In recent years, one backcountry accessory that has become a must-have component of every hunter and wildlife enthusiast’s kit is the trail camera, aka “game camera.” These relatively low-cost, lightweight, and low-volume little devices let you know where and when wildlife is on the roam whilst you kick back at camp or at home, and in recent years have undergone a number of game-changing improvements that have made them more practical, effective, and user-friendly than ever before. To help you choose the best trail camera for your needs, we’ve drawn up a list of our top 25 picks for 2020.
We reviewed dozens of trail cameras to identify the best of the best. We examined a range of factors, including resolution, weather resistance, special features, range, WiFi compatibility, cost, and average customer reviews.
Having considered a large number of trail cameras, we chose the Campark T80 WiFi Trail Camera as our top pick. This trail camera ticks all the boxes, using extremely robust, waterproof materials and boasting a healthy 20 megapixels of image resolution, built-in WiFi, 65-foot detection range, infrared LEDs, and advanced night vision. Whether you’re in the market for a trail camera for hunting, wildlife tracking, identifying the critters vandalizing your yard, or for home security, this incredibly practical, easy-to-use device has you covered.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Trail Cameras
| Editor’s Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Trail Camera Overall | Campark T-80 Trail Camera | 4.6 |
| Best Trail Camera for Security | CreativeXP 3G Cellular Trail Camera | 4.4 |
| Best Budget Trail Camera | Victure HC300 Trail Camera | 4.6 |
| Best Cellular Trail Camera | Creative XP 4G Cellular Trail Camera | 4.8 |
| Best Wireless Wi-Fi Trail Camera | TOGUARD WiFi Trail Camera | 5.0 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Best Trail Camera Overall: Campark T80 WiFi Trail Camera
For those looking for a trail camera that offers outstanding all-round performance at a very reasonable price, they don’t come much better than the Campark T80 WiFi Trail Camera.
But what is it that makes this device such a standout among its peers? Well, although faced with stiff competition from the other four entries on our top-5 list and additional models in our list of 25, this trail camera is one that, barring its lack of cellular connectivity, has no shortcomings to speak of and boasts a bounty of benefits we could gush and enthuse about all day!
The most notable of these benefits include built-in WiFi and app-control functions that let you adjust settings and view images and footage on your phone via the Campark app. It also boasts a motion-activated, 20MP camera that produces impressively crisp, clear images both at night and in daylight, captures 1296P-resolution videos with sound, and has a 2.3″ color TFT LCD screen that lets you view footage in the field and make adjustments to the camera angle without checking your phone or transferring files to a computer.
This device also has a highly respectable 65-foot triggering distance with a built-in IR flash and 36 infrared LEDs that let you take clear, blur- and haze-free footage at night. And in wet weather, you don’t have to worry about any letup in performance or damaging your device. The T80 has an IP (Ingress Protection) rating of IP66, meaning it keeps out dust and water as well as any other trail camera on the market.
Campark T80 WiFi Trail Camera Key Features:
- Built-in WiFi and app-control function
- 20-megapixel camera and 1296P video with sound
- 65-foot motion detection range
- 2.3″ color LCD viewing screen
- IP66 waterproof and dustproof case
Best Trail Camera for Security: CreativeXP 3G Cellular Trail Camera
The CreativeXP 3G Cellular Trail Camera is the ideal choice for those who take the security of their home or property seriously and are willing to spend a little more in order to get their hands on a camera that offers real-time delivery of image or video captures.
The Creative XP 3G’s cellular connectivity means that this device offers “set-it-and-forget-it” functionality. Once you’ve mounted the camera, it will automatically send images and video footage to your phone or email address each time it is triggered, meaning that you don’t have to remove the SD card and transfer data manually to a laptop before discovering what (or who) it has captured.
Beyond its cellular connectivity, what really sets this camera apart from its competitors is its exceptional nighttime performance, with its full-HD night vision producing images of far superior quality and clarity to those captured by lower-priced models of camera that use infrared night vision. The multiple video and photo settings on this unit also allow you to match the camera’s configurations to your goals, with a “time-lapse” feature allowing you to receive photos every 3 minutes, the “timer” feature allowing you to capture footage only during certain time frames, and “standard shooting” relaying footage to your phone only when the device’s sensors are triggered by motion within the detection range.
