This is a guide covering the best trail cameras.
A lot of individuals nowadays are looking for the best trail camera for different reasons.
Some are hunters looking to observe animals who take a particular path at certain hours, while others are into wildlife photography.
The good news is that there are lots of trail cameras to choose from.
If you’re after the best trail camera, some options can record for long hours, while others can give you the footage wirelessly.
We’ve come up with some of the best choices on the market today.
In a hurry? Here’s a quick rundown:
- ⭐ Best Overall Trail Camera
- 💸 Best Budget Trail Camera
How to Choose the Best Trail Camera?
Resolution: The resolution of the camera will determine the quality of the images and videos it captures. Look for a camera with at least 12 megapixels for still images and 1080p for video.
Detection range: The detection range of the camera is the distance at which it can detect movement. Look for a camera with a wide detection range to capture more animals in the wild.
Trigger speed: The trigger speed is the time it takes for the camera to take a photo or start recording a video after detecting movement. Look for a camera with a fast trigger speed to capture more animals in motion.
Battery life: Trail cameras use a lot of power and need to be replaced or recharged frequently. Look for a camera with long battery life or a built-in solar panel to save on battery costs.
Weatherproofing: Look for a camera with weatherproofing features like waterproof housing, to keep the camera safe in various weather conditions.
Wireless connectivity: Some trail cameras come with built-in wireless connectivity options like WiFi, Bluetooth, or cellular. This will allow you to receive alerts, check photos and videos on your phone, and remotely control the camera.
Price: Determine a budget and stick to it. Trail cameras vary in price and features.
Table of Contents
10 Best Trail Cameras
1. GardePro E6 Trail Camera
Camera specifications:
- Wi-Fi: Yes
- Bluetooth: Yes (Signal Range Limit: 33ft/10m)
- APP System Requirements: IOS 9.0 or later, Android 7.0 or later
- Shooting modes: (photo, video, photo then video)
- Image resolutions: 24MP, 20MP, 16MP, 8MP, 4MP
- Screen: Yes (2.4” Color Display)
- SD card: Yes
- Video modes:
- 2304×1296 at 20fps
- 1920×1080 at 30fps
- 1080×720 at 30fps in MP4 or MOV format
The overall best trail camera is the GardePro E6 Trail Camera.
It is also known for having a 110-degree view making it possible to take wide-angle shots when used in the wild.
Plus, you can also connect the unit wirelessly on your phone.
And you don’t need to download the image or video right away. It can preview both videos and photos without the need to download them.
When tested for night shots, its 940nm no glow infrared technology gives you a peek at what nocturnal animals do in the area.
It can deliver crisp images up to 75 feet at night without any issues.
As for its construction, you get a waterproof unit that can tolerate changing weather conditions in the wild.
If you are after using the camera as a backyard wildlife camera, in case you want to monitor stray cats or raccoons that roam around your property, this comes with a great WiFi range.
Bluetooth also works well. The only complaint that most users have with this unit is that it is not as user-friendly especially if you wish to sync the unit with your phone.
Other than that, it’s an above-average trail camera you shouldn’t miss out on.
My Pros With This Camera:
- Durable build
- Good Wi-Fi range
- Great quality video and images in both day and night
My Cons With This Camera:
- Users typically have issues connecting the device to their smartphone
2. The GardePro A3 Trail Camera
Camera specifications:
- Image resolution: 24MP
- Video modes: 1080P 30fps (aspect ratio – 16:9)
- Sensor: SONY Stavis
- Optics Lens f/1.6, FOV=63° f/1.6
- Video format: H.264, MP4/MOV
- SD Card: Yes (upto 128GB)
- Microphone port: Yes
The best budget trail camera is the GardePro A3 Trail Camera.
The GardePro A3 Trail Camera is among the most popular and in-demand trail cameras for outdoor enthusiasts.
For starters, it provides superior-quality images that are perfect for wildlife trails and home security.
The device is highly reliable in taking night footage because of its super low light sensitivity, which gives sharp night vision even without artificial light.
It takes 20MP photos and 1080p HD videos. Plus, both images and videos in the daytime and nighttime are crisp and reliable.
The images and recordings can be previewed on its color screen. Here, you’ll be able to decide whether you want to save or delete photos or videos stored in your memory.
