Top 5 Wireless Game Cameras | Best Trail Camera with Cellular 2020

Wireless trail camera reviews

Wireless Game Cameras
A game camera is a great way to scout deer and other animals.

Though the wireless trail cameras, as known as best trail camera with cellular,  are often more expensive than traditional cameras, hunters are ready to invest more for good reasons.

Scroll down with “Top 5 Wireless Trail Cameras” and you’ll know.

What Is a Cellular / Wireless Game Camera?

What is wireless trail camera

Here it is.

At a glance, a cellular/wireless game camera is not very different from a traditional trail camera except for the fact that it comes with an advanced feature – sending photos directly to your phones. To do so, there is a basic cellphone integrated into the camera. These two devices use the same power source, for example, lithium batteries or solar panels.

Once you activate the cellular/wireless cameras, they will start sending photos to your phone, to be specific, via SMS, email, or Bluetooth according to your settings. Regularly, you can set up to send photos as many  4 recipients. What’s more, some wireless trail cameras even come with a native app to manage all images more flexibly.

Now forget about going to the forest, un-mounting the cameras, and taking out the memory card, you just need to sit back on your sofa in your pyjama and wait for notifications.  Even better, photos and videos are easy to retrieve later while standard cameras can break down due to harsh weather or strong force and all results get lost.

Difference Between Wireless and Cellular Trail Cameras

wireless game cameras
Unlike this image, best trail camera with cellular is able to send pictures to your phone wirelessly.

Although wireless trail camera and cellular trail camera share the same benefits of sending photos to the mobile devices, they are not completely interchangeable.

Wireless vs. Cellular Trail Camera

The main difference is, wireless trail cameras need a wifi connection to send photos to phones. Meanwhile, cellular trail cameras feature an activated SIM card with a monthly data service to transmit photos via emails or SMS. Rather than that, cellular/wireless trail cameras all work in the same ways as other trail cameras.

Which to choose is based on your recording purposes. For example, if you install the cameras within your home area for security concerns, then I recommend wireless cameras so that you can take advantage of the household wifi connections. To get better results, you should stall your device high up and near the ground-level router.

However, if you go far from your neighborhood, it is better to bring a cellular camera because you are less likely to access wifi signals everywhere. An activated data service is more reliable.

For your note, cellular monthly charges might be more expensive than a wifi network. Hence, besides the camera itself, you should consider the service cost, if there is any.

How Do Wireless Game Cameras Work?

There is often a built-in transmitter to catch wifi signals and send images right away to your phones. Attachments and USB are less necessary compared to traditional cameras. Hence, you can expect wireless trail cameras to be more user-friendly and effortless to install.

Moreover, WiFi is pervasive today; if you put the camera near your house or some residences to keep an eye on your back door, you can get connected almost all the time. So, the wireless trail camera monthly cost is cheaper than that of the cellular one.

On the drawback, wifi connection is often unstable because of an outdoor environment. Moreover, it can not transmit data far.

How Do Cellular Game Cameras Work?

Cellular cameras rely on GSM networks to complete their task. Simply, you need to have a sim card included in your camera. No further wires or USB cables are required. Even better, the cellular network is stable and able to transmit data from far away, especially your hunting plots are in the forest, and you do not want to disturb the natural inhabitants.

Good as the cellular cameras are, get ready to pay quite a budget on data plans plus with the cameras themselves.

5 Best Wireless Game Cameras for Hunting

In this best wireless trail camera review, we’ve narrowed down a list of best wireless game camera reviews to ensure that your spending is worth for the high-quality functions.

4G Cellular Trail Camera Snyper

The best wireless trail camera
The best wireless trail camera

Once you have hands-on experience with this trail camera, you will know why it is among the best sellers.

Both photo resolutions and video resolutions are high to ensure the quality of any shots and footage, during the daytime and at night. The detection sensors are sensitive enough to capture the medium to large-sized animals before sending results to your devices lightning-fast via the 4G LTE data connection.

With 12 lithium AA batteries, along with an external 12-volt jack, the battery lives long enough to detect, capture, and send such a lot of data per day, so there is no need to come to check the trail camera frequently.

Interestingly enough, there is a free SNYPER app to send photos to any network phones and according to your settings rather than every single pic. The APP GPS is available to grab your camera’s location interactively on the screen map – This wireless trail camera mixes so perfectly on the natural environment that you can even not find it out.

