Hidden cameras are usually something we want to find, not hide. We go to a hotel or public bathroom and wonder if some thief or pervert is watching us. There are reasons to consider hidden cameras for your home, however.
Camera technology has come a long way. Today’s cameras not only take brighter, more detailed images than cameras just a few years ago, but they have become small. Very small.
Hidden cameras are so affordable and easy to install that by the end of this article you might be thinking, “Why wouldn’t I install one in my home?” After all, they can be an important part of a larger home security system.
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Hidden Cameras vs Visible Cameras
Hidden cameras are great if you want to catch someone in the act of doing something. This could be a homeowner who wants to see if a nanny is having friends over, a store owner who wants to see which cashier is stealing from the cash register, or a tenant who wants to know if a landlord is entering without asking.
There are, of course, nefarious uses for hidden cameras. AirBnB owners have been known to secretly record guests, for example. In fact, some hidden camera sellers promote the idea that their camera can be used for… questionable purposes. See this marketing photo of a USB port hidden camera on our list:
Are we to assume the woman consented to being filmed? If that was the case, why a hidden camera? Maybe the image implies it’s to help catch unfaithful partners… Maybe.
Visible cameras have the advantage of not only filming criminal activity, but discouraging it altogether. Placing security cameras where people can see them helps keep them honest (or encourages them to move on to easier targets).
External vs Internal Power
There are hidden cameras that require an external power source and those that require battery power. The latter are often rechargeable.
I prefer cameras that function by battery because they are mobile and more versatile. The battery charge on a quality unit will last a long time. I also appreciate that these cameras operate when the grid goes down (and crimes might spike).
There are sacrifices you make with any camera. You’ll see that in the list that follows. If you want a camera that does not function by battery, and you’re concerned about off-grid operation, you can get around that by using a solar generator or some similar external power source to keep your camera running when the power goes out.
Do Hidden Cameras Require Wi-Fi?
Not all hidden cameras require Wi-Fi. In fact, many do not.
WiFi-compatible cameras are ideal when you want real-time alerts or video. However, running a camera through a WiFi connection increases the chances that someone looking for a hidden camera might find it. After all, the device will be seen on the network (some people use a dedicated second network for this reason). A WiFi connection also creates an opportunity for a savvy person to hack into the video feed.
The cameras that do not connect to WiFi lack the real-time alerts and video play, but they are more portable and (usually) less noticeable.
10 Hidden Cameras for Your Home
Following are a variety of hidden cameras that can be used to help secure your home. Most of the cameras are found on Amazon, but The Home Security Superstore sells competing models. There are other online retailers that sell these products, but most businesses sell similar cameras at similar prices.
1 – DivineEagle USB Charging Port
Charge a USB device and record video at the same time. This tiny camera lens housed inside a USB block is quite unsuspecting, making it good at what it’s designed to do – film people without their knowledge.
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This particular device takes 1080p HD video. It plugs into the wall like any USB charger device would. This makes it less suitable for outlets close to the floor, but great for higher electrical outlets around kitchens, nightstands, and bathroom sinks where they offer a great field of view.
Setup is easy:
- Connect the camera to PC / laptop via provided USB cable (memory card must be inserted).
- A new USB Disk appears on your PC.
- The device will create a VIDEO folder (there will be your recordings) in the new disk.
- Open video files.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| small and unsuspecting | no battery backup |
| memory card only helps limit access to videos | no real time video or phone apps |
| also functions as USB charger | placement is limited |
2 – Phone Charger Camera
This is a hidden camera I received from The Home Security Superstore. I like it because I can set it next to my laptop where it offers a good view of the home office. Oh – I can also charge my iPhone with it!
Set up was simple. I plugged it in, connected it to the wireless router, and scanned the QR code to complete installation on my phone. Note: this hidden camera only works with 2.4G Wi-Fi, not today’s more common 5G Wi-Fi. That’s its biggest downside.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| small and unsuspecting | no battery backup |
| memory card only helps limit access to videos | no real time video or phone apps |
| also functions as a phone charger | placement options are limited to where you’d expect a phone charger to sit |
3 – Electrical Outlet Camera
Electrical outlets are everywhere, so a hidden camera in one will not draw attention. However, if you are using a hidden camera where someone might suspect one, outlets are one of the first places they’d check. Hidden cameras like this are common, and many people know that.
