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Do you need to keep your home security activity on the sly? Or want a discreet mini camera you can wear while you’re out alone at night?
These James Bond Style spy gadgets can be as small as a button, which would make Q (James Bond’s MI6 quartermaster) proud. Some are even disguised as everyday objects that double as working clocks, night lights, Bluetooth speakers and more.
We bring you our top picks with pros, cons, and user feedback.
Article Overview
Best Hidden Cameras
We based our picks on several factors, including technology, video quality, performance, reliability, pricing and customer feedback.
The spy cams that are WiFi-enabled are only compatible with a 2.4GHz network; not 5GHz.
Best For Multiple Uses: AOBO Mini WiFi Spy Camera
The AOBO mini spy camera is a versatile, powerful and feature-packed WiFi security device that’s merely the size of a wristwatch face. It even comes with a wrist strap for when you’re out jogging or on-the-go. It also has a built-in magnet, so it can adhere to any metal surface. The uses for this little gem are seemingly endless — as a home security camera, nanny cam, baby monitor, pet camera, car camcorder, drone cam, cop cam, etc.
You can live stream video 24/7 and view it remotely on your smartphone or computer. You can also use it with or without WiFi to save motion-detected recordings on the built-in SD card (up to 128GB).
Like similar mini spy cams, it has roughly an hour max of battery life. But with this model you can connect it to a 1,0000mAh battery pack to record up to 30 hours. And you can keep it running 24/7 with motion detection and night vision activated when plugged into a USB charger.
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- Check Amazon for availability
- No warranty information available
Best For Outdoors: Kuna Maximus Video Security Camera & Outdoor Light Review
This Kuna WiFi weatherproof HD security camera’s design looks like a stylish outdoor light fixture, giving you a discreet way to detect unwelcome activity outdoors. You can live-stream video from anywhere and get real-time motion detection alerts. It also has a two-way intercom, and you can set pre-recorded messages via the app. The light fixture is available in several attractive designs.
Every camera comes with three downloads per month and a 2-hour event look-back period of footage stored in the cloud, but they have a premium plan that gives you unlimited downloads, a longer look-back period and other features (you get a 14-day free trial for the premium plan).
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- Check Amazon for availability
- $4.99/month Kuna Premium (includes unlimited video downloads, 7-day event look back, activity zones, theft protection and more)
- Size: 11″ x 6″ x 8.5″
- 1-year warranty
Best For Budget: Enji Prime MiniEye Wireless Camera
At just one cubic inch and under $30, this mini spy cam is a good bang for your buck. It has night vision and only records when it detects motion to save space on the SD card (32MG maximum). The card can hold up to 100 minutes of recordings. The drawback for some may be the lack of WiFi and the 720p video resolution.
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- Check Amazon for availability
- No warranty information available
Spy Cams Disguised As Everyday Objects
Based on our research, here are some of the top-performing spy cameras of the pack that look (and function) like normal home appliances or decor that you’d have sitting around your home.
Alarm Clock | Bluetooth Speaker | Night Light | Photo Frame| Wall Clock
WEMLB HD WiFi Hidden Camera Alarm Clock Review
With this WEMLB device, you get a 1080p mini spy camera concealed in an operating alarm clock for optimal camouflage as a nanny cam or other indoor security uses. This WiFi device has night vision, motion detection and audio/video recording. It comes with a 16GB SD card (expandable to 128GB), which you can set to loop record. You can also store some footage in their app.
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- $59.99
- Size: 4.3″ x 1.9″ x 1.6″
- 2-year warranty
Nanibo Hidden Camera WiFi Bluetooth Speaker Review
This cool WiFi gadget combines a 1080p mini spy camera and a working Bluetooth speaker, which you can use simultaneously. Using the app, you can control the lens angle, which rotates 180° to give you a wide field of view. And you can set it for motion detection recording, 24-hour loop audio/video recording and time-lapse video recording on an SD card (up to 128GB). The major downside with this device is that there’s no night vision.
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- Check Amazon for availability
- 3-year warranty, 1-year free replacement
Vrnzau Hidden Camera Night Light Review
This WiFi device is a working colored night light with a small 1080p full HD video camera lens hidden inside, making it a great option for a kid’s room, bedroom, den, living room, etc. Using the app, you can adjust the night light’s brightness and color and rotate the lens 160° to the right or left for the ideal angle. Another standout feature is the 6-hour life of the rechargeable battery.
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- Check Amazon for availability
- Comes with a 6 ft. USB charging cord and 2A adapter
- Size: 6.8″ x 4.8″ x 3.9″
- 18-month warranty
FUVISION Hidden Spy Camera Photo Frame Review
This wireless 5×7 photo frame with a hidden home security camera is sure to fool unsuspecting caregivers or would-be-thieves. You can hang this frame on the wall or place it on a bookcase or table. One of the best selling points of this device compared to many other spy cams is the battery life — its powerful rechargeable battery lasts from 6-10 months between charges. And the app tells you when it’s time to recharge.
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- Check Amazon for availability
- No warranty information available
AMCSXH HD 1080P WiFi Hidden Camera Wall Clock Review
The WiFi-enabled AMCSXH Wall Clock Spy Camera makes a good option for an office, home kitchen, workshop, garage and other rooms. When it detects motion, it sends your phone 3 snapshots to alert you of what’s going on.
The camera’s field of view isn’t quite as wide as some other hidden camera devices we review here, and it also doesn’t have night vision. But the built-in battery life is above average, and users say the video quality is superb.
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- $69.99
- Size: 9.2″ x 8.9″ x 2.4″
- 1-year warranty
When Are Hidden Cameras Illegal?
Experts say that in general, it’s legal in the U.S. to record video surveillance with a hidden camera in your home without the consent of the person you’re recording. In most states, it’s illegal to record hidden camera video in areas where your subjects have a “reasonable expectation of privacy,” like a bathroom or a bedroom if the subject is a live-in nanny.1
When it comes to Airbnb and other rental homes and hotels, hidden cameras are most certainly illegal. As a renter, you reasonably expect privacy during your vacation. This video from NBC’s Today Show will tell you how to spot hidden cameras in vacation rentals and other places.
Other Home Security Devices You Might Need
Hidden home security cameras shouldn’t be your only line of defense against home intruders. If you want a reliable and affordable home security system, be sure to check out our reviews of the best security systems. Or if you just need a little extra protection outside of your home, see which outdoor security cameras and doorbell cameras we recommend.
Where do you need a hidden camera?
Sources: [1] BrickHouse Security
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Now this is cool, I had no idea there were products that came with spy cams built in! I have been trying to shove my existing home security camera into all kinds of objects with little success of making them look real. It looks like there’s a wide variety of products, any chance they’ve come up with a pen camera yet? Now that would make Moneypenny proud.
A pen camera? Now that’s very James Bond! We haven’t researched spy pens specifically but looks like they do exist including this 1080p clip-on mini camera spy pen from DZFtech.