Top 5 Best Spy Camera

1. TRURENDI HD Spy Pen Hidden Camera

(TRURENDI)

This spy camera is nestled into the body of an unassuming pen. It comes in two versions: the pen alone, or the pen with an 8GB card. You can create AVI videos of meetings, conversations, or classes. A pen is totally unobtrusive, and only the most suspicious or paranoid person will ever notice that your pen is more than meets the eye. This is a great spy camera to use in an office, school, or home setting. It’s also nice because it’s highly portable, and you can take it with you practically anywhere without setting off any alarm bells.

Pros:

Inexpensive

Lightweight

Unobtrusive

8MP camera takes 1280×1024 images, 720p video

Great compatibility with older computers: Supports Windows ME/2000/XP/2003/Vista, as well as Mac OSX 10.4 and above

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Cons:

Takes two hours to fully charge

Image quality is better outdoors than indoors

Doesn’t do full HD

Confusing instructions/manual

Some users have experienced unexpected device failure

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2. Cigarette Lighter Hidden Spy Camera

(Hidden Camera)

This spy camera has been designed to look like a disposable lighter, but actually houses a memory card and a camera lens. This sneaky device is a great way to spy on people during a smoke break, or you can leave it on a desk or table and see who walks by. Sadly, this is not a functional lighter. But other than the fact that it won’t actually light, this is a pretty great disguise for a spy cam.

Note: In the months since this article was published, this item has been discontinued. Click the link below to see a similar hidden spy camera product that has also been concealed inside a lighter.

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Pros:

Compact design

Looks fairly realistic

Has built-in mic

Simple controls

Inexpensive

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Cons:

Memory card not included

May not seem inconspicuous unless you are a smoker

Battery is small (200mAh), product only works for 90 minutes, tops

Will not fit cards over 16GB

Camera is 5MP, wimpier than other cameras on this list

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3. Toto 808 Car Key Chain Spy Camera Recorder

(Toto)

This camera looks like your average electronic key fob for opening car doors. However, the pinhole camera in the key fob lets you take still photos or video. This would be a great device to do some undercover video work at a mechanics, garage, or car dealership. Just make sure not to confuse it with your real key fob, or you might find yourself unable to open your car door or garage door. If you want a spy camera that is hard to detect, this is a solid choice. Many people know that spy cameras can be hidden in a pen, while fewer people are aware of the spy camera potential in a car key fob.

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Pros:

Despite the lack of any car logo, it looks exactly like the real thing

Lets you time and date stamp images, great for verifying insurance or legal claims

Wide angle lens give you surprisingly good images

Cheaper than you might expect

Shoots 30 frames per second

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Cons:

Only records 480p video

Not a great disguise for people who are too young to drive, or don’t have a license

Doesn’t support cards over 8GB

Only 90 minutes of recording time before battery dies

Memory card not included

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4. Mini USB Disk HD Hidden Spy Camera

(i-mesh-bean)

This flash drive disguise is great for bringing your spy camera to school or to the office. The innocent look of this spy camera will help you sneak this drive into lots of places. Everyone uses USB drives these days, but not everyone has a “USB” drive that offers such a sneaky surprise. A spy camera is only as good as its disguise, and this disguise is particularly good.

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Pros:

Supports up to 32GB storage card

Shoots 25-30 frames per second

Slick design

Very portable

Small vibration signals successful image capture

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Cons:

Battery capacity is higher than other devices on this list (300mAh), but active time is only an hour

Memory card not included

Included instructions are confusing

Not water-resistant

No A/C charging option

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5. Risest Secret Spy Camera Mini Clock Radio

(Risest Technology Co.)

The best place to hide something is right in plain sight, an axiom that this clock radio spy camera takes to heart. This is a good camera for placing in a bedroom or common areas, and may even suit the nanny-cam needs of some families. If you need serious storage for long-term surveillance, this spy camera will suit your needs. Thanks to a 32MB memory card slot, you can definitely store a lot of incriminating evidence onboard this devious device. We also like the fact that this spy cam can handle shooting in low light conditions, a claim that not many other spy cams can make.

