Basic Ghost Hunting Equipment

This list is not intended to be exhaustive, as investigators use a wide variety of equipment in the field. It is a general overview of commonly used items.

Digital Cameras - Cannon has proven to be the most user friendly and, in most cases, cost effective. We have had great success with this brand over the years.

Digital Audio Recorder - Olympus and Sony brands are tried and true. They hold up to the abuse that we put them through and are cost effective.

Flashlights – We do work in dark places after all.

Electro Magnetic Field Detector - We prefer the MEL meter. This gives us actual readings as opposed to just flashing colored lights. Those may be pretty in the dark, but they don't really tell you anything.

Notebook, Pens and/or Pencils - A notebook is a good way to keep notes, record time and events.



Ambient Temperate Gauge - These are great for checking for drafts around windows, floors vents, etc.

Compass - Great for picking up electromagnetic fields should a MEL stop working. They can also provide direction for outdoor investigations.

Air Ion Counter - Measures positive and negative ions in the air. These can be expensive and are not necessary if out of your budget.

Headset Communicators - For staying in contact when at a larger location.

Masking Tape or GAFF Tape – For taping cords down. Always use a tape that is easily removable and that will not leave a residue.

Medical Masks - We are in and out of old buildings, crawl spaces and the like.

Laptop Computers – We use these to download evidence, review our evidence, secure files, etc.

Graph Paper - For mapping your location.

Tripods – For your still and video cameras.

Watch and Stopwatch - You will need to have a watch so you can tag your recordings, beginning times, end times, etc. One with a back light is preferable. A stopwatch will come in handy when you want to record the duration of any given activity.

DVR System and/or Video Cameras - Useful to any investigation. We want to document as much of our investigation as we can through still photography and video. Documenting your evidence is important.

Batteries - You can never have too many and you will use a range of different sizes. Always be prepared.

Cell Phones - These should always be turned off and not in use during an investigation but should be handy in the case of an emergency.

First Aid Kit - This should always be on hand in case of an emergency.

Controversial Equipment

“The following equipment and investigative methods remain controversial within the field of paranormal research and, as a general practice, are not utilized by our team as primary investigative tools. While we may occasionally evaluate or experiment with certain devices in controlled situations for observational and educational purposes, we do not rely on them as definitive indicators of paranormal activity.

Our team’s position is based on the findings and considerations outlined below. One exception is the use of MEL meters, which we employ strictly for environmental monitoring purposes, such as documenting temperature variations and identifying areas with elevated electromagnetic fields (EMF) that may warrant further attention for environmental or electrical reasons. These readings are not interpreted by our team as evidence that a location is haunted or experiencing paranormal activity.”

These pieces of equipment are controversial because they operate on unproven scientific assumptions and are highly prone to false positives. Devices like spirit boxes and REM pods rely on psychological phenomena, environmental interference, and ambiguous data, turning normal background noise into manufactured "evidence" for entertainment. 

1- The Spirit Box (Ghost Box)

What it is: A radio that rapidly scans through AM/FM frequencies, generating a constant stream of white noise and audio fragments.

Why it’s controversial: The theory is that spirits manipulate this raw audio energy to speak. However, skeptics point out that you are just listening to standard radio broadcasts and static. The human brain has a natural tendency to find meaning in random patterns—a psychological trait known as audio pareidolia. It is nearly impossible to prove an intelligent response isn't just a snippet of a DJ talking on a local station. 

2- The REM Pod

What it is: A device that creates its own weak electromagnetic field and uses an antenna to detect the slightest changes in the field or temperature. If something breaks the field, it triggers flashing lights and an audible alarm.

Why it’s controversial: The internal circuitry is often similar to a standard theremin (or proximity sensor). They can easily be triggered by natural changes in the room, drafts, static electricity, or even radio waves from walkie-talkies carried by other investigators. 

3- EMF (Electromagnetic Field) Meters

What it is: Devices used to measure fluctuations in electromagnetic fields, such as the K2 meter.

Why it’s controversial: EMFs are emitted by any device carrying an electrical charge. This means standard meters will constantly go off near live wires in walls, appliances, or even the investigators' own smartphones. A spike in an EMF reading is a perfectly normal environmental occurrence, but investigators frequently interpret it as a ghostly presence. 

4- Ovilus / Word-Generating Devices

What it is: An electronic device containing a large database of pre-programmed words and syllables. It is claimed that spirits can manipulate magnetic fields or temperature to select specific words that output on a screen or via a synthesized voice.

Why it’s controversial: Many skeptics and investigators alike refer to these as "Speak & Spells for ghosts". Because they contain built-in algorithms and rely on rapid ambient shifts, the outputs are often completely random. There is zero verifiable proof that a ghost is actually controlling the output, and some of these apps include disclaimers that they are "for entertainment purposes only". 

5- Ghost Apps

Mobile applications designed to allegedly facilitate paranormal investigations by simulating or utilizing device sensors to detect, communicate with, or visualize spirits. They are highly controversial due to developers often marketing them as "entertainment" while enthusiasts attempt to use them as legitimate research tools.