Other admirable features or capacities this device boasts include a super-speedy 0.4-second trigger time, 110-degree-angle lens, and 65-foot detection range. As an added bonus, the XP 3G is also sold as a package that includes a SIMHero SIM card and a 32GB memory card.
CreativeXP 3G Cellular Trail Camera Key Features:
- 12-megapixel camera resolution
- 1080P HD video
- Full-HD night vision
- SIMHero card and 32 GB SD memory card included
- Lifetime warranty
Best Budget Trail Camera: Victure HC300Trail Camera
If a high-resolution camera with all the attributes and features included on many models that cost twice as much sounds like it might be your thing, then the Victure HC300 Trail Camera is one you should be expediting to the very top of your shortlist.
This lightweight, robust little camera is a great choice for those looking for a device that offers excellent image quality and a full array of user-friendly features but who aren’t prepared to fork out the extra few hundred dollars that might be required to get their hands on a trail camera will cellular connectivity. It offers 20MP camera resolution, 1080P HD video with sound, 3 shooting modes, 38 pcs no-glow LEDs, and a trigger time of only 0.3 seconds. It also has a 2″ viewing screen and is housed inside a very robust “clamshell” case with rubber seals rated to IP66, meaning it’s good to go in all weather conditions.
What we like most about this device, however, is the highly intuitive, fuss-free interface and the back-lit keyboard that makes adjusting settings a cinch even at night and when wearing gloves. In terms of user-friendliness, they don’t come much better than this…
The only notable downside to this camera is its lack of remote control functionality—something that’s highly forgivable given its bargain price and entirely compensated for by the camera’s excellent image quality and ease of use.
Victure HC300 Trail Camera Key Features:
- 20-megapixel picture resolution
- 1080P HD video
- 0.3-second trigger speed
- 38 pcs no-glow LEDs for nighttime captures
- IP66 rating
Best Cellular Trail Camera: Creative XP 4G Cellular Trail Camera
It might not be the cheapest model out there, but the Creative XP 4G Cellular Trail Camera offers more than enough in the way of practicality, convenience, and overall performance to make it worth every penny of added expense.
This trail camera is one of few currently on the market that offers 4G connectivity, which is roughly 10 times faster than 3G and so allows you to transfer data and receive images or video footage to your email address or phone almost as soon as they are recorded.
But to list the Creative XP’s 4G connectivity alone as the most endearing of its features would be to do it a disservice. This camera also has a 12-megapixel camera, records full HD 1080P video with sound, and boasts a lightning-fast trigger speed of 0.35 seconds. It uses 56pc no-glow infrared LED lights for outstanding nighttime performance and a wide dynamic lens capable of capturing subjects within an impressive 110-degree radius. As an added bonus, the unit’s manufacturers sell the device as part of a package that also includes a SIMHero SIM card and a 32GB SD card.
And the downsides? Well, the Creative XP’s 12-megapixel resolution may be a little on the low side for buyers who are particularly fussy about image quality and its lack of remote control is sure to irk those who’d prefer not to have to return to the device each time they need to adjust settings. These small exceptions aside, however, this camera’s a great choice for anyone keen to upgrade their surveillance with the aid of high-speed cellular connectivity.
Creative XP 4G Cellular Trail Camera Key Features:
- 12-megapixel camera
- Full HD 1080P video with sound
- 4G cellular connectivity
- 0.35-second trigger speed
- SIM card and 32GB SD card included
- IP54 rating
Best Wireless WiFi Trail Camera: TOGUARD WiFi Trail Camera
The TOGUARD WiFi Trail Camera is a great choice of trail camera for those who will be mounting their device within range of a steady WiFi signal, plan on using their cellphone as a mobile WiFi hotspot in the field, or simply want to transfer data at home without the hassle of removing the SD card to download their images and video footage.
So, what makes this trail camera a standout among all the others that offer WiFi connectivity? First of all, the TOGUARD offers the highest video resolution (1296P HD) of all the trail cameras featured in our review, which makes it a shoo-in for buyers who prioritize the quality of their camera’s video footage over its still image captures. That said, this device performs none too shabbily in that regard, either, with its 20-megapixel camera producing crystal-clear, vibrant, haze-free images of subjects even at the limit of its 65-foot detection range both day and night.
