Small Trail Camera For Security

Whether you have a trespassing problem or just want to secure your property, a trail camera for security is an ideal solution.

Remember, the camera's success will depend highly on how well you hide the trail camera.

The best trail camera for security offers quality images, is remotely accessible, and comes with long battery life. Here are our favorites.

We Recommend

Trail Camer For Security

1. Spartan GoCam (4G/LTE) Verizon Trail Camera

The Spartan GoCam shows how useful trail cameras for home security can be.

It offers cellular connectivity and all the benefits that come with incorporating the technology.

Another very convenient feature is the Spartan App.

It features one of the cleanest design interfaces and you easily download the app on both iOS and Android.

If the app isn't up to the mark, you can access the web portal, which will give you access to all the same features.

The product is durable and can easily last for a significant amount of time. Its design helps ensure that it can perform admirably under all conditions.

Even if you run into any trouble, the company is offering a two-year warranty. When it comes to battery life, the Spartan GoCam offers exceptional performance.

It combines all the best features from the classic deer camera for home security.

What we liked

Remotely accessible
Use Modern Tech
Decent Battery
Spartan App
Durable
Waterproof
Great Security

What we didn't like

Sometimes limited range due to provider
Not the cheapest one

Wireless: Cellular Connectivity
Megapixel: 12
Illumination: IR Lighting
PIR Range: 80-Feet
Resolution: 2/4/6/8
Video:1024 x 576
Flash Range: 90-Feet
Trigger Speed: 0.6 Seconds

2. Browning Defender 850 Trail Camera for Security

Browning Trail's Defender 850 is one of the best trail cameras for home security.

You can place the Defender 850 in obscure locations thanks to the mounting rack; installation is also going to be very simple!

The camera makes use of infrared flash, which allows you to capture videos or still images in ambient light situations.

It's got a trigger speed of 0.4 seconds, and several other impressive features as well. There's a flash range of 120-feet and a detection range of 80-feet.

When it comes to night time surveillance, there's a big chance you've found the answer to what is the best trail cam for home security.

Additionally, you won't have to worry about buying multiple memory cards, as the Defender 850 supports a 128GB SDXC memory card.

What we liked

Easy mounting rack
Impressive ambient light performance
Trigger speed of 0.4 seconds
Flash range 120-feet
Detection range 80-feet
IR Video Recording
Wide Angle Lens

What we didn't like

Tight fit
Sometimes has connectivity issues

Wireless: Bluetooth and Wifi
Megapixel: 20
Illumination: Adjustable IR Flash
PIR Range: 80-feet
Resolution:4/8/12/16
Video: 1920 x 1080
Flash Range: 100-feet
Trigger Speed: 0.4 seconds

3. Spypoint SOLAR-Dark Solar Trail Camera

The Dark Solar Trail's high-level performance is remarkable and it offers an incredible trigger speed of 0.07 seconds.

The product has unlimited battery life because of the integrated solar panel, that effectively recharges the camera.

Aside from the solar panel, you also get a 12V lithium rechargeable battery.

The company also uses other clever forms of technology by incorporating AI image recognition.

While the primary design for the camera is better suited for hunting, it's one of the best trail cameras for home security.

The small size means that you can place multiple cameras to cover as many angles as you want. It gives you a lot of versatility in the setup.

What we liked

Exceptional Quality
Great Video Recording
Easy to set up
Unlimited Battery
12V backup battery
AI technology
Invisible LED tech

What we didn't like

Poor Performance In Low Light

Wireless: Bluetooth and Wifi
Megapixel: 12
Illumination: No-Glow LEDs
PIR Range: 60-feet
Resolution:2/4/8/12
Video: 720p
Flash Range:80-feet
Trigger Speed: 0.07 seconds

4. Stealth Cam 30 MP DS4K Ultra HD Trail Camera

The Stealth Cam Ultra HD Trail Camera is a great trail camera for home security due to its ability to record in high definition.

With a 30-megapixel resolution, this game camera is capable of recording video in 4K resolution.

An advanced image processor helps ensure all the videos are completely clear.

When it comes to late-night performance, the infrared range is capable of reaching 100 feet.

