Spy cameras are handy devices that help you collect evidence against people involved in heinous acts, like corrupt employees or perpetrators.

You can also use them to secretly monitor package deliveries, pets, nannies, elderly parents, or cleaners.

The best hidden cameras are compact and resemble standard gadgets like bulbs, AC outlets, power banks, and alarm clocks to avoid drawing attention. Features that help you determine what hidden camera to buy include video resolution, motion detection, storage, viewing range, and night vision support.

Here are the best spy cameras available today.

The WNAT Smoke Detector Camera is one of the most discreet and functional spy cameras you can buy. It has a small reset button seen in most standard smoke detectors, making it hard for people to figure out it’s a spy camera. The camera lens looks like an inactive bulb. It captures videos up to 125 degrees.

The 1080p resolution records high-quality and distortion-free videos for easy identification. The PIR (passive infrared sensor) human motion detection function sends instant alerts to your phone after sensing movement so you can respond on time. Equipped to this camera is a non-luminous night vision light that illuminates the area without notifying people.

The built-in 5,500mAh battery provides 20 hours of recording on a full charge and up to 180 days when on standby mode. The included SD slot holds a 128GB microSD card and supports loop recording. As such, you don’t need to delete previous videos to create space for new ones. So, if you're looking for one of the most discreet and best hidden cameras, the WNAT Smoke Detector Camera is a go-to option.

Key Features
  • 180 days standby time
  • Supports up to 128GB microSD card
  • PIR human motion detection
Specifications
  • Brand: WNAT
  • Video Resolution: 1080p
  • Battery: 5,500mAh
  • Connection: Wi-Fi
  • Size: 5.43 x 5.31 x 2.2 inches
  • Weight: 0.75lbs
  • Water Resistance: No
Pros
  • Supported app allows you to view live videos
  • Easy to install and use
  • Useful motion detection function
  • Records crips videos
Cons
  • Doesn’t support 5GHz connection
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WNAT Smoke Detector Camera
Editors choice

2. Blink Spy Camera

8.80 / 10
Read Reviews

The Blink packs almost all the traits you’d yearn for in a hidden camera. It’s compact, captures detailed videos, has a long-lasting battery, and works with Alexa. The 1080p resolution captures high-quality videos that make it easy to identify the face of someone who’s 30 feet away. The motion detection feature is customizable via the app, allowing you to set specific zones to avoid receiving unnecessary triggers.

It runs on two AA lithium-metal batteries, which power you for two years. The installation process is straightforward since you don’t need any expertise or special tools. You can use the included kit to mount it on a wall or place it on a shelf or driveway.

The Blink Home Monitor app lets you view live streams, motion-triggered recordings, and adjust camera settings. A blue LED blinks during the day to alert you if the camera is active, while the red LED blinks at night. You can turn this feature on or off since it’s optional.

Key Features
  • Customized motion detection zones
  • Two-way audio
  • Infrared night vision
  • Comes as a one-camera kit
Specifications
  • Brand: Blink
  • Video Resolution: 1080p
  • Photo Resolution: 640x360 nHD
  • Battery: 2x AA lithium-metal non-rechargeable
  • Connection: Wi-Fi
  • Size: 2.6 x 2.8 x 1.2 inches
  • Weight: 0.10lbs
  • Water Resistance: No
Pros
  • Works with Amazon Alexa
  • Detailed 1080p videos
  • Excellent battery life
  • Easy to install
Cons
  • Smaller field of view
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Blink Spy Camera

The Sirgawain is highly functional, despite its inconspicuous and compact design. Video clarity is top-tier as this spy camera has a 1080p resolution for capturing crisp images. It provides enough detail to help you identify perpetrators or workers engaging in unethical practices. With a 150 degrees wide lens, this spy camera ensures malicious acts don’t go unnoticed.

The six infrared LEDs enable the device to capture clear images during the night, making it easy to provide proof of mistreatment. Though compact, the camera includes a valuable SD card slot. You can insert a 32GB SD card to store several videos, and the best thing is that it supports loop recording.

