Spy microphones have grown in popularity. Gone are the days they were the exclusive properties of top detectives in Hollywood movies. They are now used by the everyday individual for so many different purposes. From investigative journalists that are trying to get to the bottom of unsolved mystery to a new employee trying to capture everything said during weekly briefings, there is no limit to the application of secretive audio listening devices. People from all walks of life are finding them very useful for different reasons.
If you are looking for top quality spy microphones, you are at the right place. Here, we will review the top ten best spy microphones on the market.
Top 10 Best Spy Microphones
1. Zoom ZH1 H1
This is an ultra-compact digital recorder that can be slipped into the pocket with ease and used to capture top quality audio in different situations. If features a reliable built-in stereo X/Y microphone, audio level control, and a low cut filter. It is a very versatile best-selling spy device that can also serve as the perfect recorder for interviews, live concerts, seminars, and band rehearsal.
This portable recorder can hold its ground against any other product in terms of design and performance. There are actually two matched, unidirectional microphones that are set at a 90-degrees angle to capture the most sound. It also features a line/headphones output that can be used to connect other equipment like DSRL if you wish. You will get a 2GB of storage when you purchase but this can easily be expanded up to 32GB. It is powered by a single rechargeable battery that can last 10 straight hours of recording after a full charge. If you can pay the price, this is a perfect spy microphone.
2. Olympus ME-52W
This is a great option for individuals that want to record top quality audio in a noisy environment and in a stealthy manner. It plugs directly into a digital recorder’s 3.5mm microphone jack to offer top quality unidirectional recording. It can effectively cut down on the background noise to ensure more accurate transcription. It is well made with lightweight and durable plastic body that looks quite sleek.
The best thing about this spy microphone is the fact that it can capture clear audio in very noisy environment. It comes with a 3.3-foot extension cord that makes placement easier. It also includes a windscreen cover and a convenient tie-clip. Another attractive thing is the price: it is one of the most affordable spy microphones you can get anywhere.
3. Lgsixe Voice Recorder
This looks like a regular USB drive but do not be deceived: it can be the perfect audio recorder when you don’t want anyone to have an idea that you are recording. It is designed with a simple On-Off switch to operate. There is no markings at all indicating that it is a recorder but it will never disappoint in the ideal environment. You can record for as long as 15 hours at a particular time. Charging this device is also very simple. All you need to do is plug it into any USB port in your computer; no need of charging cables.
This USB device is a very versatile voice recorder that can be used in most environments. It is perfect for conferences, sermons, concerts, training sessions, telephone conversations, agreement negotiations and more. It is not perfect for noisy environments, however.
4. FILDANCO Voice Recorder
This is a portable rechargeable Dictaphone recorder that can be your best friend when you don’t want anyone to know that you are recording an event. It has a very attractive design in a highly polished aluminum case. It is sturdy but light enough to be carried comfortably in your pocket, briefcase, bag, or purse. It features two dedicated 1536 kbps microphones that ensure top quality voice recording. It also features innovative noise reduction technology to make recording clearer even in noisy environment.
This portable device offers 8GB of storage which will allow you store up to 560 hours of audio recordings. It comes with a built-in high capacity rechargeable battery that can offer more than 10 hours of continuous recording after full charge. It also offers playback via the integrated MP3 or you listen to the recorded file by connecting to your PC.
5. Sony ICDUX560BLK
Sony is known for top quality products and this is not an exception. It is a well-designed hidden audio recorder that can easily fit into a pocket or on your belt. It comes with a built-in high performance stereo microphone and voice operated recording. It offers three recording options including normal; wide/stereo; and narrow/focus.
This Sony spy digital recorder has a detailed LCD display screen that you can use when you feel like. When you want to record stealthily, the voice activation function will be helpful. You have different options when it comes to listening back to what you have recorded: you can listen through the built-in speaker or through the headphone jack. You can also connect it to a PC or Mac with ease through the USB output. It has a 4GB of internal memory but can be expanded with a Micro SD card.
6. Sony ECM-CS3
This is another product from Sony that we can’t just ignore in this list. It is a clip-on microphone from the industry heavyweight that can be used for secret recording while leaving your hands free. One of the outstanding things about this little device is the fact that the microphone can be rotated for omnidirectional recording. It gives you the opportunity to adapt to different situations in an environment and get good audio recording.
As the name suggests, this can be perfect when there is no need to hide your microphone. You can use it in a business setting and training sessions. It has a cord that is just the length of your regular earphone, letting you clip it in your collar and reach inside your pocket. It will work with android and apple smartphones and can equally connected to a laptop through a 3.5mm microphone jack.