The 42 IR emitters help ensure that the ambient light performance is top quality.

Additionally, No Glo technology helps make sure that the camera remains discreet. An adjustable IR range gives the user the ability to focus the camera's abilities on the point of focus.

A reflex trigger technology makes sure that camera activates in under 0.4 seconds. Burst mode can function to capture 1-9 images with responding recovery time. It's also simple to plug a USB reader and extract all the videos you need.

What we liked

4K Ultra HD Video
30 MP Hi-Resolution
Range Control
42 NO GLO IR Emitters
Easy USB Output
32 GB SD Card
Reflex Trigger

What we didn't like

Not Accessible via Wi-Fi

Wireless: No
Megapixel: 30 MP
Illumination: Infrared LED
PIR Range: 100-feet
Resolution: 30 MP
Video: 4K
Flash Range: 100-feet
Trigger Speed: 0.4 seconds

5. Browning Dark Ops Pro XD Dual Lens Trail Camera

Browning Trail Cameras are at it again with the Dark Ops Pro XD Dual Lens, which is among the best trail cameras for home security.

It features a 24 MP that provides IR illumination to make it one of the best game cameras for security.

A combination of high quality and all-weather condition performance makes the XD Dual Lens one of the best trail cam for home security.

Additionally, the dual camera lens technology makes sure that the performance in ambient lighting is off the highest order.

There's a 1.5″ color screen that offers video playback, and easy access to the menus. The performance is on another level, thanks to the 0.15-second trigger speed.

Another reason why it's one of the best game cameras for security is the adjustable flash range. It's capable of a maximum range of 80 feet. Additionally, modern design is practical and durable.

The rugged body has enough storage to support 512GB. With a steel casing, you won't have to worry about anyone messing with the security trail camera.

What we liked

High-Quality Resolution
Incredibly Fast Trigger Speed
1080p HD video recording
Dual Lens Technology
Crucial IR Detection
Accessible Display
80 Foot Detection Range

What we didn't like

Not the best option for night-time

Megapixel: 24 MP
Illumination: Invisible Night IR Illumination
PIR Range: 80-feet
Resolution: 24 MP
Video: 1080p
Flash Range: 80-feet
Trigger Speed: 0.15 Second

6. Spypoint LINK-S Cellular Trail Camera

This Cellular Trail Camera is a solar-powered game camera security.

The LINK-S Cellular trail camera will seamlessly transfer the feed to your mobile device.

Spypoint also does a great job of ensuring the performance of the camera is at a high level.

It has a trigger speed of 0.07 seconds. They also offer detection at a range of 100-feet.

The camera makes use of 42 high-power LEDs that make use of infrared technology.

As a result, the image quality at night is exceptional. Even though the LINK-S makes use of solar power technology, it also gives you the option to use AA batteries.

To ensure that the image quality is as high as possible, the company makes use of blur reduction technology.

One thing that puts the device at a disadvantage is that there's a subscription service. Without making use of the service, you're not going to be able to use the trail camera at the highest potential.

What we liked

Solar Powered
Additional Battery
Spypoint Application
0.07-second trigger reaction
100-foot Detection Range
42 high-power LEDs IR
Easy-to-use

What we didn't like

Subscription Service
Higher price tag

Wireless: Cellular Wireless
Megapixel: 12
Illumination: 80-Feet
PIR Range: 100-Feet
Resolution:12 MP
Video: 1296p
Flash Range: 80-Feet
Trigger Speed: 0.07 Seconds

7. Stealth Cam Triad GXW Wireless 18MP Trail Cam

Stealth Cam is well-known among consumers for making some of the best cellular trail cameras for security.

What makes the Stealth Cam GXW so special is the high-quality performance along with the massive amount of connectivity.

Independent of who your service provider is, you're going to enjoy the features of the GXW wireless.

The GXW has a max photo resolution of 12 megapixels and can capture video at a resolution of 1080p.

Performance during the day is exceptional, but the night time performance isn't ideal. Even though the camera makes use of modern no glow infrared technology, the range is lower than the competitors.

There's a certain amount of graininess in the images which the GXW takes at night. Moreover, because the GXW is one of the best cellular trail cameras for security, it consumes more battery than regular trail cameras.

