The 7 Best Hidden Cameras of 2020

For an extra layer of security, invest in a device that allows you to monitor your home and belongings when you're away. And unlike a home security system that might cost a bit more, hidden cameras are a relatively inexpensive option that will still give you peace of mind.

If you want a top-rated hidden camera that can be placed anywhere, we recommend the Jayol Mini Hidden Camera. At just over 1-inch high, this camera can easily be used as a hidden camera for your home, office, car, or anywhere else you want to keep a watchful eye.

This model boasts superior video resolution—up to 1080P during the day and 780P at night. The camera records to an internal SD card (up to 64GB), but you can also access the video feed remotely (via an app for IOS or Android) once the camera is connected to your home’s Wi-Fi. Users typically find the set-up process to be frustration-free, but the included instruction manual draws complaints regarding its hard-to-read tiny font size. It includes a rechargeable battery, but if you want this camera on duty all the time, it may be best to plug it in—since constant recording tends to drain the battery quickly.

While this hidden camera doesn’t cloak itself as another common household object, like a clock, book, pen, etc., its small size and noiseless operation make it easy to conceal in everyday places. You can attach it to a wall with the included sticky pad, set it on a shelf tucked in with other electronics, or use it in your car as a dashcam. The 140-degree wide-angle lens captures plenty of action in the room, which is another plus for users. For right around $50, this hidden camera helps you check in on activity you might otherwise miss while you’re away.

The LKcare Camera Pen looks like your average writing tool, but inside is a 1080P camera that can record video to the 32GB SD card or take pictures on demand. This pen is a great option if you need a portable hidden camera that is lightweight, easy to carry, and discreet.

It’s a functional ballpoint pen that writes smoothly according to reviewers and includes five ink refills. Users appreciate the fact that the camera is able to capture video but can also take photographs with the simple click of a button on top of the pen. Be aware, though, that for the video to be stable, the pen has to be held in a stationary position—otherwise, the footage will be shaky.

A rechargeable battery powers this hidden camera pen for up to 2.5 hours, giving you plenty of time to record meetings, capture important data for later reference, and more. It also is a good choice if you’re looking for a hidden camera for your desk since the inconspicuous black pen blends in with other writing tools—just don’t let anyone borrow it!

Want to take a look at some other options? See our guide to the best security cameras.

Keep track of time and everything else that happens in your home or office with a hidden camera wall clock. This basic but efficient version from AMCSXH can be hung anywhere you need 1080P video surveillance.

The hidden camera is tucked into the face of the clock, and users report that it’s very well concealed. With built-in Wi-Fi, you can take a quick look into the video feed any time, but the camera also is equipped with motion detection if you want to receive instant alerts to your phone. The camera has a 90-degree field-of-view. 

You can charge the battery for a wireless power source or hardwire it for continuous operation. The clock itself runs on a separate AA battery. Overall, this hidden camera wall clock works well and escapes detection. However, people do find its basic appearance to be on the boring side—but maybe it’s for the best that this hidden camera doesn’t draw too much attention!

For more fixtures that have motion-sensors, check out our list of the best outdoor motion sensor lights.

For a hidden camera with a discreet top-level view of what’s happening in your home, consider the ZXWDDP Smoke Detector with Hidden Camera. This device looks like a conventional smoke detector but houses a 1080P HD video camera inside to keep a watchful eye on your living room, child’s nursery, office, and more. 

This smoke detector with a hidden camera can either be hardwired for continuous operation, or you can detach the top of the smoke detector to charge the battery. When fully charged, the battery will last for about 4 hours of video recording. With Wi-Fi functionality, you can also check the live feed of this hidden camera at any time, plus receive real-time notifications and still images when motion is detected. 

Reviewers consistently comment on how much this hidden camera looks like a regular smoke detector, and it’s been used to keep an eye on nannies as well as kids during homework time! With night vision, a zoom feature, and space for an SD card up to 128 GB, you can't go wrong with this model.

Play some tunes and keep everything happening in the room in sight with a Bluetooth speaker that doubles as a hidden camera. The WNAT Hidden Camera Speaker is a popular choice for a device that looks and sounds like a speaker, but in reality, is a hidden camera.

One standout feature of this product is the fact that the camera can be rotated 170 degrees to the left or right. People love that they can see the entire room when compared to hidden cameras with a fixed position lens. 

This hidden camera is equipped with Wi-Fi, will send motion detection alerts to your smart device, and accepts up to a 128 GB SD card (not included). The 1080P picture quality is plenty according to users, who also report that the speakers themselves are also very functional.

Interested in reading more reviews? Take a look at our selection of the best doorbell cameras.

A photo frame makes a great disguise for a hidden camera. While the frame appears to hold your favorite photo, it’s equipped with a 1080P hidden camera to keep an eye on everything that happens within a 110-degree field of view. 

This wireless photo frame has a built-in battery, so you can put the frame anywhere in the room. A motion detection feature sends short video clips to your phone anytime there is an action that you might want to see. You can also use the app to check the live stream at any time. 

While most users are very happy with the performance of this photo frame, the biggest complaint is that there’s a digital clock display at the bottom of the frame. Most people wish there was a way to turn this off. In addition, there are indicator lights that most reviewers recommend turning off to keep the real purpose of this photo frame concealed.

Buy a hidden camera on a budget for affordable surveillance anywhere. While you might sacrifice some video quality and Wi-Fi functionality, the Supoggy Mini Wireless Hidden Camera will give you inside info and a front-row seat to everything that happens while you’re away—all for about $30. 

The camera features 1080P recording, but its small size does limit the lens to a 75-degree field of view. With 6 IR LED lights, you’ll still be able to record at night or in low-light conditions. Unlike other hidden cameras with Wi-Fi functionality, this model is limited to recording to an internal SD card only (up to 32GB). Any motion detected will trigger video recording to begin, which helps to conserve the somewhat limited 1-hour battery run time. 

This budget camera is super small and ultra-portable. It’s roughly the size of your thumb and easily blends into the surroundings but also includes a clip if you want to attach it to your clothing as a body cam. Though it has shortcomings like limited memory storage and battery run time, along with no ability to access the footage remotely, people are very pleased with this small-but-mighty camera’s performance.