We’ve all heard those unsettling stories about hidden cameras in places like hotels, vacation rentals, or—yikes—public restrooms. The last thing on our minds when we check into a new space is, “Hey, I hope there aren’t any sneaky cameras lurking about.” Usually, we’re just trying to kick back and enjoy the amenities, maybe scope out the cleanliness, or settle in for some much-needed relaxation. But in today’s world, there’s a thriving (and creepy) market for secret footage, and we’re all just trying not to become the next unsuspecting star of someone else’s low-budget reality show.
Sure, you could try to go all Sherlock Holmes and inspect every nook and cranny for hidden cameras. But honestly, do you really know where to look? Of course, you’ll think of the usual suspects: smoke detectors, power outlets, and light fixtures. But let’s be real—people get creative with these things. You might think it’s just a random clock on the wall…until it’s not.
We’re not into taking chances, though. We’d rather not have to wonder, “Am I being recorded right now?” So, we always travel with a hidden camera detector. Because, let’s face it, it’s better to be safe than sorry—and it gives us one less thing to worry about while we’re off living our best vacation life.
📖 Continue scrolling or jump ahead to the best-hidden camera detector
Typically, we stay in at least 50 accommodations per year so we’ve got the process pretty darn pat. First off, in high-risk areas such as bedrooms and bathrooms, we look up down, and all around—paying special attention to anything that looks out of the ordinary.
Next, if something continues to look or feel uncomfortable we’ll take our trusty hidden camera detector and use it to scan for radio frequencies and camera lenses.
👨🏫 Budget-savvy Tip: When looking for a hidden camera always remember to search high AND low.
Battery-Powered Hidden Cameras
When it comes to hidden cameras, they can be wireless, hardwired cameras, battery-powered, or a combination of these features. Typically, batteries are used as a backup because as a permanent source, the battery would most likely quickly drain.
Amateurs will usually use battery-powered hidden cameras bought on Amazon that are complete products such as photo frames, alarm clocks, smoke detectors, and car alarm key fobs. These do not send a signal and the only way to detect them is by scanning for camera lenses. Finally, fraudsters will need to wait for you to leave to download the video and recharge the battery.
Wireless Hidden Cameras
Using either Wi-Fi, radio frequencies (RF), or Bluetooth to transmit footage, a wireless hidden camera operates at various ranges, and because of the abundance of Wi-Fi signals, they can encounter false positives, making them challenging to operate at first.
Degenerates prefer wireless cameras because they can easily be plugged into an inconspicuous location, with an unlimited power source. These types of products typically consist of smoke detectors, LED lightbulbs, USB wall chargers, and alarm clocks. Also, they may run on an RF or simply store the footage on a mini SD card.
Tip: If you have access to your router, you can see all of the devices connected to your network. Typically, you can open any browser page, and type “192.168.1.1” to access your router login page.
Hardwired Hidden Cameras
Like wireless hidden cameras, hardwired hidden cameras may run on an RF or store the footage on an SD card. However, hardwired hidden cameras are typically more elaborate and harder to detect. In short, someone probably took a lot of time to plan and build the device. Nevertheless, they too can be spotted quite easily using one of the three best-hidden camera detectors listed below.
Scanning For Radio Frequencies (RF)
Many miniature battery-operated cameras will use Wi-Fi to transmit video. Hidden camera detectors can detect various from about 1 MHz to 10+ GHz. Typically, the more expensive the equipment, the higher the range.
RF detectors also have to ability to recognize microphones that use GSM (Global System for Mobile). Just like in the movies, you use it by “sweeping” the room; the closer you get to the hidden object the higher the intensity of the warning from the scanner. For example, in “Breaking Bad” Saul Goodman uses an RF scanner to sweep his office for “bugs.”
When it comes to GPS trackers, two of the devices below (the mid-range and most expensive) can detect magnetic fields. In a real-life scenario, someone may be going through a nasty divorce and their significant other is attempting to track their whereabouts.
Scanning For Camera Lenses
Scanning for camera lenses is something that you probably haven’t seen in the movies. Essentially, you’re looking for the reflection of the miniature camera lens.
You can do this with the naked eye or to make it easier, some scanners use special lights. These lights may flash or be constant and will alert you to the hidden camera.
