10 Best Trail Cameras 2024 in the United States

Nature in any part of the world is so beautiful and just waiting to be discovered, with all of its many creatures: birds, mammals, and so many others. A trail camera is the best tool for any outdoor enthusiast, whether your intent is hunting, observation, or photography. It is much easier to observe and track animals and learn about their habits when you can use a trail camera instead of waiting and watching yourself. Animals tend not to approach when humans are around, due to sounds, smell or just your unfamiliar presence in their territory. And not only that: for those people looking for a little bit of extra security for their homes in case of robberies or other dangers, a trail camera is just perfect for capturing an image of the criminal, to use as you wish.  

We’ve composed this buyer’s guide to help you make the right decision when selecting a trail camera. It'll help you:

• Choose the right type of trail camera,

• See useful tips about that type of trail camera,

• Read reviews of different trail cameras, and what customers are saying,

• Select the right brand of a trail camera, and

• Compare prices and find the best deals.

• Motion activated camera: These types of trail cameras do not need to be permanently on in order to capture your image. They start filming only when they detect motion. This way, this type of trail camera lasts longer, power- wise, as it uses less battery power. It is a camera that is well-suited to wildlife photographers and game hunters. However, this camera will only capture a photo when the movement is within the range of the motion detector, so any animal outside its range will not be photographed. An example is the Bushnell 16-Megapixel Motion-Activated Trophy Cam Trail Camera.

Bushnell 16-megapixel motion-activated Trophy Cam

• Wireless WiFi camera: A wireless WiFi trail camera uses a transmitting aerial to send the photographs right to your computer. This type of camera is popular with hunters because it lets the hunter know immediately what animals are in the area. However, it does require a WiFi connection--so if it is in a dead zone, you will not be able to receive the image. The camera is completely wireless--this allows for very easy setup, as it does not need any cords, not even a USB. They are small and easy to hide from sight, which makes them another great option for hunters.

• Cellular trail camera: As the name suggests, cellular trail cameras send the images that they take to your phone. Much like any other cellular device, the camera does need a SIM card and a data package to work. Due to modern-day technology, they usually have motion sensors and install easily, since they are wireless. These cameras typically are not weatherproof and require batteries to work. However, they are small and lightweight, and therefore less likely to be spotted by any other hunters.

• Infrared trail camera: An infrared trail camera is a wise choice, especially if the animal that you are observing is more nocturnal. An infrared camera is able to take identifiable photographs even in the dark. This camera will adjust automatically whenever the lights go out so that you get a perfect picture no matter what time of day. They are easy to use, easy to install and have a ton of storage. The only downside with these types of cameras is that they are the highest-priced trail camera in the market. An example is the Meidase Trail Camera with No-Glow Night Vision.

Meidase Trail Camera with Night Vision

• Flash trail cameras: These trail cameras are more cost-friendly than that of infrared trail cameras. However, due to the fact that they use a flash of light to capture images of the animals, it is unlikely that you will get multiple shots of the animal. They provide consumers with an easy install, and they are easy to move. Although they use more battery power to get the flash going, they do provide zoom features and high-quality images.

• Security cameras: These cameras are seen as the last option: Even though they are easy to install, they are also very easy to spot. They use a large amount of battery power to provide low-quality images. As they are not the most expensive camera, they are the least likely to be stolen. If you do decide to use this type of camera, rather use it on a temporary basis as they often interfere with local laws.

• Prepare for rain and wet weather: Some consumers have difficulty keeping moisture out of the inside of their trail cameras. Suppliers suggest putting a bag of desiccant in the camera before closing the buckle.

• Stock up on batteries: Many consumers complain that when operating off AA batteries, the power only lasts for about a week or two. Stock up on batteries to avoid missing out on great footage just because you didn't have any spare batteries.

• Contact the manufacturer if you experience any problems: Some consumers have experienced defects with the cameras that they have received, and tend to wait too long before calling the manufacturer of the product. They were unable to return it, get a refund, or use the warranty. As soon as the product starts showing defects, alert the manufacturer and make use of the warranty.

• Megapixels: When looking at a camera’s megapixels, one should know that a slight increase in the number of megapixels shouldn’t influence you that much unless your photos are going to be displayed on a very large scale. Only then will a difference of 4 megapixels make much of a difference.

• Battery Life: Many consumers struggle with the battery life of trail cameras: if there is a lot of activity, that causes the camera to take a lot of photos, and it will run down the battery more with each picture. In order to save money, prefer getting a camera that uses D batteries rather than a camera that uses AA batteries. D batteries are estimated to last six times longer!

• Photo Settings: If you want really clear and well-positioned photos, take advantage of a camera that has a very quick trigger time. This lets you take a lot of photos in a short amount of time. This way, you will probably end up with at least one good one.

• Trigger Speed: You may want to buy a camera with the highest trigger speed possible, in order to ensure that any time an animal is spotted, the camera will take a photo as quickly as possible.

• Prefer infrared cameras: There are trail cameras that illuminate the subject using LEDs that emit infrared light, which is not detectable by humans or most animals. This is a good alternative to using a flash. Try to get a camera that has this function--when you use a flash camera, the animals get frightened away very quickly, whilst this infrared feature doesn’t disturb their peace.

• LCD Screen: If you want to view your photos instantly instead of waiting for them to be sent to your phone or computer, via WiFi or cables, an LCD screen is a perfect choice. However, spending a lot of time in the area of the trail camera spreads your scent and wards off animals, so if you want them to keep coming back, it’s preferable to transfer the images to another device.

• Remote Access: Due to advancements in technology, you can now have your photos sent right to your email and view them on multiple devices.  This is a great thing to have, as you don’t have to physically connect the trail camera. However, this feature will show up in the cost. Also, it will not work if there is no cellular connection where you have placed the camera.

• Bushnell has been operating for more than 65 years. They create multiple high-performance sport optic devices such as binoculars, riflescopes, red dots, rangefinders, spotting scopes, trail cameras, and much more. They have headquarters in Lenexa, Kansas.

• Victure, founded in 2017, offers action cameras, trail cameras, IP cameras, and Mp3 players.