The Best Trail Cameras of 2023

For a straightforward camera, the Browning Strike Force Pro XD offers a reliable brand name at a great value. Checking on your pictures in this camera is easy with the built-in LCD—no fumbling with memory cards while wearing gloves here. Simply flip the protective cover open and click through your capture files. This kit comes with a sturdy Transcend 32 GB memory card, Energizer batteries, and a cloth to clean the screen and lens.

The resolution specifics aren’t anything to write home about; the real selling points here are the interval shooting and the movement-detection system. The time-lapse setting allows you to select the length of time and interval between shots. And if you find you’re taking pictures of the same three deer, simply adjust the interval and the length of time. There’s no flash, which helps to avoid spooking your game, and the night glow is red. As one reviewer noted, the tilting mount allows you to get some great angles.

Another great entry-level selection to plunge you into cellular-access cameras: the Browning Defender Wireless Scout. It offers both Bluetooth and cellular capabilities at a reasonable price. The camera covers a 120-foot flash area, with a field of view of approximately 30 inches at ten yards. The photos are stamped with detailed information, including time, date, moon phase, temperature, barometric pressure, and camera ID.

Reviewers have said that the Browning system encourages users to have multiple cameras, with reasonable pricing for access to photos on their website or having photos emailed on a scheduled upload. As one user noted, checking the service area for your particular cell phone company is important because signal strength can drop quickly. A couple of reviewers said the system was easy to set up; one also noted that having the cell phone system saved them considerable gas and time driving.

Many shoppers have been impressed with the value in this camera. While there are a range of user reviews, the overwhelming majority say they’re impressed with the quality of the photos as well as the battery life in this affordable trail cam. Some reviewers expressed frustration over poor motion sensors, noting that even with the camera close to a moving object, there were no pictures being taken. Several other users felt the battery life didn’t meet their expectations.

Reviewers also noted that the unit shipped with only four of the eight batteries; the camera will work with four AAs but can accept up to eight for extended use. Finally, while the camera ships with an SD card, at least one buyer noted they were happier with the camera’s performance when swapping it out for a higher-end card. Folks seem pleased with the customer service from Vikeri, so if there are any issues, you can expect support.

A nicely priced trail cam with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, the GardePro E6 offers decent pictures and video in a good-quality case. Reviewers like the motion-triggered video, observing that the sensor was timed well to capture at least some clear photos of whatever is causing the movement.

Both setup and app installation is reportedly pretty easy and straightforward, while any users who needed support said GardePro’s tech support was excellent. Battery life is fairly reasonable, but at least one buyer upgraded to lithium batteries and found that they were happier with those.

With no Wi-Fi, no cellular wizardry, and no Bluetooth, the GardePro A3 will only surrender your captures if you use a micro-USB cable. After you’ve managed to (shudder) connect via cable to get your data, the A3 really shines. The nighttime video is crisp—with sound. The photos are reasonable, and the battery usage generally meets shoppers’ expectations. In cases where folks experienced quick battery drain, technical support helped them resolve the issue.

Reviewers were impressed with the motion-sensor range; the camera is said to react to movement over 100 feet away. For answering any burning questions you might have about what’s making those strange noises in your backyard at night, this reasonably priced camera will reveal all. If your camera’s placed in a remote area, less direct connections—like a cellular unit—will probably serve you best.