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The Best Dash Cam

By Geoffrey Morrison and Sarah Witman

Life moves pretty quickly. If you don’t have a dash cam to record an incident, you could miss it.

Accidents—even small ones—can be frightening, frustrating, and distressing. Being blamed for a crash that’s not your fault can add a whole additional level of annoyance—or worse. That’s why a dash cam can be a critical aid if the unexpected happens.

After researching more than 400 models and testing 61, we’ve found that the best overall dash cam is the Viofo A229 Pro . It delivers clear and sharp 4K video, is easy to use, and has useful features, like GPS and 24-hour parking monitoring. It comes in 1- , 2- , and 3-channel versions, to suit your specific needs.

Everything we recommend

Viofo A229 Pro

The best dash cam.

This dash cam delivers crisp, super-high-res footage day or night. It also has key features, such as 24-hour parked-car monitoring and GPS, as well as a heat-friendly supercapacitor, instead of a battery.

Buying Options

Budget pick.

The best dash cam under $100

This compact camera combines 4K resolution with other features we like in our top pick. But this one doesn’t allow for extra cameras.

How we tested

All of the cameras that made it to our final round of testing were mounted in one vehicle, to record in identical locations and lighting.

Many dash cams have similar specs and resolution, but they perform differently in the real world. It was important to check each cam’s actual video.

“Night vision” is a marketing term. We tested the cameras at night to ensure they recorded legible license plates in the dark.

We checked each camera’s app to determine how easy it was to connect, download recorded footage, adjust settings, and more.

The Viofo A229 Pro features clear, detailed 4K video during the day and—more crucially—at night. Though no dash cam is perfect, the A229 Pro will give you the best chance of being able to read another car’s license plate in the widest variety of conditions.

This dash cam features a supercapacitor, which should be more reliable in high temperatures than the lithium-ion batteries found in many dash cameras. It also has 24-hour parking monitoring, voice control, and a 2.4-inch screen (for quick access to settings and footage). It’s easy to install and use, with an app that offers lots of features, including a GPS map and the ability to trim clips before you save or send them.

The A229 Pro is available in 1- , 2- , and 3-channel versions . And you can also add the interior or rear camera to the 1-channel model at a later time.

The Miofive S1 is an inexpensive dash cam whose features and performance are better than its price would suggest. Despite its bargain status, this dash cam meets all of our required criteria, including 4K resolution, great low-light performance, GPS tracking, a supercapacitor, and 24-hour parked-car monitoring.

Unlike our top pick, however, it doesn’t offer the option to add an interior- or rear-facing camera—so you can’t record what’s going on inside the vehicle or behind you. But for those on a budget, this is a great camera.

The research

Why you should trust us, who should get this, how we picked and tested, our pick: viofo a229 pro, budget pick: miofive s1, other good dash cams, how to set up a dash cam, the competition, frequently asked questions.

In addition to being the editor at large for Wirecutter, Geoff Morrison is a tech and travel writer and photographer for The New York Times, CNET, and Forbes, among others. You can check out his extensive road trips on his YouTube channel . He’s also the author of Budget Travel for Dummies .

Sarah Witman worked on previous versions of this guide. She has been a science writer for more than eight years, covering a wide variety of topics, from particle physics to satellite remote sensing. Since joining Wirecutter, in 2017, she has reviewed trail cameras , portable power stations , rechargeable AA and AAA batteries , and more.

If a routine drive ever turns into a life-altering event, you’ll probably appreciate having a dash cam to show what happened. This continuously recording, windshield-mounted device can document an accident or other incident you’re involved in, providing you with evidence that could (ideally) help prove your innocence to a lawyer, an insurance company, or law enforcement.

Case in point: One Wirecutter staffer was able to use his dash-cam footage to prove that he wasn’t at fault after he was rear-ended in a parking garage. Although the forward-facing camera couldn’t record the vehicle in back actually striking his car, he said, “It showed that I was driving appropriately, and captured the sound, jolt from impact, and my and my girlfriend’s reactions.” Nowadays, many dash cams also come with rear- and interior-facing cameras, which provide even better coverage.

In addition, a dash cam can help other drivers who need objective eyewitness evidence following a crash, a hit-and-run incident, a road-rage situation, or police misconduct. You can use it to record unsafe roadway conditions or to monitor the driving habits of someone else in your car (with their consent, of course), such as an inexperienced driver or an older adult.

A dash cam can also come in handy if you just want to capture and share a funny scene, a memorable trip moment, a beautiful vista, or unusual happenings like streaking meteors (video) .

“There are thousands of people who are injured and killed every year by hit-and-run drivers,” said Ben Schwartz , a personal-injury attorney we interviewed. “If those hit-and-run victims had a dash cam in their car, maybe the video would record the tag number of the vehicle that hit them, and then that would lead police to the bad guys.”

But there are potential disadvantages, Schwartz noted: “Not only will a dash cam document other people’s mistakes, but it’s going to document yours.” Whether or not you think you’re at fault, Schwartz said, you should first show the footage to your lawyer, who can determine whether it’s favorable to your case.

Before choosing which dash cams to test, we spent hours researching the specs and features of over 420 models, including 40 in the most recent round alone. We read reviews from Autoblog , BlackBoxMyCar , CNET , Digital Trends , PCMag , Popular Mechanics , Reddit , T3 , and TechRadar , as well as customer reviews and ratings. We also perused some driving legislation and insurance claims, and we watched hours of dash-cam footage on YouTube.

We narrowed our search based on the following criteria:

• 4K resolution: Video has to be sharp and distinct enough for you, a lawyer, your insurance company, or a law enforcement officer to be able to read license plates and see other details clearly. We made a 4K front camera a requirement, since their footage is often significantly sharper than that of 1080p models.
• Night vision: The dim lighting that comes with night driving is difficult for any camera. Some sort of “night vision” mode was a requirement for us, and an important aspect of our testing was how well each camera performed at night. Most interior cameras come with IR emitters, which allow for high contrast, highly detailed black-and-white videos without distracting visible light illumination.
• HDR: High Dynamic Range is a way of recording video that captures more detail in bright and dark areas. When done correctly, this improves image quality when you’re driving into the setting sun or recording a license plate that’s illuminated by high beams. Many cameras claim to have HDR, but we tested this in each one to make sure it actually worked.
• 24-hour parked-car monitoring: We required each model to be capable of recording impacts or movement around the car, any time of day or night, whether someone is in it or not. To draw power when the car isn’t running, a dash cam usually needs to be hardwired to the car’s fuse box , connected to an external battery, or plugged into the vehicle’s OBD-II diagnostic port. Usually, an optional hardwire kit is available to set up this power connection.
• Sufficient field of view: We required each model to have a field of view (FOV) in the range of 140 to 160 degrees—wide enough to capture a multi-lane highway or a large intersection without creating a wide-angle effect, making cars in front look farther away and details harder to see.
• Supercapacitor power supply: For power, some dash cams forgo a lithium-ion battery and instead use a capacitor , which stores energy in an electric field rather than chemicals. This generally allows dash cams to handle extreme heat better. Although we haven’t had any issues with the lithium-ion-powered dash cams we’ve long-term tested—even during summer heat waves in Southern California and New York—a capacitor-based power supply can provide extra peace of mind in very hot climates. For cold climates, the difference is less important. Since many new models have capacitors, we’ve added it as a requirement.

We also preferred for models to have the following features:

• Easy-to-use controls: We looked for models with clearly labeled, easily reachable controls (especially the video-lock button). We also preferred models with buttons we could identify in the dark, as well as intuitive menus and a functional companion app.
• Easy-to-read display: Most dash cams have 1½- to 3½-inch displays. And with those that are 2 inches or larger, we’ve found it’s easier to adjust settings on the fly and to preview footage. We generally avoided models without a display, which require you to use a phone or computer to set up the camera and to view video footage.
• Effective mounting system: We looked for mounts that held the camera securely yet allowed us to aim and remove it easily. Most new models attach to a windshield with adhesive pads. A plastic lever tool for removing the cameras is usually included.
• Wi-Fi and smartphone app: An integrated Wi-Fi network allows you to view, download, and share video (plus adjust camera settings) through an app. The best apps include a map that shows the car’s location, speed, and other details.
• GPS receiver: A GPS receiver lets a dash cam record a car’s location, trip history, and speed and direction of travel—all valuable information for figuring out how an incident occurred.
• Multiple cameras: In addition to a front-facing camera, many dash cams include a small, separate camera that you mount to the car’s rear window, to record what’s behind you, and/or an additional camera that points toward the car’s cabin and passengers. Having multiple cameras gives you even more footage that can be useful in the event of a crash.

While setting up each dash cam, we first evaluated the layout of the controls, the size and location of the buttons, and the ease of navigating the menus. We checked the brightness and clarity of the display, downloaded and connected to the app, and performed common tasks. We also took notes on the camera’s build quality and overall design.

Most dash cameras run off of USB power, so we connected them at home to do an initial evaluation of the image quality. If footage from a given camera didn’t look good in these ideal conditions, there was no point mounting it in a car.

We then set up the dash cams in a car, evaluating how easy it was to attach the mounts to the windshield, connect the dash cams to their mounts, adjust the aim of the cameras, and then remove them. We tested the cameras in bright sunlight, late in the day, at night, and on a variety of highways and suburban streets, racking up hours of driving time.

We first ran all of the cameras at the same time, so the conditions were identical for each camera. But we limited the distances for these tests, given the plethora of cameras on our conveniently large van windshield. We then re-mounted the final three contenders to be up and out of the way, and we took multiple additional short local trips as well as a long road trip from Southern California to Las Vegas and Death Valley.

We spent many more hours playing back the video footage on a computer, so we could examine and compare details and overall image quality. We also checked audio quality, but in all cases the audio was “fine”: We could hear what was happening and being said, but it wasn’t exactly studio quality.

The Viofo A229 Pro has everything you could want in a dash cam. The front camera records in 4K resolution, which is far sharper than the footage from older, 1080p dash cams. And the videos it records have lots of detail and contrast, so it’s easy to pick out license plates from a distance, even at night.

The A229 Pro uses a supercapacitor instead of a battery, so it should be safer and more reliable, regardless of climate. Built-in GPS and a 24-hour parking mode ensure constant, data-rich coverage. Best of all, this dash cam comes in 1- , 2- , and 3-channel versions , so you can add extra cameras to fit a variety of needs and uses.

Its video quality is as good as or better than any dash cam we tested. Thanks to a modern Sony Starvis 2 (IMX678) image sensor, the A229 Pro can record low-noise images in low light and colorful, high-contrast images in bright light. Though its footage is not as good as what you’d get from an action camera or modern smartphone camera , the only other dash cam that came close was the 70mai, in our other good dash cams section.

It can withstand extreme temperatures. The lithium-ion batteries that come in most modern devices don’t work well in high heat or extreme cold. In the best case, a stressed lithium ion battery can cause a dash cam to stop working temporarily due to excessive heat. At worst, the battery could expand or explode, though this is rare.

The A229 Pro instead uses a supercapacitor, which maintains enough charge to save a video and shut down the camera when you turn off your car. This also allows the camera to operate from -4 to 149 degrees Fahrenheit.

The app is easy to use. Once you turn on the camera’s Wi-Fi and connect to it with your phone, the Viofo app ( iOS , Android ) lets you watch and download videos. On playback, you can see where each video was recorded on a map, courtesy of the built-in GPS receiver. There are also extensive settings, including camera exposure and video quality adjustments.

Multiple camera options are available. The A229 Pro comes in three configurations. The base version, available via Viofo’s website , has a single forward-facing 4K camera built into the unit. The 2-channel version , which we recommend for most drivers, adds a rear 1440p camera. And the 3-channel version , which is what we tested, adds an interior camera. At night, this interior camera records in infrared, aided by four small IR lights that illuminate the car interior with light invisible to your eye, allowing for bright videos even in total apparent darkness.

It has fast video download speeds. If your phone supports it (as most do), the camera can create a 5 GHz Wi-Fi network for faster downloads. Alternatively, you can remove the SD card and transfer the files to your computer using a card reader. Some modern phones might also be able to download via a USB-C cable directly between the camera and the phone, though we were unable to get this to work on our Pixel 7.

Installation is easy. The camera comes with a sticky pad on a flat mount that securely attaches to your windscreen. If you need to take it off and readjust, a plastic lever tool is included in the box (ostensibly to help remove your car’s interior trim), and it easily pops the mount off. You can also remove the camera and leave the mount, if desired.

The camera is powered via USB-C, and a long cable is included, as well as a small 12v adapter. If your car is equipped with a 2-amp or greater USB port, that should also work.

A hardwire kit is available. Most cars cut power to their various 12v and USB ports when the car is off. If your car does this, and you want to be able to record video while your car is parked, you’ll need to hardwire the camera to your car’s fuse box.

Viofo has several kits available , though what exactly you’ll need will depend on your car. See How to set up a dash cam below for more info.

There are useful included (and optional) accessories. The 12V adapter that comes with the A229 Pro has an additional USB port so you can charge a different device. A included circular polarizing lens (CPL), an option with some cameras and not available at all with others, can cut down on dashboard glare in certain lighting conditions, and it can improve the look of the videos by adding contrast. It should have a negligible effect on low-light performance. Not included but available separately is a Bluetooth remote control that you can click to permanently save the clip currently being recorded.

It has a one-year warranty. The A229 Pro has a one-year warranty. If you register your camera with Viofo, it will add an additional six months, bringing the total to 18 months.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• The A229 Pro does not include a microSD card , so you’ll need to get one separately. Because this camera records 4K video, Viofo recommends at least a Class-10 or UHS-I rated card ( its own offering is UHS-III). And because the camera deletes the oldest video once the card fills up, you’ll want a large card to ensure you don’t lose relevant clips. Based on our testing, you’ll need about 25 GB of storage per hour of footage.
• Though the A229 Pro is generally compact (3.9 inches high by 2.3 inches wide), its vertical design is unusual. For most cars that isn’t a big deal. But those whose cars have smaller or shorter windshields might find that the Viofo takes up more valuable viewing space. If you want to maximize driving visibility, check out the Vantrue N4 Pro in the other good dash cams section.
• The A229 Pro’s rear camera is clearer and offers higher resolution than most. However, if you have tinted windows, the image will be dim. You can increase exposure in the Viofo app so that the window looks roughly untinted during the day, but nighttime image quality will suffer. This isn’t specifically a Viofo problem, but it’s something to keep in mind.
• When you first install the Viofo, you’ll notice it has a lot of LEDs. Two red and two cyan lights are on all the time. Fortunately, you can turn these off in the app.

The Miofive S1 offers many of the same features we like in our main pick, but for a fraction of the price. It has 4K recording, GPS, good image quality day or night, a supercapacitor instead of a battery, and a 24-hour parking mode.

Although its image quality isn’t as good as the Viofo A229 Pro’s, it’s still much better than that of nearly all the other dash cams we tested. It does not have a rear or interior camera, and there’s no option to add one.

Its image quality is very good, especially for the money. Even though the S1 has 4K resolution, its images weren’t as sharp as the Viofo’s. However, they were still better than those of most of the cameras we tested, and even at night you can read license plates from a reasonable distance.

It’s easy to set up and use. The app doesn’t have some of our top pick’s cool features, like a GPS map overlay during playback, and there aren’t as many settings to adjust with the camera. However, the app connects easily, and it lets you crop and trim videos before sharing. There’s a parking-locator feature, which is helpful if you’re someone who regularly forgets where you’ve parked.

Like our top pick, this dash cam uses a supercapacitor instead of a battery. The lithium-ion batteries that come in most modern electronics don’t react well to extreme temperatures. Instead, the S1 has a supercapacitor, which keeps it running long enough after you shut off the car to save the last video and power down.

It’s very small. Despite having a larger screen than the Viofo (3-inches), the S1 is one of the smallest cameras we tested: 3.75 inches wide by 2 inches tall by 1.5 inches deep. That makes it a better fit for cars with shorter windshields.

The mount is useful but feels cheap. The S1’s mount lets you rotate and pivot the camera. This makes installation a little easier than it is with our non-adjustable top pick, since you don’t need to get perfect placement.

However, the mount is plastic and feels very cheap, with a lot of give and jiggle. This likely isn’t a problem if you plan on setting it up and never touching it, but it doesn’t inspire confidence if you want to regularly adjust and tweak it. When you're driving over rough surfaces, there’s more camera shake visible in recordings than with the other cameras.

A wiring kit is available. If you want to use the 24-hour parking monitor feature, you’ll either need to have a power outlet in your car that doesn’t turn off when the car does or to hardwire the camera to your fuse box. Miofive has a kit available , though your specific vehicle may or may not require additional parts. Check out the How to set up a dash cam section for more information.

A circular polarizing lens (CPL) is … not yet available. Unlike the Viofo, which includes one, a polarizer is only available separately for the Miofive. Or, at least, it will be .

As of this writing, the S1 is brand new on the market, and some accessories are not yet available. A CPL isn’t a necessity, but it will cut down on dashboard reflections and make your videos a little more pleasing to look at. Miofive says it should be available soon.

A microSD card is not included. Like most of the cameras we tested, the S1 does not come with a microSD card. It supports up to 512GB of storage, and if you don’t already have a card lying around, we recommend these . Because it’s recording 4K video, don’t get a cheap microSD card. Miofive doesn’t explicitly recommend specific speeds, but the cards it sells to go with the camera are UHS-III (V30).

The build quality could be better. The Miofive S1 punches above its price tag when it comes to features and performance, but it’s clear that corners were cut to make that happen. Besides the cheap-feeling mount, the buttons also feel flimsy, and overall it doesn’t have the fit and finish of the other cameras we tested. You may want to keep this in mind and set your expectations appropriately.

If you have a smaller windshield, or you want something that’s easier to set up for ride-share drivers: The Vantrue N4 Pro is a great choice. This 3-channel dash cam is the successor to our former top pick. Its overall image quality isn’t as pleasing as that of our current picks, but license plates are readable from roughly the same distance as with the Viofo dash cam. For smaller or shorter windshields, the N4 Pro’s horizontal cylinder design might be less obtrusive. And its mount has a ball joint, which makes aiming and positioning easier than with the Viofo cam.

If you’re on a budget, but you want better image quality and don’t mind a battery: The 70mai A810 provides an attractive combo of low price, compact design, and excellent image quality, essentially matching that of our top pick (unsurprising, since it uses the same image sensor). There are 1- and a 2-camera versions, and the latter is less than half the price of our main pick’s 2-camera version.

The main issue with the 70mai is that it uses a lithium-ion battery, making it potentially less safe and reliable than our supercapacitor-powered picks. If you live in a cooler climate, or you don’t mind removing the camera from the car on hot days (it unplugs and slides off its mount easily), this might be less of a concern.

If you want police alerts: The Cobra SC 400D has a 4K front-facing camera, 1080p rear-facing camera, the option to add an interior camera, 24-hour parked-car monitoring, voice control, Alexa support, Bluetooth compatibility, emergency alerts, GPS tracking, and Wi-Fi connectivity. It also offers compatibility with Cobra’s iRadar app , which gives you access to user-submitted notifications about nearby accidents, construction zones, roadway hazards, police surveillance, and more. However, if you have a newer car with Android Auto or Apple Carplay, or your phone is mounted where you can see it, other apps like Waze have a similar capability. This camera was also more difficult to set up and use than our picks.

Mount it high and out of your eyeline. To get the best view of the road ahead, mount a dash cam high in the center of the windshield, near the rearview mirror. You should be able to see the unit’s screen and easily reach its controls, but the camera shouldn’t block your forward view.

Some states have regulations regarding what you can mount on a windshield and where, so check your local laws. Also, don’t skip the car wash: No matter how good your dash cam’s resolution is, it won’t be able to capture crisp, detailed footage through a dirty windshield.

Don’t let the power cable dangle. Most dash cams have a long cord that plugs into a car’s 12 V DC outlet (aka cigarette lighter). To get the cord out of your way, we suggest running it under the molding between the top of the windshield and the car’s headliner, along the passenger side. From there, you can run the cord down along the edge of the windshield and the front pillar, into the gap on the side of the dash, and underneath the dash to the power outlet.

Securing the cord isn’t hard to do, but it can require patience. Some dash cams come with small cable-holding clips , which adhere to the glass and hold the cord, as well as a small tool for fitting the cord between the trim or molding. This video shows how to perform a tidy installation.

Have a power plan. If your dash cam’s charger doesn’t have an additional built-in USB-A port, and you want to be able to charge a phone or other device while the dash cam is in use, you have a few options.

If the camera’s power cord unplugs from its adapter, you could plug it into a multiport USB car charger , which leaves a port open for other devices. If not, you could use a 12-volt splitter; in our testing, we had success with these three-outlet splitters . You can use your car’s USB ports, but they need to be fairly high-powered.

The Viofo dash cam, for instance, requires at least 2 amps. Modern cars often have at least one 2.4-amp port, which will work. If you try this and have issues with the camera shutting off, it might be because it’s not getting enough power from the USB port. In that case, you’ll need to use a 12v adapter.

