A spy watch is one of the best gadgets that can discreetly allow a person to record videos. The watch’s size and looks great enough to deceive people, making it a perfect tool for espionage. It’s something that is great for people looking for hidden or inconspicuous spy gear to record video or audio discreetly or to take snapshots without anybody else knowing. Using watches as a spy gadget is possible because it can be hidden in plain sight. However, many spy watches either look too bulky and suspicious or are not equipped with the right tools for spying.
To help you know which watches are the best fit for a spy, this list comes with the top 5 best spy watches in the market. At the end, we also provide some of our best tips to help you pick out the best spy watch.
Quick Summary: Top 5 - Best Spy Watch of 2020
Our professional editors pick and rate these products specifically for each category and recommend the best product we can. We may receive a commission from affiliated links.
Best Overall: Miebul Video Recorder Watch Camera
It’s simple and classy design allows it to seamlessly function as a typical watch.
It’s simple and classy design allows it to seamlessly function as a typical watch.
Best for Budget: Diesel Hidden Watch Camera
Almost a steal for the added functions of being a spy watch.
Almost a steal for the added functions of being a spy watch.
Best for Long Term Usage: Mliyam Surveillance Watch Camera
Packed with great battery life and large storage capacity, up to 32gb storage space.
Packed with great battery life and large storage capacity, up to 32gb storage space.
Best Video Quality: CHPXAM Portable Watch Camera
This portable watch camera from provides the best video and image capture.
This portable watch camera from provides the best video and image capture.
Top 3 Quick Comparison
Product | Photo | Quality | Audio | Pros | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall |   | 1920 x 1080P | Yes | Long lasting battery life | |
Runner Up |   | 1920 x 1080P | Yes | Good Audio Recording | |
Also Great |   | 1920 x 1080P | Yes | High Quality Video |
Our Reviews
Its looks can deceive others into thinking it is an ordinary watch, when in truth it is a spy watch camera with high end specs and features that are great for the price. The Miebul Video Recorder Watch Camera has a full 1080P high-quality video resolution. The camera is able to capture great images, however the quality of recordings can be quite shaky especially with constant arm movement during recording. The motion detection system is set to start recording when movement is sensed. Audio is also recorded since the device has a built-in mic. The quality of audio is good and has a wide coverage. Recorded files are easily retrievable through a USB port located at the left edge of the watch dial. You can easily connect the watch to your computer and access files directly.
The camera lens is located at the right-side edge of the dial while the control switches are placed on the upper right side of the watch dial. These switches can be used to adjust time and also to capture videos.Th camera also has infrared night vision and captures good quality videos and images even in pitch black scenarios. All these files are stored directly in the built-in memory card. The internal storage of this gadget boasts 16gb memory, allowing up to 5 hours of video recording on file. Since the unit is programmed with cyclic recording, newer videos will automatically overwrite older files. The battery life of this gadget is also one of the best, lasting up to 90 minutes of continuous recording.
Pros
Cons
Product Reviews:
“This Watch and Camera combination has really impressed me with the first use. The camera video is very clear.”
The Diesel Hidden Watch Camera is another unique watch that is a must-try. It offers the best video and audio quality. Videos and images aren't pixelated while the audio recordings are clear and distinct. While the watch does not have any built-in storage, it can support TF cards with up to 32GB memory capacity. This can cover almost 10 hours worth of video recordings; older videos are automatically deleted when there is no more space for newer recordings.
The watch provides many different modes which a user can take advantage of. Specifically, the watch has a video mode, photo mode, record mode, and IR mode. Toggling between these modes can be difficult since it involves pressing down on the A and C keys and relying on the LED indicator lights. However, when you get used to the commands and signals, you should be able to easily navigate the functions of the watch with ease.
In terms of design, the watch features a simple black analog face, with the brand placed directly on the lower edge of the watch. The camera and indicator lights are set at the top of the watch face, along the borders and directly below the set times. With the lowest price, this spy watch is definitely one that offers great value, especially with the great features that it provides.