Yet, the performance is still up to the mark and you won't find yourself having to change the batteries that option. If you're looking for a cellular security trail camera, than the GXW wireless is a great choice!

What we liked

Cellular Connectivity
Wide Service Provider Support
Max Photo Resolution 12-megapixel
Video Resolution of 1080p
Decent Battery
No Glow IR
Discreet Design

What we didn't like

Doesn't Support All Service Providers
Average Low Light Performance

Wireless: Cellular Connectivity
Megapixel: 18-Megapixel
Illumination: 60-Feet
PIR Range: 80-Feet
Resolution: 12-Megapixel
Video: 1080p
Flash Range: 60-Feet
Trigger Speed: 0.25 seconds

8. Browning Strike Force 850 Extreme Trail Camera

The Strike Force 850 16MP camera has an 80-foot detection range and a speed 0.4-second trigger.

Despite the 16MP resolution of the cameras, they're only capable of recording videos at a resolution of 1280 x 720 HD.

Browning Trail also incorporates a fantastic "Zero Blur" IR LED illumination.

There's a 120-foot flash range that's capable of recording 20-second nighttime video.

The time-lapse plus allows the Strike Force 850 to perform a time-lapse during the day and the night as well!

When it comes to power, the Strike Force 850 is capable of running on 6 user-supplied AA batteries. It can run on an optional external power supply that connects to the 12V jack.

As one of the best game cameras for security, Strike Force 850 is capable of connecting easily to your TV or Computer. You can choose to view the videos or transfer the images to your computer.

What we liked

Different Resolution
80″ Detection Range
0.4s Trigger
1280 x 720p Recording
Smart IR Detection
120″ Flash Range
Zero Blur Technology

What we didn't like

Short Warranty Period

Wireless: WiFi Connectivity
Megapixel: 16 MP
Illumination: IR LEDs
PIR Range: 120″
Resolution: 2/4/8/16
Video: 720p
Flash Range: 80″
Trigger Speed: 0.4 seconds

9. Spypoint FORCE-20 Ultra Compact Trail Camera

As the name suggests, the Spypoint FORCE-20 boasts a 20-megapixel definition that gives you super-clear images.

A common feature for the best trail camera for home security is that they can capture images in great detail.

There are other features that make the FORCE-20 one of the best trail camera to use for surveillance.

Among these features are the multi-shot, time-lapse, and video modes.

A multi-shot mode allows the camera to capture five images per detection; users can also completely adjust the time-lapse schedule.

At night time is when the trail cameras tend to perform the best. The FORCE-20 uses 48 low-glow LEDs to capture infrared images at night. Even in poor ambient lighting, you're getting all the image quality you need.

The camera is also simple to understand, and you'll have no trouble setting things up. It'll perform reliably throughout the lifetime.

What we liked

Great picture quality
Multiple features
Adjustable Time Lapse
Great Ambient Performance
Adjustable settings
Decent quality even on low megapixel settings
Great batter performance

What we didn't like

Videos don't have audio
Low resolution in time-lapse mode

Megapixel: 20 MP
Illumination: Infrared LED
PIR Range: 70-feet
Resolution: 20 MP
Video: 1080p
Flash Range: 80-feet
Trigger Speed: 0.7s

10. Stealth Cam No-Glo Triad G42 Trail & Game Camera

Stealth Cam has made quite a reputation for making a trail camera for security.

The No-Glo Triad G42 is one of the best game cameras for security. It's capable of performing in four different resolutions; 12 MP/ 8 MP/ 4 MP/ 2 MP.

Even in the lowest resolutions, the Stealth Cam performs at an admirable level, giving you high-quality images in all conditions.

Due to the burst mode, the No-Glo scouting camera helps take incredible 1-9 shots upon triggering.

Thanks to the 32GB memory card slot, it's easy to save all your images and videos. To make things more accessible, the No-Glo Triad has an external LCD display.

There's a Martix advanced blur reduction that helps ensure that all the images are clear as possible.

The Stealth Cam No-Glo operates on 8 'AA' batteries, and there's an external power jack for the 12V battery box. It's got a 100ft infrared range that users can also control according to their needs.

