You don’t have to be a spy to own a spy camera.
In fact, unobtrusive, compact cameras offer a plethora of benefits to your average law-abiding citizen.
They can be used for anything from home security to keeping an eye on your pet when you’re at work, and they can be great not only for capturing suspicious behavior but also for providing peace of mind.
The main purpose of these nifty gadgets is that they’re undetectable to the untrained eye yet capture a sharp image through their wide-angle lens.
But if you’re not a member of the CIA , and you’re not quite up-to-date with the latest technology and spyware, it can be difficult to know where to start. Particularly when different spy cameras offer different advantages depending on the task at hand.
However, one thing that is useful to almost anybody using this type of camera is a long battery life.
Many of these cameras are built to be wireless, portable, and inconspicuous, so they’re usually powered by batteries, and if you intend to have the camera switched on for hours each day, the last thing you need is it running out of battery halfway through so that you miss something vital.
On the other hand, some cameras promise to record round-the-clock, although these may be reliant on a power cord, which can compromise their portability and disguise slightly.
To help you out, we’ve scoured the internet for the best spy cameras with the longest battery life, from tiny-sized wireless cameras to 2-in-1 USB charger cameras.
We’ve also put together a handy buyer’s guide to help you feel like you’re able to make an informed decision before you click “buy.”
Keen to find out more? Find our top pick below.
| Rank | Name | Key Features | Ratings | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 |  | • Blink Indoor is a wireless, battery-powered security camera • With long-lasting battery life • Get customizable motion alerts on your phone through the Blink Home Monitor app • See, hear, and speak to people and pets in your home with live view in real time • Designed so you can set up yourself in minutes. • Works with Alexa • Store video clips and photos in the cloud with the Blink Subscription Plan | 4.4 | $ |
| #2 | No products found. | • RELAX. STOP WORRYING. THIS SMART LITTLE EYE KEEPS YOU UPDATED • WEMLB [WE MAKE LIFE BETTER] • 100% CONCEALED & EASY-TO-USE DESIGN • LIVE REMOTE VIEW, CONTROL & ALERTS FOR YOUR PEACE OF MIND • TWO-YEARS HASSLE-FREE WARRANTY | 4.4 | $$ |
| #3 |  | • Hidden Camera Advantage • Smallest Wireless Spy Camera • 4K Ultra HD Night Vision Mini Nanny Cam with 150°Wide Angle • 6-Hours Battery Life Mini Camera • Enhanced Motion Detection Technology | 4 | $$ |
| #4 |  | • 24/7 Full HD Recording • Optional 24/7 Emergency Response Service • Activity Alerts • YI Home App • Cloud Storage | 4.3 | $$ |
| #5 | No products found. | • Hidden Spy Camera • Qi-enable Fast Phone Charger • Smartphone Connectivity • Key Features • Micro SD Recording | 4.2 | $$ |
All-new Blink Indoor – wireless, HD security camera with two-year battery life
The Blink Indoor security camera comes out on top for its amazing battery life – it runs on two AA lithium batteries for up to 2 years and has infrared night vision so you can check up on your home night or day, 24/7.
It’s also extremely user-friendly; there’s no wiring or professional installation required, so you can set it up yourself in minutes.
It also connects to Alexa so you can use your voice to monitor your home using Alexa-enabled devices.
When you’re not keeping an eye on your home, you can see, hear, and speak to family members and pets through real-time video and two-way audio.
You can also use the Blink Home Monitor app to customize motion alerts so you’re alerted in the case of suspicious activity.
- Two-year battery life
- Infrared night vision
- Self-installation
- Connects to Alexa
- Real-time video and two-way audio
- Blink app allows you to monitor your home and customize settings
- Customizable motion alerts
- Not invisible
Spy camera USB Phone charger by WEMLB -1080p HD hidden camera, WIFI Wireless wall plug USB Charger
No products found.
One way around the battery issue is to get a camera that has a corded electric input, better still, one that doubles up as a USB phone charger.
This camera is perfect for secret recording as it is barely visible and you needn’t worry about the battery cutting out halfway through the day, unlike wireless options which generally have far less reliable battery life.
This 2-in-1 camera requires no complicated setup; simply unbox, plugin and you’re good to go.
Access the camera’s live stream on your smartphone, and store recordings here, too. This gives you the convenient choice of live viewing from any device or reviewing later on.
Smart video motion sensor technology also updates you via the app or email whenever suspicious activities are detected.
With every WEMLB camera purchase, you’re guaranteed a two-year warranty and access to their customer services, which means you’ll have technical support on hand, should you need it.
- 2-in-1 design – doubles up as a charger
- Camera is completely hidden – perfect for secret recording
- Smart video motion sensor technology
- Connects to your smartphone
- 2 year warranty
- 1080p video resolution
- You’re limited in where you can place it so this depends on where your plug sockets are
- Not portable
Mini Spy Camera 4K HD Wireless
Puoneto manufacture professional, hidden, security cameras that are accessible to anyone. Each of their cameras comes with a detailed user manual, 30 days money-back guarantee, and 2 years of friendly tech support.
While Puoneto claims this is the smallest wifi camera with a free app in the world, this tiny cube of technology packs in 6 hours of battery life with a high quality 1500mAh rechargeable battery inside.
Some wifi cameras can heat up due to their small size, but this camera has cooling technology to enhance heat dissipation, and it supports 24/7 recording, so you can record even when the camera is charging.
Easily keep an eye on your home or office wherever you are, thanks to the live video which streams to the app so you can conveniently view everything on your smartphone.
The quality of this camera is also worth praising, with 4K ultra-HD night vision and a CMOS sensor, you can capture quality video regardless of the lighting situation.
