Recording soccer games used to mean one parent stuck behind a camcorder, frantically panning to keep up with play while missing all the action. But today? AI-powered soccer cameras are making that a thing of the past. Whether you're a coach trying to analyse tactics, a player working on your highlight reel, or a proud parent reliving a weekend wonder goal, soccer tracking cameras are a game-changer.
We've tested and reviewed some of the top soccer cameras on the market right now. Here are the ones worth considering—with the pros, cons, and a few personal stories thrown in.
Why Record Soccer Games?
Before we get into the cameras, let’s talk about why you should film games in the first place:
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Improve performance: Watching footage helps players spot habits and improve positioning.
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Recruitment: College scouts want video. Period.
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Coaching: Helps illustrate points better than whiteboards.
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Memories: Bloopers and bangers are worth keeping.
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Social sharing: Highlights get players pumped and parents proud.
And when you have a camera that follows the action automatically, it's like having a mini Match of the Day setup in your bag.
Top Soccer Tracking Cameras Compared
🏀 Veo Cam 2
The Veo Cam 2 is a favourite for youth and amateur teams. It records using a 180° 4K lens and uses AI to track the ball, create highlights, and allow coaching annotations.
Pros:
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Fully automatic
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Easy to set up and operate
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Great for team analysis
Cons:
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Subscription required for access to full features
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No live-streaming without add-ons
Anecdote: We filmed our U12s for the first time with Veo and the kids couldn’t stop watching their goals on repeat like mini pros.
For a deep dive, check out our veo soccer tracking camera review.
👥 Trace Soccer Camera
Trace is unique because it uses GPS trackers worn by players. It creates personalised clips for each player—amazing for individual development.
Pros:
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Auto-edits footage per player
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Excellent for recruiting or self-review
Cons:
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You must wear the trackers
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Subscription model
Anecdote: One parent forgot to charge their kid's GPS tracker and missed a hat trick. Brutal. Lesson learned.
📍 Pixellot Air
Pixellot Air is a compact AI-powered camera that offers great footage with cloud editing. It’s used by clubs, schools, and academies worldwide.
Pros:
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Lightweight and easy to mount
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AI tracking with no manual input
Cons:
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No native live-streaming yet
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Cloud-dependent (needs a strong connection)
Note: We tried this at a 5-a-side tournament and were genuinely impressed with the clarity.
🌐 Soccer SmartCam
Soccer SmartCam is a lower-cost, manual option—perfect for grassroots teams who want decent footage without AI bells and whistles.
Pros:
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Budget-friendly
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Decent image quality
Cons:
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No auto-tracking
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Requires someone to control it
Tip: This is great for training sessions where full AI isn’t needed.
⚡ Soloshot3
Soloshot3 is a bit different. It uses a wearable tag to track one player—ideal for solo performance capture.
Pros:
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Great for individual training
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Auto-follows without an operator
Cons:
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Complex setup
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Best for one-player recording, not whole teams
Use Case: Works brilliantly for 1-on-1 coaching sessions or personal development.
🚀 Xbot Chameleon Camera
The Xbot Chameleon Camera blends manual and semi-auto features. With robust build quality, it’s more suited to tech-savvy users or coaches who want to direct footage more intentionally.
Pros:
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High video quality
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Flexible tracking options
Cons:
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Not as plug-and-play as others
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Learning curve
Best For: Coaches who want full control over their footage and don’t mind getting their hands dirty.
📊 Soccer Camera Comparison Table (2025)
| Camera | Approx. Price | Auto Tracking | Best For | Subscription? |
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| Veo Cam 2 | £750–£950 + subscription | ✅ Yes – AI ball/team tracking | Clubs, teams, and coaches | ✅ Yes – for full features |
| Trace | £1,000–£1,200 + subscription | ✅ Yes – with GPS trackers | Individual highlights & development | ✅ Yes – required for platform |
| Pixellot Air | £600–£800 | ✅ Yes – cloud-based AI | Schools, academies, and clubs | ✅ Yes – for storage/editing |
| SmartCam | £200–£350 | ❌ No – manual operation | Grassroots teams on a budget | ❌ No – one-time purchase |
| Soloshot3 | £500–£700 | ✅ Yes – tracks one player | Solo training or personal coaching | ❌ No – local storage |
| Xbot Chameleon | £500–£750 | 🔄 Semi-auto or manual | Coaches wanting full control of footage | ❌ No – offline editing available |
What to Consider Before Buying
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Budget: AI cameras cost more upfront and often include subscription fees.
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Purpose: Training, scouting, or memories?
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Tech comfort: Are you happy fiddling with settings or do you want plug-and-play?
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Location: Will you use it indoors, outdoors, or both?
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Storage: Do you have cloud access or need offline storage?
✅ Our Top Picks (With Reasons)
🔹 Best All-Rounder: Veo Cam 2
The Veo Cam 2 strikes the perfect balance between ease of use, high-quality footage, and smart features like AI auto-tracking, highlight creation, and team analysis tools. It’s ideal for coaches, clubs, and even parents who want a plug-and-play solution that delivers professional-grade results with minimal fuss. If you want one camera that does nearly everything well, this is it.
🔹 Best for Individuals: Trace or Soloshot3
If you’re looking to focus on individual player development or create personal highlight reels, Trace is unmatched for its GPS-based player tracking and auto-generated clips. For players training solo or in 1-on-1 sessions, Soloshot3 offers true auto-follow functionality without needing a cameraman, making it perfect for training vlogs or self-review.
🔹 Best Budget Option: Soccer SmartCam
Soccer SmartCam is a no-frills, manual option that’s ideal for teams on a tight budget. It doesn’t come with AI features or cloud-based editing, but it gets the job done. It’s a smart entry point for grassroots clubs or schools who want to start recording matches and training without breaking the bank.
🔹 Best for Coaches: Xbot Chameleon
The Xbot Chameleon Camera offers more control and customization, which appeals to coaches who want to focus on specific areas of play. Its semi-automated tracking and high-definition quality allow for tailored footage ideal for tactical breakdowns and session analysis. If you're comfortable with a bit of setup and want deeper control, this one's for you.
Final Thoughts
Recording games used to be a luxury; now it’s a coaching essential. In today’s game, whether you're coaching U9s or managing a semi-pro side, having footage isn’t just a nice-to-have—it's part of the playbook. It helps build accountability, motivates players, and provides undeniable value for development.
Maybe you want to break down defensive shape during a rainy Tuesday training, or maybe you just want to preserve the moment your daughter curled one in from 25 yards out. Either way, there’s a camera setup out there that fits your style and budget. From AI-powered trackers to good old manual cams, the tech has caught up to the grassroots game in a big way.
Just don’t forget to charge the batteries—or you might miss the moment your kid finally scores that screamer they’ve been dreaming about all season.
Got questions about soccer cameras? Drop us a comment or check out our SoccerWares camera collection for more info and deals!