The motion detection feature prompts the Sirgawain to start recording after sensing movement. The included neck lanyard allows you to secure the camera on your neck for seamless recording when on the move, making it an ideal choice as one of the most affordable and best portable hidden cameras.

Key Features
  • Loop recording
  • Works with 2.4GHz Wi-Fi
  • 24/7 recording with continuous charging
Specifications
  • Brand: Sirgawain
  • Video Resolution: 1080p
  • Photo Resolution: 12MP
  • Connection: USB
  • Size: 3.78 x 1.46 x 3.7 inches
  • Weight: 0.22lbs
  • Water Resistance: No
Pros
  • Includes an SD card slot
  • Great video quality
  • Comes with night vision
  • Upgraded motion detector
Cons
  • Battery life could be better
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Sirgawain Portable Camera

If you want a spy camera that doesn’t rely on Wi-Fi, consider the Devineeagle USB Charger Camera. Its artful design, which resembles a wall charger, makes it easy to catch untrustworthy employees and intruders. Many people are less likely to see this spy camera, provided you place it in an unusual place.

The video quality is excellent since the camera comes with a 1080p resolution. The 90 degrees viewing angle is sufficient when targeting small spaces, but you can connect more cameras if you want to monitor all corners. There’s also a USB port on the front that acts as a charging station for smartphones and other compact devices.

Using the Devineeagle USB Charger Camera is easy as you only need to insert a 256 GB Class 10 microSD card and then plug it in a power outlet or power bank. The surge multi-protection ensures your SD card doesn’t get corrupted.

Key Features
  • IQ motion detection
  • Surge multi-protection
  • Charges and records simultaneously
Specifications
  • Brand: Devineeagle
  • Video Resolution: 1080p
  • Battery: No
  • Connection: USB
  • Size: 1.18 x 1.18 x 2.17 inches
  • Weight: 0.05lbs
  • Water Resistance: No
Pros
  • Overwrites old files for continuous recordings
  • Easy to use
  • Decent video quality
  • Doesn’t require Wi-Fi connection
Cons
  • No night vision
Buy This Product
Devineeagle USB Charger Camera

Sometimes the most effective spy cameras are the simplest, and the Waymoon Clock Camera is an excellent example. It resembles a standard digital clock, making it hard for targeted people to sense there’s a hidden camera in the room. The video quality is vibrant and well-detailed since the Waymoon Clock Camera records at 4K resolution. It makes it easy to read written details and identify the perpetrator’s face.

The night vision comes with four infrared LEDs, which capture crisp videos up to a distance of 2.5 feet. The camera incorporates exceptional capabilities in its motion detection feature to ensure people don’t find their way into your room. You don’t need to worry about unwanted people crawling around a particular perimeter since the camera sends instant alerts to your phone.

The 160-degree field of view is significantly larger than most competitors, meaning this camera records more details. It provides more coverage in a medium-sized room, eliminating the need to install many spy cameras.

Key Features
  • 160 ultra-wide viewing angle
  • Supports 128GB Class10 microSD cards
  • Motion detection feature
  • 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network
Specifications
  • Brand: Waymoon
  • Video Resolution: 4K
  • Connection: Wi-Fi
  • Size: 5 x 2 x 2 inches
  • Weight: 0.68lbs
  • Water Resistance: No
Pros
  • Uses advanced motion algorithms
  • One would confuse it with a digital clock
  • 4K recording
  • Stylish matte black finishing
Cons
  • Poor placement of the SD card slot
Buy This Product
Waymoon Clock Camera

If you want a hidden camera that records without drawing attention, consider the SCS Enterprises AC Outlet Camera. The 1080p resolution records detailed live streams and footage, making it smooth to spot malicious activities happening in your home or business. Its double-layered pinhole lens is made from glass elements for improved clarity and focus.

In addition, it captures videos at a 90 degrees angle, which is suitable for a small room. The internal 16GB memory card stores videos of the last 36 hours and supports loop recording, saving you the tedious work of deleting past recordings. The camera features a 940nM infrared filter, which doesn’t produce a visible glow for effective recording at night.

