best trail cameras
Ready to buy now? Shop the best:
It’s a great time to be a nature lover. Thanks to the latest technology, trail cameras, equipped with high-resolution optics, infrared flashes and even cellular radios, have made it possible to watch game animals and other wildlife at all hours of the day and night.
Not just used for hunting, the best trail cameras can aid wildlife photographers, scientific researchers and conservation officers with remote observation of natural behavior. Property owners can use them for security and land management. You can even use one to simply monitor your backyard.
BestReviews has studied the market to find the best trail cameras and to understand what benefits buyers the most. Our top pick is the TACTACAM Reveal Ultra cellular Trail Camera with livestreaming capability.
Editors' picks
(A note of caution: The deployment and use of trail cams is regulated or even restricted in many jurisdictions. Check with your state or local laws before buying or using a trail cam.)
Tactacam Reveal Ultra Cellular Trail Camera
Editors’ Favorite
Connectivity: Cellular | Trigger Speed: 0.35 sec | Photo Resolution: 8MP | Video Resolution: 1080p
With live video streaming and built-in auto-switching cellular connectivity, the Tactacam Reveal Ultra is our top choice. It’s ideal for hunters, videographers and researchers who need real-time tracking.
The Reveal Ultra is a wireless trail camera with a 60-degree field of view and a trigger speed of up to 0.35 seconds. It takes stills up to 4K resolution and video up to 1080p for 30 seconds. A combination hybrid flash illuminates targets up to 96 feet away in low-glow infrared, or up to 80 feet away in invisible no-glow IR. It features a 2-inch LCD screen with live aiming functionality and GPS with battery backup, and it runs on 12 AA batteries or an optional DC power input.
The Tactacam Reveal Ultra has built-in multicarrier LTE wireless that automatically selects and connects to 4G networks. Livestreaming is offered via the Tactacam Reveal smartphone app with three levels of subscription plans. You can also capture images and footage to an SD card.
GardePro A3S Trail Camera
Great Value
Connectivity: None | Trigger Speed: 0.1 sec | Photo Resolution: 64MP | Video Resolution: 1296p
If you don’t need to stay connected to your trail camera, and you want excellent quality images and footage especially at night, the GardePro A3S may be the answer. Its camera specs are impressive at a wallet-friendly price.
The A3S offers excellent image quality of up to 64MP for still photos and 1296p video at 20 frames per second (1080p at 30 fps). It features an impressive 0.1-second trigger speed with three PIR sensors, offering 120 degrees of total detection angle.
No-glow LEDs in the 940nm infrared range keep illumination invisible to both humans and most animals, with a 100-foot range for outstanding night vision performance.
The GardePro A3S is SD-card only, with no cellular or Wi-Fi connectivity, so it’s best for photography, videography and long-term scouting. It’s rated IP66 water-resistant and can stand up to harsh weather and dust.
GardePro E6 Wi-Fi Trail Camera
Best for Backyard Use
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Trigger Speed: 0.5 sec | Photo Resolution: 64MP | Video Resolution: 1296p
When you need a trail camera to capture local animal movements and don’t need long-range streaming, consider the GardePro E6. It’s got excellent optics and night vision, and can connect to your phone over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
The GardePro E6 takes photos up to 64MP in quality as well as 1296p H.264 HD video. It has a half-second trigger speed with a 110-degree field of view, and has a night vision range of up to 75 feet, thanks to its 940nm infrared no-glow LEDs.
Its notable feature is its ability to generate its own local Wi-Fi network to connect to a smartphone or other device running its accompanying app. This allows it to upload images or video directly to the app, or even livestream images, as long as the user is within the trail cam’s 45-foot wireless range. It’s powered by eight AA batteries and supports standard-sized SD cards up to 512GB.
SPYPOINT Flex-M Twin Pack Cellular Trail Cameras
Best for Multilocation Coverage
Connectivity: Cellular | Trigger Speed: 0.4 sec | Photo Resolution: 28MP | Video Resolution: 720p
For covering multiple locations, or multiple angles of the same spot, we think the SpyPoint Flex-M Twin Pack is a good option. You get a pair of 28MP trail cams with built-in cellular coverage, and you can start using it right away without paying for any subscriptions.
