If you’re looking for the best cellular security camera, make sure to look into these factors first: motion sensor or CVR, power and battery options, motion sensor and human detection, night vision, storage, audio and two-way communication, year-round protection, and cellular network compatibility.
With these factors in mind, I have my favorites listed and reviewed below!
My family and I are always on the lookout for home security products for our home’s security. We live somewhere where neighbors are pretty spaced out, plus we love to travel. So security is always in the back of my mind when we are away.
We’ve been looking at a few security cameras to add into our home security system. Our home WiFi doesn’t reach that far out all the way to our front gate for a stable connection so that always puts a stop to our search.
Through my research I found some great options for cellular security cameras that don’t need WiFi connection to operate so I say – problem solved! For the best cellular, wired or wireless, security cameras in the game right now, I’ve got you covered right below!
What is a Cellular Security Camera?
In this day and age, more and more are investing in security camera systems to keep their homes and families safe and protected.
The problem with many security cameras in the market right now is they require internet connectivity to view live, customize, and control the camera. Though this isn’t much of a problem for most, this poses an issue when the location for the camera has no internet.
A cellular security camera is a great security option that doesn’t require the use of a regular home internet connection. Instead, it uses a cellular network with a sim card to allow you to access live feed and customization settings through your phone.
Cellular security cameras use 3/4/5G or LTE networks through a cellular service provider. Most often, they are also engineered to be wireless. This means it’s easily accessible and easy to relocate, unlike wired security cameras. Many cellular security cameras are also powered by solar panels for ensured long-lasting power without hardwiring to electricity.
This also allows users to install a remote security camera system in places without electricity or internet – campsites, vacation homes, cabins, boats, construction sites, warehouses, etc.
To use a cellular security camera, however, you would need to subscribe to a cellular data plan. Many cellular service providers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile provide such plans and services.
Our Top Picks for the Best Cellular Security Cameras
Product Image | Product Name | Price | |
Best Overall | Reolink Go PT Plus 4G LTE Cellular Security Camera | Check Price | |
Best Trail Camera | Yellowstone AI 4G LTE Wireless Cellular Trail Camera | Check Price | |
Best Bang For Your Buck | Ctronics 3G/4G LTE Cellular Security Camera | Check Price | |
Eufy Security 4G LTE Starlight Night Vision Cellular Security Camera | Check Price | ||
Soliom S600 3G/4G LTE Solar-Powered Cellular Security Camera | Check Price |
The Best Cellular Security Camera
1. Reolink Go PT Plus 4G LTE Cellular Security Camera – Best Overall!
Our number one pick for the best cellular security camera is Reolink Go PT Plus 4G LTE Cellular Security Camera! A wireless outdoor security camera, this offers maximum portability and allows installation in just about anywhere.
With a 4MP/2K resolution, this promises high quality and vivid recordings. This has stunning 2K night vision that can see up to 33 feet through the darkness. And with a 16x digital zoom, this helps reveal important details.
To ensure your wide angle field of view, this security camera is able to pan 355°and tilt 140°. This eliminates blind spots and allows you to see everything you need to see. No matter how big your property is, you’re sure to see everything with crystal-picture quality for your peace of mind.
Engineered with advanced smart person/vehicle detection technology, this analyzes forms and shapes for a much more accurate detection. This, in turn, greatly reduces false alarms triggered by birds, insects, animals, and trees.
The security camera allows an option for you to set customized motion zones so you’re only notified and alerted of things that matter to you most in areas you care about.
There is a free Reolink app you can download onto your phone. Through the app, you will have access to your camera’s live feed viewing and other camera settings, including tilting and panning the camera remotely. You can also add up to 12 people who can have access to the camera at the same time by downloading the app to their own devices.
Through the app, you can customize alerts and receive push notifications once motion is detected. You will receive these alerts along with text or even a picture sent straight to your phone instantly.
This has two-way audio so you can listen in on what’s happening and even talk to guests coming into your house and property. You can even customize alarm or siren settings to easily warn off trespassers into your property.
