iSpyPen Pro X Review: How the Camera Pen Works, What It Records and the Recording Laws You Need to Know

Our verdict

Yes, if you want a discreet pen that records video and audio of your own interactions, and you know the recording laws where you live. The iSpyPen Pro X is a working ballpoint from a Tampa company that has made camera pens since 2016, with one-button recording, built-in storage and a one-year warranty, at $69.95. But its battery lasts about an hour, phone viewing needs an extra adapter, and secret audio recording is illegal in many places. The iSpyPen Pro X scores 5.3 out of 10, held back by confusing claims and legal risk.

The short version

• A working ballpoint pen with a hidden pinhole camera and microphone.
• Press and hold for two seconds to record; click to stop.
• Battery: 60 to 75 minutes per charge; up to 3 hours with the battery pack sold at checkout.
• Built-in storage of about 3 hours; the product image shows 16GB.
• Twist off the cap to reveal a USB connector for computers; phones need an adapter.
• $69.95 on 4 October 2026; $139.90 for three and $209.85 for five.
• One-year warranty and 30-day money-back guarantee.
• Best trait: genuinely discreet, simple recording.
• Biggest drawback: the law, not the gadget, decides when you can use it.
• Our score: 5.3 out of 10.

Pros & cons

The iSpyPen Pro X is a real product from a real company. The cons are about specifications, accessories and the legal side of covert recording.

How it works

Camera pens hide a tiny pinhole lens and microphone in the body of a pen, with a small battery and memory chip inside. The iSpyPen Pro X puts the lens in the textured pattern on the barrel, where owners say it is barely noticeable.

1. 01

   Charge it and press to record

   Step 1: Charge the pen through its USB connector until the light turns solid blue. Press and hold the button for about two seconds until the blue light blinks twice; the pen is now recording video and audio.

2. 02

   Click to stop

   Step 2: Click the button once to stop recording. Recording also stops if the battery runs out. There is no visible light while it records, which is what makes it discreet.

3. 03

   Twist off the cap and plug in

   Step 3: Twist off the top half to reveal a USB connector, plug it into a computer and open the files like a flash drive. Phones and tablets need the adapter sold separately.

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  The brand's 40 ft audio range graphic

• 

  The pen separates to reveal its USB connector

The recording button

The FAQ explains the controls: hold the button for about two seconds until the blue light blinks twice, and the pen starts recording. A single click stops it. One owner on the page explains why that suits discreet use: there is no recording light once it starts, and if you are unsure whether it is on, you can press and hold again.

The storage and USB connector

Recordings go to built-in storage. Twisting off the top of the pen reveals a USB connector, so the pen plugs straight into a computer like a flash drive. The page says it holds about 3 hours of footage. The product image shows 16GB, and earlier iSpyPen Pro models were advertised with 1080p video in AVI format.

The battery

The FAQ says the rechargeable lithium-ion battery records for 60 to 75 minutes. An extension cable and portable battery, sold at checkout, let you record while charging for up to 3 hours. The indicator light shows red while charging and blue when full.

What it records

The page claims 2K HD video, timestamps if you enable them, and audio up to 40 feet away. A pinhole lens on a pen faces wherever the pen points, so framing depends on how you hold or clip it.

Inside a camera pen

A camera pen packs a lot into a small tube: a lens about the size of a pinhead, an image sensor, a microphone, a circuit board with a memory chip, a small rechargeable battery and the ink refill. Because space is tight, the battery is small and the lens has a fixed focus and a narrow field of view compared with a phone. Video is compressed to fit more on the memory chip. These are the trade-offs of the format, not faults of any one brand.

How 2K compares

"2K" usually refers to a resolution of around 2,048 pixels wide, a little more than Full HD (1,920 pixels wide). On a pinhole camera, the lens and sensor size limit sharpness more than the pixel count does, so a 2K pinhole camera may not look sharper than a good 1080p one. One of the brand's images shows a "2048 x 1080" overlay on a sample frame.

Who it's for

The iSpyPen Pro X suits people who want a discreet record of their own interactions in places and situations where that is lawful, such as documenting a meeting you are part of in a one-party consent state, or keeping a record of what you were told. It suits security professionals who use it within the law, and gadget fans who enjoy the James Bond appeal.