What we liked

HD Video Recording
42 IR Emitters
100ft Range
External LCD Display
Multiple Megapixel Option
Durable
Advanced Reflex Trigger

What we didn't like

Uses Up Batteries Quickly

Wireless: No
Megapixel: 12 MP
Illumination: 42 IR Emitters
PIR Range: 100 Feet
Resolution: 12/8/4/2
Video: 1080p
Flash Range: 100 Feet
Trigger Speed: 0.5 seconds

11. Campark WiFi Bluetooth Trail Camera

The Campark Wifi Bluetooth Trail Camera can easily make a claim for being one of the best trail cameras to use for surveillance.

It connects via Wifi and gives you remote access using the application.

All you'll need to do to change any settings is to open up the application on your phone.

In comparison to the previous models, Campark has significantly improved the Bluetooth capabilities of the device.

It's not just all fancy technology as well. You get very high-quality images and videos, thanks to the 20MP lens. It also boasts a video resolution of 1296p, and the sound recording is exceptional as well.

The software of the camera helps ensure that you get audio only when the camera manages to detect motion.

There are IR LEDs that offer no glow night vision. As a result, the low light performance of the security trail camera is on another level.

What we liked

Wifi and Bluetooth access
High Quality
Exceptional Sound Recording
Smart Software
Low light performance
Water Proof
Effective IR Flash

What we didn't like

Trigger speed could be faster

Wireless: Bluetooth and Wifi
Megapixel: 20MP
Illumination: 940nm
PIR Range: 80-feet
Resolution: 8/12/14/18
Video: 1296p
Flash Range: 100-feet
Trigger Speed: 0.4 Seconds

12. Spypoint Link-Evo Verizon Cellular Trail Camera

Spypoint Link-Evo is quite the innovator in the industry, with its subscription service and the solar-powered hunting surveillance camera they're making ways.

The Link-Evo follows the same standard and can take pictures for 24 hours without any SD card retrieval.

It's got quite impressive performance with a trigger speed of 0.3 seconds.

Another feature that sets the Link-Evo apart is that the security trail camera has the easiest activation on the market.

Spypoint offers a home-to-field service and will come set up everything. They have an app that you can use to adjust all the settings and access a remote feed of the game camera for security.

The low-light performance of the camera is up to the mark as well. It makes use of 42 high-power low glow LEDs to ensure that that the performance at night is exceptional. Aside from the subscription service, the company also provides a two-year warranty.

What we liked

Brilliant Performance
Easy to change settings
Easy to activate the new camera
4G capable
0.3-second trigger speed
42 low-glow LEDs
Easy SD Card Access

What we didn't like

Sometimes has inconsistent signal strength
Doesn't come with a memory card

Wireless: Cellular Service
Megapixel: 12
Illumination: 42 low-glow LEDs
PIR Range: 80-feet
Resolution:2/4/6/8
Video: 720p
Flash Range: 60-feet
Trigger Speed: 0.3 seconds

What are your security needs?

One of the most crucial things that you need to consider when buying is your personal security needs.

Daytime vs. nighttime surveillance

Certain cameras aren't able to offer the same high-quality performance during the day and night. Usually, cameras tend to fare better in the day, when there's a lot of light.

However, if your surveillance is mostly nighttime, you're going to have to invest in a camera with a nighttime flash. This means you'll have to spend a bit more on the camera.

Ideally, you should look for a camera with a flash that has a minimum range of 30 ft. If your budget allows it, you can also invest in cameras that come with a flash range of 100 ft.

Live feed

One of the most crucial features of a modern security camera is the provision of Live Feed services. A great way to identify if this service is available if the company has an application.

On rare occasions, the company might decide to provide live feed through a website. Typically you get this function in trail cameras that offer Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity. You can also get the option to get live pictures sent to your phone.

Number of cameras

Another important thing to consider is the size of the property you want to put under surveillance.

If you have a small backyard or want to review only a certain area, a single trail camera might be enough. However, if you want to cover a large area of ground, you're going to need more cameras.

Trail camera vs. security camera

There are several differences between a trail camera and a security camera. While the best trail camera can perform the same functions as a security camera, it doesn't work the other way around.

