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10 Best Cheap Trail Cameras 2025 in the United States

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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.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

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)

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,317
Image Resolution
Battery Life
Night Vision

Most important from
1382 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.

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.

Battery life is decent, especially if paired with optional solar panels for extended use, but keep in mind that batteries are required and microSD cards for storage are not included. The app integration is user-friendly, allowing you to receive photos instantly and manage settings remotely, which is a big convenience. On the downside, video resolution is limited to 720p, which may not satisfy users wanting sharper footage. Also, while the camera supports various capture modes like Time-Lapse and Constant Capture, the monthly free photo transmission is capped at 100 photos, so heavy users will likely need a paid plan.

This camera pack suits budget-conscious hunters or wildlife watchers who want solid image quality, reliable connectivity, and robust outdoor performance without breaking the bank.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,317
Image Resolution
Battery Life
Night Vision

Most important from
1382 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

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

Rating
10.0
Image Resolution
Battery Life
Night Vision

Most important from
264 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.

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.

Storage-wise, it comes with 8GB built-in memory and unlimited cloud storage, so you don’t need an SD card. Weather resistance rated at IP65 means it can handle rain and rough outdoor conditions well, though it’s not fully waterproof against heavy submersion. Battery life depends on usage, but optional solar power packs and rechargeable battery accessories are available to extend it, which is helpful for long-term deployments. The trigger speed and detection delay settings are flexible. It’s designed for outdoor use with easy mounting options, but the viewing angle of 50 degrees is somewhat narrow compared to some competitors.

Considering the price range, the Moultrie Edge 2 delivers a solid mix of high-resolution imaging and smart connectivity features, making it particularly suitable for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts who want reliable remote monitoring without complex setup. For those needing a wider viewing angle or guaranteed longer battery life out of the box, exploring other options might be advisable.

Rating
10.0
Image Resolution
Battery Life
Night Vision

Most important from
264 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

DEATTI Trail Camera 48MP 4K Game Camera with 8 Batteries 32G SD Card,WiFi Bluetooth Connection,Trail Cameras with Night Vison Motion Activated Waterproof for Wildlife Deer Outdoor 0.1s Trigger Time

Rating
9.8
Image Resolution
Battery Life

Most important from
1517 reviews

Image Resolution
The camera delivers exceptionally clear, high-definition images that help accurately identify wildlife activity across diverse terrains.
Battery Life
Battery life lasts well on included batteries during moderate use, though heavy nighttime activity can drain power within 2-3 days.

The DEATTI Trail Camera is a strong contender for a budget-friendly wildlife camera, boasting impressive features usually found in pricier models. It offers very high image resolution at 48MP and 4K video, which means you’ll get sharp, detailed photos and videos of animals. The trigger speed is excellent at 0.1 seconds—this quick response helps ensure you won’t miss fast-moving wildlife. Its detection range and night vision extend up to 30 meters, suitable for most outdoor monitoring needs, while the 120-degree wide-angle lens gives a broad view to catch more activity.

The camera uses 8 AA batteries included in the package, which is convenient but might require regular replacement during heavy use. Its weather resistance rating (IP66) means it can handle rain and dust well, making it reliable in various outdoor conditions. Storage-wise, it comes with a 32GB SD card and supports up to 128GB, giving enough space for many photos and videos before needing to clear the memory. The built-in 2-inch screen is handy for quick checks without connecting to a computer.

A notable feature is the Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity, allowing remote access through an app; however, it does not support home WiFi networks, which could limit convenience for some users. It also includes useful extras like multiple capture modes, time stamping, loop recording, and password protection to keep your footage safe. Though it’s not the lightest or the most compact model, the combination of high resolution, fast triggering, wide detection, and robust weatherproofing makes it a solid choice for hunters, wildlife watchers, or anyone needing a dependable trail camera at a reasonable price.

Rating
9.8
Image Resolution
Battery Life

Most important from
1517 reviews

Image Resolution
The camera delivers exceptionally clear, high-definition images that help accurately identify wildlife activity across diverse terrains.
Battery Life
Battery life lasts well on included batteries during moderate use, though heavy nighttime activity can drain power within 2-3 days.

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.

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