Finally, this device also boasts an impressive 0.3-second trigger time, IP66 waterproof and dustproof rating, and uses 36pc, 850nm infrared LEDs for enhanced nighttime captures.
And the downsides? When we find them, we’ll let you know!
TOGUARD WiFi Trail Camera Key Features:
- 20-megapixel camera resolution
- 1296P HD video
- 0.3-second trigger time
- IP66 rating
- Built-in WIFI and app control
A few other devices and pieces of kit can come in mightily handy on backcountry surveillance trips. The most important of these are night vision devices and binoculars. Check out our guides to the Best Night Vision Devices and Best Binoculars to find the best models for your hunting, scouting, or wildlife surveillance trips in 2020!
Who Should Buy a Trail Camera
Trail cameras have many potential applications but are most commonly used for scouting, hunting, wildlife research, and surveillance purposes. They allow hunters, photographers, and wildlife enthusiasts alike to see which animals or birds are passing their feeders or scouting locations and know at which time they do so, meaning they’re a great tool to have for those keen to upgrade their surveillance or wildlife watching experience.
Trail cameras are also a good alternative to standard home security cameras as most models use no-glow LEDs that won’t alert intruders to their presence and more advanced models with cellular or WiFi connectivity can also relay images or footage directly to your phone or computer by email or MMS whenever the sensor is triggered.
Important Features to Consider
A trail camera should do several things well. Here’s what to consider when selecting a trail camera for your wildlife surveillance, hunting, or security needs:
- Image and video resolution. As with any type of camera, the quality of the images and video footage a trail camera offers depends largely on the resolution. Resolution is measured in megapixels and, as a general rule, the higher the megapixel count, the better the picture quality will be. Most trail cameras offer image resolution in the 5 to 20-megapixel range and, as you might have guessed, the more megapixels a camera packs, the more expensive the model is likely to be. The resolution you require will ultimately depend on how you plan on using the camera and how clear you need images to be, with low-resolution models (5 MP to 12MP) being adequate for basic surveillance and high-resolution models (14MP to 20MP) a better bet for those for whom detail and clear, precise imaging is a priority.
- Range. The range of a trail camera refers to the distance at which its motion sensors are able to detect movement. Once movement is detected, the camera is triggered and, depending on settings, will either begin recording video or capture a series of images. If using the camera in a more enclosed environment such as your yard or around your home, the range isn’t likely to be such a big issue, but for hunting and wildlife surveillance purposes a more extensive range ensures you maximize your chances of capturing any visitors to your chosen surveillance area. Most models on the market offer a detection range of 40 to 100 feet. For home security, cameras with a detection range at the lower end of the scale will most probably be more than adequate, but for backcountry surveillance and scouting we recommend opting for a model with a range of at least 65 feet.
- Trigger speed. This refers to the time it takes for a camera to “wake up” and capture images or footage after the motion sensor has been triggered. This feature is of particular importance because fast-moving wildlife can easily move out of the image frame by the time the camera starts shooting if the trigger speed is too slow.
- The range of trigger speeds offered by models of trail camera currently varies from just over a tenth of a second to around 1.5 seconds, with most mid-range cameras offer trigger speeds of 0.3 to 0.7 seconds. While this difference may seem negligible, it could mean the difference between capturing a moving target and not, particularly if the angle of the lens used on the camera is at the narrower end of the scale (60 to 90 degrees as opposed to 90 to 120 degrees).
- Viewing screen. An image preview screen is beneficial for two reasons. First up, it lets you check the images or footage that you have recorded on the spot—that is, without removing the memory card or plugging it into a computer. Secondly, it allows you to check your angles and range by taking test images, which will ensure that you are capturing the desired area before leaving the camera in place.
