Best RF Bug Detector in 2022

Table of Contents

What is an RF bug detector?

An RF or electronic bug is commonly used for acquiring secret information. A bug is a combination of a radio transmitter and a microphone or video camera. The microphone or video camera listens to and records sensitive conversations while the radio transmitter sends that information out. RF detectors are able to ‘catch’ the transmitted signal.

Bugging can be performed through a variety of devices such as mobile phones, hidden cameras, Wi-Fi routers, and Bluetooth devices, etc. An RF bug detector can accurately sense these devices and protect your privacy to give you a more secure environment.

Best RF bug detector – Defcon PROTECT 1206i

After extensively researching RF bug detectors, we think Protect 1207i is the best RF detector available on the market today. This exceptional instrument can detect many types of wireless protocols with high accuracy. With the largest available frequency range of 50 MHz to 12 GHz, this is a perfect counter-surveillance device. It is easy to handle with a portable design that can be used for locating different wireless sources.

The Protect 1207i accurate detection of all wireless sources such as CDMA, GSM, WCDMA, 3G, 4G, GPS trackers, and also low power transmissions like Bluetooth. This is the best RF bug detector due to its ability to detect low power transmissions with a continuous frequency range from 50 MHz all the way up to 12000 MHz which is the highest frequency range in the market in this type of device. The detection distance is up to 10 m. This easy to use device has 16 segment bar graph with a large dynamic range for showing the amplitude. This enables precise location of RF sources. Four alert modes including silent, vibration, visual and listen mode with two levels of sensitivity are available in the device.  It has a very durable metal body with control dependent on a microprocessor.

An added bonus is the Correlation function that enables discovery of hidden FM-transmitters. The dual antenna feature of the Protect 1207i is another excellent addition providing the ability to detect ISM band signals with higher accuracy.

This portable device has a good detection range of 30 feet. It works on two AAA batteries. It has long operation time of up to 20 hours which makes it an ideal choice for dedicated bug hunting assignments and emergencies.

Flaws but not a deal-breaker

This multi-frequency RF detector is not the cheapest product on the market. However, the price is reasonable when you consider the high quality of the hardware and the overall product features.

Most users find it compact, precise, and easy to use which makes it the best bug detector available in the market.

Runner UpKorkuan Anti Spy Detector

We think Korkuan detector is the Runner up in the list of RF detectors due to its ability to detect bugging devices like spying phones, hidden cameras, and GPS locators.

This instrument provides effective protection for your privacy due to its artificial intelligence mode. The artificial intelligence model can automatically classify risky signals. This RF detector has an ultra-sensitive chip. You can also adjust the level of sensitivity according to your demand with an adjustable knob.

Another plus of the Korkuan detector is an upgraded laser lens which makes easy identification of hidden pinhole camera. It can also precisely locate the signal source with accurately recognize the position of audio bugs and GPS tracking device This. the device uses one Lithium-ion battery for power supply.

K-68 microchip is used in the Korkuan detector which helps discovery of both RF and magnetic field equipment. It has a competitive price with very advanced technology.

Pros

  • Portable and easy to handle.
  • The artificial intelligence model ensures higher security. Many users find this feature very useful in finding spying devices.
  • Most users have purchased this device due to its wide range of functionality at a reasonable price. Multiple bug detection methods in one device are very hard to find.

Cons

  • Users have to turn off all known electronics to reduce false positive for bug detection.
  • Some users may find the instruction manual a bit unclear. Detailed step-by-step instructions are missing in the manual.
  • Some users find the detection of the magnetic field a bit hard. The device has to be very close to the magnet for its detection.

Best Budget Pick – HOHOPROV RF Signal Detector

The HOHOPROV RF Signal Detector is a very versatile device with five detection modes including laser detection mode, vibration detection mode, beep detection mode, LED display detection mode, and headset mode. This portable device is able to detect telephone bugs, GPS, hidden cameras, and vehicle eavesdropping at an affordable and economical price. It has a working time of 5 to 6 hours. The HOHOPROV RF Signal Detector is the best economical choice for anyone venturing into the counter-surveillance gadgets market.

Pros

  • This device is economical and affordable.
  • This device can detect many sources at an affordable price

Cons

  • It is not very accurate and reliable according to a few users but its affordability makes it an attractive choice for many customers.
  • It has only 5 to 6 hours working time which makes it not a good option for emergencies.

Notable ContenderEoqo-RF Bug Detector

The Eoqo-RF Bug Detector wireless detector is a well designed instrument. It can detect CDMA, WiFi signal, and SIM card bugs, hidden camera, and GPS trackers.  This instrument has a dual band high gain antenna which enables performance enhancement.

The Eoqo-RF Bug Detector can detect wireless sources within the frequency range of 1 MHz to 6.5 GHz. The sound of alarm will be louder according to the proximity of the suspicious signal. It has a long working time of 15 hours. It has also nine levels of LED indication with variable tone indication mode. It has a built-in poly lithium battery for power supply.

Notable Contender – Bug Hunter Expert Professional BH-03

The BH-03 bug detector features a very powerful feature set in a small package.

The BH-03 detects transmitters operating in frequency bands used by nearly all spy devices. For instance it detects GPRS, EDGE, 3G/4G, DECT, Bluetooth, WLAN, GPS and Wi-Fi. A distinguishing feature of this device is that it has a large dynamic range to allow for signal amplitude differences up to 70 dB. As a result it can detect transmitters with very weak signals and those with high power simultaneously. 

The BH-03 includes a frequency meter that lets you instantly locate and identify different types of spy devices. It allows you to locate a bug by playing a beeping sound to tell you when you’re getting closer. A useful feature is the ability to exclude unnecessary known positives signals that might be emitted from your phone.

Customer feedback on this product has been positive with users commenting on the high quality of the physical engineering design and software feature set.

Our Research Methodology

We surveyed a wide range of RF bug detectors. The main criteria we selected for choosing our top pick are frequency range, accuracy, ease of use, cost, and battery life.

Frequency Range

A bug is detected by the virtue of its emitted frequency. A good bug detector must be able to pick up a wide range of frequencies.

Accuracy

The accuracy of the RF detector is dependent upon its sensitivity and dynamic range of the electronics. A good RF detector must be able to detect the faintest signal being emitted amidst strong ones.

Ease of use

Ease of use, and portability is one of the key points for the selection of any RF detector. The user must be able to easily use the instrument.

Cost

Cost is a big one obviously and it determines accessibility.

Battery life

Long battery life is extremely helpful in assignments in challenging environments that might take longer and emergencies as well.

Summary

Unwanted surveillance is now becoming a constant threat to people. Sensitive areas such as hotels, offices, dressing rooms and Airbnbs can be easily bugged with cheap surveillance devices. It is important to protect yourself from unwanted spying and eavesdropping to ensure your privacy. We have surveyed and studied many different products and we offer you our recommendations for the best instrument.

In summary, we found:

Mailing List