Let’s say you are someone who is generally concerned about privacy and safety, or you are an executive of a high-level job, or a business owner, or you just have snoopy friends/relatives; you will want to know if you are being listened to or watched against your will.
You have the right to know if you are being spied on and find ways to bring it to a stop.
A variety of counter surveillance devices are now available to the public as they were initially reserved for military counter-intelligence and law enforcement agencies. They were also quite expensive. Today, they are more common and affordable.
If you deal with sensitive information where discretion is important, or you fear that a business competitor might be tracking your trade secrets and spying on the development process of a product- then you will need to acquire a bug detector.
There are several ways that someone can track you or your business;
- They can listen in on your conversations by placing an audio bug.
- They can use a GPS tracking device to monitor your car movements.
- They can use hidden cameras to record secret videos.
- They can pull your private files using a data bugging device.
We have compiled a list of 10 best RF bug detectors you could choose from to bring back privacy and safety in your life or workplace.
Our Top 10 Picks
1. Techtop Anti-Spy Detector and Camera Finder
This bug detector weighs 342g with a frequency receive range of 1MHz-8000MHz and its detection range of a 2.4G wireless camera is 10 square meters.
It features a potentiometer that allows you to adjust its detection and sensitivity range. When it detects a bug, the LED lamp at the front will light up, followed by sound alerts and vibration. The LED indicator has 10 levels.
It can detect a hidden wireless or wired camera, radio waves, magnetic fields, GPS locators, SIM card bugs, digital recorders etc.
Pros
- It is highly effective yet low-cost.
- It can locate bugs that are 35-40 feet away.
- It comes with an antenna that is attachable to obtain better precision.
- It has a warranty.
- The package includes an instruction manual.
Cons
- The device can be a bit technical to operate despite having the manual.
2. PANNOVO CC308+ Anti-Spy Signal Detector
This device uses a passive wireless and active scanning technology to accurately detect GPS trackers and wireless cameras.
It can be connected to headphones to have a more discreet detection and it also features a sensitivity adjustment which allows it to be increased or decreased; to widen or shorten detection range respectively.
It weighs 7.2 ounces and has dimensions of 5.0 x 3.9 x 0.8 inches.
Pros
- It has a signal strength indicator.
- It comes with a rechargeable battery.
- It has a red-light filter that allows you to find cameras manually using the laser detection mode.
- The vibration mode helps you remain more discreet when finding bugs.
Cons
- You will need to do some practice to manage the sensitivity levels appropriately.
3. Spy Hawk Pro-10G Counter Surveillance Bug Sweep
This device may be a tad bit too expensive but every extra coin on it is well-worth it as it offers exceptional RF signal detection.
Compared to other bug detectors, it has the highest range of detection that falls within 10MHz-10GHz. It is able to detect wiretaps, spy cameras, telephone transmitters, the latest Infinity devices and GPS trackers.
Headphones are included in the package for discrete detection.
It has a weight of 14.1 ounces.
Pros
- It comes with a free lifetime tech support.
- It has provisions for a 9V battery.
- It is easy to operate.
- It comes with a telephone line adapter.
- It can locate even the faintest transmission because of its strong RF detection.
Cons
- Wi-Fi network can interfere with its effectiveness in detecting bugs.
4. Micro Alert 2 RF Detector
This bug detector weighs 4.3 ounces and has dimensions of 6.8 x 3.6 x 3.4 inches. It is a pocket size detector which allows you to be more discreet as it can pass for a cute white cube.
The beeping tone becomes frequent as you move closer to the transmitter and transitions to a solid consistent tone if you get very close.
Pros
- Its micro design offers easy transportation.
- It can store charge for 3 years attributed to its low-consumption drain.
- It can detect bugs in network-heavy zones.
- It uses a 3-volt battery that can easily be found in any hardware.
Cons
- It does not have many features as other bug detectors.
5. LawMate RD-10 Portable RF and Hidden Camera Detector
This device weighs 4.8 ounces and has dimensions 6 x 4.9 x 1.9 inches. LawMate supplies products to the FBI, CIA and high-performance specialists.
It has a dual navigation structure of a laser LED and radio frequency. It has a frequency detection range of 20MHz-6GHz and a built-in vibration mode for further discretion.
Pros
- It can spot non-active hidden cameras using the six separate LED lights.
- It is great for detecting sophisticated bugs.
- It can prevent false positive alerts when conducting a sweep using its extendable antenna.
- It is affordable considering the great value.
- It is easy to transport as the antenna is retractable.
Cons
- It is unable to track other types of transmitters like GPS trackers.
6. T8000 Wireless Bug Detector
It is one of the most advanced bug detectors weighing 4.2 ounces with dimensions of 6.7 x 3.9 x 2 inches. It has a frequency range of 1MHz-8000MHz.
It easily detects hidden cameras and can track CDMA waves.
Pros
- The bug detector’s outward design makes it user-friendly and unique.
- It has double antennas that can be unscrewed during transportation.
- It can track a wider variety of transmitters including microwaves, GPS trackers and CDMA waves.
- It has a signal-strength indicator that is colorful making it easy to read.
