New Trail Cameras for 2026

If you’ve read many of my articles over the years, you know my trail camera roots run deep. My first trail camera was a wind-and-capture roll film camera with a flash brighter than most on the Vegas strip. Still, even though the model was a game spooker, I saw the writing on the wall.

Digital cameras with SD cards and improved battery life followed, and the trail camera train has been firmly on the evolution track since. While digital trail cameras are still available, most bowhunters who live in states that allow the use of cellular trail cameras have dived headfirst into these cameras that deliver immediate trail cam surveillance to your smartphone.

Here are eight 2026 trail camera models — digital and cellular — we really like.

Browning Defender Vision Pro LSF

I had the opportunity to test the Browning Defender Vision Pro in 2025, and it quickly became one of the finest cellular trail cameras I've utilized. In 2026, Browning Trail Camera introduced an exciting advancement. The all-new Defender Vision Pro LSF (pictured above) streams live images and videos directly to the Strike Force Wireless app as soon as it detects motion. You no longer need to switch to livestream mode or request high-resolution videos. This model truly elevates the livestreaming experience. With quick connectivity and a 1.5-inch color view screen, setup is straightforward and precise.

As with previous models, the Pro LSF offers the option of a Low-Glo flash for increased distance or an IR flash for tighter placements where game spooking is a concern. 

browningtrailcameras.com

Covert Scouting Cameras Interceptor Pro

Having used various trail cameras over the years, the Covert Scouting Cameras Interceptor Pro proved a dependable tool for dedicated hunters and property managers. This user-friendly cell camera features a wide paddle-style antenna that captures the strongest cellular signals, ensuring the Interceptor Pro functions effectively, even when set far from cell towers.

Its discreet design makes it ideal for undercover scouting while you monitor whitetail or other big-game haunts. Designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, the Interceptor Pro’s durable build ensures longevity, while extended battery life keeps it operational longer.

What truly stands out is its fast trigger speed and wide detection range, eliminating the hassle of blurry tail shots. The camera ensures you capture clear, high-quality images essential for deer patterning. Its infrared night vision with invisible flash technology provides undisturbed nighttime images, and image transmission options can be set for delayed or instant delivery. The Interceptor Pro also includes a RealTime mode, though it consumes more battery.

feradyne.com

Moultrie Edge Solar

One major frustration I face with trail cameras, especially cellular models, is their battery life. Last fall, while testing eight new cellular cameras, I found that many drained their batteries surprisingly quickly. Two of my Sooner State cameras failed just three days before my hunting trip due to a sudden cold front. Battery life that was in the 60s dropped to redline overnight.

Moultrie tackles this battery issue with the Edge Solar Cellular Trail Camera. Mark Olis from Moultrie stated, “We designed the Edge camera with the largest integrated solar panel available, so you never have to stress about battery life. Focus solely on hunting.”

Moreover, the Edge Solar connects smoothly with onX Hunt, and new onX users receive a complimentary three-month Elite Membership. It’s engineered for low maintenance while delivering sharp 40MP images and 1080p sound-enabled videos.

moultrie.com

Cuddeback CuddeLink L-Series Zoom IR

Cuddeback enthusiasts are thrilled that they can now daisy-chain up to 24 cameras on a single cellular plan for as little as $10 per month. True to Cuddeback's reputation, there are multiple pricing options available.

I tested the L-Series Zoom IR model in 2025, and it performed exceptionally well while connecting effortlessly to a Cuddeback CuddeLink Home Camera. The Zoom IR boasts impressive trigger speed and outstanding image clarity. With seven trigger sensitivity settings, you can customize the camera's performance for its environment, and the center-angle Fresnel lens enables detection beyond 100 feet.

cuddeback.com

Tactacam Reveal Ultra

One of my top picks for cell scouting in 2025 returns in Tactacam's lineup for 2026. Known as the Ultra, I put this camera through its paces for three months during the summer and utilized it across various states throughout whitetail season. It's a reliable trail camera that's easy to set up, user-friendly, and delivers fantastic photo and video quality.

A major highlight of the Ultra is its adjustable Low Glo (96 feet) and No Glow (80 feet) detection ranges. When positioning a trail camera over a scrape in dense woods, the last thing I want is a bright flash. With the Ultra, you can adjust the detection range, and its under-0.4-second trigger speed ensures you won't miss a moment.

Additionally, the Ultra features Live View functionality. Accessing Live View through the intuitive Reveal app allows you to monitor real-time activity in front of your trail camera. It also includes 16GB of internal storage, an additional SD card slot, and a larger 2-inch LCD screen, all of which simplify setup.

tactacam.com

Bushnell CelluCORE Live

With 30 free data days and easy sync with onX’s Hunt App, Bushnell’s CelluCORE Live is worth its price tag of just under $300. Once synced, onX will show you the exact location of every CelluCORE Live you have out, and you can view your images from each location.

The CelluCORE Live pairs easily with the Bushnell app, and with the push of a button, you can view what's happening around your trail camera in real time. The video quality is excellent, and with Dual Sim Connectivity, the CelluCORE Live automatically connects to the strongest cellular network in the area.

The CelluCORE Live has a No Glow night vision flash range of 100 feet, and you can set the camera’s sensors to Low, Medium, or High, depending on where your camera is located and the environmental conditions. The CelluCORE Live is solar compatible and operates on 12 AA batteries.

bushnell.com

Stealth Cam DS4K Ultimate

Due to Colorado’s laws on cellular trail cameras, I use digital trail cameras during deer season. Before I start hunting and throughout the summer, I can use cellular trail cameras. One of my top two scouters I use during hunting season is Stealth Cam’s DS4K Ultimate. The 100-foot Low Glow infrared flash and ultra-rapid .2-second trigger combine to ensure you never miss a deer. And not only do you not miss deer, but those deer are also typically centered in the ultra-crisp 32MP image.

The DS4K Ultimate, no matter how hot the weather or how hard the wind blows, rarely has false triggers, and battery life is exceptional. The camera captures quality 1440P video @ 30 FPS with audio, and its size and shape let you tote a pile of these cameras into the woods so you can gain more game knowledge quicker.

stealthcam.com

Browning Spec Ops Elite HP5 Ultra

Previously, I hailed Browning's Strike Force Pro DCL Nano as the top non-cellular trail camera of 2025. Although I haven't had the chance to test the 2026 Elite HP5 Ultra yet (that will happen soon), everything suggests it will be another significant success for Browning. The 2-inch full-color viewing screen is user-friendly, making setup straightforward and allowing users to easily review photos and videos without straining their eyes.

Equipped with an adjustable trigger (0.1 to 0.7 seconds), the Elite HP5 Ultra promises clean, sharp images and videos. Its Radiant 5 Night Illumination Technology enhances nighttime captures, while the invisible IR flash can reach up to 100 feet, ensuring you don’t miss any elusive game. This model uses 8 AA batteries and accommodates SD cards of up to 512 GB.

browningtrailcameras.com

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