Trail cameras have become indispensable tools for many hunters in recent years.
They allow you to survey the land and keep track of animals in the area even though you aren’t around.
Who wouldn’t want an extra set of eyes in the woods?
But, most trail cameras have a weakness: you have to physically interact with the camera to get the information off it.
However, there are wireless game cameras you can use. Just bring your phone nearby to download the photos. Or, even better, get a cellular trail camera.
Yes, these are cameras you stick in the woods, and they’ll text or e-mail you photos of that buck you’ve been dreaming about!
You don’t have to be in the same forest or even the same state. If you have cell signal, cellular deer cameras can keep you apprised of animals and more!
The 8 Wireless Trail Cameras of 2019: Outdoor Empire Reviews
Here is a list of the 8 best cellular and wireless game cameras of 2019:
- Best Cheap Cellular Trail Camera #1: Bigfoot Cellular Camera
- Best Cheap Cellular Trail Camera #2: SPYPOINT Link-EVO
- Best Cellular Trail Camera for the Money #1: Spartan HD GoCam Model #GC-A4Gb
- Best Cellular Trail Camera for the Money #2: Snyper Hunting Commander 4G
- Best Overall Cellular Trail Camera #1: Kuool 4G LTE Cellular Trail Camera
- Best Overall Cellular Trail Camera #2: CreativeXP 3G Cellular Trail Camera
- Best Wi-Fi Wireless Game Camera: Browning Defender 850
- Best Bluetooth Wireless Game Camera: Hawk Ghost HD16
| Category | Best Cheap | Best for the money | Best overall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product |  |  |  |
| Maximum Resolution | 12 MP | 8 MP | 16 MP |
| Video | 1080p | 720p | 1080p |
| Night Flash Range | 65 ft. | 70 ft. | 65 ft. |
| Trigger speed | 0.4 s | Under 1 s | 0.2 s |
| Compatible Networks | AT&T | AT&T or Verizon | AT&T and T-Mobile |
| Network Technology | 3G | 4G | 4G |
| Misc | iOS and Android remote control app, 350 free photos | HCO GoWireless web and mobile portal | GPS, iOS and Android app |
| Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
1. Best Cheap Cellular Trail Camera #1: Bigfoot Cellular Camera
Specs
- Maximum Resolution: 12 MP
- Video: 1080p
- Night Flash Range: 65 ft.
- Trigger Speed: 0.4 s
- Compatible Networks: AT&T
- Network Technology: 3G
- Misc: iOS and Android remote control app, 350 free photos
Overview
Bigfoot Cameras has one cellular camera: the 3G #8712. It’s a good beginner’s camera because it’s simple and easy to use.
The Bigfoot Cellular Camera comes with an SD card so it can connect to the AT&T 3G network. You get approximately 350 photographs worth of data for free before you have to pay for a data plan.
You can receive the photos via text or e-mail or access your camera through a phone app, though it lacks the ability to change your camera’s settings.
The data plan is through simHERO and covers 12 months. You can spend a lot of money for a lot of photos, or a little money for a few photos.
You can record still or burst images in resolutions of 5, 8, and 12 megapixels. There’s also 1080p video at 30 fps.
The camera takes a photo 0.4 seconds after being triggered and has a 100-degree field of view.
The body is IP66 waterproof, so don’t worry about the rain. It can even function from -33 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pros
- Easy setup and use
- Inexpensive
Cons
- 3G network
- No sending queue, so it won’t send pictures taken when there’s poor signal
Recommendation
The Bigfoot #8712 Cellular Camera 3G is an affordable and easy-to-use trail camera, good for people new to cellular game cameras
2. Best Cheap Cellular Trail Camera #2: SPYPOINT Link-EVO and Link-EVO V
Specs
- Maximum Resolution: 12 MP
- Video: 720p
- Night Flash Range: 90 ft.
- Trigger speed: 0.3 s
- Compatible Networks: Most (Link-EVO) or Verizon (Link-EVO-V)
- Network Technology: 4G
- Misc: App, pre-activated SIM card, mounting bracket and strap
Overview
The SPYPOINT Link-EVO is a nifty trail camera marred by a few issues.
