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 Inexpensive 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

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

GardePro E5S Trail Camera 2 Pack, 64MP 1296p, Game Cameras with 100ft No Glow Night Vision Motion Activated Waterproof for Deer Wildlife Cam, Hunting

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,355
Image Resolution
Trigger Speed
Detection Range

Most important from
179 reviews

Image Resolution
Delivers very good pictures and videos for its price, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious hunters.
Trigger Speed
The camera reliably records motion, though side view motion detectors need to be activated to catch movement at the edges of the detection zone.
Detection Range
The PIR sensor range varies between 35 to 70 feet, which can affect how well it captures movement at different distances.
Battery Life
Battery life is solid, supporting extended use without frequent replacements.
Night Vision
Captures impressive clarity in both daylight and nighttime images and videos.

The GardePro E5S trail camera is a solid choice for anyone needing an affordable, easy-to-use option for tracking wildlife or outdoor security. It offers very good image quality with 32MP photos and 1296p HD videos, which is quite high for this price range. The fast 0.1-second trigger speed and 90-foot detection range mean it can capture quick animal movements effectively. Night vision works up to 100 feet without visible glow, so it won’t disturb animals at night. The camera is waterproof and has a sturdy design, making it reliable in various weather conditions. It supports large memory cards up to 512GB, giving ample storage for long-term use. Operating the camera is made simple by a 2.4-inch color screen and a straightforward menu. Battery life depends on usage and battery type, but it can run on regular batteries or optionally on solar power with an extra panel.

A few minor points to consider: the camera uses wired connectivity only and doesn’t include an SD card out of the box, so you’ll need to buy one separately. Also, while durable, it’s not the smallest or lightest model available. This set of two cameras provides considerable value for hunters or hobbyists looking for dependable performance without spending a lot.

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,355
Image Resolution
Trigger Speed
Detection Range

Most important from
179 reviews

Image Resolution
Delivers very good pictures and videos for its price, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious hunters.
Trigger Speed
The camera reliably records motion, though side view motion detectors need to be activated to catch movement at the edges of the detection zone.
Detection Range
The PIR sensor range varies between 35 to 70 feet, which can affect how well it captures movement at different distances.
Battery Life
Battery life is solid, supporting extended use without frequent replacements.
Night Vision
Captures impressive clarity in both daylight and nighttime images and videos.
#2

Meidase 2 Pack Trail Camera P70, 64MP 1296p, No-Glow IR Night Vision, Motion Activated, Waterproof, Game Camera

Rating
9.4
Image Resolution
Detection Range
Battery Life

Most important from
498 reviews

Image Resolution
Takes outstanding clear night time photos and crystal clear daylight photos.
Detection Range
Compact design with bright IR lights and excellent range on motion sensors.
Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, lasting over a week on rechargeable NIMH batteries and up to a year with lithium rechargeable batteries.
Durability
Durable and weather-resistant, running 24/7 rain or shine without any problems.

The Meidase 2 Pack Trail Camera P70 is a solid choice for those looking for inexpensive trail cameras. Its standout feature is the exceptional image and video quality, with 64MP still images and 1296p HD videos, ensuring clear and detailed captures. The H.264 video technology is a bonus as it reduces file size and speeds up downloads, making it easier to manage your footage. The 100ft no-glow night vision is impressive, using advanced infrared LEDs to capture clear images in complete darkness without disturbing wildlife.

The rapid 0.1s trigger speed ensures you don't miss any action, and the two additional side sensors help detect movement efficiently. The camera is user-friendly with a 2.4-inch color display and intuitive menu, making it easy to set up and operate. However, the camera's reliance on 8 AA batteries, which are not included, could be seen as a downside, especially for extended use. An optional solar panel is available but must be purchased separately.

The camera's durability is assured with its waterproof design, making it suitable for outdoor use. The Meidase P70 is a strong contender in its category, offering high-quality features at an affordable price.

Rating
9.4
Image Resolution
Detection Range
Battery Life

Most important from
498 reviews

Image Resolution
Takes outstanding clear night time photos and crystal clear daylight photos.
Detection Range
Compact design with bright IR lights and excellent range on motion sensors.
Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, lasting over a week on rechargeable NIMH batteries and up to a year with lithium rechargeable batteries.
Durability
Durable and weather-resistant, running 24/7 rain or shine without any problems.
#3

GardePro E6 Trail Camera WiFi 48MP 1296P Game Camera with No Glow Night Vision Motion Activated Waterproof for Wildlife Deer Scouting Hunting or Property Security, Camo

Rating
9.2
Image Resolution
Battery Life
Night Vision

Most important from
4228 reviews

Image Resolution
The optics are impressive, providing clear captures both day and night.
Battery Life
Rechargeable AA batteries solve the issue of quick battery drain during high activity.
Night Vision
Night vision works well, but the camera could benefit from a built-in video zoom feature.

