Key Points
- Our choice for the #1 best overall spy camera worth buying today is the Alpha Tech.
- Spy cameras are unsurprisingly discrete; an intruder may not identify them, especially if they are well installed.
- A good spy camera goes beyond boosting your home’s security against intruders. You can use it to monitor your guests or watch over your kids.
- When shopping for the best choice, consider its size, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, motion detection technology, and loop recording.
Unlike standard security cameras, most spy cameras are small and remain in the shadows. They often come disguised as wall clocks, USB chargers, and sockets. A good one should have the perfect mix of motion detection technology, night vision, and size to ensure its effectiveness.
Spy cameras should also have a high resolution, but you must have some limits here. You wouldn’t want the additional expense of processing and storing 4K videos when 720p videos can suffice.
Moreover, the camera’s field of view is imperative; it should accurately capture your entire space without leaving any blind spots. So, after weeks of research, here are our top picks.
- Best Overall: ALPHA TECH Spy Camera Charger
- Best for Your Office: SIRGAWAIN Mini Spy Camera
- Best for Home Security: Arlo Pro 4
- Best for Your Bedroom: WOONZER 1080P Wi-Fi Alarm Clock Spy Camera
- Most Discrete: DIVINEEAGLE Mini Spy Camera
- Best Wearable Option: Ray-Ban Stories
#1 Best Overall: ALPHA TECH Spy Camera Charger
- 1080P Full HD video with 104° wide angle of view
- Doesn’t require Wi-Fi for recording
- More than 8 days in loop recording mode
- More than 14 days in motion detection mode
The ALPHA TECH Spy Camera Charger tops our list as the best overall spy camera. Design-wise, this camera is the perfect disguise; it is a wall socket with an installed camera. Moreover, it offers utmost discretion and unlimited possibilities since you can use it as a nanny cam or for additional office security.
Thanks to the camera’s superior ALPHA technology, the camera records at 1080p. But the icing on the cake is the camera’s motion detection feature. The camera starts recording when it detects motion within its 104-degree viewing angle.
And thanks to its 512GB SD card capacity, it can record and store at least a day’s worth of activities. The ALPHA Tech has a loop recording feature, which comes in clutch whenever its storage space is full.
This feature allows the spy camera to replace old clips with the newest footage. Moreover, the SD card is usually compatible with most devices, so you don’t need additional software to watch your videos.
The ALPHA TECH has a quick start feature. You only need to plug the charger into a power outlet, and the camera will start recording. Our only criticism is that the camera doesn’t record audio, which is important.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Records at 1080p, providing clear footage. | Does not record audio. |
| It is very discrete. | |
| Has an expansive SD card memory of 512GB. |
Check out ALPHA TECH Spy Camera Charger on Amazon.
Best for Your Office: SIRGAWAIN Mini Spy Camera
- 1080p HD clarity
- 12MP photos
- 140° wide-angle lens
- 60 minutes of battery run time
Get the SIRGAWAIN Mini Spy Camera when shopping for a discrete option for your office space. With a compact and discrete design, the SIRGAWAIN is designed for tight spaces, thanks to its 0.87” x 0.87” x 0.87” dimensions.
It also has a 140-degree viewing angle, giving you a broad field of view, even when squeezed between the books on your office shelf. Boasting Full HD 1080p and 720p resolutions, this camera doesn’t require much storage space, as seen from its 32GB external SD card.
Unfortunately, SIRGAWAIN does not include an external SD card as part of the package, which is disappointing. However, its limited storage space should not be too off-putting as the camera supports loop recording.
We must also mention that this spy camera has night vision technology, allowing you to record 24/7. However, this is only possible when it’s charged regularly.
Speaking of charging, this camera packs a 200mAh battery that lasts 80 minutes. This is underwhelming as it limits how long you can leave it running, especially when attending to matters outside the office.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Its small and compact design makes it discrete. | Comes with limited storage space. |
| Has 1080p and 720p resolution videos, which are impressive. | Its 80-minute running time is disappointing. |
| Has a 140-degree viewing angle. | Has no audio recording feature. |
Check out SIRGAWAIN Mini Spy Camera on Amazon.