It does not suit anyone planning to record people secretly where consent is required, or to watch people in private places.

Why the iSpyPen Pro X appeals

Pulling out a phone to record can escalate a tense situation, and people behave differently when they know they are being filmed. A pen that records quietly avoids both problems. The Pro X looks like a smart executive pen rather than a gadget, comes in a presentation box, and writes normally, so it does not draw attention. The founder story, a student who started the company from his dorm room in 2016, adds a personal touch.

Why people want discreet recording

People give many reasons for wanting a hidden recorder: keeping an accurate record of what a landlord, contractor or official promised; protecting themselves from false accusations; documenting harassment; or simply never forgetting a detail from an important meeting. Some of these are best served by open recording or careful note-taking, which carry less legal risk and are often just as persuasive. A camera pen makes sense when openness is not practical and the law allows it.

A typical use

You clip the pen in your shirt pocket before a meeting, press and hold the button for two seconds, and see the light blink twice. You take part in the meeting as usual. Afterwards you click the button to stop, and later twist off the cap, plug the pen into your laptop and copy the file. Before doing any of this, you have checked that recording a conversation you are part of is legal where you are, and whether you need to tell the others.

Who gets the most value

People with a specific, lawful need for discreet recording, and who are comfortable checking the law, get the most value. One owner on the page says they work in security and use it for staff testing.

Who gets the least

People who want long recordings, sharp video in dim rooms, or easy phone viewing get the least. People who are unsure about the law should not use it on other people.

What it will not do

It will not record for hours on its own battery, see well in the dark, stream live video, or make recordings legal where they are not. It will not take still photos directly.

People documenting their own encounters

Some people want a quiet record of interactions where they feel vulnerable, such as disputes with landlords, contractors or neighbours. A record can help settle what was said. In one-party consent states, recording a conversation you are part of is generally lawful; in all-party consent states, you need everyone's agreement for private conversations. Writing notes immediately after a conversation, or following up by email, is a simple and lawful alternative that often carries weight.

Students and lecture notes

Some students record lectures to review later. Many universities have policies on recording lectures, and some require permission. A visible voice recorder or phone, used with permission, is usually the better tool.

As a gift

Spy pens are a popular novelty gift. Because of the legal issues, include a note about checking consent laws, and remember that the recipient is responsible for how they use it.

• People who want a discreet record of their own interactions where recording is lawful
• Security professionals and investigators who know the recording laws in their area
• Gadget fans who want a novelty pen that genuinely works as a camera

Who should skip it

• Anyone planning to record people secretly where consent is required; it may be a crime
• Anyone who needs long recordings without a power bank, or good footage in dim light
• People who want to review footage on a phone without buying the adapter
• Anyone wanting to monitor a home, nanny or employee; dedicated cameras with clear notices are the lawful route

How much does the iSpyPen Pro X cost, and what's in the box?

The iSpyPen Pro X costs $69.95 for one pen on the offer page on 4 October 2026, $139.90 for three and $209.85 for five, with free shipping on the bundles. The pen arrives in a black presentation box. A playback adapter for phones and tablets and a portable battery pack for longer recordings are sold separately at checkout, and each pen has a one-year warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

The offer page shows the pen in a black presentation box with a white lining. The page lists a playback adapter and portable battery pack as accessories available at checkout.

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  The pen in its presentation box

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  The playback adapter and battery pack sold at checkout

Specifications

iSpyPen Pro X price and bundles

On 4 October 2026 the iSpyPen Pro X offer page (opens iSpyPen in a new tab) listed:

The three-pen bundle is marked most popular. Most people need one pen. The adapter and battery pack prices appear at checkout.

What the accessories add

If you want to view recordings on a phone or tablet, budget for the playback adapter. If you want recordings longer than about an hour, budget for the battery pack and cable. The page's comparison table and headline claims assume these extras without saying so clearly.

Is it good value?

Camera pens are widely sold, many very cheaply, with wildly varying quality. At $69.95, the Pro X sits above budget no-name pens, with a recognisable brand, a warranty and a better-looking design. Whether the extra cost is worth it depends on how much you value build quality and support.