Motion detection is ultra-fast at 0.1s trigger speed. Plus, it has a great range at 82 feet.
This means that moving animals even from afar can be observed by the GardePro A3 Trail Camera.
And since it has no glow LEDs, animal movements can be recorded without scaring them away.
The GardePro A3 Trail Camera can compress videos in H.264 MP4 format. It enables recordings to be downloaded faster compared to other trail cameras.
Even if some users think that the GardePro A3 Trail Camera is the best trail camera in the market today, there are a few things that might frustrate you.
For one, it comes with no wireless connectivity. Because of this, you’ll need to go to where the camera is before you’d be able to see the results of your surveillance.
Also, some users complained about instances of leaks.
My Pros With This Camera:
- The highly affordable price point
- Superior quality images and videos
- Quicker video downloading
My Cons With This Camera:
- Reported instances of leaking
- No wireless connectivity
3. Wosports Mini Trail Camera
Camera specifications:
- Image resolution: 30MP
- Video mode: 1920P
- Trigger Speed 0.2S
- SD Card: Yes (upto 32GB)
If you are looking for an affordable and functional trail camera that you can carry anywhere- then the Wosports Mini Trail Camera is your best bet. It costs less than most cameras in the market, weighs 171g, and has 102x 101 x 63 mm in dimensions.
Since it only needs 4 AA batteries to operate, usage cost is lower compared to ordinary trail cameras that require 8 pcs.
This trail camera also has 17pcs low-glow infrared LEDs, which makes it reliable for discreet nighttime recordings.
It gives 12MP photos and 1080p HD videos that produce hyper-clear images and footage by day and night.
Should you encounter any issues with the device, the company is known for its excellent after-sales service that will surely respond to your questions within 24 hours.
My Pros With This Camera:
- Excellent After-Sale Service
- Functional and Portable
- Wireless Connectivity
My Cons With This Camera:
- IP54 weatherproof rating
- Slower Trigger Speed (0.5s-1.1s)
4. Hawkray Mini Trail Camera-M2
Camera specifications:
- Image Sensor: CMOS Sensor
- Screen: Yes (52x36mm (2.0″)
- Image Resolution: 16MP/14MP/8MP/5MP
- Video modes： 1080P/720P
- Formats: JPG/AVI (MJPG)
- Shooting modes: Photo/ Video/ Photo + video
The Hawkray Mini Trail Camera is the top-selling mini camera in the market today. With its dimensions of 90 x 110 x 45 mm, it can fit one’s hand.
It is also designed for efficiency as it can be solar or battery-powered.
Should you opt for the latter, it only needs 4 PCs of batteries. It has 20MP and 1080p HD resolutions, which provide high-quality images and videos.
It is recommended for nighttime recordings with its super infrared night vision and 0.2s motion sensor activation speed that captures any human movement or animal activities.
Additionally, it has a camouflage design that makes it hardly detected by animals or humans.
The Hawkray Mini is IP65 approved, which entails better protection compared to other mini trail cameras.
My Pros With This Camera:
- Includes (1) 32GB SD card
- Solar or battery-powered
- 0.2 trigger speed
- Great for capturing nocturnal activities
My Cons With This Camera:
- No audio on the recording when previewed on the device
- No wireless connectivity
5. Spypoint LINK-MICRO-LTE
Camera specifications:
- Camera Type: Wildlife
- Image Resolution: 10 MP
- SD card: Yes (32 GB Maximum)
- Battery Type 8 x AA (Not Included)
- Screen: No
- Mounting: Mounting Strap
- Dimensions: 4.4 x 3.1 x 2.2″ / 11.18 x 7.87 x 5.59 cm
The Spypoint LINK-MICRO-LTE is popular for its cellular technology.
Viewing animal behavior and conditions remotely through a mobile phone enables you to be a more strategic hunter.
Images and data are accessible via an easy-to-use platform. It allows users to not only view images but also manage device settings.
Spypoint provides photo transmission plans. Customers may choose from a free plan to a $10 plan which includes unlimited photo transmissions.
Images are viewed on a mobile application, so you don’t have to retrieve the SD card from the device to access valuable hunting data.
