Best 5 Bug & Camera Detectors in 2024
If you don’t want anyone to spy on you or listen to your conversations and watch you without you knowing – you’ll need a good spy tool detector.
Spy detectors or hidden camera detectors can quickly detect camera lenses, listening bugs, or even GPS trackers.
However, all spy detectors aren’t made the same.
We’ve researched over 21 different spy detectors and looked for something with a large coverage area, easy to use, portable design, suitable for different tools, and many other important features.
Here are this year’s top 5 picks:
Penny M - Research Specialist
With years of researching and inspecting helpful gadgets and tech devices, Penny gained an admirable knowledge. Check out her world-class knowledge and expertise in our Top 5 Reviews series.
Overall Grade
A+
Rating
9.8/10
OVERALL ANALYSIS
Osmo TopDetect is by far our favorite choice on the market.
The first thing that separates it from other average detectors is innovative high-detection sensors that can quickly detect any spy tools hidden even in the walls.
It keeps you safe from listening bugs, RF devices, hidden cameras, GPS trackers, and tons of other spy tools we didn’t know even existed.
It’s very easy to use.
Basically, you just have to turn it on and then slowly go through different parts of the room and wait for it to detect any unusual devices or technology.
You’ll love how small it is and you can even carry it in your pocket anywhere you go. Unlike some spy detectors that have heavy equipment, this one is a real time and effort saver.
1.2G/2.4G/5.8G tracking allows it to detect devices using different frequencies.
Another impressive feature is long-lasting battery life, so you won’t have to worry about the battery dying off.
Without any doubt, TopDetect deserved #1 spot for this year.
Osmo even offers a 1-year extended warranty and free shipping.
Pros
Innovative high-detection sensors
Detects all spy devices
1.2G/2.4G/5.8G tracking
Easy to use
Long-lasting battery
Lightweight and portable
Cordless
Pocket-size design
One touch operation
Detects GPS trackers as well
Free shipping in US
24/7 customer support
Cons
Often runs out of stock due to high demand
Often runs out of stock due to high demand
WRAP-UP
Osmo TopDetect is fairly priced for a market-leading anti-spy detector with large coverage and innovative technology. Take advantage of this limited-time discount while supplies last.
Osmo offers a 1-year extended warranty and free shipping. Osmo TopDetect was unanimously voted the best hidden camera detector of 2024.
Overall Grade
B+
Rating
8.8/10
OVERALL ANALYSIS
Want to get technical, and see all the details of what your device is detecting? Then the Latnex SPA-6G Spectrum Analyzer will be just up your street.
With two SMA connectors and three antennas, the unit has good coverage for most communication bands, including Bluetooth, LTE, and GSM as well as Wi-Fi. But where it really scores over the cheaper options is by providing a genuine visual representation of the strength of individual frequencies.
Operating in max, hold, and averaging modes, the system is flexible, and firmware updates are provided via the USB socket. The same connection allows export to view on-screen spectrums 3D (via the program Waterfall), offering more resolution and potential interest to HAM radio enthusiasts.
Pros
Great technology
LCD Display
Carrying case
Suitable for any device
Nice design
Free shipping
Easy to adjust
Cons
Heavy
A bit expensive
Overall Grade
B
Rating
8.3/10
OVERALL ANALYSIS
You don’t necessarily want to advertise that you’re using a hidden camera detector. So if you’re looking for something small and easy to hide, we recommend the Jepwco G4 Pro. This pen-sized bug-sweeper is as easy to use as it is discrete.
This hidden camera detector makes a few good design decisions that are apparent the second you get it out of the box. First, it’s rechargeable, via a standard USB socket at the bottom (though Jepwco still supplies a charging cord) and there’s a pinprick LED to indicate charging next to it.
The detection is via a kind of ‘bar chart’ of six white LEDs, which appear inspired by Apple MacBooks (opens in new tab) of the mid-2010s. Having only two buttons is very elegant, although it does mean you need to remember to do a long press for on/off. Once on the lower button allows you to switch between Wi-Fi and full-band sensitivity, and the chosen mode is nicely displayed by a glowing word.
