Protect yourself and your property discretely, with the best spy cameras and hidden cameras available right now

(Image credit: Digitalcameraworld)

With the best covert or spy cameras, you can keep yourself safe without drawing attention to yourself. They vary from standard home security cameras in that they are significantly more covert. Put differently, they’re either too small for anyone to see, or they’re covered up to look like something else entirely, like a clock.

A wide field of vision allows you to observe as much of your surroundings as possible, making it the perfect spy camera. High resolution is also required, but there must be some compromise. When 720p will do, you don’t want to deal with the hassle and cost of processing large 8K files. Additionally, you might want motion detection and night vision, so that the covert camera only records when something moves.

Since the term “spy camera” is extremely broad, there is a lot of overlap with other categories of cameras. Because many of these gadgets have features similar to spy cameras, if none of the ones on this list seem appropriate, you should also check out our guides to the best pet camera, action cameras, and home indoor security cameras.

Top picks

• BEST OVERALL: Blink Mini
• BEST HIDDEN CAMERA: Ciodgdgo Spy Camera
• BEST FOR BEACH: Ray-Ban Stories
• BEST CCTV: Arlo Essential Spotlight
• BEST FOR BATTERY LIFE: Blink Indoor

The best spy camera in 2024

Why you can trust Trusty Picked 
Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.

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1. Blink Mini

Best overall

SPECIFICATIONS

Video: Full HD 1080p at 30fps

Display: None

Viewing angle: 110 degrees

Storage: Cloud only (none internal)

Power: AC/DC

Size: 50x49x36 mm

Weight: 50g

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

Along with a number of security features, such as motion detection and infrared night vision, the camera can record in Full HD. In addition, two-way audio is available in case you need to chastise a pet for approaching the snack drawer too closely.

Its lack of an SD slot and internal storage in general is its biggest drawback. That means that your only options for saving video and photos are to either spend the same amount as the camera again for the Sync Module 2 hub, which lets you dump recordings to a USB stick or other similar device, or sign up for a subscription plan to receive some cloud storage. Given how inexpensive the camera was to begin with, this isn’t exactly disastrous, but it is something to consider.

(Image credit: Digitalcameraworld)

2. ClODGDGO Spy Camera

The most discrete wi-fi camera

SPECIFICATIONS

Video: 1920 x 1080px

Display: Via smartphone / playback on computer

Viewing angle: not stated

Storage: TF (Micro SD)

Power: 1,500mAh li-Ion battery

Size: 5 x 3 x 12 cm

Weight: 80g

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By moving the electronics, such as the battery and microphone, back down a cable where they may be covertly hidden, this spy camera maintains a low profile. This implies that you can have all the convenience of a camera compatible with a phone, but it’s a little bit more covert.

The camera is outfitted with motion detection and standard recording features, as well as a loop mode that preserves the most recent video at the price of older ones. You can easily evaluate the 32GB TF card that comes with it on your computer, or you can insert a larger card if you’d like. With that 32GB, you can record for around 4 hours at 30 frames per second.

There are two variants available on the market: one has a simple microphone and recording device (to the card), and the other has wi-fi built into the electronics pouch so you can monitor from your phone. Verify the version that your business is promoting. While more handy, wi-fi signals can catch the notice of people who have signal detectors.

(Image credit: Cnet)

3. Ray-Ban Stories

The best spy camera that’s wearable

SPECIFICATIONS

Video: 1184 x 1184 px (square) 30fps up to 1414 x 1414 (cropping depends on stabilization)

Display: No

Viewing angle: N/A

Storage: 4GB flash storage

Power: Rechargeable

Size: 41.2mm (height), 50mm (width), 22mm (bridge width), 150mm (temple length)

Weight: 50g

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We couldn’t compile a list of spy cameras without including at least one option that is hidden inside the top spy goggles. Although there are many affordable choices available online from unknown firms, the style leans more toward Austin Powers than Tom Cruise. On the other hand, these Ray-Bans are very utilitarian and stylish in their own right.