Consider direct wiring. Most dash-cam companies also sell hardwire kits that can connect directly to a vehicle’s fuse box. With most cars, this is the only way to get power to the camera when the car is off, so you can use the dash cam’s parking mode.

If you’re comfortable doing basic automotive wiring and using a circuit tester, you can easily hardwire the dash cam to the fuse box yourself . But any car-stereo shop (and some big-box retailers like Best Buy ) can do it for you. If you go this route, consider getting some kind of battery trickle charger, since the camera can wear down your battery if you don’t drive the car every day. Some models will have a low-voltage cutoff so they don’t drain your battery completely.

This is not a comprehensive list of all of the dash cams we’ve tested. We’ve removed those that have been discontinued or no longer meet our criteria.

The AZDome M580 2CH is a midrange dash cam with an extra-wide screen and extra-wide resolution: 5K. However, this comes at the expense of vertical resolution. This is a reasonable trade-off in theory. But in our testing, its image quality was subpar, and we had trouble connecting the camera to its app.

The BlackVue DR970X-2CH Plus has a 4K main camera, an LTE (cloud) option, and many other features we were looking for in a dash cam. But in our latest testing, this was the only camera that required a proprietary power cable instead of standard USB. There are different sibling versions with more or fewer cameras, but they’re all on the expensive side. Also, its image quality during the day and at night significantly trailed that of our picks.

The BlackVue DR900X-1CH Plus has many of the features we value: a 4K front-facing camera, the option to add 1080p rear and interior cameras, a 24-hour parked-car monitoring mode, built-in GPS tracking, and Wi-Fi connectivity. It’s also one of the few models we tested with a built-in mobile hotspot feature. However, its mount is less user-friendly than those of our picks, and it is an older model.

The Miofive MF02 Dual is a 4K dash cam shaped like a candy bar. It has a lot of the features we were looking for. However, although its daylight image quality was okay, the nighttime video was subpar. It was also the only camera in our recent testing not to have a removable microSD card, so accessing the recorded footage was more cumbersome.

The MyGekoGear Orbit 960 (from the company formerly known as Geko) has a 4K front-facing camera and some premium features, such as GPS tracking and app connectivity. You can also buy a separate hardwiring kit to add 24-hour parked-car monitoring. In our testing, the Orbit 960 was easy to set up and use, and day and night footage was crisp and clear. However, this model uses an older image sensor, and it has just a handful of reviews on Amazon.

The 4K Nextbase 622GW is a former upgrade pick, and it has some clever features. Negative user comments here and on Amazon have knocked it out of contention.

The Rexing V55 is a 4K dash cam with optional rear or interior cameras. There’s also a waterproof rear-camera option for exterior mounting. Although the price is good, the image quality isn’t.

The Thinkware U1000 has a 4K front camera, and you can add a 2K rear camera , for $100 more at this writing. But it’s more finicky to use and more expensive than models we tested with a wider range of features.

The Vantrue N2S has a 4K-resolution front-facing camera, but it doesn’t have a rear camera, and there's no option to add one. If you use the interior camera, the resolution of both cameras is limited to 1440p.

The Viofo A139 Pro has the same front sensor as our main pick, a compact design, and a built-in interior camera, but the rear camera uses an older 1080p sensor. It also lacks a screen. We think for most people the A229 Pro will be easier to use. But ride-share drivers who don’t want to install a separate interior camera, who want better image quality than that of the Vantrue N4 Pro , and who don’t mind not having a screen might find it to be a great alternative.

The Viofo A129 Pro Duo has a 4K front camera and a 1080p rear camera. It offers a good mix of features (including GPS tracking, 24-hour parked-car monitoring, and app connectivity). Yet in our tests it was much more difficult to set up and use compared with less-expensive models offering the same capabilities.

This article was edited by Ben Keough and Erica Ogg.

What are the pros of having a dash cam?

Consider a dash cam as an additional layer of protection: It can provide an objective eyewitness to an accident or other incident you’re involved in. Dash cams can also record a crash, a hit-and-run, or police misconduct that has occurred in your vicinity.

Are dash cams legal?

The laws on dash cams are decided at the state level , so you need to confirm whether they’re safe to use where you live , and familiarize yourself with local audio- and video-recording laws .

How do dash cams work?

Dash cams are small cameras that mount to your dashboard and continuously record video, usually to a microSD card. For power, dash cams can draw from the car's 12 V DC outlet (also known as a cigarette lighter) or a power bank , or they can connect directly to the car’s fuse box (the latter is best if you need continuous power to record even when the car is parked and the engine is off).

What is loop recording on a dash cam?

Most dash cams use loop recording, which means that when the SD card is full, the newest video will start to overwrite the oldest continuously. The amount of video you can store before the camera starts overwriting footage will depend on the size of the camera’s SD card.

Meet your guides

Geoffrey Morrison

Geoffrey Morrison is Wirecutter’s former AV editor, current editor-at-large, and a travel writer and photographer. He covers action cameras, gimbals, travel backpacks, and other gear. He has been to all 50 states and 60 countries, and he is the author of Budget Travel for Dummies and the sci-fi novel Undersea .

Sarah Witman

Sarah Witman is a senior staff writer who reports on powering and charging technology for Wirecutter. She previously worked as a writer, editor, and fact checker for several science magazines. Though she researches and tests chargers for a living, her phone battery is usually low.

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The 10 Best Dash Cameras for Road Trips [2023]

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Things To Consider With Dash Cameras

1. a multi-purpose option, 2. a full-spectrum camera, 3. a camera helper for tough parking spots, 4. a small but mighty dash camera, 5. a dash camera built for security, 6. a low-cost but high-quality camera, 7. an intuitive camera for road trips, 8. a navigation camera to get you places, 9. a dash camera option that tracks your info, 10. a camera option that gives you peace of mind, final thoughts.

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Whether you commute to work or you enjoy going on road trips, you probably spend a lot of time in your car. So, you’ve likely encountered a situation where it feels like you don’t have enough eyes to keep track of everything on the road.

That’s why dash cameras can be so useful. They help you keep an eye on the road and record evidence of your drive if you ever need it.

While you probably already know that not all dash cameras are the same, you might not realize just how different they can be.

There are numerous characteristics that can slightly change a camera, making it your first or last choice. Here are a few things to consider.

Size and Weight

The size and weight of a dash camera should be considered before you buy one. Generally, dash cameras are small, so they won’t obstruct your vision or take up too much room in your car.

However, “small” can be vague. Some cameras will easily fit in the palm of your hand and won’t weigh more than a typical smartphone.

Other cameras might be a little larger and heavier, depending on their lenses, strengths, or screen sizes. Make sure the camera you get isn’t too large or heavy for your dashboard.

Memory and Storage

You should also consider the way a dash camera stores its video feed before you decide on which one to purchase.

If you want a camera that records video, you’ll need to find out if the feed is stored on the camera, in a memory card installed in the camera, or if it’s saved on a cloud server.

Both of these storage methods have merit. Device storage is easier to access. Cloud storage has more available space. You’ll have to decide which storage and memory method is most convenient for you.

Recording Quality

Like all cameras, dash cameras can have varying recording quality. If you want to have a clear image in your camera, you’ll want to opt for a camera with an HD camera option or higher megapixels .

However, having a crystal-clear video isn’t always necessary, so you can find cameras that will provide a lower-quality feed that is still suitable for your needs.

Hot Tip: You should also note that the recording quality for all dash cameras tends to degrade naturally over time. This can affect the longevity of your dash camera.

Rules and Laws

Before you buy a dash camera, you need to make sure you know the rules of the state and/or country you live in.

Generally, dash cameras are built to fall within the laws, however, some places may not allow them or may have requirements as to their size or capabilities .

It’s also important to know that different U.S. states, for example, may have different laws. So, if you plan to drive across the country , you’ll need to check the rules for every state you’ll drive through before packing your camera.

Filming Range

You should also determine the filming range you want from your dash camera before you make your final decision.

Are you just concerned with catching what is happening in front of your car on film? Do you also want to see what is happening inside the car while your eyes are on the road? Or, maybe, you want to have a visual of the back of your car?

All of these filming ranges are possible, but they aren’t guaranteed for all cameras. So, you should determine what you want filmed.

The 10 Best Dash Cameras

With the sheer amount of dash cameras on the market, it can be difficult to figure out which one is right for your life.

To make deciding easier for you, we’ve compiled this list of the best cameras on the market, including the pros and cons of each.

Rove R2-4K Dash Cam

The Rove dash cam is a great choice for people who want the latest technology while on their drives, without having multiple different devices.

This camera not only serves as a wide-angle lens that allows for broad viewing of what’s happening outside your car, but it also has a built-in GPS tracker.

That way, you can keep track of your trips, always know where you’re going, and never again be caught off guard by what’s happening on the road.

The camera also has built-in Wi-Fi access, so you can stream your video feed directly to your device for viewing or download. The camera also has a 1-year warranty in case of damage.

What We Like:

• All-in-one option

What We Don’t Like:

• Not much device memory

Vantrue N4 3 Channel 4K Dash Cam

If you’re looking for a camera that will allow you to have a practically 360-degree view of the outside of your car, the Vantrue N4 is a viable option you should consider.

This camera has 3 channels that each correspond to an area of the car: front, interior, and rear, which you can switch between easily.

In fact, you can set your camera to show the feeds for the front and rear cameras simultaneously. That way, you know what’s happening in front of and behind your car at any moment.

Not only that, but the outer cameras also provide audio. So, if you hear a screech or honk, you’ll know how to react to avoid an accident.

• Easy to switch between cameras
• Only mounts to windshield

WOLFBOX 12“ Mirror Dash Cam Backup Camera

The Wolfbox mirror camera is the perfect dash camera for people whose main concern is clearly seeing what’s going on behind their car.

In fact, this model is designed to help you get into difficult parking spots without worrying you’ll bump into something. However, that’s not the only perk of this camera. You also get a front view feed, as well, so you can be completely aware of your surroundings.

The camera even has night vision capabilities, so you can see what’s going on outside your car at any hour, day or night. It also comes equipped with GPS to help you keep track of your journey.

• Comes with a memory card
• Parking mode can be inconsistent

Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2

Garmin has long been a trusted company when it comes to travel tech. Their dash cam mini is no different.

This camera is tiny, even by dash camera standards. It’s around the size of a smartphone. However, its small size doesn’t affect its power or your ability to view your camera feed. It still has a large screen, and it’s able to monitor your car even when you’re not in it, thanks to its parking mode setting.

The camera also has a voice command setting, so you can operate it completely hands-free for safe driving. If you miss something while driving, that’s not a problem. Your recording gets automatically backed up to a secure cloud server.

• Formatting an SD card can be tricky

Nexar Pro Dual Dash Cam

If you’re in the market for a dash camera that doubles as a surveillance camera, the Nexar model is a good choice.

This camera has an optimal parking mode setting that allows you to see what’s going on in and around your vehicle, even when you’re not in the driver’s seat.

All you have to do is access the camera’s built-in Wi-Fi feed on your phone or computer, and you’ll be able to see if anything strange is happening inside or outside your car.

You don’t have to worry about the camera losing battery too quickly in this mode, either. It will continue to record video as long as it’s plugged into a power source.

• Great for security
• No infrared night vision

Vantrue N1 Pro Mini Dash Cam

If you’re on a budget but you still want a high-quality dash camera that won’t fall apart days after you get it set up, the Vantrue pro might be your ideal choice.

This cost-effective camera still manages to compete with more expensive options in the areas where it counts.

This camera is compact and lightweight, so it won’t take up much room on your dashboard or windshield. However, it still has a lot of power packed into it.

It has a motion sensor activation setting which allows you to avoid any collisions on the road. It also has a parking mode setting that can last up to 24 hours for maximum security.

• A lot of features for a low-cost
• Small screen

Dash Camera for Cars

This dash camera is a good option for people who don’t want to continuously monitor their camera and its settings.

Equipped with a motion sensor, it can go into a sort of stand-by mode until something is close enough to activate it. That means you don’t have to worry about a thing as long as your camera’s monitor is off … that just means there’s no danger of hitting something.

It also has loop recording available if you want to be able to double-check your video feed. That’s particularly handy for its parking mode, so you can double-check that your car was safe while you were away. It’s a durable camera meant to give you peace of mind.

• Water-resistant
• The battery isn’t easily replaced

AZDOME M550 Dash Cam

The AZDOME dash camera model is a good option for people who also want all the ease of traveling with a GPS without having a separate device taking up room.

The camera has built-in Wi-Fi, so it won’t have any trouble updating your map and journey trajectory to get you where you need to go.

Not only that, but it will also keep track of the road in front of and behind your vehicle. That way, you can focus on the road without worrying that something might jump out all of a sudden.

The camera is even water-resistant, so splashes or rain won’t damage your camera. It’s also built to withstand both high and low temperatures.

• All-weather appropriate
• Mount can be hard to move

Kingslim D5-4K Dash Cam

The Kingslim dash camera is the choice for you if you want a camera that tracks your information so that you can easily keep records of it.

This camera keeps track of your speed and your location, which you can use for anything from figuring out how long it takes to get somewhere to using it as evidence in case of an accident.

The camera also has low-light night vision. So, no matter what time you’re on the road, your camera will still be able to capture what’s going on, keeping you in the know.

The camera also has a motion sensor during its parking mode, so you will have video evidence if anything bumps your car.

• Accurate tracker
• Not compatible with all SD cards

VIOFO Dash Cam 2K WiFi 1440P

If your main reason for getting a dash camera is so you can relax and drive in peace, you should consider this model by VIOFO. This camera has all the features you need to drive stress-free.

It has a wide-angle lens that lets you get a near-complete view of what’s going on around your car. This feature can also be used even in the middle of the night on dark roads, thanks to the camera’s night vision capabilities.

It offers a rear view of your car that can help you park confidently without damaging your vehicle or anything else that might be around. You can also use voice commands with the camera, letting you keep your hands on the wheel for safe travels.

• High resolution
• Wi-Fi connection is a bit slow

Buying any technology can be overwhelming, and that’s particularly true when buying a dash camera. An ideal camera will allow you to be able to see what is happening on the road outside your car. However, countless features could impact how useful a camera is to you.

Hopefully, our list has helped you decide what characteristics you want in your dashboard camera so that you can buy the right one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are dash cameras worth it.

Dash cameras are worth purchasing if you struggle to keep track of the road or if you worry about knowing what’s happening around your vehicle.

Are dash cameras legal?

In many places, dash cameras are completely legal. However, privacy laws might be a cause for concern. Before you purchase a dash camera, it’s advised you check your local laws to make sure you can actually use your device. The same advice applies to other places where you’ll be driving.

What are dash cameras for?

Dash cameras are used for a variety of reasons. They can help you park or keep an eye on all areas of your car. They can be used for security. They can also be used to keep track of evidence of any car accidents you might have on the road.

Do dash cameras record all the time?

Most dash cameras have options that allow you to decide when they record. Some are motion activated or might record on a timer. Others might only record when manually switched on and stop when switched off. Typically, however, you can control the settings for when your camera records or doesn’t.

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About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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The best dash cam 2024: finest car cameras for every budget

The best dash cams from Nextbase, Garmin, Thinkware and more

• Best budget
• Best all-rounder
• Best heavy-use
• Best low-profile
• Best ease of use
• Best value dual

Best for ride-share drivers

Best 360 degree.

• Best for older cars
• How to choose
• How we test

1. The list in brief 2. Best smart 3. Best budget 4. Best all rounder 5. Best heavy use 6. Best low-profile 7. Best ease of use 8. Best value dual 9. Best ride-share drivers 10. Best 360-degree 11. Best for older cars 12. How to choose 13. How we test

By recording video footage every time you drive, the best dash cams give you extra piece of mind when you're behind the wheel. To help you find the right model for your needs and budget, we've extensively tested all of the top dash cams you can buy. Covering everything from simple in-car cameras to smart, premium multi-cam systems, you'll find our favorite models ranked in the expert guide below.

Based on the results of our in-depth reviews, we think the Nextbase iQ is the best dash cam money can buy in 2024. A smart dash cam in every sense, its makers promise to add innovative features this year, including a voice-activated Witness Mode. That said, it's also the most expensive dash cam in our list. If you'd prefer to spend less, we recommend the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 as our top budget choice. We’ve included links to the best dash cam deals beneath each recommendation.

Every dash cam in this guide has been exhaustively tested by our experienced team. We put each model through a series of assessments in the real world, to ensure it performs well against our objective criteria. We go beyond the spec sheet to check factors such as ease of use and installation, the effectiveness of any driver assistance features, as well as overall video quality. We've explained more about how we test dash cams at the bottom of this page, together with some tips on how to pick the best option for you. We've also written a dedicated guide on how to fit a dash cam .

Tim is TechRadar's Cameras editor, with over 15 years in the photo video industry and most of those in the world of tech journalism, Tim has developed a deeply technical knowledge and practical experience with all things camera related. Tim notes, "many of the dash cams in this list have advanced features, such as GPS and driver assistance modes. If you don't need these, you can save money by choosing a simpler model."

The quick list

If you want a shortcut to the best dash cams for every driver, our quick summary below will give you an overview of the top options for every budget. When you find one that fits the bill, use the links beneath to jump down to our full write-up.

Best smart 4K model

If you’re happy to pay for a subscription, the Nextbase iQ is a 4K dash cam that’s easy to use and packed with clever features.

Read more below

Best budget option

Despite its tiny size, the Dash Cam Mini 2 records in Full HD with HDR, producing footage that’s sharp enough to pick out key detail.

Best for most people

With impressive 4K video quality and a flagship feature set, the Nextbase 622GW is the best dash cam you can buy right now.

Best for high-mileage drivers

The Nexar Pro is a dual-cam solution aimed at those who spend extended periods behind the wheel, limited to 1080p.

Best low-profile 4K cam

Neat and relatively compact, the Vantrue E1 is an attractive dash cam that’s capable of recording quality 2.5K video at 30fps.

Best for ease of use

With a large touchscreen and icon-based interface, the X1000 is simple to configure and you don't need to rely on an app.

Load the next 4 products...

Best value dual system

Adding a 2K rear camera to a slick front unit with proven video quality, this dual-cam system represents great value.

Designed with taxi drivers in mind, the Vantrue N2 Pro forgoes many of the extras which your car is already likely to have.

Best 360-degree

This unique 360 dash cam covers an omni-directional view, ideal for capturing both your journeys and your in-car karaoke.

Best for analogue vehicles

A dash cam and sat nav combo, the Garmin DriveCam 76 is a feature-packed tool for vehicles without an infotainment system.

• ^ Back to the top

The best dash cam in 2024

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Below you'll find full write-ups for each of the best dash cams in our list. We've tested each one comprehensively, so you can be sure that our recommendations can be trusted.

The best smart dash cam

1. Nextbase iQ smart dash cam

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

✅ You want an all-in-on dash cam: With a comprehensive suite of clever safety and security features, the Nextbase iQ is the complete dash cam package.

✅ You want a future-proof model: Firmware updates are in the pipeline which will add additional functionality to the iQ’s already impressive arsenal.

❌ You don’t need a complex camera: If you only want to capture video of the road, there are simpler dash cam options for a lot less money.

❌ You want a subscription-free dash cam: Basic functionality is free, but you’ll need to pay subscription fees for the full set of Nextbase iQ features.

A smart surveillance camera for your car, the Nextbase iQ is as feature-packed as dash cams come. Available in 1K, 2K and 4K variants, it’s a premium solution with a suite of connected skills. That includes parking assistance, a voice-activated Witness Mode and the ability to check in on your vehicle via the Nextbase iQ app, as well as GPS, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. All three versions include an interior camera, and there’s an optional rear-facing unit. You will need a paid subscription to get the full benefit of its abilities, which means the iQ can quickly become a costly bit of kit.

But our tests found that it’s also an impressive one. Setup proved simple in our review, while the app made it easy to access its many features. Footage and audio from our 4K review unit was predictably excellent, too. Because powered is delivered directly from the car’s battery, the system remains active even when the engine’s off. It will be overkill for many road users, but if you want a complete, all-in-one camera to monitor your car at all times, the Nextbase iQ is as clever as they come.

• Read our in-depth Nextbase iQ review

The best budget dash cam

2. Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2

✅ You want a hidden dash cam: Compact dimensions mean the Mini 2 pretty much disappears behind your rear-view mirror, with no impact on forward visibility.

✅ You prefer a simple setup: Garmin keeps the Mini 2 simple, making it a reliable tool that’s easy to install and runs faithfully in the background.

❌ You want a feature-packed model: Putting simplicity first means the Mini 2 doesn’t offer options such as speed camera alerts or what3words integration.

❌ You need 4K video footage: The Mini 2 is limited to 1080p Full HD. You’ll need to spend more on a premium model for higher resolution video.