BUCK TRACKER Detection Technology recognizes antlers, so the camera can filter out non-buck photos and only send you pictures of deer with antlers if you want.
The photographs can be up to 12 megapixels in size and are of good, though not great, quality. Videos are up to 720p resolution but do not have sound.
The Link-EVO connects through most cellular networks. If your area gets better signal with Verizon, then the Link-EVO-V may be a better choice for you.
Unlike many cellular game cameras, there’s a free plan! You can receive up to 100 photos per month through the smartphone app. More than that will cost you, though.
SPYPOINT has a two-year warranty on all of their cameras.
You may need to use it.
Some reviewers have reported poor picture quality or poor connectivity. Thankfully, SPYPOINT is willing to resolve these issues.
Pros
- Buck-detection technology
- Free monthly plan
Cons
- Poor battery life
- Questionable quality control
Recommendation
The SPYPOINT Link-EVO is a good game camera for the hunter on a budget who is willing to take advantage of the two-year warranty.
SPYPOINT Link-EVO is also available at:
3. Best Cellular Trail Camera for the Money #1: Spartan HD GoCam Model #GC-A4Gb and #GC-Z4Gz
Specs
- Maximum Resolution: 8 MP
- Video: 720p
- Night Flash Range: 70 ft.
- Trigger speed: Under 1 s
- Compatible Networks: AT&T or Verizon
- Network Technology: 4G
- Misc: HCO GoWireless web and mobile portal
Overview
The Spartan HD GoCam is a lightweight trail camera with a large, flexible antenna that can be used with AT&T (Model #GC-A4Gb) or Verizon (#GC-Z4Gz).
Both the AT&T and Verizon versions have pay-as-you-go style connectivity that lets you activate or deactivate the camera’s data plan as you wish.
You’ll get the biggest benefit from this if you already have a plan in the same network. It’s likely more expensive to have the camera on its own plan.
The photos and videos may not have the highest resolutions available today, but the quality is still excellent. You can see great detail, whether day or night.
You can access the Spartan GoCam directly through a web portal or by downloading an app. You maintain full control over your camera’s settings through the network, too.
As for physical characteristics, the GoCam is a tough little unit. It is highly waterproof, yet its design allows you to easily use it with gloves.
The battery life is somewhat poor, but you can add on aftermarket solar cells or battery packs.
Pros
- High-quality photographs
- Powerful remote-control features
Cons
- Poor battery life
Recommendation
The Spartan GoCam is a great camera with good connectivity features, but it has poor battery life and not the best resolution.
Spartan HD GoCam Model #GC-A4Gb is also available at:
4. Best Cellular Trail Camera for the Money #2: Snyper Hunting Commander 4G
Specs
- Maximum Resolution: 12 MP
- Video: HD
- Night Flash Range: 120 ft.
- Trigger speed: 0.4 s
- Compatible Networks: AT&T
- Network Technology: 4G
- Misc: Snyper app, GPS, SIM card
Overview
The Snyper Hunting Commander 4G trail camera is good for both hunting and security thanks to its blacked-out IR LEDs with their impressive 120-foot range.
Even better, if a thief decides to take your camera, it has a built-in GPS!
Unlike other GPS-enabled trail cameras, this one integrates with the free app’s interactive map, so you’ll always know your camera’s exact location.
A SIM card is included to connect to the AT&T network, though you’ll have to activate it yourself. Setup is easy, especially when following the comprehensive setup video.
You can set filters in the Snyper app to alert you when certain animals pass by the camera, making the whole process more efficient.
The Commander 4G does have some weaknesses. It requires plenty of signal to work properly, though an aftermarket antenna booster is available.
Worse, though, is the waterproofing. Some users have experienced failure to keep water out. Not everyone, though.
Pros
- GPS reports to the app and shows the camera’s location on a map
Cons
- Aftermarket Snyper antenna booster may be required in areas of poor signal
- Questionable waterproofing
Recommendation
The Snyper Hunting Commander 4G is a good camera with a good app, but it doesn’t have the most effective antenna or waterproofing.
