No professional ride-for-hire driver likes to draw attention to the contents of their vehicle. When your livelihood interests your car, you really don’t want to be etching corners on vehicle surveillance.
Dash cams are a wonderful way to enrich the overall security (and safety) of your car. But, for the most part, they are developed to view outside the vehicle. It’s also no mystery that they can be pretty pricey (they’re usually more expensive than a traditional IP camera designed for home security)
‘Ｍini’ or ‘hidden’ cameras could be a pathway around this. They make for super nuanced surveillance, which can be useful if you don’t like the idea of drawing a lookout for expensive security devices (or paying out of pocket for pricy setups).
But with battery lives rarely moving past an hour, are they worth it? Read on to learn more about hidden cameras for cars, including some of our favorite devices and where to put them in your vehicle.
How Do Spy Car Cameras Work
Many hidden car cameras are started by motion detection. When something or someone crosses in front of the camera, it will activate and start recording automatically. But, what makes these so unique is that these cameras will give no indication that they are videoing— no lights will turn on or no noise will be created— so criminals won’t get tipped off in the procedure.
Some hidden cameras will deliver a push notification to your smartphone when motion is detected. Virtually all of them record video (except for the Qbit), and keep it on a mini SD card. If the card is full of memory, the recording will continue thanks to loop recording technology for this awesome invention. Many of these spy car cameras have up to 60 minutes of battery vitality but can record all night if plugged in.
| Image | Product Name | Video Resolution | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Arebi | 1080p | Check Price |
 | Rexin | 4K | Check Price |
 | 1080p | Check Price | |
 | Aliwestcom | 1080p | Check Price |
 | Ehomful | 1080p | Check Price |
Why You Should Get a Spy Car Camera
Car break-ins can occur anywhere, and if you are an Uber or Lyft driver, having the extra guard of a hidden car camera can provide video proof in the event of a crime. Many of these are super reasonable camera and provide a great amount of defense. Simply put, it’s just a suitable idea to have one of these hidden car cameras recording in your car whether you’re in it or not.
Why Should You Buy A Hidden Camera For A Car
People operate hidden car cameras for various reasons. As mentioned earlier, you may need hard proof or evidence in case of a shocking occurrence.
Moreover, you should keep tabs on whatever is going on inside your car at all tours. Some of the common services of hidden car cameras include;
- Keep checks on your company or business vehicle and provide the driver to do exactly as instructed.
- Observe your teenage who are lawfully allowed to drive so that they do not use the vehicle to indulge in any acts not authorized by you.
- If you are a taxi driver, you will need definite proof as some customers might start making illegal claims that you do not even know about.
- You may wish to secretly spy on your partner and watch whoever they have and their activities inside the car.
Before placing out to buy a hidden car camera, it is crucial to first ask yourself what your intention is. What do you plan on capturing? Which angle of view will be best fitted for you?
Where do you want to hold it? What size of a camera are you intending on getting? those questions will help you narrow down the list and get you closer to picking the exact camera for you.
Factors To Consider When Choosing The Right Spy Car Camera
1) The camera’s invisibility
It goes without saying that a spy camera must be hidden from the eyes of the person or people you are spying on. This means that the camera must integrate very well with the direct environment while not looking out of place.
The best spy camera must be invincible even when it is kept in products or devices which are common materials and used regularly.
It is essential to understand that a spy camera is like a team. It always has the recording unit and (or) a wiring unit if it is not a wireless one. Also, it will be useless to have a perfectly hidden car camera but the recording unit is in plain view and the wires can also be seen and traced back to the camera.
It is important to assess the location where you will keep the camera and check whether it will stay completely hidden.
2) Flexibility and Simplicity
When getting a hidden car camera, it is significant to know how adjustable the unit is. Is it easy to move from one place to another or it is fixed?
The comfort of usage also matters a lot when bringing a spy camera. Can it be turned on and off by the simple touch of a button or it will need a rocket scientist to understand?
3) Field of View by The Camera Lens
How far does the camera capture? The depth and field covered by the camera also depend on which side of the car you want to record nicely. If you want to keep it in the cup holders, you can get it installed in or around one of your coffee makers for cars that you can buy.
4) Storage Capabilities
Having a spy camera that does not have adequate storage to control all the data recorded is just a big problem. However, knowing what type of recording you will require will also help confine the storage capacity of the camera.