What earlier models offered

Deal listings for the earlier iSpyPen Pro described a semi-aluminium body, 1080p video in AVI format, a 200mAh battery and 60 to 75 minutes of recording, with 32GB and about six hours of storage in one bundle. The Pro X appears to build on that design with a refreshed look and higher stated resolution. Battery life looks unchanged.

Who makes it

iSpyPen is based in Tampa, Florida. The page says the first iSpyPen was launched in 2016 by Andrew Gilliland from his University of Tampa dorm room, and a 2017 profile in The Minaret, the university's student newspaper, covered the business. Earlier iSpyPen models have been sold through retailers including Brookstone. The page says the pen is engineered in America; it does not say where it is manufactured.

How well does the iSpyPen Pro X record?

The iSpyPen Pro X should record clear video in bright rooms, which suits offices and meetings, but its pinhole camera, like all small lenses, gets softer and noisier in low light. Its microphone picks up a quiet room well, while fabric rustle or a pen moving in a hand can drown out voices. The battery lasts 60 to 75 minutes, so long recordings need the battery pack.

Nobody on our team has used the Pro X, so this section is based on the page, the FAQ, earlier model specifications and how pinhole cameras generally perform.

Video quality

The page claims 2K HD. Pinhole cameras use very small sensors and lenses, so they work best in good light. Owners on the page describe great video, including in low light in the evening, and one says the resolution lets them zoom in on details. Expect clear footage in bright offices and softer, noisier footage in dim rooms.

Audio quality

Built-in microphones in small devices pick up the room well when it is quiet, but rustling fabric, a pen moving in a hand or a pocket can drown out voices. The 40 ft claim depends heavily on background noise. Owners on the page are impressed with audio.

Framing

The camera points where the pen points. In a shirt pocket, it films what is in front of your chest, which may be the table rather than faces. Clipped to a folder or held at an angle while writing, it may miss people entirely. Practise beforehand.

Battery in practice

An hour of recording covers most meetings. For longer use, the battery pack keeps it going but means a cable running to the pen, which is less discreet.

Heat and battery life

Small devices recording video get warm, and heat drains batteries faster. In a warm room or a pocket, expect the shorter end of the 60 to 75 minute range. Let it cool before recharging.

Storage

About 3 hours of storage means you need to offload recordings regularly. When storage is full, the pen may stop recording, so check before important use.

File formats and playback

Earlier models saved AVI files, which play in common free players on Windows and Mac, though some phones need a separate app. The page does not name the Pro X's format. If a file will not open, try a free media player such as VLC.

Timestamps

The page lists optional timestamps. A date and time on the footage can be useful when you need to show when something happened. Check that the pen's clock is set correctly, which may need a settings file or support's instructions.

Durability

The page mentions a break-proof clip and a sturdy body, and owners describe it as solid. The one-year warranty covers faults.

What owners say about using it

The page shows four testimonials: owners praise the barely noticeable camera, video quality, easy computer playback, sturdy build and responsive seller. One notes the pen is thicker than expected. One security professional explains the two-second press and lack of a recording light. We found no independent review profile to compare with.

Are the iSpyPen Pro X's claims true?

Some iSpyPen Pro X claims hold up and some mislead. It is a working ballpoint with a hidden camera from a company that has made camera pens since 2016. But "up to 3 hours" of recording needs the separate battery pack, since the pen's own battery lasts 60 to 75 minutes. "2K HD" and a "40 ft audio range" are unverified, and "playback on any device" needs an adapter for phones.

"Up to 3 hours" recording

Misleading as a headline. The battery lasts 60 to 75 minutes; 3 hours needs the battery pack and is also the approximate storage limit.

"2K HD video"

Unverified. Pinhole camera quality varies widely with light.

"Record audio 40 feet away"

Possible in a quiet room; unlikely in a noisy one.

"Playback on any device"

Computers yes; phones and tablets need the adapter sold separately.

"Compatible with all devices, Mac and PC"

Plausible for computers, which see it as a USB drive.

"Best spy pen" and the TMZ logo

We could not find the TMZ coverage the page refers to.

"The world's first fully functional spy pen with HD video that doesn't look like a spy pen"

Unverifiable and overstated. Many camera pens look like ordinary pens.