5. Best Overall Cellular Trail Camera #1: Kuool 4G LTE Cellular Trail Camera
Specs
- Maximum Resolution: 16 MP
- Video: 1080p
- Night Flash Range: 65 ft.
- Trigger speed: 0.2 s
- Compatible Networks: AT&T and T-Mobile
- Network Technology: 4G
- Misc: GPS, iOS and Android app
Overview
Kuool has several trail cameras. Their 4G-compatible camera works on AT&T and T-Mobile networks and comes with a GoPhone pre-paid SIM card. Post-paid cards won’t work.
You can receive the images over phone or text, and you can even text the camera commands!
It uses the 4G network for better connectivity in the wild, though you’ll need to turn down the picture size if you have less than three bars.
The camera can take pictures from 1 to 12 megapixels in resolution and can also take 480p to 1080p videos up to 30 seconds long.
There’s also a timer mode to take pictures at a specified time and time lapse option to record a video of the entire day.
You can set the trigger rate between 0.8 s and 0.2 s. The 0.2s trigger speed is good, not only for wildlife such as deer, but also for birds, making this camera good for upland bird and waterfowl hunters!
There’s also a GPS so you know precisely where you’ve stuck your camera and won’t lose the darn thing.
Pros
- Device accepts text commands to change configuration in the field
- Very fast trigger speed
- Very inexpensive
Cons
- Requires a PC to properly set it up
Recommendation
The Kuool 4G LTE Cellular Trail Camera is a feature-rich game camera that takes good pictures, is easy to use, and costs very little money.
6. Best Overall Cellular Trail Camera #2: CreativeXP 3G Cellular Trail Camera
Specs
- Maximum Resolution: 12 MP
- Video: 1080p
- Night Flash Range: 65 ft.
- Trigger speed: 0.4 s
- Compatible Networks: AT&T
- Network Technology: 3G
- Misc: AT&T SIM card, tree mount
Overview
The CreativeXP 3G Cellular Trail Camera is a surprisingly small unit with good capabilities.
It comes with an unactivated AT&T SIM card, which you can add to your plan or activate on its own. The camera will send photos to your phone or e-mail over MMS.
The photographs can be up to 12 megapixels in size. You can also record 1080p video, though the camera can’t send it over AT&T’s data services.
Fifty-six infrared LEDs provide a bright picture at night without a flash that can alert wildlife or burglars.
Yes, you can use this camera for home security as well.
You can take up to five photos with every trigger and set it to record at certain times per day. There’s also a time-lapse mode that takes one photo every three minutes.
The package includes all necessary cables as well both a permanent mount and a tree mount strap.
Pros
- Good battery life
- Powerful IR lights for great nighttime photos
- Wide detection angle
Cons
- 3G
- Cannot transmit videos over the cell network, though an update is planned to allow this functionality
Recommendation
The CreativeXP 3G Cellular Trail Camera is a high-quality small camera but only has basic features.
7. Best Wi-Fi Wireless Game Camera: Browning Defender 850
Specs
- Maximum Resolution: 20 MP
- Video: 1080p
- Night Flash Range: 120 ft.
- Trigger speed: 0.4 s
- Wireless Technology: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
- Max Connection Range: 60 ft.
- Misc: Temperature triggered, compatible with Browning Trail Cameras app and Browning Buck Watch Timelapse Viewer software
Overview
The Browning Defender 850 is a non-cellular wireless camera. It can connect to a device running the Browning app using Bluetooth at about 30 feet and wi-fi at up to 60 feet.
While this range is much shorter than a cellular game camera’s range of “anywhere you can get cell signal,” you don’t have to pay to pair the camera to your phone. You can also set it up someplace with no phone signal.
The camera can take pictures up to 20 megapixels in size and can take 1080p HD videos. The camera itself is adjustable inside the housing, which has a built-in mount.
The Defender 850, unlike most game cameras, can detect animals using temperature. Most others just use movement to trigger the picture.
The Defender does suffer from being power hungry and having a small battery compartment. Also, you need to turn off your phone’s data connection and configure the camera over Bluetooth before you can use the longer-ranged wi-fi connection.
