Hey! home security systems. 

Hive has discontinued its range of cameras and few models are available on Amazon and other third-party sites. As a result, our researchers had only one package to test and one individual device. 

Monthly costs

With Hive support for its home security cameras ending in August 2025, any camera subscription plan is time-limited.

Hive hub

The hub plugs into a router, connecting all Hive devices together and serving as the nerve centre of a home security system. Pairing and managing your smart technology can be done through your app. 

Hive window and door sensors

Hive’s window and door sensors are available on the website and there seems to be no plans to discontinue them.

Hive’s sensors are simple to install and will send alerts if your door or window status changes and they are opened or closed. You can use the app to set up Hive Actions, which could include turning the heating on if the front door is opened. 

Hive motion sensor

If the motion sensor detects movement, an instant alert will be sent to the app, allowing you to decide your course of action. The Pet Friendly model can identify movement but ignores pets under 36kg, minimising false alarms. These devices will not be discontinued.

Hive outdoor camera

The Hive outdoor camera provides HD live streaming, automatic night vision, two-way audio and person detection. You can watch footage from the last 24 hours or, via Hive Video Playback membership, access recordings from the previous 30 days.

View indoor camera

Hive’s View indoor camera provides HD live streaming, automatic recording when triggered by motion, and pet or person detection, reducing the instances of false alerts. You can download recordings straight to your smartphone and playback videos from the last 24 hours, or with a subscription to Video Playback, access recordings from the last 30 days. 

The camera can be removed from its base and features an hour of battery time. It also has a magnetic base or can easily be wall mounted with the fittings included in the box. 

Hive smart camera

The smart camera from Hive captures HD footage and allows zoom features through the smartphone app. It also offers two-way communication and automatic night vision. 

Trustpilot awards Hive 2.5 out of five stars, with 26 per cent of reviews leaving a one- or two-star score. Many reported problems with their security cameras, app functionality, and lack of customer support. Conversely, the 65 per cent of customers leaving four- and five-star reviews were satisfied with the support offered and product performance. 

“I own a Hive homeview camera. It stopped working so I contacted Hive, which I was dreading doing having read the various reviews from others with similar problems. However, my own experience was excellent and Hive sent me a replacement camera within a week without quibbling.”

“After spending a fortune on a nice indoor camera from hive I get two years out of it then they do an update to the software and hey presto it is now no longer working. Hive not interested at all!”

 Amazon customers have awarded Hive’s indoor camera four out of five stars.

“Works fine when you’re viewing on your phone using wifi. Picks up voice conversation well.”

Hive has two apps to control its smart home products – HomeSheild and the Hive app. 

The HomeSheild app, designed for managing Hive’s security devices, is no longer available. However, if you already have a subscription, it will continue functioning until 1 August 2025. 

The Hive app is user-friendly with a straightforward interface. It allows homeowners to create automation – called “Actions”, such as switching on a light when the camera is triggered. Users can zoom in, change the image resolution, benefit from two-way communication and receive instant alerts wherever they are. 

Our experts have reviewed the only Hive home security package available, looking into its installation, performance and value for money.  

Hive HomeShield Smart Home Security Starter Pack

• What you get: 
  • 1x Hive hub
  • 1x Hive siren
  • 2x Hive door/window sensors
  • 1x Hive motion sensor
  • 1x Hive keypad
• Upfront cost: £106.33 from Amazon
• Monthly fee: From £3.99

Hive’s HomeShield Starter Pack, available from Amazon, provides a good basic security system and is easy to install. It can be set up to monitor movement within your home, sending instant alerts if any sensor is triggered, and follow pre-programmed actions. Giving homeowners control wherever they are, the app allows customised modes, unique PINs for guests and quick access to emergency services. 

While the siren is discontinued, the hub, keypad and sensors continue to feature in Hive’s catalogue and will remain supported. However, our researchers feel that adding cameras would provide a more comprehensive home security solution.

With so few Hive home security products still available and support for existing systems ending in 2025, our researchers suggest that if you’re looking for a home security system, consider other brands, such as Ring, Adobe, or Hey!. 

Hive has confirmed its commitment to supporting its cameras, addressing faults and other related problems until 1 August 2025. It will uphold warranty periods of 12 months and honour any extended warranties. 

Rating: ★★