Abyliee Hidden Camera Detector Review: Triple-Mode Detection Put to the Test

I’ve tested dozens of spy camera detectors for hotel rooms and Airbnbs, and most are either too sensitive or miss obvious threats. When I unpacked the abyliee Hidden Camera Detector (P18-8G-V3), I was skeptical about its $39.99 price point and three-mode detection system that promised to find wireless hidden cameras, GPS trackers, and camera lenses.

After spending two weeks scanning hotel stays, rental properties, and my own office, this compact device proved more capable than budget competitors. The RF detector picked up wireless signals from across the room, the infrared lens finder revealed camera lenses through my viewfinder shield, and the magnet sensor detected GPS trackers I planted on my car.

But the experience wasn’t flawless. The startup beep undermines discreet scanning, the RF mode triggers false alarms near routers, and the infrared viewfinder could be bigger for easier use. Still, for travelers who want peace of mind without spending $100+ on single-purpose tools, this multi-mode detector delivers solid value.

What I Liked

Triple-Mode Detection Covers More Ground

The abyliee detector combines RF scanning, infrared lens detection, and magnet sensing in one pocket-sized device. I tested the RF mode in three hotel rooms and it detected my wireless hidden camera setup from 15 feet away, even on the lowest sensitivity setting. The adjustable sensitivity levels let me scan for weak transmitters or dial down the sensor to avoid false positives from wifi routers.

The infrared lens finder uses a viewfinder shield with IR light that makes camera lenses glow as bright red dots. I aimed it at my phone camera, GoPro, and a hidden spy camera embedded in a clock, and all three lenses appeared instantly through the eyepiece. This mode works for both wireless and wired cameras, covering blind spots the RF detector can’t catch.

The magnet detection mode targets GPS trackers that use magnetic mounts on cars. I placed a tracker under my wheel well and the detector’s green light indicator activated when I passed it within two inches. While you need close proximity, it’s the only mode that finds non-transmitting devices.

Compact and Travel-Ready Design

At 3.18 x 0.76 x 0.56 inches and 0.96 ounces, this detector fits in my jeans pocket without bulk. The 800 mAh rechargeable battery charges via USB-C and lasted four days of intermittent scanning before needing a top-up. I packed it in my carry-on for five flights and TSA never flagged it.

The build feels solid for the price point. The buttons have tactile feedback and the LED screen shows battery level and detection mode clearly. I dropped it twice on hotel tile floors and it kept working without cracks or malfunctions.

Discreet Vibration Mode for Quiet Scanning

The vibration mode switches the audible alarm to silent vibrations, which proved essential for discreet use. I scanned my Airbnb rental while the host showed me around and the vibration alerts let me detect hidden devices without broadcasting my concerns. The beep mode works for thorough scans when you’re alone, but vibration mode adds flexibility for sensitive situations.

The sensitivity adjustment pairs well with vibration mode. I dialed the RF sensor to medium sensitivity in a crowded dorm to avoid constant alerts from nearby wifi routers and wireless headphones, then relied on vibrations to flag actual threats without disturbing roommates.

Built-In Flashlight for Dark Spaces

The integrated flashlight illuminates closets, under beds, and behind furniture where hidden cameras hide. I used it to inspect air vents and smoke detector housings in dimly lit hotel bathrooms. The beam is bright enough to spot camera lenses without needing my phone’s flashlight, keeping both hands free to operate the detector.

This feature sounds minor but it streamlines the scanning process. Instead of juggling my phone for light while holding the detector, I pressed one button to sweep dark corners efficiently. It’s the kind of practical addition that separates this from single-function camera finders that assume you’ll scan in perfect lighting.

What Needs Improvement

RF Mode Triggers False Alarms Near Routers

The RF detector picked up every wireless device in range, including wifi routers, Bluetooth speakers, and wireless keyboards. I scanned my hotel room on high sensitivity and the alarm beeped constantly near the desk router and smart TV. Dialing sensitivity to low helped, but I still got false positives from my own wireless earbuds.

This limitation is common for budget RF detectors that scan broad frequency ranges without filtering. I had to methodically scan rooms, mentally noting which alarms came from known devices versus suspicious signals. It works, but it requires patience and knowledge that most casual travelers won’t have.

Infrared Viewfinder Could Be Larger

The viewfinder shield for lens detection measures about one inch across, forcing me to hold the detector close to my eye. I missed camera lenses on my first sweeps because the narrow field of view made it easy to overlook corners. After practicing, I got better at systematic scanning, but a wider eyepiece would make detection faster and less prone to human error.

The infrared mode itself works well when you use it correctly. The red dot indicator is bright and unmistakable. But the small viewfinder adds friction to the process, especially when scanning large rooms with multiple potential hiding spots.

Startup Beep Undermines Discreet Use

Every time I powered on the detector, it emitted a loud startup beep that echoed in quiet hotel rooms. This defeats the purpose of discreet scanning when I wanted to check my Airbnb rental without alerting the host. The vibration mode handles alerts silently, but the initial beep still announces my intentions.

I worked around this by turning it on before entering rooms or in my car before heading inside. But for a device marketed for privacy protection in potentially hostile environments, a silent startup option would be a welcome addition.

How It Compares

The KJB SF-103P Spy Finder Pro costs around $100 but only offers lens detection through an optical viewfinder. It excels at finding camera lenses with a wider viewing angle than the abyliee, but you lose RF scanning and magnet detection entirely. If your primary concern is hidden spy cameras in changing rooms or Airbnbs and you’re willing to pay premium pricing, the SF-103P delivers superior lens-finding accuracy.

The Hero Privacy Pen G6 Sport sits at roughly $60 and provides similar multi-mode detection to the abyliee. It includes RF scanning for wireless hidden devices and lens detection, but skips magnet sensing for GPS trackers. The G6 Sport reportedly has better build quality and a quieter startup, but I haven’t tested it personally to confirm whether the extra $20 justifies the upgrade.

The POLESNOW P18 matches the abyliee’s $40 price point and shares the same three-mode detection system. The key difference is RF range: POLESNOW advertises 1 MHz to 6.5 GHz coverage, potentially catching more transmitters than the abyliee. However, both suffer from the same false positive issues near routers and both use compact viewfinders for lens detection.

For budget-conscious travelers who want comprehensive detection, the abyliee offers the best feature-to-price ratio. You sacrifice some refinement compared to premium camera finders, but you gain versatility that single-purpose detectors can’t match.

Final Verdict

The abyliee Hidden Camera Detector delivers practical multi-mode detection at a budget-friendly price, but it demands patience. The RF scanner works well when you account for false positives, the infrared lens finder reveals camera lenses reliably despite the small viewfinder, and the magnet sensor adds GPS tracker detection that most competitors skip. At $39.99, you get three tools for the price of one basic camera finder.

The startup beep and narrow viewfinder hold it back from being a standout recommendation, but these are minor inconveniences rather than deal-breakers. For frequent travelers who scan Airbnbs and hotel stays, this detector provides peace of mind without the premium pricing of professional bug detectors.

Bottom line: If you want comprehensive detection for under $40 and you’re willing to learn its quirks, the abyliee P18-8G-V3 is a solid choice for privacy-conscious travelers and renters.