The GardePro E6 Trail Camera is an affordable option that excels in various aspects vital for trail cameras. One of its standout features is the high image resolution (48MP) and 1296p video quality, ensuring clear and detailed captures. Its wide 110° field of view allows for more expansive coverage, which is beneficial for wildlife tracking or property monitoring.

The innovative Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, along with a dedicated mobile app, make it user-friendly and convenient to access footage without needing to physically retrieve the camera. This can be particularly useful for those who prefer minimal disturbance to the environment being monitored. Additionally, the camera has a reliable signal and low-power consumption, which enhances its practicality and ease of use. Night vision capability is another strong point, with no glow infrared technology ensuring discreet operation and clear captures up to 75 feet in low light conditions.

The camera's battery life depends on usage and settings, which might require frequent changes in high-use scenarios. With a waterproof rating of IP66, the camera is durable and can withstand various outdoor conditions, though it may not be as robust as some higher-end models. Storage wise, it uses SD cards, which are standard but make sure to have multiple cards on hand for extended monitoring periods. The GardePro E6 offers excellent image quality, user-friendly connectivity, and effective night vision, making it a solid choice for those seeking an inexpensive trail camera for wildlife monitoring or property security.

Rating
9.2
Image Resolution
Battery Life
Night Vision

Most important from
4228 reviews

Image Resolution
The optics are impressive, providing clear captures both day and night.
Battery Life
Rechargeable AA batteries solve the issue of quick battery drain during high activity.
Night Vision
Night vision works well, but the camera could benefit from a built-in video zoom feature.

Buying Guide for the Best Inexpensive Trail Cameras

When choosing an inexpensive trail camera, it's important to focus on the key specifications that will ensure you get the best performance for your needs. Trail cameras are used for wildlife monitoring, hunting, and even security purposes, so understanding the specs will help you make an informed decision. Here are the key specs to consider and how to navigate them.
Image ResolutionImage resolution refers to the clarity and detail of the photos the camera can capture, measured in megapixels (MP). Higher resolution means clearer and more detailed images. For general wildlife monitoring, a resolution of 8-12 MP is usually sufficient. If you need more detailed images for research or identification purposes, consider a camera with 12-20 MP. 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 detect motion and capture an image. This is crucial for capturing fast-moving animals. A faster trigger speed (under 0.5 seconds) is ideal for capturing quick movements, while a slower trigger speed (0.5-1 second) may miss some action. If you are monitoring a feeding area where animals are likely to linger, a slower trigger speed might be acceptable.
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 and capturing animals from a distance. A detection range of 50-80 feet is common and suitable for most uses. If you need to monitor a larger area or want to capture animals from further away, look for a camera with a detection range of 80-100 feet or more.
Battery LifeBattery life determines how long the camera can operate before needing new batteries. Longer battery life means less frequent maintenance, which is especially important for cameras placed in remote locations. Cameras with longer battery life often use more efficient power management and may support external power sources. Consider your usage pattern and how often you can check the camera when evaluating battery life.
Night VisionNight vision capability allows the camera to capture images in low light or complete darkness using infrared LEDs. This is essential for monitoring nocturnal wildlife. Look for cameras with no-glow or low-glow LEDs to avoid startling animals. The range of night vision is also important; a range of 50-80 feet is typical, but if you need to capture images at greater distances, look for cameras with a longer night vision range.
Storage CapacityStorage capacity refers to the amount of data the camera can hold, usually via an SD card. Larger storage capacity means you can store more photos and videos before needing to download or replace the card. For general use, a 16-32 GB SD card is often sufficient. If you plan to leave the camera unattended for long periods or expect to capture a lot of activity, consider a camera that supports larger SD cards, up to 64 GB or more.
DurabilityDurability is important for ensuring the camera can withstand outdoor conditions such as rain, snow, and extreme temperatures. Look for cameras with a rugged, weatherproof design. If you plan to use the camera in harsh environments, check for additional features like dustproof and shockproof ratings. Durability ensures the camera will last longer and require less frequent replacement.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now