Trail cameras have become essential tools for deer hunters, offering the ability to scout and monitor game without physically disturbing the area. Cellular trail cameras, which send images directly to your phone or computer in real time, add another layer of convenience and stealth. However, with so many options available, choosing the best one can be a daunting task. This guide provides a detailed review of the top cellular trail cameras of 2024, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses based on extensive field testing.
Why Use a Cellular Trail Camera?
First, let’s acknowledge the challenges: trail cameras can be frustrating. Batteries die, SD cards get corrupted, and settings can get messed up. Introducing cellular technology into the mix might seem like adding to the complexity, but the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. Once set up, cellular trail cameras provide constant, real-time scouting information that helps you pattern deer movements without spooking them. This advantage alone justifies the slight increase in complexity.
How We Tested
Our testing process was rigorous. We conducted both standardized backyard walkthrough tests and real-world field evaluations. The cameras were set to their fastest shooting modes and highest sensitivities. Markers were placed at 10, 60, and 110 feet, and testers walked past the cameras to measure detection range, trigger speed, and photo quality. We also evaluated each camera’s performance in the field, considering factors such as photo quality, reliability, and ease of setup.
Best Overall: Tactacam Reveal X-Pro 3.0
Key Features:
- GPS enabled
- Works on all major cellular networks
- Internal 8GB memory (no SD card required)
- Pre-installed SIM card
- On-demand video
- Live aiming via the app
- 2-inch LCD screen
- No-glow flash with 80-foot range
- 5-shot photo burst mode
- 1080P Video
- No-glow IR
- 1-year warranty
- Price: $155 (plans start at $5 per month)
Pros:
- Excellent photo quality
- On-demand photo and video features
- Automatically pairs with the strongest cellular network
Cons:
- Mediocre nighttime photo quality
- Delayed on-demand video
- Requires SD card for non-on-demand videos
The Tactacam Reveal X-Pro 3.0 has made a significant impact since its introduction. It offers reliable performance with high-quality images and a host of new features that make it our top pick. The camera’s ability to automatically connect to the strongest cellular network, along with its 8GB internal memory and pre-installed SIM card, eliminates the need for an SD card. The addition of on-demand video is a game-changer, allowing you to request a 15-second video clip from the camera, which is then sent to your app. Although there is a slight delay in receiving the video, this feature is still incredibly useful.
During testing, the camera performed well at all distances, though it struggled with nighttime photos at 110 feet due to the limited range of its no-glow flash. If the nighttime range is a priority, the Reveal X 3.0 might be a better choice. The only other downside is that you need to manually retrieve video clips from the SD card, as they are not sent through the app.
SpyPoint Flex G-36 – Best Cell Camera 2024
Key Features:
- Uses 8 AA batteries
- 0.3-second trigger speed
- 100-foot detection range
- Supports micro SD cards from 2 to 512 GB
- Two-year warranty
- Price: $100
Pros:
- Fast trigger speed
- Good flash range
- Detected movement at 10, 60, and 110 feet
Cons:
- About a one-minute delay between bursts
The SpyPoint Flex G-36 offers excellent value for its price. At $100, it provides features typically found in more expensive models. The Flex G-36 has an improved detection range compared to last year’s model, triggering at all tested distances both day and night. The photos are crisp and clear, with minimal motion blur, and the night photos are particularly impressive.
The SpyPoint app is user-friendly, with a filter feature that helps you sift through hundreds of photos quickly. However, the camera has a delay of about one minute between bursts, which could result in missing a second deer following the first. Despite this minor drawback, the Flex G-36 is an excellent option for those on a budget.