My Pros With This Camera:
- Wireless Connectivity (LTE)
- Remote Device Settings Management
- Good Price Point
My Cons With This Camera:
- No Video
- Poor After-Sale Service
6. CEYOMUR 20MP 1080P CY50 Trail Camera
Camera specifications:
- Image resolution: 20MP
- Video mode: 1080P, 30fps
- Lens Angle: 73°
- SD Card: Yes (Up to 32GB)
- Wi-Fi: Built-in
- Bluetooth: Yes
- Waterproof: Yes
The CEYOMUR 20MP 1080P CY50 Trail Camera is a handy tool if you decide to go outdoors. It offers a clear view of what’s happening in the wild allowing you to monitor how animals behave in their environment.
It is a 20MP camera for photos and it has a 1080P resolution providing users with vivid results regardless of whether it’s night or day.
Users shouldn’t worry about the CEYOMUR CY50 when left in the wild since it comes with an IP66 waterproof and dustproof exterior designed for the outdoors.
When used at night, you get a fully automatic IR filter. It comes with 36 pieces of 850NM infrared LEDs giving users crisp black-and-white photos and videos.
This camera is also discreet. Animals won’t notice the camera. And therefore, you’ll be able to observe how they behave in their habitat.
The lightning-fast trigger speed is also an important feature of the CEYOMUR CY50 camera.
It means that you won’t be able to miss out on the animals passing in front of the camera.
Plus, it comes with a fast recovery time too.
Operating the camera is also easy. It comes with a user-friendly interface plus multiple features including time-lapse, audio recording, and time stamp, and it is even password protected.
There are a few things that you might not like about this camera. For instance, the SD card is a bit challenging to click and hold.
The same goes for the battery tray.
Though it runs on 8 AA batteries, it has a decent battery life making it reliable for observing wildlife or even for monitoring your property.
My Pros With This Camera:
- Heavy-duty construction
- Good quality photos and videos
- Discreet performance even at night
- Decent battery life
My Cons With This Camera:
- The battery and the SD card don’t click in place easily
7. NARROGAT No Setup Trail Camera
Lens specifications:
- Image/video resolution: 12MP 1080P
- Lens angle: 60°
- Sensing distance: 20M
- Induction angle: 100°
- SD CARD support: Yes (8G-32G)
- Trigger time: 0.3S
- Waterproof: Yes
If you’re more into shooting videos than photos, then the Narrogat No Setup Trail Camera is the best trail camera that you could go for.
Even if it comes with a slightly dated 12MP resolution for taking photos, it has a 1080P resolution video perfect for observing animals in the wild, or even for security.
It functions even at night with its 36-piece 940NM invisible LEDs. It means that it doesn’t give animals a hint that there’s a camera installed nearby. Its trigger speed is at 0.3 seconds.
This is perfect for fast animals.
The waterproof housing is 60mm thick giving you the confidence to leave it in the wild and not worry that some animal may have damaged the camera.
It runs on 8 AA batteries, which is usually expected from trail cameras nowadays. Upon testing in the wild, its low consumption is impressive.
So what’s not to like? Narrogat claims that this is a no-set-up trail camera. Unfortunately, you will have to set up the time stamp.
Other than that, it’s a good pick for those who need surveillance videos.
My Pros With This Camera:
- Superb video quality
- Low battery consumption
- Thick waterproof and durable housing
- Discreet performance at night
My Cons With This Camera:
- Mediocre photo quality
8. Bushnell Trophy Cam Trail Camera
Camera specifications:
- Camera type: Trail Camera
- Wi-Fi/Bluetooth: No
- Screen: B&W Text LCD
- Solar Compatible: Yes
- Video modes: 1920×1080
- Storage: 32 GB
- Microphone port: Yes
The Bushnell Trophy Cam Trail Camera is a popular trail camera with 16MP image resolution, 0.3-second trigger speed, and 100 feet detection range.
It is known for its functionality and affordability.
This device provides an average of 35 nighttime and 35 daytime images that can be accessed through an SD card of up to 32GB.
Monitoring animal movements is easy even without natural light since it has a low-glow night vision flash.
The topmost concealment is also provided with an anti-reflection shield coming from its LED cover.
With a 1.0-second image recovery, it provides more crisp images compared to other trail cameras. It is also able to take 720p videos for up to 30 seconds while the subject is within the camera’s reach but automatically stops once it leaves the frame.
