Though modern wireless security cameras are used to keep an eye on our valuables, many of them are so expensive and flashy that they are also a valuable ripe for theft.
Spy cameras and mini cameras can overcome this because they are designed to be subtle. Hidden security cameras can be concealed much more easily, and are usually a lot more affordable.
Read on to learn about small security cameras, including our favorites and how to use them appropriately.
Using Small Security Cameras Appropriately
Small security cameras are marketed under various guises. Mini camera, spy camera, and hidden security camera are the more common terms youâll come across that essentially describe the same thing.
What is the smallest spy camera you can get?
The smallest surveillance cameras can measure less than 2 inches, making them very easy to conceal. Though the size might suggest poor quality, a lot of these tiny devices are capable of recording in HD, with some even claiming to support up to 4K.
Despite the marketing many of these cameras commit to, you should never use a small security camera to spy on somebody.
Everyone occupying a property must know that they are being recorded, and there exists a reasonable right to privacy that protects everyone.
So-called âspy camerasâ may be useful in monitoring around the front door and porch area, for example, where there is a reasonable expectation of being recorded.Â
Our 6 Favorite Small Security Cameras
With those things in mind, weâve handpicked some of our favorite small security cameras available on the market.Â
- Small security camera that connects to phone – AlfredCam
- Small security camera with audio and night vision – Blink Mini
- Smallest home security camera for apartments – Arebi A10 Spy Camera
- Best quality wireless hidden camera – Arebi 8C Pro 4K
- Best small security cameras for outdoor – Spy Camera Charger
- Small security camera for car – Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2
AlfredCam
Small security camera that connects to phone
Available on AlfredCamera. $29.99.

Pros
- Can be used alongside any other Alfred devices
- Infrared night vision is clear and well-balanced
- microSD support allows for both local and cloud based storage
Cons
- Indoor only
- No voice assistant support
The first indoor security camera from AlfredCamera measures just 4.13 in x 2.36 in x 2.36 in. AlfredCam provides excellent infrared night vision and 1080p HD video resolution to the mix, allowing users to expand their DIY security camera systems already built using the AlfredCamera app.
It plugs in via a USB, and also supports microSD card storage, so itâs also easy to set up for 24/7 recording in a small business place.
Key specifications
- 1080p HD
- Motion detection
- Continuous recording
- microSD support
- Infrared night vision
- Two-way audio
- Built-in siren
Blink Mini
Small security camera with audio and night vision
Available on Amazon. From $34.99.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Very small
- USB charger
Cons
- No MicroSD card slot
- Motion detection, cloud storage, etc. requires a subscription
The most affordable release from Amazon-owned Blink, the Blink Mini is an entry-level home security camera designed for those who donât have time to fuss around with pricier and more complex devices. At just 50 x 49 x 36 mm, itâs as dainty as its name implies.
1080p footage, two-way audio, and surprisingly good night vision make up for the lack of MicroSD card slot (youâll have to buy the Blink Sync Module 2 If you want non-Cloud storage).Â
Key Specifications
- 1080p HD video
- 110-degree field of view
- USB storage via add-on
- Micro-USB charger
- Infrared night vision
- Motion detection
Recommended reading: Do It Yourself with These Cheap Security Cameras
Arebi A10 Plus 1080p HD Mini Spy Camera
Smallest home security camera for apartments
Available on Amazon. From $39.98.
Pros
- Tiny size, subtle design
- Magnetic body for easy mounting
- MicroSD up to 265GB (not included)
Cons
- Very poor battery life when connected to Wi-Fi
- Night recording will require moderate sources of light
- Color saturation is poor
This nifty little camera from Arebi measures just 24 x 30 x 30 mm. Despite its size, itâs capable of 1080p recording with a 150-degree field of view, which rivals many regular-sized (and much more expensive) competitors.
Push notifications and motion detection are all here, as well as night vision, though it wonât suffice for pitch black environments. Battery is poor, clocking in at about an hour of use, so youâll have to keep it plugged in via micro-USB.
Key Specifications
- 1080p HD
- 150-degree field of view
- Infrared night vision
- Dual Band Wi-Fi
- Micro-USB charging
- Motion detection
If battery-operated is a must for you, read our guide to find the best battery-powered security cameras.
Arebi 8C Pro 4K
Best quality wireless hidden camera
Available on Amazon. From $59.95.
Pros
- 4K Ultra HD, 160-degree wide-angle lens
- MicroSD up to 256GB (not included)
- âMotion modeâ helps preserve battery life
Cons
- Slightly bulkier body than the circular A10 Plus
- Battery life not sufficient for 24/7 recording without being kept on charge
- Night recording requires moderate sources of life
If youâve got a couple extra bucks to spare, you might want to consider the high-achiever older brother of the A10 Plus. At 1.2 x 1.2 x 2.1 inches, itâs a touch larger and therefore somewhat less inconspicuous than the A10 Plus, but still fits in the palm of the hand and is magnetically mounted.
The slightly larger body is perfectly understandable, though, given that this remarkable device can record in up to 4K Ultra HD with a 160-degree viewing field. Its battery is also better, clocking in at about 3 days per charge when in âmotion modeâ, which records only when the motion sensor is triggered.
Key Specifications
- 4K HD
- 160-degree field of view
- Infrared night vision
- Dual Band Wi-Fi
- Micro-USB charging
- Motion detection
Spy Camera Charger
Best small security cameras for outdoor
Available on Amazon. From $37.99.