Typically, users will look through a reddish-orange viewfinder and the hidden camera will reflect back to you as a bright light. Finally, some hidden camera detectors will only scan for RF, or only scan for camera lenses, while the best ones will do both.
Best Cheap Hidden Camera Detectors
Along with scanning hotel rooms and accommodations, hidden camera detectors can be used to alert you of tracking devices on your vehicles, in your home or office, wiretappings, examination rooms, or in public spaces such as washrooms and fitting rooms.
Professional-grade hidden camera detectors can easily cost thousands of dollars. Below are the three best cheap hidden camera detectors currently on the market. All three models scan for both RF and camera lenses. Of course, the more expensive models will do a more thorough sweep than cheaper models.
1. Asdraw AK400 Hidden Camera Detector – $19.99
Keep your space secure with the Asdraw AK400 Hidden Camera Detector—a compact, all-in-one device for spotting hidden cameras, GPS trackers, and audio bugs. Perfect for travel or home, it includes customizable sensitivity and a 360° alarm to guard doors or objects. Lightweight, rechargeable, and user-friendly, it’s a must-have for privacy protection on the go.
🚫📷 Asdraw AK400 Hidden Camera Detector > Buy Now
2. RoamRover X18 Hidden Camera Detector – $25
The RoamRover X18 Hidden Camera Detector offers advanced 360° detection for privacy protection, covering up to 49 feet (15 meters) and scanning frequencies from 1MHz to 6.5GHz. Equipped with multiple modes for detecting hidden cameras, GPS trackers, and bugs, it’s lightweight, portable, and has a long-lasting rechargeable battery for up to 25 hours of use. Ideal for hotels, Airbnbs, and more.
🚫📷 RoamRover X18 Hidden Camera Detector > Buy Now
3. YPMEW X10 Pro Anti Spy Detector – $60
The YPMEW X10 Pro Anti Spy Detector provides reliable privacy protection by detecting hidden cameras, GPS trackers, and bugs. Compact, easy to use, and featuring a flashlight, it’s perfect for travel or home use. With adjustable sensitivity and a rechargeable battery, this device offers peace of mind wherever you go. An ideal gift for loved ones’ security!
🚫📷 YPMEW X10 Pro Anti Spy Detector > Buy Now
4. ZTNwoo GPS Bug Detector – $129.99
Become a privacy ninja with the ultra-cool bug detector! Spot hidden cameras, GPS trackers, and sneaky bugs using dual magnetic and RF magic. Portable and user-friendly with a bright LCD screen and marathon battery life. Perfect for home, hotels, or adventures on the go. Customers love the peace of mind and top-notch security.
🚫📷 ZTNwoo GPS Bug Detector > Buy Now
5. KEULGOUL Camera Detector – $149
Privacy sleuth on the go! This bug detector is packed with pro-level tools to spot hidden cameras, GPS trackers, and more. Easy to use with an LCD screen, rechargeable battery, and all-in-one design. Great for apartments, hotels, or cars—gives you peace of mind, even if it occasionally spots Wi-Fi routers as “suspects.” Lifetime warranty included!
🚫📷 KEULGOUL Camera Detector > Buy Now
Live Your Best Life
In the end, your privacy is yours to protect—no one should be sneaking around with a hidden camera while you’re just trying to kick back and relax. With a trusty hidden camera detector in your bag, you can be sure that when you check-in, it’s just you, your vacation vibes, and zero creepy footage. So go ahead, and live your best life on the road, knowing you’re one step ahead of the sneaky folks out there. After all, you’re on vacation, not on a reality TV show—so scan, relax, and enjoy!
We Need Your Help
Did you find this article helpful? If so, bookmark it and when you’re planning your next vacation, click on any of the links below before finalizing reservations. You’ll get the best price, we’ll earn a small commission, and you’ll help support future articles.
Thank you!
BEST TRAVEL SEARCH ENGINES
🏘️ Book Accommodation
We use Tripadvisor to compare prices and reviews in advance and check availability
✈️ Book Your Flight
To find the cheapest flight options, use Skyscanner to find the most suitable choice for you
🚗 Reserve Rental Car
Use Discover Cars to compare prices and view the largest selection of vehicles
