Although standard CCTV systems and security cameras provide 24-hour recordings, they also come with a steep price tag. Fortunately, homeowners have several ways to monitor their living spaces.
If you want a more affordable solution, check out spy cameras. Getting the best hidden camera for your home allows you to record specific rooms discreetly. You can use these cameras to detect trespassers, collect evidence for break-ins, or simply keep tabs on the people on your porch.
What Is The Best Hidden Camera For Your Home?
Unlike CCTV and security systems, a hidden camera records events triggered by its motion detectors. It doesn’t offer continuous recording. Some brands record continuously for up to five minutes, but they’ll revert to event recording afterward.
Since these devices don’t record footage 24/7, you can only rely on them for perimeter tracking—not total security. Use them in private areas where you’ll need to record discreetly, such as living rooms. Record anything unusual that might occur when you have guests over and monitor indoor living space activity while you’re away.
These devices suit people living by themselves, single parents, and anyone who might benefit from a spy camera that records everything its motion detection system catches.
6 Best Hidden Cameras In 2022
Are you looking for the best hidden camera for your home? To help speed up the shopping process, we made a brief, helpful review of the most widely known and trusted hidden spy camera brands.
| Product Name | Quniao Wireless – Wi-Fi Hidden Spy Camera | Prosia Hidden Camera With Audio Live Feed | Blink Mini – Compact Indoor Plug-In Smart Security Camera | Arlo Essential Video Doorbell | Google Nest Cam Indoor Camera | WNAT Hidden Camera Smoke Detector |
| Price | $86.99 | $39.99 | $34.99 to $84.99 | $199.99 | $159.99 to $499.00 | $119.00 |
| Video Quality | 1080p | 1080p | 1080p | 4k | 1080p | 1080p |
| Record Time | 10 to 60 seconds | 10 to 60 seconds | 30 seconds | 10 to 120 seconds | 8 minutes | Event recording |
| Storage | SD card, phone storage | 64 GB SD card | Blink cloud storage | Arlo cloud storage | Nest cloud storage | 128 GB, phone storage |
| Power | Wireless | Wireless | Plug-in | Wireless, wired | Wireless | Wireless, wired |
| Disguise | Home Air Purifier | Ceiling attachment | None | Doorbell | None | Smoke detector |
1. Quniao Wireless – Wi-Fi Hidden Spy Camera
- Price: $86.99
- Video Quality: 1080p
- Record Time: 10 to 60 seconds
- Storage: SD card, phone storage
- Power: Wireless
- Disguise: Home Air Purifier
If you want a straightforward, subtle spy camera, try the Quniao Wireless – Wi-Fi Hidden Spy Camera. Don’t let its design fool you. Although it looks and functions like a fan, it has a hidden camera and motion detection system that sends 30-second clips straight to your smartphone.
| Pros | Cons |
| Discreet, multi-purpose design | Disconnects from app sometimes |
| No subscriptions needed | Doesn’t record video well in dim lighting |
| Sends recordings to your phone | Tedious setup process |
2. Prosia Hidden Camera With Audio Live Feed
- Price: $39.99
- Video Quality: 1080p
- Record Time: 10 to 60 seconds
- Storage: 64 GB SD card
- Power: Wireless
- Disguise: Ceiling attachment
Prosia is the best spy camera for homeowners on a budget. Together with its low price, it already features a 1080p HD camera and motion detection feature, as well as an audio surveillance microphone. You’d be hard-pressed to find a $50 camera that even detects motion!
| Pros | Cons |
| Most affordable spy camera | Adhesive tape needs reinforcement |
| Excellent audio recording features | Challenging app user interface |
| Subtle ceiling attachment design | Needs to charge constantly |
3. Blink Mini – Compact Indoor Plug-In Smart Security Camera
- Price: $34.99 to $84.99
- Video Quality: 1080p
- Record Time: 30 seconds
- Storage: Blink cloud storage
- Power: Plug-in
- Disguise: None
What the Blink Mini lacks in extra features, it makes up for in simplicity. No other camera works as quickly and seamlessly. Even a non-tech-savvy individual can hook the Blink Mini up to their smartphone in less than 10 minutes.
