7 Best Spy Camera Detectors – Find Out Who Is Spying On You!
Did you know that even with tens of thousands of guest complaints about the policy, Airbnb still allows people to install hidden cameras in their rental properties? Pretty shocking right?! There is nothing creepier than an Airbnb host secretly watching you and your family but for some reason, the company does not seem to care about hosts using electronic devices to spy on you and your family. The good news is that checking for hidden cameras is a whole lot easier thanks to counter-surveillance tools designed to locate listening devices and spy cams. In this article, we will go over the 7 best GPS and spy camera detector devices to locate surveillance equipment in your homes, business, Airbnb, or rental property. Let’s dive in!
Spy Camera Detector Disclaimer: Please note that the products mentioned in this article are not available for purchase at Tracking System Direct. We have compiled this list to help you in your search looking for the best professional security. Our primary goal is to empower individuals and organizations in situations where they suspect they are under surveillance, helping them to reclaim their privacy and peace of mind. Remember, this is not a ranked list, but rather a curated collection of options, and we strongly encourage you to conduct thorough research before investing in any detection equipment.
Wattne Anti Spy Detector: Best Handheld Bug Detector Under $50
 | Best Handheld Bug Detector Under $50 Wattne Anti Spy Detector
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- Signal detector for wireless audio bugs, spy cameras, and GPS trackers
- Magnetic sensor
- GPS detector
- Great price
Specifications:
- Detection Range: 1.2G – 5.8G
- Battery: 3.7V 1200mAh Li-polymer
- Dimensions: 6.46 x 3.7 x 2.28 inches
- Weight: 4 oz
Are you concerned about your privacy? Do you feel you’re being watched? Are people somehow privy to your private conversations?
In this modern world of tiny cameras and Bluetooth speakers, spy gear is getting smaller and smaller. Placing spy devices like hidden spy cameras in hotel rooms, offices, break rooms, and homes has become very easy and quite common.
Checking for hidden recording devices and cameras is easier than ever with the Wattne Anti Spy Detector RF finder! A quick button push flashes lights that reflect against a pinhole camera’s lens to identify where they’re hiding. You can also use this device as a detector for wireless audio bugs! An easy-to-read 4-way indicator lets you know if you’re in a safe environment or if RF signals have been detected in the area. Those eavesdroppers and voyeurs never stood a chance against you!
PRODUCT | KEY FEATURES | SPECS | AMAZON RATING |
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| As of 4/02/2024 3.7 Stars | 1,968 Ratings |
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J Nash Positive Review |
Amazon.com- Review Date -March 10, 2022 Easy to use right out of the box. It is very sensitive and accurate, and the AI mode tells you how many devices are in the vicinity. The magnet detector works fairly well. I would recommend this for anyone who stays in hotels a lot and is worried about privacy, or if you suspect that your house or car is bugged. Good price point for a great product. Also, the camera finder works well; I have tried it in many different environments. |
Lisa Negative Review |
Amazon.com - Review Date -June 6, 2022 When trying to figure out how to use it, it seemed too difficult. I sent it back. I had purchased it for someone else; neither of us could tell how to use it. We are not "techy," though. If you love tech stuff, it may be no problem for you. The company and refund process were great! |
Watch a YouTube review of this spy camera detector here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgxqniTvSuY
JMDHKK m8000 Camera Finder: Best Tech Support
 | Best Tech Support JMDHKK m8000 Camera Finder
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Key Features Of This Bug Detector:
- Separate spy camera finder
- 10-level signal strength indicator
- Manual sensitivity adjustment
- Locates audio bugs
- Finds GPS tracking devices
Specifications:
- Detection range: 1MHz – 12GHz
- Battery: 3.7V 1500mAh Li-polymer
- Dimensions: 4.9 x 2.1 x 0.8 inches
- Weight: 6.2oz
Hidden cams have an advantage over you: they’re already in place! You might have been filmed for days before the hair on the back of your neck started to feel that you were being watched. Once you do get that feeling, you might want to pretend everything is normal before alerting those watching that you’re on to them. Carrying around large RF detectors with long antennas will definitely alert anyone watching that you’re trying to detect wireless cameras in the area. And also, what if they’re hardwired and not using a wireless signal?
The JMDHKK M8000 package comes with a bulky hidden device detector with one of the broadest detection ranges of devices on this list, but it also includes a tiny piece for specifically spotting hidden cameras! A red-eye filter washes out all other colors while you look for reflections against the flashing light it emits, typical of all lenses cameras use to focus light.