Trail cameras have certain advantages that make them ideal for security. Firstly, their capable of tracking nighttime movement quite competently, and are significantly less draining.

Security cameras offer a 24-hour feed but require you to switch out the batteries frequently. Trail cameras, on the other hand, only record when they detect any sort of motion.

When you're going for a security camera, sometimes you're going to have to set up a trail camera. With trail cameras, on the other hand, you can rely on the use of high-powered batteries.

Trail cameras also beat security cameras when it comes to being discrete. Security cameras are usually pretty easy to notice and stand out. A skilled burglar could avoid them quite easily. However, trail cameras are designed to effectively camouflage against the trees.

Security Cameras will also not work for you if you live in regions with a harsh climate, where you get a lot of snow. Trail Cameras, on the other hand, are capable of functioning between a range of extreme temperatures.

How to hide the trail cameras for security?

Even though trail cameras are discrete, you need to know how to hide them effectively. Here are the different things you need to consider when hiding your trail camera.

The right location

It's crucial to hide your trail camera in the correct location. Often these trail cameras come in a camouflage skin, so you can easily hide them if you have trees or bushes. If you're living in an urban area, you have to get a little more creative.

You're going to need to try hiding in the area that's hidden and in the shade, preferably. One thing that can help with blending in urban backgrounds is painting the trail camera, just watch out for the lens, though!

Mounting options

The way you mount the camera is crucial. Once again, if you have trees or bushes, setting up the trail camera is going to be simple.

If you're good with a bit of handiwork, you can build creative mounts. If you know how to build a birdhouse, it can be simple to fit in a trail camera to survey through the hole. It's also a great way to watch birds

The right distance

Distance is crucial when placing a trail camera for security. If you place the camera to close to the area you want to keep under surveillance, it becomes obvious and easy to identify.

However, if you place it too far, it's not going to give you a proper view of the area. You can test out a few spots to make sure you get the ideal ratio to get the best out of your trail cam for home security.

How to choose the best trail camera for security?

While you've got a list that could answer what is the best trail cam for home security, you're still going to need to know how to choose the best trail camera for security? There are several factors that you're going to need to be aware of.

Flash type

Flash type is crucial when it comes to trail cameras. It's the primary feature that allows trail cameras to record animals at night time undetected. There are three primary types that you can choose between.

These are regular white flash, low glow infrared, and no glow infrared. When you're tracking animals, a key feature that you want to look for is low glow infrared or no glow infrared. These are discrete flashes that don't disturb the animal, so it makes it easier to track. They're better for security purposes as well!

Detection range

The detection range is important for trail cameras. Unlike security cameras, hunting cameras don't record until they detect something. Ideally, you'd want to invest in a range that's relevant to the area under surveillance.

If you're putting your backyard under surveillance, then you're not going to need a massive detection range; 60 feet should be enough. However, if you're looking to put a trail or a path under surveillance, you might want to go for a detection around 80-100 feet.

Wide angle

Trail Cameras also often tend to have a wide-angle lens to allow them to capture a larger area. Make sure you assess the dimensions of the area under surveillance when buying your trail camera.

If you want to survey a tight corridor or a restricted area, you'd be better off buying a trail camera with a narrow field of view. However, if you want to monitor a backyard or field, you're better suited to getting a wider camera angle.

Cellular vs. wifi

There are also a few different connectivity options to choose between. Cellular allows you greater connectivity in more remote locations and will be independent of your Wifi.

However, for home security purposes, Wi-Fi connectivity should be a sufficient solution. If you're looking to analyze a larger property, the best way to go for would be trail cameras that offer cellular connectivity.

You can take these along with you in hunting as well. If you're looking to survey an average-sized home, a Wi-Fi connection can do the business for you.

12 Best Cellular Trail Cameras That Actually Work
6 Best Bluetooth Trail Cameras Worth the Money

Image quality

Obviously, one thing you need to pay attention to is the image quality of the camera. Analyze both the image quality and the video quality to get the best ideas.

Because so many trail camera companies engage in inter polarization, it's difficult to take the megapixel numbers for what they are. The best way that you can get an idea of the resolution of the images is through looking at sample images.