If you just require short clips documented, you can just get a removable SD (Storage Device) card. If you need long hours of footage, then it would be smart for you to have a backup storehouse option or a hard drive. The most advisable camera to get is the one that can suggest more than enough recording storage space.
5) The Camera Audio
Capturing videos of whatever is going on in the car can be evidence that somebody did something. Having a spy camera that can record audio can be proof that someone not only did something but also said something. The best spy cameras have the alternative where you can choose to have audio turned on or off.
6) Night Time Recording
When shopping for the best spy car camera, you should also think about its ability to record at night or with little light getting the interior of the car. Always go for the cameras which monochromic lenses or the ones with the capability to record videos clearly during the night.
7) Motion Activated Camera
At this age, technology must be made the most out of. You need to record as many clips without having to replace the batteries and also without freeing up space.
Motion-activated cameras only become active when there are motion and movement inside the car and become inactive when there is fast or no activity noticed. At the end of it all, such a camera will have documented everything you want, also saving up on power and storage!
1. AREBI – Most Portable Unit
This spy camera has all that you need in a spy camera. It is small, portable, wireless, and perfectly remains hidden. Just looking at the design you can tell it is developed for being a spy camera. Using the camera you can bring out many secret operations and also use it to keep an eye on your children, pets, and many more. Beyond the use, there are a lot many parts that make it the number one hidden car camera on our list.
There are two methods you can install the camera, magnet mount, and swivel ground. We attempted both forms. Magnet mount is helpful when you have a metal surface to make use of. However, if you like to install it on the dashboard swivel base is a wonderful idea but that way it won’t stay hidden. Once installed we tried the footage for both night vision and daylight. As it employs a 1080p resolution, you can complete out each detail indeed. Also, the wide angle of 150 degrees helps you cover almost 80 percent of the interior of the car.
There is a lot to like when it comes to controlling the camera operating the app. The first thing that branded me is it allows you to adjust the sensitivity of the motion sensor manually from the app which not many comparable cameras have. Also, you can access the camera scope remotely over an internet connection. We attached the camera to Wi-Fi and accessed the clips from different sites using a 4G network. If the connectivity is right you can smoothly see the live feed from the camera.
Bottom Line
There is no other camera that even comes close to Arebi. We suggest you just go for the camera if you want a best-spy car camera with loads of functions. It is also one of the few spy car cameras with GPS.
2. Rexing V1-4K – Best As Dash Cam
If you like a camera that is specifically created for cars, you must go for something like a dashcam. They have all features developed for car needs. Among the dash cams the Rexing V1-4K Ultra HD Car Dash Cam is a famous choice. The most impressive feature of the camera is the resolution. It takes videos and images at 4K resolution. In addition, it has features like loop recording, 170-degree broad-angle, GPS, gravity sensor, parking monitor, and built-in Wi-Fi facility.
If you are not so tech-ingenious you will definitely need some support while installing the camera. Typical car accessories experts can help you with it. We experimented with the unit in one of our cars and captured some incredible videos. There is no comparison of the 4K videotape. Just the clearness and the colors are so great. To make it even more convincing the camera uses hardware that authorizes the camera to run smoothly even in outer temperatures. We simulate both circumstances, to see if it is correct. The images and videos we grabbed were really good.
With cars, collision is forever a threat. The camera is designed in such a manner that it can detect the clash as well as record it. This is possible due to an inventive G-sensor or Gravity sensor. Another innovation that adds to the power of the camera, is the GPS logger software. This can be valuable for tracking the routes the car has taken in the past few days. It is a valid feature for trucks.
Bottom Line
If you want a spy camera that has dashcam credentials, the Rexing V1-4K Ultra HD Car Dash Cam is one of the best in the market. You can articulate it is a professional-grade dashcam.
3. TOGUARD – Best Unit With Touch Screen
We have sampled a number of cameras and we have learned not all dash cams are easy to hide. If you are specifically looking for cameras that are easy to secrete, the TOGUARD Backup Camera is worth mentioning. The camera system provides you a clear view of the front and behind of the car. In addition, you can view the feed straight on your rearview mirror, which is a touchscreen display. There is plenty of amazing qualities that you can operate to improve the security of your car.
