Best Spy Cameras

Best mini spy cameras

Do you need to be incognito? The best spy cameras allow you to record surveillance footage without being seen

The Best Spy Cameras should be small, discreet, and easy to use. While home security cameras can do the same thing, they are generally more obvious and easier to spot.

Spy cameras should be difficult to detect and easy to disguise in inconspicuous places. If you fancy yourself a bit like a James Bond, you can also get portable spy cameras to film on the go.

The size

The best spy cameras are small enough to be placed in unexpected places and won’t attract attention. You can even get spy cameras that are disguised as simple household objects, like a clock or a light bulb, or as sunglasses if you fancy a bit of a James Bond look.

Besides the size and how easy it is to hide them, there are a few other things to keep in mind. First of all, you want the camera to have a wide field of view so that you can see as much of your surroundings as possible.

At a Glance

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The resolution

While the resolution is really important with most cameras, it doesn’t matter as much with spy cameras as you are more interested in the content you are recording than the quality of the image. Why bother processing massive 4K files that take up a lot of space when 720p is more than enough?

There are certain features that are really useful but not mandatory, such as night vision and motion detection, as it means that the recording will only start when something moves.

For this guide, we have included spy cameras in a range of different prices, so there should be something for every user.

Our Recommendation on Best Spy Cameras

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Best wired and wireless spy camera in 2023

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1. Fredi mini hidden camera

Best Spy Cameras overall

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SPECS

• Video: 1920 x 1080px
• Screen: No
• Viewing Angle: 140 degrees
• Storage: Up to 128 GB via optional microSD card
• Power: USB charging
• Size: 4.5 x 4.5 x 2.5 cm
• Weight: 81.6 g

The size of an after-dinner mint, it wins the award for the best micro camera.
The Fredi Mini hidden camera may be the size of an after-dinner mint or a small cheese cracker. Still, unlike the two, it’s smart enough to detect motion, record 1080P video, capture images to a microSD card optional or record in a constant loop. , and even ‘see’ in the dark.

Like many of its kind, there is the ability to set an alarm notification on your smartphone, by which this hidden camera will send images to your email address, so you can monitor how the babysitter is getting along with the kids, or how The dog You’ve left home is just holding on.

That’s not all, though, as this miniature marvel boasts six infrared LEDs and a night vision distance of five meters,

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2. Flash indoors

Best wired spy camera

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SPECS

• Video: 1920 x 1080px
• Display: via smartphone
• View angle: 110 degrees
• Storage: cloud storage
• Power: 2 AA lithium batteries
• Size: 71 x 71 x 31mm
• Weight: 48g

The first device on our list is the Blink Indoor, which could be classified as a spy camera or just a helpful tool. This is the ideal ‘spy’ camera if you want to be honest about keeping an eye on things. What’s cool here is the ability to talk to intruders (or just package delivery people) using the integral two-way audio system controlled via a Blink app on your smartphone.

The fact that this camera runs on two AA batteries (which will last up to two years) means it’s cable-free, while it’s also compatible with Alexa, allowing you to view live feeds and arm or disarm the camera.

Additionally, filmed clips can be stored in the cloud for up to a year without additional service fees. Full HD video recording is provided during the day, while at night it cleverly switches to HD infrared night vision. It is also weather resistant. If you need a fully waterproof version, go for the Blink Outdoor.

3. Arlo Essential Spotlight

Best wireless spy camera

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SPECS

• Video: 1920 x 1080px
• Display: Via smartphone
• Viewing angle: 130 degrees
• Storage: Cloud-based or via Arlo SmartHub (sold separately)
• Power: Lithium-ion battery
• Size: 5.2 x 7.84 3.5″ x 3.5″
• Weight: 331g

One of the best home security spy cameras, the Arlo Essential Spotlight can be placed virtually anywhere with its screw mount. Unlike many other products in the Arlo range, it doesn’t require the Arlo SmartHub to work, although you can connect it if you have one. It’s a full-featured spy camera, with motion detection and an effective “view” range of 300 feet. There’s also a spotlight, if you want to use it as an intruder deterrent.

The Arlo Essential Spotlight’s battery can last quite a while (manufacturers say up to six months), though keep in mind that it’s non-removable.

This means that you have to disassemble all the equipment when it comes time to load. It’s also worth noting that Essential Spotlight only records Full HD, not 4K. This probably won’t be a deal breaker for most, but still.

Setting up the camera is an easy process, and once it’s connected to your phone via the app, you’ll be able to control a host of features, albeit with the caveat that it’s far less useful if you don’t continue with the free trial. of the Arlo Smart subscription service.