Stealth Cam Deceptor Max – Best Cell Camera 2024
Key Features:
- No-glow flash
- 1 to 9 photo burst option
- On-demand photo and video
- 80-foot detection range
- Compatible with the Hunt Stand app
- Automatically pairs with the strongest cellular network
- Price: $120 (plans start at $5 monthly)
Pros:
- Excellent nighttime photos
- Superb performance in walkthrough tests
- Affordable
Cons:
- Low-quality 16MP daytime photos
If clear nighttime photos are your priority, the Stealth Cam Deceptor Max is the camera for you. It outperformed all other cameras in nighttime testing, capturing clear images at 110 feet despite its advertised 80-foot range. This performance is especially impressive for a no-glow camera, which typically has a shorter range.
The Deceptor Max is essentially an upgraded version of last year’s model, with more battery power and the same excellent performance. The only downside is the underwhelming quality of its 16MP daytime photos, though this can be mitigated by increasing the resolution to 40MP at the cost of more storage space.
Moultrie Mobile Edge – Best Cell Camera 2024
Key Features:
- Uses 16 AA batteries
- 0.85-second trigger speed
- 80-foot detection range
- Free unlimited cloud storage
- Internal memory (no SD card required)
- SmartTags for species and buck recognition
- Price: $100
Pros:
- Feature-rich app
- Easy setup
- Affordable
Cons:
- Slower trigger speed
The Moultrie Mobile Edge stands out for its excellent app, which offers features like species and buck recognition, and the ability to sort photos by species. The camera automatically connects to the strongest network in the area and sends photos promptly. The app also provides activity data, showing when deer are most active based on time, temperature, and moon phase.
While the Edge is an impressive camera, its slower trigger speed was a slight drawback during testing, as it struggled to capture photos at close range. However, this didn’t seem to affect its performance in the field, making it a solid choice for hunters who value data-driven insights.
Stealth Cam Revolver 360 – Best Cell Camera 2024
Key Features:
- 6 PIR sensors detect in 360 degrees
- Selectable detection zones
- On-demand photo and video
- 80-foot detection range
- Compatible with Hunt Stand app
- Automatically pairs with the strongest cellular network
- Price: $150 (plans start at $5 monthly)
Pros:
- Innovative 360-degree coverage
- Covers large areas effectively
- Relatively affordable
Cons:
- Mediocre long-range photos
- More time is required to evaluate photos in 360 mode
The Stealth Cam Revolver 360 is a unique and innovative camera that captures images in 360 degrees. It’s perfect for covering large areas like fields and food plots, where a traditional camera might miss important activities. The camera uses six PIR sensors to detect movement in different zones, and it rotates its lens to capture images in all directions.
While the 360-degree mode is useful, it also means more photos to sift through, which can be time-consuming. The camera struggled with long-range photos, but its overall performance and innovative design make it a valuable tool for specific hunting scenarios.
Reconyx Hyperfire 2 Cellular – Best Cell Camera 2024
Key Features:
- Uses 12 AA lithium batteries
- 0.2-second trigger speed
- 100-foot detection range
- Made in the USA
- Five-year warranty
- Price: $450
Pros:
- High-quality photos and performance
- Excellent warranty and durability
- Fast trigger speed
Cons:
- App crashed
- Expensive
- Requires manual video retrieval
For hunters who demand the best, the Reconyx Hyperfire 2 is a premium option. Made in the USA, this camera is known for its reliability and performance. It performed exceptionally well in testing, capturing clear images at all distances, day and night. The fast trigger speed ensures that you won’t miss a shot, even at close range.
The camera’s durability is backed by a five-year warranty, making it a long-term investment. However, it’s one of the more expensive options on the market, and the app had some initial stability issues. Despite these drawbacks, the Hyperfire 2 is a top-tier choice for serious hunters.
Best Cell Camera 2024 | Conclusion
Choosing the right cellular trail camera depends on your specific needs and budget. Whether you’re looking for the best overall performance, the best value, or specialized features like night photos or app functionality, there’s a camera on this list that will meet your needs. The Tactacam Reveal X-Pro 3.0 is our top pick for its combination of features and reliability, but each camera reviewed here has its own strengths that make it worth considering for your 2024 hunting season.