Pros
Advanced features
Easy to use
Quiet operation
Adjustable intensity
Pen design
Water-resistant
Lightweight
Cons
Not so accurate
Better for bugs than cameras
Only 7-day money back guarantee
Overall Grade
B
Ratings
7.8/10
OVERALL ANALYSIS
With a magnetic and a radio frequency detector in the same device, and supplied with a lens highlighter tool in the package, this is a useful kit that will help you whether you’re checking out meeting rooms, looking for GPS devices under cars, or sweeping a hotel room for a hidden camera.
With a user-facing sensitivity dial, it’s easy to hone in on the source of a radio signal, starting to up the sensitivity as you get nearer. When you plug in the magnet sensor you need to remember to switch over to magnet mode and then center the chart. But the diagrammatic design (and relentless beeper) makes remembering this easy enough.
There’s a light on the end of a flexible probe, so looking under cars is easy and it’s sensitive enough to spot a hard drive magnet. Some might have found having the hidden camera detector built in easier, but this way two people can work together for a quick sweep.
Pros
Smart features
Advanced settings
Great efficiency
Free shipping in the US
Positive reviews
30-day money back guarantee
Cons
No money-back guarantee
Only for listening bugs
Can't detect camera lenses
Overall Grade
c+
Rating
7.5/10
OVERALL ANALYSIS
In a market dominated by low-cost products, a professional can struggle to get something with the full feature range they need. This device will detect all GSM, GSM(DCS), WCDMA or DECT 3G, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi signals and the additional pointer antenna is up to four times as sensitive as competing products in these last two categories.
That means you can scan for analog (traditional VHF/UHF bugs) and digital ones at the same time with no worries of missing anything. As a user, you can also choose to push up the sensitivity for either or both of the detection bands depending on your assignment, and with 16 segments the readout is more detailed than most.
Pros
Smart features
Great technology
Multiple intensity settings
LCD display
Free shipping
Cons
Too expensive
Heavy
They upsell you with additional items
Mixed reviews
WHAT IS BUG DETECTOR?
Advantages of BUG DETECTOR
- You can carry it anywhere
- Your privacy remains safe
- Nobody is listening to your conversations
- Ensures your car isn't tracked
- Suitable for any device
- Wireless
- Fast charging
- Affordable
Things To Consider WHEN CHOOSING THE BEST Bug Detector
High-grade sensors
This is what will separate average spy device detectors compared to most advanced ones. Always look for high-grade sensors as they’re usually more precise and can detect multiple devices.
Compatible for all devices
There’s no point of getting a bug detector if it will only detect listening bugs and not camera lenses. It’s important that a detector can detect multiple devices, even the most advanced ones.
Portable
A good detector should be portable and cordless, so you can easily carry it with you or pack it up in your luggage if you’re traveling. Besides being lightweight, it needs to be cordless.
Easy to use
If you’re not a tech savvy person, you’ll want a detector that’s extremely easy to use - without any hard installations or whatsoever. It’s even more convenient to use, so go for detectors that are easy to use.
Warranty
If the brand doesn't offer a money-back guarantee or warranty on their detector, you should stay away from it. Always look for something you can try out and receive a full refund if you don't find it useful.
What To Avoid When Choosing Bug Detector
Heavy detectors
If you don’t want to carry a 20lb detector with you, you should avoid heavy units that are designed to be used at-home and not for traveling. In my opinion,
Slow-detection
Some devices from our research had very slow detection and it sometimes would even give false alarms. This has a lot to do with sensors, so always choose sensors that are high-grade.
Cheap knockoffs
There are a ton of cheap products (even on Amazon) that are just pure garbage. They aren’t even tested and they’ll just waste your time and money. In my opinion, anything below $70 can’t be functional.
Penny M - Research Specialist
With years of researching and inspecting helpful gadgets and tech devices, Penny gained an admirable knowledge. Check out her world-class knowledge and expertise in our Top 5 Reviews series.