Pros
- Both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
- Good picture quality
- Full control over the settings with the app
Cons
- Hard to set up
- Short battery life
- Must be within 60 feet to connect to the camera
Recommendation
If you don’t mind troubleshooting the configuration process, the Browning Defender 850 takes great photos at a huge resolution and can connect to your phone.
Browning Defender 850 is also available at:
8. Best Bluetooth Wireless Game Camera: Hawk Ghost HD16
Specs
- Maximum Resolution: 16 MP
- Video: 720p
- Night Flash Range: 100 ft.
- Trigger speed: 0.6 s
- Wireless Technology: Bluetooth
- Max Connection Range: 60 ft.
- Misc: Hawk Sync app
Overview
The Hawk Ghost HD16 is a budget wireless game camera, but you don’t lose any quality to save that money.
The biggest downer is the range. The HD16 only has Bluetooth, no Wi-Fi or cell connection. This means you’ll have to get quite close, within 30 feet, for your phone to connect with the camera.
But if that’s not a problem, you get a great camera. It takes high-quality photos during the day and has bright, but not always the best, night capabilities.
Accessing the camera’s innards can be difficult after installation because everything is on the bottom. Thankfully, with the long battery life and microSD card slot, you rarely have to open it up.
Even the Hawk Sync app is easy to use, though it’s only for Android phones.
The housing is IP67 waterproof, so it’ll handle any amount of rain. However, it’s not rated for submersion for any serious length of time.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Great image quality during the day
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Average image quality during the night
- Opening the camera can be difficult
Recommendation
You’ll save money up front and by not paying for a data plan with the Hawk Ghost HD16, but you’ll still be able to pair the camera with your phone.
Hawk Ghost HD16 is also available at:
What Are Cellular And Wireless Game Cameras?
These cameras are dang, new-fangled technology, I tell ya what.
Trail cameras have been around for a long time. You put them on a tree, set them up, then leave for a while
Animals pass by and trigger the camera to take a picture of them. Sometimes wind causes a tree branch to move enough to do the same. Or, perhaps, a friend of yours puts on a bigfoot suit and walks by.
Then you return and collect the photos to look through them.
However, physically visiting the camera has two major drawbacks:
- You leave scent at the site
- You have to visit the camera
Filling an area you want to hunt in with human scent is a good way to scare off game animals.
Visiting the camera takes time even when you’re nearby. If you’re surveying a hunting area far from where you live, that can cost a lot of money in gas!
Also, you won’t have to worry about positioning the camera in an easy-to-reach spot if you don’t have to physically access the camera until you’re done for the season. Put it where it needs to go!
Wireless game cameras solve these issues.
You install them once and don’t have to visit again until they run out of batteries. And even that’s not a problem if you install solar cells!
How do wireless cameras work?
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless cameras can be used a fair distance from the camera itself. They connect to a smartphone app over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, so you won’t be able to use that old, indestructible Nokia.
Your chosen game camera will have a corresponding app. For example, the Browning Defender 850 connects to the Browning Trail Cameras app.
Now, these cameras will have a limited range. That Browning wireless camera can only connect to a phone that’s within 50 to 60 feet. That still keeps you and your smelly self over a dozen yards from the site, preventing possible contamination.
How do cellular cameras work?
Thanks to the wonders of modern cellular technology, cellular cameras act similarly to a phone and send you the photos.
Typically, photos are sent over MMS texts, though some cameras have advanced functionality. Some cellular trail cameras even let you peruse the photos through an app or the web.
A couple even let you control the camera from anywhere in the world!
You do need cell phone signal and, in most cases, a data plan for cellular game cameras to work. $75 for a year of data is cheaper than driving out to check on the camera each week, though.
And if you don’t want to pay for the data plan…
…these still make good offline game cameras.
Pros and Cons of Cellular Trail Cameras Compared to Wi-Fi Game Cameras
Cellular trail cameras aren’t the only game cameras which attempt to give you ranged access. Wireless trail cameras are a good choice for many people.
Pros
- Range—The biggest advantage of cellular cameras over wireless cameras is the range. Wireless trail camera ranges are measured in feet. Cellular trail camera ranges go anywhere the cell network does.