The Flex-M Twin Pack offers two SpyPoint Flex-M trail cameras, each capable of 28MP photos and 720p HD videos with sound. The Flex-M model features a 0.4-second trigger and a detection range of up to 90 feet. It has an infrared flash, also with a 90-foot range, and supports not only still images and video, but also timelapse and detector-activated timelapse.
WIth their built-in dual-SIM cellular connectivity, the Flex-M Twin Pack cameras can link automatically to the best available network. Each camera can simultaneously capture and send images, so you don’t lose any of the action while they’re transmitting. Connections are managed via a smartphone app, and the first 100 still images sent per month are free.
WOSPORTS G600 Trail Camera
Best Compact Camera
Connectivity: None | Trigger Speed: 0.2 sec| Photo Resolution: 48MP | Video Resolution: 4K
Measuring not much bigger than a hefty walkie-talkie, the Wosports G600 is a nicely compact non-connected trail cam for backyard security and nature photography. It’s got a fast trigger, good photo resolution and takes excellent 4K video.
The G600 measures 5.7 inches tall, 4.3 inches wide and 3.1 inches thick. It has a 5MP sensor that can take interpolated photos of 48MP in resolution. It can capture 4K Ultra HD video as well, including audio. Its trigger speed of 0.2 seconds is impressively fast, and it has a 120-degree field of view. A built-in 2-inch LCD screen lets you view captured images, preview placement and positioning, and navigate through its menu options. You can use standard-sized SD and SDHC cards for storage.
Night vision is made possible by 32 individual 940nm IR LED lights with an effective range of 80 feet. It’s rated IP66 for water and dust resistance. A micro-USB port lets you download footage directly to your computer.
GardePro A3 Trail Camera
Customer Favorite
Connectivity: None | Trigger Speed: 0.1 sec | Photo Resolution: 48MP | Video Resolution: 1296p
A consistently recommended favorite among non-connected trail cameras, the GardePro A3 provides high-quality images and video, fast trigger and all-weather durability.
The A3 lacks wireless connectivity, but has a roomy 2.4-inch color display and supports standard SD cards up to 512GB in size. Optically, it can take 48MP still photos or 1296p 20fps video, or 1080p video at 30 fps, and also supports a combined photo-video mode. Its trigger is lightning-fast at just 0.1 seconds with a 0.5-second recovery time with an 80-foot range. It has no-glow 940nm infrared LED night vision with a range of up to 100 feet.
The GardePro A3 is notably hardy, with IP66 water and dust resistance to stand up to bad weather and snow, and operating temperatures as low as -4 degrees or as high as 140 degrees. It can last for up to 18 months on eight AA batteries and connect to a GardePro solar panel for indefinite use.
Tactacam REVEAL X Gen 3.0 Cellular Trail Camera
Best Bundle
Connectivity: Cellular | Trigger Speed: 0.35 sec | Photo Resolution: 24MP | Video Resolution: 720p
Here’s a bundle that makes deploying multiple cameras easier. It combines two Tactacam REVEAL X trail cameras with two Lexar 32GB SDHC cards, giving you multiple options for saving or transmitting your photos and videos.
The trail cameras in the bundle, the Tactacam REVEAL X version 3.0, feature 24MP interpolated 4K photos and 30-second 1080p video. They have 8GB of built-in storage expandable with the included 32GB SDHD cards. The REVEAL X camera has low-glow night vision flash, a 96-foot detection range and fast 0.35-second trigger speed.
Each REVEAL X 3.0 camera in this bundle has built-in multicarrier cellular support, automatically picking the strongest local LTE signal available to connect to the Tactacam REVEAL app. Subscriptions start at $5 a month for up to 250 photos. The Reveal X 3.0’s built-in GPS lets you track its location as well.
SPYPOINT Flex-S-Dark Solar Cellular Trail Camera
Best Battery Life
Connectivity: Cellular | Trigger Speed: 0.3 sec | Photo Resolution: 40MP | Video Resolution: 1080p
Do you have a sunny spot on the trail? Then say goodbye to batteries with the SpyPoint Flex-S-Dark, a hardy, easy-to-use trail cam with a built-in rechargeable battery and an integrated solar panel.
