The term “hidden spy cameras” suggests that such a device was made to be used in covert operations. However, these items are not just reserved for the military as you can purchase them to take a peek at certain sights right under the noses of others.
These cameras have the ability to slide into its surroundings that help them avoid being seen directly. Technology has also been good to spy cameras as many of them allow video, as well as audio recordings. Some of them even have motion detection sensors that will automatically wake the camera once any sign of movement is detected.
Gone are the days of wired tech for hidden spy cameras as the majority of these devices now incorporate wireless technology. It makes installation easier, and placement options are broadened as compared to wired spy cameras of the past.
However, even though most of them are now wireless, there is still the problem of draining batteries which do limit operation time. Furthermore, photos and videos are restrained to flash memory. Some of them are even not compatible with outdoor placement for long periods. But the beauty of modern spy cameras is that they now take the form of certain objects such as hats, eyeglasses, and even spy pen cameras. So if you want to keep tabs on someone, like your kids (if they keep stealing cookies from the cookie jar), then here are the top 12 best hidden spy cameras in 2020.
List of the Best Hidden Spy Cameras
#1. Conbrov Hidden Spy Camera Keychain – 720P HD Mini Body Camera Video Recorder
Searching for a portable spy camera? Nothing beats one that comes in the form of a keychain. This hidden spy camera keychain from Conbrov is portable, looking like a real car key, designed to capture anything wherever you are.
It also features HD night vision, automatically switching to 720P night vision, reaching up to 15 feet even in low light environments or complete darkness. This means that this camera keychain can give you a sense of protection at nighttime, or monitor your baby, or other loved ones while doing something else.
It also comes with a motion-activated sensor, which means that it starts to record once the object is detected to move in 1 second. The motion detects standby time can reach up to 1 year long with its built-in battery.
Most importantly, this portable spy camera is relatively easy to use. It is user-friendly, avoiding all of the complicated settings available in bigger cameras. All you have to do is to touch the LOCK button to start recording, and the UNLOCK button in order to activate the camera’s motion detection feature.
Conclusion: If you are planning to purchase a spy camera that can easily be disguised as a normal tool, this keychain portable spy camera is what you are looking for. Despite its size, it can provide you the images and video recordings that you need while you are away. With its 720P HD capture, you can also ensure that you can capture quality images.
Pros
Portable in design
Automatic switch to HD night vision
Motion activated sensor
Single button to press
Lifetime support offered
Cons
Some users not satisfied with video quality
#2. icemoon Wireless Security Hidden Camera HD 1080P Live Video Recording Home Surveillance Cam
In these modern days that we are living in, nothing makes us feel secure while out of our homes than being able to see what has been happening inside despite our absence. This wireless security hidden camera from Icemoon offers this feature. It is unique and soft, and easy to use at the same time. As a matter of fact, you only need to plug it in and it starts working right away. By connecting its App, you can also connect its hidden camera adapter right into your smartphone and your home Wi-Fi system.
It can also be hidden and no one will suspect it is a camera. The indicator light can be turned off during recording. Unlike other models at risk of dying out in the middle of recording, it does not have a battery built-in. At the same time, it is also designed to support live video streaming 24/7.
Setting up this camera is quite easy. All you have to do is to download the Icemoon APP on your phone, plug the hidden camera in, connect your phone with the hotspot of the camera, set the camera plug up in order to connect it with your router at home, and you can already enjoy seeing things inside your home from your phone.
Conclusion: For its compact size, this wireless security hidden camera from Icemoon is a good option to consider for your home. There is no need for you to arrive home first before being able to view the recordings for the day, as you can view it right away, in real-time, right from your own phone. By connecting to its App, you can easily get connected, giving you that peace of mind knowing that everything and everybody is safe at home.
Pros
HD 1080P App live video viewing
Video sharing feature
Motion activate alerts can be enabled
Loop SD card recording
Easy to use
Cons
The instructions manual is quite complicated to follow
Quite pricey for its size
#3. Toughsty 16GB 1920×1080P HD Hidden Camera Hunting Sunglasses
If you’re searching for a way to shield your eyes from the harsh rays of the sun while recording videos inconspicuously, then perhaps the Toughsty™ Hidden Camera Hunting Sunglasses might trigger your fancy. These glasses with a hidden camera installed can record up to 1080p resolution, and also supports audio recording for videos. It also has a reasonably decent operating time for a tiny camera.
