The best fake security cameras keep intruders and bad elements at bay, while costing little and being super-easy to install.
Yes, people might suspect they're not real. But most of those who are out to commit crimes, stir up trouble and otherwise make a nuisance of themselves go for the easy option. So fake CCTV cameras, aka dummy cameras, really do work in keeping them at bay.
You might think we at Digital Camera World would be against cameras that don’t actually work. But in this case, they actually do work, in terms of deterring criminal behavior and encouraging troublemakers to move on from outside your home. Plus, even if you install a real camera, too (which you might need for insurance purposes), having multiple cameras on your premises – some real, some fake – just adds to the level of deterrence.
To help you pick the right one, we've selected the best dummy CCTV cameras available today.
Adam has been obsessed with looking at cameras and gadgets for his whole life, and has developed a deep knowledge of special-purpose cameras, including PTZ cameras, webcams and action cams. (He's also our drone expert, and has written several bestselling books including The Drone Pilot's Handbook).
The Quick List
This dome-style design can go indoors or outdoors, with a fixed-angle fake lens that gives the impression of covering a wide area. Read more below…
The fake detailing on this dummy includes night-vision lights, cabling and shielding, but the solar panel to top up the battery is real. Read more below…
With an array of 30 lights that glow red at night to suggest night vision, this fake camera is in your face when it comes to deterrence. Read more below…
Halfway between real and fake, this camera has a motion sensor that triggers bright floodlights, plus a solar panel to charge the battery. Read more below…
With a night-time LED warning light and an adjustable ‘camera’ angle, this is one of the cheapest ways to deter would-be intruders. Read more below…
Best fake security cameras in 2024
Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.
Best fake security camera overall
Striking an effective balance between discrete and discreet, this black dome-style fake camera can be placed indoors and out, where it’ll stand out just enough from a white ceiling or porch. It's cheap and not designed for those who change their mind frequently: removing the battery is the only way to disable the blinking light. On the other hand, the screw fitting is easy to twist on and off from your chosen location, which balances out pretty well.
From the intruder’s perspective, it looks convincing, though sadly you cannot angle the fake camera lens down: it points at 45 degrees, and that’s that. Given that it will be positioned to emulate wide-angled real equivalents, though, that shouldn’t be a problem. The only thing which might give away its inauthenticity is the LED which, if seen during the first couple of weeks of its battery cycle, blinks so brightly (every five seconds) the reflection would spoil the video... if there were any!
Best fake security camera for maintenance
There are many prospective criminals who decide to look elsewhere on seeing a blinking light – why take the risk? – but for many fake cameras this is a powered feature which nudges them one step closer to the effort and cost of maintenance associated with a real CCTV camera. The AlfaView has a better solution, with no apparent compromise: a solar panel which can top up the charge of AA batteries, which keep the red LED blinking every three seconds.
You will need to supply your own Ni-Cad rechargeable, but at least this will be less frequent than with other light-blinking options. In terms of putting off unwelcome visitors, the blinking light is behind the main glass – weirder here than with a dome – but the presence of fake infra-red lights and lens shielding looks convincing.
The bracket and adjustable position make it easy to place on the corner of a structure, so it won’t be missed and still appear to be monitoring your chosen spot. Even at close examination, the fake cable run and shielding are convincing. Perhaps the only aspect which would make me ponder its verisimilitude is the label ‘Security Camera’, where one might expect a real brand.
Best fake security camera for night-time protection
When it comes to visible deterrence, this design – with its array of 30 red LEDs – is very effective. See it at night and it feels like someone is using night vision to monitor you... and not at all discreetly!
The top cover slides back to reveal the battery compartment. This in turn is covered by an extra piece of plastic which is flimsy but serves only to prevent any moisture draining the wrong way.
Standard AAs will likely only last a month, though, because of the extra lights. And, like some other cameras in this category, the branding is somewhat suspect. Having said that, who’s really going to examine the side close-up, given the light’s deterrent effect is visible from some distance?
Best fake security camera with floodlight
One potential problem with fake security cameras is that people might not spot them, especially at night. That's why this model comes with 800 lumen floodlights, which are motion-triggered and simply can't be ignored. When someone passes the detection range (28-32 feet) at night, the light will automatically turn on and continue to illuminate for 20 seconds. The high-conversion efficiency solar panel and 2600mAh large-capacity battery ensure that the simulated camera can charge and work normally in any weather and light.
Best budget fake security camera
Available in various affordable multi-packs, starting from a set of two, the BNT Dummy does a reasonable job of imitating a real security camera at a surprisingly low price. Two axes of adjustment mean you can set it to point at a convincing angle for the area it’s ‘covering’, and a light sensor means the single red LED warning light only activates at night. Waterproofing is IP65-rated.
Each unit runs on two AA batteries, which makes setup easy, but does mean you’ll have to get up on a ladder to replace the batteries periodically; the manufacturer says each set should last for up to six months.
Alternatives to fake security cameras
An alternative to buying a dummy camera is to buy a modestly-priced camera and then simply not connect it to anything. A real camera which isn’t powered up is just an effective deterrent to most who see it, and it still leaves you the option of connecting it later. Or go for a camera which isn’t recording to a pricey recorder all the time, but gives you the option of doing a little surveillance via a device you already have and a phone app. This, in turn, brings the option of immediately responding to any intruders via two-way audio (or asking your partner to get the milk as you see them going to the garage).
We've covered the best outdoor security cameras and best indoor security cameras elsewhere.