The Flex-S-Dark is a cellular-connected trail cam that can take 40MP photos and 1080p video, plus timelapse and trigger-activated timelapse as well. It has a 0.3-second trigger speed with a 100-foot detection range. No-glow 940nm IR LEDs illuminate the trail and target invisibly, or switch to low-glow mode for even better definition. Multi-network dual SIMs keep the Flex-S-Dark connected to any strong LTE signal.
The built-in solar panel atop the Flex-S-Dark isn’t particularly big, but if the camera is placed in the right spot, it can keep the internal lithium battery charged for days. On-demand photos and videos can be ordered direct from the accompanying smartphone app.
Bushnell Trail Camera CORE S-4K
Best Image Quality
Connectivity: None | Trigger Speed: 0.2 sec | Photo Resolution: 30MP | Video Resolution: 4K
Bushnell is a highly regarded brand in field optics. The Bushnell CORE S-4K Trail Camera trades on that reputation with an impressive batch of features and capabilities in a compact, non-wireless unit.
The CORE S-4K has a single 4K sensor for simultaneously taking 30MP still images or 4K 30fps video, audio included. A super-fast 0.2-second trigger speed with 1-second recovery rate keeps fast-moving game in the shot.
No-glow IR LEDs keep animals and humans off guard with a detection and flash range of up to 110 feet. It also supports image tuning, image-quality presets, advanced photo options and dynamic video. A 1.5-inch display lets you preview your setup or review your captures.
There’s no connectivity to the Bushnell Core S-4K, but it accepts standard SD cards up to 256GB in capacity. It can geotag its captures for mapping and tracking, and it can last up to 12 months on just six AA batteries.
Stealth Cam Deceptor MAX
Best No-Glow Trail Camera
Connectivity: Cellular | Trigger Speed: 0.4 sec | Photo Resolution: 40MP | Video Resolution: 1440p
With a 36-piece night-vision array and a fast trigger with burst mode, the Stealth Cam Deceptor MAX is a high-performance trail camera with excellent low-light capabilities and long battery life, especially with the solar panels in this comprehensive bundle.
The Decepter MAX has twice the battery capacity of many other trail cams, with a deep compartment holding 16 AA batteries. Optically, it can take photos up to 40MP in resolution, or video up to 1440p with audio. Thirty-six individual 940nm infrared LEDs light up an area up to 80 feet invisibly at night, while burst mode allows for up to nine individual photos on a single 0.4-second trigger.
The Stealth Cam Deceptor MAX connects with a network-agnostic cellular antenna, and also comes with 16GB internal storage. It can be accessed via a smartphone app or even on a browser. This bundle includes two solar panels and two SD cards.
Wildgame Innovations Terra Extreme 14-Megapixel IR Trail Camera
Connectivity Technology: Infrared | Photo Resolution: 14 MP | Video Resolution: 720p | Special Feature(s): Waterproof, Night Color Low Light Technology, 21 Infrared LEDs
The Wildgame Innovations Terra Extreme 14-Megapixel IR Trail Camera is a solid option for hunters looking to cover a lot of ground without breaking the bank. Setup is as straightforward as tying your boots, especially with the included bungee cords that let you strap it to just about anything.
It holds up surprisingly well through rain and cold, which makes sense given its IP65 water resistance. While image clarity is decent for scouting, we’ve seen some variation in picture quality depending on lighting. The 14-megapixel stills and 720p video get the job done, though don’t expect cinematic detail.
Battery life earns a thumbs-up, especially for a unit that runs on just 8 AA batteries. Bottom line, if you’re after a simple, rugged camera to monitor trails or bait sites, this one delivers dependable results for a fair price.
Moultrie Edge Cellular Trail Camera
Connectivity Technology: Wireless (Auto Connect across multiple networks) | Photo Resolution: 33 MP | Video Resolution: 720p with audio | Special Feature(s): Built-in Memory, Unlimited Cloud Storage, 80 ft Low Glow IR Night Vision
The Moultrie Edge Cellular Trail Camera makes trail monitoring feel downright effortless. With auto-connect technology, it latches onto the strongest available signal so you don’t have to worry about coverage issues.
One of the biggest perks here is the built-in memory with unlimited cloud storage, which means no more dealing with SD cards or losing shots because the card filled up.
