The Coolest Spy Gadgets You Can Buy in Real Life
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Ever set up a home theater projector and watched a spy movie like “Mission Impossible” or “The Bourne Identity” and thought, “Yeah, I could do that.” Deep down, everyone knows that Jason Bourne can do things that the average guy can’t, but that doesn’t mean that with the help of some of the best spy gadgets, it’s not worth trying.
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The coolest gadgets aren’t just for the big screen action stars. There are plenty of real-world scenarios and occupations where spy gadgets can help get important information and get a job done correctly. Journalists, law-enforcement officers, outdoorsmen, and even creative media types could all find a use for spy gear. Even your average Joe traveling the country van camping can take advantage of equipment like VPNs, Ray Ban Stories, and Faraday Bags for the phone.
We encourage our readers to use these devices responsibly. Spy equipment can do some really cool things, but it’s best to avoid being a total creep with some of them, too. Don’t be that person. That person is not cool. So without further adieu, check out some of the best spy gadgets available to buy right now.
Ray-Ban Stories
Buy Now On Amazon
$299 at Ray-Ban
Why We Chose It: You can take pictures and videos discreetly.
Review: Ray-Ban Stories Are Fashionable First-Person Storytelling
Key Features:
The lenses are polarized to protect against sunrays
Can be used hands-free by saying “Hey Facebook…”
Video records lengths up to 60 secs
Take pictures and videos without having to physically pull out a phone or camera. These Ray-Bans have two cameras on the frame that can take photos and videos, and with Bluetooth speakers built into the frame, it’s possible to take a phone call without having to search for the phone.
And at the end of the day, even without all the cool spy features, they’re still a stylish pair of Ray-Bans that exude a sharp aloofness on sunny summer days.
DJI Mavic 3
Buy Now On Amazon
Why We Chose It: Users can get a birds eye view of any area, with ease.
Read More: The Best Drones for Beginners
Key Features:
Flight time is 46 minutes
Can travel up to 15 kilometers away
Has advanced obstacle sensing to protect itself
To really be prepared for anything, it’s important to have spy gear that can take flight, even when the user is grounded. The DIJ Mavic 3 is the drone that can fly for 46 minutes before needing a recharge. The omnidirectional obstacle sensing keeps the drone from getting damaged even when it’s more than 9-miles away (yeah, it can fly that far!) And when the battery is getting low, it can return safety on the fastest route without pilot intervention.
UZIMO Listen Thru-Wall Contact/Probe Microphone Amplifier System
Buy Now On Amazon
Why We Chose It: You can use it to hear through walls.
Key Features:
Built with included headphones
Can increase the amplification with a dial on the back
Has built in rechargeable battery
It’s never clear if someone is speaking the truth unless they’re heard behind closed doors. With the Uzimo mic, this device can be placed on a wall and listened through via built-in headphones. Since noise is simply vibrations and wavelengths, this microphone can easily amplify those sounds.
Mission Darkness Non-Window Faraday Bag for Phones
Buy Now On Amazon
Why We Chose It: This protects your devices from being spied on.
Key Features:
Can hold any device smaller than 9″ x 6″
Has a unique serial number for tracking
Blocks a variety of signals including RF, 5G, and more
Sometimes it’s good to have spy gear to protect data. Other times it’s put in place to ensure no one is being tracked. That’s when the Mission Darkness Faraday Bag comes in handy. This faraday bag is lab tested and certified that when placing a phone in the bag and sealing it up, nothing is getting in or out. That’s right, no WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS — nada. To avoid anyone tracking an individual’s whereabouts or trying to steal data, dropping a phone in this bag will certainly conceal location and help users maintain their privacy.
GTHUNDER Digital Night Vision Goggles
Buy Now On Amazon
Why We Chose It: They allow users to see in complete darkness.
Read More: These Night Vision Goggles Will Make You Feel Like a Navy Seal
Key Features:
Can record footage on memory card
Has rubberized grip and is water resistant
Can see up to almost 1000 feet
The GThunder Night Vision Binoculars are designed for hunting, but can be adapted for other purposes as well. These low-light sights have 984 feet of infrared night vision range, 3X optical zoom, an IP56 rating for dust and water resistance, and a pair of AA batteries that will get three hours of use in infrared night mode. On top of that, the footage capture with these things is saved to the included 32GB flashcard, allowing users to back footage up to a computer when it’s all said and done.
Night Vision Goggles
$3,995 at B&H
$3,995 at Adorama
Why We Chose It: These NVGs are one of the most advanced pairs of goggles consumers can buy.
