Sometimes you just don’t have an active imagination or are looking for some great inspiration to hide in plain sight with your spy cameras. We are here to help with a list of different places and things you can hide your security cameras inside. We have scoured all the different products out there and looked at all the different places and ways to hide a hidden camera to develop this comprehensive list.
You may have a better way to hide a spy camera in plain sight or maybe you have spy camera instructions, we still encourage you to comment and go ahead and list your preferred way below for us to add.
This list includes the basics in home security for hiding hidden cameras and some of the ideas are based on the small mini cameras that are wireless and hidden around the house while some of these ideas include a product with them.
We have rated these ideas by the level of concealment and practicality with 10/10 being the best concealed in plain sight and practice and 1/10 being very impractical
Hide In Plain Sight Camera Ideas Rated
If your looking to buy a spy camera, check out our best spy camera guide.
1. Tissue Box
6/10
What is more convenient than a tissue box? This is something we all have around and it’s easy to make changes to it. We suggest that you use a box with a very busy design on it so your hole for your security camera will not look obvious, again if someone looks closely they may be able to find it unless you use a box that matches your cameras color which is usually place and camouflages the lens with a multitude of designs. This is one of the riskier options.
- Make a small hole in the object
- Secure camera in the opening
2. Flower Pot or Desk Plant
7/10
A flower pot is one of the more inconspicuous ways to hide a mini security camera they are large, busy and easy to hide items in. The issue here becomes that some people are attracted to a nice flower pot and may come closer to take a look and find your camera. We recommend hiding the camera behind many layers of places branches and having it peaking out only slightly. A added layer of protection would be slightly covering it in old branches or dirt to have only the lens peaking out.
3. In a Stuffed Animal for Nanny
7/10
When you think of nanny cams most people immediately think of stuffed animals. This is with good reason since these are one of the easiest items to hide a mini security camera inside. There is only one negative with these and that’s the publicity they have gotten in television and magazines. The publicity has made them one of the first things nanny’s suspect in the house and stay away from, though you may still catch a nanny unaware this particular hiding spot loses a few points because of its obviousness.
4. Behind a Picture Frame
9/10
These picture frame cameras are becoming more and more common with extreme features like hd built into them they become harder and harder to discover and at this point are one of the top items on our list. They may not come with wi fi but they are a great alternative.
5. Book Shelve
7/10
Hiding a security camera on a bookshelf could be a great spot if the bookshelf is busy enough, however if you only have 3 books and are putting it between it could be easy to spot by someone that’s very observant but overall you cal leave this camera in plain sight.
6. Smoke Detectors
10/10
A smoke detector camera is usually a custom made spy security camera and offers a extremely covert way to spy without being caught since the detector is fake. The issues is that most of these currently in the market are not yet good enough in the quality department to record perfect video and when they do its on a top down platform making it hard to make out details.
7. Fake Rocks
10/10
These are outdoor mini cameras that let you place a fake rock that records perfect video. These are one of the most covert ways to record out there today.
8. Fake Hanging Potted Plant
9/10
Similar to our desk plant but put into an outdoor plant these are great especially since when they are at a higher level they are harder to spot.
9. On a Desk near Computer or Laptop Webcam
1/10
We finally have one of our worst places to hide a spy security camera. When you hide one of these on your desk or under wires this is one of the most obvious areas. These days people are trained to think or assume that all laptops have cameras and are watching even Mark Zuckerberg in a famous video puts a post it note over his laptop camera to avoid hackers seeing him. If you have a camera near your computer or use your laptop computer it will be caught by even the average person.
10. Outdoor Camera in a Birdhouse
10/10
Another great idea that is seldom used, these birdhouses are seldom touched and inconspicuous. Some of them also come with night vision. The night vision would be perfect for catching someone unaware.
11. Behind a Bush
9/10
You may think were getting lazy with this idea but bushes are one of the busiest objects and its hard to see a camera amongst all the branches.
12. On the Roof Just Under Ease Trough
9/10
Another great option, fake ease-trough can be laid and glued over the security cameras. Just be sure not to put it in drainage or get water on it when hiding a camera.
13. Fake Socket
10/10
These USB cameras are great and are expertly hidden, just be careful with the light up for recording ones.
14. Two Sided Mirror
10/10
This is the ultimate fake camera idea, however most people don’t have the resources required to implement this one.
15. Wall Clock
10/10
Another great security camera idea the issue with these is finding the perfect positioning to not make it obvious your wall clock is in a recording position.