Handy for locating standard spy cams, it’s also capable of identifying infrared lights that help a hidden camera see at night! Infrared light bulbs can be attached to the video camera or separated from them to offer a larger night vision field of view, so the M8000 bug detector is an excellent tool for protection, day and night.
PRODUCT | KEY FEATURES | SPECS | AMAZON RATING |
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| As of 4/03/2024 4.0 Stars | 693 Ratings |
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CARLOS J. PATTERSON TUCKER Positive Review |
Amazon.com- Review Date - December 23, 2023 This device is very useful, you will never be too careful and I use it all were I go hotel my car house and I have try it with setting hidden cameras and other hidden devices just to make sure it’s works. |
Forrest Pettengill Negative Review |
Amazon.com - Review Date -October 5, 2022 I haven’t used this device but once, so it was hard to figure out how best to use the package altogether. confusing, but I don’t know much about RC signals, and I did read the instructions. You need to charge the device with a wall plug; a USB port like a PS4 does not allow you to fully charge it. |
JEPWCO GR Pro Anti Spy: Best Portable Camera Detector
 | Best Portable Camera Detector JEPWCO GR Pro Anti Spy
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Key Features Of The G4 Pro:
- Hidden spy camera finder
- Slim pen shape
- Lightweight
- Low cost
- 4 stars with over 1k ratings on Amazon
Specifications:
- Detection range: 1MHz – 6.5GHz
- Battery: 300mAh
- Dimensions: 6.06 x 3.86 x 1.93 inches
- Weight: 1.05oz
Getting rid of the bulky body and stringy antennas for a moment, take a look at this series of devices. Wouldn’t it be nice to ditch the padded carrying case and slip a detector into a pocket so you can quickly whip it out and scan any room for nefarious listening devices?
The JEPWCO G4 Pro Anti Spy Detector and the JEPWCO G8 Elite take the form of a much slimmer and more versatile pen shape, so you can use it quickly in areas ranging from a hotel bathroom to a department store changing room. Combining the RF detection of a typical radio frequency detector and a bank of red LED lights with the slim frame, they’re truly multifunctional bug and cam finders.
PRODUCT | KEY FEATURES | SPECS | AMAZON RATING |
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| As of 4/03/2024 4.0 Stars | 109 Ratings |
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LB Positive Review |
Amazon.com- Review Date - October 3, 2023 My husband used this recently and said it worked well. With all the new hidden cameras and unknowns in today’s world, the AntiSpy Detector provided an extra level of confidence, comfort, and security over his visual scanning. Thankfully, nothing was detected. We played around with it, and yes, it did detect our WiFi that we intentionally left on. It does work! It’s small and comes with a nice box to keep it safe. The recharging is quick, too. Very nice product for a very good price! I highly recommend it to those who travel and even check work restrooms for safety and security. |
Jesse R. Negative Review |
Amazon.com - Review Date -October 9, 2023 I tried different settings and put this right next to my security camera, and it didn't even pick that up. Totally unreliable. |
Scout: Highly Rated Hidden Camera Detector
Key Features Of The Scout Hidden Camera Detector?
- Simplicity: one-button design
- Infrared camera detector
- Replaceable batteries
- Sample hidden camera
Specifications:
- Batteries: 2x AAA
For many years, SpyGuy has been a trusted brand in protection, providing many styles of nanny cameras, body-worn cameras, and wireless GPS trackers. They’re actually on both sides of the fence, providing hidden spy cameras in devices you’d never expect! There’s not much but a circuit board and some wires in smoke detectors or an alarm clock, leaving plenty of room to insert something like infrared cameras that see in the dark!
That’s why the Scout Hidden Camera Detector just had to be part of this list of the 7 best hidden spy camera finders. You operate the small unit with just one button, and the bank of LED lights will begin flashing. Stand five to fifteen feet back from whatever you think may be concealing hidden devices like a camera, point the Scout at it, and weave back and forth; you’ll see a tiny pinpoint reflection from the lens if there is a camera, but going too far to either side of it will get you out of the field of view and you’ll lose the reflection.
Standard devices like LED bulbs fitted into TVs will also produce this reflection, but a bulb will reflect from almost any angle while the concave lens of a camera focuses the light down into the camera for recording, creating a narrower cone of detection.
Whether you’re just looking for some extra piece of mind or think you’re the subject of an investigation, the Scout is a perfect tool for spotting hidden spies in your area!