Pros
- Works as what it is disguised as, making it highly convincing
- Easy to use on the go
- MicroSD up to 32GB (not included)
Cons
- Basic features, with no options for Wi-Fi, app support or live feed
- 32GB MicroSD card will fill up fast with 24/7 use
- Poor build quality
This cheap and cheerful gadget may look like a portable USB charger, and thatâs because it actually isâas well as a camera.
It supposedly supports up to 1080p, but realistically you wonât be getting remotely close to HD. Likewise, donât expect any kind of Wi-fi or app support. It supports up to 32GB MicroSD, which can be inserted into another device to view loop footage.
Key Specifications
- 1080p HD
- USB design
- USB charging
- Motion detection
Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2
Small security camera for car
Available on Amazon. From $109.99.
Pros
- Car-key sized
- Advanced features like voice control and live view
- Easy mounting via adhesive
Cons
- Must download corresponding app for setup
- 140-degree field of view is unusually narrow for a dash cam
- No true night vision
Almost all mini cameras share something in commonâtheyâre cheap, and that can be reflected in the quality of the materials and the lack of more advanced features. For those more than happy to spend more, consider trying a dash cam, like the Garmin Mini 2.
It measures about the same size as a car key, so itâll make for an excellent, easily concealed camera wherever you decide to use it.
Thereâs super crisp 1080p recording, but the advanced features like full voice control, automatic uploads over Wi-Fi, and live view monitoring are more likely to pique your interest. Still, it doesnât require Wi-Fi to function beyond setup, since it supports up to 512GB MicroSD.
Key Specifications
- 1080p HD
- 140-degree field of view
- Voice control
- Parking Guard G sensor
- microSD card required
Hidden Camera App? Using AlfredCamera Discreetly
Easily use an old smartphone device as a subtle security camera with AlfredCamera. Itâs only in recent years that large devices have grown so popular. Older Android and iPhone models were much smaller in the past, making them perfect for subtle surveillance.
Simply install AlfredCamera on it and your current phone, and your old device will be reborn as a feature-rich camera complete with two-way audio, low light mode, motion detection, and continuous recording.
AlfredCamera is available on Android and iOS devices.
Small Security Cameras: Things to Know Before Buying
Before buying a small security camera, consider some of the points below to make sure youâre getting whatâs best for you.Â
Forget aesthetics
If having a flashy security camera that draws attention to itself causes a degree of anxiety, try to forget about what looks best.
Black colored mini cameras may be more subtle depending on the colors in the home, while white ones may work better in lighter spaces.
Either way, try to keep colors consistent and avoid jarring colors that conflict with the surroundings.
Wires for power
The smaller the camera, the smaller the battery. Youâll likely want to make sure the product you buy has the option for wiring or wire charging.
The smallest of mini cameras will last several hours at best. Find one that can be powered with a wire if you want to record for extended periods.
Can hidden cameras work without wifi?
Many hidden cameras use MicroSD cards as storage devices, so you donât need to have them connected to the Wi-Fi. For example, the Arebi A10 Plus supports up to 256GB MicroSD. Simply insert the memory card into another device to view recorded footage there.
Dash cams
Dash cams are a great option for those looking for feature-rich security cameras on the smaller scale, even if you have no intention to use it in a vehicle. They are designed to be subtle in a car, with long-term use in mind.
Since theyâre made to be fixed to the dash, windshield, or rear view mirror, they are especially adept at being mounted at awkward angles or hanging from a surface. Check out our article for much more on dash cams.
Forget Audio
Itâs illegal to record audio using a hidden camera in California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and Washington.
If you are planning to keep your device in a less obvious spot, then itâs advised to turn audio recording off.
Recommended reading: How to Tell If Security Cameras Have Audio: 5 Easy Methods
Know the Law
In the US and around the world, there is a reasonable expectation of privacy that protects any person on camera.
Someone has a reasonable expectation of privacy in a bedroom, changing room, or bathroom, for instance, so placing cameras in there without their knowledge and consent is illegal.
Hidden cameras arenât illegal, but must abide by this expectation.
Small security cameras outdoors, hidden on your porch for example, are perfectly legal, because there is no reasonable expectation of privacy there.
But a camera hidden in a babyâs room or crib being used to observe a babysitter is illegal if the babysitter is not made explicitly aware that they are being recorded.
As with all laws, there may be differences on a state-by-state basis, so check with your local authority if you are concerned.
FAQ
How do you hide a camera in plain sight?
With a small security camera around 2 inches or less in size, you can easily hide a camera among household objects, on bookshelves, or even just in the corners of rooms.
How small can spy cameras be?
If youâre the FBI or James Bond, presumably as small as you can imagine. But for all intents and purposes, a camera for worthwhile home security purposes shouldnât be less than about 1.5 inches in diameter. Any smaller and the camera will likely be a gimmick and of no practical use for long term security surveillance.
What is a good mini spy camera?
Check out our list for our favorite picks of small security cameras.
Conclusion
Small security cameras make surveillance a little less attention-seeking and a little less expensive.
Concealing a device is much easier when it is just an inch or two large, but itâs important to be aware of when you are potentially in breach of someoneâs reasonable expectation of privacy.
Always make the members of your household aware that they are being recorded, and do not record in private spaces.
Recommended reading:
Unveiling 8 Types Of Hidden Spy Cameras: What Works Best?
How are Hidden Cameras Powered?
5 Best Hidden Camera Detectors & Apps to Safeguard your Privacy
Uber Drivers: Should You Put a Hidden Camera in Your Car?