Cellular Security Camera – The pros and cons (read before buying)

Using a cellular security camera instead of the traditional wireless and PoE cameras is a wise decision, so you can enjoy the benefits.

While the traditional wireless types require a network connection to transfer data, the cellular ones use the mobile network to transmit video signals.

Therefore making it an ideal choice for security purposes in areas where there is no or limited internet connection and power source.

How a Cellular Security Camera Works

So, how does a cellular security camera work? It works like your cellular phone.

Just install a cellular module in the main control panel. Then, the camera can now send signals to monitoring stations. And, take note, this procedure is wireless.

A cellular security camera runs on 3G, 4G, and 5G network. Which are also commonly called 3G/4G LTE/5G mobile security cameras.

However, in order to transmit videos is necessary to use a sim card with a cellular data plan with bandwidth enough to handle the traffic.

Furthermore, there are companies offering battery and solar-powered cellular security cameras. For instance, T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T, and many more.

It's possible to buy an Arlo security camera directly from AT&T or Verizon by paying a monthly plan or buy a Nest Security System directly from T-Mobile.

Where a Cellular Security Camera May Be Installed

The cellular security camera may be installed anywhere.

In other words, there's no limit. As long as there's cellular service available and power or battery, putting up the camera is not a problem.

Remember, a cellular security camera does not need WiFi, Ethernet, or any other Internet connection to work. It can run just fine despite the absence of these, or even without a power source.

This type of camera is perfect for vacation homes, cabins, and rest houses.

It's also ideal for hotels and construction sites, sheds, ranches, barns, and farms.

Others interesting application for cellular security cameras are warehouses, docks, marinas, boats, food carts, RVs, and camping grounds.

And yes, wildlife studies. How? Studying wildlife call for hours (and even days) spent in the wild. Meaning, no power supply, no Internet connection. This is where a cellular security camera comes in handy.

As long as there is a cellular or mobile network connection, it can transmit videos and data fast enough to give you the live feed you need to do your job or have fun.

Advantages of Cellular Security Cameras

The use of a cellular security camera comes with several benefits. Let us learn about these benefits and find out how favorable these cameras are.

Easy to Install

Installing a cellular security camera is just like installing wireless security cameras. You can install it by yourself just in a matter of minutes. Next, all you have to do is to insert a sim card and turn it on after installing it in a convenient area.

Then, the next step is to download the customized App of the seller on your phone. You will now be able to gain access to the wireless cellular security camera to find out what is happening outdoors.

Flexibility

Cellular security cameras are powered by either by batteries or solar energy, meaning, electricity is not needed.

In addition to this, they don't need WiFi or Internet connection to work, so is flexible because it can be installed in any location

Videos May Be Viewed Anywhere

With the usual wireless home surveillance system, it will not be possible for you to view live videos remotely without an Internet connection. You will not experience this with a cellular security camera.

Remote viewing of live videos is still possible even without Internet or WiFi connection. As it is powered by a cellular network connection, it is very convenient and practical. Just do not forget to charge your cellular phone’s battery then.

Secure and Safe

Cellular security cameras are more secure and safer to use.

While traditional IP security cameras which use an Internet connection to transfer data may be hacked, cellular security cameras, however, are very hard to hack. Hence, intruders will find a very hard time to get into the cellular network.

In cases of a power failure and poor Internet connection, they still function properly. This is because they are battery or solar-powered, and do not need an Internet connection to transmit videos and transfer data.

Disadvantages of Cellular Security Cameras

There are some disadvantages of using cellular security cameras, especially if you are at a remote location where the cellular signal is too bad.

You also have to pay attention to the following details:

Quality

There are plenty of WiFi and cellular security cameras in the Amazon store.

However, if you do not know how to choose the right one, you might end up with one which has poor quality. Most of them are from unknown brands, making quality questionable. Reviews are not reliable, too.

In other words, considering these brands will leave you in doubt if you should invest in such products and end up regretting the decision.

There are mobile security cameras with sim cards which function well at first. However, in the long run, they tend to have some “malfunctions” and defects.