Pros:

Supports memory cards up to 32MB

Records at night or in low light

Has mini display so you can review footage without using a computer

Continuous recording loop possible with both battery or wall plug power modes (record for up to 40 hours)

Unobtrusive design

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Cons:

Fairly expensive compared to other spy cams

Memory card not included

This model is not motion-sensitive

If not plugged into a wall, battery dies after three hours

Pulling battery resets time/date settings

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Top 5 Best Portable Battery & Phone Chargers

1. Skiva PowerVault Lightning External Battery Pack

(Skiva)

This is a portable, self-contained charger for your smartphone or tablet, and it will work with both Android and newer Apple devices. This battery pack contains a 2600 mAh battery, which means it can fully recharge a new iPhone 6 and still have a bit of charge left over. I used this power pack on two recent trips, and it was more than equal to the task of charging my iPhone 6. I didn’t even need to bring a backup charger. It’s Apple MFi Certified as well, which will give Apple users a bit more peace of mind.

This is a solid option for iPhone or iPad owners who have a device with the newer Lightning connector. One end of this charger has a Lightning connector, and the other end has a micro USB connector. To recharge, just stick this external battery into any device with a USB port, or into any USB-compatible wall charger. Recharging a totally empty battery takes about two or three hours, at least in my experience.

The only thing I dislike about this charger is how fat it is. It fits great in a bag or pocket, but it can be hard to have it plugged into my laptop USB slot on a flat surface, because the charger is thicker than the laptop itself. This was a problem on my older Mac laptop, but it’s an even more annoying problem now that I have an even skinner MacBook. I mostly find myself charging this device from a USB wall adapter.

Still, if you don’t want to have to lug around extra cords or charging cables, this completely self-contained unit is an awesome option to consider. I specifically bought this phone charger because I wanted something with no additional cord I had to carry around. It’s also a nice accessory for business, since it will charge multiple types of devices.

Price: $39.99 (50 percent off)

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Pros:

• Compact (about the size of two lipstick tubes)
• Will charge both Lightning and microUSB devices
• Fully recharges in a couple of hours
• Works on a wide range of devices, including Samsung Galaxy S5, S4, S3, Note 3, Note 2, Note, Nexus 4, 5, 7, 10, Moto X, G, HTC One(M8), LG G3, G2, Optimus, Xperia Z2
• Will fully recharge many smartphones

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Cons:

• Not as thin as other options out there
• Charges devices somewhat slowly
• Only under warranty for one year
• Some users may require a charger with a bigger battery, particularly if they want to recharge both tablets and phones
• Limited color options

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2. PNY T2200 PowerPack

(PNY)

This 2200mAh charger from PNY has a lot going for it. It’s stiletto-thin, and that makes it easy to carry. While some users have reported slow or paused charging, this appears to be an issue with a limited number of defective devices, rather than a problem that affects all chargers. You can buy this accessory with confidence, and return it if you happen to get one of the bad ones. However, the newer PowerPacks are unlikely to give you any trouble

Users say this charger will hold its charge for quite some time, so you won’t need to do “top-up charges” just to keep this device ready for when you need it. It will fit easily in a bag, purse, or pocket. Unfortunately, it only has a single port for output, so you can only charge one device at a time with this portable battery pack. Still, that is sufficient for most people.

Price: $7.99 (47 percent off)

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Pros:

• Under warranty for three years
• Universal
• Slim design
• Comes with Micro-USB cable for recharging
• More than enough juice to recharge iPhones once (but not all Android devices, which generally have bigger batteries)

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Cons:

• Does require cords
• Not waterproof
• Not up to the task of charging a tablet
• 2200mAh is a little on the small side
• Can’t easily be attached to a key ring or caribiner

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3. Intocircuit 2nd Gen Power Castle 15000mAh With SmartID Technology

(Intocircuit)

Looking for a charger that’s beefy and rugged? This portable battery’s best feature is its 2.1A smart USB port. This smart charger can identify a specific device, and offer you maximum charging efficiency and speed. This massive battery will charge an iPhone 5s at least six times, a Galaxy S5 more than four times, or an iPad Air once.

The case on this charger is built tough, and you can charge two devices at once. Another nice feature is the LCD screen. Unlike some other chargers, which use a series of LED lights to give you a rough estimate of how much juice is left, this display is much more precise. If you hate having to guess at how much of a charge you have left, this accessory will appeal to your demand for precision in your phone charger.