"20,000+ people love iSpyPen Pro X" and "4.6/5 stars"

The on-page rating cannot be checked independently.

Claims scorecard

The law: when you can and cannot record

This matters more than any specification. Laws vary by country and, in the US, by state. This is general information, not legal advice.

Audio recording and consent

In the US, federal law and most states allow you to record a conversation you are part of without telling others (one-party consent). About a dozen states, including California, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Washington, generally require everyone's consent to record private conversations. Recording a conversation you are not part of is generally illegal everywhere. The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press's recording guide summarises the rules state by state.

Video recording

Video without sound is usually treated differently from audio, but recording people where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as bathrooms, changing rooms and bedrooms, is illegal in most places and can be a serious crime.

Workplaces

Many employers ban recording at work, and secretly recording colleagues can break both the law and your employment terms. Some workplaces, such as hospitals and schools, have strict privacy rules.

Outside the US

The UK, EU countries, Canada and Australia all have their own rules on recording and data protection, and some treat covert recording of others more strictly than many US states. Publishing a covert recording online can create further legal problems, even where making it was lawful.

Many countries have stricter rules on covert recording and data protection than the US. Check local law before using it abroad.

Using recordings as evidence

Illegally made recordings may not be usable in court and can expose you to criminal or civil liability. If you need evidence for a legal dispute, ask a lawyer first.

What to do: check the law where you live and where you will record, and when in doubt, tell people you are recording or do not record.

Is the iSpyPen Pro X better than a budget camera pen or your phone?

The iSpyPen Pro X costs more than budget camera pens, but it comes from an identifiable Tampa company with a one-year warranty, while cheap pens vary widely in quality and support. Your phone's voice recorder or camera is free, records far longer and is instant to view, but it is less discreet. For meetings and desks a pen works well; the same recording laws apply to every option.

iSpyPen Pro X vs budget camera pens

Many cheap camera pens look similar and promise high resolution. Quality, battery life and durability vary widely, and support may be non-existent. The Pro X costs more but comes from an identifiable company with a warranty.

iSpyPen Pro X vs keychain and button cameras

Other hidden cameras come as keychains, car key fobs, buttons and glasses. Each has its own framing quirks. A pen suits meetings and desks; other forms suit other settings. The same legal rules apply to all of them.

iSpyPen Pro X vs your phone

Your phone records far longer, with better audio and video, and is free. It is not discreet. Where the law requires consent anyway, recording openly with your phone is usually the simpler and more honest choice.

iSpyPen Pro X vs a voice recorder

If you only need audio, a small voice recorder lasts much longer and captures clearer sound. It is less discreet than a pen but more practical for long meetings and lectures.

iSpyPen Pro X vs a body camera

Body cameras are designed to be visible, which deters bad behaviour and keeps you on the right side of consent laws in many settings. They record for hours and are built for daily use.

Related products we have reviewed

Our invisaWear review covers a safety jewelry device that alerts contacts and ADT. Our iMemories review looks at digitizing old home movies, and our Clickfree review covers a photo backup drive. Our HearDirect review looks at a TV headset. Browse more in our digital category.

Is the iSpyPen Pro X legit, and what should you check before buying?

The iSpyPen Pro X is a real product from a Tampa company that has sold camera pens since 2016, with a one-year warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee, though we found no Trustpilot profile. Before buying, check your state or country's consent rules, because secret audio recording is illegal in many places. Budget for the playback adapter if you want phone viewing, and the battery pack for longer recordings.

Recording laws

Covert recording can be a crime.

What to do: check your state or country's consent rules before recording any conversation, and never record in private places.

Accessories

Phone viewing and long recordings need extras.

What to do: decide at checkout whether you need the playback adapter and battery pack, and check their prices.

Battery and storage

An hour of battery and about 3 hours of storage limit long use.

What to do: charge it fully before important use and offload recordings regularly.

Battery care

Small lithium batteries last longest when they are not left completely flat for long periods.

What to do: charge it every few weeks even when you are not using it, and avoid leaving it in hot cars.

Data security

Recordings on the pen are not encrypted, according to anything on the page.

What to do: do not lose the pen with sensitive recordings on it. Copy files to a secure place and delete them from the pen.