This feature is also helpful in case your camera is stolen.

Pros:

  • High-quality photos and videos captured
  • Fast and stable AT&T network
  • Sort out unwanted photos before sending results to your phones
  • More convenient and safer with SNYPER apps

Cons:

  • High price
  • Send photos only (no videos)

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HCO SG580M IR Wireless Camera

affordable wireless trail camera
HCO SG580M IR Wireless Camera

Rather than fantastic natural photos, you just need a simple trail camera that sends photos directly to your phone so that you can have an instant look at your back door. Then, consider HCO SG580M.

This affordable wireless trail camera support 5MP photos and 640x480P of videos – the quality is acceptable for simple recording purpose. HCO SG580M also works well at night thanks to its low-powered PIR sensors and no-glow flash.

Pros:

  • Wireless connect to check photos and videos instantly on multiple devices
  • Compact and durable design
  • Show image stamp: date & time, moon phase, temperature
  • Low standby power consumption

Cons:

  • So-so quality of photos or videos as the resolutions are low
  • Quickly-filled memory card – the maximum capacity is 8GB

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Spartan HD GoCam

Spartan HD 3G Wireless, Blackout Infrared – Via Amazon.com

The Spartan HD GoCam is another great contender in our best wireless game cameras for hunting lists, and it’s connected to Verizon so you’re going to be buying it as a bundle with the plan. This product is a little bit on the pricey side, but if you’re willing to spend more for ease of use, then you’re wise to choose this product.

With the Spartan game camera, you won’t need a SIM card. This camera’s connection to Verizon will allow you to have a good deal in the data plan so you can save money in the long run. In terms of camera features, it’s a bit on the average side.

Pros

  • No need for a SIM card
  • Ready to use and easy to install
  • Is best for game trails and home security
  • Customizable data plan to fit your needs
  • Has a good detection range

Cons

  • Produces photos that are of relatively lesser quality
  • Has slower trigger speed compared to other game cameras

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Covert Wireless Trail Camera AT&T/Blackhawk Verizon

Covert Wireless Trail Camera Code Black AT&T/Blackhawk Verizon
Covert Code Black 12.1

Please note that this wireless trail camera does not record video – it is suitable for those who do not want to waste power and the memory capacity for videos. Instead, with tons of flash range available, this best trail camera with cellular of AT&T focuses on photos at up to 70 ft. away. The results are bright and colorful images by daytime. The night vision photos are also more than adequate.

Afterward, those images are compressed in size and quality to send directly to your phones, tablet, or other devices through the cellular signal. The more pictures you want to receive, the more you pay for monthly data plans.

Every day, the camera can shoot 30 pictures so with a set of 12 AA lithium batteries, the camera is expected to last for 3 months – quite long with a wireless trail tool.

Pros:

  • Easy to set up
  • Durable battery
  • Wireless connection via cellular
  • Good-quality photos

Cons:

  • No video recording
  • Slow trigger speed
  • Overexpose the close objects at night

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2X Browning Defender 940 WiFi Trail Camera

2X Browning Defender 940 WiFi Trail Camera
Browning Defender 940 WiFi

Introduced in 2018, this wireless trail camera will be popular soon as one of the best wireless trail cameras in 2019. The features are fantastic. 20MP interpolated photo resolution goes with 1920 x 1080 video resolution – too good to be true. The photo at daytime is bright and clear with a good depth while the night vision is also well-illuminated thanks to no-flow convert IR.

This infrared trail camera transmits data via a WiFi hotspot which allows you to receive the photos to the app within 50 to 100 ft. of the camera.

All settings for trail camera and data transmit are available on the Browning Defender app, which is comfortable and navigating.

Pros:

  • Outstanding resolution and detection circuit
  • Wireless connection to check photos on your devices
  • Easy to set up the wireless trail camera

Cons:

  • Short battery life
  • Limited data transfer

View Product On Amazon

Advantages and Disadvantages of Cellular Game Cameras

As mentioned above, both cellular and wireless game cameras are some pros and cons. For cellular devices, you can expect some interesting features as follows.