You can use this spy device with other NVR cameras as it’s ONVIF (Open Network Video Interface Forum) compliant. This camera connects to a 120VAC outlet, so you don’t need to worry about recharging the battery. The full-function power ports let you charge your devices with ease.

Key Features
  • Internal 16GB SD card memory
  • 24/7 operation
  • ONVIF compliant
Specifications
  • Brand: SCS Enterprises
  • Video Resolution: 1080p
  • Photo Resolution: 2.0MP
  • Battery: No
  • Connection: USB, Wi-Fi
  • Size: 4.3 x 1 x 3.6 inches
  • Weight: 1lbs
  • Water Resistance: No
Pros
  • Easy to use
  • Fully functional ports
  • Doesn’t attract attention
Cons
  • No audio
Buy This Product
SCS Enterprises AC Outlet Camera

Monitor your nanny, employees, caregivers, or pets without spending a lot with the Symynelec Light Bulb Camera. It comes with an advanced motion detector with three sensitivity levels, ensuring intruders don’t go unnoticed. The 1080p video resolution helps record high-quality videos. Crucial details pop out with excellent clarity even after zooming in, so you can present worthy evidence to the authorities.

The IR night vision captures detailed visuals up to a distance of 10 meters, even in total darkness, meaning you won’t struggle to view recorded footage. Installing the Symynelec Light Bulb Camera is painless since you don’t require technical tools and knowledge.

The 360 degrees viewing angle captures everything happening in a room, but you can adjust up to 180 degrees for maximum concentration on a specific area. You can install the free app on your Android or iOS phone to view live recordings.

Key Features
  • Connects via 2.4GHz Wi-Fi
  • Motion detection function
  • Two-way audio
Specifications
  • Brand: Symynelec
  • Video Resolution: 1080p
  • Battery: No
  • Connection: Wi-Fi
  • Size: 5.12 x 3.15 x 5.12 inches
  • Weight: 0.49lbs
  • Water Resistance: No
Pros
  • Convenient and practical design
  • Wide viewing angle
  • Quick to install
  • Strong night vision
Cons
  • Not waterproof
Buy This Product
Symynelec Light Bulb Camera

FAQ

Q: How Do I Fix My Spy Camera?

When it comes to electronic devices, problems are inevitable. Fortunately, some issues are easy to troubleshoot, saving you the cost of hefty repairs. Most spy cameras connect via 2.5GHz, which is slower than the 5GHz, so ensure your device is near the router to avoid missing essential recordings. Check on the battery, too, to see whether it’s fully charged, and if not, connect the camera to a power outlet.

If recorded videos are blurry, the problem could be with dirty lenses. Consider cleaning them with a soft and lint-free cloth to wipe off any dust. Another common reason your spy camera won’t connect is because of old firmware, so update it to the latest for continuous performance.

In addition, reboot your camera via the supported app to re-calibrate the settings and erase the cache.

Q: Are Spy Cameras Worth It?

Yes, they are. Spy cameras capture videos of a location or someone without their knowledge. Their compact designs are less likely to draw attention or affect the aesthetics of your space. Some have audio capabilities, which aids in adding that much-needed security to your company or household.

For instance, hidden cameras act as great nanny cams as they help you understand how a caregiver treats your toddler or your elderly parents. Business owners can also use them to gather proof of misconduct or theft in their business.

If you're looking to increase your home's safety even further, you may want to consider a full smart security system to keep tabs on every aspect of your domicile.

Q: How Do I Make My Spy Camera More Effective?

Choosing the ideal height to install your camera helps you get the most out of it. Different hidden cameras have distinct viewing angles, so avoid placing yours too high or low from the ground to enable it to pick fine details.

If your camera works via a Wi-Fi network, then consider mounting it near the router to avoid experiencing dropouts. More importantly, remember to set or install the spy cameras in critical areas, like the first-floor window, front door, driveway, or living room.