Keeping recordings

If you record something important, such as evidence of harassment, keep the original file unedited, note when and where it was made, and store copies securely. Edited clips can be challenged; originals are stronger.

Air travel and customs

Recording devices are generally allowed in luggage, but some countries restrict covert cameras.

What to do: check the rules for your destination.

Schools and children

Pens are a natural fit for school bags, but recording in schools is heavily restricted.

What to do: do not give a camera pen to a child for use at school, and check school rules before allowing any recording device.

Ethics as well as law

Even where recording is legal, secretly recording friends, family or colleagues can damage trust if they find out.

What to do: think about whether telling people you are recording, or simply taking notes, would achieve the same goal.

Warranty and returns

The FAQ promises a one-year warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

What to do: test the pen soon after delivery and keep your order confirmation.

How to buy the iSpyPen Pro X the smart way

1. Check the recording laws where you will use it, then order from the iSpyPen Pro X order page (opens iSpyPen in a new tab).
2. Buy one pen unless you have a clear need for more; the three-pack is marked most popular.
3. Decide whether you need the playback adapter and battery pack.
4. Test recording, framing and playback at home before relying on it.
5. Note the 30-day guarantee and one-year warranty.

What do owners say, and how did we score the iSpyPen Pro X?

The iSpyPen Pro X scores 5.3 out of 10: claim accuracy 0.8, build durability 1.2, price competitiveness 1.2, usability 1.3 and owner satisfaction 0.8, each out of 2. The offer page claims more than 20,000 happy customers and a 4.6-star rating, with testimonials praising video quality, easy computer playback and a responsive seller. We found no Trustpilot profile or independent test of the Pro X.

Reviews on the page

The offer page claims more than 20,000 happy customers and a 4.6-star rating, and shows four testimonials. Owners praise video quality, the hidden camera, easy computer playback, sturdy design and a responsive seller. One notes it is thicker than expected; one security professional describes using it for staff testing.

Independent reviews

We found no Trustpilot profile for iSpyPen on 4 October 2026. Earlier iSpyPen models have been listed by retailers and deal sites, which suggests a track record, but we did not find independent tests of the Pro X.

Reading the testimonials

The testimonials are detailed and practical, mentioning the two-second press, the lack of a recording light, the pen being thicker than expected and fast replies from the seller. That detail makes them read like real feedback. They are still chosen by the seller, and none mentions battery life in long sessions, phone playback or low-light footage in detail.

What we would like to see

Sample footage in different lighting, a clear statement of storage capacity and file format, the adapter included in the box, and a battery headline that matches the FAQ would all make it easier to buy with confidence.

What we would test with the Pro X in hand

If we test it ourselves, we will measure battery life, check video resolution and low-light performance, test audio at different distances in quiet and noisy rooms, confirm storage capacity, and check playback on Mac, Windows and phones. We will update this review with the results.

How we scored the iSpyPen Pro X

Every score on the site follows the five criteria on our how we test page.

The score would rise with honest battery and storage headlines, the adapter included, and independent owner reviews.

What we did, and did not, do

We read the offer page and FAQ, The Minaret's profile of the founder, earlier model specifications in retail and deal listings, and the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press's recording guide, all on 4 October 2026. Nobody on our team has used the iSpyPen Pro X, and no figures here come from our own testing.

How to use the iSpyPen Pro X for the best results

Charge the pen until the indicator shows solid blue, and check the recording laws where you will use it. Practise framing at home in a pocket, on a folder and in your hand, because a pen in a shirt pocket often films the table. Press and hold the button for two seconds to start recording, keep the room quiet for better audio, and copy files off promptly.

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  Press and hold for two seconds to record

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  It writes like a normal ballpoint

1. Charge the pen fully until the indicator shows solid blue.
2. Check the recording laws where you will use it.
3. Enable timestamps if you want them on recordings.
4. Practise framing: test it in a pocket, on a folder and in your hand.
5. Press and hold the button for two seconds until the light blinks twice.
6. Click once to stop recording.

Clipping it for meetings

The clip lets you attach the pen to a shirt pocket, jacket or folder. In a shirt pocket, the lens sits low and may film the table. Clipping it to the edge of a notebook standing upright, or holding it as you take notes, often frames faces better. Test before the meeting.