- Instant Notification—Cellular game cameras can notify you of an animal within a minute, often less, of the picture being taken. You have to get close to Wi-Fi cameras to find out if an animal has been nearby.
Cons
- Battery Life—Constant cellular connections drain battery life faster for cellular trail cameras than any other type, though you can add solar cells to bypass this issue.
- Service Charges—Most cellular trail cameras require a paid data plan, which adds a small but notable cost to their use.
- Service Areas—Cellular game cameras have to be installed in areas with a cell phone signal. The other type of wireless camera can be used anywhere, so long as you can get your phone somewhat close.
How to choose?
All of the game cameras above have some sort of wireless connectivity and have a camera connected to a passive infrared (PIR) sensor to automatically take pictures of moving objects.
Unlike some other products, such as hunting radios, you can expect every game camera to be waterproof (against rain, at least) and to store pictures and video to an SD card.
Beyond that, there are some very important differences in the features.
Megapixels
Megapixels, or MP, is a measure of resolution. It’s how many pixels fit into one image.
Truthfully? You don’t need your trail camera to take 12 MP pictures.
Larger pictures take up more space, both on the SD card and in data costs. They’re slower to process and send to you. The camera may have trouble sending larger photos with poor signal. Finally, the larger size is often not necessary to clearly identify the animal!
The ability to take huge photos is nice, but it isn’t a make-or-break option for me.
Picture Range
When discussing range with game cameras, this refers to the PIR’s range. There tends to be little difference during the day, but two cameras can have vastly different nighttime capabilities.
Generally, you can expect the camera to have infrared LEDs capable of illuminating at least 65 feet from the camera, though the edges will be dark.
Some cameras can go further than that. Others don’t have much range but have more LEDs for a brighter, more-detailed night vision picture.
Bluetooth, Cellular, and Wi-Fi
Wireless game cameras come in two basic categories:
- Short-ranged Wi-Fi/Bluetooth
- Cellular
How far away do you want to be when you download images from your camera? How much do you want to spend on downloading those images? Is there even cell signal?
You have to answer those three questions to figure out if you want a Wi-Fi/Bluetooth camera or a cellular camera.
Cellular trail cameras work with a phone network, so they can send photos to you wherever you are. However, they do need to be able to reach that network and so are not a good choice for particularly remote areas.
Also, you’ll typically need to pay for a data plan to even use that function of the camera.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth trail cameras, by contrast, directly connect to your smartphone. Your phone has to be close by, so you have to get close to the hunting spot in order to download the photos.
This makes these cameras a poor choice for scoping out hunting areas a hundred miles from home.
However, they do not require an additional service subscription to use. You can also use them anywhere, not just in places with three bars of signal.
Personal Experience
Most of my hunting in the Midwest takes place in rural woods surrounding a lodge. You have to stand on top of the building for a chance at cell signal, and even then you may only get enough juice to send a single text message. Cellular game cameras don’t work.
Wi-Fi game cameras work there just fine. We have them about 40 feet off the ATV path we use to get to the hunting blinds so we can pop by and see if there’s been activity recently.
So, you’ll have to consider your specific hunting area to figure out which will work best for you.
3G vs. 4G
Some cellular game cameras use the 3G network. Others use 4G LTE.
3G and 4G LTE are different generations of wireless cellular technology. 4G LTE is the more recent generation.
4G has a longer range and faster speeds. It’ll penetrate further into the wild than 3G, so areas covered by 4G may not always be covered by 3G.
However, 3G technology is often cheaper, so if your hunting spot isn’t too far from civilization, then a 3G camera may work perfectly fine.
Cellular Connection Methods
All cellular cameras can send a photo to your phone or e-mail through text messages.
Some have additional ways to connect, such as an app for iOS, Android, or both. There may even be a web portal, which is a website you can connect to on your phone, laptop, or desktop.
Even better are the cameras with firmware that allows you to control the camera and change settings remotely.
Unless you like having to fiddle with the camera itself, I’d recommend buying one you can adjust through the internet.
Related: Cellular Data Plan Costs for Trail Cameras
GPS
Though GPS in a stationary camera is not as important as in other devices, it can still come in handy.
When you install a GPS-enabled camera, mark that location down!