16. Water Bottle
10/10
Here we can count on one of the best ways to get excellent ways to spy on someone. Today you can count on a water bottle that incorporates a hidden spy camera. As you will notice, it is one of the most versatile objects to use at all times.
In fact, who would suspect a simple water bottle? You will be able to locate this water bottle in a large number of places. You can even, if you prefer, use your water bottle and take it with you at the time of the recordings. That is why we can provide the highest qualification in terms of useful places to spy.
17. Clothes Hook
7/10
Generally, objects that can offer obvious and simple functionality are the best choices. When you are looking at simple clothes hook you have no reason to suspect a possible spy camera. In turn, clothes hooks can be installed in several locations throughout the house.
The only disadvantage here is that it is a spy camera that must be fixed in one place. On the other hand, it is not very practical to move clothes hook every few days. Even this could make other people suspicious.
18. Lighter
9/10
Today a lot of people have some kind of lighter with them at all times. That is why this object can be one of the most appropriate when spying on someone. You have the perfect excuse to use a lighter when you are outdoors or in a smoking area.
Beyond that, many people have an involuntary movement with their fingers when talking to someone. So, a lighter is a perfect object to fiddle with your hands when you are in a dialogue. Also, it is a perfect spy tool, since it cannot raise doubts.
19. Tie
9/10
Another highly convenient place to hide a spy camera is the tie that every man wears. It is one of the most convenient places since here it is possible to record everything that the man wearing the tie sees. In general, men’s ties are only appreciated for a few moments.
So, nobody will suspect that you have a spy camera right under your tie. So, you will need to move to the desired places to correctly record a lot of situations.
Wires Why to Avoid Them!
Avoid wires at all costs. Most of these security cameras’ ideas require you to hide them in undercover objects that are hard to find. There is one this that can make these easily found and that’s the presence of wires. Avoid these wires at all costs and don’t try to save a few bucks, go for the wireless option. If you can avoid wires then make sure they are very well hidden. Sometimes you will have to settle for them if your device requires charging and sometimes they do make sense like when a camera is implanted in a tech object like an alarm clock.
Finally be careful and make sure you read our articles on spy tech laws before taking the plunge, good luck with your hidden camera home security project!
2 Excellent Spy Cameras
- 1080p resolution
- Motion detector included
- Loop video recorder
As we have mentioned, one of the most suitable options for subtle engraving is to use a spy clothing hook. You will have the possibility to choose a lot of places in your home to install this hook. In turn, the motion detector allows you to save battery power.
This way, it will be very easy to start recording and collecting high importance images. Also, the video loop recorder allows you to reuse the memory of this device. This means that you will never run out of recordings. In just a few steps, you will be able to start enjoying the benefits of this unit.
PROS
- Easy to use
- Excellent time of use
- Ideal for any room
CONS
- No wi-fi included
- Full HD resolution
- Wi-fi connection
- Night vision
Another option that can give you efficient and subtle use is this unit that can provide excellent results. Here you will have a lens angle of 150 degrees and a resolution of 1080 pixels. In particular, these features will allow you to record a large number of moments.
Besides, loop recording and motion detection further optimize the functions you can get. On top of that, this device is perfect for use both day and night. Here, night vision allows you to record all kinds of situations even in the dark. That’s why it’s an excellent investment for home security.
PROS
- Efficient audio and video recording
- Loop recording
- Simple and versatile use
CONS
- Regular battery life
Buying Guide
To acquire the best spy tool, you must consider some key aspects. In this way, you will be able to obtain greater functionality at the time you need it most. At the same time, not all the options that are available in the market can provide you with the same benefits. That is why the following four aspects will be very useful.
- Resolution: In principle, the resolution of video capture is essential to obtain an efficient or low-quality result. With which the best options can provide a resolution in Full HD 1080 pixels. This way the spy camera will be much easier to install in different places.
- Design: In particular, the design of a spy camera is fundamental to obtain an excellent level of camouflage. Nowadays, you can find certain designs such as a water bottle, an alarm clock, a clothes hook, a lighter, among other options. You should consider where you want to install the camera before analyzing the design of each spy camera.
- Durability Level: If you wish to install a spy camera outdoors, then the unit must be waterproof. Otherwise, your spy camera will be damaged and you will have spent money in vain. Also, the quality of the battery must be adequate to provide a minimum of 90 minutes of recording time.
- Additional features: Some options available today may include certain important aspects. Some of these are motion detection, loop recording, and dual functionality. Here the best-known examples for the latter feature are clothing hooks, real battery chargers, and real pens.
And if you can’t buy a spy camera, you may opt to try making your own. Here’s our learning guide on how to make a spy gadget!
