It’s natural to consider installing hidden security cameras in your home, especially if you live in an area with a high crime rate. With both free and paid mobile apps, you can turn an old device into a fully functional hidden camera.
Here are four high-quality camera apps for creating a cheap security camera in a matter of minutes. All you need is an iOS or Android device and a computer.
Best Hidden Camera App for iOS: AtHome Camera Surveillance App
The AtHome Camera Surveillance App can transform any old iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad into a hidden security camera as long as it has iOS 7 or above. Like other spycam apps, AtHome begins recording footage from the iOS device’s webcam whenever it detects motion.
Animated GIF notifications are unique to this app.
Video streaming is encrypted.
Cloud save functionality requires a subscription.
Requires a $1.99 in-app payment to remove ads.
What sets it apart, though, is the app’s facial recognition technology, which begins recording video whenever it identifies a person. The app records the person, generates an animated GIF of the individual, and sends it to you in a push notification.
View all recorded footage on another iOS device or a computer. You can also automatically save recordings to an online cloud account as part of a monthly subscription service.
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Best Hidden Spy App for Android: Manything
Manything is a free spy cam app that lets you turn any device with Android 4.2 or later or iOS 8.0 or later into a security camera. Stream video from the app live on your primary smartphone or tablet and receive alerts when motion is detected.
Clean app design that’s easy to use and navigate.
Clips can be downloaded and shared easily.
Subscription required to save footage to the cloud.
Fee to use more than one device as a spy cam.
One useful feature is the ability to talk through the device working as the camera. Use this tool to startle intruders, talk to pets while you’re out of the house, or turn the device into a baby cam. You’ll pay extra for extras such as cloud storage and using multiple devices as cameras.
Best Camera App for Gamers: Viewer for Baby Monitor for Kinect
Viewer for Baby Monitor for Kinect is a rather ingenious app that lets you use the Xbox One’s Kinect sensor as a security camera or baby monitor. Traits such as night vision, a motion sensor, and internet-free video make this ideal for keeping an eye on little ones.
Creative use of the Xbox One gaming console accessory.
The Kinect camera sees in the dark.
The Xbox One console must be turned on for this app to work.
You can’t use your Xbox One while this app is running.
One version of the app is installed on the Xbox One console to let it record video, while the other is downloaded onto your Windows 10 device to view the video stream from elsewhere in the house.
The downside is that your Xbox One must be running for the app to work, which could increase electric bills. You also can’t use the gaming console while in baby monitor mode.
Best Overall Hidden Camera App: Alfred Home Security Camera
Alfred Home Security Camera is one of the best hidden spy apps for both iOS and Android devices. The app works by turning one smartphone or tablet into a camera and another as the viewing monitor.
All primary hidden camera functionality is free.
Recorded video can also be viewed via the web.
Extras like zooming are behind a paywall.
The app occasionally crashes on aging hardware.
Once set up, the Alfred Home Security Camera begins recording video when motion is detected. The app uploads all footage to a free online cloud account for viewing later. Additional features such as zooming require a paid subscription. You might also experience crashes if you have an older device.
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