The 7 Best 4G/LTE Cellular Solar Security Cameras & Systems (2024)

4G/LTE security cameras with solar panels are ideal for improving security in remote areas. Specifically, these cameras are used in cabins, construction sites, farms, and similar locations.

My top pick for a 4G camera with solar panel is the Reolink 4MP Security Camera. It’s ideal for homeowners and comes with 355° pan & 140° tilt capabilities for extra coverage. 

My second pick is the Arlo 2MP Bullet Security Camera. It’s an equally versatile fixed lens with more advanced features. This includes Wi-Fi support and full-color night vision.

As these cameras rely on a cellular connection, you must set up SIM cards for each 4G/LTE camera/system. The plans for these cellular connections will vary based on your country or region.

The 7 Best 4G/LTE Cellular Solar Security Cameras & Systems (2024)

Our top pick is the Reolink 4MP Wireless 4G PT Camera. This device is the best feature-packed 4G/LTE camera with 355° panning and 140° tilting.

This Reolink camera is IP-based and strictly relies on 4G/LTE for data transfer; hence, you need to install a nano-SIM card with a data plan. Reolink recommends using T-mobile for consumers in the US along with Vodafone, T-Mobile, EE, and Orange for those in Europe.

To optimize power and data, this Reolink camera does not support continuous recording. Therefore, it will only capture short clips of (maximum) 30 seconds when the motion sensors detect movement.

On average, this camera uses up around 2GB of data for one hour of 1080p footage. (3Mbps bitrate.)

The runner-up is the Arlo Go 2 LTE /Wi-Fi Security Camera. It is a bullet-type 4G LTE camera that can also transmit data via 2.4GHz Wi-Fi.

The wire-free design and versatile mount make it easy to install and set up anywhere. All you need is a 4G LTE cellular plan and enough charge on the batteries. Also, the camera has GPS, making it easy to track its location via the Arlo App.

Speaking of which, this camera boasts a 3660mAh battery that can keep the camera functioning for a minimum of two months. Also, you can purchase a dedicated solar panel charger.

A solar panel will definitely improve the battery life of the Arlo Go 2. However, we cannot guarantee it will keep the device working indefinitely since solar power generation depends on the amount of available sunlight.

The Reolink Reolink Duo 4G is a dual-lens panoramic camera with a 150° horizontal FOV. (44° vertical.)

It is a wire-free device with options for solar power and wired DC. Unfortunately, this is a strictly 4G LTE-based device; hence, you will have to purchase a cellular plan, including a physical nano sim.

The rechargeable battery has a 10400mAh capacity. On average, it’s supposed to last around two weeks without recharging. Therefore, we recommend purchasing the Reolink Solar Panel. (To help extend the battery life of this Reolink Duo 4G.)

This 4G security camera by Hikvision is a professional option. It boasts advanced features such as a 40W solar panel and two 8.4 Ah battery packs.

Under normal conditions, the entire system can last up to 30 days with motion detection. That said, it can record continuously for 3.6 days.

So even though it’s fairly maintenance-free, the camera won’t run indefinitely. You'll have to check battery levels every couple of weeks or so.

The storage options are equally impressive. It’s got 50GB of embedded storage. Also, there's a Micro SD card slot with a 256GB limit.

The Work Zone Cam Pro is a 24MP bullet-type security camera. It is a 4G LTE camera that supports multiple SIM cards.

The device itself does not include a rechargeable battery. Therefore, it will need to be wired via DC, AC, or a solar system with a battery kit.

For storage, the device incorporates an eMMC card with 64GB of onboard storage, and for interoperability, the device supports FTP on a local server.

The Work Zone Cam Control Center 8 Mobile App can be used for remote viewing and camera control.

All things considered, this is a highly-specialized 4G LTE camera that is primarily meant for monitoring and creating time-lapses of large-scale construction projects.

The Reolink Go Plus is a consumer-friendly wire-free security camera. It is an IP-based device that solely relies on 4G LTE for data transfer.

The camera system includes a removable 7800mAh rechargeable battery that can only last around 1-4 weeks on a single charge. Therefore, we highly recommend purchasing a Reolink Solar panel or using a wired Micro-USB connection. (Powered through a wall outlet.)

The Reolink camera works best with a cloud subscription. Nonetheless, you have the option of plugging in a MicroSD card with a maximum onboard storage of 128GB.

Our final item on this list is the Vosker V150, a bullet-type 4G LTE security camera with an in-built solar panel.

The rechargeable battery on this device has a capacity of 10,000mAh. The camera can operate for a long time without charging as long as the solar panels get enough sunlight throughout the day.

Nonetheless, you can remove the battery and charge it using Micro-USB. (Charging via Micro-USB takes a long time; hence, we recommend purchasing an additional battery pack so you can swap seamlessly.)

Other Approaches

If the above 4G/LTE security cameras or systems do not fit your requirements, you can always install a wired IP camera with its own 4G router, and power supply or solar panel. Check out this guide on setting up a standalone 4G camera system.

Decision Factors when Choosing a Cellular Security Camera

Cellular Plan

Most 4G LTE cameras on our list require a nano-SIM card from a compatible operator. Therefore, before committing to a 4G LTE security camera, we recommend purchasing a cellular plan with a data plan. (Minimum of 30GB for motion-activated configuration)

Rechargeable Battery

Most 4G LTE cameras include a rechargeable battery instead of wired DC/AC options. It helps with portability but will require you to charge them manually. Therefore, we suggest going for devices with compatible solar panels, especially if the expected battery life is no more than four weeks. (Even with motion-based recording.)

Audio-Based Features

Two-way communication and integrated sirens might not be very useful for cameras installed in very remote locations. However, if you are hoping to set up a wire-free camera in your home, we recommend picking a device that can sound the alarm and carry out two-way communication. 

IP rating

The IP rating is always important to protect the internal components of a security camera from the elements. Therefore, we always recommend sticking to devices and brands that include an official IP rating. (A minimum of IP66 for the outdoors.) 

Cloud Subscription

Most consumer-friendly 4G LTE cameras work best with a cloud storage system. Therefore, many brands will offer up an optional (and with some brands, not so optional) cloud subscription service. It will definitely make the footage more accessible, but you will have to pay a monthly subscription.

SD cards

Apart from cloud storage, it’s always best to have retrievable MicroSD card storage as a backup. Most cameras will include a MicroSD card right out of the box. However, if you are purchasing one separately, make sure you don’t exceed the maximum onboard storage capacity of the security camera.

Conclusion

If you hope to set up a 4G LTE camera, especially in a remote location, you will always need two things. These include a cellular plan with internet data and a rechargeable battery. (Possibly, with a solar panel.) 

My top pick is the Reolink 4MP Security Camera. It’s reasonably priced for homeowners and supports 355 panning and tilting. It’s also IP66-rated for weather-resistance. 

My second recommendation is the Arlo 2MP Bullet Security Camera. This one also supports Wi-Fi and advanced features such as full-color night vision.