The kit has two cameras, one for the rear and one for the front sight. Both cameras have 1080p resolution for HD-resolution videos. In order to keep video files, the system uses AVI format which brings up more storage and resembled MPEG4. Installation is also easy. All you have to do is a strap over the factory rearview mirror and attach the wires for the supply. For the rearview mirror, you have to hook the wire to the reverse lighting. You may need the service of a technician.
The touch screen isn’t of the highest class but you can control the two cameras efficiently. The camera also has a G-sensor which lets the camera automatically video the collision. Also, the collision recording is locked so that it cannot tamper with in any way.
Bottom Line
If you are searching for a camera that can monitor both the rear and front of the car, TOGUARD Backup Camera 7″ Mirror Dash Cam is the right choice. And much like other dashcams, it has a very easy setup and installation. Also, it is the best spy car dash camera as the camera is not so apparent.
4. ALIWESTCOM – Best For Bugging
Many spy cameras need Wi-Fi for connectivity. Though it is an important part of the camera, it part that delivers the location of the camera. Most of the bug detector catches the radio wave reaching out of the camera for location. And if you are desiring an inspection of your car for bugs, you must have cameras that do not deliver away any kind of radio signals. This is when a camera like ALIWESTCOM mini spy cam is good as they do not have Wi-Fi capacity.
Due to its little size, you can fix it anywhere you want in your car. If the camera is within your distance, you can start recording with a single button. And if it is away from you, the motion sensor detects the activity and starts recording. As of now, there is no sensitivity set for the motion sensor but it is sufficient enough to detect even slight movements. The videos it captures are truly fine. If there is some light you can be confirmed of capturing quality videos at 1080p resolution.
As there is no wireless connectivity system, you will have to insert the SD card into a laptop to check the footage. The manufacturer suggests users view footage using the VLC media player. it has a rechargeable battery but it can record up to 90 minutes of videos on a single charge. With a motion sensor in place, 90 minutes is more than enough. We measure the capacity as around 380 mAh. Also, it has a loop recording feature which indicates you don’t concern about deleting old videos, the camera does it automatically.
Bottom Line
If you are worried about bug detectors, you need the most simple cameras, almost elementary ones that do not cast any kind of radio signals. Mini Spy Cam Hidden Camera By ALIWESTCOM is one of the best-secret car cameras without Wi-Fi.
5. ehomful – Best For Security
If you want a camera that can completely stay hidden, you have to move with a 100 percent spy camera. The ehomful1080P Body Camera Action Camera is one of the most potent spy cameras. The camera can be mounted in different ways and you can utilize it for various positions. For this spy car camera review, we are going to attach it to the cars. It is different from dashcams, you have to take it as the CCTV for the car operating and you can watch the interiors of the car.
Since the camera is tiny you can hide it even on a small side. You can use the magnet mount to stick the camera on metal covers. And if there is a plastic surface, you use the base mount which permits the camera to rotate 360 degrees. As far as the videos are involved, they are of HD quality due to their 1080p resolution. Even the night vision images are awe-inspiring, however, in an environment like a running car, light pollution won’t let you capture actual videos. We diverted the night vision off using the app and permitted the camera to record in standard mode. Even in low light, the images are good.
We also experimented with the battery capacity. With a full charge, you can record almost 90 minutes of video. After that, you will have to link to a power source. The best thing is you can charge it using any USB port. Hence, you can even charge it while traveling. For storage, it employs a micro SD card, and the maximum size of the SD card is limited to 32 GB. There is also a motion detector if you want to make sure your car is assured and there is no risk.
Bottom Line
If you want to know what a hidden car camera looks like, you must see the ehomful 1080P Body Camera. However, if it had a wireless capability, it would have become an entire camera for your car.
6. Enji Prime – Best For Live View
The Enji Prime is almost equivalent to ehomful mini camera but it has Wi-Fi capability which allows you to connect the camera even when you are away. If your car has Wi-Fi connectivity which you can link to your camera, then this spy camera is really useful. This can be really helpful if you want to keep an eye on someone driving your car while you are not in the car.
As far as the quality of the camera is concerned, it uses 1080p resolution which provides very sound views. Even the night vision is fine but the picture may get worse if there is a lighting problem. Also, IR LEDs used by the camera have no glare, so it is not easy to see the camera when there is no light. It also has a movement detector to make sure there is no unauthorized access to your car at night.
