Your trail camera is only as reliable as the power source that fuels it. In the field, where weather conditions are unpredictable and access is limited, choosing the right battery is a critical decision that can mean the difference between capturing that perfect shot and returning to a dead camera. The wrong battery can lead to missed opportunities, corrupted images, and frequent, inconvenient trips to replace them.
This roundup simplifies your search by comparing the top battery options available. We’ve analyzed everything from budget-friendly alkaline packs to high-performance lithium cells and specialized rechargeable battery packs to help you find the ideal power solution for your specific camera model and hunting style, ensuring you never miss a moment.
Our Top Picks for Trail Camera Batteries
- Moultrie AA Batteries, White (16 Count)
- NINMAX Lithium AA Batteries 12 Pack, 3500mAh
- BEVIGOR Lithium AA Batteries 24 Pack, 3000mAh
- Runpower LIT-22 Rechargeable Battery Pack
- Hunting Trail Camera Lithium Battery Pack
- Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA 12 Battery
- EBL Pack of 8 AA Batteries 2800mAh
- Energizer Recharge AA Batteries (8 Pack)
- Panasonic Eneloop Pro AA Batteries (4 Pack)
Moultrie AA Batteries, White
For hunters and wildlife enthusiasts who rely on Moultrie game cameras, these branded alkaline batteries offer a dependable and straightforward power source. They are designed to work seamlessly with the equipment, providing a consistent performance that you can count on throughout the season. A fresh set is reported to power your camera for an impressive 14,000 to 20,000 images before a refill is needed.
This pack of 16 AA batteries ensures you have plenty of spares on hand for quick swaps in the field. As a trusted name in the hunting community, Moultrie batteries provide a simple, no-fuss solution for keeping your camera active and capturing data.
NINMAX Lithium AA Batteries
If you run trail cameras in frigid climates, the NINMAX Hyper Series lithium batteries are built to overcome the challenges of cold weather. They perform reliably in a wide temperature range from -40°F to 160°F, ensuring your camera continues to operate when standard batteries would fail. With a high 3500mAh capacity, they are engineered for high-drain devices and offer a longer use time, which is essential for extended deployments.
These batteries provide a stable output even under high current discharge, which is common when a camera is taking multiple photos or videos in quick succession. This makes them an excellent choice for serious hunters who need consistent performance in all conditions.
BEVIGOR Lithium AA Batteries
BEVIGOR offers a compelling combination of long-lasting power and exceptional shelf life. These 1.5V lithium AA batteries maintain a full voltage output nearly until they are depleted, unlike alkaline batteries that gradually lose power. This steady performance is crucial for trail cameras, as it helps ensure consistent trigger speeds and flash range until the very end of the battery’s life.
With a 20-year shelf life and a very low self-discharge rate, this 24-pack is perfect for stocking up. You can store them for long periods without worrying about degradation, making sure you always have fresh, powerful batteries ready for your next outing.
Runpower LIT-22 Rechargeable Battery Pack
This is a specialized power solution designed specifically for SPYPOINT Flex series trail cameras. The Runpower LIT-22 pack eliminates the need for disposable AA batteries by offering a high-capacity, integrated power source. With a rated capacity of 7000mAh, it provides a long-lasting power supply that can keep your camera running for extended periods, reducing the frequency of maintenance visits.
Constructed with premium lithium-ion cells, it features multiple built-in protections against overcharging, short circuits, and overheating. The convenient Type-C charging port makes recharging quick and easy, with an indicator light to show when it’s fully powered and ready to go.
Hunting Trail Camera Lithium Battery Pack
This rechargeable battery pack serves as a direct replacement for Tactacam Reveal series hunting cameras. It is a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to constantly purchasing AA batteries. The pack can be fully recharged in approximately five hours, allowing you to reuse it season after season and significantly cut down on waste and ongoing costs.
The manufacturer has upgraded the battery core to address previous lifespan concerns, resulting in a longer-lasting power supply compared to earlier versions. For Reveal camera users, this pack offers a tailored solution that fits perfectly and delivers reliable performance.
Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA
Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries are a top-tier choice for powering high-tech devices like trail cameras. They are renowned for their extreme longevity and ability to perform well in a variety of conditions. Their leak-proof construction provides an added layer of security for your valuable camera equipment, protecting it from potential damage caused by battery corrosion.
These batteries are a trusted name for a reason, offering peace of mind that your camera will have the power it needs to function at its best. For those who want a premium, single-use battery from a leading brand, this 12-pack is a solid investment.
EBL AA Rechargeable Batteries
For the budget-conscious user looking to switch to a rechargeable system, EBL offers a high-capacity Ni-MH solution. These batteries come pre-charged and are ready to use, with a 2800mAh capacity that provides substantial runtime for your trail camera. The included storage cases are a helpful bonus for organization and transport.
They feature improved low self-discharge, meaning they can hold their charge for much longer when not in use. After three years of storage, they can still maintain up to 80% of their capacity, making them a practical and reliable choice for a rechargeable power strategy.
