MarCELL Pet Monitor Review (+ Discount Code)

After traveling full-time in my camper van with my dog, Oscar, for several years I have tried many different RV pet temperature monitors (including Waggle, Necto and MarCELL.) Overall, MarCELL has been the most reliable and affordable pet monitor for me.

The MarCELL pet monitor is manufactured by Sensored Life, a company based in Western New York and known for their quality, US-made products.

I had an opportunity to tour the MarCELL monitor manufacturing facilities, meet the team, and have been using the MarCELL pet temperature monitor for reliable alerts for several months.

This article is my honest MarCELL pet monitor review, including what I love, what I’d like to see changed, how it compares to Waggle and Necto (cost, reliability, features), and whether it’s worth the cost.

In this article:

• My MarCELL temperature monitor review
• MarCELL vs Waggle and Necto
• Exclusive MarCELL discount code: EWC10

Disclaimer: This article features some affiliate links. I only endorse things I’ve personally used or that come highly recommended by trusted peers. If you purchase anything I mention using my referral links from Amazon, REI or other retailers I may receive a small commission. However, there is never extra cost to you. You can read more here. Thank you for your support.

MarCELL Cellular Pet Temperature Monitor

MarCELL is a cellular pet temperature monitor. That means it uses cellular network connections to send alerts to your phone if it senses the temperature in your camper exceeds your set safe ranges (whether it’s too hot, or too cold.)

A majority of RV pet temperature monitors operate via cell connectivity (including Waggle and Necto.)

For this reason, they will only work if you’re within cellular range (that means the device and your phone must have signal.)

Cellular connectivity also means there is a small monthly fee necessary to maintain the cellular connection, just like with Waggle or Necto monitors. Fortunately, MarCELLs monthly service fee is one of the most affordable at $15/month with no contract!

In addition to temperature alerts, MarCELL also sends alerts for high/low humidity and power outages.

Even during a power outage, MarCELL is able to send alerts because it has an integrated 2-day backup battery.

MarCELL RV pet temperature monitors are available for two cellular carriers; AT&T or Verizon. Make sure you select the right option at checkout.

Verizon tends to work best in more urban areas. However, AT&T is best for remote areas due to the cellular bands licensed by AT&T which have longer range bands.

The AT&T model connects to AT&T, T-Mobile, CellularOne and US Cellular networks. It will adjust connectivity based on which network has the strongest signal in your location.

Generally, I find that the AT&T model is best for most RV travelers.

TIP: Cellular pet temperature monitors do not need to use the same phone carrier as your mobile device. They’re two completely independent systems.

MarCELL RV Pet Temperature Monitor Review

After using pet temperature monitors for years, there are a few key categories where MarCELL really stands out against the others.

Reliable And Accurate Temperature Readings

One of the features I have liked the most about my MarCELL pet temperature monitor is it’s accuracy.

As a device that was originally designed for environments that require a high level of accuracy (like warehouses, greenhouses and food safety equipment), MarCELL is the most trustworthy option for pet temperature monitoring.

Not only does MarCELL reliably connect to cellular networks (to send alerts), its temperature readings are also very accurate.

Frequent Temperature Checks

Temperature and humidity readings are taken every 10 seconds.

If a reading is outside of the preset safe range (a feature easily customizable within the app), the MarCELL monitor immediately sends an alert via text, email or automated call (another customizable feature.)

Unfortunately, some other pet monitors, like Waggle, only update once every 10 minutes… which is too long to be safe in warmer climates.

NOTE: There’s some outdated information bouncing around the internet about how frequently MarCELL updates temperature readings. If you’re confused, it’s probably because some articles mistake in-app dashboard updates with unit-based temperature readings. In the app, updates are refreshed every 15 minutes for you to view (as a way to limit data and keep your subscription costs low) but the actual monitoring device is always updating temperature readings every 10 seconds and sending immediate alerts if unsafe conditions are found.

Connection Indicator Light

MarCELL also has a handy LED indicator light on the front of the temperature monitor which indicates it’s current status. Instead of opening the app to check your connectivity, you can quickly see whether it’s connected to power and the cellular network.

• Solid green – connected to power and cellular network
• Slow flashing green – connected to cellular network, running on backup battery
• Solid red – no cellular connection

On a related note, the MarCELL app also shows cellular connection strength. This lets you see how strong your signal is, which is a unique feature other pet monitors lack.

Consistent Pricing

Unlike other RV pet temperature monitors, MarCELL does not have big price increases. This is likely the result of being a US made product which is not impacted by tariffs.

That means you can rely on consistent monthly subscription fees, even after you’ve purchased the device.

I’ve seen several significant changes in Waggle’s subscription fees over the last few years, which seems deceptive to anyone who purchased the unit thinking the ongoing costs would be lower.

US-Based Customer Support

MarCELLs customer support is another standout point. If you have any questions, you can contact their in-house, US-based team by phone or email.