7. Sony ICD-PX370
This is a top-quality audio recorder that is perfectly built to serve as a spy microphone and also be used in different settings where superior recording quality is required. It features powerful double sensitive microphone system with dynamic noise reduction. This means it can be used for superior recording even in a noisy environment. If features one touch operation; there is a record button you can simply click to start recording and avoid missing any important moment. It also offers voice activated recording, meaning you can set it and leave it to start recording once sound is detected.
This powerful audio recorder has a 1.5 inch LCD screen that you can use when it is convenient; when it is not convenient, voice activated recording is always there for the rescue. It comes with an 4GB internal memory that can allow you store up to 57 hours of recording.
8. EVISTR L157
This is a reliable sleek audio recorder that can serve you in a number of situations. It is a mini recorder with playback option and so many important features that will make using it quite enjoyable for anyone. You are certain of consistent top quality recording, thanks to the inbuilt dynamic noise cancellation microphone that captures 1536kpbs crystal clear audio. There is an intelligent Voice Activated Record function that will ignore low decibel talking and pick up when major sound is detected. This can reduce blank and whispering snippet in your recording.
There are several incredible features that make this a top product. It offers simple operation with REC and STOP buttons. It also offers easy file management that even helps you remember when a particular file was recorded. There is also a built-in mp3 player that allows you to listen to music and your recorded files. It contains an 8GB internal memory that can store over 100 hours of recorded audio. The USB rechargeable battery is strong, offering 16 hours of continuous recording after a full charge.
9. WJLING TXT-99
This is a tastefully designed recorder that looks like a fancy USB drive. It can be the perfect device when you want to record conversations discreetly. In addition to the impressive design, it has several features that make using it very interesting. Top quality built-in microphones with dynamic noise reduction technology ensures crystal clear audio recording. The microphones are also ultra-sensitive, allowing you to record even if you are up to 40-ft away.
Other impressive features that can draw anyone to this device include the ability to transcribe recorded voice to text through the App, a built-in speaker, different record formats, A-B repeat function, and one key operation to switch from recording to MP3 player. It comes with 8GB memory that can store up to 150 hours of recordings. The battery capacity is also impressive; it can offer 11 hours of continuous recording and 16 hours audio playback. The pack comes with the recorder, USB cable, Micro data cable, Type C data cable, earphone, and English manual.
10. Homder TF-30
This is another specially designed digital recorder that can serve you in different situations. Its sleek design may be the first thing that will attract you to it but you will soon fall in love with the features once you start using it. The menu setting gives you the opportunity to set your password to protect anything you record. It has built-in dual microphone that ensures stereo HD-Audio recording. There is also an MP3 player for natural sound when you listen with a good earphone.
Some other impressive features you can get with this digital voice recorder include A-B repeat, timed recording, recording monitor, timestamp function, fast forward and rewind, as well as Voice Activated Recording. It comes with 8G internal memory that can store up to 580 hours of audio files (it is also expandable to 72GB). The rechargeable battery is also strong, offering 12+ hours of recording after a full charge.
Buyer’s Guide
There are definitely lots of other manufacturers of spy microphones and digital audio recorders out there. Choosing a suitable product, even from the ones we have reviewed, can be very difficult. This section is meant to guide you on the things to look out for in order to make a good purchase.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Spy Microphone
There are some key factors that will determine how useful a particular product will be to you. For spy microphones and secret audio recorders, here are the most important factors you must consider:
Your Specific Need
There are different reasons people from all walks of life buy spy microphones and digital audio recorders. An investigative journalist will not need the kind of voice recorder a student that just want to record lessons will need. Your specific need is the first thing you must consider when searching for spy microphones. The importance of discreetness must be considered too. If you are going to record stealthily, ensure that the one you buy can easily be concealed and work perfectly when hidden.
The Environment You Will Use the Device
This is quite related to the first point but different in a way. Not all wonderful spy microphones can pick up the main sound in a noisy environment. It is important, therefore, that you choose a device that has noise reduction technology when you know you will use it in noisy environments. This will help to reduce the background noise and pick the main sound always.
Storage Capacity
This is very important for everyone. It is important to buy audio recorder that has enough memory space to store all that you will need to record. If you need it for very small projects, memory space may not be an issue but if you need to store so many of your recorded files, then you must consider the memory space before buying any hidden voice recorder or spy microphone.
Battery Capacity
You wouldn’t want your spy microphone to go off in the middle of important recording. Whatever you need the device for, battery capacity is very important. Most good models in the market come with rechargeable batteries that can last for several hours after a single charge. Ensure that the one you buy can serve you for several hours whether you are recording or listening to what you have recorded.
Final Thoughts
Spy microphones and other secretive gadgets has come to stay. Public usage is becoming more popular by the day and you should certainly get a good one if you need it. We have reviewed the top ten products on the market now and provided links to get them. We have also discussed the key considerations you must make in order to pick the right one for you. There are additional features you may consider after the key issues. Choose carefully so that you will enjoy your purchase.