The enhanced motion detection will sensor sensitivity and when a motion is detected, it’ll send an alarm notification and images directly to your phone, so you’ll never miss a beat.
The powerful magnets are also extremely useful for attaching this camera to various surfaces securely.
- Streams direct to your smartphone
- Tiny and easy to hide – attaches with magnets
- 4K quality video
- CMOS sensor which sends alarm and images when motion is detected
- Money-back guarantee
- 24/7 recording even when charging
- 6-hour battery life (for wireless recording)
YI 4pc Home Camera, 1080p Wireless IP Security Surveillance System with Night Vision, Nanny Monitor on iOS, Android App, Cloud Service
The YI Home camera isn’t the most subtle of designs, however, it does offer 24/7 full HD recording thanks to the power cord, and has an excellent 112 wide-angle lens to capture a full room.
It also offers two-way audio and enhanced night vision which automatically turns on in low-light conditions.
This camera is great for home security as it has an optional 24/7 Emergency Response Service, as YI’s motion alerts and live video feeds are now able to involve Noonlight’s certified Emergency Service dispatchers, who coordinate with police, fire, and EMS agencies on your behalf to ensure the situation is promptly and effectively handled.
You can access the YI home app from any smartphone device and receive activity alerts when motion is detected. You can also share the camera with up to 5 other people, or view multiple cameras on a single account.
All activity alerts footage is saved in YI cloud for 1 day, free of charge without a microSD card or subscription.
- Offers 24/7 recording
- Wide lens and 1080p/15fps
- Two-way audio
- Option to link with emergency service dispatchers
- Control and view live stream through YI home app
- Share with up to 5 other people
- Can be combined with Alexa
- Saves to cloud even without SD card
- Not portable due to power cord
- Not suitable for secret recording
WiFi Hidden Camera Wireless Phone Charger Spy Camera, KAPOSEV 1080P
No products found.
Nobody will guess this wireless phone charger is also a spy camera – plus this 2-in-1 device will quickly and conveniently fire up most major smartphones without the need for you to plug your phone into a power outlet.
Once connected to WiFi, you can remotely access your camera unit and view and record 1080P HD videos via the free smartphone app. You can also directly download videos onto your phone and insert a Micro SD card for loop or timed recording.
When the spycam detects motion it’ll send you smart alerts via your phone so you’re constantly up-to-date.
If you’re worried about the technical aspect of things, fear not, with this device you get an easy-to-use instructions manual as well as 24/7 support.
- Records onto micro SD for round-the-clock recording (SD card not included)
- Connects to smartphone via the free app
- 2-in-1 smartphone charger
- Download videos directly to your phone
- Receive smart notifications when the camera detects motion
- 24/7 customer service support
- You have to power this device via a cable, which restricts where you can place it
Best Spy Camera With Longest Battery Life: A Buyer’s Guide
Power source
When considering a spy camera with long battery life, this is one of the key aspects to consider. While tiny, wireless spy cameras are excellent for capturing activity undercover, they tend to have a very short battery life, which isn’t what we’re looking for here.
Instead, electrical powered cameras are going to generally be the most reliable for battery longevity, as you know that they’re capable of recording 24/7 so long as they’re plugged in. These are great if you’re going to be out all day.
If you can find a combination of the two – so something wireless that also has a powerful battery – even better.
Camera quality
While you’re not using the camera to take professional-standard video, you still want decent quality so you can clearly see what’s going on in your home or office.
4K video resolution is the best for quality, but most spy cameras will offer a resolution of about 1080p. You don’t want to go much lower than this, as otherwise, the picture is going to be extremely grainy and slow.
Level of disguise
Like we said earlier, not everyone who is looking for a spy camera is “spying” in the conventional sense of the word, so it may be that having a hidden camera isn’t necessarily the most important thing to you.
This may be the case if you’re using the camera for general home security, for monitoring pets or children, or even for recording business meetings.
On the other hand, if you are hoping to record secretly, whether at home or in the office, you’re going to want a spy camera that doesn’t look like a spy camera.
The most popular options at the moment seem to be spy cameras that double up as USB or wireless phone chargers, which are pretty handy for powering your smartphone and do a great job of disguising the camera.
Portability
If you need to move your camera around, you’ll probably prefer a wireless design, as otherwise, you’ll be relying on where your power outputs are, and you may not be able to put your camera at the desired height or location.
However, it’s also worth noting that wireless cameras generally have shorter battery life, so it depends which is more important to you: battery or portability
Smartphone connectivity
This feature is pretty common across the modern spy camera range, and it’s great for monitoring your home remotely, making it perfect for vacations, or simply when you’re away at the office during the day.
This feature allows you to download the spy camera company’s app and monitor your camera’s live stream, or record and download footage onto your smartphone for ultimate convenience.
Price
Prices differ depending on how sophisticated your spy camera is. For example, the more advanced and hidden the camera, the more expensive it’s likely to be.
The quality of the resolution and frames per second will also alter the price, as will other features like battery life, portability, and size.
Generally, we recommend spending between $30-$100 on a spy camera, depending on the level of sophistication you require, and how often you intend to use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to use a spy camera in the US?
Generally, it’s legal to use spy cameras and hidden cameras in the US, but some gray areas make it difficult to know when you’re crossing a line or not, particularly when it comes to invading the privacy of employees.
Federal and state laws regulate the use of spying devices, so states make their own laws, and therefore regulations may differ between states.
To be sure you’re not in violation of any laws, it’s best to check your state’s regulations before purchasing a camera for secret filming.
This article from GadgetsSpy may also be useful for understanding the legalities.