The Garmin Mini 2 is tiny enough to disappear behind your car’s rear-view mirror. Despite its size, it records in Full HD at 30fps with HDR . In our review, it produced footage sharp enough to pick out key details like registration plates, regardless of the ambient light and weather conditions. We found installation quick and simple in our tests, too. The plastic arm takes up very little windscreen space, while the ball-and-socket joint makes it easy to reposition. 

The interface is similarly accessible: though there's no display, shortcut buttons let you save clips and mute the mic with one touch. We found that the Garmin Drive smartphone app (for iOS and Android) lets you easily change settings, review recordings and check the camera’s view. While features are limited to voice controls and a g-sensor that can detect collisions, we felt that GPS was the only real omission. Unless you need the best dash cam with driver assistance functions, the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 will leave you wanting for very little. Simple, subtle and reliable, it’s the definition of set-and-forget technology.

• Read our in-depth Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 review

The best dash cam for most people

3. Nextbase 622GW

✅ You want emergency services on call: Thanks to what3words integration, the 622GW can pinpoint your location and instantly forward it to emergency services.

✅ You'd like sharp video footage: Harnessing a quad-core processor and six-layer f/1.3 lens, the 622GW can capture impressively detailed 4K footage.

❌ You want seamless connectivity: Connecting to a smartphone isn't always straightforward, with the Wi-Fi connection often failing to establish during our testing.

❌ You want built-in rear recording: There are rivals for a similar price with rear-view cameras as standard, but it's an optional add-on for the 622GW.

With impressive video quality and a flagship feature set, we think the Nextbase 622GW is the best dash cam you can buy right now. We found its 4K/30p footage almost cinematic in testing, with crisp definition and outstanding detail. Low-light and poor-weather algorithms also improve results in tricky conditions. Drop down to 1080p and we found that you can shoot 120fps slow-mo that makes it easier to pinpoint things like registration numbers. We were impressed in our review with how effectively the built-in polarizing filter reduced windscreen glare, too, and how well the digital image stabilization soaked up road vibrations. 

Our tests did reveal that setup was slightly fiddly, and the 3-inch touchscreen requires obvious swipe inputs. We also had some trouble connecting to our smartphones to transfer video clips. That said, we still think the 622GW is a simple camera to use overall. We found its interface intuitive, while the display is big, sharp and clear. Footage is automatically saved when an incident is detected, and thanks to clever what3words integration, the 622GW can pinpoint the location of stricken vehicles and send it on to emergency vehicles. There are less bulky alternatives with better voice control, but if you want a dash cam that reliably captures clear 4K video, the 622GW is our recommendation.

• Read our in-depth Nextbase 622GW review

The best dash cam for high-mileage drivers

4. Nexar Pro

✅ You want comprehensive coverage: The Nexar Pro records interior and exterior video out of the box, making it a total dash cam solution for any vehicle.

✅ You value cloud video backup: Unlimited free storage gives you peace of mind that all of your video clips are securely backed up to the cloud.

❌ You want a hands-off installation: Fitting the Nexar Pro isn’t too challenging, but there’s a fair amount of wiring to hide if you don’t want cables trailing in the cabin.

❌ You want a simple solution: Nexar's app is home to a host of useful tools, but you’ll find better value elsewhere if you only want a basic cam for recording the road.

Aimed at those who spend extended periods behind the wheel, the Nexar Pro is a dual-cam solution that can record video both inside and outside a vehicle. Comprised of two separate camera units connected by a cable, we found the setup to be pretty neat, even if it took up a fair bit of screen real estate. It doesn't record in 4K, but from our tests we found its 1080p video perfectly serviceable. The external camera fared well even in tricky shooting situations, from heavy rain to bright sunshine.

We found that the Nexar app is central to the twin-camera experience: it’s where you can fine-tune settings, generate incident reports and back recorded clips up to the cloud (Nexar bundles cloud storage in for free). Other useful tools include break-in alerts if someone tries to tamper with your car, as well as GPS data logging. There are cheaper dash cams out there with fewer features to play with, but if the security of your car is crucial to your daily life, the Pro is hard to beat in terms of protection and overall value.

• Read our in-depth Nexar Pro review

The best low-profile 4K dash cam

5. Vantrue E1

✅ You want well-priced GPS: With built-in GPS that unlocks useful speed and location data, the E1 represents decent value for the price.

✅ Your car already has driver aids: Rather than double up by equipping the E1 with driver assistance systems, Vantrue has instead focused on build and video quality.

❌ You can’t fit a dash cam centrally: With no sideways adjustment, the E1 needs to be mounted to the middle of your windshield, otherwise footage won’t be level.

❌ You expect a polarizing filter as standard: Some dash cams include a polarizing lens to reduce reflections from the hood, but it’s an optional extra for the E1.

Neat and relatively compact, the Vantrue E1 is an attractive dash cam that’s capable of recording 2.5K video at 30fps. It can also record Full HD footage at a smoother 60fps, for enhanced detail while you drive. Results in our review proved sharp night and day, with accurate colors and acceptable noise in low light. Our testing also revealed that the optional polarising filter usefully reduces dashboard reflections, while the 160-degree angle captures a wide view of what's ahead.

We found that the E1’s magnetic mount works well, but the lack of sideways adjustment does limit its use if you can’t fit it centrally. A tiny 1.54-inch screen offers a preview when installing, but the smartphone app is the more useful way to tweak settings. You don’t get the driver assistance systems of other dash cams, so it’s up to you or your vehicle to spot speed cameras and potential collisions. That said, you still get Wi-Fi and GPS connectivity, and we like that Vantrue has focused on video quality over unnecessary extras.

• Read our in-depth Vantrue E1 review

The best for ease of use

6. Thinkware X1000

✅ You want a complete dash cam: It doesn’t have GPS, but the Thinkware X1000 is otherwise a comprehensive two-camera bundle with very few limitations.

✅ You want a standalone solution: With a convenient touchscreen interface, the X1000 works without the need for a supplementary app.

❌ You need GPS coverage: The Thinkware X1000 does support GPS functionality, but only through a module that’s sold separately.

❌ You don’t want a hard-wired camera: The X1000 can work with a plug-in adapter, but hard-wiring is the better option, though you might need a pro to fit it.

Capable yet accessible, Thinkware’s X1000 comes bundled with everything you need to record front and rear. Our tests found a lot to like about the X1000. Installation does require the use of several sticky pads and we felt that the user guide could have been more comprehensive in helping to navigate setup. You’ll also need to hard-wire it to unlock the full set of features, including parking surveillance, while GPS and radar detection require optional accessories. 

Still, once in place, the unit feels nicely put together. Its best attribute is its ease of use: with a large 3.5-inch touchscreen and icon-based interface, it’s simple to configure and there’s no need to rely on a smartphone partner app. Capture settings can be tweaked via the touchscreen, but we found that it worked well right out of the box. Results from both cameras were impressive, with plenty of crisp detail and decent dynamic range, even in dim and dark conditions. If you’re looking for a stress-free and reliable dash cam, the X1000 gets plenty right.

• Read our in-depth Thinkware X1000 review

The best value dual dash cam

7. Miofive Dual Dash Cam

✅ You want a faff-free dash cam: Although it's packed with features, the Dual Dash Cam is easy to use and simple to install.

✅ You like lots of features: Front and rear cameras, together with built-in GPS, a G sensor and a slick mobile app, mean this dash cam is generously equipped.

❌ You want a wide view of the road: Both cameras have a 140-degree field of view, which is narrower than that of many rivals and which only covers the windshield.

❌ You only need a simple setup: Its comprehensive feature list makes the Dual Dash Cam good value, but its skills will be overkill for many users.

An update to the already excellent Miofive 4K Dash Cam , the Dual edition adds a 2K rear camera. The front camera is a proven performer, capturing sharp detail both night and day during our tests. Its design remains as slim and modern as with the single-cam option, although we wish it used a suction cup instead of sticky adhesive. Joining it is a tiny rear camera that records 2K video at 30fps. Like the forward unit, it covers a 140-degree field of view. That’s enough for the view front and rear, but rivals offer wider angles. 

With a generous 128GB of internal storage, you get twice as much capacity as the previous Miofive 4K, with space for around 8 hours of record time before loop recording will start to overwrite the oldest clips. We were impressed by the slick Miofive app, as well as the camera’s generous feature set: you get built-in GPS, collision warnings and super capacitor power. Even with these capabilities, setup remains straightforward, although you might need to be creative about hiding the longer, thicker rear camera cable. Overall, if you need dual-cam coverage, we think there’s plenty of value here.

• Read our in-depth Miofive Dual Dash Cam

8. Vantrue N2 Pro

✅ You’re looking for a dual-view dash cam: If you want an in-car camera that records the interior, the N2 Pro is compact for a dual-lens dash cam.

✅ You don’t like dealing with apps: Pared-back by design, the N2 Pro works without an app and forgoes assistance systems to keep usability simple.

❌ You don’t drive for a living: Most road users don’t need interior recording, so unless you’re ferrying passengers for pay, you might find better value elsewhere. ❌ You want Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity: The N2 Pro doesn’t have Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, so transferring video files means removing the microSD card.

Relatively compact for a dual-lens dash cam, the Vantrue N2 Pro records a detailed view of the road ahead and your vehicle’s interior. Designed with taxi drivers in mind, it forgoes many of the extras which your car is already likely to have, including speed camera alerts and collision warnings. That simplicity extends to its connectivity, a factor we liked in testing. With no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or smartphone app, it’s a self-contained dash cam that gets on with the job of capturing events. The only feature we did miss was GPS tracking, although Vantrue sells an optional GPS windscreen mount.

We were happily surprised by the video quality our review. The cameras can record Full HD footage in both directions, capturing video that’s smooth, sharp and clear, matched by decent audio. The interior camera occasionally struggles in bright sunlight, but that’s a small criticism of otherwise impressive performance. The front camera can also go solo to shoot in even more detailed 1440p.

• Read our in-depth Vantrue N2 Pro review

9. 70mai Dash Cam Omni

✅ You'd like 360-degree coverage: The Omni can rotate through to cover a full 360 degrees and film from any angle.

✅ You enjoy a user-friendly experience: The Omni has charming 'human-like' display graphics.

❌ You need 4K video quality: Topping out at 1920x1080 Full HD video up to 60fps, the Omni's video resolution is bettered elsewhere.

❌ Auto syncing your footage to the cloud is helpful: You can sync your footage to the cloud, but only via an optional 4G hardware kit.

There's no dash cam quite like the 70mai Omni. It's a single camera with a 140-degree field of view and a trick up its sleeve: it can rotate to provide full 360-degree coverage from its position on the windshield. That means you can record your journeys out the front like any other dash cam, or turn it to film inside the cabin of your vehicle. Video resolution tops out at 1080p up to 60fps, so footage isn't the most detailed, but we were impressed by the low-light performance of the f/1.8 lens in testing.

In our review, we found the Omni well-designed with a user-friendly experience, complete with fun graphics and animations on the display when you interact with it. It also benefits from AI-powered surveillance features to keep your vehicle safe, such as motion detection and threat-level processing. As far as single dash cams go, this is one of the most fun to use, plus the list price is reasonable – though you'll need to buy the 4G hardware kit if you want to backup to the cloud automatically.

• Read our in-depth 70mai Dash Cam Omni review

Best for older cars without an infotainment system

10. Garmin DriveCam 76

✅ Your vehicle has no infotainment system: With features like mapping and forward collision warnings, the DriveCam 76 is ideal for older vehicles without such systems as standard.

✅ You want an all-in-one system: Combining a dash cam and a sat nav system means fewer devices mounted to your windshield, giving you a clearer view.

❌ You have a small windshield: Because it’s larger than many dash cams, the DashCam 76 can feel like an obstruction in vehicles with shallow windshields.

❌ You’re on a tight budget: Its multiple talents mean the DriveCam 76 demands a fairly high price. If you won’t use all of its features, you’ll find better value in standalone cameras.

Combining a dash cam and a sat nav, the Garmin DriveCam 76 is a feature-packed tool for vehicles without an infotainment system. In testing, we found its 7-inch display intuitive to use. It makes Garmin’s rich mapping visuals easy to follow, while navigation is clear and well-timed, complemented by live traffic updates when paired with your smartphone’s data connection. The unit itself is much larger than many rivals, though, which can make it tricky to place without obstructing the driver’s view. Helpfully, both the display angle and camera lens are adjustable, so you can find the right position between road and driver. 

Full HD footage is shot in HDR at 30fps, delivering balanced exposure and enough detail to make number plates legible. That said, we found that video suffers from noticeable stabilization wobble. This distortion doesn’t reduce the detail, but footage is worse than from other Garmin dash cams. You’ll also find better value dash cams if you don’t need features such as smartphone notifications and weather updates. But if you want a dash cam with added smarts, this is a great choice. 

• Read our in-depth Garmin DriveCam 76 review

How to choose the best dash cam for you

The best dash cams can have anything from one, two or even three cameras. Single camera dash cams record the outside view from your windscreen, dual dash cams add an inside facing camera which is especially useful for ride-share drivers like taxis, while three-camera dash cams are more for professional drivers clocking up the miles, adding an additional viewpoint from the outside of the vehicle, being especially handy for trucks.

Video resolution is a key consideration when choosing a dash cam, as explained below. Most dash cams in 2024 can record footage in Full HD, which is generally enough to identify large details in a video clip. Sharper 4K dash cams tend to cost more, but capture video at a higher resolution. This makes it easier to pull out crucial details such as number plates, which mean 4K dash cams generally offer more reassurance from a safety perspective.

Video frame rates are also important. Most dash cams can record at 30fps, which is fine for reviewing footage at full speed, but the best models can capture action at a smoother 60fps. This gives you the option to slow down footage after the fact, making it easier to pick up details at half-speed. It’s increasingly common to find dash cams that can capture Full HD video at 60fps, but 4K 60fps recording is generally reserved for professional dash cams. Certain models, such as the Nextbase 622GW, also feature digital image stabilization, which helps to smooth out footage on bumpy roads.

There are also a wealth of features to consider, including a touchscreen display, a companion app, GPS, parking surveillance, voice control, sat nav and what3words to name but a few.  

If you drive an older car without an infotainment system, then it’s worth getting a dash cam with sat nav, but there’s little point if your car already has sat nav. GPS location data is handy when recording incidents, while some even include what3words geolocation data which offers the most precise way of pinpointing your vehicle and super handy should you become stricken. 

Getting started with a dash cam

The overall experience installing, getting started and ease of use on the go varies wildly from dash cam to dash cam. For the most part, dash cams mount somewhere along a car's front windscreen or windshield. Of course, wherever you place your dash cam must not block your view of the road.

The advent of rear-facing cameras (or complete kits that contain both front and rear) require a little extra installation, as these often involve cables that run from front to back. Expect some fiddly work involving the car's headliner to get these fitted correctly. 

Dash cams record smaller snippets of footage, usually in increments of one to two minutes at a time. The cameras continually record over the oldest clip in order to keep the memory card from filling up as well.

While older models typically required the user to manually save or tag the appropriate clip in the event of an accident, new G-Sensor-based incident detection technology has taken over, and now takes care of this automatically.

There are also dash cams that boast additional features that, just like any other technology, translate to a higher asking price. In addition to better video quality like 4K, night vision and built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth for easy file transfer may also be included.

A rise in popularity of voice control has also made its way over to the humble dash cam, so expect Alexa integration and other such voice-activated technology at the very pinnacle of the range.

Numerous parking modes are also possibilities. These use a time-lapse feature as a surveillance function to capture details of those irksome car park prangs when you're off running errands.

Is it worth having a dash cam?

Yes, absolutely. Some drivers might not like the idea of a camera constantly monitoring their vehicle, but some models of dash cam (like the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2) are compact and subtle enough to almost disappear behind the central rear view mirror. In other words, once they are up and running you soon forget about them; they just sit there, quietly keeping an eye out, ready to save footage if you’re caught in an accident.

If the worst were to happen, and you need to prove your innocence, the dash cam’s footage could do exactly that. This footage can also be set to include your speed, along with the time and date to help reinforce the validity of your evidence if blame is disputed by the other party. As well as monitoring the road ahead, dash cams can be used to record out of the rear windscreen too, recording footage if you are unfortunate enough to be rear-ended by another motorist.

Even if you're not directly involved in a collision, dash cams can still be useful. Many have a button for quickly saving the last few seconds of video. That way, if you need something ahead that you think needs recording, like an accident between two other vehicles, an example of bad driving, or something else noteworthy, you can provide that evidence to whoever might need it. Another useful feature of some dash cams is how they will call the emergency services if a crash is detected and you don’t respond; they can then share your location and ensure help is on its way.

Furthermore, many dash cams come with additional driver assistance features. These include alerts to let you know about nearby speed cameras and red light cameras, plus a prompt to tell you the vehicle in front has set off – just in case you weren’t paying attention while sat in traffic.

Lastly, some dash cams can be permanently installed in your vehicle and hard-wired, giving them a constant power supply. When paired with a special parking mode, this enables the camera to sense impacts and record footage while the car is parked, potentially gathering useful evidence of your neighbor’s poor parking.

Can a dash cam drain your car battery?

Different dash cams use different power sources, so it's always worth checking how your new dash cam is powered if you're concerned about draining your car's battery.

Some dash cams have internal power, or can easily be charged using external power sources. However, the rest use the cigarette lighter/USB port in your vehicle or need to be hard-wired, meaning they do use your car's battery.

If you use the cigarette lighter/USB port to power your dash cam, then leaving it plugged in overnight might drain your car battery, depending on if your vehicle supplies constant power to the ports. Hard-wired dash cams can be set up to switch on with the car ignition in some vehicles to save battery, too. 

If you were planning on using your new dash cam for security purposes, you might want to consider choosing a dash cam with motion detection and using an external power source to make sure you don't drain your car battery.

Is a GoPro better than a dash cam?

GoPro cameras are some of the best action cameras you can buy. They can be easily mounted to your dashboard and set to record video on a rolling loop. Because GoPro cameras are compact, they shouldn’t obstruct your view of the road ahead, while the latest models are capable of capturing videos at resolutions sharper than 4K.

However, there are certain factors which make a dedicated dash cam better than a GoPro for recording the road. The price difference between a GoPro Hero 11 Black and a premium dash cam such as the Nextbase 622GW is less than you might think. But what you don’t get with a GoPro camera are the more advanced features associated with a high-spec dash cam, such as collision detection or parking protection. You’ll also need to manually set a GoPro to record every time you get behind the wheel, even if its power cable is connected to your vehicle.

So if you already own a GoPro, pairing it with a dashboard mount or windshield suction cup is an easy way to record video while you’re driving. We even have a dedicated guide on how to use a GoPro as a dash cam for your car . However, if you’re looking for a comprehensive solution to capture in-car video, it’s worth considering a dash cam.

Are dash cams legal?

Using a dash cam is generally legal in both the UK and the US. In fact, certain bodies in both countries actively encourage the use of dash cams to reduce insurance premiums. That said, there are a few basic rules to follow to ensure your dash cam usage stays on the right side of the law.

A dash cam shouldn’t obstruct your view of the road ahead or distract you while you’re behind the wheel. For this reason, some people prefer to choose a model without a display. In the US, many states have regulations governing where you can mount a dash cam. Several prohibit you from fitting one to your windshield, for example.

Privacy regulations are another factor to consider. As there is no reasonable expectation of privacy on public roads, it’s generally legal to record with a dash cam while driving. However, this changes on private property, such as a person’s driveway. While dash cam recordings can usually be justified on the grounds of safety and security, it’s important to act reasonably and be mindful of where and what you record.

This is particularly the case for professional drivers. If you’re a taxi driver, for example, you should inform passengers that your vehicle is fitted with a dash cam, particularly if it’s recording audio. In the US, several states only permit sound recording with the permission of everyone in the vehicle.

You should also think carefully before sharing any dash cam footage online. Uploading videos that identify individuals without their consent could breach data protection laws. It’s always safer to blur details such as registration plates and faces when publishing any dash cam clips.

It’s worth nothing that a number of European countries restrict the use of dash cams, so be sure to familiarize yourself with regional rules. 

What is loop recording?

Loop recording allows dash cams to continuously record video footage to their built-in storage or memory card. The setting automatically overwrites the oldest clips on your camera with new ones when its storage becomes full. This way, it can keep recording without requiring you to pull over and manually delete unneeded clips. This gives you the reassurance that there will be no gap in your driving log.

By default, dash cams save video clips in sequential order. Loop recording usually works by splitting these clips into preset intervals based on file size or time, such as 2-minute or 5-minute segments. By dividing recordings like this, dash cams can write over small parts of a longer video without erasing the entire thing at once. This can also make it easier to locate clips of specific moments, without having to scan through lengthy recordings.

To stop important clips from being overwritten, many of the best dash cams can automatically detect potential incidents and flag the relevant footage to protect it from deletion. Most models with loop recording also allow you to manually tag clips with the same effect, generally by way of a shortcut button on the body of the dash cam.