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4. Bear Grylls Waterproof Action Camera Goggles

Best waterproof spy camera

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SPECS

• Video: 1920 x 1080px at 30 fps
• Storage: in the proportionate
• Energy: lithium batteries (included)
• Size: in the dice
• Weight: 59g

A spy camera you can use, endorsed by Mr Adventure himself
We couldn’t do a roundup of ‘spy’ cameras without presenting at least one option that features a hidden lens inside a pair of glasses.

While there are plenty of pocket money options from brands we’ve never heard of available online, the look tends to be more Austin Powers than Tom Cruise.

However, the Bear Grylls Waterproof Action Camera Goggles have a spec list that sits head and shoulders above the rest, albeit with a price three times that of some off-brand alternatives.

The advantage here is an eye-line point of view perspective when shooting hands-free full HD video. Because it’s an action cam as much as anything else, we get waterproofing and dust protection along with the promised 100% UVA protection.

An accessory kit is included including a secure leash with float, for whatever your ‘missions’ can throw at you.

5. YI Pan-Tilt Security Camera

Best YI Pan Spy Camera

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SPECS

• Video: Full HD [email protected]
• Display: none
• Viewing angle: 110 degrees
• Storage: cloud only (none internal)
• Power: AC/DC
• Size: 50x49x36mm
• Weight: 50g

One of the cheapest home security cameras, with smooth 30fps video
The cheapest camera in the Blink range, the Blink Mini is a solid choice for anyone who wants a simple spy camera that doesn’t cost too much.

It’s easy to set up and its tiny dimensions make it easy to place it somewhere out of sight. The camera can record Full HD video and has a suite of security features, including motion detection and infrared night vision. Plus, there’s two-way audio, in case you need to use it to scold a pet getting too close to the treat drawer.

The only real downside to the YI Pan-Tilt Security Camera is that it doesn’t have an SD slot and, in fact, no internal storage.

This means that to save footage and images; you’re stuck signing up for a subscription plan to get some cloud storage or paying the same price as the camera again for the Sync Module 2 hub, which lets you download clips to a USB stick or similar device. This isn’t wasteful as the camera is so cheap to start with, but it is something to consider before you buy.

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6. Spy camera with LED clock

Best Clock Spy Camera

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SPECS

• Video: 1920 x 1080px, 30fps
• Display: No
• Viewing angle: 140 degrees
• Storage: Up to 128GB via optional microSD card
• Power: Li-ion battery included
• Size: 3.9 x 1.8 x 1.4 inches
• Weight: 6.7 ounces

It looks like a normal bedside clock…but it’s actually a spy camera
A great spy solution for a bookshelf or nightstand, this LCD clock looks completely innocent in your home. It has a built-in slot for a microSD card, so you can record footage.

Also, you can receive alerts and monitor the room through the smartphone app. With night vision and a 140-degree viewing angle, this provides great security coverage at any time of day. Like many hidden spy cameras, it has serious use: Although many intruders can spot a Blink or other regular home security camera a mile away, they won’t see this one.

7. Sonew Wi-Fi Light Bulb Camera

Best Budget Spy camera

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SPECS

• Video: 1920 x 1080px, 25 fps
• Screen: No
• View angle: 360 degrees.
• Storage: up to 128 GB via optional card
• Power: via network
• Size: not given
• Weight: 200g

The humble light bulb disguises this ingenious spy camera
Perhaps the best spy camera innovation on our list is the Sonew Wi-Fi Light Blub Camera.

Attaching a lightbulb with a camera that has a 360-degree field of view may seem like a brilliant idea to some and crazy to others; but a lightbulb is surely one of the last places you’d expect to find a hidden camera that can record up to 25fps, which is the case here.

There’s also a built-in motion detector, which will transmit a notification to your phone if, says its manufacturer, an “abnormal situation” occurs in your home.

In addition to the all-encompassing angle of view, the camera bulb also features a two-way audio feature, so users can safely protest any potential home invaders from afar and hopefully scare them off before they get there. significant damage occurs.

8. Kami Inner Chamber

Best Affordable Spy Camera

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SPECS

• Video: 1920 x 1080px at 30 fps
• Size: in the dice
• Weight: in the dice

The best value spy camera, with a motorized base for motion tracking
Resembling a mini-droid from Star Wars, what the Kami Indoor Camera lacks in stealth it makes up for in value for money and ease of use. The main draw here is a discreet desktop or bedside security or surveillance unit with a rotating camera that provides 360-degree coverage, decent video quality and an attractive design. However, it looks like what it is (a camera), which can be a no-no for novice super-spies.

Power is provided via a micro USB port near the base, and we were convinced that the camera’s base is also motorized, allowing it to rotate and track any movement it detects. As with most things these days, the camera can be controlled and configured via a smartphone app, with user-selectable settings to regulate behaviour.