There is no clear information on the capacity of the battery but with a single charge, you can record video up to 90 minutes of footage. Also if you are connected to good-quality internet, you will capable to see the live feed. And if there is no connectivity videos are screened on the 32 GB micro SD card. We regard a 32 GB SD card is not enough but with loop recording mode you can keep the most present footage.
Bottom Line
If you are particularly looking for a magnet mount, you can go for Enji Prime Spy Hidden Camera. However, it has a condition requirement of wireless internet connectivity in your car. So that you can use it for spy CCTV cameras for cars.
7. Relohas – Best For Night Vision
They are one of the most famous spy camera manufacturers. They have many spy cameras in their projects. When we were seeking cameras that can be used as hidden car seat cameras we chose Relohas 1080P Mini Spy Hidden Camera WiFi. The major reason for using this camera was, it can install on any surface due to the use of the sticker and clip. If you particularly looking to install a camera in the car, it is the best option.
As far as the quality of the images is concerned, much like any other camera, it employs a 1080p resolution camera. In addition to the HD lens, you reach night vision as well as a motion detector for automated recording. You can turn on and off night notion manually. We used night vision while driving through the road with some light. Even with some light decay, you will be able to capture quality videos.
It also has Wifi connectivity which qualifies you to connect the feed without being in the car. The greatest thing is the camera should be connected to a network as the unit has no inbuilt WiFi. There is also a 24-hour loop recording if you want the recent footage to be in storage at all times. Thinking of storage, it uses a micro SD card and has a maximum limit of 32 GB.
Bottom Line
If you need a hidden camera that can wrap back seats or can be easily installed on seats, there is no finer option than the Relohas camera. We accept it as the best spy hidden car surveillance camera.
What to Do If You Detect Hidden Spy Cameras at Your Place?
Once you’ve found a hidden camera in your room, you should take the below procedures.
- Don’t push or touch the hidden cameras. (The police would collect the fingerprints to find the criminal.)
- Take all of your belongings out of the viewing angle of the camera.
- Bring pictures of the camera for proof.
- Call the police or other authorities to investigate the case.
FAQ
We’ve collected a few questions you may have on how to notice spy cameras and here are the solutions! If you have other queries or any insights, leave them in the comment section.
How Do Hidden Camera Detectors Work?
The following is the working method of hidden camera detectors, as people on Quora ask about how they function. There are two main ways most spy camera detectors work:
- Check for the reflective lights from the camera lens (like using a flashlight).
- Witness the RF broadcast of the camera. Normally the detectors will beep when they see the signal and provide you with audible alerts.
How to Deal with My Boss, Parents, and Neighbors Spying on Me with spy Cameras?
If you suspect your boss, parents or neighbors are troubling you, you can use the above top 6 tracks to find the concealed cameras. Take pictures of the spy camera if you discover it, and then report it to the police immediately.
What is the easiest way to find a hidden camera?
The most effortless way to detect hidden cameras is to utilize a flashlight. Turn on the flashlight and turn off the lights in your space. Pan the flashlight around the room. Move slowly and investigate any suspicious situations from different angles. If you detect any reflective lights from an object, there might be a secret camera there.
Are Hidden Cameras Legal?
The laws vary from country to country concerning hidden cameras. But one thing for sure is those spy cameras are illegal once they are employed in private areas or for dishonest purposes. Anyone using a hidden camera to raid other people’s privacy will be penalized by law.
Generally speaking, spy cameras are not allowed and are illegal in the below areas:
- Restrooms
- Other people’s homes
- Dressing rooms
- Locker rooms
- Other areas where people have a proper expectation of privacy
Laws also require that people cannot record audio from:
- Eavesdropping
- Remote recording
- Other illegal audio recording methods
If you intend to use a hidden camera, it’s suggested to research the laws in your residential area. If it isn’t clearly clarified, you’d better consult an attorney about how you can use a spy camera.
Final Talk
Buying a spy car surveillance camera isn’t an effortless job. You need to be cautious while analyzing the market. It is quite impossible for you to go to the market and test each and every obtainable product. But what is achievable is that you go through the entire list of products picked by us, describe them to your need and budget(refer to the buying guide) and then pick one. And in case you don’t like to take that headache also, you can positively choose our editor’s pick we guarantee you satisfaction, and worth reading our reviews. Till then, happy shopping.
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