The watch provides many different modes which a user can take advantage of. Specifically, the watch has a video mode, photo mode, record mode, and IR mode. Toggling between these modes can be difficult since it involves pressing down on the A and C keys and relying on the LED indicator lights. However, when you get used to the commands and signals, you should be able to easily navigate the functions of the watch with ease.
In terms of design, the watch features a simple black analog face, with the brand placed directly on the lower edge of the watch. The camera and indicator lights are set at the top of the watch face, along the borders and directly below the set times. With the lowest price, this spy watch is definitely one that offers great value, especially with the great features that it provides.
Pros
Cons
Product Reviews:
“The video was really clear. There's no need to charge it and it's ready to go anywhere.”
The Mliyam Surveillance Watch Camera is another great camera to keep on your wrist. It provides videos recorded at 1080p HD quality along with clear recorded audio. One of the best things about the watch is the long-lasting battery life, which can last up to 5 hours. While it does take a while to charge, the usage time of the watch is well worth it, especially if you insert a memory card with 32gb capacity; this is the maximum storage capacity that the watch is capable of supporting. Up to 10 hours of videos can be saved on file.
Additionally, the watch also features a very natural look. It has a classic analog watch dial with an overall dark-colored design. It resembles a typical sports watch set with a glow in the dark watch face. Surrounding the watch face are the functioning buttons of the watch: the B button that controls the indicator lights, the A button which is the on and off switch, the D button controls the time setting, and the F button which controls the microphone. These are all on the left edge of the watch face. On the right side, there are three functioning buttons: the C button which is also the Night Vision mode button is, the USB port, and the H button which is used to control the camera.
Pros
Cons
Product Reviews:
“Easy to use and can't beat price. The video quality is clear. No one can even suspect that its spy watch because it's disguised as an ordinary watch. “
This portable watch camera has astounding media quality along with audio clarity. Moreover, its 1080P HD quality resolution of videos gives you clear images. It also comes with a night vision mode which captures at a 720P HD quality. Compared to the other products on the list, this watch camera was able to capture some of the best videos even in near pitch black situations. The watch can support memory cards with up to 16gb storage capacity, allowing users to record almost 5 hours worth of videos. The oldest videos are automatically overwritten with newer files since this device is programmed to support a cyclic recording feature.
On a full charge, the watch can easily last up to an hour and a half of recording. However, the watch still continues to function as a watch even when it is no longer able to record videos or capture images. Charging the device is quite easy since it relies on a sime USB cable which you can plug into an outlet or to your PC. Files can also be retrieved directly through using the wire so users no longer need to take out the memory card.
The main functioning buttons include the on/off button, photo/video button, time setting button. The microphone is built into the lower border of the watch while the camera is placed on the watch face. The camera lens blends into the simple black design of the watch face. The look of the dial is sleek and simple, featuring a classic black and metallic silver aesthetic. The camera lens appears as a design element that is made up of multiple dots that border the lower end of the watch face.
On a full charge, the watch can easily last up to an hour and a half of recording. However, the watch still continues to function as a watch even when it is no longer able to record videos or capture images. Charging the device is quite easy since it relies on a sime USB cable which you can plug into an outlet or to your PC. Files can also be retrieved directly through using the wire so users no longer need to take out the memory card.
The main functioning buttons include the on/off button, photo/video button, time setting button. The microphone is built into the lower border of the watch while the camera is placed on the watch face. The camera lens blends into the simple black design of the watch face. The look of the dial is sleek and simple, featuring a classic black and metallic silver aesthetic. The camera lens appears as a design element that is made up of multiple dots that border the lower end of the watch face.
Pros
Cons
Product Reviews:
“The look of this watch is exquisite. It also has a bit of weight to it which I like as well. The pictures come out great.”
The Keqi Smart Watch Camera is the last best spy watch on this list. Its full 1080P HD video recording provides users with clear images and videos. The device is also able to support memory cards with storage up to 32gb. This camera also supports cyclic recording. Audio quality is on par with the video quality of the device. Additionally, the watch also has a motion detection feature which can be useful in certain situations. However, if you plan to be using the watch in places where you’ll be moving around, the camera will end up recording your own movements instead. The motion detection feature, however, can be turned on and off.