With certified IP64 weatherproof rating, this can withstand the constant changing outdoor conditions. This promises quality performance whether it rains, shines, or snows.
A cellular-enabled camera, this supports T-Mobile, Mint, Freedom, and EIOTClub sim cards. This, however, doesn’t come with a free sim card. And as estimated by the brand, a 2GB per month plan would suffice for continuous operation.
This comes with a free 32GB SD card for local storage and can be expanded up to 128GB. Every purchase of the unit also comes with a 7-day free Reolink Cloud service and you have the option of continuing the subscription if you would prefer it.
This comes with a Reolink solar panel so you can enjoy nonstop power without having to worry about charging batteries or wiring through electricity. This is also compatible with Alexa so you can integrate it into your smart home ecosystem.
The one drawback a few users shared about this wireless security camera is how images can lose some details on very bright backgrounds. And while it has 2K resolution, it’s not the best and clearest resolution on different lighting backgrounds.
Pros:
- 4MP/2K resolution
- Pans 355°and tilts 140°
- Smart person/vehicle detection
- Customized motion zones
- Sees 33 feet into the dark
- IP64 weatherproof rating
Cons:
- Not the clearest on very bright backdrops
2. Yellowstone AI 4G LTE Wireless Cellular Trail Camera – Best Trail Camera!
If you’re looking for a cellular trail camera, you better check out Yellowstone AI 4G LTE Wireless Cellular Trail Camera! This is perfect for setting up along trails and/or remote properties without WiFi or electricity, truly on par with the best wireless security cameras in the market right now. This comes with a 32GB SD card and mounting straps for setting it up where you need it to be.
This comes pre-inserted with its own sim card from the brand. Sim cards from other cell service providers like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon won’t work for this unit. The unit, the sim, and the data plan are, however, pre-configured to operate on any AT&T and T-Mobile towers at the same time so you know you’re getting whatever the best cell service is in your area.
The data plans you can subscribe to also come exclusively from the brand. Subscription plans range from $6 to $44.99 per month, all of which have no long-term contracts so you can change or cancel any time.
This has a 12MP picture quality and 1080p full HD video resolution. so you can see and view things clearly.
This utilizes passive infrared (PIR) motion technology to scan and detect any movement in your area. You can also customize the motion detector’s sensitivity according to your needs so you are only alerted of things that matter to you most.
Once the camera detects motion, it will send you alerts, notifications, and even pictures or videos within 30 to 60 seconds of it happening.
The camera comes equipped with a no-glow invisible night vision flash. Though it’s not the clearest night vision quality, it still allows for some night visibility. This, however, allows the unit itself to stay hidden and unnoticeable, especially in the wild.
There is a Command Center mobile app you can download to any device. With the app, you are able to receive alerts and notifications whenever motion is detected. You can receive photos and videos straight into your phone, regardless of your cell service provider.
Through the app, you can manage camera settings, manage data plans, configure alerts and notifications, and monitor camera battery and health.
If you find your camera in a place where there is limited cell coverage, you can choose to receive just pictures on the app and save videos locally into the camera. Other noteworthy features include GPS function, time lapse function, and multi-shot burst function that can capture 1 to 5 images per trigger.
This has an IP66 weatherproof rating, is certified dustproof, and has an operating temperature of -13°F to 140°F.
This can be powered by 12v batteries but can also run on external power using a solar panel or cable, all sold separately. Battery life can last anywhere between 2 to 20 weeks depending on usage and settings.
This is available in standard (65 feet motion sensor range) or wide (50 feet motion sensor range) lens.
Pros:
- 12MP/1080p resolution
- Operates on AT&T and T-Mobile towers
- Subscription plans from $6 to $44.99/month
- No-glow invisible night vision flash
- IP66 weatherproof rating
- -13°F to 140°F operating temperature
Cons:
- Sim card and data plans exclusive from the brand
3. Ctronics 3G/4G LTE Cellular Security Camera – Best Bang for Your Buck!
If what you’re looking for in your new cellular security camera is the ultimate budget-friendly factor, check out Ctronics 3G/4G LTE Cellular Security Camera!