It also has a microSD card slot that can support up to 32GB of storage. However, charging time is a bit of a disappointment as it takes over 2 hours to bring the rechargeable battery all the way up to 100%.
Conclusion: The Toughsty™ Hidden Camera Hunting Sunglasses presents itself as an accomplished pair of sunglasses and as a hidden camera. The package also comes with a fiber cleaning cloth, which is always welcoming. It can be troublesome, however, to move your head a lot because the video’s frame rates will drop when it detects a lot of movement in the shot.
Pros
Stylish design for a pair of sunglasses.
Recorded videos have above average quality.
It can take still images.
The package comes with a fiber cleaning cloth.
Cons
The frames are not durable enough.
Frame rates drop when there’s a lot of movement going on in the shot.
It is safe to say that hidden cameras in the shape of a pen (check out other best spy pen hidden cameras) will no longer surprise a lot of people, but you would still be hard-pressed to find a camera inside a pen even if the uniqueness of the idea has already diminished across time. Enter the FabQuality Premium Hidden Camera Spy Pen – this hidden camera can record Full HD (FHD) videos, and you can even insert a microSD card into it (up to 16GB) for all of your recordings.
It even has a plug-and-play feature, which means that you no longer have to download any software to transfer files to your computer. Even though this is no 4K video camera, the video quality of 1080p videos it records is something to marvel, especially with a camera this tiny.
Conclusion: The video quality FabQuality Premium Hidden Camera Spy Pen is superb for a tiny camera. It can double up as a pen, or you can just place it inside your shirt pocket and start recording. It has a small price tag, but with it comes a very cheap build. If you’re not too careful, you might end up easily breaking it.
It is bundled with just about everything you need to operate it properly.
1080p videos it records is outstanding.
It has a small price tag.
Cons
Opening the microSD card slot can be fidgety.
It can break if accidentally dropped.
Recorded videos can sometimes have a yellow tint, depending on the lighting of the area.
#5. CAMAKT 1080P HD USB Wall Charger Hidden Spy Camera
Currently unavailable
Designs of hidden spy cameras are getting craftier by the day. Take the CAMAKT USB Wall Charger Hidden Spy Camera as a prime example; just like its name says, this hidden camera comes in the form of an ordinary charger for your devices with a USB port. It can record FHD videos, and it can store all your recordings in a microSD card.
It offers ease-of-use for recording and transferring files to your computer, and it also has motion detection sensors built into it. Even though it does promote a lot of secrecy when you want to record videos, it would’ve been a nice touch if there is a feature to rotate or move the camera around.
Conclusion: The CAMAKT USB Wall Charger Hidden Spy Camera covers all the basics for a device that can record videos inconspicuously. Its wide field of view and motion detection sensors make it a capable video camera. Its price tag doesn’t come with a lot of heft, and thus it is accompanied with some shortcomings.
The quality of the recorded videos is decent enough.
Its motion detection sensors work suitably well.
It has a wide field of view, similar to using an 18mm lens on a camera.
Cons
The camera stays in one spot only.
It is cheaply built.
#6. FSTCOM HD 1080P Wifi Hidden Spy Camera Power Bank
Currently unavailable
If you want to charge your smartphone AND record videos at the same time (without using your phone, of course), then you ought to check out the FSTCOM Super Thin Portable Hidden Spy Camera. It comes in the shape of a portable power bank, and it works like one too. Its aluminum metal shell makes it shockproof, so you wouldn’t be worried too much if it accidentally falls off a table or a chair.
A nice touch by the manufacturer is the device can be connected to a Wi-Fi connection. Therefore, it wouldn’t matter wherever you are, if the camera/power bank is connected to the Internet, you can control it from your end. However, this device is more camera than power bank as the latter feature leaves much to be desired.
Conclusion: If you’re getting the FSTCOM Super Thin Portable Hidden Spy Camera for it being an inconspicuous video recorder, then it might be a good choice. However, if you’re planning it to use it as a power bank, then there are more capable portable phone and gadget chargers out there within the same price class as this.
Pros
The camera works reasonably well.
Controlling the camera through Wi-Fi is a huge plus.
It has a very inconspicuous design.