The dual 5MP cameras, a tie-in between Ray-Ban and Meta, offer a photo resolution of 2592 x 1944 pixels and a 30 frames per second, 1184 x 1184 pixel video. An eyeline point-of-view perspective when recording hands-free is the key selling factor here.

Since there’s a significant degree of creepiness outside of a James Bond film, Ray-Ban has put a colorful light indication on the front of the spectacles that turns on when the camera is filming.

Even so, the majority of people are unlikely to figure out that you are filming them, so it’s up to you to decide whether or not utilizing these glasses is suitable and/or permitted.

(Image credit: Coolmobile)

4. Arlo Essential Spotlight

The best spy camera for home security

SPECIFICATIONS

Video: 1920 x 1080px

Display: Via smartphone

Viewing angle: 130 degrees

Storage: Cloud-based or via Arlo SmartHub (sold separately)

Power: Li-Ion battery

Size: 5.2 x 7.84 x 8.9 cm

Weight: 331g

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

Need to keep an eye on and secure your house? Because to its screw-in installation, the Arlo Essential Spotlight may be positioned almost anywhere. It can function without the Arlo SmartHub, though you can connect one if you have one, unlike many other Arlo products.

With motion detection and a 300-foot effective “vision” range, this spy camera is packed with features. If you would wish to use it as a deterrent to intruders, there is also a spotlight.

The Arlo Essential Spotlight’s battery can run for a considerable amount of time—up to six months, according to the manufacturers—but it is not replaceable. This implies that when it’s time to charge, you have to disassemble the complete setup.

Although it’s much less useful if you don’t extend your free trial of the Arlo Smart subscription service, setting up the camera is a simple process, and once it’s connected to your phone via the app, you can control a number of tasks.

(Image credit: Digitaltrends)

5. Blink Indoor

The best security camera for two-way audio

SPECIFICATIONS

Video: 1920 x 1080px

Display: Via smartphone

Viewing angle: 110 degrees

Storage: Cloud storage

Power: 2 x AA lithium batteries

Size: 71 x 71 x 31mm

Weight: 48g

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

Because of its size, the Blink Indoor is more equivalent to a home security camera than a spy camera. However, if that’s not a deal breaker, this camera records in higher resolution than some of the smaller, less visible models. Additionally, Blink’s mechanism for recording to a USB stick via a Sync Module makes it one of my more reliable choices for the finest security cameras. This is fantastic because a lot of security cameras only allow you to record occurrences by paying a membership price.

The Blink has an additional useful function that sets it apart from many other spy cameras: an integrated two-way audio system that can be operated by the Blink app on your smartphone allows you to have conversations with intruders. It runs entirely wirelessly on two unique lithium AA batteries, which have a two-year lifespan, eliminating the need for frequent replacement. And if you love Alexa, you can use simply your voice to turn off the camera or watch live streaming.

In order to ensure that you never miss a second, full HD recording is available during the day and transitions to infrared HD night vision at night. Although it is weather resistant, if you’re looking for a completely waterproof option, we suggest the Blink Outdoor camera.

FAQs

How can I find hidden spy cameras?

There are several methods for locating covert cameras. If you want to search for unforeseen reflections from camera lenses, you can switch off the lights and beam a torch. RF detectors can also be used to find radio-transmitting cameras, such as those used for wi-fi. We’ve compiled a list of the top hidden camera detectors; some are reasonably priced for providing peace of mind in unfamiliar settings.

What do we look for in spy cameras?

I’ve made an effort to address every possible motivation for wanting to “spy” here. It makes little difference if people notice the cameras from time to time if your main concern is keeping your family and home safe. As a deterrence, one may even argue that it is preferable to see the cameras.

You may see my evaluations of the top security cameras in another guide. There is a lot of overlap; clarity is important when identifying details, such as license plates or TV content. If specific events occur—perhaps just an animal, person, or car enters the frame—AI can assist in alerting you.

Additionally, we have certain discrete devices akin to those shown in espionage films that can be camouflaged in various ways. Hopefully, this will bring out the best in you—the detective, maybe even the James Bond.