Cons
- It does not support the red-laser lens detection technology.
7. Spy-MAX Law-Grade ProMax GPS Tracker Detector
This device has a user-friendly interface with a display control panel that has 8 LED signal-strength readings.
It is specifically designed to detect all kinds of GPS trackers and can as well track other transmissions like spy cameras, mobile phone bugs, microphone bugs etc.
It has dimensions of 4.6 x 2.8 x 1.3 inches and weighs 10.1 ounces.
Pros
- The package includes 4 AAA batteries.
- It has a vibration-detection mode in case one has impaired hearing or needs to be discreet.
- The settings are displayed with bright lights meaning it can be used in the dark.
- The antennas are retractable when not in use preventing possible damage.
Cons
- It is slightly more costly than the average bug detectors.
8. Lawmate CDLM10 Wireless and Wired Camera and RF Detector
This device weighs 5.6 ounces with dimensions of 6.2 x 5 x 1.9 inches. It features a dual navigation system which is high-performance consisting of laser LED and radio frequency. It can cover a navigation of 20HMz -6GHz.
Pros
- It has a built-in vibration mode.
- It comes with an exceptional sensitivity antenna that can be folded allowing for easy transportation.
- Its small size allows for discretion and easy transportation.
- It is affordable when compared to other bug detectors.
Cons
- It may not effectively track sophisticated or professional spy cameras.
9. Eilimy G319 Anti-Spy Wireless RF Signal Detector
This device is effective in helping you detect various signal transmissions from devices like GPS trackers, hidden cameras, digital recorders, audio bugs etc. It is suitable for offices, hotels, confidential meetings, homes, cars and other areas where privacy can be breached.
It has dimensions of 6.5 x 3.7 x2.3 inches and weighs 4.2 ounces. It has receive-frequency range of 1MHz-8000MHz and a current consumption of 60mA.
Pros
- It has a lifetime warranty.
- It features a built-in lithium battery of 3.7V 1500mAH.
- It has 9 levels LED indicator alarm modes.
- It allows for 15-25 hours of battery use.
Cons
- The instructions for use are not very clear but you can eventually figure it out.
10. JMDHKK K18 RF Detector & Camera Finder
It weighs 150g with dimensions of 117 x 56 x 20 mm. It has a frequency range of 1MHz-8000MHz and a detection range of 73dB. It uses a built-in polymer lithium battery of 3.7V 100mA that takes about 2.5 hours to fully charge and can last up to 5 hours.
Pros
- It is easy to carry and operate.
- It uses vibrations, light and sounds to alert the users to hidden bugs.
- It has the ability to detect magnetic fields, wireless or wired cameras and radio waves.
- It can detect GPS trackers and phone SIM card bugs (2G, 3G, 4G).
- It comes with a lifetime warranty.
Cons
- It is slightly difficult to figure out how to use it.
How to choose the best RF bug detector
While selecting your best RF bug detector, there are a number of factors you need to consider:
Discreetness of Device
If you need to be inconspicuous while carrying a bug detector, you need to choose one that has earphone support, vibration mode and a retractable antenna. These features assist you to have a private sweep.
Red-Light Filtering
Some cameras shut down and cannot emit signals hence remaining undetectable. You will want to go for a bug detector that has red-light laser. Cameras that don’t send frequencies emit glares under a red light detector.
Purpose
Most entry-level bug detectors are meant for private use. However, if you are a professional, you will need to invest in sophisticated bugs that are designed with frequency and sensitivity as a priority.
Two Devices
You can opt to have two bug detectors; one that tracks radio frequencies and another that has the red-light laser for cameras that are inactive.
Power Supply
You should go for bug detectors that are powered by common batteries to allow a quick recharge.
Ability to track other devices: Go for bug detectors that can detect a wider variety of bugs like GPS trackers, mobile phones, CDMA or audio bugs.
Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
What is an RF bug detector?
It is a device that has the ability to spot and/or disarm electronic spy equipment like GPS trackers, microphones, cameras, etc. Military counter-intelligence firms, law enforcement agencies and ordinary individuals who suspect they are probably being spied on use bug detectors.
How can you check if your home or office is bugged?
You can use a handheld FM radio and tune it up to any frequency that is “quiet”. Walk around the house or office and if you hear a high-pitched sound, it is an indication of a bug installed somewhere.
Can you use an RF bug detector in hotels or in spaces with other wireless routers?
The effectiveness can be compromised depending on the level of sophistication of the bug detector. But it is advisable that you switch off any mobile phone and wireless router so as to avoid false interpretation.
How does an RF bug detector detect a hidden camera?
There are two methods of detection. The first one is the infrared viewfinder method with an LED flashing light; which is the most effective as it can detect cameras that are wired or wireless or on/off.
The second method is wireless transmission detection which does not track inactive cameras.
Conclusion
Having gone through our list of the 10 best RF bug detectors in the market today, you can easily select one of the brands based on your purpose for it.
You could be motivated by a creepy ex-partner, a business competitor, nosy neighbors, or you have a court case – whatever your reason, you can now acquire the best bug detector for your privacy and safety.
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