That way, you know precisely where to return. I lost one camera because it didn’t have a GPS, and I couldn’t find the camouflaged device after the seasons changed.
Top Brands
Bigfoot Cameras
Have you ever thought of tracking down the elusive Bigfoot?
If so, you’ve likely traveled to Colorado, where you’ll find Bigfoot all over the place (especially on car stickers).
Bigfoot Cameras may be just what you need to take a picture of this upright ape. Or, more likely, you’ll get lots of high-quality pictures of deer and other woodland animals.
This company is part of Western Recreation, a multi-generational family-owned business that grew from a small archery shop to a large hunting equipment wholesaler.
Stan and Brad Love, two brothers, are the current leaders of the company. They continue to pour their love into the project, as they supply hunting equipment, especially archery-related, to anybody who loves the outdoors.
CreativeXP
CreativeXP wasn’t originally a hunting equipment company.
This company was founded by a husband and wife pair, Daniel and Elizabeth, for the purpose of making inexpensive, reliable dashcams.
After being the victims of road rage, the couple wanted to get a dashcam, but all of them were either too expensive for a new family or were unreliable and prone to malfunctions.
However, both Daniel and Elizabeth are technological engineers.
Together, they designed dashcams which work all the time and don’t drain the bank.
As it turns out, add some waterproofing and some other changes, and you get a pretty good trail camera, too!
SPYPOINT
The USA doesn’t have a monopoly on hunting. Canada maintains a strong hunting tradition. SPYPOINT is from Québec, Canada, and operates in the US and Germany as well.
Though you’d expect a company named SPYPOINT to focus on tactical gear, SPYPOINT is focused on making innovative trail cameras.
Not all of their cameras are tapped into the cell network. They also have ultra-compact models, which let you save on space and weight. You can also get trail cameras with an integrated solar cell, so you don’t have to buy and wire one later.
What’s most interesting is the BUCK TRACKER technology they’ve developed, which analyzes the animals photographed and determines if they have antlers or not.
This is good for everyone from trophy hunters to people hunting during antlerless season. It can also be used by environmental scientists to track the deer population in an area more easily.
SPYPOINT does seem to have some quality control issues with their products. However, they also have a good warranty and will make things right.
F.A.Q.
How do you set up a cellular game camera?
There are three things you need to do to set up a cellular trail camera:
- Activate the camera’s data plan
- Configure the camera
- Install the camera at the chosen location
You’ll have to hash out the data plan yourself. Typically, this involves activating the included SIM card and either paying for a data plan or adding it to your existing plan.
Configuring the camera changes from camera to camera. This involves choosing the settings you want. I’d recommend trying the camera at home and making sure it works properly before trying to set it up in the field.
Finally, you need to physically schlep the camera to where you want observation in the wilderness. Many cameras have straps that allow you to attach them to a tree.
Make sure to double check the settings and test out the camera before you leave it to the elements!
How do you set up a non-cellular wireless game camera?
Wireless trail cameras with Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth are easier to configure than their cellular counterparts.
All you have to do is:
- Install the app on your phone
- Configure the camera
- Install the camera at the chosen location
You don’t have to purchase a data plan or configure your camera to send photos to your phone. All you have to do to use the camera is get close, connect to it with your app, and control it from there!
To learn more about setting up a game camera check out our article on: How To Setup, Program, and Position Trail Camera For Maximum Success!
Does the trail camera’s network have to match my cell phone’s network?
In most cases, your game camera’s cell network doesn’t have to match your own.
It’s like any other phone. A phone on one network can call a phone on any other network.
Though, it can be advantageous to buy a camera that uses your network, for two reasons:
First, it can be cheaper to add an additional line to your plan than to buy a brand-new plan.
Second, you can test for signal before you buy the camera.
If you have an AT&T phone that works in your hunting area and buy a Verizon camera, who knows if it’ll work until after you’ve hiked out there!
These reviews are basically worthless if they don’t give the cost of the plan. In other words, they all take photos and transmit them through either AT&T or Verizon. The only difference I’ve found over six years of wireless is the cost of the plan.
Thanks, Joe, for bringing that up. Great idea! We will look to add an article about the cost of the plans soon.