How we test dash cams

Almost all dash cams can be fitted to a car without making any permanent modification. They can be attached to a windscreen using a suction cup or removable adhesive pad, and powered from either a USB port or the 12V socket found in almost all cars. To test dash cams, we install them in our car, attach them to the windscreen and pair them to our smartphone as if we had bought them ourselves.

We then drive, at day and night, to test how the camera handles different lighting conditions, and ideally in varied weather too. The footage is then transferred to a smartphone or computer and viewed to check out the quality, and whether key details like vehicle registration plates are legible. This also gives us an opportunity to see how easy (or difficult) it is to view, transfer and save recorded footage.

Additional features like voice assistants and drive assistance systems get a thorough workout, and we also test how easy it is to turn these off, or adjust them to our personal preferences. Being able to quickly and easily turn audio recording off is key, especially when carrying passengers who don’t want their conversations recorded.

Naturally, we cannot crash a vehicle to see how well the dash cam detects collisions. Instead, firmly tapping the dash cam can simulate a collision, allowing us to see what happens when footage is saved. It is also possible to trigger a recording by powering the camera with a portable battery and tapping it against our desk. It may seem rudimentary, but it works and keeps our insurance company happy.

Sometimes, driving over a particularly aggressive speed bump can trigger a dash cam recording. In these cases we learn that the camera’s g-sensor is too sensitive, and needs to be adjusted, providing the menu system includes such an option. 

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Tim is the Cameras editor at TechRadar. He has enjoyed more than 15 years in the photo video industry with most of those in the world of tech journalism. During his time as Deputy Technical Editor with Amateur Photographer, as a freelancer and consequently editor at Tech Radar, Tim has developed a deeply technical knowledge and practical experience with cameras, educating others through news, reviews and features. He’s also worked in video production for Studio 44 with clients including Canon, and volunteers his spare time to consult a non-profit, diverse stories team based in Nairobi. Tim is curious, a keen creative, avid footballer and runner, and moderate flat white drinker who has lived in Kenya and believes we have much to enjoy and learn from each other. 

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10 Best Dash Cams of 2024, According to Auto Experts

Capture evidence of car accidents, break-ins and more.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Though we hope you’ll never need to pull any recordings from your dash cam, you’ll be grateful to have them in situations where liability isn’t clear. We researched and tested the best dash cams on the market today, including budget dash cams as well as ones perfect for rideshare drivers. According to our hands-on evaluations and extensive testing data from the editors at Car and Driver , these are the best dash cams for peace of mind on the road.

Our top picks:

Best Overall Dash Cam

Garmin dash cam 67w.

Best Value Dash Cam

Vantrue n2 pro.

Best Budget Dash Cam

Garmin dash cam mini 2.

Best Dash Cam for Rideshare Drivers

Vantrue n4 3 channel dash cam.

Best Dash Cam for Most People

Best 4K Dash Cam

Nextbase 622gw.

Best Dash Cam on Amazon

Rove r2-4k dash cam.

Best Dash Cam With Emergency Location Alert

Nextbase 322gw dash cam.

Most Versatile Dash Cam

Car and driver road patrol touch duo.

Best Front and Rear Dash Cam

Garmin dash cam tandem.

The engineers and auto experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute have been hands-on with everything from the best new cars on the market to auto essentials like portable tire inflators , windshield wipers and more. We’ve also tested security devices like video doorbells and home security cameras for decades. When selecting the best dash cams for your car, we partnered up with the auto experts at Car and Driver , who most recently evaluated nine dash cams for their ease of installation and set-up, interface navigation, video quality, extra features and more. After checking out our top picks, continue reading to find out whether a dash cam is worth it for you and what features to look for when shopping for one.

Garmin is one of the most established and reputable brands in the dash cam space and our pros agree that you can rely on this camera as your extra set of eyes on the road. It’s packed with features like a wide 180-degree field of view to capture more details in the periphery. You can even keep your hands on the steering wheel and command the device with voice control, though it'll automatically start saving video when it detects an accident.

According to the auto experts at Car and Driver , the compact cam is “small and unobtrusive.” Though this means that the screen is on the smaller side, they love the cam’s wide display, built-in battery and how it powered up immediately in tests. In addition to standard features like recording and playback, our pros appreciate the cam’s lane departure notifications, forward collision warnings and alerts when traffic is moving.

While it comes with an extra USB port and memory card, keep in mind that if you want extra storage to save video clips in Garmin's online vault you'll need a subscription , which ranges from $4.99 to $9.99 per month.

For a more affordable alternative, consider this popular dash from Vantrue that captures video of the front and interior of your car simultaneously . It's a great choice for Uber drivers or families that could benefit from monitoring the inside of a car as well as what's going on outside. It even features a built-in microphone and speaker so you can record audio if needed.

While we haven't tested this model first-hand, multiple reviewers rave about how easy it is to use and set up. Our pros also appreciate that when the dash cam storage is near maximum capacity, the loop recording function can overwrite older video with new footage. Just note that while it has GPS capabilities, the dash cam must be connected to a GPS mount that's sold separately.

Discreet, compact and affordable, this dash cam is the perfect choice for new dash cam owners who don’t want a bulky device that takes up space on their windshield. This model is so small that it should be able to hide nicely behind your rearview mirror . Our experts love that it automatically saves videos of incidents and that its charger comes with two USB ports, so you no longer have to choose between charging your phone or powering your dash cam.

When taking the Mini 2 for a spin, we found buttons easy to use and that it captures quality footage. Our tested pointed out that thevoice commands were intuitive, and the app was seamless. While it may not have all the high-end features of larger dash cams like a wider, 180º field view, it’s impressive for a smaller unit.

The pros at Car and Driver describe it as a “set it and forget it dash cam” that you can use in emergencies like accidents or mishaps but don’t count on it for extras like GPS or traffic alerts. Also important to note: It doesn’t include a microSD card so you’ll have to purchase one separately, and a subscription is required for extra storage.

While it may be pricier than some other cameras on this list, what sets the Vantrue N4 apart is its triple camera that keeps tabs on everything going on in front, behind and even inside your car . The 155º front camera, 165º inside camera and 160º rear camera offer a wide field of view that rideshare drivers will appreciate. In Car and Driver's tests, auto experts found that the cam's display was easy to read despite its smaller size and the suction cup was "nicely maneuverable and adjustable in nearly all directions."

Our pros also like that the rear camera comes with a 20-foot extension cable so it's compatible with larger vehicles like SUVs. You can expect high-quality video recordings both day and night, but note that GPS and a microSD card need to be purchased separately.

The Nexar Beam offers everything you need in a dash cam, from its compact size that makes it possible to squeeze behind a rearview mirror to solid HD video resolution, built-in GPS and Wi-Fi and more. In tests, the auto experts at Car and Driver were impressed by the dash cam's strong suction cup and easy installation.

Though we wish the camera's field of view was a bit wider like more premium cameras, most drivers hoping to record everyday footage will be satisfied . Unlimited cloud backup lets you save video clips without a subscription and a 32GB SD card comes included. You can even create accident reports straight from the Nexar app. But if you're looking for remote video streaming to check up on your parked car, you'll have to upgrade to a more advanced dash cam like the Nexar One .

If video quality is important to you, look no further than this premium dash cam from Nextbase. It's not the most affordable pick, but it shoots crisp 4K video and uses image stabilization so your videos never appear blurry or bouncy.

In addition to an intelligent parking mode that monitors your car when you're not there, it sends alerts to emergency services should an accident occur. While we haven't been hands-on with this model yet, Nextbase has performed well in previous tests and our pros love that this model comes with Wi-Fi and Alexa voice control built-in. To save a bit, consider a bundle without a rear camera and a smaller SD card.

Featuring more than 33,000 Amazon reviews and an average 4.3-star rating, this dash cam is one of the most popular on Amazon and is packed with tons of features like high-quality resolution so your recordings are crystal clear.

Our pros love that it has built-in Wi-Fi so you can download your video directly to your device and manage and view the dash cam in real-time via the Rove app . It also has GPS that records your location and speed (should you need this as future evidence) and it enables you to view your driving route directly on Google Maps.

According to the brand, the camera captures detailed images even in low lighting and if someone hits your car while it's parked, the camera will automatically start recording and then alert you. Though it can support a lot of video storage with a 512 GB microSD card, you'll unfortunately have to purchase this separately.

Our experts stand behind the Nextbase brand and love that this model features a front-facing camera with a 140º viewing angle and a 2.5-inch interactive touchscreen. It comes with a built-in sensor to support emergency video file backup should an accident occur and it has an emergency SOS feature that alerts emergency services of your location .

Another bonus: The Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity enable you to sync files to your phone, and the dash cam can be mounted either by a suction cup or adhesive. According to Car and Driver’s tests, the camera’s video quality looks fantastic at night and the magnets that hold everything together are secure. Although this pick doesn’t include a rear camera, you can opt for a bundle that does (along with a 32GB SD card). For an even more advanced dash cam, our pros also recommend the Nextbase iQ .

Trusted and designed by Car and Driver auto experts, this dash cam is an excellent choice if you want to monitor what’s going on inside and outside your vehicle. Unlike other cameras that have front and rear cameras built-in together, this one features a separate second camera that you can attach to the front camera or strap around the passenger seat ; because it can be mounted anywhere, it can double up as a baby monitor during long road trips or you can use it to keep an eye on what’s going on behind your vehicle.

When we tested it, we found that the 1080p image quality was clear and that the 3-inch touchscreen interface was intuitive to navigate. We like that the camera has extra features such as an alert system should another car come too close to yours. The pros at Car and Driver do wish, however, that the tightening mechanism on the suction cup felt more sturdy and durable.

Other dash cams may offer both front and rear cameras, but what makes the Garmin Tandem stand out is its 180º view field on both . This means you'll be able to catch more detail and, according to Garmin, you'll even be able to see passenger activity in the dark thanks to its exclusive night vision technology.

Our pros like that the included charger has an extra USB port built-in so it won't hog the only port in your car. The Dash Cam Tandem is also capable of recording in front of and inside your vehicle when it’s parked and turned off, however, a separate cable is required that's sold separately.

How we test the best dash cams

For this story, t he product analysts at the Good Housekeeping Institute relied on our decades of expertise in testing autos and auto equipment , from our favorite cars for parents like three-row SUVs to home EV chargers . Each year, we cycle through dozens of vehicles and drive thousands of miles as we evaluate products for our Family Car Awards and other auto-related content.

To test dash cams, our experts set up devices in their cars at home and assessed their performance, taking note of video quality, field of view and voice control, if applicable. We also evaluated each camera’s size and design and how easy it is to set up and use as well as whether the interface is intuitive. Additionally, we reviewed features such as day and night recording, GPS capabilities and subscription requirements. To learn even more about the latest dash cams, we partnered with fellow Hearst brand, Car and Driver , whose team of auto experts recently tested at least nine dash cams . To narrow down the best ones, they evaluated factors such as ease of installation and set-up on windshields, interface navigation, video quality and extra features. They drove around with each dash cam on a 20-minute set route in both daytime and nighttime conditions to determine which camera performed best in each situation.

What to look for when shopping for the best dash cams

✔️ Number of cameras : Some dash cams only record in front of the vehicle while other dash cams can record multiple angles — front, rear and/or interior. Dash cams that also record the rear of the car can have a second lens built into the front-facing camera or use a separate camera altogether, so make sure you're choosing the best one for your needs and the type of vehicle you drive. A built-in rear camera may have a limited field of view depending on where you choose to put it, but a separate camera has more flexibility in its location so you can find the best configuration.

✔️ Video quality: The higher the video resolution on your camera, the clearer and sharper you can expect your videos to be. Our pros recommend a camera with at least 1080p (or Full HD), but if you need to capture as many details as possible you may want to splurge for a 4k camera. Features like night vision are especially handy for recording in low-light settings and enhancing clarity.

✔️ Field of view : Check the camera's field of view to make sure you're recording the area you want. A larger field of view will capture a wider area, which often comes with a higher price tag. Also take note of the front and rear fields of view as they tend to differ, with the rear camera often having a smaller view field.

✔️ GPS : GPS enables your dash cam to track your location and speed which can be useful if you need to prove how fast you were going in the event of a ticket or accident. Some dash cams can also alert emergency services to your location. Though GPS often makes the price of a dash cam higher, it's a nice extra to have.

✔️ Storage: Most dash cams store video locally on an SD or microSD card, which you can then use to transfer files onto another device. Before purchasing a camera, make sure to factor in the extra cost of a memory card if it's not already included. And because most dash cams will record over old footage when storage is full, our pros suggest using the largest memory card possible to ensure important videos aren't accidentally erased.

✔️ Voice control : Voice control is becoming increasingly popular in dash cams as it allows you to give the dash cam commands such as taking a picture, stopping a recording and more. Some are even integrated with Alexa, but all types of voice control make it possible to be hands-free and not have to fiddle with the screen while driving.

Are dash cams worth it?

Whether you commute to work every day or you’re an Uber or Lyft driver, investing in a dash cam is worth it . In the case of theft, collision or an accident, a dash cam enables you to capture footage around your car (even while it’s parked) that can be used as evidence of safe driving habits or to prove liability in an insurance claim. While the majority of dash cams capture the road ahead, some also include a second and even third camera that faces the rear of the car to record any behavior inside, like misconduct, or events behind the car, like a rear-ended collision.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

This guide was originally written by Jamie Kim , a freelance writer and consumer product expert with almost two decades of experience, including a full-time stint in the GH Institute across multiple Labs. She regularly contributes her product expertise to Good Housekeeping as well as other major publications. When selecting the picks above, she worked closely with former Chief Technologist at the Good Housekeeping Institute, Rachel Rothman , who has extensive training in mechanical engineering and applied mathematics and led tests across several categories including autos.

This story was most recently updated by GH Institute product analyst and writer Olivia Lipski , who covers everything from consumer tech to autos, travel, home and more. To update the picks featured above, she consulted our partners at Car and Driver and the Hearst Autos Gear Team , who have more than 206 years of automotive publishing experience. Hearst Autos combines the forces, talent and knowledge of three of the largest, most influential automotive publications in the world: Autoweek, Car and Driver and Road & Track . The Hearst Autos Gear Team promises to deliver honest evaluations, hands-on tests and product reviews driven by decades of knowledge and experience.

The most recent testing for this story was conducted by Collin Morgan , an associate commerce editor at Hearst Autos, Katherine Keeler , an assistant testing editor at Hearst Autos and Gannon Burgett , an associate testing editor at Heart Autos.

Jamie Ueda is a consumer products expert with over 17 years of experience in areas of product development and manufacturing. She has held leading roles at both mid-size consumer goods companies and one of the most notable and largest apparel brands in the world. Jamie has contributed to several of the GH Institute Labs, including Kitchen Appliances, Media and Tech, Textiles and Home Appliances. In her free time she enjoys cooking, traveling, and working out.

Olivia (she/her) is a media and tech product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute , covering tech, home, auto, health and more. She has more than five years of experience writing about tech trends and innovation and, prior to joining GH in 2021, was a writer for Android Central, Lifewire and other media outlets. Olivia is a graduate of George Washington University, with a bachelor's degree in journalism, political science and French, and she holds a master’s degree in communications from Sciences Po Paris.

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Best dash cams to protect your car in 2024

Roads are dangerous, and a good dash cam can help you keep tabs on everything

• Best overall
• Best compact cam
• Best mid-range cam
• Best for safety
• Best no-frills cam
• Best dual-view cam
• More dash cams
• What to look for
• How we test

1. The list in brief 2. Best dash cam overall 3. Best compact dash cam 4. Best mid-range dash cam 5. Best dash cam for safety 6. Best no-frills dash cam 7. Best dual-view dash cam 8. What to look for 9. How we test

The best dash cams can save you all sorts of problems when you're driving. But all the benefits are meaningless if you're not sure which camera is the right one for your car. After all there are so many different models out there, each with their own unique features and selling points.

Thankfully we've done a lot of dash cam testing and know how all these different cameras work — and what features you need to be looking for. At the very least you need a front-facing camera that can record clear footage in all kinds of weather and light. But that doesn't mean you should discount more premium models, or dash cams with rear and interior recording capabilities

So which dash cams are right for you? Here are our top picks, based on our own personal experience.

The quick list

Here are the best dash cams you can buy right now, based on our own testing and real world usage. You can scroll further down to find our in-depth reviews, with more details about each model.

The best dash cam overall

If money is no object then the Nextbase 622GW has everything you want from a dash cam, and more. Least of which is 4K/120fps video, Alexa and wireless support for other Nextbase cameras.

Read more below

Best compact dash cam

Ideal for drivers who need to minimize the view of the road ahead, but maintain video quality. With voice control, Full HD resolution and a minute stature, the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 is perfect for your needs

Best mid-range dash cam

If you're after a feature-rich dash cam without an excessive price tag, look no further than the Nextbase 522GW. It's done a great job of balancing price and premium features, costing under $250 but maintaining things like 60fps, 2K video and more.

Best dash cam for safety features

Packing in great quality video and a compact design with multiple safety features, the Garmin Dash Cam 57 is perfect if you want a little extra from your sash cam. It may not make your car drive itself, but it could help avoid a few preventable bumps.

Best no-frills dash cam

If you want a dash cam that just works, and doesn't fluff itself up with unnecessary features, the Nextbase 320XR is worth checking out. It's sleek, affordable and most importantly stroll captures what's going on in adequate detail.

Best dual-view dash cam

If you need to record what happens in and out of your car, the Vantrue N2 Pro has you covered. Not only is it affordable, but the Full HD interior camera makes sure you capture everything that happens with crisp video

The full list: Best dash cams you can buy right now

1. Nextbase 622GW

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

If you have money to burn, then the Nextbase 622GW has all the features you could ever want from a dash cam, and more. The design certainly won't set the world on fire, but it has an unparalleled feature set that offers some of the best video quality of any dash cam currently on the market.

The 622GW can record video in 4K /120fps, built-in image stabilization to ensure you have silky-smooth recordings, an extreme weather mode, and a polarizing filter that will minimize reflections that would otherwise spoil your film.

But on top of that it also packs in Alexa voice controls, enhanced night vision, a parking mode that senses collisions when you're parked up, and an emergency SOS service that contacts first responders in the event that the driver is unable to do it themselves. What3Words integration also ensures they know exactly where you are, down to a three meter area.

The 622GW also connects to Nextbase's rear-view camera to see what's going on behind you. Though the fact that this camera costs so much and doesn't offer two way recording by default may irk the more price-conscious among you.

Read our full Nextbase 622GW review

2. Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2

Don't be fooled by its size, the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 packs an awfully powerful punch for something so tiny. It may not have features like a display or GPS, but it does produce great image quality and has voice controls in case you need the camera to do something mid-drive.

Plus like other recent Garmin Dash Cams it can smarten up your car with features like forward collision warning, lane departure warnings, speed camera and stop light notifications, and more. And there's the Garmin Vault, a cloud storage that automatically stores all your recordings in the cloud for safe keeping.

But the biggest strength is its design. The Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 is so dinky you probably won't even notice it on your windscreen. Which means far fewer distractions when you drive.

Read our full Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 review

3. Nextbase 522GW

While the Nextbase 622GW has it beaten on advanced features, there's no denying that the nextbase 522GW offers an impressive practicality and function for a much more palatable price tag. It has fantastic image quality during the day, though night vision can be a little troublesome if there isn't much ambient light.

The camera also features a 3-inch touchscreen for easy use, Alexa voice functionality, an emergency SOS mode and a polarizing filter for better image quality when the sun is a little too bright for the camera to otherwise handle. Like other Nextbase models there's a magnetic Click& Go mount and the option to sync with various rea-view and interior models Nextbase has on sale.

Read our full Nextbase 522GW review

Best dash cam for safety

4. Garmin Dash Cam 57

If you're looking for solid features at a less stomach churning price, there's Garmin's Dash Cam 57. The Garmin Dash Cam 57 packs in all the usual dash cam features, as well as a few more that enhance your recording capabilities and smarten up your car in the process.

If you don't have a a newer car with driver assistance features, this is where the Garmin 57 shines. It packs in a number of safety features including forward collision warnings, lane departure warnings, and alerts when you're coming up to stop lights and speed cameras. It'll also tell you when you're too absent-minded to notice traffic has started moving.

The Garmin 57 also packs in a parking guard, a live view, and an automatic cloud backup that securely stores your recording in the cloud for safe keeping. Tie that in with voice controls, built-in GPS and 1440p video resolution, and you should be able to record all the important details should the worst ever happen.

Plus, like all Garmin dash cams, the Garmin 57 can connect to an additional four cameras to cover other directions.

Read our full Garmin Dash Cam 57 review

5. Nextbase 320XR Dash Cam

Experienced dash cammers might mourn the lack of advanced features or 2K recording, but the Nextbase 320XR makes for a great, no-frills dual camera solution that undercuts many rivals in its class.

Image quality, while not perfect, is more than capable, and its compact, subtle design makes it adaptable for most vehicle needs. If you’re after a reliable, affordable double camera system without the ostentatious box of tricks, and this one solidly fits the bill.