For instance. Failure to send images to your mobile phone. This may be the result of poor network connection or signal.

Therefore, it is recommended that you get a cellular security camera with reputable and reliable brands. These products come with warranty and reputable companies have technicians ready to address problems, in case they crop up.

I recommend purchasing cameras from reliable brands such as Arlo and Reolink.

Cost

Now, this is an issue you must face when talking about cellular security cameras.

They are more expensive, as compared with other security camera types. It is undeniable that these types of security cameras will cost much because of advanced technology. 

Aside from that, however, you cannot avoid the fact that you need to spend money on a data plan. This, adding to its cost.

The cost of your cellular security system’s data plan will depend on the size of data you chose and the carriers. It is important to take note that manual recordings and live streaming increase data consumption. In other words, you need to spend money on the data service of your cellular security system.

However, there are affordable options, whose quality and reliability are quite the same as the more expensive ones. Take the Reolink Go, for instance. It is a battery and solar-powered cellular camera. But, it does not cost that much.

So, there! This simply proves that you do not have to spend too much to avail of the services of cellular security cameras.

Battery Life

The possibility of your battery-powered security camera dying out on you is one thing to consider. What you must do then, is to make sure that you receive notifications when your camera’s battery is running low.

This will inform you that you need to recharge or maybe even replace the battery of your security camera. Hence, preventing it from dying out. However, it would be better if it has a solar panel for back-up. This way, it will continue to work.

Should You Get A Cellular Security Camera or Not?

Technology is advancing fast. And the cellular security camera is one proof of that. 

The question now is: should you get a cellular security camera or not? 

The answer to this is: “It depends”.

That is, it depends on whether you really do need it. Before making a decision, however, you must consider all the possibilities. Aside from the pros and the cons, of course. Try to find answers to questions about the product which will help you clear everything and help you decide.

For instance, do you need it? Can you afford it? And other questions.

After clearing everything out, then cellular security cameras are best for you. Furthermore, with the pace technology is going, it will more affordable in due time.

Best Cellular Security Cameras

Because of technology’s advancement, cellular security cameras have gained popularity in the market. Hence, a lot of companies offer such products and are trying to impress the market to beat other competitors.

Some well-known security companies are now joining the competition.

Take Reolink, for instance. The company has launched its first battery and solar-powered cellular security camera. Not only that, the product comes at an affordable price, but with the best quality.

Reolink Go

Introducing Reolink Go. This cellular security camera is designed to satisfy your security needs. This is best for areas where WiFi or Internet connection is not possible. No need for electricity as it is powered by a battery and/or a solar panel. It is best for any location, on all kinds of weather.

Reolink Go comes with features such as 100% wire-free, IP65 weatherproof,

Apart from the common features such as 100% wire-free, 1080p Full HD, IP65 weatherproof, two-way audio, Reolink Go stands out among other competitors with the starlight night vision, which means greater clarity and more details even in total darkness.

Arlo Go

If cost is not your main concern, you can use the Arlo Go that costs a little bit more but it's a reliable camera you can use with a data plan from different carriers.

This cellular security camera also works with Night Vision, Local Storage (SD card)

See below some of the features of the Arlo Go:

• Supports 3G and 4G-LTE wireless connections *
• Works with Amazon Alexa for voice control
• Installation with no wires (Discreet)
• Indoors or outdoors installation.
• Enhanced Night Vision up to 25 ft.
• Support for SD card for local video and audio storage
•  2-way audio with Push-to-talk capability
• Free 7-days cloud recordings
• Remote view from mobile devices
  

* You must purchase the camera directly from Verizon or AT&T.

Final considerations

Advancement in technology has brought about a lot of changes and innovations. 

When purchasing a cellular security camera, please consider all the advantages and disadvantages compared to a regular wireless or PoE camera.

If you are installing the camera where an Internet link is already available it's better to use it instead, so you don't expend money in a new camera and cellular data.

I hope this article can help you to decide which camera is better.