When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
Make sure you're not being watched using our expert pick of the best hidden camera detectors to locate spy cams and bugs Long Distance Wireless Camera
The best hidden camera detectors will put anyone worried about their personal security at ease. If there's a covert camera watching you, they'll let you know. Many will also locate nearby bugging devices and GPS trackers too. Our expert tips will help you identify the best for your needs and budget.
1. Best for traveling 2. Best overall 3. Best small detector 4. Best for visual representation 5. Best three-in-one 6. Best for foiling industrial espionage 7. Best for value
These days, spy cameras are easily available to the general public, and so whether you're staying in a hotel room or an unfamiliar AirBnB, hidden cameras can be a legitimate concern. Plus, just looking around the room isn't always good enough, because some cameras are now so tiny they can be hidden in places like smoke detectors and light bulbs.
A quick sweep with a hidden camera detector, though, is all you need to put your mind at rest and works using the same principles as professional counter-surveillance officers. Below we've listed the best on the market today, at a range of prices to suit every budget. If you'd like to know a bit more about how we chose these, and you should use them, check the FAQs at the bottom.
Best for traveling
Best for traveling Most of us just want to quickly check out a strange hotel room or AirBnB before settling in, and for that, the G6 Sport is an ideal traveling companion. It is compact, elegantly designed, and folds the crucial lens-finding and RF detection functions into a single device Read more below
Best overall The K68 is a powerful hidden camera detector. Be warned, though, that it's known by a number of names. The Sherry model is easier to find in the USA, while the KMDHKK edition is easily found in the UK. Read more below
Best Small detector
Best Small detector You don't necessarily want to advertise that you're using a hidden camera detector. So if you're looking for something small and easy to hide, we recommend the Jepwco G4 Pro. This pen-sized bug-sweeper is as easy to use as it is discrete. Read more below
Best for visual representation
Best for visual representation Want to get technical, and see all the details of what your device is detecting? Then the Latnex SPA-6G Spectrum Analyzer will be just up your street. Read more below
Best three-in-one With a magnetic and a radio frequency detector in the same device, and supplied with a lens highlighter tool in the package, this is a useful bit of kit. Read more below
Best for foiling industrial espionage
Best for foiling industrial espionage This device will detect all GSM, GSM(DCS), WCDMA or DECT 3G, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi signals making this best for industrial action. Read more below
Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.
Most of us just want to quickly check out a strange hotel room or AirBnB before settling in, and for that, the G6 Sport is an ideal traveling companion. It is compact, elegantly designed, and folds the crucial lens-finding and RF detection functions into a single device.
As travelers, we liked the low weight – about the same as four pencils – and the fact it charges via USB-C, so you'll likely already have a charger in your bag. Not that you'll be charging too often with 30 hours of battery!
In terms of use, we liked that it can concentrate on the Wi-Fi frequencies or scan the whole band, and the adjustable sensitivity makes honing in on a suspicious device as easy as practical. As for finding lenses, we'd prefer a brighter light, but it is certainly up to the task. The big viewfinder is also easy to look through.
The K68 is a powerful hidden camera detector. Be warned, though, that it's known by a number of names. The Sherry model is easier to find in the USA, while the KMDHKK edition is easily found in the UK.
This hidden camera detector benefits from a built-in infrared detector, but the core function is the classing RF sweep. The simulated analog dial indicates the strength of the signal detected, and the dial at the top allows you to turn down sensitivity as you hone in on a suspect.
The ‘AI’ feature (right function button) is a pulse-based approach that makes it easier to do the scans but is still relying on the user's intelligence. Something appreciated by the hard of hearing – or when operating somewhere discretion is required – will be the vibrate option (instead of the piercing beep which, on this device, is only an option rather than something to tolerate). We also think it is handy that the magnetic probe can be detached if it’s not needed.
You don't necessarily want to advertise that you're using a hidden camera detector. So if you're looking for something small and easy to hide, we recommend the Jepwco G4 Pro. This pen-sized bug-sweeper is as easy to use as it is discrete.
This hidden camera detector makes a few good design decisions that are apparent the second you get it out of the box. First, it's rechargeable, via a standard USB socket at the bottom (though Jepwco still supplies a charging cord) and there's a pinprick LED to indicate charging next to it.
The detection is via a kind of ‘bar chart’ of six white LEDs, which appear inspired by Apple MacBooks of the mid-2010s. Having only two buttons is very elegant, although it does mean you need to remember to do a long press for on/off. Once on the lower button allows you to switch between Wi-Fi and full-band sensitivity, and the chosen mode is nicely displayed by a glowing word.
Similarly, the top button cycles sensitivity. The end also acts as a torch which may help spot hidden lenses. At 30g and in a nice box, this could make a good gift for someone who struggles to trust their environment.
Want to get technical, and see all the details of what your device is detecting? Then the Latnex SPA-6G Spectrum Analyzer will be just up your street.
With two SMA connectors and three antennas, the unit has good coverage for most communication bands, including Bluetooth, LTE, and GSM as well as Wi-Fi. But where it really scores over the cheaper options is by providing a genuine visual representation of the strength of individual frequencies.
Operating in max, hold, and averaging modes, the system is flexible, and firmware updates are provided via the USB socket. The same connection allows export to view on-screen spectrums 3D (via the program Waterfall), offering more resolution and potential interest to HAM radio enthusiasts.
Handheld X Ray Scanner That said, for a quick scan of a hotel room this might be too much on the RF, and too little when it comes to the more ‘low tech’ features, like a light to reflect from lenses, which we recommend buying separately.