Read our full Nextbase 320XR review

6. Vantrue N2 Pro

If you'd rather save the hassle of having two dash cam modules to cover your front and rear, the Vantrue N2 Pro might be a sold option for you. Not only does it feature an additional lens to cover your rear, it lets you adjust the angle of that lens to better suit the interior of your car.

The overall footage isn't the best quality, with some graininess and lens flare, you'll still end up with crisp, clear videos to keep tabs on what's happening on the roads around you. Of course it's missing a lot of important things, like wireless connectivity of any kind, which will make accessing your videos a little bit more difficult.

But with all the basics on board, and a secondary camera included in the price, then this is a dash cam well worth considering. Especially for the price tag.

Read our full Vantrue N2 Pro review

More of the best dash cams

7. Kenwood DRV-A301W

With a strong design and up to 1080p resolution, the Kenwood DRV-A31W makes a strong case for being the dash cam for your car. Not only can it automatically detect collisions and record footage for safe keeping, it also features a prominent display and on board GPS to log your speed and location at the time.

Better still the Kenwood Dash Cam manager is one of our favorite Dash Cam companion apps. Not only can you connect via a local wireless network to view your saved footage, you can also see a live view of what the camera sees on your screen. Recorded video is also of good quality, though the audio can be a little choppy at times.

It may not have any unique features to set it apart from its rivals, but the Kenwood DRV-A31W does have everything you need in a dash cam — and with an affordable price tag to boot.

Read our full Kenwood DRV-A31W review

8. Vantrue S1 Dash Cam

While it isn't perfect by any means, the Vantrue S1 offers a relatively affordable dual-view dash cam setup, with solid video recording capabilities. Day time video recordings are clear and detailed without any coloring issues, and while fuzzier night time footage is pretty commendable. 

While there are several thing we'd change about the Vantrue S1, including certain design features and the lack of more advanced features, all the important things are there. Solid video and audio, GPS, incident detection, and a 24/7 parking guard. Likewise the menu system is an absolute breeze to use, and features a number of context-sensitive buttons.

So if you're looking for an affordable dual-view dash cam that isn't absolutely terrible, the Vantrue S1 is one to check out.

Read our full Vantrue S1 review

9. Car & Driver Road Patrol Touch Duo

A solid mid-range effort Car & Driver, with an impressive array of features and an OLED touchscreen — a rare sight on dash cams in general, especially at this price. There's also a flexible camera setup, and the ability to record crisp, clear footage in full HD resolution.

Some of the features don't work as well as they could, and the camera itself feels rather flimsy, while the Patrol Touch Duo misses crucial features like GPS and Wi-Fi. Still if you need a dual view camera with solid video quality and all the staple dash cam features, this is worth your consideration.

Read our full Car and Driver Patrol Touch Duo review

10. Nexar Beam

if you're looking for something that offers crisp video footage, a discreet and compact design, all for a low price, then the Nexar Beam GPS dash cam might be the one for you. Not only is it a solid and affordable dash cam, it also comes with unlimited access to Nexar's cloud storage platform — so you don't need to worry about preserving your footage after an incident.

The companion app isn't great, and it can be tricky to access your cloud space, at first. But as imperfect as it might be the Nexar Beam is still a sold choice that does everything you need out of a dash cam.

Read our full Nexar Beam GPS review

What to look for in a dash cam

You may not need a dash cam that comes with 4K resolution or various smart features. But at the very least you're going to want a camera that records good quality video and can automatically detect whenever you get into an accident.

Thankfully the vast majority of them do this, so it's all about asking yourself what extras you need — and whether they're worth the additional cost. GPS is one feature you might think about skipping, though it can still be useful. After all GPS can log exactly where an accident took place, and how fast you were moving at the time. Knowing both things can work in your favor under the right circumstances.

Likewise voice controls can be invaluable if you need to be able to control your camera mid-drive. After all not all incidents lead to collisions, and it's useful to be able to record evidence of wrongdoing without having to mess about with your camera.

Lastly you may want to check whether the dash cam you have can connect to other cameras. After all cars come from all directions, and it helps to be able to keep a log of things coming at you from different directions. Especially from the rear, where you probably won't see danger coming.

How we test dash cams

Every dash cam you see in this list has been tested and reviewed to ensure that the best dash cams really are the best. We look at every step involved in owning a dash cam, from setup all the way to actually having to pull your footage from the memory card.

The testing begins by setting up the camera, and judging it depending on how easy or difficult the whole process is. We also spend extensive time on the road, day and night, to collect footage and make an informed judgement on how each camera performs in a variety of real world conditions. 

We also assess each camera's design and companion software (if it has any) throughout this process, and asses what impact it has on day to day use. Finally we collect the footage from the camera, which can be via a companion app or by manually transferring the microSD card to a different machine. The ease or difficulty in which this happens also factors into our final score, as do any additional features the camera may or may not have.

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Tom is the Tom's Guide's UK Phones Editor, tackling the latest smartphone news and vocally expressing his opinions about upcoming features or changes. It's long way from his days as editor of Gizmodo UK, when pretty much everything was on the table. He’s usually found trying to squeeze another giant Lego set onto the shelf, draining very large cups of coffee, or complaining about how terrible his Smart TV is.

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• ImpliedConsent Sadly, I tried to use Tom's as a true "guide" and we run into this kind of article. It "Googled" towards the top, so, I've trusted Tom's before. These dashcams are not even in the running for anything "best". @Tom Pritchard ... seriously? Reply

ImpliedConsent said: Sadly, I tried to use Tom's as a true "guide" and we run into this kind of article. It "Googled" towards the top, so, I've trusted Tom's before. These dashcams are not even in the running for anything "best". @Tom Pritchard ... seriously?

• Kenwood_Dashcams_Are_Bad The Kenwood is terrible. I made the mistake of buying it because it was all my installer offered. I thought at least the thing would work. It only records intermittently, dropping whole half-hour chunks out of a trip. The customer service is even worse. Do not buy any dashcam from Kenwood. Reply
• View All 3 Comments

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Best Dash Cams

You can spend a lot or a little on one of these digital documenters of your driving. But we found you mostly get what you pay for.

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The World Health Organization’s report on road safety in 2023 shows that road traffic deaths have fallen by 5 percent since 2010. But having a dash cam that captures video of crashes and interactions with law enforcement is always a good idea. If you’re a parent, you can also use a dash cam to record where—and at what speeds—young members of your household are driving.

• Best Dash Cams: Editor's Choice Best Value Best for Parents Free and Loaded With Features
• Other Dash Cams We Tried
• How We Evaluated Dash Cams
• How to Shop For a Dash Cam

These compact cameras are specifically designed for automotive use and create a video record of whatever goes on in front of the car, such as oncoming traffic and crossing pedestrians. Some come with a rear-mounted unit that records activity behind the car and can double as a backup camera, which is handy if your vehicle isn’t already equipped with one. Some also record minute to minute how fast you’re going, and track GPS coordinates to indicate precisely where you’ve been. Many can also record what’s taking place inside the cabin.

You probably won’t get a discount on your auto insurance for using a dash cam, but the video it records can be used to dispute speeding tickets, as evidence or supporting documentation when filing insurance claims, or in legal proceedings related to crashes and other incidents.

New models are continually coming to market, from simple forward-camera-only ones to those with touchscreens and voice integration.

We evaluated three dash cams and one dash cam app to find out which ones are genuinely useful and which are just a disappointing gizmo that might end up unused in your glove box. We discovered that it’s a challenge to find the sweet spot between price, features, and ease of use that lets you feel that you’re getting the most for your money.

With dash cams, it turns out the maxim is true: You get what you pay for. Below, you’ll find reviews of the best dash cams from our tests.

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The 8 Best Dash Cams Keep Everyone Honest After an Accident

With real-time viewing and impact detection, modern dash cams are more than just a second set of eyes on the road.

In driving and in life, a little preparation goes a long way. Installing a dash cam, which monitors the front (and often the interior) of your vehicle in the event of a theft or accident, is an easy and affordable way to protect yourself, your passengers, and your investment if calamity strikes.

So whether you’re looking to add safety and accountability while your vehicle is in motion, give yourself peace of mind when it’s parked, or you simply want a camera to capture your next epic road trip , we’ve got a dash cam for you.

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The Best Dash Cams

• Best Overall: Nextbase 622GW Dash Cam
• Best Value: 70mai A800S Dash Cam
• Best for Easy Setup: Garmin Dash Cam 57
• Best For Rideshare Drivers: Vantrue N4 Pro 3-Channel Dash Cam
• Best For New Drivers: Garmin Dash Cam Live

The Expert (Dan Bracaglia) : I’m a consumer technology journalist specializing in digital imaging. I’ve reviewed cameras of all shapes and sizes for Digital Photography Review, Best Products, and the Wall Street Journal, among others.

The Expert (Elvis Desai): Elvis Desai is a Senior Forensics Engineer at YA Engineering Services, specializing in automotive accident reconstruction. He works with dash cam footage and data to test vehicle safety. Desai holds a Master of Science in Automotive Systems Engineering with a specialty in Vehicle Safety from Kettering University.

The Expert (Edward J. Primeau): Ed Primeau is an audio and video forensics expert and the founder and co-owner of Primeau Forensics . He’s contributed commentary and analysis on forensic evidence from many high-profile investigations to news media organizations across the country. Of course, not all of Primeau’s work makes international news. He frequently reviews dash cam footage when investigating automobile accidents on behalf of insurance companies, police departments and other organizations.

What to Consider in a Dash Cam

How we evaluated the best dash dams, our full dash cam reviews, dash cam q+a with our experts, .css-zjsofe{-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;background-color:#ffffff;border:0;border-bottom:none;border-top:thin solid #cdcdcd;color:#000;cursor:pointer;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;font-style:inherit;font-weight:inherit;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;padding-bottom:0.3125rem;padding-top:0.3125rem;scroll-margin-top:0rem;text-align:left;width:100%;}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-zjsofe{scroll-margin-top:3.375rem;}} .css-jtmji2{border-radius:50%;width:1.875rem;border:thin solid #6f6f6f;height:1.875rem;padding:0.4rem;margin-right:0.625rem;} .css-jlx6sx{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;width:0.9375rem;height:0.9375rem;margin-right:0.625rem;-webkit-transform:rotate(90deg);-moz-transform:rotate(90deg);-ms-transform:rotate(90deg);transform:rotate(90deg);-webkit-transition:-webkit-transform 250ms ease-in-out;transition:transform 250ms ease-in-out;} number of cameras.

The basic dash cam is designed to capture video from directly in front of a vehicle through the windshield. Increasingly, more advanced dash cams have two cameras–one to capture the road ahead and a second to simultaneously capture the cabin.

“These cameras are valuable for rideshare drivers and those concerned with capturing events inside the vehicle,” notes Primeau, “such as passenger behavior or interactions, which can be critical in certain accident scenarios.”

In addition, many dash cam models give you the ability to buy and sync up multiple units to shoot footage from your rear window or other perspectives. With a forward-facing camera in the front and a rear-facing camera in the back, you are more likely to get clear footage of important details like faces and license plates, even if the cabin camera isn’t in use.

Video Quality

The first thing you should check on any dash cam is its video resolution. With higher quality video, you can see more detail at a glance, which can be important when you only catch a crucial detail on camera for a moment.

Ideally, your dash cam should shoot in “4K Ultra High-Definition” (4K UHD). If you’re looking at budget-conscious models, look for “Quad High-Definition” (QHD), also known as 1440p. A 4K UHD video is made from four times as many pixels as the same thing shot in 1080p.

“When pixel information is sparse, it’s very difficult, if not impossible, to enhance a video to identify a vehicle or recover a license plate,” says Primeau.

Higher definition doesn’t automatically translate to better video quality, though, especially in challenging lighting conditions. All of the models we’ve included here offer a competent “night vision” mode, which enhances clarity in low light, when contrast is minimal.

You should also pay attention to your dash cam’s field of view, which indicates how much peripheral coverage it can capture. Ideally, you should look for a camera that covers a wide enough area to take in the full width of your windshield, but not so wide that the video looks distorted. Our experts recommend using a 140-155 degree field of view to achieve the best balance between coverage and picture quality.

Lastly, you’ll want to make sure your dash can capture audio in addition to video. While video is often most crucial in analyzing crash footage, audio can also be telling.

It’s important to understand how your dash cam stores the footage it records, and how you can transfer it to other devices for safekeeping. Most dash cams primarily rely on  MicroSD cards  to store footage locally. This will allow you to remove the card and transfer files whenever you need them.

Some dash cams will come with a small MicroSD card–16-32GB–but we always recommend springing for the largest MicroSD card your dash cam will accept. All dash cams feature “loop recording,” so they start to delete old video files when they run out of storage to ensure they can always record something important. By using the largest possible card, you decrease the possibility of accidentally losing an important video.

The difference between the default MicroSD card that may or may not come with your camera and the larger card you purchase on your own can be massive. The Nextbase 622GW, our top pick, can store up to 5.5 hours of 4K footage on a 128GB card before deleting older videos. A 256GB card, the largest capacity the Nextbase accepts, can hold up to 12 hours.

Keep in mind, though, that lower resolution video takes up less space. For example, Garmin Dash Mini 2 shoots in Full HD, so it can store up to 17 hours of footage using a 128GB card, and up to 33.8 hours using a 256GB SD.

In addition to local storage, some dash cams will back up all saved video files in the cloud. This saves you the trouble of needing to transfer your files from the camera to a computer. However, it’s worth noting that automatic cloud backups are usually part of a paid subscription from the manufacturer. 

Garmin’s standard Vault subscription plan, for instance, saves all your videos to the cloud for up to seven days at a cost of $4.99 a month. Step up to the advanced plan for $9.99 a month and Garmin will hang on to your footage for 30 days.

Not all dash cam mounts are created equal. The best ones stick to the top of the windshield using either an adhesive mount or a suction cup. While some of the dash cams in our guide can be mounted on the dash itself, all are primarily meant to be affixed to your windshield near the rearview mirror.

Most adhesive mounts feature some sort of quick-release system to easily remove the camera, while leaving your mount in place. This makes it easy to remove your MicroSD card, which can be damaged by extreme heat and cold. We also prefer smaller mounts, which cover the windshield as little as possible, and tend to stay in place longer.

You don’t technically need a screen on a dash cam, but many folks find that it makes the device easier to set up and operate. You can also easily review footage on the fly, without having to pull out your phone and connect to a companion app. Experts like Desai recommend models with screens for more practical reasons, “You can see the icons and if it's recording properly.”

That said, don’t automatically dismiss a dash cam just because it doesn’t have a screen. Cams like the  Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2  still provide great coverage, and have the advantage of being more discreet, meaning, they’re less likely to be spotted by thieves. Without a screen, though, dash cams live and die by their companion software.

Companion App

Most dash cams receive essential support from a smartphone companion app, which allows you to view video playback, adjust settings, and download saved footage. Finding an app that’s intuitive and easy to use can make or break your experience, and their quality can vary quite a bit from brand to brand.

Garmin’s Drive app, for instance, works reasonably well: Pairing a device is straightforward, navigating the app is intuitive enough, and most importantly, it's stable. Other apps, like those from Vantrue and 70mai, feature clunky controls and have trouble maintaining the connection between dash cam and phone. 

You rarely need the app to capture footage and offload it onto a device using a MicroSD card, but you’ll miss out on a lot of functionality if you don’t use it.

Mid-tier and high-end dash cams frequently have built-in GPS sensors to add location data to a video recording. This information can be vital after an accident has occurred.

“Capturing location data through GPS is crucial for providing context to dash cam footage. It helps establish the precise location of an incident, which is critical for accident reconstruction and legal purposes,” Primeau says. “Location data can corroborate or challenge eyewitness accounts and provide valuable insights into the sequence of events during an accident.

“Some models, like the  Nextbase 622GW , can even beam your GPS location to emergency personnel if you’re incapacitated.

Budget dash cams tend to forgo GPS to cut down on costs. Some models, like the Garmin Mini 2, sidestep the issue by pulling data from your smartphone's GPS antenna. Of course, you’ll need to have your smartphone on you and paired to the device to make the most of this feature.

You should look for a dash cam with an onboard G-sensor, which allows your dash cam to detect any bumps or impacts to the car when you aren’t inside. Dash cams with this feature should be able to wake up and start recording when motion is detected, even when the car is off. Most manufacturers call this “parking mode.”

Power and Connectivity

Modern dash cams require continuous power to capture and store footage on the go, though many have small built-in batteries or capacitors that take over when an emergency occurs (like when an impact disables your car’s battery). Out-of-the-box, all of the dash cams in this guide can plug into a car’s standard 12-volt socket or a USB port.

If you want your dash cam to have power when no key is in the ignition, enabling “parking mode,” you’ll need to hook it up to your car’s battery power via an  OBD-II port , which you can typically find under the dashboard on the driver’s side. It’s primarily used to  access a car’s onboard computer  when diagnosing mechanical problems, but can also be used to power a device.

Depending on the car and model, you may need to purchase an additional cable to connect the camera this way. On the plus side, it’s usually easy to install with a YouTube tutorial and a little elbow grease (unless you drive a Bugatti.) If you already have something slotted in the OBD-II, like an insurance tracker, you may want to look into getting a  splitter .

Temperature Rating

If you plan to leave your dash cam in the car at all times, take a second to check the temperature rating or the manufacturer-quoted range in which it can safely be stored or operated.

The best models should work reliably when the temperature drops below freezing, or in extreme heat, up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Generally speaking, dash cam models that use a capacitor for backup power tend to be more stable at high temperatures than those with built-in battery backup. Unsurprisingly, they also tend to cost more.

I selected the best dash cams based primarily on the insights and information I received from Desai and Primeau. I also spoke to several rideshare drivers to find out what dash cam features they rely on most.

Lastly, I checked expert reviews from leading automotive and technology publications, including Car & Driver, CNET, Tom’s Guide, and PCMag, as well as user reviews from several online retailers.

Nextbase 622GW Dash Cam

The Nextbase 622GW checks all of the above boxes and then some. It captures in crisp 4K, producing detailed footage in both bright and low-light conditions, the latter of which comes courtesy of an impressive night vision mode. It also features a 3-inch touch screen, which has an intuitive interface.

This pick also opens the door for a wider range of complex setups. For not too much more cash ($100), you can add additional cameras to film the interior or out the back window of your vehicle. And, like most of the models here, installation of a relatively affordable ($30) accessory hardwire kit unlocks even more features, like the ability to monitor your car and begin capture when something occurs, even while you’re away.

In the event of an accident, the 622GW features SOS mode, which will call and send GPS coordinates to emergency personnel in the event of an accident, even if you’re unresponsive. It also features a built-in battery that can power the camera in the event the car battery is disabled. That battery has a tendency to fail in extreme heat, though, so you definitely don’t want to leave it baking in the hot Texas summer sun. That caveat aside, this is among the most well-rounded dash cams out there.

70mai A800S Dash Cam

For less than $150, the 70mai A800S captures clear 4K video, even in less-than-ideal lighting. It’s also fairly feature-packed for the price, with dual-channel support, built-in GPS, driver assist warnings, and more. You can easily review videos in the car or adjust all of these settings using its built-in 3-inch display. You can enable parking mode, though it requires a $20 hardwire kit .

The great price and solid features come with a few caveats, though. Users report that the 70mai companion app has both connectivity and UI issues on iOS and Android . It also struggles in sub-freezing temperatures, so make sure to take it out of your car during the winter. All that aside, the A800S offers a lot of functionality and high-resolution video for a very affordable price. That’s not too shabby.

Garmin Dash Cam 57

The Garmin Dash Cam 57 has been on the market for a couple of years, but it still stands out as an appealing option for drivers who want a small and straightforward video capture setup. Recording in QHD (1440p), the footage isn’t quite as detailed as our top picks, but it delivers sharp daytime footage. Things get a little grainy at night and in inclement weather, but the quality should be usable in an emergency.

I personally love that, at 2.2- by 1.6- by 0.9-inches, the Dash Cam 57 is compact and discreet. Compared to the size of the device, the 2-inch display feels huge. I would’ve preferred a touch screen, but this unit has voice-activated controls that make it easy to adjust on the road. Plus, the 57 also plays nice with the Garmin Drive app, which is far more intuitive after a recent overhaul.

Even a simple dash cam should have some special features, though, right? The Dash Cam 57 features a host of driver assist notifications, like lane departure warnings, forward collision warnings, and “go” reminders. You also get parking mode, which will capture 15 seconds of footage if an impact with your vehicle is detected.

Vantrue N4 Pro 3-Channel Dash Cam

With three cameras to cover the front, back, and interior of your vehicle, the Vantrue N4 Pro is the perfect choice for rideshare drivers or anyone who wants full coverage of their vehicle while driving.

Its primary, front-facing camera captures in 4K resolution, while the two secondary cameras record in Full HD. While that isn’t ideal, the secondary cameras have features that cater to their specific uses: The interior-facing camera has an infrared mode that switches on in the dark. The rear camera supports high-dynamic range (HDR) processing to minimize blown-out lighting and grainy shadows. Both secondary cameras also have wider fields of view, allowing you to visualize the interior and behind your car.