The main highlight of this watch is definitely it’s sleek design. While the look definitely makes the watch stand out, it is still not an obvious spy gadget. The camera lens is incorporated into the design of the watch. Functionality is also quite easy, with three buttons placed along the edges of the watch. These provide basic functionality: the time button, the reset button and the function button. It has a USB port that is situated between the function button and the reset button on the right side of the watch.
Pros
Cons
Product Reviews
“This watch has excellent outward form. It works wonderfully as a watch on its own. It is discreet, mostly easy to operate, and the user manual is comprehensive.“
Our Top Pick:
The Miebul Video Recorder Watch Camera is a great overall package. It’s an affordable watch with a simple and modern design, packed with the necessary functionalities that most users look for in a spy watch. This device captures great video and audio, is set with easy to use buttons, and offers a decent battery life and built-in storage. With the additional night vision capability and motion detection feature, this spy watch definitely secures its place at the top of the list.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Nanny Cam
Having a spy wrist watch is probably the best way to carry a device that can easily record videos and audio whenever you need to and without having to be too obvious. A best spy watch is easily one of the most iconic pieces of tech. While some people might think that spy watches only belong in the movies, there are many functioning spy watches readily available. We’ve already introduced some of the best to you but if you are still looking for the best spy watch, here are some of the things you need to look for.
Usage
There are many types of situations where a spy watch will come in handy. Whether you’re trying to record an interview, record your travels, silently observe your employees, students, or even your child, having a spy watch can make sure that you’re getting the right information that you can view later on once you’re in a safe and quiet spot.
Moreover, who doesn’t want a classy watch to start with?
If you’re going to make sure that you’ve got the class and the looks, couple it together with some important functions in the form of a spy watch. There are many personal advantages to having a spy watch. Aside from just being another wristwatch that can tell the time, we have to weigh in on several different aspects of the product before making a final decision. There are a wide variety of spy cameras that come with many different features.
Storage Capacity
When choosing the best spy watch, you have to make sure there is enough storage space to keep your recorded videos and captured images. While most spy watches rely on an external memory card, there is usually a limit to the storage capacity of the supported cards. Other spy watches have a built-in memory card. While the actual storage capacity should be more than at least 8gb, one feature to look for is cyclic recording capability. This is a feature which enables a device to automatically delete the oldest files in order to open up space for newer recordings. This is a very useful feature which prevents the need to manually delete old and unwanted files.
However, if you start recording multiple videos, you might accidentally delete important recordings. If you plan on keeping a file, just be sure to save it as soon as you can before you start recording again. But having a good amount of storage can ensure that you can record videos for extended hours in a day. It’s also recommended to set your video quality to low so that more videos can be taken. To conclude storage is one of the key features when picking the best spy watch.
Battery Power
When considering any device in the market, the battery power and duration is a major factor to take into account. The last thing that users want when they’re recording is when their battery runs out. Most spy watches provide a battery life between an hour to 3 hours. If your spy watch has an external USB port, then this is a convenient way of charging your wristwatch.
Video Resolution
While you shouldn’t be expecting high quality video recordings to rival movie quality, the current technology enables spy watches to provide a decent level of camera quality. You can find spy cameras providing either 1080P or 720P resolution. However, users have to keep in mind that having a higher resolution means that you’ll need higher storage space. Aside from the resolution, there are also some cameras that are able to capture light better. Spy watches with infrared night vision are usually able to provide better images and videos since the added night mode helps process light better. (1)
Having a spy watch that can record in the highest resolution possible is generally a good sign. The best resolutions to look out for are 1280 x 960 with at least 30 frames a second. It’s best to keep an eye out for the FPS since this is also a giveaway on the quality of the camera. Resolutions of 230 x 240 are also good, as long as the quality is clear and the frames per second are above 30 - 45.
References
(1) - Camera Resolution - https://photographylife.com/camera-resolution-explained
