TL;DR: The A9 WiFi mini camera at $5.99 is surprisingly functional for basic security needs, making it a worthwhile budget buy.
What are the key specs of this camera?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | WiFi mini wireless security camera |
| Model | A9 |
| Connection | WiFi wireless |
| Sale Price | $5.99 (50% off) |
| Original Price | $11.98 |
| Sales Volume | 15,464 units |
| Satisfaction | 98.0% |
| Store | Stone's Store (AliExpress) |
| Use Cases | Indoor security, pet/baby monitoring |
Living alone, I wanted a security camera but didn't want to spend a fortune on one.
Package theft had been a concern, and brand-name indoor cameras start at $40+. Then I spotted the A9 WiFi mini camera on AliExpress: $5.99 (50% off from $11.98), with a staggering 15,464 sales and 98% satisfaction rate. At under $6, even if it was mediocre, I'd barely notice the cost.
Check the latest price on AliExpress
How small is this camera when unboxed?
Arrived in about 10 days. The first thing that struck me was the size — it's barely bigger than a coin. Hard to believe a WiFi camera with all these features fits in something this small. It has a built-in magnet so you can stick it to any metal surface (like a fridge), and comes with a mounting bracket.
How easy is the WiFi setup and app?
Setup involves downloading a companion app and connecting via WiFi:
- Power on the camera
- Search for the camera in the app
- Enter your WiFi password
- Connection complete
Important note: It only supports 2.4GHz WiFi. If your router is set to 5GHz only, it won't connect. This tripped me up initially, but once I switched to 2.4GHz, it connected within seconds. Total setup time: about 5 minutes.
What video quality can you realistically expect?
Let's be real — this is a $6 camera. Don't expect 4K footage. That said, it's surprisingly capable for the price:
- Well-lit rooms: Can distinguish faces and identify people
- Low light: Infrared night vision works, though quality drops significantly
- Live streaming: 1~2 second delay, but adequate for monitoring purposes
The footage won't hold up as high-quality security evidence, but for checking on pets, packages, or general room monitoring, it gets the job done.
How well does the motion detection work?
The camera sends push notifications to your phone when motion is detected. You can adjust sensitivity levels, which is helpful if you have pets triggering false alerts. There are occasional false positives from lighting changes, but overall the feature works as expected.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Incredibly cheap at $5.99
- Tiny size — very discreet placement
- WiFi-connected for real-time remote monitoring
- Infrared night vision included
- Motion detection with push notifications
- Built-in magnet for easy mounting
- 15,000+ units sold, 98% satisfaction
- Suitable for pet and baby monitoring
Cons
- 2.4GHz WiFi only (no 5GHz support)
- Video quality can't match dedicated security cameras
- Short battery life — needs frequent charging for continuous use
- Cloud storage may require subscription fees
- App interface is somewhat clunky
- Not waterproof — indoor use only
- Audio quality is mediocre
How does the price compare to alternatives?
| Where to Buy | Price |
|---|---|
| AliExpress (sale) | $5.99 |
| AliExpress (regular) | $11.98 |
| Amazon (similar mini cameras) | $15~$30 |
| Xiaomi indoor camera | $25~$40 |
| TP-Link Tapo | $30~$50 |
At $5.99, this costs a fraction of any branded indoor camera. You could buy 5 of these for the price of one Xiaomi camera.
Who Should Buy This?
- Renters who want an affordable security camera
- Pet owners who want to check on their animals remotely
- Parents needing a supplementary baby monitor
- Anyone concerned about package theft
- First-time security camera users testing the waters
For professional-grade security, look at Xiaomi, TP-Link Tapo, or Wyze cameras instead.
Final Verdict
For under $6, the A9 WiFi mini camera delivers more than you'd expect. WiFi connectivity, live streaming, motion detection, and night vision — all in a package smaller than a coin. It won't replace a professional security system, but for casual monitoring of your home, pets, or packages, it's a remarkable value. The 15,000+ sales and 98% satisfaction rate back it up.
Get it on AliExpress at 50% off
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will Bluetooth devices from AliExpress work in Korea?
Yes, Bluetooth is a global standard. Devices with Bluetooth 5.0 or higher will work perfectly with Korean phones and computers.
Q: Is there a warranty on AliExpress electronics?
There's no official manufacturer warranty, but AliExpress Buyer Protection covers you for 60-90 days. Report any issues within 15 days of delivery.
Q: How can I avoid counterfeit products?
Stick to AliExpress Choice products and sellers with high ratings. For unbranded gadgets, counterfeits are rarely an issue. Read recent buyer reviews with photos.
What other budget cameras should you consider?
- MagSafe Magnetic Metal Ring Review from AliExpress — Universal Phone Magnet Plate
- Adjustable Tablet Stand AliExpress Review - Is This $3.29 Flexible Mount Worth It?
- AliExpress Mini Projector Review - Magcubic HY300 Pro Under $51 Honest Test
This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you. All opinions are based on my personal experience.