You also get plenty of useful bells and whistles. The N4 Pro features voice control, GPS, a 3-inch display, and a functional, but slightly clunky companion app. It also supports parking mode with motion detection if you install the optional hardwire kit .

That said, this unit features an internal capacitor that allows it to record after an impact without a direct connection to power. With three cameras and so many useful features, the Vantrue N4 Pro keeps an eye on every part of your car, inside and out.

Garmin Dash Cam Live

The new Garmin Dash Cam Live is one of the most feature-rich options out there, with the unique, tech-driven functionality to keep new drivers safe. Its signature highlight is the ability to watch what your camera is looking at at any time on your phone via livestream. That may give peace of mind to anxious parents who want to check on their kids during their first weeks on the road. It also allows you to track your car’s location via GPS, and get alerts if your car moves when your phone isn’t inside.

All of those outstanding features come with an annoying catch. Most of them are only enabled when you pay a monthly LTE subscription. The $9.99 subscription also backs up your recordings to the cloud, and enables additional notifications.

Beyond its smart features, the Dash Cam Live is a decent, fully-featured dash cam. The QHD camera works surprisingly well in daylight and decent in low light. It also offers a laundry list of useful features, including voice-activated controls and parking mode. We certainly understand if you balk at paying a monthly fee, but the Dash Cam Live delivers the kind of features that are worth a subscription.

Garmin Dash Mini 2

Though it’s a bit older than the other options on this list, the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 remains the obvious choice for drivers who want a small, discreet dash cam. Thanks to its tiny 1.2- by 2.1- by 1.1-inch footprint and suction cup mount, you can set it and forget it in a flash. It’s also easy to move from vehicle to vehicle.

The small footprint obviously creates some limitations. At Full HD (1080p), it has the lowest resolution of any of our picks. It lacks a display, which may frustrate some users while adjusting settings. It also doesn’t have GPS support, which limits its functionality beyond basic recording.

The problems aren’t as bad as they sound, though. The video resolution is still clear in daylight and stays generally readable in low light. Though it doesn’t have any onboard controls, Garmin’s Drive app makes it easy to control settings with voice commands, review recordings, and handle storage transfers. (Like the other Garmin cams, you can also enable cloud backups with a Garmin Vault subscription.) This dash cam puts nearly everything we look for in a dash cam in the smallest possible package.

Escort MAXcam 360c

If you want a dash cam and a radar detector , Escort MAXcam 360c combines both functions into one effective device. A trusted brand in the radar detector space, the Escort MAXcam 360c can pick up all major police bands and alert you to laser detection. It doesn’t have the same functionality as the new and improved Escort MAXcam 360c Mk II , our favorite radar detector, but experts and users agree this is still one of the best options out there.

But what about video performance? The QHD camera performs well during the day, and reasonably well at night. Given that it’s a combo, the MAXcam 360c doesn’t have a luxurious feature set, but it has a G-sensor, so it will start capturing footage in the event an impact is detected.

That said, unlike other models in this guide, there’s no backup power source, so if a collision disables the car battery, you won’t be able to record. Still, this is a great option for folks who want to keep an eye out for speed traps as they record the road ahead.

Thinkware X1000 Front + Rear Dash Cam

If you prefer not to connect your dash cam to your phone, the Thinkware X1000 is a robust, dual-sided dash cam with plenty of features, and is relatively easy to use without an app. It sports a large 3.5-inch touch display and a straightforward onboard user interface.

Both the front- and rear-facing cameras record in QHD, though they work surprisingly well in less-than-ideal driving conditions. The Thinkware X1000 also boasts an impressive temperature rating (thanks to a capacitor), parking mode, and an optional GPS accessory that unlocks a range of driver-assist features. It even comes with a 32GB MicroSD card to store and transfer your footage.

Unfortunately, this dash cam comes with one big caveat. You’ll need to wire the rear camera to your car’s electrical system, which requires either better-than-average automotive know-how or professional installation. Once it’s set up, though, the X1000 is easy to use.

What’s The Best Place to Mount a Dash Cam?

According to Primeau, you should set your dash cam up directly behind your rearview mirror. “The goal is to get some of the vehicle hood recorded (unless you are driving a van) and as much of the road as possible.”

Primeau notes the importance of a high-quality mount, “Secure mounting is essential to prevent the camera from shifting or falling during sudden stops or collisions.”

Will Plugging My Dash Cam Into My Car’s OBD-II Port Drain The Vehicle Battery?

You don’t need to worry about it. If your car’s off, the dash cam should only switch on if an impact is detected, and record for just a short time. It shouldn’t use much power. Also, most modern car computers will cut power to the OBD-II port if the car battery’s charge gets too low.

Should I leave my dash cam in the car when parked or take it inside?

That depends. Do you live in a location with frequent vehicle break-ins? If so, it may not be the best idea to leave your dash cam unattended overnight. Like other electronics, a visible dash cam might attract car thieves, rather than deter them. After all, footage of a break-in isn’t all that useful if the camera and memory card are stolen.

That said, your dash cam’s parked car monitoring feature makes it useful to leave it up and running overnight, recording any car dings or dents your car while you’re parked. If you leave your dash cam in 24/7, make sure it's set up in an inconspicuous manner that doesn’t draw attention from passersby.

Dan Bracaglia is a writer and photographer living in Seattle, Washington. An expert in photography and service journalism, he's been writing about technology since 2010 for publications including A merican Photo , Digital Photography Review, Popular Photography , Popular Science, Sound & Vision and others. Moonlighting as a freelance photojournalist, Dan has also covered everything from the NCAA Women's Basketball National Championship to presidential speeches to stadium rock concerts. But there's nothing he enjoys photographing more than friends and family. 

Elvis Desai  is a Senior Forensics Engineer at YA Engineering Services, specializing in automotive accident reconstruction. He works with dash cam footage and data to test vehicle safety. Desai holds a Master of Science in Automotive Systems Engineering with a specialty in Vehicle Safety from Kettering University.

Desai has experience conducting complex three-dimensional accident reconstruction. He is qualified to download and analyze all types of Event Data Recorders and Bosch Crash Data Retrieval (CDR) data. He holds Certification to download and interpret EDR data from heavy-duty vehicles. Mr. Desai also has experience working with photogrammetry, 3D designs, and video editing software for accident reconstruction purposes.

Edward Primeau is an audio and video forensics expert and the founder and co-owner of Primeau Forensics . He’s contributed commentary and analysis on forensic evidence from many high-profile investigations to news media organizations across the country, including Trayvon Martin/George Zimmerman, Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, United Airlines Flight 93, and the JonBenet Ramsey case. He’s also appeared on The History Channel’s The Proof is Out There (2021) as a forensic audio specialist.  Of course, not all of Primeau’s work makes international news. He frequently reviews dash cam footage when investigating automobile accidents on behalf of insurance companies, police departments and other organizations.

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Long story short – from driver to drivers

I often drive a car with the navigation displayed on my phone, which is mounted in a holder on the windshield. It occurred to me that it would be possible to turn on background recording and use the phone as a car camera. I started looking for an app on Google Play that could record in the background, was stable, and could be easily set up. I tested a lot of Dash Cam apps from Google Play, but none suited me, so I decided to write my own app. User-friendly Dash Cam Travel application used as a car camera to the windscreen of a car for daily riding. Dash cameras are the most objective eyewitnesses on the road.

The Best Features

Information top bar

Displays all important information such as: date, time, speed, recording length, current battery status, current current, altitude, free space, device temperature monitor, custom text on the screen (license plate or car name), name of your current location. In the settings, you can turn on / off the display of some information.

Acceleration

Record your acceleration, time and g-force and see the results on the screen or in the recorded video.

• 0 – 50 km/h / 30 MPH • 0 – 100 km/h / 60 MPH • 0 – 200 km/h / 125 MPH • 0 – MAX km/h / MAX MPH

Record your braking from current speed to 0 km/h / MPH and look g-force, deceleration and braking distance on the screen or in the recorded video.

Ultra-wide angle

Switch quickly between cameras direct on the screen. From Android 11 You can also use a ultra-wide angle camera if your manufacturer allows it.

Inclinometer

Record the tilt (pitch angle + roll angle) of the vehicle with an inclinometer in the hills or mountains and see the results on the screen or in the recorded video. Suitable for off-road vehicles.

Loop recording

Record in a loop and save space on your phone. Old records will be automatically overwritten by new ones. Max. length of video: disabled / 1-60 min. Recording continues automatically with the new file. Max. number of records: disabled / 2-30. Automatically deletes old files. One click permanently saves the record from the loop.

Automatic deletion of old files

Keep recordings on the device for only N days and save space on your phone.

Auto-Start / Auto-Stop

Depending on the defined conditions, the application can start or stop recording. Auto-start condition(s): typically over-speed 15 km/h / 9 MPH + power supply connected. Auto-start action: typically background recording. Auto-stop condition(s): typically speed 0 km/h / MPH + power supply disconnected.

Recording with graphics

Recording with graphics means that all the important information which you see on the screen will be in the recorded video.

Recording without graphics

Recording without graphics means that all the important information which you see on the screen will not be in the recorded video.

Recording in the background

Background recording with notification displayed. You may have another application, such as navigation, displayed in the foreground.

Recording via desktop shortcuts

Desktop shortcuts for quick launch recording without graphics, with graphics or in the background. To display the menu, simply hold your finger on the app icon on the home screen.

List of directories

List of the days with colored labels. Simple and clear.

List of files

See all your videos and photos from your travels! View all data from your trip like total distance, max. speed, average speed, max. altitude, starting / ending address.

Recorded route in Google Maps

Show your recorded route in Google Maps with a graphical speed layer.

Optional graphics on the screen

Select the information that you want to display on the screen and be part of the recorded video.

YouTube Auto-Upload

Back up all your recorded videos to YouTube and save space on your phone.

Lock screen

Day / Night theme

The theme automatically adapts to your system. Benefits: visible during the day and does not dazzle during the night. Can reduce power usage by a significant amount (depending on the device’s screen technology). Improves visibility for users with low vision and those who are sensitive to bright light. Makes it easier for anyone to use a device in a low-light environment.

The application is translated into several world languages, see below. The translations are constantly improved by the community. If you want to improve an existing translation or create a new one, write me an e-mail.

🇨🇿 CZ | 🇩🇪 DE | 🇬🇧 🇺🇸 EN | 🇪🇸 ES | 🇫🇷 FR | 🇭🇺 HU | 🇭🇷 HR | 🇮🇹 IT | 🇵🇱 PL | 🇵🇹 PT | 🇷🇺 RU | 🇹🇷 TR

Other features

• 4K, 2K, FullHD, HD, VGA
• Timelapse 2x, 5x
• Infinity focus – not focusing on the windshield
• Portrait / landscape mod
• Recording with / without sound
• Front / Back camera
• Taking a photo while recording
• Auto-switch to background recording without audio when an user accepts incoming call
• Simple structure of folders and files by date of creation.

4K, 2K, FullHD, HD, VGA | Timelapse 2x, 5x | Infinity focus – not focusing on the windshield | Portrait / landscape mod | Recording with / without sound | Front / Back camera | Taking a photo while recording | Geotagging | Auto-switch to background recording without audio when an user accepts incoming call | Simple structure of folders and files by date of creation.

Real reviews

Easy way to use your phone as dash cam – install guide, 🚀 share your video with us.

• 1. Check if your video is recorded with graphics overlay .
• 2. Upload the video on the internet e.g. WeTransfer , Google Disk , Dropbox , ...
• 3. Send us an email ( ) with a link to download the video.

Social media

⭐ Dash Cam Travel wishes you a happy journey.

© 2016 - 2024 Dash Cam Travel

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Best front and rear dash cams in 2024: two-way protection for you and your vehicle

The best front and rear dash cams let you capture footage in front and behind your vehicle

The Quick List

Best overall.

• Best image quality

Best for features

Best for value, best for expandability, best for alexa-integration.

• How to choose
• How we test

The Quick List ↩ 1. Best overall 2. Best for image quality 3. Best for features 4. Best for value 5. Best for expandability 6. Best for Alexa integration How to choose How we test

A single dash cam recording the road ahead through your windscreen is better than nothing (and you can check our guide to the best dash cams to find one)… But what about a second camera recording rearwards too?

This is where the two-channel, front-and-rear dash cam system comes into play. Fitted to both the front and rear screens, they record the road ahead and the road behind, with the latter useful for determining blame after a rear-end collision.

Sometimes also known as 2CH dash cams, these systems often include a regular forward-facing camera with a smaller rear camera. The resolution of the second camera is usually lower than the front, and it attaches to the forward camera with a long cable.

This means two-channel dash cam systems often require professional installation, or at the very least they need their long cable tucking into the gaps between and behind the interior panels and roof lining of your car. They are then powered either by a single cable attached to the front camera and your car’s 12v lighter socket, or by a hardwiring kit that draws power from the vehicle’s fuse box. The latter is best installed by a professional. Some two- or three-channel dash cams are powered by the car’s OBD port, which is a more accessible means of delivering constant power.

Rear cameras usually stick to the rear screen with an adhesive pad. Some models offer a lot of adjustability, while others need to be positioned carefully to get a perfect view. Although rare, we’ve seen a handful of dash cams where the rear camera is weather-resistant and designed to attach to the rear of the car, close to the license plate.

Although inherently more expensive than an equivalent one-channel dash cam, front-and-rear systems are available at many price points, from under $100 to over $500. It’s also possible to buy a front-facing dash cam, and then expand the system with a compatible rear camera at a later date. 

If you want to only cover the front of your vehicle, we also have a guide to the best dash cams for single-direction recording. Then there’s also our guide to the best budget dash cams if you want to spend less money.

Alistair is a technology and automotive journalist who has reviewed dozens of dash cams over the years. Whether they are $20 or $400, he has tried and tested dash cams from companies like Garmin, Thinkware and Nextbase, as well as lesser-known brands. Every model is fitted to his car and used as if his own before it is reviewed, and then judged if suitable as a recommendations in one of our buying guides. With over a decade of experience, Alistair also writes for Wired, Forbes, T3, and The Independent. A typical week includes reviewing light switches, Lamborghinis, and everything in-between.

The Thinkware U1000 dash cam is a hugely impressive piece of kit that gets our top-spot recommendation. It can record footage in UHD 4K at 30fps or 2K 1440p at silky-smooth 60fps. Both are great, although opting for the lower resolution and higher frame rate can make it easier to see detail in paused frames of the footage, and keep file sizes lower.

Read more below ↓

There are an increasing number of dash cams that promise 4K video capture, but often these give disappointing results. Not so the Cobra which greatly impressed us when we reviewed it. It offers built-in Alexa support and GPS too.

This is a luxury priced dash cam, and although it has a cabin camera as standard, you have to pay extra for the rear camera. The key selling point is 4G cellular connectivity - so you get 24/7 surveillance even when parked up. Read more below ↓

This isn't a budget dash cam , but it is less expensive than most other two-camera alternatives. The front camera is one of the best around, offering 4K - and boasting great dynamic range and night vision to great results in bad lighting conditions.

This replaces the 66W, which was already one of our favorites. It can be used as a regular front-facing dashcam, but it can be used as a dual dashcam, too. That's thanks to Garmin’s smart Dash Cam Auto Sync expandability feature, where up to four compatible cameras can be set to record at the same time.

The Nextbase 622GW dash cam comes in-built with Amazon Alexa assistance. This means you can tell the dash cams to start recording, as well as ask Alexa on other devices for directions,  play music, get weather updates, make a call, and so on. And as you don’t want distractions while driving, this is one situation when voice control really is handy.

Best front and rear dash cams in 2024

Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.

1. Thinkware U1000

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

✅ You want top-quality video: the U1000 records forwards at 4K and rearwards at 1440p

✅ You need safety camera warnings: it beeps when you’re approaching speed cameras and junctions with red light cameras

❌ You’re on a tight budget: although sometimes discounted, the U1000 kit usually costs over $300 

❌ You want a screen: recordings can only be viewed on the phone app, or by transferring them to your computer

🔎 The Thinkware U1000 is a top-notch system that records high-quality video. It also has a discreet and compact design that, when professionally installed, looks like it was fitted to your car at the factory. ★★★★ ½ ⯨

The Thinkware U1000 dash cam is a hugely impressive piece of kit that gets my top-spot recommendation. It can record footage in UHD 4K at 30fps or 2K 1440p at silky-smooth 60fps. Both are great, although opting for the lower resolution and higher frame rate might make it easier to see detail in paused frames of the footage, and also keeps the file sizes lower.

This is a setup with an optional rear camera, which shoots 2K 1440p at 30fps and does so through a lens with a decent 156-degree field of view, giving you a wide latitude for seeing what's going on behind your vehicle. 

I found it to be a pleasingly compact and unobtrusive unit, so won't be distracting or get in the way. Just stick it to your rear screen and forget about it.

A suite of handy features like GPS, speed-camera detection and average speed warnings make the Thinkware U1000 a tempting proposition for the vast majority of users. 

It's a fairly large unit, however, and there are definitely smaller options available on this list, like the Garmin 67W, but if this doesn't bother you then it's highly recommended.

Read more: Thinkware U1000 review

• Back to the top ⇪

Best for image quality

2. Cobra SC 400D

✅ You want 4K and a display: it shoots at 4K, and adds in a screen for those who want it

✅ You need a wide field-of-view: few dash cams record a view as wide as this one, thanks to its 170-degree lens.

❌ You’re on a tight budget: this is an expensive dash cam set-up

❌ You’re prone to distraction: unusually, the screen of the Cobra cannot be switched off.

🔎 Thia is a very good dash cam that feels well made. I especially like its video quality, and the inclusion of GPS, Wifi and Alexa voice assistant.  ★★★★⯨ ½ ⯨

The Cobra SC 400D is a chunky-looking front/rear dash cam, but what impressed me most was the quality of the footage from the 4K front camera. 

In my full review, I noted that it is sharp, bright, and nicely balanced, with minimal grain and a great amount of detail in the recorded footage – a revelation compared to some 4K dash cams that often overpromise and underdeliver when it comes to their video performance. 

The rear camera offers a slightly narrower field of view, and an inferior Full HD image quality - but there is still plenty to like here. The integrated GPS and Alexa features are particularly welcome.

Cobra isn’t as well known for dash cams as rival manufacturers such as Garmin, Nextbase and Thinkware – but I wouldn't let that put you off. It’s not as clever as the pricier Nextbase iQ, nor is it as compact as the Garmin 67W, but I think the SC 400D does a great job nonetheless.

Read more: Cobra SC 400D review

3. Nextbase iQ

✅ You want a security camera for your car: the iQ acts as a 4G-connected security camera, ready to alert you via a phone app and start recording the moment it spots (or feels) something.

✅ You need an interior camera too: the iQ records forwards and into the interior from the main unit. A third camera for the rear is available separately and connects with a long cable.

✅ You’re happy with paying a subscription: advanced features – like live video streaming, SmartSense Parking and automatic emergency SOS calls – require a monthly fee.

❌ You have a small car: the iQ was too large for the compact windshield of my Mazda Miata. 

❌ You don’t want (yet another) subscription: the most interesting and useful features require monthly or annual payment.

🔎 If you want the best 4K front-and-rear dash cam money can buy, the Nextbase iQ is for you. Its 4G connection turns it into a security camera for your car, complete with radar and fast, reliable smartphone notifications when it spots something suspicious. I also love how it uses the OBD port as an alternative to hardwiring into the fuse box. 

★★★★ ½ ⯨

It’s possibly the most expensive dash cam ever made, but it is also one of the newest and arguably the most impressive (when it works). What makes it especially useful for Uber drivers is how, like the Garmin Dash Cam Tandem , every version of iQ (with 1K, 2K or 4K front cameras) comes with an integrated interior camera with Full HD video and infrared night vision.

A rear camera is also available as an optional extra. All three save footage to a microSD card , or with a subscription you can have footage automatically uploaded to the cloud via the iQ’s 4G connection. This is also used to notify you via the Nextbase smartphone app when the iQ detects a parking prang or attempted theft. And I love that the camera cleverly receives a constant power supply from your car’s OBD II port - a much neater, easier solution than the hardwiring required for other dash cams.

Constant power and 4G means this is a dash cam that also doubles as an in-car security camera, ready to stream footage to your phone from anywhere in the world.

Nextbase promises a steady supply of over-the-air software updates and new features are coming to the iQ soon, including radar-powered vehicle monitoring that uses artificial intelligence to estimate the speed and trajectory of every vehicle within its sight; this data is then added to recordings to help show who caused a collision. The radar is also used to alert you if the iQ spots a potential thief loitering by your unattended car.

The iQ is large, expensive, and has ongoing subscription costs to consider, but if you want the very best front and rear dashcam, it’s hard to ignore.