Key Features:
Can connect to a helmet and be hands free
Military grade, waterproof protection
Has 50-hour rechargeable battery
Looking for something a little more advanced than night vision binoculars? Then you’ll want to go with the military equipment available at ATN Corp, where the same night vision technology used by U.S. military and intelligence forces is available for purchase. They aren’t cheap, but the Superior Tactical PVS-7 goggles offer military-grade night vision capabilities.
Lightweight and waterproof, they work under extreme weather conditions, have a 50-hour battery life, and can be attached to headgear. For the best spy gadgets money can buy, these goggles are a must-have.
Fotbor Anti Spy Tempered Glass Film
Buy Now On Amazon
Why We Chose It: This prevents onlookers from looking at an individual’s phone screen.
Read More: Will an RFID Blocking Wallet Really Work? These Ones Might
Key Features:
Clear view when looking straight on
9H tempered glass
Has an easy-to-use installation kit
When engaging in secret spy activity, there has to be spy gear that prevents other people from eavesdropping on the information someone has. A iPhone 13 Pro Max privacy screen protector keeps anyone from rubbernecking to secretly see what’s on the bus rider’s phone beside them. Unless the user is looking directly at the phone, the screen will look black. An added bonus beyond the privacy is that it protects the screen as well.
Portable Noise Generator — White Noise Machine
Buy Now On Amazon
Why We Chose It: This generator creates a low hum to drown out surrounding or distracting sounds.
Key Features:
Small enough to fit in a sling bag
Powered by 9V battery
Rubberized to protect against aesthetic damage
There are many reasons someone wouldn’t want a sensitive conversation to be overheard or recorded without their knowledge. Still, it isn’t easy to find a private place in the era where everything has an internet-connected mic. Instead, create a personal bubble with the Rabbler, one of the coolest spy gadgets we’ve found yet. This noise generator can create noise that replicates a crowded room’s ambient sounds, making it hard for microphones or eavesdropping ears to discern what’s being said.
NordVPN
Buy Now On Amazon
Why We Chose It: Keep online data protected from prying eyes.
Key Features:
Protects the connection even when not actively in use
Has an app for all major operating systems, including mobile
Can choose apps to whitelist from the service
Every good intelligence agent knows that information security is essential to maintaining a secure operation. And since we’re at the mercy of big tech companies to keep our online and mobile behavior safe, many people are investing in their own spy equipment to ensure their private internet activity is secure: VPN cybersecurity technology.
What does VPN technology do? A service like NordVPN routes traffic through remote servers. In fact, NordVPN gives users the ability to route their IP address and DNS settings through one of its more than 5,000 global servers. This action has two critical effects: it hides the IP address and encrypts all incoming and outgoing data. So with NordVPN cybersecurity technology, web browsing won’t be tracked by anyone, keeping private information safe from prying eyes, internet service providers, hackers, and, in theory, the government. On top of that, it ensures the ISP won’t throttle your internet connection. A VPN can also let users access the dark web if that piques anyone’s interest.
Roxant Viper Monocular Telescope
Buy Now On Amazon
Why We Chose It: It gives users the ability to see far locations with a minimal product.
Key Features:
10″ x 25″, small enough to fit in a pocket
Has textured, rubberized grip
Comes with belt clip, carry pouch, and other accessories
Binoculars are usually thought to be the primary product to check out targets that are farther away. Yet still, monoculars offer a more minimal and straightforward device that do the same thing. This Roxant monocular is military grade with a rubberized grip, travel case, key ring, and more. With Roxant’s monocular, it’s like getting a pocket telescope for the price of a good dinner.
JMDHKK Anti Spy & RF Detector
Buy Now On Amazon
Why We Chose It: Now, anyone can be aware if any hackers or spies are nearby.
Read More: The Best Car Gadgets
Key Features:
8-10 hour battery life
Detects hidden cameras, audio bugs, and other hidden equipment
Has sturdy duralumin casing
Suppose one has found themself in a predicament where they may be under heavy surveillance. In that case, it’s important to get a spy gadget that does more than detecting hidden cameras to make sure the surroundings are a secure space. The JMDHKK M8000 AI RF Detector takes the traditional RF bug detector and infuses it with AI to make it easier than ever to detect if the user is being spied on.
Instead of adjusting the tracker for each signal type, the auto-scan program will cycle through different signal detection programs to figure out if there are issues. These can include audio bugs, Wi-Fi cameras, IP cameras, GSM bugs, wiretaps, body wires, GPS trackers, phone taps, or other types of surveillance bugs in the room. If it finds something, it will alert the user.
Hausbell Listening Device
Buy Now On Amazon
Why We Chose It: Users can hone in on specific areas to listen to sounds.