- Wireless or cellular? One of the most important recent advances in trail camera technology—and the one that has sparked something of a renaissance in both their popularity and sales worldwide—has been the advent models that use WiFi and cellular connectivity. These game-changing functions allow users to adjust settings and view images and footage from a remote device (your phone or laptop) and receive real-time updates whenever the camera’s sensors are triggered. There are, however, significant differences between the two types of cameras. Because WiFi models require a WiFi connection to operate, they are limited to use in more residential areas, whereas cellular game cameras use an activated SIM card and can send images and footage to your phone via text or e-mail from anywhere with 3G or 4G coverage. Naturally, the above means that for hunting, wildlife surveillance, and other backcountry purposes, a cellular trail camera is the only way to go. If, however, you are a homeowner and plan on using your trail camera only in the vicinity of your home for security purposes, then a WiFi model will save you both the initial expense of purchasing a cellular model and the added, ongoing expense of a data plan.
- LED type. The infrared LEDs on a trail camera provide the illumination needed to capture clear images at night. Generally speaking, these come in two types: standard or low-glow. Standard LEDs typically emit a small flash when triggered, which can scare away wildlife. Low-glow LEDs, on the other hand, usually have a shorter range than standard LEDs but do not produce any flash when triggered, meaning they are much more likely to capture subjects within the shooting frame.
- Water and dust resistance. In any type of camera, water and dust resistance are quantified by IP (Ingress Protection) ratings, which range from IP00 (no protection) to IP69 (maximum protection). The first digit in this rating refers to the device’s intrusion protection (against dust, dirt, mud, etc.) and the second to its moisture protection. Most trail cameras offer IP ratings in the IP54 to IP67 range. While cameras at both the lower and upper end of this scale will provide more than enough resistance to deal with heavy rain showers and extremely dusty conditions, if you plan on leaving your camera for extended periods of time in more extreme conditions (snow, torrential rain, arid environments with higher exposure to dust), we recommend opting for a model of camera with a minimum rating of IP66.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a trail camera and how does it work?
While there are several categories of trail camera—aka “game” camera—on the market, most models bear certain characteristics or functions in common that differentiate them from standard cameras.
For starters, most models of trail camera are mounted by way of straps or clips to a tree or other immovable fixture and use motion detection—rather than a human finger (!)—to activate the lens aperture. This means that whenever anything or anyone enters the device’s detection range, the device is automatically activated and begins shooting.
Trail cameras also typically have nighttime shooting capabilities, using infrared LEDs to illuminate subjects within their detection range while capturing images or footage. More recent models of trail cameras include WiFi and/or cellular connectivity, which allows users to retrieve data on their phone or laptop and without having to physically retrieve the SD card to download images manually.
What is the difference between a game camera and a trail camera?
The terms “game camera” and “trail camera” are used interchangeably and refer to the same type of product.
Do trail cameras need WiFi?
One of the more recent developments trail camera technology has been the inclusion of WiFi and cellular functionality. Both of these relay images from the camera to your laptop or phone, meaning you don’t have to retrieve the camera before viewing images or footage. While not a necessity, this feature is, of course, very user-friendly and highly convenient, but can also add significantly to the cost of the device, particularly in the case of cellular trail cameras.
Can trail cameras be used for home security?
One of the main attractions of trail cameras is their versatility and suitability for use in a wide range of environments and scenarios. At home, a trail camera can be mounted to a tree or building and will record images whenever an intruder arrives within the camera’s capture range. When the camera’s motion sensors detect movement, the camera automatically snaps a series of photos or begins recording video for a preset duration. All videos and photos are time-stamped, so you’ll also know exactly when any intruder or visitor arrived.
Some models of trail camera can also be configured to relay image and video captures to your phone in real-time, meaning you don’t have to go to the trouble of dismounting your camera to discover who/what triggered the sensor and can see what’s going on in your yard from the safety of your home. Finally, most trail cameras are made to withstand the elements, so you can mount yours outside without having to worry about it being damaged by rain or snow.
Other Trail Cameras We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other trail cameras. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best trail cameras list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option for your outdoor photography or home security needs. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
Budget Trail Cameras
Victure 16MP Trail Game Camera
This tough, feature-rich trail camera brings to the table everything included in the larger model featured above but has lower (16-megapixel) image resolution. A great choice for those looking to start out in wildlife tracking or hunters who don’t need top-end quality in their images.