With 1080p ultra HD picture and video quality, this has crystal clear images and video playback. And with 5x optical zoom, this doesn’t compromise details and produces clearer images.
This promises stable video and picture quality, even at night with its HD color night vision technology. This is able to give you up to 65 feet of view into the dark. This has three night vision modes: auto, colored, and infrared (IR) night vision.
This comes with dual light sources – four spotlights and five infrared lights. This makes sure you get clear and crisp night images, never compromising safety and security.
With built-in AI deep algorithm technology, this has smart and advanced motion technology. Its technology scans and detects people and human forms intelligently. This promises up to 95% less false alarms triggered often by rain, trees, leaves, animals, and passing cars.
This is able to pan 355°and tilt 90°, for a wider range and field of view. You can see and monitor all corners of your property without problems.
With the app, you can remotely control, have access to the live feed, and receive alerts and notifications. You can also control the angle, tilt, and pan the camera with so much ease and by simply sliding your fingers on the app.
Through the app, you can share live feed and imaging up to four people. And those four people will also be able to receive alerts and notifications of any danger or motion detected in the area.
You can also program this security camera to track human movements. Whenever it senses that there is movement or people walking along, it will automatically follow and turn there. This has two-way communication so you can hear whatever’s happening and even communicate with people on your property.
Through the app, you can also set up an alarm that will go off to warn off unwanted intruders and trespassers.
This supports up to 64GB SD card for local storage. Though keep in mind that this is not included in the package. All snapshots and motion-triggered video recording are saved in the SD card.
And when the local storage gets full, it automatically rewrites the card storage. The unit also supports 24/7 continuous recording if that’s something you much prefer.
This comes with a sim card with a free 100MB data so you can immediately try it out. And if the pre-packaged sim card doesn’t work out for you, this unit supports both T-Mobile and AT&T.
And though this doesn’t require WiFi, this is not a wireless security camera and does require to be plugged in to work, unlike the other solar or battery-powered wireless security cameras in today’s list.
One downside to this as shared by a couple users would be it can sometimes be easily triggered by birds, insects, and trees. However, you can easily adjust its motion sensitivity level to minimize false alarms.
Pros:
- 1080p ultra HD
- HD color vision at night
- Dual light sources
- Pans 355°and tilts 90°
- Intelligent motion sensors
- Tracks and follows movements
Cons:
- Can send false alarms
- Needs to be plugged in
4. Eufy Security 4G LTE Starlight Night Vision Cellular Security Camera
The next item to make it into our list of the best cellular security cameras is Eufy Security 4G LTE Starlight Night Vision Cellular Security Camera! With both 2K HD resolution and Starlight Night Vision, this promises the highest quality of snapshots and video playback, whether it’s bright or dark out.
With its advanced human detection technology, this makes sure you only get alerted and notified of things that matter. This works to filter up to 95% of false alarms. You can also set customized areas of detection so you only get alerts on movements and people in specified places.
With human and motion detection, this will send you push notifications and alerts whenever there is movement in your property.
With the breakthrough Starlight Night Vision, this allows you to see clearly through the night without having to turn on the camera’s built-in light.
As with the best security cameras in the market right now, this comes with two-way communication, thanks to its built-in microphone and speaker. Now, you can hear whatever goes on in your property. You can also talk to guests real time through the two-way communication technology.
This system can also get intruders and unwanted visitors off of your property by letting them know you actually see them.
Through the Eufy Security app, you have access to the live feed, customization settings, and alerts and notifications.
And with a built-in GPS tracking system, this lets you easily find your unit outdoors. This is especially a helpful feature if you install it in unattended properties and have gone to forget where exactly you placed it.
This comes with IP67 weatherproof rating and is sure to withstand the constant weather changes of the outdoors. It also has an operating temperature of -4°F to 131°F to ensure it keeps working rain or shine, cold or warm.
This comes with its own solar panel so you won’t have to worry about plugging it in to get it up and running.
