Getting a data plan is one of the biggest hurdles with LTE security cameras. The best option is a prepaid security camera SIM card like Eiotclub sells, but you can also go through your carrier. Unfortunately, you need an additional paid cloud storage plan, too. That's two monthly fees to use a camera.
The Vosker VKX chooses a different approach by combining cloud storage and LTE data into a single plan. While the combined plan is cheaper and more efficient, it has a few notable drawbacks. Nonetheless, Vosker has the unique potential to fill the elusive budget niche among LTE security cameras.
While the Vosker VKX can work for a typical homeowner, it's better for niche scenarios where Wi-Fi isn't available. It's a potential game changer for off-grid properties and vacation homes, though it could also work for a farm or construction site.
Off-grid security, as long as you have an LTE connection
The $250 price tag is comparable to other LTE security cameras from Arlo, Eufy and Reolink, but lower subscription fees help make up the difference.
John Larsen/CNETA key difference between Vosker and its rivals is that it doesn't feel like Vosker simply slapped an LTE radio on a Wi-Fi camera. For example, the features on LTE models from Arlo, Eufy and Reolink are comparable to these brands' other security cameras. However, features like two-way audio and live video feeds consume a lot of data and battery life, which are limited resources in an off-grid setting.
Vosker VKX leans heavily into photos and an intermittent data connection to save on network costs. This makes it feel more like a trail camera than a traditional security camera. It only connects to the cellular network when it detects motion or at set intervals -- so it's not really the kind of security camera you'd use for a typical suburban home.
The camera lacks a built-in Wi-Fi radio, so you can't use it without a Vosker subscription.
John Carlsen/CNETUltimately, the remote nature of an LTE camera means you can't drop everything to drive 90 minutes into the mountains when a car drives by. While Vosker can record videos, it primarily uses photos to keep you informed about minor events, like wildlife or the condition of your property.
Vosker also limits the resolution of photo and video previews to save data. This is a double-edged sword because the efficient low-resolution previews, especially the three-frame video previews, make it difficult to see details. Instead, you'll need to use one of a limited number of HD downloads.
Vosker's service plans
Vosker's plans are great entry-level options for LTE security cameras, as long as you don't mind a few limitations.
John Carlsen/CNETVosker offers three service plans: Basic ($10 per month), Alerted ($15 per month) and Elite ($20 per month). At first glance, they're cheaper than most data plans for LTE security cameras, but each one comes with limitations.
The biggest limitation for most users is the number of photo alerts each month -- these are the low-resolution previews I mentioned before. While testing the camera, I flew past the 500- and 1,000-alert limits on the Basic and Alerted plans.
Granted, I had set the camera to maximum motion sensitivity with an instant motion delay to capture as many images as possible. So, my usage doesn't reflect the average remote setting where LTE cameras matter, but it does highlight the importance of choosing the right plan and settings for your needs.
Vosker combines HD photo and video limits on the VKX.
John Carlsen/CNETFor example, setting a longer motion delay will cut the number of photo and video recordings, which is especially helpful on the cheaper plans. It's also a good idea to avoid the video and time-lapse modes. Otherwise, I can't recommend Vosker's entry- and mid-level plans.
The Elite plan may be pricey at $20 a month, but you won't crash into any alert limits and don't need to be as selective with the features. However, even the Elite plan is more restrictive than rival brands. Case in point: The plan's monthly HD download limit is tiny — 40 photos and videos total.
Each Vosker camera requires its own plan, and there's no option for a group plan if you want multiple cameras. In contrast, Arlo, Eufy and Reolink offer both options, and don't put a limit on previews or downloads. Plus, their plans tend to start around $7 to $8 monthly.
Vosker VKX camera design and setup
This is a beefy security camera.
John Carlsen/CNETThe Vosker VKX straddles the line between residential, industrial and commercial applications. Its case and mounting hardware are rock solid, and you can tell this security camera is ready for harsh conditions at first glance.
Even the built-in solar panel feels like it could take a beating, though it's not adjustable like the separate solar panels other LTE security cameras use. Be sure to consider potential shading, especially when installing in a north-facing direction. Vosker says to charge the battery completely with a USB-C cable before relying on the solar charger.
I love the mounting points on the bottom and back of the camera, which provide much-needed flexibility to point the camera where needed. The mounting arm works with a rigid plate to fasten the camera on flat surfaces with the included 2.5-inch torx-head security bit and screws.