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SpyFinder Pro: Smallest Covert Camera Detector
 | Smallest Covert Camera Detector SpyFinder Pro
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Key Features of the Spy Finder Pro Hidden Camera Detector
- Red light reflects against camera lenses
- One-button operation
- Pocket-sized camera detector
Specifications:
- Detection range: 2 – 45ft
- Battery: 2x AAA
- Dimensions: 4.5 x 1.5 x 0.63 inches
- Weight: 3oz
The original leader in camera detection! You’ll find this device online from trusted leaders like Brickhouse Security, KJB Security, and Spy Associates. The Spy Finder Pro hidden spy camera detector has been around for a long time because it’s easy to use and it bends the laws of physics to your will!
That last part went a little far. Let me rephrase: as light hits the lens of a camera, any type of camera, the light is focused down to photoreceptors and then digitally recorded into memory. This bending of the light causes a reflection to bounce from the camera, which is just what you need to sneakily force a hidden camera to reveal its position.
Even low-light cameras can’t hide! The SpyFinder Pro hidden camera detector is also an infrared detector that finds LED bulbs from just about any angle within 180°.
PRODUCT | KEY FEATURES | SPECS | AMAZON RATING |
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| As of 4/03/2024 3.6 Stars | 175 Ratings |
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James F. Falletta Positive Review |
Amazon.com- Review Date - June 27, 2019 This product is spot-on! I tested it on a very small hidden camera in my home and had no problems identifying it. Its small, light-weight, and compact design makes it easy to carry in pockets and travel with in general. |
Dr.DVilloch Negative Review |
Amazon.com - Review Date -March 28, 2019 I still don't know how it works; there is no clear instruction, and it reflects at any class or on the phone, so it is not accurate. |
KAXYUYA – Best RF & GPS Bug Sweeper
 | Best RF & GPS Bug Sweeper KAXYUYA
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Key Features of This RF Detectors:
- Magnet sensor
- Detector for GPS devices
- Detect hidden camera
Specifications:
- Detection range: 1.2G – 5.8G, WiFi, GSM
- Battery: Li-ion
- Dimensions: 13.78 x 2.36 x 1.57 inches
- Weight: 14.1oz
This thing looks like one of those wands personnel at security checkpoints wave around you before you get into a stadium. Actually, the KAXYUYA GPS Bug Detector kept the magnetic field sensor in there and included a powerful spy detector for wireless electronic devices!
One key feature of these KAXYUYA counter-surveillance hidden spy camera detectors is the magnetic field sensor! Without switching modes, this device is able to detect GSM signals emitted from GPS trackers and detect magnetic fields at the same time. With two verification modes, you can be sure to find any slap-n-stick tracking devices that may be detailing your every move.
PRODUCT | KEY FEATURES | SPECS | AMAZON RATING |
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| As of 4/03/2024 3.8 Stars | 249 Ratings |
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Jenn Butterfield Positive Review |
Amazon.com- Review Date - October 18, 2023 LOVE THIS!!! This is the second one I bought. It’s a very practical little tool for us. My husband took one in his suitcase because he is always traveling. I got this for myself for the upcoming women’s conferences in a couple of different countries. Comparing it to the previous one, this is a newer model that has a GPS detector and overall higher sensitivity. It will give us peace of mind during my travels. Great Quality! Works great!!! |
Bonnie Negative Review |
Amazon.com - Review Date -April 29, 2022 This device only worked twice before it stopped functioning. I bought a charger, thinking the battery was low. It would not charge at all. A waste of my money. Do not buy. |
BTFDREEM: Best Bug Sweeper For Home & AirBnb
 | Best Bug Sweeper For Home & AirBnb BTFDREEM
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Key Features:
- Small and lightweight
- GSM frequency detection
- Wide frequency detection range
Specifications:
- Detection range: 1MHz – 6.5GHz
- Battery: 3.7V 400mA Li-polymer
- Dimensions: 5.31 x 2.75 x 1.37 inches
- Weight: 2.08oz
This wireless bug, audio, camera, and GSM detector has 4.8 stars on Amazon with over six thousand ratings! The BTFDREEM bug sweeper is a seriously trusted model that brings together multiple functions and a 3-button simplicity not found in other devices.
Our homes and our cars are our most private places, where we should feel entitled to be our true selves, to cut loose and sing! But what if you get that feeling that someone is watching you or listening in on your conversations? The BTFDREEM can help you regain that peace of mind by searching for covert spy equipment in the home or attached to your personal vehicle.
