We researched dozens of small and discreet options, evaluating ease of installation and use, camera quality, and advanced features such as motion tracking and two-way audio. Our top pick, the Wyze Cam Pan v2 is compact and offers excellent range and smart features. Here are the best hidden cameras to consider.  The Starlight Sensor offers a full-color view of night footage, so there’s no confusion about what’s on the video footage. The real-time movement sensor also automatically begins tracking objects and following their movement after detection. And unlike others with night vision, the Cam Pan v2 doesn’t use an indicator light when in this mode, reducing disturbances and making this camera more discreet at night. While you can place this camera on any flat surface, you can purchase a separate wall-mounting system. Another potential expense is a microSD card for saving and storing footage. Although it would be nice to receive all these items in one kit, we still recommend this camera because of its range and numerous advanced features. Price at time of publish: $100 This camera syncs with the Blink Home Monitor app to offer a live view if it detects movement. However, the Live View function is limited to 60 seconds without a subscription plan. Like other similar models, you can pay for cloud storage, but the Mini also works with the Sync module, which you can purchase separately for local storage. If you use Alexa and have an Alexa-enabled speaker or display, you can view live footage or arm/disarm the camera with your voice. Price at time of publish: $35 This Alexa-enabled device offers two-way audio and crisp high-definition video quality you can monitor in real-time using the Live View on the Ring app. The Ring Indoor Cam also sends motion-alert notifications straight to your phone if you enable this setting, but the camera can’t distinguish between humans versus pets. If you’d like person-specific alerts and the option to record and download footage, note that a Ring Protect plan gives you this access for a monthly fee. Price at time of publish: $60 Setup is easy—no hardwiring is needed—and the rechargeable battery lasts six months. This camera also has wide smart home compatibility, two-way audio, and syncs with the app to offer real-time notifications. However, if you want object detection or to view recordings, these features require an Arlo Secure subscription. Price at time of publish: $200 You can set up specific zones for monitoring certain areas in your home and receive alerts to the Kasa app on your phone when the camera detects motion or sound in these areas. The Kasa Spot works well with Google Assistant- and Alexa-enabled devices for voice commands and viewing and integrates with Kasa’s Smart Actions platform for automating routines with other Kasa smart devices. While the motion detection might not be as advanced as competitors, this camera option also offers convenient local storage via a memory card—though you need to provide it. Price at time of publish: $30 Like other options, the Nest Cam offers night vision, two-way audio, and activity zones. But one standout feature of the second-generation Nest Cam is its ability to decipher between pets, people, and even cars. You can receive these distinct notifications, monitor what’s happening in real time, and view up to three hours of event history in the Google Home app. Access to historical footage past the three-hour window and other perks, like familiar face alerts, require a subscription. Price at time of publish: $100 Price at time of publish: $100 This camera can only record about 20 hours of footage and must be removed from the smoke detector casing to charge. However, standby mode allows the camera to remain charged for 180 days. Bear in mind that this camera is not a real smoke detector, and you shouldn’t install it in place of your existing detector. Price at time of publish: $120 When considering where you put a camera and what you want it to capture, consider whether you’ll place it on your wall, ceiling, or home exterior. You can position some options on a shelf, cabinet, or another surface. For plug-in models, make sure there’s an outlet nearby.

Video Quality

Another important consideration is the quality of the video. “Covert cameras often don’t provide the same quality of image that regular cameras do,” says security expert Michael A. Silva, CPP, CSC, of Silva Consultants. “This is because most covert cameras view through a very small hole that restricts the camera’s field of view and limits its light-gathering abilities.” You’ll want to look for a product with at least 720p (pixels) resolution, even better if it’s 1080p. Otherwise, you may not be able to make out the details in the footage.

Record Time

Some hidden cameras only capture motion-activated clips, while others record continuously with live viewing. Look into which method your camera uses and whether the video footage is stored on a memory card or uploaded to the cloud. If it goes to a memory card, most cameras rewrite over existing files once full, so make sure you check the footage regularly and store it elsewhere if needed.

Silva doesn’t typically recommend the use of covert (hidden) cameras in homes except under very special circumstances. “The only exception would be when there was a need to investigate a person who was misbehaving (such as an abusive babysitter or caregiver) and you wanted to gather evidence without the person being aware that they were being watched,” he explains. “However, this type of covert surveillance is fraught with legal liabilities and should only be done by a licensed investigator and/or under the advice of an attorney.”

Why Trust The Spruce?

Theresa Holland is a freelance commerce writer specializing in home improvement and consumer tech. For this roundup, she spoke with a home security and surveillance expert who offered insight into camera designs and legal/privacy considerations. She combed through user reviews, pored over product specs, and considered the key features, size, image quality, and price of a wide range of cameras before landing on her final picks. Theresa has been contributing to The Spruce since 2019, where she covers smart home gadgets, appliances, and organizational solutions.