The Vosker VKX comes with a few mounting options.
John Carlsen/CNETBut the wood screw mounting option is even easier to use since you don't need any tools. I had no trouble screwing it into trees and wooden poles with the mounting arm, though it is a bit of a workout. It even has flat sides that you can turn with a 1.5-inch wrench.
Pull up the Vosker app -- or hit the test button inside the VKX's battery hatch -- during setup to check the LTE signal strength. It's quite handy when LTE coverage isn't consistent across a property.
I found it tedious to point the camera's view during setup since there's no live video streaming option. One reason is that the VKX starts up in Standard Mode, which only connects to the camera on a schedule or after motion detection -- meaning a huge delay between view adjustments.
On-Demand Mode and a short motion delay make it easier to tweak the motion detection sensitivity and recording delay settings. After finding the best view, I returned to Standard Mode for better efficiency.
Vosker VKX performance and image quality
Vosker's 1080p cam gets the job done but can struggle with high-quality images.
John Carlsen/CNETThe Vosker VKX is a good case study for why 1080p isn't always enough for a security camera to produce a great image. It can take excellent shots, but the conditions have to be just right.
Daytime image quality
Daytime photos and videos look pretty good on the Vosker VKX.
John Carlsen/CNETDuring the day, this camera easily captures identifying traits like clothing and hair color from around 40 feet away. Within 20 feet, you'll start seeing facial features if the subject isn't moving too quickly. Its images look best at 10 feet or closer — mostly because subjects occupy more of the frame.
Video playback on a large monitor reveals a little motion blur and distortion, though you may not notice it on a smaller screen. Static photos also look great, but particularly energetic subjects may show some distortion. I like that the camera uses a high frame rate — 30 frames per second — for fluid movements in HD video clips. It's similar to Arlo's frame rate but twice that of the Reolink Go Ultra.
Nighttime image and audio quality
At night, there's a noticeable drop in video and image quality on the VKX.
John Carlsen/CNETDespite the powerful infrared night vision, the VKX's nighttime images are a little grainy and blurry -- moving subjects are even blurrier. Although it's not as clear as the daytime footage, it's decent for a budget 1080p LTE security camera. Still, the 4K quality of recent Eufy and Reolink models is a high bar to clear.
The camera can record videos with audio, but it's not very loud during playback. You need to be close to the camera and speak directly toward the microphone for it to sound good. Audio is secondary on remote security cameras, so it's not inconvenient. It should do well enough in the wilderness where ambient city noise don't drown out voices.
Motion detection
The Vosker VKX's motion detection was very responsive during tests along a busy bike path, but not without issues.
John Carlsen/CNETWhile walking speeds reliably triggered the motion sensor, it wasn't fast enough to record fast-moving cyclists entering until they reached the center of the frame. It was equally responsive at night and was often triggered with subjects more than 50 feet away. I couldn't confirm activation at 100 feet due to lack of space, but I'm more than satisfied with its effectiveness.
The VKX has tons of motion detection settings like sensitivity, delaying the time between recordings and custom notification zones. Notification zones, also called motion zones, are handy for preventing unnecessary motion triggers from trees.
Smart Notifications can also help classify clips based on the subject: people, animals or vehicles. The vehicles category is interesting because it breaks down into subcategories (still in beta testing): commercial, personal, machinery, other and off-road. While smart notifications were more accurate for people and animals than for vehicles, I found false positives in every category.
Should you buy it?
Easy installation in trees is a big plus.
John Carlsen/CNETThe Vosker VKX is on the right track by including an LTE data connection in its cloud storage plans. It's an advantage over the competition when you consider the overall cost of their plans. I wish the video quality was a little better -- since this is an outdoor security camera -- but it's adequate for most settings. The rugged, trail-friendly design also helps set it apart from many consumer LTE models available.
My other reservation with the Vosker VKX is the limited number of alerts and downloads in its cloud storage plans. The two cheapest plans could work for some people but are so underpowered that most folks will end up upgrading to the Elite plan. And even the Elite plan won't hold up beyond 40 HD downloads a month.
The final problem is in how it compares to alternatives from brands like Eufy, Reolink or Arlo. For example, you can find a Eufy LTE cam with an included solar panel, color night vision and much higher 4K resolution for the same price as this Vosker camera, making it an especially hard sell for shoppers comparing models.