The 33-megapixel stills are crisp, and the 720p videos with sound do a solid job capturing wildlife activity. We also like how well it handles low light thanks to its 80-foot infrared flash range. For anyone wanting a reliable set-it-and-forget-it camera, the Edge delivers on both simplicity and performance.
How does a trail camera work?
A trail camera is essentially a camera trap. A sensor detects movement or heat in a certain detection area and triggers the camera shutter to take a photo or video. It stores the captured image or footage on an SD card or in internal memory storage for later viewing and retrieval. Wireless trail cams can upload captures for remote viewing.
What to look for in a trail camera
Wireless or non-wireless
The first choice when shopping for a trail camera is deciding whether you need one that transmits data wirelessly, or one that doesn’t.
- Wireless trail cameras use cellular radios to connect to an available cellular network and transmit their images or videos to the user via the Internet.
- Non-wireless or standard trail cameras need to be visited in person to retrieve captured footage, usually on an SD card, via USB cable, or over a short-distance Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection.
- Subscription plans are usually needed for connections to wireless trail cams. For a monthly or yearly amount, these plans let you access your wireless trail cam and download images or video to a smartphone app or website. Some wireless cams offer a free tier with a limited amount of photo access and options.
- Commercial cellular network coverage is also a factor. If there’s no coverage, a wireless camera can’t connect. In the United States, wireless trail cams usually can automatically connect to the AT&T or Verizon networks.
Hunters or trackers who want fast or even live images need a wireless camera. For security, scouting or research purposes, an SD-card-based camera may be sufficient and more economical.
Trigger speed
Fast, furtive targets like prey animals may not stand still for a perfect picture. A trail camera needs a fast trigger to capture images of a target as soon as they appear. The best trail cameras have trigger speeds of half a second or less.
Recovery speed
Closely related to trigger speed, recovery speed measures how fast a trail camera can reset to take the next picture. The faster the recovery speed, the more photos a trail cam can take in a short amount of time. A good recovery time for a trail camera should be less than 2 seconds, and preferably less than one.
Image quality
Blurry monochrome images are hard to deal with, even if they do the job. The best trail cameras resemble consumer and smartphone cameras in offering images and videos with high megapixel (MP) or pixel (p) resolutions. High-resolution images offer more information and can be clearer and more realistic than low-resolution images.
- Photos and stills: look for a minimum of 4MP to 8MP. 12MP to 24MP is better, and 40MP or higher is impressive.
- Video should be at least HD-quality, or 720p. 1080p is the standard, and 4K is better but takes more storage space.
- A high MP value may sometimes hide a poor lens. If possible, check sample images.
Range
Being fixed in one spot, a trail camera should have a good range for both its trigger and its flash.
- Detection range: how far a trail camera’s sensor can detect movement. Look for values between 60 and 120 feet.
- Illumination range: how far a trail camera can throw its flash. A value between 60 and 100 feet is optimal.
- The best images are often much closer, between 15 to 30 feet away.
Flash and night vision
Most trail cameras use infrared LEDs to act as a flash during nighttime photography. No one wants to use a visibly bright flash that may startle or otherwise change the behavior of an animal or other target.
- Low-glow flashes operate within the visual threshold of some creatures, usually in infrared wavelengths of 850 nanometers (nm). They shine farther and brighter than no-glow flash.
- No-glow flashes use infrared wavelengths of 940nm, which are invisible to most animals and humans. They have shorter illumination ranges and produce grainier images.
Memory and storage
Most trail cameras use standard SD cards to store photos and video. Some have built-in memory in addition to SD card storage. As always, the more storage, the better, but each model may have certain limitations on the size of the SD card they can use.
Speed class is a factor in choosing an SD card for a trail camera. The fast triggers of trail cameras require fast storage. Look for at least a Class 10/U1 SD card for the best performance with a trail camera.
Power and battery
Many trail cameras we considered, including most of our picks, run on everyday AA batteries. Trail cameras vary their power use depending on what they’re doing. Still, trail camera battery life is usually measured in weeks or months rather than hours.
- Video uses more power than still photos
- Infrared flash and night vision uses more battery than daytime shots
- Wireless cellular connections, especially livestreaming, eats up battery life quickly.
Some trail cameras also connect to solar panels and use rechargeable batteries. DC connections are useful when setting up a trail cam where electric power is available, such as at home for a backyard monitor.
