In today’s world, keeping your conversations private is important. RF bug detectors can help you find hidden cameras and listening devices. We’ve reviewed a range of these detectors to help you pick one. Our guide will show you which ones are easy to use, effective, and affordable. This way, you can make sure your private spaces stay private.
A quick overview of our top picks before we dive into the detailed reviews:
- Best RF bug detector – Defcon PROTECT 1206i
- Runner Up – Korkuan Anti Spy Detector
- Best Budget Pick – Selowea Hidden Camera Detector
- Compact and Well-Designed – Navfalcon RF Detector
- Notable Contender – Bug Hunter Expert Professional BH-03
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
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 Up – Korkuan 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 – Selowea Hidden Camera Detector
The Selowea Hidden Camera Detector is a very versatile device that functions as a
- Hidden Camera Detector
- Spy Camera Detector
- Bug Detector
- RF Detector
- GPS Tracker Detector
- Bug Sweeper Detector
- Listening Device Detector
at an affordable and economical price.
Pros
- Economical and affordable
- Can detect many sources at an affordable price
Cons
- It is not very accurate and reliable according to a few users
This is a relatively new addition to the bug hunting world. At a fraction of the cost of most products with this capability, it offers capability to detect:
- Hidden Cameras: Take this with you on vacation to find cameras in AirBnBs
- RF bugs and transmitters: Examples are transmitting camera, GPS tracker,Wireless audio bug
- Magnetic Field Detection: Finds magnetic fields that are generated by GPS trackers.
- Night vision camera Detection: Find Hidden cameras with night vision
Pros
- Cost-effective
- Portable
Cons
- Customers have reported false negatives
- Difficult to use
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.
What is a RF Bug?
A Radio Frequency 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.
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.
Note
We recommend testing the product you purchase within the 30 day return window to ensure that it meets your requirements. One way to test a product is to see if it detects known transmitters. Examples are your cell phone, Ring device, etc.
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:
- Best RF bug detector – Defcon PROTECT 1206i
- Runner Up – Korkuan Anti Spy Detector
- Best Budget Pick – Selowea Hidden Camera Detector
- Compact and Well-Designed – Navfalcon RF Detector
- Notable Contender – Bug Hunter Expert Professional BH-03