Practising before you need it

Spend ten minutes recording at home: in your pocket, on a desk, in your hand while you write and walking around. Watch the results to learn how the pen frames scenes and how loud the fabric noise is. That practice is the difference between useful footage and an hour of ceiling.

7. Twist off the cap, plug it into a computer and copy the files somewhere safe.

Getting better video

Good light makes the biggest difference. Face windows or bright lights, keep the pen still, and point it at faces rather than the table.

Getting better audio

Keep the pen out of tight pockets where fabric rubs the microphone. Place it on the table or clip it high on clothing.

Managing files

Copy recordings to your computer after each use and delete them from the pen so storage does not fill up. Name files with the date and occasion.

Using it as a pen

It writes like a normal ballpoint. Contact support for refills when the ink runs low.

Troubleshooting

What else do people ask about spy pens?

Most questions are about legality and limits. Owning a spy pen is legal in most places, but recording people without consent can be illegal, depending on where you are and what you record. Pinhole cameras struggle in low light, so expect poor footage in dark rooms. A camera pen goes through airport X-ray like any pen with electronics, though security staff may ask about it.

Are spy pens legal?

Owning one is legal in most places. Using it to record people without consent can be illegal, depending on where you are and what you record.

Can a spy pen record in the dark?

Pinhole cameras struggle in low light. Expect poor footage in dark rooms.

Will airport security notice a camera pen?

It goes through X-ray like any pen with electronics. It is not prohibited in luggage in most places, but security staff may ask about it. Do not use it to record in security areas, where recording is often restricted.

How do I set the date and time for timestamps?

The page lists optional timestamps but does not explain how to set them. Earlier camera pens commonly used a small text file on the device to set the clock. Ask support for instructions when your pen arrives, and check the first recording shows the correct date and time.

Does the pen come with a charging cable?

The pen charges through its own USB connector under the cap, so it plugs directly into a computer, power bank or USB wall adapter. The extension cable is sold at checkout for charging while recording. Make sure your computer or charger has a USB port that matches the connector, or use the adapter. Newer laptops with only USB-C ports may need an adapter to charge it or copy files. A small, inexpensive USB-A to USB-C adapter from any electronics shop usually solves this problem.

How much video fits in 16GB?

It depends on resolution and compression. The page says about 3 hours of footage, which suggests roughly 5GB an hour. Higher resolutions and busy scenes use more space. Clear the pen after each important recording so you always start with plenty of room.

Is the iSpyPen Pro X waterproof?

The page does not say it is. Treat it like any electronic pen and keep it away from water and rain.

Can I write with it while it records?

Yes. It works as a pen while recording, though writing moves the camera and the microphone may pick up the scratch of the nib. Owners on the page say it functions like a normal pen.

How long do spy pens record?

Usually about an hour on a charge. The Pro X's FAQ says 60 to 75 minutes.

Does the iSpyPen Pro X need an app?

No app is mentioned. The pen works as a USB drive on computers. Phones need the playback adapter and a file or video app.

Can I record continuously while charging?

Yes, with the extension cable and portable battery sold at checkout, according to the FAQ. That extends recording to about 3 hours.

Can someone tell a pen is recording?

The Pro X shows no light while recording, and owners say the lens is barely visible. People who know what to look for may spot a pinhole.

Can I record a phone call with it?

The pen records sound in the room, but phone call recording has its own consent rules. Check the law.

Can I record police with a spy pen?

In the US, courts have generally recognised a right to openly record police performing their duties in public, but rules differ by state and situation, and covert audio may still fall under consent laws. Recording openly with a phone is the usual approach. Check the guidance for your state.

Can I use it at work?

Only if your employer's rules and local law allow it. Many workplaces ban covert recording.

What happens if I lose it?

Anyone who finds it can plug it in and view your recordings. Offload and delete sensitive files promptly.

Is the iSpyPen Pro X worth it?

If you have a lawful need for discreet recording and want a better-made pen than budget options, it is a reasonable choice at $69.95, plus any accessories you need. If you are unsure about the law, or need long recordings, your phone or a voice recorder is the safer choice.

Frequently asked questions