Durability
As outdoor devices, trail cameras need to be able to stand up to the elements. They also need to be unobtrusive or camouflaged, and be easily attachable to a tree or post.
- IPxx value: A value that expresses resistance to water and dust. The higher the “xx” values, the more resistant the device. Look for IP66 or better for the most water- and weatherproof trail cams.
- Housing: Most trail cams have plastic housings. These should be dull-colored or painted in a camouflage pattern to be unobtrusive to wildlife.
- Attachment: For convenience, look for a trail cam that comes with a strap or other means of securely affixing it to a tree or other surface. Trail cams may also offer mounting screw attachments for tripods or other gear.
- Security: Look for a trail cam that locks to prevent theft. Some models have a GPS transmitter inside that allows you to locate it even if power is shut off.
Extra features that are worth the money
- Security box: Expensive trail cameras can be targets for thieves. A lockable security box makes it more difficult to remove a trail cam.
- Solar panel: Allows your trail cam to get power from the sun if placed in a sunny spot.
- Extended battery pack: For long-term trail cam deployment or when more power-hungry observation is expected.
- Antenna extender: Works with wireless cellular trail cameras to extend their range in areas with low or poor cellular coverage.
- Onboard viewer: A viewscreen built into the camera lets you view images without having to offload to a computer or other device. However, viewing screens can increase the potential for moisture-related damage, adding another weather-sensitive component to the camera.
Tips for getting great pictures with your trail camera
-
Get the sensors right: If sensors are set too high, they can be triggered not just by creatures darting or flying by but by foliage or brush moving in the wind. If the camera is aimed at a spot with a lot of tall grasses or brush, lower its sensitivity. If it’s aimed at an open area, such as a wide clearing, set the sensitivity higher.
-
Detection angle: When game enters the detection zone, the camera begins snapping photos or taking video. The zone’s size is indicated in degrees. A detection angle of 45 degrees means the camera won’t be triggered until a subject walks into that cone-shaped 45-degree zone.
-
Choose a discreet location: Set up your camera far enough from trails and feeding and watering areas that it won’t be easily detected.
-
Avoid harsh light: For daylight pictures, avoid placing the camera at an angle where it will catch the sun’s glare.
-
Take note of the background. A dense tangle of brush or leaves can affect an image’s contrast, causing the finer features of an animal — such as a deer’s antlers — to blend into the background.
-
Winter conditions: Blowing snow can block the lens and sensors, so research the prevailing wind direction of the area where you’re setting up. Adjust the camera’s position during winter months to reduce snow piling up on the lens.
How we analyzed
To create this buying guide, we did a deep dive into the world of trail cameras, studying things like passive infrared sensors, detection circuits, nanometer frequencies and cellular network compatibility. We consulted a number of published articles as well as user reviews. We assembled our picks based on features, capabilities, brand reputation and price.
FAQ
Q. How much does a trail camera cost?
A. Trail cameras range in price from around $50 to as much as $400. Features offered at each price point vary widely. Some $60 models offer the same types of features as $399 models. Differentiation depends more on build quality, especially on the types of optics and sensors used, on brand reputation, and on country of manufacture: more expensive models tend to have higher-quality components. Bundles of up to a dozen cameras or more may cost upwards of $1,000.
Q. Where is the best place to mount a trail camera?
A. Set up your trail camera in a relatively sheltered area, such as under the cover of a branch, where rainwater won’t fall on it directly. Position it away from straight-line wind if possible. Many owners build a camouflaged blind for their camera, using branches and leaves from trees or shrubs in the area. This hides the camera from game and people in the area. Just make sure not to cover the lens, sensor or infrared flash.
Q. How often should I check on my trail camera?
A. Check on the camera regularly. Not only will you want to make sure it’s taking good pictures, but you’ll want to transfer those pictures to another storage device or computer to free up space. You can also make adjustments to its position and sensitivity settings, change the batteries if needed, and make sure the housing is clean and dry.
Q. Is it OK if water gets on my trail camera’s lens?
A. Water droplets on the outside of the camera are pretty much unavoidable; wind-driven rain or snow can impact any viewing device. However, moisture inside the camera housing can shorten the life of the entire camera.
