Currently, the excessive consumption of conventional fossil fuels has caused the energy crisis and environmental pollution. Efficient solar-driven photocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) are essential to facilitate future hydrogen-powered technologies. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with permanent porosity, long-range order and rigid backbones offer a promising material platform to address the global energy need. In this review, we focus on different strategies to improve the performance of COF-based photocatalysts and the factors involved in photocatalytic water splitting for hydrogen production. Finally, an overview on the prospects and challenges in the rational design of COF-based photocatalysts in the field of photocatalysis is outlined.