Key Features:
Can hear audio 8x more than natural human ear
Can only record 12 seconds at a time
Powered by 9V non-included battery
The Hausbell monocular device allows users to listen to a particular area and analyze its sounds. It’s made with kids in mind that want to do experiments and have fun. Be aware, though, that this device is fragile and must constantly be connected to a power source.
Tracki GPS Tracker
Buy Now On Amazon
Why We Chose It: It is an easy and tiny tracker to keep lost items safe.
Read More: We Traveled Hundreds of Miles To Test the Best GPS Luggage Trackers
Key Features:
Unlimited distance tracking thanks to 4G LTE cellular radios
Size is 1.75″ x 1.5″ x 0.55″
Can track up to 10 months before recharging
Tracki makes tracking a vehicle easy and accurate. Use it to protect any vehicle from theft, or use it to track someone else (in a consensual, non-stalking way). The Tracki will automatically start sending signals as soon as it detects movement and provides nearly real-time updates on the device’s location. Users will receive a text or email (user’s choice) to see the movement of the locator on Google maps.
It can also be used on boats using Dock Mode. That way, users don’t receive updates from the boat swaying in port. This piece of spy equipment is one of the most reliable ways to track an asset while maintaining complete discretion.
WeBoost Drive X
Buy Now On Amazon
$430 at Bestbuy
Why We Chose It: This is a cellular signal extended right into the car.
Key Features:
Works with all major carriers
Can be installed without tools
Can increase talk time on a device by up to 2 hours
No one wants to be left high and dry, especially when driving out in the middle of a cell-signal wasteland. In that case, the WeBoost Drive X extends a cell phone’s signal so users can continue to get coverage even when they’re seemingly out in the middle of nowhere.
The WeBoost Drive X reaches out to faraway cell towers providing a signal for the phone. This wireless extender is an excellent spy gadget for anyone who travels for a living, even if that living is super top secret.
FLIR One Pro LT iOS Pro-Grade Thermal Camera for Smartphones
Buy Now On Amazon
$450 at adorama
Why We Chose It: It ads a simple thermal camera to smartphones.
Read More: I Was Terrified by These Spots on My Ceiling Until I Uncovered What They Were With a Thermal Imaging Camera
Key Features:
Has accompanying app with extra features
Can fit on phones even with cases
Has MSX technology to provide extra detail in the imaging
Thermal imaging is a powerful tool, which is why it makes for a pretty cool spy gadget. Law enforcement uses thermal imaging to pick up heat from a person or object, even if there’s a solid surface concealing it. In other instances, it can make it easy to see what’s going on in a foggy or smoky environment where visibility is low. Hidden figures only want the best spy gear at their disposal, and the FLIR camera for iPhone/iOS and Android is the way to go.
This little attachment, packed with a pair of thermal sensors, plugs into the bottom of a phone and turns the screen into a thermal imaging viewfinder. So if there’s a person or thing to be avoided in low visibility, this will help users get out of a sticky situation.
Kingston IronKey Basic Encrypted Flash Drive
Buy Now On Amazon
$306 at Office depot
Why We Chose It: It keeps secret files protected, even if lost.
Read More: The Best USB Drives Make File Transfers Easier than Ever
Key Features:
Comes with 128GB of storage
Fips 140-2 Level 3 Certified
Has USB 3.0 USB A connection
There may be times in life when sensitive files need to change hands, and an encrypted hard drive is essential to keeping those files secure. Whether that’s photos, blueprints, contracts, or an obscure fan recording of a Justin Bieber concert from 2012, it’s crucial to make sure that no one can ever open those files.
This piece of spy equipment has a hardware encryption chip built into the drive itself, so users can be confident that their data is protected by the most rigid security protocols around with 256-bit AES hardware-based encryption and 140-2 Level 3 validation. Long story short, with the encryption activated, nobody will ever lay their eyes on anything this drive contains.
Sony ICD-PX370 Mono Digital Voice Recorder
Buy Now On Amazon
$42 at best buy
Why We Chose It: It’s an easy way to record conversations.
Key Features:
Has 57 hours of battery life
Built-in direct USB connection
Has back-lit display
Need to record a conversation? Then we recommend this well-reviewed Sony digital voice recorder. This affordable and compact spy gadget has a built-in USB stick so that users can easily access and save files.
Voice Changing Devices & Apps
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Why We Chose It: Users can change their voices on the go with these services.
We’ve all seen villains in movies disguise their voice on the phone, perhaps after taking a hostage. While we don’t encourage criminal behavior (in fact, we discourage it entirely), these voice disguises exist in real life. They’re available for purchase as physical Voice Changing Devices that interact with the phone for landlines and cell phones to filter voices on calls.