| Pros | Cons |
| Simple set-up process | Live view automatically closes after 30 seconds |
| Easy tap-and-record feature in the app | Requires cloud subscription |
| Miniature design blends well with surroundings | Steep cost of ownership and maintenance |
4. Arlo Essential Video Doorbell
- Price: $199.99
- Video Quality: 4k
- Record Time: 10 to 120 seconds
- Storage: Arlo cloud storage
- Power: Wireless, wired
- Disguise: Doorbell
The Arlo Essential Video Doorbell offers high-quality video recording and Alexa integration, but the network security system sets it apart from the competition. Unlike other doorbell cameras, it doesn’t extend your Wi-Fi outside your home. As long as you maintain a secure, private connection, your network will remain safe and impenetrable.
| Pros | Cons |
| Super responsive motion detection system | Requires cloud subscription |
| Straightforward set-up process | Poor customer support team |
| Secure network connectivity | Has wide angle lens but limited recording reach |
5. Google Nest Cam Indoor Camera
- Price: $159.99 to $499.00
- Video Quality: 1080p
- Record Time: 8 minutes
- Storage: Nest cloud storage
- Power: Wireless
- Disguise: None
Homeowners willing to spend a little more on the best spy camera can try the Google Nest Cam Indoor Camera. Yes, the camera has a steep price tag. However, the straightforward UI, accessible interface, and seamless setup process that Google Nest offers make every penny worth it.
| Pros | Cons |
| Seamless setup process | Requires subscription |
| Accessible, senior-friendly app UI | Two-way audio-only allows one party to speak at a time |
| Allows 24/7 live viewing | Steep camera retail price and subscription fees |
6. WNAT Hidden Camera Smoke Detector
- Price: $119.00
- Video Quality: 1080p
- Record Time: Event recording
- Storage: 128 GB, phone storage
- Power: Wireless, wired
- Disguise: Smoke detector
If you’ve had enough of steep cloud subscription fees, check out the WNAT hidden camera. You can use it as is and right out of the box. Just set the app up, and the camera will start sending footage to your phone’s gallery.
| Pros | Cons |
| Discreet smoke detector design | Doesn’t have wide angle lens |
| No subscription required | Only connects to 2 GHz Wi-Fi channels |
| Sends recordings straight to your phone | Doesn’t have smoke detector functionality as advertised |
Choosing The Best Hidden Camera For Your Home
Don’t worry if you’re still on the fence about the hidden security cameras we recommended above. Further narrow down your options based on the following factors:
- Price: Although most modern hidden camera brands cost $150 to $200, set aside an extra $10 per month if you want to store footage on the cloud.
- Video Quality: As much as possible, opt for cameras with 1080p video recording capabilities. A lower-quality tiny camera costs less, but it probably produces blurry, inaudible footage.
- Location: Spy cameras come in all shapes and sizes. To maximize functionality, opt for a design that discreetly blends with your potential setup and location.
- Legal Considerations: Homeowners can install spy cameras around their home for security purposes, so long as they don’t use them for voyeurism (i.e., toilet, shower).
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out some home security questions homeowners ask when shopping for their first mini spy camera:
How can I hide my camera in my bedroom?
Hide small, discreet hidden cameras behind a clock, radio, nightstand, or stand-up calendar. Just make sure the obstructing item is large and stable.
Is there a spy camera that doesn’t need Wi-Fi?
Most cameras nowadays can record without Wi-Fi connectivity. They’ll either use their built-in cellular data connectivity, connect to hotspots, or just record straight to external storage systems.
Can a cell phone detect a hidden camera?
Smartphones can detect hidden cameras through third-party apps tracking electromagnetic fields. Scan your perimeter if you feel like hidden spy cameras are tracking you in changing rooms, public bathrooms, or hotel rooms.
Each wireless, hidden camera we mentioned above has its pros and cons. However, the best overall option for most homeowners would be the Quniao Wireless – Wi-Fi Hidden Spy Camera. It’s affordable and straightforward. You’ll get reliable event recording features straight to your phone—no need for ongoing cloud subscriptions!
Do you feel that a hidden security camera alone can’t protect your living space? Be-Safe can help! Check out our resources explaining the best home security systems for single-family homes, condos, and apartments.