It can work as a power bank for emergencies.
It has a tough aluminum metal shell.
Cons
The power bank feature leaves much to be desired.
#7. Fuvision 8GB New Video Recording Cap
Currently unavailable
The Fuvision Video Recording Cap can protect you from the harsh rays of the sun while letting you stealthily record videos of your surroundings. For the most part, it does look like an ordinary hat, which is already a huge plus considering if you want to record videos without the knowledge of other people.
Its camera can record up to 720p HD resolution, which is decent enough but having it go all the way up to 1080p would be better. An 8GB microSD card is provided with the package, and it is compatible with microSD cards of up to 32GB. It also offers a long battery life, vibration status (to let you know if it’s recording or not), and ease of use.
Conclusion: The Fuvision Video Recording Cap is a competent hat, and hidden spy camera rolled into one package. Even though the noise of the vibration whenever you start or stop recording can be noticed by people near you, it can easily be covered by a short cough. It would be nice, however, if there were multiple sizes available.
Pros
The quality of the recorded videos is decent enough for such a tiny camera.
It has a strong brim, and the overall quality of the hat is more than decent enough.
The camera can easily be overlooked due to the all-black design.
Cons
It is primarily made for people with large heads.
The noise of the vibration can be detected by people nearby.
#8. CAMAKT 1080P WiFi Wall Clock Camera
Currently unavailable
If you want a camera that can tell the time, then you might be interested in the CAMAKT Wall Clock Camera. This wall clock-slash-camera has a 2,700mAh rechargeable battery, which is a nice touch as you won’t find yourself purchasing batteries each time the power runs out in this device.
This particular device can connect to a Wi-Fi network so that you can control it from anywhere. It also has motion detection sensors, and it can record videos up to 1080p resolution. If only the bright red light at the back that signifies that the camera is recording can be turned off, then this would work well as a hidden camera.
Conclusion: The CAMAKT WiFi Wall Clock Camera is more clock than hidden camera due to the bright red light at the back of the unit being a dead giveaway that it is currently recording. Aside from that, it can still have the makings of a great camera and wall clock, especially when you factor in its 1080p FHD recorded videos and motion detection sensors.
Pros
It can record up to 1080p FHD resolution.
It has motion detection sensors.
It supports audio recording.
It can take still pictures.
It has a rechargeable battery.
It can remind you it’s time for lunch.
Cons
The bright red light at the back is a dead giveaway for the camera.
It has no night vision capabilities.
#9. Conbrov® Mini Spy Hidden Camera – Night Vision Pocket DV Action Camera
Currently unavailable
If you want a camera that looks so inconspicuous while recording other people’s conversations, then you might want to check the Conbrov® Mini Spy Hidden Camera. It features 720p recording for its videos, and it can even record under low light situations. It has night vision capture technology built into it, and it can also be a compact recorder (if you desire).
This spy camera is not just unique because of its relatively inconspicuous design, but because it can start and stop its operations through voice activation. This feature is accompanied with manually starting and stopping the recording of videos and audio. The camera even has a long enough battery life that it can be put into Standby mode for about five days.
Conclusion: The Conbrov® Mini Spy Hidden Camera is a capable spy camera which can record audio and video under favorable conditions. While it does have a night vision recording function, it doesn’t do quite well for recording anything past ten ft. Still, you do get a camera with motion and voice activation sensors, and these features alone makes it a cut above the rest.
Pros
It is very compact and has a barely noticeable design.
It can record HD videos during day time or when placed in a room where there’s lots of light.
It has a long-lasting battery.
It has movement and sound-activation features.
Cons
The night vision doesn’t do well past ten ft.
#10. Mini Bluetooth Cam Full 1080P HD Spy Camera Fashion Glasses
Currently unavailable
With the Mini Bluetooth Cam Spy Camera Fashion Glasses, you can look fashionable and record videos right under other people’s noses. It can record up to 1080p FHD resolution, and it also has the capability to record audio in videos. It’s plug-and-play, which means you don’t have to download an application or a set of drivers to transfer files from this device to your computer.
It also supports TF cards of up to 32GB of storage. While the price is reasonably low, the quality of the video won’t blow your mind but this it does work decently enough. Automatic color correction is also enabled in the camera, but it does work a bit slow.
