We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Cheap Trail Cameras 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.9 score

SPYPOINT Flex-M Twin Pack Cellular Trail Cameras - Best Hunting Accessories, No WiFi Needed, GPS, Night Vision, Dual-Sim LTE, IP65 Water-Resistant Game Camera, 28MP Photos, 720p Videos + Sound (2)

The SPYPOINT Flex-M Twin Pack offers strong value for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts looking for affordable cellular trail cameras. It delivers high-quality 28MP photos and 720p videos with sound, which is impressive for this price range. The camera features fast and reliable cellular connectivity with dual SIMs, so you won’t need to worry about WiFi or swapping carriers. Its IP65 rating ensures it can handle rain and dust, making it durable enough for most outdoor conditions. Night vision is enabled through low-glow technology, helping you capture clear images in the dark without startling animals. The trigger speed is responsive, enhancing your chances to catch fast-moving wildlife.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,159
Image Resolution
Battery Life
Night Vision

Most important from
1424 reviews

Image Resolution
The cameras deliver crisp, clear photos with effective night vision, making them highly useful for wildlife monitoring and trapping.
Battery Life
Battery life is decent, but the camera requires 8 AA batteries and a microSD card, which are not included and should be clearly highlighted for buyers.
Night Vision
The cameras deliver crisp, clear photos with effective night vision, making them highly useful for wildlife monitoring and trapping.
Storage Capacity
Battery life is decent, but the camera requires 8 AA batteries and a microSD card, which are not included and should be clearly highlighted for buyers.
Weather Resistance
The camera is compact and easy to transport, yet durable enough to withstand rain and dust with its IP65 rating.
#2
9.8 score

Moultrie Edge 2 Cellular Trail Camera - Auto Connect Nationwide 4G LTE - On Demand 36MP Photo - 1080P Video with HD Audio - 100 Ft Detection Range - Low Glow Flash

The Moultrie Edge 2 Cellular Trail Camera stands out with impressive 36MP photos and 1080p videos featuring HD audio, which is excellent for capturing detailed images and clear nighttime footage thanks to its advanced low-light sensor and 100-foot detection range. Its low-glow infrared flash helps avoid disturbing wildlife, making it a good choice for game tracking and security. The camera's nationwide 4G LTE connectivity with automatic SIM setup is a big plus, allowing you to receive photos and alerts instantly on your phone via the Moultrie Mobile app. This app also offers useful tools like activity charts and interactive maps to help you monitor wildlife patterns easily.

Rating
9.8
Image Resolution
Battery Life
Night Vision

Most important from
276 reviews

Image Resolution
Outstanding image quality delivers crystal-clear photos and HD videos with audio, even in low-light conditions.
Battery Life
Impressive battery life allows for weeks of use without needing a recharge, supporting long-term outdoor deployment.
Night Vision
Low-glow infrared flash effectively captures wildlife without disturbing them, making it ideal for game tracking.
Storage Capacity
Built-in memory eliminates the need for SD cards, simplifying storage management with the added benefit of unlimited cloud storage.
Weather Resistance
Weather resistance ensures dependable operation through various outdoor conditions, though it's not fully waterproof for submersion.
#3
9.7 score

Moultrie Edge 2 Pro Cellular Trail Camera - Auto Connect Nationwide 4G LTE - On Demand 40MP Photo - 1440P Video with HD Audio - Ai False Trigger Elimination - 100 Ft Detection Range - No-Glow Flash

The Moultrie Edge 2 Pro is a feature-rich trail camera that suits hunters, wildlife enthusiasts, or land managers who want sharp, high-quality images and videos. It boasts an impressive 40MP image sensor and 1440p video with audio, delivering detailed photos and clear video recordings, which is excellent for identifying animals or capturing behavior. Its detection range extends up to 100 feet, which is quite generous for spotting wildlife at a distance. The camera uses cellular connectivity, allowing you to check images and control settings remotely via an app, which is handy if you want to avoid frequent trips to the camera location.

Rating
9.7
Image Resolution
Battery Life

Most important from
175 reviews

Image Resolution
The camera delivers much crisper and cleaner images compared to older models, making it well worth the investment.
Battery Life
Battery life holds up impressively well, with Energizer AA Lithium batteries maintaining full charge over extended use.

Top 10 Best Cheap Trail Cameras 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Buying Guide for the Best Cheap Trail Cameras

Choosing the right trail camera can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you're new to the world of wildlife monitoring or outdoor surveillance. Trail cameras are designed to capture images and videos of wildlife or any movement in a specific area, making them perfect for hunters, researchers, or nature enthusiasts. To make an informed decision, it's important to understand the key specifications that differentiate one model from another. Here’s a guide to help you navigate through the essential features and pick the best trail camera for your needs.
Image ResolutionImage resolution refers to the clarity and detail of the photos captured by the trail camera, measured in megapixels (MP). Higher resolution cameras produce clearer and more detailed images. For general wildlife monitoring, a camera with 8-12 MP is usually sufficient. If you need highly detailed images for research or identification purposes, consider a camera with 12 MP or higher. However, higher resolution images take up more storage space, so balance your need for detail with your storage capacity.
Trigger SpeedTrigger speed is the time it takes for the camera to take a photo after detecting motion. This is crucial for capturing fast-moving animals. A faster trigger speed (less than 0.5 seconds) ensures you don't miss any action. If you’re monitoring areas with quick-moving wildlife, opt for a camera with a trigger speed of 0.3 seconds or faster. For slower or less frequent movement, a trigger speed of up to 1 second may be adequate.
Detection RangeDetection range is the distance at which the camera can detect motion and trigger a photo or video. This is important for covering larger areas. Cameras typically have a detection range between 50 to 100 feet. If you need to monitor a wide area, choose a camera with a longer detection range (70-100 feet). For smaller, more confined spaces, a shorter range (50-70 feet) will suffice.
Battery LifeBattery life determines how long the camera can operate before needing new batteries. This is especially important for cameras placed in remote locations. Cameras with longer battery life (6 months to a year) are ideal for extended monitoring without frequent maintenance. Consider the type of batteries used (AA, rechargeable, etc.) and the camera’s power consumption. If you need long-term monitoring, look for cameras with efficient power usage and the option to use external power sources.
Night VisionNight vision capability allows the camera to capture images in low light or complete darkness using infrared LEDs. This is essential for nocturnal wildlife monitoring. Cameras with more LEDs or higher-quality infrared sensors provide clearer night images. If night monitoring is crucial, choose a camera with strong night vision capabilities. For occasional night use, a basic night vision feature will be sufficient.
Storage CapacityStorage capacity refers to the amount of data the camera can hold, usually via an SD card. This is important for how many photos or videos you can store before needing to retrieve and clear the card. Cameras typically support SD cards ranging from 16GB to 128GB. If you plan to leave the camera unattended for long periods, opt for a higher capacity card (64GB or more). For shorter monitoring periods, a smaller capacity (16GB-32GB) may be adequate.
Weather ResistanceWeather resistance ensures the camera can withstand various environmental conditions like rain, snow, and extreme temperatures. This is crucial for outdoor use. Look for cameras with a high IP (Ingress Protection) rating, indicating better protection against dust and water. If you’re placing the camera in harsh weather conditions, choose one with a higher IP rating (IP66 or above). For milder climates, a lower rating (IP54-IP65) may be sufficient.

FAQ