The Home Security Superstore sells a higher end electrical outlet camera with up to 4K quality video and USB ports.
The biggest challenge with these cameras is that most outlets are set lower on the wall where camera field of view is limited. Exceptions would be mid-height outlets in bathrooms and kitchens. This is the same issue confronted with the USB port charger mentioned earlier.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| associated phone app | more expensive than other hidden cameras |
| records audio | is not hardwired like traditional outlets |
| higher quality camera | placement options are limited |
4 – Ballpoint Pen Spy Camera
The Home Security Super Store sells a ballpoint pen with a 1080p spy camera (Amazon sells a competing pen). It can be used to record videos or snap photos. It includes a 32GB microSD card and supports a 64GB card for more memory (worth the additional cost).
The best thing about this hidden camera is how mobile it is. You can pick it up and set it down without raising any suspicion. It can be easily placed in different areas. You can even wear it in your shirt pocket facing outward as a body cam.
Yes, it even functions as a pen!
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| small and unsuspecting | can be mistakenly picked up and used by others |
| memory card only helps limit access to videos | no real time video or phone apps |
| also functions as pen |
5 – Smoke Detector Camera
Much like electrical outlets, everyone expects to find a smoke detector in living areas, so a hidden camera there should not raise suspicion. However, also like the electrical outlet camera, someone that suspects a hidden camera might be present will certainly check smoke detectors.
The big upside to these is that they offer 360-degree viewing angles. You can monitor an entire room if it was placed in the middle of a ceiling.
The downside is that this is a hidden camera device only. If you want to use it in a room that requires an actual smoke detector, you will end up with two “smoke detectors” on the ceiling. That could raise suspicion.
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Again, The Home Security Superstore sells a competing model. Their version, similar to Amazon’s, features a 360-degree viewing angle, night vision, motion activation, optional sound alarm, and phone app features. It also has different protected motion zones, which allow you to set pet areas of movement so they will not trigger the alarm.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| associated phone app | fixed location that may not work in some rooms |
| real time video monitoring | requires battery recharging |
| motion alarms | does not function as an actual smoke detector |
6 – Mini Body Camera
This is a versatile hidden camera. Like the pen, it can be easily moved to different locations, including clipped on your person for an outward facing body camera. I would describe this camera less as a “hidden” camera and more as a very unsuspecting camera. It is designed as a discreet camera that, when used and placed appropriately, should not draw attention.
The camera is unlike many other hidden cameras in that you can quickly turn it on or off with the controls on the device. The ion battery is strong enough to record continuously for up to 6 hours. Plug it into a USB charger for continuous power.
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While it is very portable, camera angles are limited. They attempt to overcome this limitation by allowing the camera lens to rotate up to 90 degrees. Unlike other small hidden cameras of this kind, this one can take a large 128GB SD card (included) to capture long videos.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| portable and easy to relocate | no real time video monitoring |
| memory card only helps limit access to videos | cannot be hardwired for electrical power |
| you can wear it on your person | viewing angles may be limited |
7 – 4K Wireless Hidden Camera
Similar to the Mini Body Camera, this camera is not a true hidden camera but a camera designed to be easily concealed. Placed in the right spot, a person passing through a room would never notice it. A person looking closely might.
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This unit films in ultra-sharp 4K HD. You can get real time motion alerts, IR night vision, and remote control via the smartphone app. It will also hold a massive 256GB Micro SD card (not included).
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| portable and easy to relocate | can be more easily found than some cameras |
| real time video monitoring with phone app | cannot be hardwired for electrical power |
| sharp 4K camera | SD card not included |
8 – Clock Radio Camera
Clock radio hidden cameras are a good choice for bedrooms. Most people have a digital clock placed on a dresser or nightstand. They shouldn’t raise suspicion unless someone was actively looking for a hidden lens.