Key Features:
- 16 megapixels
- Trigger speed of 0.5 seconds
- 2.4″ LCD screen
- IP66 waterproof and dust-proof rating
Cost: $41.99
This trail camera captures impressively sharp, 16MP images and full HD 1080P video and uses 42 low-glow infrared LED lights for clear, fuzz-free nighttime shooting. It also features a 2.4″ LCD full-color viewing screen to let you preview pictures and adjust camera angles with ease.
Key Features:
- 16 megapixel resolution
- Full HD 1080P video
- 0.3-0.6 second trigger time
- 2.4” LCD color display
Cost: $49.99
This lower-resolution version of the winner of our review packs all the same features as its bigger and pricier sibling, including o.3-second trigger time, outstanding sensitivity and night vision, and 65-foot detection range.
Key Features:
- 14 megapixels
- 1080P video resolution
- 120° wide-angle lens
- 65-foot detection range
Cost: $59.99
With a 75-foot, 120-degree detection range, 14MP resolution, a 2″ LCD monitor, 0.5-second trigger speed, and excellent nighttime vision, this trail camera offers all the attributes required for hunters and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
Key Features:
- 14-megapixel camera resolution
- 2″ LCD viewing screen
- 75-foot range
- Black and white nighttime video
Cost: $46.99
Victure HC 100 16MP Mini Trail Camera
This more compact version of the model featured above weighs in at just 1.3 pounds and packs all of the features included in many much heavier cameras, including 16MP resolution, a 2″ viewing screen, 0.4-second trigger speed and excellent weather-resistance. The ideal choice for those who like to travel light and fast on backcountry scouting or surveillance trips.
Key Features:
- 16 megapixels
- 1080P HD video
- 3 shooting modes
- Compact design
Cost: $49.99
This camera’s 14MP photo resolution, high-resolution videos, 56 no-glow IR LEDs, IP66 rating 65-foot range, and 120-degree angle lens make it a great, affordable option for all scouting, hunting, wildlife research, and surveillance purposes.
Key Features:
- 14 megapixels
- 2.4-inch viewing screen
- 1080P video with sound
- IP66 rating
Cost: $49.99
Alpha Cam Premium Trail Camera
This camera uses a highly intuitive interface and offers an incredible picture resolution of 30 megapixels, a trigger speed of 0.2 seconds, and motion sensor capable of detecting movement up to 90 feet away. It might be a little pricier than other budget models on our list, but is one one of very few 30-megapixels cameras in the sub-$100 price range.
Key Features:
- 30-megapixel camera
- 90-foot detection range
- 0.2-second trigger speed
Cost: $89.99
This very robust, highly durable little camera is a true all-rounder, offering excellent daytime and nighttime image quality, lightning fast trigger speed, a 120-degree wide-angle lens, and a 2.4″ LCD monitor with easy controls. All told, just about the best value for money you can get.
Key Features:
- 16-megapixel camera
- 1080P HD video
- 2.4″ LCD monitor
- 0.2-second trigger speed
Cellular Trail Cameras
Wildgame Innovations Terra Extreme 12MP Trail Camera
This camera offers 3G cellular connectivity that allows you to sends images and video by email or MMS to your phone from remote mounting locations and costs only a fraction more than most basic, budget models of camera.
Key Features:
- 16 megapixel CMOS sensor
- Cellular functionality
- 0.3-second trigger time
- IP65 waterproof/dustproof rating
Cost: $79.99
Spypoint Link Micro 4G Cellular Trail Camera
This camera comes with a preactivated SIM and steel security box and lets you access all images and recorded footage remotely via the Skypoint App.
Key Features:
- 10-megapixel camera
- 0.5-second trigger speed
- 80-foot flash range
- 2-year warranty
Cost: $169.99
This compact, 8MP camera offers fast, 4G connectivity via the Verizon network, comes with a 16GB SD memory card, and can be controlled remotely via the web or Spartan’s mobile app on both iPhone and Android devices.