Read more: Nextbase iQ review

4. Viofo A129 Pro Duo

✅ You’re looking for value: the Viofo A129 Pro Duo offers great value, thanks to 4K (front) and 1080p (rear) video.

✅ You need great night vision: all dash cams offer some form of night vision, but I was particularly impressed by the quality, brightness and detail of the A129 Pro Duo’s low-light recordings.

❌ You need a compact dash cam: it’s not the biggest I’ve seen, but the it is still on the chunky side.

🔎 It’s not the most attractive dash cam, but the Viofo A129 Pro Duo offers great value for money, with 4K video, excellent night vision, Wifi and GPS. 

★★★★★⯨

If you're seeking something a little cheaper than my first three choices, check out the Viofo A129 Pro Duo. In terms of video quality, I found its front camera to be one of the best around, capable of capturing 4K UHD, utilizing its 8.29MP Sony Exmor R sensor. You also get multiple bitrate options and H.265 high-efficiency video coding.

The rear camera isn't quite as high quality as that of the Thinkware U1000, being only Full HD rather than the U1000's slightly higher 2560x1440 resolution. This may well be more than enough for your needs, however, and I think it still looks pretty darn good. 

You also get some useful extra modes such as Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) and Super Night Vision, meaning you're always prepared no matter the weather and lighting conditions. 

I feel the camera units themselves are rather bulky, and can't be removed from their mounts. The front unit especially is sizable, which is partly due to the LCD screen. If you're not bothered about a display and want a smaller dashcam, it may be worth considering one of the others on this list, like those from Garmin or Thinkware. Otherwise, I think the Viofo A229 Pro is a really solid buy.

Read more: Viofo A229 Pro review

5. Garmin Dash Cam 67W

✅ You need wide lenses: the Garmin 67W has the widest lens of any dash cam I have used, at 180 degrees. This creates some distortion at the edges, but still provides for a very wide view.

✅ You want a two, three or even four camera setup: Garmin dash cams have a feature called Auto Sync, where up to four can be wirelessly connected – but each will need its own power supply.

❌ You’re on a tight budget: buying multiple dash cams to create a system quickly gets expensive. This is only a solution intended for specific use cases.

❌ You’re relying on the battery: this is one of precious few dash cams to have a battery, but since it only lasts for 30 minutes you should really consider plugging in (or go for a hardwired installation) instead.

🔎 The Garmin 67W is one of my favorite dash cams , thanks to its compact design, tiny magnetic windshield mount, wide lens and great 1440p image quality. Adding a second 67W creates a fantastic system, but you’ll need to find a power source for the second (or third, or fourth) camera.  ★★★★★⯨

The Garmin Dash Cam 67W succeeded the 66W, which was already one of my favorites. The new model can be used as a regular front-facing dash cam, but it also works as a dual dash cam, too. That's thanks to Garmin’s clever Dash Cam Auto Sync feature, where up to four compatible cameras can be set to record at the same time. 

That way, you could fit dash cams to the front and rear of your car, but also facing out of the sides, which could be particularly useful for larger vehicles like vans and motorhomes. Obviously, this means you need to buy two or more cameras (as these are not sold in kits) and they each need their own power supply – so I urge you to factor that into your comparisons.

The Auto Sync feature is not exclusive to the 67W; it also works with Garmin’s 46, 56, Mini, and Tandem dash cams. The latter has two lenses of its own, to record the interior of the car as well as the exterior. 

The 67W records in 1440p (so a little higher than Full HD) at 60 frames per second and with HDR. It also has a really wide 180-degree lens. Unusually for a dash cam, the 67W has a battery. But since it only lasts for about 30 minutes, you’ll really want to plug in for most journeys, or better still, permanently hardwire the camera to your car for constant power.

Pair this dash cam up with a Garmin Mini 2 and I reckon you’ll have a formidable two-camera system, albeit one that requires two power sockets or professional hardwiring.

Read more: Garmin Dash Cam 67W review

6. Nextbase 622GW

✅ You want LOTS of features: from SOS emergency calling and what3words support, to GPS, support for multiple cameras, parking mode and a polarizing filter, this dash cam has everything you could ever need.

✅ You want a high frame rate: 4K video is nice, but I prefer switching the Nextbase 622GW to 1080p because that boosts the frame rate from 30 to 60 fps.

❌ You want simplicity: there’s a lot to get your head around here. My advice is, if you can’t see yourself using all of the features,  get a simpler dash cam.

❌ You have a firm-riding car: the dash cam’s image stabilization can work well, but in stiffer cars it interferes too much for my liking.

🔎 The Nextbase 622GW is an all-singing, all-dancing dash cam packed full of features. If that’s what you want, then it’s just about perfect. It also boasts 4K video, the option for 120 fps (at 1080p) and a potential life-saver in the SOS emergency calling function. ★★★★ ½ ⯨

It might look like a fairly regular dash cam at first glance, but the Nextbase 622GW is absolutely packed with features. Compact, and with what I think is a well-designed magnetic mount, the 622GW features 4K video recording, GPS, and a function that automatically calls the emergency services and shares your location if the driver is unresponsive after a heavy crash.

There’s more. It also has support for what3words, the system for precisely pinpointing your location when local maps and data coverage aren’t up to the job, and there’s integrated Alexa, the Amazon voice assistant.

A secondary rear camera can be attached via a long cable, in the traditional manner, or Nextbase also sells a rear-view camera that attaches directly to the side of the 622GW. In fact, it actually sells two such cameras; one with a zoomed-in view for recording through the rear window, and another that records the interior. You can only fit one of these at a time, however.

Other features include digital image stabilization, which I’ve found can be handy if your car has a firm ride and tends to create shaky dash cam footage, and the option to record at 120 frames per second. This knocks the front camera resolution down from 4K to Full HD (1080p), but I like how the high frame rate can produce smoother footage.

I was less impressed by the clunky smartphone app, but as with most dashcams, this is only needed while setting everything up, and then can be cast aside.

Read more: Nextbase 622GW Dash Cam review

How to choose the best front and rear dash cam

The same rules apply here to most other types of dash cam. You of course need to pick a system that works with a secondary, rear-facing camera. Sometimes these are included as part of a bundle, other times you can buy the second camera separately.

After that, you’ll want to strike the best balance you can between your budget and a dash cam that offers high quality video with a resolution of at least 1080p (Full HD), ideally with HDR and perhaps also a frame rate about 30 fps. After that comes the design of the dash cam – does it fit neatly behind the rear view mirror?; is the rear camera also compact and easy to install in your vehicle? – and finally we suggest buyers look at additional features. These can include speed camera alerts, but also functions like the SOS emergency calling of the Nextbase 622GW, or the always-on 4G connection of a Nextbase iQ.

Ultimately, your choice will come down to whichever dash cam offers a front-and-rear system with the best video quality for your budget.

Our overall favorite front and rear dash cam is the Thinkware U1000. We’re big fans of the 4K video of the front camera, but also love how the resolution can be lowered to 1440p in favor of a higher 60fps frame rate. The rear camera is Full HD at 30 fps, and we like how the main unit lacks a display, making it relatively compact and discreet when installed.

Other favorites include the hugely capable (but equally expensive) Nextbase iQ, as well as the Cobra SC 400D for its excellent video quality, and the Garmin 67W for the company’s clever way of wirelessly linking up to four dash cams at once. Dash cams from Viofo always offer great value, and the A129 Pro Duo featured in this guide is no exception. For a dash cam packed with features, including emergency phone calling in the event of a heavy crash, Alexa and support for what3words, we highly recommend the Nextbase 622GW.

Can all dash cams work with a second camera?

Most do, but not all. You should check carefully that the dash cam you want to buy can be connected to a rear-facing secondary camera. We recommend buying a two-camera kit, so that you can be certain the two cameras will connect and work together.

In some cases there are multiple rear camera options available. For example, the Nextbase 622GW featured earlier can be fitted with a camera that plug directly into its side, then records a zoomed-in view through the rear windscreen. That way, there[s no need to run a cable to a camera stuck to the rear screen itself. Alternatively, an interior camera can be connected directly to the 622GW, while a rear-view camera can be attached via a long cable.

Up to four of Garmin’s dash cams can wirelessly connect to each other, then record four streams of synchronized video. This can be a nice alternative to running long cables to the rear screen, but each camera requires its own power connection.

Do front and rear dash cams require professional installation?

No, but in some cases it can make a big difference. This is especially true with front-and-rear systems, since they include a long cable that connects the main unit on the windscreen to a secondary camera on the rear screen. It can be difficult to route this cable neatly around the interior or your car, and while not impossible for an amateur – most dash cams come with a tool for tucking the cable into gaps between and behind interior panels – a professional might well do a neater job.

This is assuming you plug the dash cam into a 12V socket or a USB port. If you want to hardwire the camera, this involves attaching it to the car’s fuse box for a constant source of power, and unless you are a competent home mechanic, we recommend paying for professional installation. With that complete, the dash cam (and rear camera) will be neatly installed, automatically turn on when the car is powered up, switch into parking mode when it’s turned off, and look like it was installed when the car was built.

Do any front and rear dash cams record in 4K?

Yes. Some dash cam systems record 4K video (also known as 2160p), but only with the forward view. There are currently no systems that record 4K to the rear.

Systems that shoot forward-facing 4K include the Thinkware U1000 and the Nextbase iQ, with the latter also available in cheaper 1080p and 2K (also known as 1440p) guises.

In some cases, the front camera’s ability to shoot in 4K is removed when a rear camera is connected, because of the processing power required when running two cameras at once. You might also see a drop in frame rate for the front camera when a second is installed, often from 60 frames per second to 30. Carefully check the specifications of a dash cam – and check if this changes when a rear camera is connected – before making your purchase.

Ultimately, Full HD is acceptable, 1440p (also known as 2K) is preferable, and 4K is a luxury only found in today’s most expensive dash cams. Be sure to avoid cheaper, sub-$150 models claiming to offer 4K, because the pixel count is true but the video quality is far from cinematic.

How we test front and rear dash cams

Every dash cam featured in our buying guides is installed and tested thoroughly. I fit each dash cam to my car and use it as if it is my own, logging into the smartphone app (where necessary) and using the camera for every journey. I test the dash cams at day and night, adjust their video settings, and look at any additional features they have.

Dash cams cannot be hardwired for every test. Instead, they are plugged into the 12V socket of my car – or the OBD port, as is an option in some cases – and the cables are tucked away as neatly as possible. How a dash cam is hardwired to the fuse box varies by car, so isn’t included as an assessment criteria for our reviews and buying guides.

Naturally, I cannot truly test the crash detection of these cameras, but endeavor to try out every other feature and function before reaching a verdict.

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Alistair has been a journalist since 2011 and used to be Deputy Technology Editor at IBTimes  in London. His specialist tech subjects include smart home gadgets, phones, wearables, tablets and dashcams. He is the host of  The AutoChat Podcast.

• Chris George

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5 dash cams for your car this year and how to pick the best one

When you’re driving, a dash cam can be your best friend. Granted, it can’t grab the wheel if you veer off the road, but in the event of an accident, it’s an expert witness that might be able to provide proof of the events as they occurred.

Some models record on impact when your car is parked, which can be helpful in identifying negligent drivers, mischievous kids and would-be criminals. We even found one dash cam that creates a one-tap insurance report, and others make it easy to collect such details as driving speed, location and G-force impact. Certain dash cam models also have GPS, which, among other things, can help you find your car in a crowded parking lot. But what features are actually important when choosing between the various dash cams on the market? We asked two experts to weigh in and rounded up some highly rated dash cams based on their advice.

SKIP AHEAD How to shop for a dash cam

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Top-rated dash cams.

Using expert advice, we rounded up some of the best dash cams you buy right now. Realizing that consumers have different needs and preferences, we included dash cams at a variety of price points. All of the dash cams record in at least 1080p and up to 4K, use loop recording and/or SD cards and have some form of night vision. All of the models we recommend also have some type of parking mode that records the car’s surroundings when the car is parked and powered off — in some cases continuously and, in other cases, when a disturbance is detected.

The Vantrue N4, which uses suction-cup mounting, lets you record what’s happening in front of, behind and inside your vehicle with a 155-degree front camera, a 160-degree rear camera and a 165-degree inside camera. You can also rotate both the inside camera lens and the rear camera lens to find the perfect angle. The rear camera has a 20-foot extension cable, so connecting it shouldn’t be an issue in most vehicles, according to the brand. A single camera records in 4K, dual channels record in 4K and 1080p and three channels record in a combination of 1440p, 1080p and 1080p. Infrared lights enhance night-vision capabilities to illuminate dark areas.

The dash cam works in temperatures ranging from 14 degrees to 145 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the brand. Audio includes a built-in microphone and speaker. However, this dash cam doesn’t have a smartphone app or any type of connectivity. You’ll need an SD card (up to 256GB, but not included) and to view the footage, you’ll have to download it and view it as an MP4. The dash cam uses loop recording, so it overwrites the oldest footage when the card gets full. An optional hardware kit (to use 24-hour parking mode) is sold separately.

Nexar Beam GPS Dash Cam

The Nexar Beam GPS Dash Cam records on a loop for four hours, storing the footage onto an included 32GB SD card. (Models with 64GB, 128GB and 256GB of storage are available as well.) The dash cam provides 1080p HD video at a 135-degree angle. According to the brand, it starts to record when it detects that the car is in motion, and it also records when it senses any type of impact, even when the vehicle is parked.

If you lose your vehicle in a crowded parking lot, you can ask Siri to find it and Nexar will replay the last few seconds of your most recent drive and display a map to help you find the car’s location, Nexar says. In addition, at the tap of a button, Nexar can create an insurance report that includes video footage, location, G-force impact and driving speed. The Nexar Beam uses suction mount and requires the Nexar app.

Garmin Dash Cam 57

The Garmin Dash Cam 57 records in 1440p HD and has a 140-degree lens. Video footage gets uploaded to the company’s “vault” when you have a Wi-Fi connection, but you can also use the included microSD card. It records when your car is parked, too, then sends an alert if activity is detected, according to the brand.

The Garmin Dash Cam 57 also provides driver alerts when you’re drifting out of your lane, speeding or driving too closely to the vehicle in front of you. In addition, it offers voice commands — such as start or stop audio recording, save video and take photographs — so you can keep your hands on the wheel. Plus, the Garmin Drive app lets you view your parked car remotely.

Nextbase 422GW & Rear Cam

If you want to record from both the front and the rear, the Nextbase 422GW dash cam is a good option. The dash cams can either record in 1080p and 1080p or in 1440p for the front camera and 720p for the rear camera. According to the brand, the dash cam provides an advanced level of night vision and it connects to the car via a long cable that can be hidden under the roof lining. The Nextbase 422GW and rear camera combo uses Bluetooth 4.2 with built-in Alexa, so it can also be used to play music, make calls and more.

According to Nextbase, the dash cam, which uses suction mounting, can sync files to your smartphone to easily provide information to your insurance provider. Using the MyNextbase Connect app, you can edit and share footage. Also, the GPS SOS emergency-response feature can alert personnel to your location and request assistance on your behalf, the brand says. In addition, intelligent parking ensures your car is guarded even when it’s parked.

Nextbase 422GW & Rear Cam

Nextbase 622gw & rear cam.

This is a more expensive Nextbase model than the 422GW, but it also provides additional features. For example, this camera provides the highest image quality (4K), along with more enhanced night vision than the 422GW. According to Nextbase. It also features Bluetooth 5.0 and includes a polarizing filter for glare reduction in bright sunlight. This model also comes with other features, such as stereo audio and an extreme weather mode that can work at -22 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition, it has super slow motion to help you capture license plates as well as image stabilization to keep your video smooth even when the road isn’t. Like the 422GW, it has GPS with SOS, built-in Alexa and intelligent parking.

Nextbase 622GW & Rear Cam

How to shop for a dash cam.

To learn more about the features to look for in a dash cam, we consulted two experts — Richard Reina, product training director for aftermarket auto parts retailer CARiD.com , and William Sandoval, senior vice president of product management and strategy for PowerFleet .

Power source

The best dash cam in the world won’t do you any good if it’s not on. “Most dash cams are powered by plugging them into a 12V outlet in the vehicle,” Reina explained. However, when your car is off, this type of dash cam is, too, which means incidents like a hit and run or break-in won’t be recorded. “If you get a dash cam that is powered at all times, a shock-like motion to the car will activate the camera,” he said. For this type of feature, you would either need a dash cam with an external battery or one that is hardwired — you can also purchase hardwire kits separately.

Basic dash cams do not include GPS info, but some more advanced models do. “If that is of importance to you — for example, if you want to be certain that any accident documentation includes location positioning — then look for a dash cam model that includes GPS,” Reina advised.

Wide-angle lens

“The wider the lens (field of view), the more of the incident scene [that’s] captured,” Reina said.

Data storage

Most dash cams use continuous loop recording techniques to save memory space. “This involves overwriting existing footage with new footage unless an incident occurs or the driver overrides the feature,” Reina explained. “All detected incidents are automatically saved.”

Some dash cams also support an SD card, which will save all of the footage until you manually erase it or replace the card. “Plus, some of the more advanced dash cams are cloud-connected: Videos are backed up to the cloud and allow access to view footage stored there,” Reina noted. He said these can be handy features, especially if you’re away on a trip for a long period of time. “Some dash cams even take it a step further with apps and notifications that will alert you of incidents like a hit-and-run or theft while you’re away from your vehicle,” he added.

Camera resolution

Image quality is another factor to consider since blurry video won’t be helpful. While 1080p is standard, some dash cam models have even sharper resolutions. “More advanced dash cams have lenses with up to 4K UHD (Ultra High Definition) quality,” Reina said. “The higher the resolution, the better the camera will perform at picking up details like license plates, which is especially helpful in situations where the other vehicle does not remain at the scene of the incident.”

Superior night vision

Even if you only drive on clear, sunny days, you’ll probably want a dash cam that can adapt to less-than ideal situations, especially if you have a camera that automatically records while parked when it detects a disturbance. “Night vision capability is a critical function in dash cams to support low light video captures,” Sandoval explained. Although most dash cams offer this capability, he said coverage may vary, so it’s important to read the manufacturer’s technical specifications to fully understand the amount of light and distance coverage.

Front and rear cameras

Do you need both front and rear cameras (aka road-facing and driver-facing cameras?) Sandoval said a rear-facing camera can help with reverse parking, and in general, a dual-lens camera lets you capture what’s going on from various angles.

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Terri Williams is a freelance journalist who covers home improvement, personal finance and more. Her bylines appear in CNN Underscored, Popular Science, Popular Mechanics, Tom's Guide and more.

Best RV Dash Cams

Finding the finest RV dash cam isn’t as straightforward as some may believe.

Because there are so many changing aspects in this process, making the ultimate decision difficult.

We do, however, want to make your shopping experience much simpler by providing you with a buying guide.

This article will walk you through all of the moving pieces so you can make an informed decision regarding your RV dash cam .

We’ll talk about things like trustworthy brands, deciding criteria, how to install one, and more.

We’ll also go through seven dash cameras for RVs that we personally suggest.

In other words, we’ve chosen the greatest solutions on the market right now.

To be honest, all we want is for this process to finish with you making a wise and prudent purchase.

The parts that follow will assist you in doing so by laying out what’s important and what’s not about these gadgets.

With this advice at your disposal, I’m certain you’ll quickly become an RV dash cam expert.

So, without further ado, let’s get started on finding the best RV dash cam for you.

It’s time to make sure people believe you when you tell them about a dreadful driver you met on your vacation.

Reviews of the Best RV Dash Cams

This is where I’ll put the seven product reviews I mentioned before.

These evaluations will provide buyers an idea of what a top-tier choice should have and deliver.

Furthermore, these reviews will assist you in understanding the more complicated issues we discuss in subsequent parts.

#1. Garmin Dash Cam 65W

The Garmin Dash Cam 65 is our debut offering, and it should be considered by every motorhome owner.

This gadget has a number of characteristics that would make it suitable for someone operating a big rig.

This camera, for example, has a 180-degree field of vision.

This feature ensures that the camera catches more of the action than most other models on the market today.

When needed, it should offer a useful and high-quality recording.

In fact, this field of vision may record cross traffic, which is a common problem with other dash cameras.

It also boasts a remarkable video quality of 1080p, ensuring crisp and visible filming.

It may even be used in low-light situations, such as at night or in a shaded location.

The voice command capability on this RV dashboard camera should further pique your interest.

You may use your voice to stop or start recording using this voice command.

It’s a good feature to have since it means you won’t have to take your eyes off the road.

Another excellent feature of this camera was that it was GPS enabled.

This function, you see, will enable you to log film depending on where the occurrences occurred.

It makes categorizing your recordings a lot easier and less time consuming.

It also helps that it has a G-sensor, which automatically saves film when it detects an event.

With features like these, it’s clear that Garmin thought of everything when designing this camera.

It’s also worth noting how simple this device is to use.

Several customers praised the procedure of utilizing it in their evaluations.

When other consumers are prepared to praise an item rather than criticize it, it’s always a positive indicator.