Best for Home Security: Arlo Pro 4
- Motion-detected alerts
- Two-way talk and audio
- 160° diagonal viewing angle
- 2K HDR footage
Next on our list is the Arlo Pro 4, one of the best options for home security. It has a 2K video resolution with HDR for clear images. The Arlo Pro 4 also has a 160-degree viewing angle, leaving almost no blind spots in the focused area.
And with night vision, you will see who is in your house, even at night, with all security lights off. The Arlo Pro 4 supports Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to receive prompt alerts in case of breaches, irrespective of where you are.
But where this model shines the most is its internal siren, which you can trigger manually from the Arlo app even when at work. Adding to the Arlo Pro 4’s features is a microphone with noise and echo-canceling technology, allowing the camera to record clear audio.
We must also mention the Arlo Pro 4’s compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant, which support voice commands. Lastly, this security camera is weather-resistant, which means you can install it outdoors without fearing damage from weather elements.
Unfortunately, unlike other spy cameras, the Arlo Pro 4 isn’t as discrete as you would want. It has 89mm x 52mm x 78.4mm dimensions, which are quite large. You may have to place other items around the camera to make it more discrete.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Produces clear images even in poorly lit spaces or at night. | This camera is not discrete. |
| Has a broad 160 degrees viewing angle. | |
| Comes with intelligent features, like smart alerts, Alexa, and Google Assistant. |
Check out Arlo Pro 4 on Amazon.
Best for Your Bedroom: WOONZER 1080P Wi-Fi Alarm Clock Spy Camera
- Wireless connectivity
- 2MP image sensor
- 120° wide angle
- 5MP infrared night vision
Homeowners looking to install a discrete spy camera in their bedrooms should buy the WOONZER Alarm Clock. Housed inside an alarm clock, this spy camera is perfectly camouflaged in your bedroom, making it difficult to spot.
Don’t underestimate WOONZER’s size because it’s eagle-eyed, allowing you to see everything in your bedroom remotely using a smartphone. Moreover, your bedroom’s view will be clear, as this spy camera records at 1080p and 720p.
In addition, the WOONZER has night vision, so it won’t rest even in the dark. And with the addition of motion sensors, you will get speedy alerts if anyone enters your bedroom.
This spy camera’s 32GB SD card should suffice when recording at 720p. However, don’t hesitate to bump up the resolution to 1080p, as this model supports loop recording.
At first glance, this WOONZER device seems like the perfect spy camera. However, its lithium-ion battery is disappointing. It supports only 5 hours of daytime recording on a single charge. Also, it only supports 2.4G Wi-Fi, limiting streaming only to those with the right Wi-Fi network.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Records at 1080p and 720p, providing clear footage. | WOONZER’s lithium-ion battery could be better. |
| Supports remote streaming when connected to Wi-Fi. | Limited to those using a 2.4G Wi-Fi network. |
| Has night vision and motion detectors. |
Check out WOONZER 1080P Wi-Fi Alarm Clock Spy Camera on Amazon.
Most Discrete: DIVINEEAGLE Mini Spy Camera
- Records 1080p Full HD video
- 90° wide angle
- Over 96 hours of video in loop mode
- Looks like just a phone charger
Buyers shopping for the most discrete spy cameras can get the DIVINEEAGLE Mini Spy Camera as a suitable option. Dubbed “eagle eyes,” this spy camera perfectly hides in the shadows because it’s disguised as a USB charger.
Luckily, its camouflaged design doesn’t affect its performance since it records at 1080p. Moreover, the camera comes with a motion detector that triggers video recording.
A huge selling point for the DIVINEEAGLE is its expansive memory. This spy camera supports up to 256GB of SD card memory. This means you can record videos at 1080p without running out of storage space for at least several days.
The only bummer is that DIVINEEAGLE does not include an SD card. Another major shortcoming is that this spy camera doesn’t provide a live feed.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very discrete. | Does not support remote streaming. |
| Records at 1080P. | |
| Supports up to 256GB of SD card memory. |
Check out DIVINEEAGLE Mini Spy Camera on Amazon.