Price: $39.99 (69 percent off)

Pros:

• Massive battery
• SmartID technology ensures optimal charging efficiency
• Designed for rapid charging
• LCD screen offers precise charge info
• Rugged design

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Cons:

• Large
• Limited to 500 or so recharge cycles over a lifetime
• Somewhat heavy
• Only has two charging ports
• No manual off switch

4. Jackery Mini

(Amazon)

Whether you refer to them as phone chargers, external battery packs, or portable batteries, these little tech accessories can help keep your device fully charged, even on those days when you can’t seem to get near a wall outlet. The Jackery Mini has a 3200mAh battery, which is equal to recharging most phones at least once. It’s small enough that you can easily stick it in a pocket, purse, or carry-on. Jackery also makes larger battery packs, if you need serious juice. One big Jackery pack we like is the Jackery Giant+ 12000mAh charger. Whichever model you chose, Jackery is a trusted brand, and their phone chargers come in a variety of fun colors to allow you the ability to showcase your personality.

Price: $16.95 (76 percent off)

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Pros:

• Trusted brand
• Available in multiple color options
• Small
• LED indicator is easy to read
• Standby time up to six months after fully charged

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Cons:

• Some users may prefer a larger pack
• Also only expected to last about 500 charge cycles
• Can take up to five hours to recharge fully
• Could be more rugged
• May not work for some devices

5. Anker Astro E5 15000mAh Dual USB Portable Charger

See this Anker charger up close in the unboxing video above.

Sometimes you need a little extra juice. But sometimes, you need a LOT of extra juice. The charger works for multiple types of phones, making it a great car accessory for family road trips, or a business accessory for sales teams on the go. You can never have enough battery life, especially if you’re nursing a mobile game addiction or running GPS apps in the background. This dual charger is great for people who want to charge multiple devices at once. Whether you’re shopping for yourself, or for something that the whole family can share, this portable battery is a great phone charger that you can trust.

Price: $44.99 (55 percent off)

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Pros:

• Reasonably priced
• Massive capacity
• Two outputs allow you to charge two devices at once
• Includes built-in flashlight
• Status LEDs keep you informed of remaining capacity

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Cons:

• Limited color options
• Recharging does take up to 10 hours
• Two outputs have different ratings
• Some users say that to get fastest possible charge, you need a 5V / 1.5A adapter (not included)
• Some devices are not supported

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Top 10 Best Selfie Sticks

1. Looq Selfie Stick

(Looq)

Featured by Joanna Stern in the WSJ roundup of selfie sticks we mentioned above, this model was singled out in the category of “cheap” selfie sticks. Stern writes that the rubberized grip is a nice feature, though “pressing the button can cause the stick to shake a bit, resulting in a potentially blurry photo.”

Getting singled out by the Wall Street Journal gives this selfie stick a lot of street cred. If you’re looking for a cheap, solid option for your first selfie stick, this is the first model you should consider. Stern argues that the smallest amount of money you should spend on a selfie stick is $15, to ensure the best quality. Since you can get this selfie stick for around $20, it’s definitely in Stern’s suggested minimum budget range. If you want more recommendations for smartphone-friendly selfie sticks, check out our post on the bestiPhone selfie sticks.

Price: $19.99

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Pros:

• Available in multiple colors
• No battery or Wi-Fi to mess with
• Extends to over 40 inches in length
• Adjustable phone holder section can fit any phone up to 3.35 inches wide

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Cons:

• No Bluetooth
• Pole collapses down to about 8.5 inches, which may be cumbersome to carry
• Only works with certain apps
• Limited warranty
• Could be more rugged

2. PolarPro PowerPole Selfie Stick

(PolarPro)

More interested in using your GoPro than a smartphone to take extended selfie shots? PolarPro’s selfie stick is a great option. It’s so much more than a mere stick, since the stem conceals a 5200 mAh battery built right into the grip. There are two USB ports for charging devices, or you can use the battery to extends your GoPro’s filming time by as much as ten hours.

