The 8 Best Hidden Cameras of 2023 | by The Spruce

Here are the best hidden cameras to consider.

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.

A hidden camera is an inconspicuous way to monitor your home and keep an eye on contractors, kids, or pets. “In a residential setting, I recommend that cameras be used to view the primary entrances to the home (front door, back door, etc.), as well as the major hallways and stairways,” says security expert Michael A. Silva, CPP, CSC, of Silva Consultants.

Best Overall

Wyze Cam Pan v2

4.7

Amazon

View On Amazon

View On Home Depot

View On Walmart

What We Like

• 360-degree viewing

• Color night vision

• Real-time viewing capabilities

What We Don’t Like

• Memory card not included

The Wyze Cam Pan v2 has a 360-degree horizontal view of its surroundings plus a 92-degree vertical view, making it a great indoor monitoring option. It’s compatible with Alexa- and Google-enabled speakers and hubs for viewing and voice commands, has two-way audio capabilities, and sends motion detection notifications to the Wyze app. This camera also allows you to set four motion detection zones throughout a room to check on high-traffic areas around your home easily. 

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

Video Quality: 1920 x 1080 pixels | View of Field: 360 degrees horizontal; 93 degrees vertical | Motion Detection Range: Not Listed | Night Vision: Yes

Best Budget

Blink Mini Indoor Wi-Fi Security Camera

Amazon

View On Amazon

View On Home Depot

View On Target

What We Like

• Two-way talk

• Works with Alexa

• Easy setup

• Compact size

What We Don’t Like

• Advanced features require subscription

The Blink Mini Indoor Wi-Fi Security Camera is a budget-friendly, smart option for keeping an eye on what’s going on at home. This small 2-inch camera comes with a stand for propping, but it can also stand freely on a flat surface without it. The Blink Mini also comes with two plug-in options (USB or a plug-in adapter) and has night vision, two-way talk, and a built-in motion detector.

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

Video Quality: 1920 x 1080 pixels | Field of View: 110 degrees diagonal | Motion Detection Range: Not listed | Night Vision: Yes

Best for Ring Users

Ring Indoor Cam

Amazon

View On Amazon

View On Home Depot

View On Target

What We Like

• Small design

• Easy installation

• Good audio and video quality

• Alexa-compatible

What We Don’t Like

• No motion detection settings

• Must subscribe to record footage

If you have Ring products like a doorbell, the Ring Indoor Cam offers discreet home monitoring that works well with the Ring ecosystem. This compact camera comes as a single plug-in unit that you can mount or place on a shelf or other surface. You can also purchase additional units for numerous rooms and even integrate them with a Ring Doorbell for a wider home security experience.

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

Video Quality: 1920 x 1080 pixels | Field of View: 140 degrees diagonal | Motion Detection Range: Not listed | Night Vision: Yes

Best Outdoor

Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell

Amazon

View On Amazon

View On Walmart

View On Lowe’s

What We Like

• 180-degree viewing

• Long battery life

• Two-way talk

What We Don’t Like

• Relatively pricey

• Requires subscription for advanced features

If you’re looking for something to monitor the front of your home, consider getting a video doorbell like the Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell. It connects to your Wi-Fi and offers high-definition viewing at a 180-degree angle. A 1×1 aspect ratio also helps keep the subject in frame from head to toe for a better viewing experience on the Arlo app.

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. You can use it in conjunction with the Arlo wireless home security system. However, if you want object detection or to view recordings, these features require an Arlo Secure subscription.

Price at time of publish: $200

Video Quality: 1536 x 1536 pixels | Field of View: 180 degrees diagonal | Motion Detection Range: 25 feet | Night Vision: Yes

The 9 Best Doorbell Cameras of 2023

Expert Buying Tip

“Most consumer-grade cameras made by companies such as Arlo, Ring, and SimpliSafe are perfectly fine for residential use.” — Michael A. Silva, CPP, CSC, of Silva Consultants

Best Value

Kasa Smart Spot Indoor 1080p Wireless Surveillance Camera

Amazon

View On Amazon

View On Best Buy

What We Like

• Budget-friendly

• Continuous viewing

• Two-way talk

What We Don’t Like

• Finicky motion sensor

• Memory card not included

The Kasa Spot offers a rich feature set at an affordable price. This small but mighty wired camera provides continuous viewing with 1080-pixel high-definition day and night footage. Not only will you be able to see what’s happening, but you can also hear it, thanks to the two-way audio feature that allows you to listen to and communicate with pets, delivery personnel, or unwanted guests.

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

Video Quality: 1920 x 1080 pixels | View of Field: 130 degrees | Motion Detection Range: Not listed | Night Vision: Yes

Keep Your Home Safe With the Best Wireless Security Systems

Best for Google Users

Google Nest Cam (indoor, wired) Second Generation

Amazon

View On Amazon

What We Like

• Detects people and animals

• Comes in stylish colors

What We Don’t Like

• Only 3 hours of event history

• Subscription for full features

While several discreet indoor cameras are compatible with Google Assistant, the Google Nest Cam (indoor, wired) Second Generation could be for you if yours is a Google-exclusive smart home. You can view the live feed from Google-compatible smart displays through a seamless setup process in the Google Home app. This stylish camera also comes in several neutral shades, giving it a look that could blend well with your other decor. While the attached stand does not come off, you can mount this wired camera or place it on a flat surface.

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

Video Quality: 1920 x 1080 pixels | View of Field: 135 degrees diagonal | Motion Detection Range: Not listed | Night Vision: Yes

Best for Pets

eufy Security 2K Indoor Pan & Tilt Pet Camera

4.8

Amazon

View On Amazon

View On Target

View On Chewy

What We Like

• Motion detector

• Two-way talk

• Syncs with smart devices

What We Don’t Like

• Audio quality isn’t top-notch

• No included memory card for local storage

The Eufy Indoor Pan & Tilt Pet Camera uses artificial intelligence (AI) to distinguish between pets and humans, which makes it a great option for pet owners. Once it detects motion or sound, this camera will automatically begin following the movement of interest and record it on your synced device. You can also talk with your pet through the built-in two-way audio feature.

If you have compatible Google, Amazon, or HomeKit-enabled smart home products, this camera offers voice control or another option for streaming a live feed. This camera also offers cloud or local storage for recordings, so you can always look back at what your playful pets got up to during the day. However, be aware that you need to supply the memory card for local recording and the audio quality might not be as crisp as competitors.

Price at time of publish: $100

Video Quality: 1920 x 1080 pixel | Field of View: 360 degrees horizontally; 96 degrees vertically | Motion Detection Range: Not listed | Night Vision: Yes

Most Discreet

WNAT Hidden Camera Smoke Detector

Amazon

View On Amazon

What We Like

• Motion detector

• Night vision

• Discreet design

What We Don’t Like

• Only points down

• Short battery life

The WNAT Hidden Camera Smoke Detector is a faux smoke detector and inconspicuous option for your entryway, mudroom, or hallway. The wireless design can be installed on any ceiling and provides live viewing with 125-degree viewing capabilities. This camera also has a built-in motion sensor and night vision to capture movement at all hours of the day. After recording movement, the camera will enter standby mode to save power so that all videos can be saved (memory card not included).

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. Better still, just install a set of smart smoke detectors throughout your home for next-level security.

Price at time of publish: $120

Video Quality: 1920 x 1080 pixels | Field of View: 125 degrees | Motion Detection Range: Not listed | Night Vision: Yes

The 10 Best Outdoor Security Cameras to Keep an Eye on Your Home