10 Best Cheap Trail Cameras 2025 in the United States

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.

The GardePro E5S trail camera is a strong option for those looking for an affordable but capable device to capture wildlife or monitor outdoor spaces. Its standout feature is the very high image resolution of 64MP, which means photos are very sharp and detailed—great if you want clear pictures of animals. It also shoots HD video at 1296p, which is better than many budget cameras that usually offer only 1080p. The trigger speed is excellent at 0.1 seconds, so it responds quickly to movement, and it can detect motion up to 90 feet, which covers a good distance for most trail uses. Night vision is solid with no-glow infrared technology reaching up to 100 feet, offering clear images without alerting animals or people with visible light.

The camera is IP66 waterproof, meaning it can handle rain and tough outdoor conditions well, which is important for reliable use in the wild. On storage, it supports SD cards up to large capacities (SDXC), so you can store many photos and videos without frequently swapping cards. A minor downside is that it doesn’t have wireless connectivity, so you need to physically retrieve the SD card or connect it by USB to access files, which might be less convenient for some. Also, with a 60-degree field of view, it covers a moderate area—wider angles might catch more activity but can reduce detail.

This camera is well-suited for hunters, nature enthusiasts, or anyone needing a budget-friendly trail camera with high-quality images, strong night vision, and solid durability.

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.