Hear the words “spy camera,” and it’s likely your brain goes to James Bond or Ethan Hunt stealing secrets or capturing footage of a potentially world-changing event. Most people wouldn’t believe a spy camera is something an average citizen could possess. However, we’re here to show you that the best spy cameras are actually far more versatile and accessible, both financially and functionally, than you ever may have imagined.
The first question that comes to mind is probably, “Why would I need a spy camera?” And while in our modern world, there are plenty of rather nefarious folk using them for less-than-legal means, here are some examples of the most common and handy uses for a personal spy camera:
- Home security
- Nanny cam
- Baby cam
- Elderly parent observation
- Watching over children
- Targeted precious belonging security
- Action sports
- Food-stealing housemates
When it comes to choosing the best spy camera for you, it’s worth considering a number of factors. Firstly, the quality of recording you desire (1080p or 4K). Secondly, what recording mode do you like? Choices include motion detection and live feed. Lastly, think about what shapes and styles are best suited to your needs. Common hidden object options include:
- Sunglasses
- Speaker
- Clock
- Miniature Cam
Below you’ll find 12 of our favorite spy cam options. Each well-reviewed model offers a range of functions and can be put to use in numerous situations. Read on to find the right one for you. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to consult our guide on how to find hidden cameras, you know, just in case.
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1. Blink Indoor
BEST OVERALL
You can receive alerts on your phone when the Blink Indoor detects motion, or you can live stream your camera’s feed on your smart device whenever you want. Recordings store locally and are also available via the cloud with a subscription. This slick hidden spy camera even has temperature monitoring and will alert you when your house gets outside of the parameters you set. This is a robust, yet small hidden spy camera for your home.
2. Ring Stick Up Cam
RUNNER UP
Completely wireless so you can hide it around the house without power or other cables giving away its location or restricting you to somewhere near a power outlet, the Stick Up Cam from Ring is always a great option for a spy camera. The automatic motion detection sets the camera to record once triggered. You can access the recordings from the cloud with a subscription to the cloud service. There’s no hub required and it works great with Amazon Alexa.
3. Blink Mini
AFFORDABLE BLINK
If the Blink Indoor camera isn’t quite discreet enough for your needs, consider the Blink Mini. It has many of the same features as the Blink Indoor, such as cloud recording (with subscription) and motion detection. It even has a two-way speaker to talk to whoever is on the other end. And the best part, it costs under $40.
4. Wyze Cam Pan 1080p
360-DEGREE PANNING
When it detects motion, this camera from Wyze does a great job to not let the moving object out of sight thanks to 360-degree panning. And when it starts recording, you can pull the video from local storage or from the cloud, which is free and has a 14-day rolling storage capacity. Did we mention this camera is affordable? It costs just under $40 making it one of the better buys for a hidden spy camera.
5. Nest Cam IQ
FACE RECOGNITION
Not many spy cameras are this smart. The Nest Cam IQ recognizes faces. It will let you know not only that someone is around, but who is in front of the camera. And if the camera doesn’t recognize the face, you’ll get alerts for that, too. It has a fairly hefty price tag and to unlock all of the features you’ll need to pay for a subscription, but wow, this is one smart spy camera.
6. Yi Indoor Wireless WiFi Camera
MOTION AND SOUND DETECTION
This camera will automatically start recording whenever it detects motion or sound. That’s right, it can even double as a baby monitor. But its best attributes come in the form of security. For instance, the two-way speaker uses noise reduction and picks up audio clearly, and video recordings look equally as clear. Recordings are stored locally and in the cloud with a subscription. It’s a powerful spy camera and won’t cost an arm or a leg either.
7. Amcrest Ultra HD Indoor WiFi Camera
SMALL PROFILE
This hidden spy camera measures 4.7 inches tall and only 4 inches wide. You’ll be able to easily hide this camera without it sticking out. Although the profile is small, the recording capabilities are robust. It has 360-degree rotating recording and can tilt 90 degrees up and down — essentially nothing will get by this hidden camera. It even has low-light night vision and stores recordings in the cloud (with subscription). It’s a subtle yet powerful way to ramp up the security in your home.
8. Wyze Cam
BEST BUDGET
At under $30 and with over 50,000 five-star reviews, the Wyze Cam is hard to beat in terms of value and features. This compact home or office cam offers two-way, full-HD live streaming or recording offering a real-time or security function. For the security-minded, you can set the camera up to record 12-second video clips when motion or sound is detected. The device can also save this remotely to the cloud, preventing the card from filling up. Additionally, the nighttime-capable camera can also send mobile push notifications when activated and be controlled using Alexa or Google Assistant.
9. DIVINEEAGLE Spy Camera USB Charger
MOST HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT
If you need a camera that can sit right in front of people without raising suspicion, the DIVINEEAGLE Spy Camera USB Charger could be the choice for you. This compact device looks just like any normal socket-to-USB charger, and only on truly close inspection, would you reveal its hidden secret — a built-in 1080p camera. When recording, the camera shows no visible indicators and uses loop recording to overwrite old data should it be required. For effective target identification, the camera also boasts IQ motion detection with 130 points.
10. Facamword Module Wireless Hidden Camera
MOST FLEXIBLE
The Facamword Module Wireless Hidden Camera offers flexibility and versatility when it comes to mounting which few options can compete with. This slimline, motion-only camera is made up of a tether-mounted camera, a central control box and a WiFi antenna, meaning it takes up minimal space and allows you to hide it in, on, under or even inside everyday household items. Additionally, this is one of the options on our list which can easily be worn should you wish.
11. MingSung Camera Video Sunglasses
BEST SUNGLASSES
Another classic, a camera in your sunglasses provides an easy way to record exactly what you’re seeing, giving you the backup which you so often wish you had. Whether it’s an extreme sport, meeting with friends or an office-based argument, the stylish sunglasses sport a full-HD, bridge-mounted camera that records your video onto the 32GB micro-SD card included in the set. In-arm power buttons let you seamlessly switch the camera on and off, while the UV-400 lenses protect your eyes, just like any normal pair should.
12. Forthaus Hidden Cam Spy Camera
BEST ALARM
In addition to the high-quality, 1080p camera, the Forthaus Hidden Cam Spy Camera offers a range of handy features. These include fast-charging USB ports, built-in radio and Bluetooth speaker. The camera itself is capable of night vision and motion detection and comes with an accompanying app that allows for a live view via WiFi. The device also includes 128GB of internal storage, ensuring you’ll have enough space for plenty of home footage.
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