Key Features:
- Cellular connectivity via Verizon 4G/LTE network
- 8MP camera
- Remote control via Spartan mobile app
- 16GB SD memory card included
Cost: $409.95
Moultrie Mobile XA7000i Cellular Trail Camera (AT&T Network)
A more affordable model of cellular trail camera that packs as much punch performance-wise as many units that cost twice as much. With 20MP image resolution, 1080p video, 0.3-second trigger speed, and an invisible flash that keeps nighttime captures crystal-clear, this one ticks every box that needs ticking!
Key Features:
- 20-megapixel camera
- 0.3-second trigger time
- AT&T compatible (plans start at $9.99 p/m)
Cost: $159.99
This camera runs on a slower (3G) network than other cellular models featured in our review but still merits its place on any shortlist owing to its outstanding image quality, user-friendly features, and affordable data plans.
Key Features:
- 12-megapixel camera
- 1080P HD video
- Invisible flash
- SIM card and 16GB SD memory card included
- Data plans start at $6.99 p/m or $39.99 p/a
Cost: $199.99
Stealth Cam GX Cellular Series
This camera offers about the best value for money out there in the cellular trail camera market, boasting a 22MP camera, 0.5-second trigger speed, Matrix advanced anti-blur technology, 100-foot sensor range, and compatibility with AT&T and Verizon 4G cellular networks.
Key Features:
- Compatible with Verizon and AT&T 4G networks
- 22-megapixel camera
- 0.5-second trigger speed
- App-based remote control
- 100-foot sensor range
Cost: $129.99
Covert Code Black AT&T 4G LTE Trail Camera
This trail camera gives you instant access to 20-megapixel images and 1080P HD video footage via the Covert app and packs plenty of other features that will earn it plaudits from all types of backcountry user, including GPS capability, silent image capture, a 100-foot sensor range, and 60 no-glow LEDs for blur-free, clear nighttime shooting.
Key Features:
- Cellular connectivity (AT&T)
- 20-megapixel camera
- 2″ viewing screen
- GPS capability
Wireless WiFi Trail Cameras
This camera has far more going for it than WiFi connectivity alone, including a 20-megapixel camera, 0.5-second trigger speed, 120-degree wide-angle lens, and 65-foot detection range, all of which means it also offers very nearly the best value for money out there.
Key Features:
- Built-in WiFi connectivity
- 20-megapixel camera
- 65-foot sensor detection range
Cost: $86.99
WiFi connectivity is just another string to this impressive trail camera’s bow. This unit also supports larger data cards (64GB) than most other cameras in our review and boasts specs that put other models in its price range firmly in the shade. All in all, a great choice for home security or anyone doing their surveillance in the field with a remote WiFi connection in the form of a portable hub or mobile hotspot.
Key Features:
- 20-megapixel camera
- 0.3-second trigger speed
- IP66 rating
- Supports 64GB memory cards
Cost: $96.99
This camera produces very vivid, clear images and video footage both during the day and at night and also allows you to access these and adjust settings via the CAMVILD app. Scoring high on convenience and user-friendliness and low on cost, this is an excellent choice for home security for buyers who don’t want to have to dismount their device to retrieve data.
Key Features:
- App-based remote control
- 20-megapixel camera
- IP65 rating
- 120-degree, wide-angle lens
- 0.3-second trigger speed
Cost: $94.99
Bolyguard WiFi Wireless Trail Game Camera
This one’s the ideal pick for anyone who places ease of use high on their list of priorities. This simple little camera comes with a remote control that lets you adjust settings with the minimum of fuss and an intuitive interface on the unit itself. It has a slower trigger speed than most other cameras in our review, but in every other metric it scores impressively high for such a reasonably priced product.
Key Features:
- Wireless WiFi remote control
- 12-megapixel camera
- 1.2-second trigger speed
- 85-foot detection range
- 3″ viewing screen
Cost: $98.99
This wildcard entry on our list doesn’t have built-in WiFi but can be upgraded with the separate purchase of a Moultrie Mobile Field Modem, which will allow you to adjust settings and access images and video footage from your smartphone via the Moultrie Mobile app.
Key Features:
- Can add WiFi or cellular connectivity with Moultrie Mobile Field Modem
- 20-megapixel camera
- 80-foot motion detection and flash range
- 0.3-second trigger speed
Cost: $109