Energizer Recharge AA Batteries
This 8-pack from Energizer provides a reliable and widely available option for building your rechargeable battery collection. These Ni-MH batteries are designed to be recharged hundreds of times, offering significant savings over disposable batteries and helping to reduce environmental waste. They are a versatile power source for all your household devices, including trail cameras.
When not in use, these batteries can maintain their charge for up to 12 months, ensuring they are ready when you need them. Paired with an Energizer Recharge Charger, they form a complete and efficient power management system.
Panasonic Eneloop Pro AA Batteries
Panasonic Eneloop Pro batteries are often considered the gold standard in the rechargeable battery market. They are known for their high capacity and ability to hold a charge for a long time, even after many recharge cycles. Unlike standard rechargeables, Eneloops come pre-charged using solar energy and are ready to use right out of the package.
Their consistent performance and durability make them an excellent long-term investment for trail camera users who demand the best from their rechargeable batteries. While the initial cost is higher, their longevity and reliable power output provide exceptional value over time.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Battery for Your Trail Camera
When I’m getting my trail cameras ready for a season in the woods, the single most important thing I consider is the power source. The best batteries for trail cameras can mean the difference between getting that perfect shot of a big buck and coming back to a dead camera with empty SD cards. It’s not just about grabbing any pack of AAs off the shelf. You need to think about battery chemistry, the camera’s features, and the weather you’ll be facing.
First, let’s talk about the main types of batteries you’ll encounter. The classic choice is Alkaline. They’re cheap and available everywhere, but I avoid them for trail cameras. They drain incredibly fast, especially when using night vision or video mode, and they can leak and destroy your camera’s battery compartment. A much better standard option is Lithium (non-rechargeable). These are my go-to for extreme conditions. They perform brilliantly in both freezing cold and scorching heat, last significantly longer than alkalines, and won’t leak. The downside is they cost more upfront.
Then we have rechargeable batteries, which are great for the budget-conscious and environmentally minded. The most common type is NiMH (Nickel-Metal Hydride). Modern low-self-discharge NiMH cells (often sold as “pre-charged” or “ready-to-use”) are fantastic. They hold their charge for a long time on the shelf and can be reused hundreds of times. Just be aware their voltage is slightly lower than alkaline or lithium, which can sometimes cause issues with camera battery level indicators. The top-tier rechargeable option is Lithium-ion (Li-ion), often found in proprietary external battery packs. These offer high capacity and stable power but are a more specialized and expensive system.
Your camera’s settings and the season play a huge role in battery life. If you’re running your camera on a high-resolution video mode, with a rapid trigger speed, the batteries will drain much faster than if you’re just taking occasional daytime photos. Cold weather is a notorious battery killer. Alkaline batteries are almost useless in freezing temperatures, while lithium truly shines. For a camera I’m leaving out all season, especially over winter, I always choose lithium. For a camera I check more frequently, like one near a food plot, high-quality NiMH rechargeables are a cost-effective and reliable choice. Thinking through these factors will help you select the perfect power source for your specific needs and ensure your camera keeps capturing all the action.
FAQ
What is the longest lasting battery for a trail camera?
In my experience, non-rechargeable lithium AA batteries consistently offer the longest lifespan in a trail camera. They have a higher energy density than alkaline or NiMH batteries, meaning they simply hold more power. This is especially true in cold weather, where lithium batteries vastly outperform all other types. For a set-it-and-forget-it camera that you won’t check for months, lithium is the most reliable way to ensure it stays powered on.
Can I use rechargeable batteries in my trail camera?
Absolutely, and I do it often. Modern low-self-discharge NiMH rechargeable batteries are excellent for trail cameras you can check every few weeks. They are cost-effective and environmentally friendly. The one thing to watch for is that their nominal voltage is 1.2V, compared to 1.5V for alkaline and lithium. Some camera models might read this as a “low battery” prematurely, even though the batteries still have plenty of life left. It’s best to check if your specific camera model is known to work well with NiMH cells.
Why do my trail camera batteries die so quickly?
This is a common frustration. Several factors can cause this. Using cheap alkaline batteries is a primary culprit, as they can’t handle the high burst of power needed for the flash and image processing. Your camera settings are also a major factor. Using video mode, a very fast trigger interval, or a powerful IR flash at night will drain batteries much faster. Finally, extreme temperatures, especially cold, drastically reduce battery performance. Reviewing our guide on the 9 best batteries for trail cameras can help you pinpoint a better power solution.
Are expensive batteries worth it for trail cameras?
Yes, investing in quality batteries is worth it. Cheap, no-name alkalines are a false economy. They might save you a few dollars at the checkout, but they’ll die quickly, potentially leak, and cause you to miss photos. Spending a bit more on reputable brand-name lithium or high-quality NiMH rechargeables pays for itself in consistent performance, longer lifespan, and peace of mind knowing your camera is reliably powered.
How do I prevent my batteries from leaking in the camera?
Leaking batteries can permanently destroy your gear. The best prevention is to avoid alkaline batteries altogether, as they are the most prone to leaking, especially when they are fully drained or exposed to temperature swings. Switching to lithium or NiMH rechargeables virtually eliminates the risk of leakage. If you must use alkalines, make sure to remove them from the camera if you plan on not using it for an extended period.