Even without the included solar panel, the brand promises up to three months of battery life. But with it, you can enjoy power forever. The brand estimates that one sunny day or recharging would give you about three days of power.
This package includes a free EIOTClub sim card with a 7-day 100MB free data so you can try it out from the get go. If the network doesn’t work out for you, this is also compatible with AT&T and T-Mobile cellular networks.
This has 8GB of built-in storage so there’s no need to worry about cloud service subscriptions on top data plan subscriptions. This is also compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa. This allows for seamless integration into your smart home security system.
The only downside to this is that the local storage is not expandable. For this reason, you are stuck with an 8GB local memory and would have to delete and rewrite to free up some storage.
Pros:
- 2K HD resolution and Starlight Night Vision
- Advanced human detection technology
- IP67 weatherproof rating
- 8GB built-in storage
- Customized detection area
- -4°F to 131°F operating temperature
Cons:
- Local storage is not expandable
5. Soliom S600 3G/4G LTE Solar-Powered Cellular Security Camera
And our last favorite cellular security camera is Soliom S600 3G/4G LTE Solar-Powered Cellular Security Camera! With 1080p resolution, this promises clear and crisp images and videos. If it’s dark outside, its night vision function still operates on a 1080p resolution.
This is able to pan 320° and tilt 90° for a wider field of view, eliminating blind spots. This also offers a 120° detecting angle so everything that matters gets detected and notified back to you.
Even at night and in the dark, this works to provide crystal-clear images. To help with that, it has a built-in spotlight of four white LEDs that automatically turns on at night. The spotlight can also be set to be motion-activated and will only turn on when movement is detected.
This camera’s night vision is able to scan and detect up to 32 feet into the dark so you never miss anything. This has 3x digital zoom and promises you never miss details in whatever area you’re monitoring.
This has been engineered with built-in passive infrared (PIR) motion sensors and human AI motion detection technology. This smart technology makes sure to scan and detect only accurate forms and movements. This greatly lessens false alarms sent to your device.
With built-in two-way communication function, this allows you to communicate with guests in real time. You can also use the function to alert intruders that you can see them.
With the Soliom app you can download onto any of your devices, you can remotely control, tilt, and pan the camera to whatever best fits your needs. It’s also through the app that you receive real-time alerts and notifications of any movement. You can also configure all of the unit’s settings.
Through the app, you can set the camera to only work at certain times. You can also grant other family members access to the live view feed and other configurations and settings. You can add up to ten people to the same camera.
This comes with a free sim card packaged with your purchase. As a gift, the sim card comes with a free 300MB data for trial. If that included sim card doesn’t work for you, you can switch to a T-Mobile or AT&T network, which it also supports. Keep in mind though this doesn’t work with Verizon.
Local storage with a MicroSD card allows up to 128GB. However, this doesn’t come with a free SD card so you would need to buy one separately.
This has an IP66 weatherproof rating and an operating temperature from -4°F to 140°F. This is sure to withstand the extreme weather and temperature changes of outdoor settings.
For even more convenience, this wireless camera also comes with its own outdoor solar panel that can power up the unit’s built-in 9000mAH rechargeable battery.
The one drawback on this is it might lose some finer details when you try zooming in on any of your snapshots or recorded clips.
Pros:
- 1080p video and night vision resolution
- Pans 320° and tilts 90°
- 120° detecting angle
- IP66 weatherproof rating
- -4°F to 140°F operating temperature
- Smart human and motion detection
Cons:
- Might lose some details on zoom in
How to Choose the Best Cellular Security Camera
Motion sensor or CVR
A security camera system can either run dependent on motion sensors or by continuous video recording (CVR).
Motion sensor means the camera is mostly on standby mode and only starts recording or snapshots pictures whenever motion is detected. This is what comes with the alerts sent to your device.
Some units can continuously record 24/7. They’re never on standby and are always on.
What you should get between the two depends on your needs. Some people feel much at peace with CVR cameras while some only need recording whenever there is motion detected.