That’s a huge improvement over other pet monitors. Waggle, for example, does not have a US-based team.

I’ve emailed the MarCELL pet monitor team a handful of time to get clarification on a few questions. Each time, I’ve received a helpful response within a day.

MarCELL Review: Room For Improvement

Overall, I’m very pleased with the accuracy and reliability of my MarCELL pet monitor. However, there are a few minor things I think could be improved upon.

First, the app user interface feels a little clunky, especially compared to Necto. However, this makes sense given the MarCELL pet monitor has more capabilities and features than other RV temperature monitors.

I will say that not having to close out a new pop-up ad in the app every 10 seconds is a really nice feature for the MarCELL pet monitor… something Waggle has not quite figured out how to eliminate.

Another nit pick is the LED light. While it’s incredibly useful during the day (I can quickly glance at it on my way out to make sure it’s connected), it’s bright enough at night to be annoying… especially in a camper where there’s no separate bedroom.

It’s a small inconvenience, and putting it in a drawer or facedown on the counter quickly resolves it.

Finally, just like Waggle and Necto, MarCELL does not have the ability to connect to WiFi as a backup option. However, I’m hopeful that this feature will be included in future product enhancements because the rise of Starlink would ensure connectivity even in the most remote areas.

MarCELL Pet Temperature Monitor Subscription Cost

Because MarCELL uses a cellular connection to transmit alerts, you’ll need an active subscription to use the monitor.

They offer different pricing and flexibility depending on your needs. Better discounts are available for longer terms, but keep in mind you cannot pause or cancel so you’ll have to use pre-paid months consecutively.

MarCELL Vs MarCELL Pro (+ Pet Watch Bundle)

If you’re looking for a reliable, accurate RV temperature monitor, then the standard MarCELL is the best option.

Sensored Life also sells a similar device, called MarCELL Pro. However, for most pet parents the additional features (and cost) of MarCELL Pro is not necessary.

*Instant updates refers to your ability check the real-time temperature manually via the app display. With or without instant updates, all MarCELL pet monitors take temperature, humidity and power connectivity readings every 10 seconds and will always send an immediate alert if thresholds are exceeded. In-app temperature reports for MarCELL are at most 15 minutes old, and at most 5 minutes old for MarCELL Pro monitors.

>> See Pet Watch Bundle Here <<

>> See MarCELL Monitor Here <<

>> See MarCELL Pro Monitor Here <<

MarCELL Pet Monitor & SPuck Water Sensor

One of my favorite features of MarCELL is it’s ability to integrate with water sensors, which they call SPucks ($29.95).

This is such a handy feature for RVs and campers because you can simultaneously monitor for water leaks in your pump cabinet, under your sink, or other areas where a small leak could go undetected for a while.

Prior to having my MarCELL pet monitor, I was using a second system (SimpliSafe – which is also my preferred van security system) to monitor for water leaks. I find it super convenient that MarCELL has this additional functionality (something no other RV pet temperature monitor can do currently.)

>> See SPuck Here <<

MarCELL Vs Waggle Pet Monitor

The most popular MarCELL alternative is Waggle… largely due to a massive marketing budget, despite questionable user reviews (including my own disappointing Waggle review.)

However, I think if more people were aware of how MarCELL compares to Waggle, they’d be far more inclined to buy a MarCELL pet monitor instead.

Waggle offers two pet monitor models:

Waggle Lite pet monitor – no subscription included ($99)
Waggle Pro Air pet monitor – no subscription included ($159)

MarCELL Vs Necto Pet Monitor

I like my Necto pet monitor and found it reliable and accurate… however, due to recent price increases I believe that Necto is best suited for a niche market of full-time travelers only.

The high upfront cost of Necto doesn’t make sense if you’re only looking for a seasonal solution. However, if you need alerts year-round Necto can be a more cost effective option in the long haul.

Necto offers two pet monitoring models; the devices are identical but vary in how much pre-paid service is included.

Necto pet monitor + 1-year subscription included ($130)
Necto pet monitor + 2-year subscription included ($200)

Once activated, the subscriptions must be used consecutively. You cannot pause service. This is a good option for full-time travelers, but likely means wasted money for anyone traveling seasonally.

MarCELL Temperature Monitor FAQs

MarCELL Pet Monitor Review

After testing many different pet temperature monitors, I find that MarCELL is the best option by a long shot.

Not only is it the most affordable option, it also has flexible service plans at reasonable prices to fit your needs.

More importantly, it has reliable, accurate updates every 10 seconds (which is not something the competition does.) The entire purpose of a pet temperature monitor is to know real-time temperatures, so this feature alone makes me recommend MarCELL.

Additionally, it’s a great option if you’re planning on traveling in Canada and Mexico.

You can get $10 off your MarCELL pet monitor here with discount code EWC10.