Best Wearable Option: Ray-Ban Stories
- Lens width: 51 millimeters
- Non-polarized lens
- Compatible with smartphones
- UV protection
The Ray-Ban Stories was our top choice for the best wearable spy camera. Doubling as cool sunglasses or, if you like, nerdy spectacles, this spy camera allows you to relive your James Bond fantasies.
Thanks to the camera’s 2592 x 1944 picture resolution and 1184 x 1184 video resolution at 30 FPS, you can capture the world as you see it. Moreover, this spy camera packs a 3-mic array microphone that captures sound when recording video.
Surprisingly, the Ray-Ban Stories are compatible with Wi-Fi. But what impressed us the most is that you can pair them with an Android 8.1 or iOS 13 phone via Bluetooth. Nevertheless, as cool as this spy camera sounds, it boasts a low 4GB flash storage, saving roughly 500 photos and 15 plus videos.
The other downside is that the Ray-Ban Stories are more expensive than other spy cameras on our list. They may also be intrusive if you record people without consent.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very discrete and easy to carry around. | Have a limited 4GB storage. |
| Support 1184 x 1184 video resolution at 30 FPS, which is impressive. | Can be creepy when used in the wrong setting. |
| Pricier than other discrete spy cameras. |
Check out Ray-Ban Stories on Amazon.
How to Pick the Best Spy Camera Worth Buying Today: Step by Step
Shopping for spy cameras goes beyond selecting the most discrete options. Consider your intended use and where you plan to place it. Below are some practical tips to remember when comparing spy cameras:
- Connectivity
- Motion detection technology
- Loop recording
- Size
- Price
Let’s look at each one in more detail.
Connectivity
Many spy cameras connect wirelessly via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. We recommend choosing one that supports Wi-Fi connectivity. For instance, the WOONZER spy camera allows you to live stream.
Unfortunately, Bluetooth-compatible spy cameras, like the DIVINEEAGLE, do not offer this feature, meaning you can only review the footage after work.
Motion Detection Technology
Like normal security cameras, most spy cameras have motion detection technology. It may not seem useful, but it saves you the laborious task of going through long footage.
Motion detection technology allows you to set the camera only to record when it detects movement. The technology also benefits owners with pets or children, as you can track their whereabouts easily.
Loop Recording
It may not seem important initially, but loop recording is imperative if you have limited storage space. Loop recording means a spy camera overwrites previous footage to save the latest recording.
Some cameras have a lockdown feature, which protects your old footage, allowing you to retrieve it later. But what makes some spy cameras stand out is their cloud storage feature. You can link your spy cameras to the cloud, providing additional space for your old footage.
Size
A good spy camera should be small and discrete, ensuring it is not apparent to anyone at first glance. Moreover, it should be disguised as your other household items.
For instance, the WOONZER is disguised as an alarm clock, while the Ray-Ban Stories camera is disguised as a pair of cool glasses. That said, you still want a spy camera that captures a wide viewing angle, even when camouflaged.
Price
The money you’re willing to spend on a spy camera determines the model and specs you get. Once you have identified your preferred spy camera, compare the specs to get value for money.
Common features that influence price include Wi-Fi connectivity, video recording resolution, and motion detection technology.
What to Know Before Buying a Spy Camera
A spy camera should be discrete regardless of its size and shape. You cannot spy on someone if they can see the camera recording. For instance, the Arlo Pro 4 is one of the best spy cameras for home security, but it’s easily noticeable.
Camera resolution matters. Anything below 720p may not capture clear images and videos. The pictures may even be worse if the camera has a small viewing angle.
In contrast, a higher resolution isn’t always better, especially if you don’t have adequate storage. For example, you will get clear footage if you record in 4K, but you may lack sufficient space to store it, especially if you’re working with a 32GB SD card.
Using a Spy Camera: What It’s Like
Spy cameras work just like any other security camera. The main difference is that they’re designed to be discrete. You can set your spy camera to record your house when at work and receive alerts in case of an intrusion.
Some spy cameras are linked to your home Wi-Fi, allowing you to live stream your recordings remotely. Overall, a good camera should accurately capture everything in your house when you are away and store the footage on an SD card for you to review later.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Boxyray/Shutterstock.com.
