Forget goblins and ghouls—being secretly watched and filmed by a stranger is one of my worst fears, especially as a solo female traveler. Unfortunately, this fear of mine is totally warranted: There seems to be a recent boom of troubling news stories about travelers unearthing hidden cameras while staying in short-term vacation rentals. Last year, one woman uncovered two hidden cameras at her Airbnb during a six-week stay. And just this summer, one family decided to take legal action against Airbnb after they discovered a hidden camera inside their rental’s smoke detector.
With a few more solo trips planned out for the rest of this year, I’ve decided to take the plunge and invest in something that’ll bring me just as much peace of mind as my personal keychain alarm and anti-theft bag: A hidden camera detector.
Navfalcon Hidden Camera Detector
Amazon
I know what you’re thinking: How does a hidden camera detector work, exactly? Most hidden cameras transmit Wi-Fi signals when sending video recordings or live feeds to the host of the camera. The Navfacon Hidden Camera Detector picks up the radio frequency (RF) signals that are emitted by the camera; when such RF signals are detected, the hidden camera detector then lights up, vibrates, and sends out a loud, repetitive beeping sound, letting you know that these wireless signals have been detected.
It also has a red pinhole lens that can help you spot where a camera might be hidden. This is what the round red pinhole is for—simply hold it up to one of your eyes and look through it, scanning the room for a glowing red light. Hidden cameras often use infrared lights while using night vision, and this pinhole can pick up the presence of infrared light, which is not visible to the naked human eye. What’s more, it has an adjustable flashlight that you can use to illuminate parts of the room in front of you, helping you to track hidden devices down more quickly.
Navfalcon Hidden Camera Detector
Amazon
Lastly, this hidden camera detector can pick up magnetic fields via a magnetic sensor. All electronic devices—smartphones, hidden cameras, computers, televisions—emit electromagnetic fields (EMFs). This feature helps the Navfalcon Hidden Camera detector pick up hidden microphones, GPS trackers, and voice recorders.
Five-star reviewers can vouch for this little gadget’s ability to detect electronics outside of hidden cameras. “This is a fantastic GPS detector tool,” wrote one five-star reviewer. “The product really helped me find a hidden tracker on my car.”
Another shopper used it to track down their lost Apple AirTag after their iPhone’s Find My application couldn’t pinpoint the exact physical location of it inside their home. “I searched everywhere and couldn’t find it nor hear it make its sound,” they wrote of the elusive AirTag. The hidden camera detector was able to hone in on the tracker “like a million-dollar Tomahawk missile,” revealing that it has been hiding inside a toolkit. “This may be the best little gizmo I’ve ever purchased,” they continue. “James Bond would love this device!”
Navfalcon Hidden Camera Detector
Amazon
The Navfalcon Hidden Camera Detector, on sale for $50, is rechargeable (no batteries necessary!), easy to use, and incredibly compact. The main body of the detector can fit into the palm of your hand, as seen in the photos from this reviewer, who calls it “perfect for traveling.”
This gadget has also earned plenty of acclaim from folks who were previously skeptical of the device’s capabilities. “This thing actually works,” wrote one such shopper. “I’m always cautious about this stuff. I did some testing today using my own RF devices—it is definitely accurate, and does work.”
Peace of mind, especially while traveling alone, is invaluable, making this hidden camera detector a steal at just $50. If you’re not completely sold on its features or price point, though, keep scrolling for more Amazon hidden camera detectors, starting at just $24.
More Hidden Camera Detectors to Shop at Amazon:
Aroeally Hidden Camera Detector
Amazon
Lonazhna Hidden Camera Detector
Amazon
Abyliee Hidden Camera Detector
Amazon
Tensaone Hidden Camera Detector
Amazon
Suntony Hidden Camera Detector
Amazon
At the time of publishing, the price started at $50.
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