This selfie stick’s main drawback is a high price tag. However, if you are looking to splurge on a selfie stick, this model is a superior choice. Even if you rarely use it as a selfie stick for photography, you could always just keep the stick in the trunk of your car and use it to charge your devices on the go. It’s hard to find a selfie stick that offers this many useful features. And if anybody pokes fun at how much you spent on this selfie stick, you can argue that the built-in battery actually makes this tech accessory a smart buy.

Price: $99.99 (23 percent off)

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Pros:

• Great grip lets you keep the camera steady
• Splash-proof port covers (great for using this tool outdoors)
• Contains the equivalent of 4.5 GoPro batteries
• Easy to view battery status with a press of a button
• Concurrent charging is possible

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Cons:

• Somewhat shorter extension (about 30 inches)
• Expensive
• Heavier than other selfie sticks
• Limited color options
• Stick has water-resistant elements, but is not fully waterproof

3. Quik Pod Handheld Selfie Extendable Pole With Mini Tripod Legs

(Quik Pod)

Arguably the original selfie stick brand (unless you count a possible use of the selfie stick from the 1920s that the BBC uncovered), Quik Pod is one of the leading names in the selfie stick world. This model is ideal because you can use it as a selfie stick, or set it up as a tripod. With that versatility, this is almost like getting two accessories in one. This is a great option for those using a lightweight digital camera for selfies, rather than a smartphone or GoPro.

Price: $25.78 (14 percent off)

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Pros:

• Also works as a tripod
• Attaches easily to any camera with a standard tripod socket
• Lightweight and compact
• Comes with bag and wrist strap
• Built-in self-image positioning mirror

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Cons:

• Not waterproof (may rust if you get it wet)
• No battery
• Does not work with phone or apps
• No Bluetooth/remote shutter
• Extended size is a mere 18.5 inches

4. DigiPower TP-QPXT Quikpod Extreme Monopod

(DigiPower)

Also singled out by the Wall Street Journal’s Joanna Stern, the Digipower Quik Pod Selfie Extreme (aka “Quik Pod Ultra” or “Xpert”) has a rubber grip that makes it easy to hold on to, even with sweaty palms or through thick gloves. Stern had high praise for this selfie stick, but she does have a few caveats:

“There’s no shutter gimmick built-in—to shoot remotely, you’d have to use a timer or buy a $5 Bluetooth remote, like one from Vivitar. (There’s a mirror, though, so you can frame selfies even with a GoPro, traditional point-and-shoot or the rear-facing better camera on your phone.)

The saltwater-proof pole, which extends 53 inches, is much sturdier than others, with a regular tripod leg that is held in place with lever lock. The Quik Pod’s drawback is that its cheaper listings (like one I’ve seen for $50) don’t all come with a phone mount. Make sure to check the mount situation before buying.

If you need to buy a mount, iStabilizer’s $20 SmartMount is the sturdiest and safest I’ve found for my phone.”

In addition to the Vivitar remote, we also like the AudioVox “Shutterball” remote. There are lots of other options out there, but those two options are pretty solid, and should be adequate for the needs of most photography fans.

Price: $48.33 (31 percent off)

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Pros:

• Rugged, waterproof pole
• Extends 53 inches
• Top-rated design
• Ideal mid-range price point
• Easily interchange mounts

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Cons:

• Requires additional accessories to work at its peak
• May still be too expensive for some
• Comes with lots of accessories, but not all may be useful to you
• Not all versions come with a mount
• Some users have reported mount can be unstable

5. The Belfie Stick

Learn more about this specialized version of the selfie stick in the video above from People magazine.

Butt + Selfie = “Belfie.” Yup, that’s totally a word now. The Belfie stick is a specialized version of the selfie stick that is designed to help you take pictures of your shapely bum. It’s definitely a bit narcissistic, but it’s a great tool if you’re a heavy Instagram user, or for those who are trying to have the best possible picture for their online dating profile or Tinder pic. As of this writing, the Belfie stick is out of stock, but it should become available later in 2015.