However, this is the digital age … Instead of buying an expensive device, the Google and Apple App stores have dozens of apps that will create the same effect when using online communication services like Skype, Discord, or Steam. One popular option is called VoiceMod, but there are plenty of options available depending on device and spy-gadget needs.
Backcountry Access BCA BC Link 2.0 Two-Way FRS Radio
Buy Now On Amazon
$188 at walmart
Why We Chose It: It’s a high powered set of walkie-talkies.
Read More: The Best Long-Range Walkie Talkies
Key Features:
Has 22 FRS channel
Has 128 sub channels
Kit includes speaker
When staying off the grid is high priority, a good set of walkie-talkies like the Backcountry Access allow users to maintain contact with someone else while eliminating all the annoyances of cellphone tracking. This set can last days on end without a recharge and has great range regardless of the weather.
Speaking of the weather, if it happens to turn stormy while out and about, the walkie-talkies are IP56 weather-resistant, so there’s no need to worry if rain comes unannounced.
WAYMOON 4K Hidden Spy Camera Clock
Buy Now On Amazon
Why We Chose It: This not only discretely records videos, but is also a fully functional alarm clock.
Read More: 12 Best Alarm Clocks to Make the Most of Your Morning
Key Features:
Can view videos live in the app
160-degree wide angle lens
Has motion detection alerts
This spy camera looks like your average digital clock. It claims to feature 4K video, high-tech night vision, a 160 ultra-wide-angle, and can be viewed anywhere in real-time via an iPhone. Reviews on Amazon are pretty back and forth, but scroll down to the comments to see a lot of decent video capture quality. And, yes, it actually tells time.
Koios 1080p Charger Camera
$140 at Zetronix
Why We Chose It: Another practical device that will charge a phone while secretly recording video.
Read More: The Best iPhone Chargers to Keep Your Phone Juiced Up
Key Features:
90-degree wide angle lens at 15-degree up
Accepts microSD cards
Can connect via smartphone app
Surprisingly, this wall charger camera is backed by a lot of stellar reviews. It allows users to live stream video right in the home so they can see what’s going in when the nanny, cleaner, or any other person is around unattended. It also works as an actual USB charging cable to keep people less suspicious.
Small Wireless Hidden Spy Security Cameras
Buy Now On Amazon
Why We Chose It: It records video at the size of a quarter.
Read More: The Best Places To Install Home Security Cameras (And Where You Should Never Put Them)
Key Features:
Accept SD card for local recording
Records in 1080p
Can take motion detection snapshots
This camera is small enough to be put almost literally anywhere. It’s actually feature-packed as well, with motion detection and HD night vision. In addition, users can control the camera and view recorded footage on their phone. So not only can it be used to spy, but it’ll also be suitable as a security camera for the home or car.
How We Chose the Best Spy Gear
Whether it’s gathering intel late at night, dropping off sensitive documents, or having a conversation with a client that isn’t meant for public consumption, we compiled a list of spy gear that can:
Enhance sight (such as night vision goggles)
Disguise voice and help make sure the user is safe and secure.
Protect identity online
Protect data and phone data
Take pictures and video without a phone
Enable GPS Tracking
And more….
Finally, a Note on Hidden Cameras…
When we initially wrote this article, we decided not to include any hidden cameras in the spy gadgets featured above. There are some excellent reasons for this. First, many cheap “spy cameras” are available on sites like Amazon and eBay that have abysmal reviews and come from sketchy overseas companies. Most of these hidden cameras are of dubious quality. Second, some hidden cameras are designed to be disguised as alarm clocks, wall hooks, electrical outlets, chargers, and other everyday devices.
While there are legitimate reasons to use these devices, there are sketchy reasons, too. Unfortunately, perverts also use these devices to secretly and illegally record people in changing rooms, bathrooms, and other private areas.
Even if shopping without nefarious intentions, we advise our readers to research their local, state, and national laws regarding hidden cameras and voice recordings. As mentioned above, it is illegal to secretly record conversations and phone calls in dual-party consent states without the knowledge and consent of all parties involved. Evidence gathered in this way may not be admissible in court, and perpetrators could face civil or criminal exposure for breaking these laws.
While it is usually legal to film and photograph people in public areas where they do not have a reasonable expectation of privacy, there are exceptions to this rule. Likewise, some regions have laws rightfully discouraging people from filming “upskirt videos” and other obscene materials.
Because hidden cameras are available online and we can’t stop anyone from purchasing them, we’ve decided to scope some out below. Please note: when planning to use one of these hidden cameras, understand the scope of the action. They aren’t the most high-quality cameras on the market, and if this is for an Airbnb host that wants to spy on their guests or a perv that likes to hang out in public bathrooms, please leave and seek professional help.
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