Unlimited Connection Range

Cellular game cameras utilize the same network as your cell phones. As a result, they can transmit images and videos over a vast distance. So now, you can sit on a sofa in New York and check breathtaking pictures from Amazon Jungle!

Buying wireless game cameras means less travel and manage the SD card right from home.

Instant Notification

As long as you have a stable cellular system, you will not have to worry about missing any pictures or videos. Some trail cameras send the results as quickly as upon the point of capture. This is a big bonus for homeowners to get an instant alert. For hunters, they can track the routes of games in real-time, from bedding to foraging.

Data Charges

I mentioned earlier: You must pay an inevitable service charge, normally on a monthly basis, to access the cellular connection. Typically, the service charge is similar to what you pay for adding a line to your existing phone services. Unlimited-data plans are usually more expensive than a data-only plan.

Service Areas

Ideally, cellular signals can transmit through quite a distance, even across countries. However, there is also a fact that cellular signals in some areas are weaker than others – mostly because of the infrastructures. Thus, before purchasing a service plan, you should check for service in your areas first. The signals should be at least three bars to send photos wirelessly.

3G vs. 4G

Of course, 4G is better. Some tests even reveal that the 4G device is 10 times faster than the 3G. Please check in the product description or contact the manufacturer to figure out whether the camera supports 4G or not. Also, take the expense into account. 4G service is less affordable than the 3G.

[Insider sneak] The 5G cellular devices are on the way to launch and you can expect the speed is even 10 times faster than the 4G. Get ready soon!

Advantages and Disadvantages of Wireless Game Cameras

I bet almost all of you have at least once use Wi-fi connection, then you already know the technology. Compared to cellular signals, Wifi is often faster and preferential in short areas.

No Service Charges

Wifi connection is accessible once you know the account and password. Moreover, the functionality is reserved for the owners only. To get a wifi connection, you just need to pay the original purchase cost. So, this method is more economical than cellular monthly charges.

Limited Range

You should keep in mind that, a wifi trail camera is beneficial in short ranges, whereas it becomes unstable and less useful when it is 20 meters away from the router. Walls or trees might even reduce the range.

So, if you are plan to place the camera far away from your known wifi sources, then pick up a cellular instead.

Lower Power Life

Although a wifi trail camera saves time and efforts in checking and managing pictures, it turns out to eat out the batteries more quickly than the traditional cameras. Hence, you might end up unmounting the camera several times for a while to exchange or recharge the power. For your information, a cellular device also gets similarly low battery lifespan.

Cellular vs Wifi Trail Camera: Which Is Better?

At a glance, a cellular trail camera might be better for both short and long-distance. The connection also seems more stable. Nonetheless, this type is much more expensive when thinking of both the camera itself and the service cost.

So, consider your budget and the need for wireless cameras to make a wise choice.

Who Needs Wi-fi Trail Cameras?

Homeowners will love them!

It is economical and convenient to integrate the camera with your household wifi router. At such a close range, wifi signals are strong enough to transmit data from the roof, walls, and other stuff. Now, you can keep an eye on the nearby environment at ease. Also, having a wifi trail camera means you can place them in a high and secure place, without the fear of thieves or naughty boys.

Who Needs Cellular Game Cameras?

Meanwhile, hunters definitely prefer the cellular because of their flexibility in connection range and the types of data. They often roam here and there to find the best hunting place, so a cellular camera is always available to hang on anywhere.

Also, cellular game cameras are also helpful for homeowners who are away frequently while they still want to have an eye on their lovely house.

How to Choose The Best Cellular / Wireless Game Camera with Plan Cost?

You can’t wait to buy a wireless trail camera, must you?

However, digest the buying guide first to ensure every penny is spent on the right stuff.

GSM Network

In case you might not know, a GSM network is the standard system to activate most mobile phone networks in the world. The cellular connection is a part of this system. In the U.S, GSM Network is provided by either AT&T or T-Mobile carrier. When you buy a new camera, you need to buy a SIM card using the GSM network and activate it to have photos sent to your phone directly.

Some advanced cameras now come with preloaded SIM cards so that you just need to activate the card rather than acquire a new card yourself.

3G or 4G Coverage

4G is much faster than 3G, but at the same time, is far more expensive. And, the advanced 4G is not very necessary if you do not need to check results at the time of capture. A 3G connection can complete the work.