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Unfortunately, I couldn’t find any clock radio cameras with consistent 4 or 5-star reviews, but that is common across most hidden cameras. Constructing a camera this small is not easy. Quality can be a compromise. This can lead to customer dissatisfaction if they expect a tiny hidden camera to have the quality of their latest iPhone.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| well-suited for bedrooms | useful only where you would expect to find a clock |
| real time video monitoring with phone app | higher cost than other hidden cameras |
| sharp 4K camera | SD card not included |
9 – Blink Mini
This is a great camera for the person who wants to give on conceal-ability in order to gain on quality.
I said not many hidden cameras have top-notch consumer ratings, but this Blink Mini is an exception. It’s an exception because it’s not a true hidden camera. Instead, it’s very small camera that can be concealed. I’m including it in this list because it has a strong reputation as a quality camera.
- Monitor the inside of your home day and night with our 1080P HD indoor plug-in smart security camera with motion detection and two-way audio.
- See, hear, and speak to people and pets in your home from your smartphone with Blink Mini’s live view and two-way audio.
This small camera has nearly 200,000 customer reviews. It’s a compact camera with 1080p HD video, night vision, motion detection, and – unique among the cameras here – two-way audio. Where it’s an Amazon product, it works with seamlessly with Alexa, Blink Video Doorbell, and related Amazon home security products.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| very high consumer ratings | not a true hidden camera |
| real time video monitoring with phone app | designed primarily for interoperability with other Amazon products |
| two-way audio |
10 – Trail Camera
Trail cameras can double as outdoor hidden cameras for your home. If you already own one for hunting, using it to monitor your home is a great way to get continued use out of it after hunting season ends.
The technology on these has come a long way. Modern trail cameras have upwards of 20 megapixel cameras, wide angle lenses, infrared night vision, color LCD screens, various picture taking settings, and easy setup. The are waterproof and camouflaged.
- Ultra-High Resolution Photos and Videos - Upgraded trail camera with 1520P 20MP clear resolution delivers stunning vibrant images and clear audible videos even in the dark night. Moreover, trail cameras with night vision motion activated waterproof are built-in 2.4" LCD colorful screen, so you can watch HD interesting videos or wildlife pictures freely, and you will never miss the thrilling moment of the period of time you set up. The camera moves you closer to nature wildlife.
- Amazing 0.2s Trigger Shooting - Our game cameras with night vision are motion activated, once detecting the movement, it will capture the wildlife pictures with a lightning-fast trigger speed of less than 0.2s. With 1 to 3 shots mode choices guarantee fast and accurate captures of the animals which exposed to this field. The trigger distance of the game camera is up to 25m(80ft) during the day/20m(65ft) at night.
You can find a wide variety of trail cameras from retailers like Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, and Optics Planet.
Trail cameras can be intentionally displayed for other purposes. I saw a house in our neighborhood using a game camera to try and catch (or intimidate) their neighbor. The two households were engaged in a lawsuit, and the suing homeowner set the camera up along the property line. I think it was being used to try to catch the neighbor’s dog going onto their lawn.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Portable | They can be found and stolen. |
| Weather resistant | Depend on batteries, a challenge in cold temps. |
What is the Smallest Wireless Spy Camera?
The smallest wireless spy camera is the MHDYT mini. It measures just 0.87 x .071 x 0.87 inches.
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I did not include it in the list above because while it’s tiny, reviews are only average. But again, the smaller you get with a camera the more difficult it is to construct. It’s small size limits its functionality. There is no live-streaming of video, no WiFi feature, and the max SD card size it will take is 32GB.
Are Hidden Cameras Legal?
The laws governing hidden cameras vary from state to state. You can use a hidden camera in or around your private residence without problem in most states so long as it is not used in a place where one would expect privacy.
For example, placing a hidden camera in your living room to monitor your home when you leave for work is one thing. Placing a hidden camera in your bathroom before inviting people over a for a party is something quite different.
Reporter’s Committee has a lists of state laws governing hidden recording devices. Hidden cameras in the workplace are generally legal when there is a legitimate business concern.
Use common sense and be a good person. If you’re placing a hidden camera in a place you think might be inappropriate – it probably is!