Conclusion: While the Mini Bluetooth Cam Spy Camera Fashion Glasses is a fashionable pair of glasses, its camera does work at a satisfactory level. However, you’re getting what you paid for it. Still, color correction might work faster if the manufacturers decide to release a firmware upgrade for its internal software. Also, it can make you wonder as to why the data rate and file sizes are too high for a camera that only works at a decent level.
Pros
A fashionable pair of glasses.
It can record video up to 1080p resolution.
Glasses are bulky, which might give a hint that something is hidden inside.
Cons
Color correction works slow.
File sizes of videos are too high for only a decently performing camera.
Image stabilization leaves a lot to be desired.
#11. FREDI 360 Wide Angle Fisheye WiFi IP Hidden Camera Bulb
Currently unavailable
If there’s one thing that’s challenging about hidden spy cameras, it’s recording under dimly lit situations, but that’s not the case with the FREDI Hidden Camera Bulb. Just like its name denotes, this is a hidden camera AND a light bulb in one. Therefore, you would practically never need to complain about dark videos as you spy on your kids constantly stealing cookies from the cookie jar.
This particular hidden spy camera has a super wide field of view as it makes use of its fisheye lens. You can practically see the entirety of a small room in your recordings. However, the heft in its price tag is quite disappointing, especially when you know that it can only record up to 720p resolution videos.
Conclusion: The FREDI Hidden Camera Bulb is an excellent camera to keep an eye on the kids or to act as a security camera if you place it at your front porch or backyard. It has features that you would be looking for in a hidden camera and a connected light bulb. Still, it is quite disappointing to know that it can only record up to high-definition resolution videos.
Pros
A light source and a camera mean no more dimly lit videos.
#12. Spy-Max WiFi Power Outlet Hidden Covert Camera
Currently unavailable
The Spy-MaxWiFi Power Outlet Hidden Covert Camera is perhaps the most inconspicuous hidden camera in this list. After all, you probably wouldn’t think that a power outlet has a camera hidden inside it. While the idea is ingenious, the installation might turn off some individuals as it requires cut-out to drywall.
As for the camera, it records up to 720p video resolution when live viewing, which might seem decent enough. However, one look at the huge heft in its price tag and you might wonder why it doesn’t record all the way up to 1080p resolution. Still, you can’t go wrong with its virtually unlimited storage as it can be wirelessly connected to a computer within the same network.
Conclusion: The Spy-Max WiFi Power Outlet Hidden Covert Camera is one of the most capable hidden cameras you can find on today’s market. With a design that’s outfitted to look and work like an ordinary socket, other people won’t notice that there’s a camera hidden inside of the outlet. The high price tag can be justified with the quality of the video it can record, as well as its flurry of features, but it can be a bit disappointing that the resolution of the videos couldn’t go all the way up to 720p when live viewing.
Pros
Long battery life for its motion sensors.
It has virtually unlimited storage thanks to its wireless capabilities.
It has a very inconspicuous design.
Video quality is superb.
The camera can move, and there’s nothing to give its location away.
Cons
It cannot record 1080p resolution videos when live viewing.
The high price tag might turn off some people.
Final Conclusion: The reasons for getting a hidden camera can vary from person-to-person. With such a device, you can keep a close eye on your kids, protect your business, keep your home secured against thieves, and even use it to catch certain cheaters on the act. Their inconspicuous design is an ingenious way to keep tabs on certain things in your life.
Hidden spy cameras can let you take charge on what’s valuable for you. Just remember to follow your area’s laws with regards to using such a device to avoid getting apprehended and fined. Let this guide provide you with an idea on what to purchase if you’re looking around the market for the best hidden spy cameras for your covert operations.
p.s: If you are looking for the best pet cameras to monitor your lovely pets at home, then check out here. Or if you are looking for the best nanny cams for parents to spy on their caretakers at home, check out this review.
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Hi. My name is John Smith. I'm a young PR Specialist from Canada. I created this website to share everything I love about technology and all the latest gadgets. I enjoy reading, dancing, and helping other people. Read more.
1 comment
I used to buy a hidden camera pen, and the quality is not bad. It can help me a lot for urgent recording job.
1 comment
I used to buy a hidden camera pen, and the quality is not bad. It can help me a lot for urgent recording job.