Whether you’re a hunter or a wildlife researcher, trail cameras can help you catch glimpses of animals in various parts of the wild. These devices are useful and have a simple operation process. After installing a camera on a trail or in the woods, it will detect any motion passing by and take photos or video of the animal. Wireless and cellular trail cameras then send the image or and video to an app so the user can view it without being anywhere near the camera.

Finding the perfect trail camera is the next step for your animal-tracking needs. You have three options you can choose from — cellular, wireless  or traditional trail cameras. For the sake of this article, we’ll be comparing the differences between wireless and cellular trail cameras and the benefits each one offers.

Wireless vs. Cellular Trail Cameras — What’s the Difference?

Wireless and cellular trail cameras both catch motion detection of animals and vehicles so you can see the activity going on in the woods or fields. Other than their main function, these two types of trail cameras offer different features.

The primary difference between wireless and cellular game cameras is the method of connectivity they use to send photos and video. Their titles give away their methods of connectivity, with wireless trail cameras using Wi-Fi signals and cellular trail cameras using a cellular network.

Wireless Trail Cameras

Wireless trail cameras or Wi-Fi trail cameras don’t necessarily have their own wireless networks to share trail photos, but they have the ability to receive Wi-Fi signals. This means the cameras need to be close to a Wi-Fi router to connect to the device and receive trail-cam images.

A common misconception of wireless trail cameras is that people can place and connect to them anywhere. Since they need to be in the range of a wireless router to operate effectively — a limiting characteristic — it’s best to install wireless cameras as security cameras in backyards or near a cabin that has a strong Wi-Fi signal

Cellular Trail Cameras

Cellular trail cameras operate by using various types of cellular networks, like 4G or 5G. They can connect to this type of network and effectively monitor your regular hunting spots or send photos of wildlife in nearly any area, as long as there is a cell signal.

These cameras require cellular data plans to operate and send photos and videos of animals and anything else that walks by to a cloud-based server. You can select different data plans and cellular providers for your trail camera.

Since these cameras use cellular data, you can place them in practically any location and receive photos immediately through an app or website. This option is great for individuals who want to monitor their trail cameras regardless of their location.

What Are the Benefits of Cellular Trail Cameras vs. Wi-Fi Trail Cameras?

Choosing which type of trail camera you’ll use is simple when comparing the benefits each one offers. You’ll see which trail camera is best for your application.

Benefits of Cellular Trail Cameras

Cellular trail cameras are a popular choice for hunters and wildlife researchers for numerous reasons. The benefits of these devices are undeniably useful and effective for monitoring activity on trails.

The benefits of a cellular trail camera include:

• Great connectivity: Having access to photos nearly instantly from your trail cameras can save you time from having to go and check the camera yourself. They also give you access to places far from your home and without Wi-Fi access. You’ll be able to prepare for hunting trips better and gain more insight into animal activity.
• Quality photos: Cellular trail cameras take excellent photos and sometimes videos and send them to your smartphone. Having high-quality photos can make it easier to point out different animals and their activity in the area.
• Less intrusion: Cellular cameras allow you to check photos and videos of wildlife without visiting the camera location regularly. This will limit your scent in the area and let animals visit without distractions.
• Check the camera any time: With cellular trail cameras, you can monitor your hunting sites or animal observing areas from the comfort of your home while you’re running errands or on a break at work. It’s great to know your camera is operating properly and is still secure in the spot you placed it.
• Efficient battery use: Cellular cameras allow you to remotely change camera settings from an app so that you can conserve battery life. You can also use solar panel power options to keep your camera running longer.

Benefits of Wi-Fi Trail Cameras

Wireless or Wi-Fi trail cameras provide similar services as cellular cameras but are more limited in their benefits for hunters or wildlife researchers who want to easily access cameras from remote locations. This type of tail monitoring device reduces your ability to view trails far away from wireless connectivity or prompts you to regularly visit the trail to see what animals have passed by. This isn’t the first intended use of the trail camera, and you won’t have access to farther away hunting areas.

Wireless trail cameras are a useful option for homeowners who want to increase the security on their property and place these devices close to their homes. Cellular trail cameras are a better option for remote locations.

Are Cellular Trail Cameras Worth It?

You’ll receive optimal connectivity to your trail cameras and access high-quality images that can improve your hunting game or further research into animals in the area. Some other advantages of purchasing a cellular trail camera include:

• Save time: It’s common for people to use multiple trail cameras to monitor trails or hunting areas. Cellular trail cameras make it simple to check every camera at any point in the day without visiting each camera location.
• Spend less gas money: With cellular trail cameras, you save money traveling to camera sites to pull SD cards. With gas prices rising, this is a useful benefit.
• Always access photos: With cloud-based storage options and automatic access to all trail photos, cellular cameras ensure you never miss an animal movement out on the trails. Different data plans allow you to store specific numbers of photos that you can regularly access at any time.

Buy a New Cellular Trail Camera From Moultrie Mobile

Purchase a new cellular trail camera and see how your animal monitoring process improves. Browse Moultrie Mobile’s cellular trail cameras and pick out the device that’s perfect for your needs.