Power and battery
Cellular security cameras are best for areas without internet. These places may also have low to zero electricity. If that’s the case, make sure you take into careful consideration how it would be powered.
Would it need rechargeable batteries or is it a solar-powered security camera? Most manufacturers power their units with solar power panels so they’re essentially wireless security cameras. Most of the time, these are included in the package you’re paying for.
A solar-powered cellular wireless camera would mean you won’t have to worry about battery life and charging options. As long as there is sunlight, your unit receives power.
You should also carefully look into how many days one supercharge will last to power up your new security camera. This is especially important on gloomy days when your solar panel won’t be able to catch enough sunlight to supercharge your unit. Battery should last for at least a few days without much sunlight.
To make sure your camera doesn’t stop working, look into this information.
Motion sensor and human detection
The number one purpose of security cameras is to keep you, your family, your home, and your property safe and secure. To achieve this very purpose, you want something that can detect motion and human forms.
By having smart and advanced motion and human detection technologies, your new camera will be sending you alerts and notifications of any action. You can even program yours to attach a video clip or snapshot of the scene. This lets you know what’s happening, even remotely.
By knowing what moved around in your area, you would be able to determine if it’s a danger to you or not.
Night vision
Another major selling point for many security cameras out in the market right now is their night vision function.
You would want to get your hands on a camera with effective night vision. This would allow you to get crystal clear and crisp images and video recordings even at night and in the dark.
You should be able to see and tell whatever moves in your property even at night. Many cellular security cameras are equipped with spotlights that turn on once it gets dark. Some you can even set to turn on whenever motion is detected. This is an effective way to deter intruders and trespassers.
Storage
Another important factor to look at is storage options. Are your data and recorded clips stored locally or online through cloud subscriptions?
Due to internet connectivity limitations, many cellular security cameras opt for local storage. This would entail Micro SD or SD cards to locally store images and videos.
Check whether or not the unit comes with an SD card. If it doesn’t, you can just buy one separately. Also check on the maximum storage capability. The larger the expandable storage, the more you can store in it.
Cellular security cameras aren’t limited to just local storage. Some also offer options for cloud storage subscriptions. If you would prefer this, make sure the unit is compatible for cloud storage. And as a gift, many brands offer free trials of their cloud storage subscriptions.
Audio and two-way communication
Audio and two-way communication functions allow you to hear and communicate with those on the other side of the camera in real time. You can hear whatever’s happening around and can even use the two-way communication function to warn off unwanted visitors.
Year-round protection
You’d want to get a security camera that can withstand the constant changes in outdoor conditions. Look out for IP-ratings and operating temperatures. You want something that can work whether it rains, shines, or snows.
Cellular network compatibility
Because a cellular security network relies on cellular data plans to operate, check out what cellular networks it supports. You want something that’s compatible with many networks so you can have choices of whatever works best for you.
Some units come with a free sim card but allows you to change to a different network while some work on only fixed and pre-configured networks.
Conclusion
Cellular security cameras are the perfect home security option for areas and properties that have unstable or zero internet connection. It relies on cellular data plans so even without WiFi, you’re sure of safety and security.
Our number one pick for the best cellular security camera is Reolink Go PT Plus 4G LTE Cellular Security Camera! This has 4MP/2K resolution for high quality and vivid snapshots and recorded clips. This pans 355°and tilts 140° to give you a wider field of view without blind spots. It’s IP64-rated and can withstand different outdoor conditions.
If what you’re looking for is a trail camera, check out Yellowstone AI 4G LTE Wireless Cellular Trail Camera! This comes with its own sim card from the brand itself with data plans to choose from offered by the brand as well. It’s IP66-rated and can withstand -13°F to 140°F temperatures. It’s solar panel-enabled, though the panel and cable are sold separately.
And the best bang for your buck is Ctronics 3G/4G LTE Cellular Security Camera! This has 1080p ultra HD resolution for clear images and video playback. This is able to track and follow movements so you never miss any action.
And that has been our list of the best cellular security cameras!