PRODUCT | KEY FEATURES | SPECS | AMAZON RATING |
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| As of 4/03/2024 3.1 Stars | 106 Ratings |
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NickiJ Positive Review |
Amazon.com- Review Date -May 30, 2022 The hidden device detector worked as expected. It was able to detect several hidden cameras that my husband set up to test its reliability. The battery life was exceptional, and the separate light attached was an option that he really liked, as it freed up his other hand for work while he was scanning spaces and objects. Reliable product. |
Amazon Customer Negative Review |
Amazon.com - Review Date -March 17, 2023 This unit must have been a Friday or Monday unit where people didn't care how it was made because it did not do what it was designed to do. I tested it with actual spy devices, and it failed to pick them up. |
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Product Evaluation: A Closer Look at How We Determine Quality
We believe our readers have the same basic needs when researching bug detection equipment: functionality, simplicity, and quality. We do extensive research on each item we talk about and read tons of reviews from others in similar situations to yourself. Some of these electronic devices are obviously more complicated than others, but it doesn’t mean that a device with two or three buttons has to have a lower quality than a detector with ten buttons!
There is always a trade-off; some items on this list can detect devices emitting radio frequencies used by maritime and satellite communications, while others may only find signals within the most common frequency ranges. Others may focus solely on detecting hidden video recorders or be multifunctional and look for cellular GSM frequencies, magnetic fields, and cameras using a built-in lens finder! Only you can determine which type of device would be helpful in your situation, at that point.
What Are The Different Types Of Hidden Cameras?
Hidden spy cameras typically fall into three categories: wired, stand-alone, and wireless.
Wired Cameras: These kinds involve a bit more preparation, as a wire will need to be strung from the camera to a central recording device. Think of standard security systems you see in public CCTV.
Stand-Alone Camera: Do you know that tiny memory chip inside your phone that expands your storage capacity? Nanny cameras and body-worn cameras have been using them for years! Battery-powered hidden spy cameras can be set and left for long periods without any further interaction until the user decides to go back and check the footage.
Wireless Cameras: These units can also operate on battery power or plug into a wall outlet for long-term surveillance. However, while they may still use SD card storage, they also transmit a wireless signal through WiFi or cellular service to get a video feed to someone outside the area. Do you have a Ring camera? Same thing, just nefarious and creepy.
FAQs
How Does A Spy Camera Detector Work?
Hidden camera finders like the Scout or SpyFinder Pro utilize the physics of light against itself. The lens of a camera is concave, focusing the light down into receivers where it gets digitally recorded. Therefore, a reflection will bounce back to the user of a hidden camera detector from within a cone of detection that will also reveal the camera’s field of view. This is true of all cameras, from CCTV cameras to your dash cam and phone camera, so no one can fully conceal their prying eyes!
Can Hidden Cameras See In The Dark?
With infrared, yes. Infrared is a low-frequency light that human eyes cannot see, but cameras built with an IR filter can see it and reveal what goes on in the dark. You’ve likely seen them built into security cameras if you’ve ever noticed that bright red ring around the lens, but a hidden video camera will try to conceal them behind dark plastic to dull the glow.
Do Spy Cameras Make Noise?
Very little noise, most of the time. You may hear a slight whirring if you get your ear close enough. Or, if you think there’s a night vision camera in the area, you can flick the light switch on and off and listen for the distinctive click of an IR filter sliding into or out of place.
How Far Can A Hidden Camera Work?
At night, infrared doesn’t help beyond maybe twenty feet since they’re trying to stay hidden. During the day, it depends on the resolution. Low-quality resolution cameras may still see you at a distance, but viewers won’t be able to identify you until you get close. Hi-definition cameras are readily available, however, so figure maybe up to thirty feet or so.
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Contents
- 7 Best Spy Camera Detectors – Find Out Who Is Spying On You!
- Wattne Anti Spy Detector: Best Handheld Bug Detector Under $50
- JMDHKK m8000 Camera Finder: Best Tech Support
- JEPWCO GR Pro Anti Spy: Best Portable Camera Detector
- Scout: Highly Rated Hidden Camera Detector
- SpyFinder Pro: Smallest Covert Camera Detector
- KAXYUYA – Best RF & GPS Bug Sweeper
- BTFDREEM: Best Bug Sweeper For Home & AirBnb
- Product Evaluation: A Closer Look at How We Determine Quality
- What Are The Different Types Of Hidden Cameras?
