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If you’re looking for the best spy gadgets you can actually buy and use, check out our spy gadgets list, featuring products like our top pick, the Arcshell UHF two way radio set. This walkie talkie set comes with a 1500 mAh battery in each handset and includes a charger. With 16 frequency channels and a range of up to 5 miles, it lets you keep in touch with an adventure partner when out of cell coverage.
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: This UHF two-way radio set comes with a pair of handsets and earpieces for hands-free use, making it more convenient for use in vehicles or while investigating a mystery. It operates on 16 channels with a simple, switchable rotary dial.
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: This GPS tracker is tiny and magnetic and works on GSM and GPS systems for combined indoor/ outdoor tracking. It also comes with a smartphone app that supports features like geo-fencing and programmable alerts.
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Award: BEST EMERGENCY GADGET
WHY WE LIKE IT: This tactical pen features 10 functions, including that of a normal pen. It also comes with a bonus multitool card, a screwdriver, glass breaker, magnesium fire starter rod and LED flashlight.
Award: BEST FUN AND GAMES
WHY WE LIKE IT: These spy goggles are great for playing spy games in the park or on camping trips once the sun has gone down, with a long-lasting battery pack and a comfortable headband.
Award: BEST GAG GIFT
WHY WE LIKE IT: These mirrored sunglasses are a spy gear classic, and they come in a handy three pack, making them a great party favor for secret agent themed birthdays.
Award: MOST CONVENIENT
WHY WE LIKE IT: These hidden video recorder sunglasses save up to 1.5 hours of video to an SD card, and with one-touch recording they’re ultra convenient and easy to use.
Award: BEST EASE OF USE
WHY WE LIKE IT: This hidden spy camera is more like a piece of professional spy equipment than a gimmick or toy, in that it actually resembles a normal pen and can even be used for writing.
Award: MOST DISCREET
WHY WE LIKE IT: This hidden pen listening device looks just like a normal, high quality pen and can even be used for writing. It fits 16 GB of audio or enough for 190 hours of recording.
Award: BEST COUNTERESPIONAGE GADGET
WHY WE LIKE IT: This RF detector and bug finder device features automatic detection and signal strength indication, making it useful for debugging a room and discovering hidden listening and wireless transmission devices.
Award: BEST ON A BUDGET
WHY WE LIKE IT: This versatile and budget-friendly camera can be worn as a belt clip or set up in a room to record continuously for security and surveillance. It’s motion activated, tiny and can record up to 90 minutes per charge.
In order to select the best spy gadgets for a wide range of uses and purposes ranging from themed-parties and kids’ entertainment to business and data security, we looked for devices that performed their intended function with the most intuitive user interfaces and the simplest means possible.For hidden cameras and recording devices, we preferred those that didn’t rely on WiFi or require being plugged into an outlet, for example. Not needing WiFi helps avoid detection as well as hacking. We looked for at least 1080p resolution.When it came to the lighter side of spy gear, such as James Bond or spy-themed party supplies, adventure games and night vision goggles, we looked for quality products that were safe, easy to use and durable. For mirrored sunglasses, we only considered those that had flexible plastic or composite frames, along with real UV-blocking lenses.We also only included spy pen camera and microphone devices that actually resembled a working pen and that came with ink so you could plausibly write with them.