Price: $79.99

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Pros:

• Jointed design
• From the makers of ON
• Works with a wide array of phones
• Satisfaction guaranteed
• Ideal for those who are into fitness, dating, or saucy selfies

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Cons:

• Overspecialized design
• Expensive
• Hard to find
• Stick is somewhat large in diameter
• May make you feel truly narcissistic

6. Quik Pod SPORT Selfie Stick

(Quik Pod)

Another offering in the Quik Pod line, the Quik Pod SPORT is ideal for GoPro users. If you like to take selfies while partaking in extreme sports like sea kayaking or whitewater rafting, this would be a great option for you. Its middle of the road price belies the plethora or features hidden in this rugged, sporty selfie stick. The grip is sturdy, which makes it easy to hang on to, even under wet conditions. This selfie stick comes with quick release adapter, waterproof lanyard, hiking clip, and a padded carry bag.

Price: $59.95

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Pros:

• Waterproof and salt water-proof
• Great design that’s easy to grip
• Quick release camera mount
• Positively reviewed by users
• Doesn’t wiggle or rattle like some other poles

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Cons:

• Somewhat bulky
• Somewhat shorter extension than other models on this list (39 inches)
• Limited color options
• Does not float
• A too-heavy camera can bend the pole when it has been extended fully

7. Promaster Selfie Stick

(Promaster)

Promoter’s selfie stick may not be the most compact option, but it is lightweight and extends to a respectable 51 inches. One caveat if you plan to use this selfie stick with a smartphone…depending on the phone you use, you may find it necessary to remove the case from the phone in order to get the best fit on the mount. Additionally, some smartphones may not work in a vertical orientation with this stick, and you’ll have to use them in horizontal orientation only.

Price: $31.75 (21 percent ofF)

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Pros:

• Works with phones or cameras
• Extends to 51 inches
• Can also be used with microphones or other tech devices
• Telescopic design
• Lightweight aluminum build

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Cons:

• May not fit all phones
• Only collapses down to about 13 inches
• Limited color options
• No battery
• No remote, requires app or camera with a timer

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8. GoPro 3-Way

Check out a review of this 3-in-1 photography mount in the video above.

Still feel silly about getting a selfie stick? This selfie stick is one you can buy without feeling vain, since it actually offers multiple types of photographic functions. It can be used as a camera grip, extension arm, or tripod. It is waterproof, so you’ll feel safe using this “selfie stick” in even the most inclement weather. If you are a diehard GoPro fan, this is definitely the mount for you, though it should be noted that the extension on this stick is much shorter than many of the other selfie sticks included in this roundup.

Price: $69.99

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Pros:

• Versatile design
• Compatible with all GoPro models
• Removable tripod stores inside the handle
• Lightweight
• Collapses down to less than eight inches

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Cons:

• Limited extension of 20 inches
• Expensive
• Won’t appeal to those who just want a long selfie stick
• Lacks an internal battery
• No remote

9. CamKix Extendable Selfie Stick With Bluetooth Remote

(CamKix)

We actually recommended this selfie stick last December, when we featured it in one of ourholiday gift guides. This selfie stick is moderately priced, yet rich in features. It comes with a Bluetooth remote, though you can also buy this stick without the remote if you have a limited budget. While it lacks some of the bells and whistles of the more premium selfie sticks on this list, this is an excellent stick for a first time buyer.

Price: $29.99 with remote (40 percent off), or just $19.99 without remote

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Pros:

• Multiple color options
• Available with or without remote
• Affordable
• Extends up to 40 inches
• Nearly universal phone compatibility

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Cons:

• Lacks waterproofing
• Smallest size when compact is 11 inches
• Bluetooth remote only works with iOS or Android devices
• Head is not adjustable past 180 degrees
• Lacks waterproofing or internal battery/charging capability

10. Jökul Sweden Monopod

(Jökul Sweden)

Whether you’re looking to take better photos on vacation, find that perfect photo angle for your dating profile, or maybe even try out the “selfie diet,” this monopod from Jökul Sweden is a decent selfie stick for those who don’t want to spend a fortune on such a simple tech accessory. This is one of the most compact options on our list, with a collapsed length of just over seven inches.

Price: $14.99 (40 percent off)

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Pros:

• Works with any camera with a quarter-inch screw
• Affordable
• Also works with nearly any smartphone
• Adjustable head
• Compact and lightweight

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Cons:

• Limited warranty
• Maximum extension of about 35.5 inches
• Head doesn’t offer 360 degree rotation
• This particular model does not come with remote shutter
• Not waterproof, no battery

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