Usage-wise, it is low-maintenance as it is battery operated and can last up to 1-year battery life.
Images can also provide relevant data stamps on the moon phase, time, date, temperature, and GPS coordinates.
My Pros With This Camera:
- Has 100 feet detection range
- With night vision
- Fast trigger speed
My Cons With This Camera:
- Without wireless capability
9. Helidallr Wireless Bluetooth Trail Cam
Camera specifications:
- Lens: f=4.3mm
- Storage: SD Card (256GB)
- Wi-Fi: Yes
- Bluetooth: Yes (low power)
- Screen: Yes (2.4″ IPS)
- Storage format: JPEG/MPEG
- Weight: 310g
- Waterproof: Yes
The Helidallr Wireless Bluetooth Trail Cam is a top candidate for the best trail camera. It is built with a 65 feet night vision range and 36 infrared lights.
These functions enable the device to appropriately identify different animals during the night.
It also automatically takes photos of animals that will enter the camera’s 20-meter distance range with its 0.1-second shutter response time.
With its camouflage design and waterproof capability, along with its high-quality shots, it is possibly the best trail camera for wildlife, security, and other surveillance activities.
Its 30MP and 4K resolution provide strikingly clear photographs and videos, which can be extremely useful for research in wildlife.
Another feature of this device is its wireless connectivity. It supports both WiFi and Bluetooth connections.
Thereby making images and video recordings easily transferable to other devices. Unfortunately, some users reported having difficulty with its connectivity.
My Pros With This Camera:
- Ultra-clear images and videos, even at night
- IP66 Waterproof
- Transfers videos and images wirelessly without any glitches
My Cons With This Camera:
- Reported issues with wifi connectivity
10. Usogood Wifi Trail Camera
Camera specifications:
- Wi-Fi: Yes (Built-in)
- Bluetooth: No
- Remote Control: Yes
- Frames per second: 30fps
- Screen: Yes(2.0″)
- Storage: SD card (upto 128GB)
- Photo/Video modes:
- 24MP/1296P with Audio
- 24MP/1296P with Audio
- 24MP/4K with Audio
- 30MP/4K with Audio
The Usogood Wifi Trail Camera provides users with extremely clear images and videos with sound recordings that are ideal for capturing wildlife activities and ensuring home security.
This backyard wildlife camera is reliable not only in your backyard but also in the wild. Some would even consider it the best trail camera.
For one, it has a 24MP camera and can take 1296P videos with audio. Both can be reviewed at a later time or instantaneously via wifi connectivity.
It means that you can record not only the footage but also comes with audio.
This makes it a great choice for serious wildlife researchers and enthusiasts trying to observe animals in the wild.
Connecting your phone to the device is extremely straightforward. All you have to do is scan the QR code and download the application.
It is so easy to use that a 90-year-old or a 9-year-old can use it.
It also has HD night vision and infrared LEDs that capture the movements of animals – without detection or distractions.
The device is proven to be durable as it is IP66 waterproof and can be set to adjust to different temperatures.
My Pros With This Camera:
- Audio-enabled Video Recordings
- Waterproof
- High-quality videos and images
- Great performance at night
My Cons With This Camera:
- The wifi range is only up to 10 meters and depends on weather conditions
FAQ
Why are states banning trail cameras?
There are several reasons why states may ban trail cameras, including concerns about privacy and the potential for the cameras to be used illegally. Some states have laws that prohibit the use of trail cameras on public land or restrict their use in certain areas.
Will deer avoid trail cameras?
Deer may avoid trail cameras if they become accustomed to them and associate them with human activity.
Do trail cameras alert your phone?
Some trail cameras have the capability to alert your phone through a wireless connection, such as WiFi or cellular.
Concluding Remarks
Hope you enjoyed this buyer’s guide on the best trail cameras.
When setting up a camera trap outdoors, it is a good idea to take a closer look at the specs. Wildlife photography will sometimes require patience and time.
Users should consider not only the trigger speed and quality of the photos and videos but also the usability of the device.
Does it allow wireless transfer? Or does it have a waterproof case? And lastly, compare products.
I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Nate Torres is a portrait photographer based in Southern California. Outside of photography, Nate specializes in SEO, content marketing, and entrepreneurship. He is also the founder of Imaginated.com, a platform for creator education.