When it comes to wireless game cameras, ask yourself first if you are too busy to wait for data transmission or you want to save some money on the monthly plan.

Afterward, make a choice!

Payment Plans

After determining one between 3G and 4G, as well as pick up the preferred GSM network, you should go through the payment plans.

Most of the time, the payment can be done by asking for a local mobile service or online. Some operators offer 30 days free trial. If so, free to try so you will know how much data you consume on a monthly average. Then, you can draw down a using plan in the long run to make the most of your money.

Sensitivity

Do it is really necessary to receive a bunch of pictures on a 5-second basis because your camera is excellently sensitive?

On the one hand, it causes annoying notifications. On the other hand, it consumes data and the batteries significantly. It eventually adds more to your monthly bill.

My recommendation is to consider cellular/wireless trail cameras which are easy to change the detection range and sensitivity. Based on your practical purposes of tracking, set up the configurations wisely. Then, you can save data and money and be saved from false alarms.

Detection Range and Trigger Speed

The detection range of the game camera is also important. This range represents the distance between your game camera and the farthest point that it can detect, so if your camera has a good range, then it can detect a lot more movement and help you gather more information about the deer you’re hunting.

On the other hand, trigger speed is also vital since some animals may move quickly. Usually, a good game camera should have a trigger speed of less than a second, so that once an animal walks into the detection range, the game camera can snap a photo instantaneously and send a photo to your phone or computer.

Storage Options

Since it might take quite a long time between the two unmounting requirements, you must ensure that the memory card is large enough to handle a number of pictures and videos over time. For cellular/wireless cameras, you have two storage options: the traditional SD/Micro-SD card and the cloud service.

The earlier is wide in choices of capacity from 8GB to 32GB, and more. However, they are shortly limited so you might need to exchange the SD every two months.

Instant Notifications

Hilariously, most wireless game cameras have a native app so you can get notified of new footage shortly. Such an instant announcement ensures that you can take further action in time. But too many frequent notifications can cause a bit annoyance. Hence, you should go through all settings of notifications and set up according to your purposes.

Remote Access

For sure, a cellular trail camera must be available to access remotely on the online app or with remote control. The controlling device is mostly useful in a limited range. Hence, it is a big plus when it comes to wireless game cameras that the manufacturer offers a built-in app.

remote control. Remote controls mostly work in a limited range. Therefore, an online app is 

Flash and night-time capturing

wifi game camera
This picture was taken with a game camera with cellular during nighttime.

The best wireless trail camera in 2020 should be able to capture clear images clearly both in the day and at night where light is low. All game cameras have this night-time feature, but not all would show you clear and crisp images at both day and night time.

When looking for the best wireless game cameras for hunting, you should look for one that has an invisible flash or a night vision feature which allows it to take clear pictures at all times of day without startling the animal.

Battery life

batterry of game camera
A great game camera should also have long battery life.

Of course, it would be a great waste of time if you have to change the camera’s batteries often. Thus, the battery life of the game camera also plays a big role in proper resource management (since you would have to buy relatively expensive batteries for replacement as well as waste gas in driving to the location).

Since these game cameras aren’t hooked to a power source (unless you are using them for home security surveillance), choosing a product that has the best battery life is the most ideal. Generally, I recommend choosing a product that is energy-efficient without affecting the quality of images. A game camera that can last up to three months or more is highly suggested.

Warranty

Last but not least, check the warranty policies to ensure you know where to get help or even to return the camera and take back your money. There is hardly any warranties that cover the bad experience on coverage termination, signals, speed, or reception. However, they must cover the major aspects at an affordable price and a reasonable period of time.

Conclusion

This best wireless trail camera  2020 pretty much told you all you need to know when choosing the best wireless game cameras or the best trail camera with cellular for hunting. Essentially, a game camera should be able to let you survey the area without actually going there. In this way, you save more resources and have the game camera pay for itself in the long run.

Keep in mind the factors that you need to consider when choosing a game camera, and you’re good to go. Hopefully, this article taught you the most important features that you need to look out for if you want to get the most out of your money. Moreover, we’ve offered you a selection of the best wireless game cameras for hunting for you to choose from.

If you liked this best wireless trail camera in 2020, please do take the time to share it with your friends. Feel free to leave a comment or question below, too. Thanks for reading!

 

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