However, the pricing is a little more than I’d want to pay for a dash cam for my RV.

To be honest, it’s completely out of my price range and would blow a huge hole in my money account.

However, if money were not a problem, I don’t see why this product wouldn’t be a top pick.

#2. Homder FHD 1080P Dual DASH CAM

The Homder FHD 1080P Dual Dash Cam is a must-have for every RV owner.

This device has two lenses: one for front video recording and the other for rearview recording.

As a result, it gives more information about what’s going on around your rig than other versions on the market today.

Its capacity to give night vision should also be intriguing to you.

This function ensures that you will be able to record any occurrence that occurs at night.

It even employs cutting-edge technology to catch photos that conventional cameras would struggle to capture.

The installation and use of this device are also among the simplest on the market.

Nobody should have a problem with any of these, in my opinion.

I mean, the instructions in the ad look simple enough that I may really be able to accomplish it, which is a miracle.

The G-sensor in this device is also not to be overlooked.

When an accident occurs, like with the previous version, this feature will immediately store a recording.

These videos will be saved in the camera’s log and will not be deleted.

Another appealing feature of this camera is its motion detection.

When an item moves around the camera, this function ensures that the camera begins recording.

If the motion does not last for more than five seconds, the camera will cease recording to save battery power.

Many customers thought Homder’s service was excellent as well.

You couldn’t read more than two customer reviews without coming across someone who praised it.

The 12-month warranty doesn’t hurt either, and it seems like Homder takes delight in upholding it.

This firm was even gracious enough to provide this fantastic product a reasonable price.

Given all of these features, it seems that this camera is a home run.

It’s worth mentioning, though, that several viewers thought the video resolution was insufficient.

It was a defect that was mentioned in many consumer evaluations.

However, considering the other fantastic characteristics, I believe it’s an issue I can deal with.

#3. Rexing V1 Wi-Fi RV Dash Cam

The Rexing V1 Wi-Fi RV Dash Cam has a compact design that allows it to be a quiet observer of what’s going on on the road ahead.

This design also ensures that the camera does not become a source of distraction while driving.

In other words, it isn’t large enough to cover a significant portion of your windshield.

Instead, this product will be a little device capable of recording everything that happens throughout your vacation.

Other characteristics, like as its 170-degree wide lens, enable it to do so.

This lens can swiftly and clearly catch all of your rig’s surroundings, ensuring that you never miss a recording opportunity.

In reality, this camera employs top-of-the-line WDR technology to guarantee that it can function in any lighting scenario.

These films may then be seen on your mobile devices via an app from the app store.

This feature adds a lot of ease and makes watching these films a lot simpler than you may think.

I was especially intrigued by the product’s utilization of a supercapacitor.

This feature guarantees that the camera can operate in temperatures ranging from -20 to 176 degrees Fahrenheit.

As a consequence, the huge quantity of sunlight it will get due to its location on the windshield will have no effect on its performance.

It’s worth noting that this device also has a parking mode.

This option enables the camera to sense vibration and automatically turn on.

When you’re parked, it’ll start recording and show you a video of what’s producing the vibration.

None of these qualities, however, reflect the device’s finest feature.

Instead, the term refers to the product’s pricing, which is certainly among the most affordable on our whole list.

And, considering its many benefits, I don’t believe it’s a leap to call this product a steal.

However, consumer evaluations indicated that there were some faults with Rexing’s service.

This isn’t the kind of problem you’d anticipate from a high-end brand like this.

#4. KDLINKS X1 Full HD 19201080 Dashboard Camera

The KDLINKS X1 Full HD 19201080 Dashboard Camera is our next product, which is another alternative with a 1080p video quality.

This video quality ensures that you can clearly see what’s going on in the camera’s videos.

This camera’s 165-degree viewing angle should also appeal to you.

It should have a wide enough viewing angle to allow you to see everything in these movies.

This assertion was backed up by other consumer reviews that lauded the product’s clarity.

Another appealing feature of this camera is that it comes with an 8GB micro SD card.

This feature eliminates the need for me to purchase one separately, which may be inconvenient.

It also eliminates the need for me to do more research.

But it’s the product’s night vision that truly sets it apart from the competition.

The six-glass lenses it employs enable this feature.

Because of these lenses, the camera will never miss an accident or event just because it is dark outside.

The camera’s screen is also 2.7 inches, which should be quite big enough to view well.

It won’t be too big, however, so it won’t detract from your driving line.

As a consequence, it’s the ideal size for ensuring driving safety while also allowing for good video watching.

I also found the lock button on this device to be beneficial.

You may use this tool to lock any video that you consider critical.

As a result, you’ll never have a file that you need for proofing deleted by fresh footage.

This camera, like our previous versions, has a GPS module embedded into its design.

This function is useful for a variety of reasons, as we’ve covered in past evaluations.

Overall, all of these fantastic features demonstrate that this product is more than capable of meeting all of your requirements.

I just wish it didn’t come at such a steep cost.

I’m not sure how I could justify spending so much money on a dash camera.

However, this possibility has piqued my interest.

#5. APEMAN 1080P Full HD Mini Dash Camera

The APEMAN 1080P Full HD Mini Dash Camera could pique your interest if you’re searching for a straightforward and inexpensive choice.

This item is really the most affordable option on our whole list.

However, don’t mistake this rank with a lack of desirable qualities.

This model, on the other hand, comes with a slew of helpful and intriguing features that would be ideal for usage on a rig.

Its modest weight and small size, for example, should make it simple to place just behind your rearview mirror.

As a result, the camera should not be a significant distraction when driving.

It also helps that many purchasers have rated the utilizing and installation procedures as simple in their evaluations.

It’s always good when a product like this doesn’t have a complicated set of instructions.

It also doesn’t hurt that this device has a 1080p HD video resolution.

This product, after all, competes with far more expensive choices in this category.

Given the device’s modest price, I was a bit surprised when I discovered this feature.

It also contains a G-sensor and loop recording to guarantee that old movies are erased and fresh ones are recorded.

The G-sensor, like prior versions, allows you to lock a video when an event or accident is detected.

APEMAN provided a one-year guarantee, which was a lovely touch.

This insurance will guarantee that you are covered in the event that anything goes wrong with the gadget.

It seems like APEMAN honors it as well, which isn’t often the case with lower-tier companies.

I wouldn’t count on this product’s night vision capabilities to keep you awake at night.

Its optics are capable of capturing in any circumstance that it may come across.

It’s simply another method for APEMAN to keep up with far more expensive cameras.

However, a few consumer reviews raised worries about the device’s durability.

The dash cam seems to have a history of failing after a few months, which isn’t ideal.

These difficulties, however, were only mentioned in a few reviews.

Many others said they had no issues in this region.

#6. AKASO V1 Dash Camera

AKASO’s V1 Dash Camera is another budget-friendly alternative that every bargain shopper should consider.

Because this model has Wi-Fi built in, you can easily link the dash cam to your phone.

In reality, there’s an app for that, and it’ll make watching the films a lot more convenient.

This app has earned a lot of positive feedback from buyers for being simple to use and navigate.

In terms of the camera itself, it has all of the features that you’ve come to expect from our previous evaluations.

Great night vision, GPS tracking, G-sensor, parking monitoring, and many more features are included.

It also comes with a 16GB microSD card, which is a great touch and something you don’t typically see with these devices.

It will save you the trouble of having to purchase an SD card individually.

It’s simply one more annoyance that our product helps you avoid.

It’s also worth noting that this type is lightweight and compact, making installation and use more simpler.

Based on the manufacturer’s instructions, each of these chores shouldn’t need much work or thinking on your behalf.

AKASO was also nice enough to provide a one-year warranty.

It’s clear that this company considered their customers’ requirements and desires while developing this fantastic product.

This dash camera does not seem to be lacking in any way.

Overall, this device would be a good pick for anybody searching for a plain and uncomplicated product.

It also helps that the price is reasonable and should fit into the majority of your budgets.

In the consumer feedback, however, some individuals thought the product was a bit too tiny.

For a handful of the clients, the screen seemed to be too small.

As a consequence, consumers with vision problems may wish to search for an RV dash camera elsewhere.

#7. Vantrue N2 Pro Uber Dual Dash Cam

The Vantrue N2 Pro Uber Dual Dash Cam is our final product, and it’s a full-featured solution with a slew of top-tier capabilities.

For example, this camera captures not just what happens on the road, but also what happens inside your rig’s cabin.

When it comes to proving you weren’t at blame during an accident proceeding, this characteristic will come in handy.

I also found the 24-hour peaking form of this product to be very handy, since it ensures that the camera will record anytime motion is detected.

As a consequence, if your rig is left unattended for an extended period of time, this feature should secure it from would-be vandals or thieves.

It will capture these criminals in the act, and you will have the evidence you need to bring them to justice.

I also found the inside facing camera on this device to be really excellent.

This camera has four infrared LED lights and a Sony sensor to guarantee that it can function in low light.

As a result, you’ll be able to acquire superb video footage anytime you need it.

This product’s 18-month warranty is the longest we’ve seen throughout our entire review.

It should provide you with more than enough protection to guarantee that you get a useful product at the conclusion of the procedure.

Aside from these advantages, it includes a slew of other features that you’re probably already aware with from our previous reviews.

Infrared night vision, a G-sensor, 1080P video quality, and more are among the features.

It’s apparent that this RV dash camera is ready to record anything that happens while you’re on the road.

To be honest, you won’t find a better-equipped alternative on the market today than this one.

However, it has one significant flaw that may make it difficult to acquire.

As you can see, this is the most expensive choice on our list.

This feature would make it a no-buy for me since it is outside of my price range.

Buyer’s Guide to the Best RV Dash Cams

Having a thorough understanding of these items will help you choose the best RV dash cam.

This section will provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.

Before You Purchase An Rv Dash Cam, There Are A Few Things You Should Know.

Many aspects will go into selecting the best RV dash camera.

This section will go through each one so you know precisely what you’re looking for when searching.

This section of the essay will, in reality, form the foundation of your whole purchasing procedure.

Angle of View

You’ll need a camera that has a broad field of vision.

In fact, the broader this aspect is, the better it is.

However, we must point you that a wider angle will result in a fisheye picture for certain models.

This problem normally only happens when using a less expensive alternative.

If you want to prevent a fisheye picture, it’s a good idea to spend a bit more on a more expensive choice.

Getting a dash cam with a broad viewing angle is the way to go in this purchase procedure in any case.

A G-sensor will be found on every dash camera worth your time.

When you have an accident, this function will automatically recognize it and store the video.

As a consequence, it prevents the video from being overwritten by a new one in the future.

If a camera doesn’t have this crucial function, I’d advise you to avoid it.

To be honest, it would be a waste of money.

You’ll find yourself repeating the whole procedure in a few months, which isn’t something anybody wants to do.

Resolution of the video

The video resolution of a dash cam is another important factor to consider while looking for the best choice.

The higher it is, as you can assume, the better for this equipment.

However, high quality isn’t always required to get the essential accident video.

It’s merely a handy tool that makes life a lot simpler.

In most circumstances, a good dash cam will have a video quality of 1080p HD.

When purchasing a camera, I recommend sticking with models that have at least this resolution.

The footage from many dash cameras will be stored on micro SD cards.

You’ll almost always have to purchase these cards individually.

The capacity of the SD card will be determined by how often you plan to use the camera.

If you want to use the camera often, purchasing the biggest SD card available is a wise decision.

It’s also important to keep in mind that most dash cameras have an SD card size restriction.

Higher-resolution cameras will need more capacity and a bigger SD card.

Nightvision

Certain dash cameras aren’t capable of filming at night.

It’s a good idea to stay away from them since accidents happen a lot at night.

However, there is some good news: most top-tier alternatives will have this crucial function.

In fact, the most modern versions will integrate infrared technology.

Video Displays

The video screen on the dash cam will have a significant influence on your satisfaction with it.

This feature will be critical in making the videos easier to evaluate.

However, these devices might be distracting when driving your truck.

As a consequence, a model with a tiny screen and basic controls will suffice.

This combination should make the whole thing a lot simpler.

It’s also worth noting that certain versions don’t have displays and are designed to link to your tablet or phone wirelessly.

As previously said, your dash cam should be small.

It should not be a source of distraction or hinder your vision while driving.

I recommend reading the customer reviews for each product to discover how other people feel about this topic.

This move should give you a better understanding of how the camera works within a setup.

In any event, as a safety measure, you should stick to the smaller models.

There are many of things in your life that might cause you to get distracted while driving.

You also don’t need a huge camera in your face.

Parking Mode is a feature that allows you to park

Another feature to keep an eye out for throughout this procedure is parking mode.

A motion sensor on dash cameras with this function will activate and record footage when anything gets too near to your vehicle .

As a result, it will safeguard your big rig in the event of a hit-and-run in a parking lot.

This function will only operate if an item enters the frame of view of your camera.

To keep your dash cam powered in these settings, you’ll need an extra battery pack.

Dash cameras, you know, don’t have the most powerful batteries.

This problem stems from the quantity of heat exposure it receives from the front window, which makes it a safety threat.

Regardless, having a dash cam with parking mode for protection against any accident would be beneficial.

Tracking using GPS

Dash cameras with GPS tracking are common on higher-end models, allowing you to pinpoint the precise location of an accident.

It’s also useful for documenting your movies since it allows you to associate your recordings with a location.

Honestly, GPS tracking isn’t the most important function, but considering the advantages listed above, it’s a pleasant and useful tool to have on a camera.

It does increase the price of the goods, so you’ll have to decide if it’s worth it.

The cost of an RV dash cam varies a lot from one model to the next.

This is why, when trying to purchase one, having a well-constructed budget is essential.

Within the budget’s ranges, you must account for any feature you feel required.

A customer who wants a high-resolution dash camera, for example, will have to spend a little more than someone who wants a basic one.

To be realistic, your budget will need to incorporate the price rise.

It would be made worthless otherwise.

This whole procedure gets lot simpler if you have a budget in place.

A budget will reduce the number of options available to a more reasonable quantity.

As a result, the emotions of being overwhelmed will swiftly go away.

Instead, you’ll feel at ease since you’ll only be choosing from a limited number of solutions that meet your requirements.

There’s also a better chance you’ll make the appropriate decision.

What Are The Many Kinds Of Dash Cameras For RVs?

You’ll come across two sorts of RV dash cameras on the market today: front-facing dash cams and dual-facing dash cams.

We’ll go through each in great depth so you can figure out which one is ideal for you.

Dash cameras with a view from the front

The purpose of these dash cameras is to improve visibility for safe driving.

Front-facing dash cameras can achieve this by capturing high-quality footage of what’s happening on the road ahead through a G-sensor.

In only a few minutes, you can attach this black box camera to your rig’s windshield.

As a consequence, purchasers often see their installation procedure as simple.

It should be able to provide drivers with additional understanding about their journeys practically immediately after purchase.

Once installed, these cameras will employ sensors to identify accidents and immediately send film to a storage device.

You may then use the tape as evidence in court or for insurance reasons.

It’s also worth mentioning that these dash cameras are frequently less expensive than other types.

This sort of model might be just what you’ve always wanted if you’re seeking for a basic and inexpensive solution.

Dash cameras with two views

Outward and inward-facing footage will be captured by these dash cameras.

As a consequence, these models provide views of what’s going on on the road ahead as well as inside your truck.

It’s a gadget that uses broad lenses to offer clear views of activities in your rig and the surrounding environment, with the goal of enhancing driver conduct.

This combination enables you to rapidly identify potentially risky or inattentive driving.

It’s something that may come in handy if you’re attempting to establish you weren’t at blame in an accident.

It’s also worth noting that these cameras include several capabilities that aren’t available on front-facing models.

Some of these vehicles, for example, will use infrared LEDs to aid with poorly light or dark roadways.

These gadgets are a good method to record everything that happens inside or outside your rig, regardless of the circumstances.

However, these sophisticated functions have a significant drawback.

As I previously indicated, these cameras are often more expensive than other kinds.

You’ll have to weigh if the added features are worth the higher cost.

Why Do You Need A Dash Cam For Your RV?

Having a dash cam may be beneficial in a variety of ways.

This section will go over some of the advantages that these fantastic gadgets bring.

It’ll help you understand why obtaining one could be a good option.

Provides First-Hand Automobile Accident Evidence

The first reason for having a dash cam is perhaps the most important element in selecting whether or not to buy one.

As soon as you start driving your vehicle, a dash cam will begin recording.

As a result, it will give real-time, efficient confirmation that something like an accident happened.

This evidence will then be important in demonstrating that the accident was not your fault.

To put it another way, the recording may be used as evidence in any court case involving an accident.

It’s an excellent approach to guarantee that the person at blame for the accident is held liable for your rig’s repairs.

The other motorist may accuse you of being at blame if you didn’t have this video proof.

As you may expect, the guilty drivers often attempt to place responsibility on the true victims.

It’s a regular occurrence in accident-related court proceedings.

With this knowledge, a dash cam becomes the most trustworthy evidence you have for defending yourself in the event of an automobile accident.

It’s self-evident that having one of these cameras to defend oneself might be beneficial during a stressful situation like a vehicle accident.

It may also save you a lot of money and effort by preventing you from being held liable for something you didn’t cause.

Dealing With Bad Drivers Has Never Been Easier

Having a dash cam on board can also assist you in dealing with bad drivers.

You may utilize the gadget to report any poor drivers you may come across on the road.

After all, every motorist has had at least one terrible incident with a grumpy driver during their time behind the wheel.

It may seem exaggerated, but bad drivers may be very inconvenient and dangerous.

In reality, by making poor judgments behind the wheel, these drivers are actively endangering the lives of others.

However, reporting this kind of bad conduct is frequently difficult.

Your recollections of dealing with them are the only evidence you have.

You’ll almost always have to depend on someone witness to their bad driving, which isn’t ideal.

This is when having a dash camera comes in handy.

It may give the most definitive evidence of their awful driving that you’ll ever need.

To be honest, these gadgets may be useful in reporting all sorts of drivers who do not follow the rules of the road.

You may use it against a drunk driver or a careless motorist who is texting while driving, for example.

Another instance where having video evidence might help ensure that the drivers receive what they deserve is in road rage incidents.

It’s also worth noting that practically every state in the United States has a mechanism for those who want to report bad drivers.

These initiatives are aimed at making our country’s roadways safer and more enjoyable for everyone who uses them.

As a result, you should make advantage of these fantastic technologies and assist them in their effort to combat dangerous drivers.

It’s the only way to assure everyone’s safety while on the road.

Otherwise, you’ll be allowing these terrible drivers to win, which is something you don’t want to happen.

This Is An Incredible Tool For Keeping Track Of Your Rig.

A dash cam may be a lifesaver if you’re anxious about lending your vehicle to a friend or dropping it off at the repair.

I realize that seems a bit dramatic, but your truck is one of your most prized things.

It’s OK to be too worried about what happens when you don’t have it.

Because most contemporary dash cams have GPS devices, they may assist with this difficulty.

As a consequence, your camera will capture not only what happens inside and outside your RV, but also driving speeds and street routes.

You’ll have everything you need to stay on top of things with your setup.

There will be no unpleasant shocks when you return to discover your setup completely destroyed.

Instead, you’ll be able to keep track of it and make sure nothing bad happens to it.

Capable Of Detecting And Preventing Fraud

When it comes to traffic and automobile difficulties, insurance fraud has become one of the most significant challenges in the previous century.

This terrible scenario not only affects insurance firms on a wide scale, but it also has a significant impact on drivers.

Some drivers, you see, would create accidents on purpose in order to earn money by blaming the other motorist.

This is a prevalent scam situation these days, with perpetrators often looking for high-end automobiles or rigs to extort.

These thieves will even fabricate injuries in order to get compensation from insurance companies.

For example, someone ready to defraud would claim that the collision caused them to suffer from back discomfort due to a whiplash injury.

Some of these folks will then seek hospitalization for their injuries, as well as money to pay their medical fees.

Because whiplash is difficult to detect on X-rays, these crooks take use of this flaw to their advantage.

But fear not, a dash cam may assist you in avoiding this nightmarish scenario.

You see, a properly fitted camera on the dashboard of your equipment will be able to capture everything.

As a consequence, you’ll be able to avoid fraudsters from stealing your money as a result of becoming a scam victim.

Of course, this isn’t a huge deal for RV owners since who wants to smash into a big rig? However, you never know, and it’s always a good idea to be prepared in case of an emergency.

After all, we want to keep your money in your bank account where it belongs.

It’s simply a simple way to make sure you don’t fall prey to someone else’s illicit schemes.

As a result, do yourself a favor and invest in a high-quality RV dash camera.

With rewards like these, it won’t be a choice you’ll come to regret.

Your Entire Road Trip Will Be Recorded

Your whole driving journey will be recorded using a dash cam.

This means that, owing to your dash cam, you can always relive the good moments you had on your vacation.

It serves as a record of what transpired when you and your buddies embarked on a fantastic journey.

As a result, the dash cam film you catch will be something you can appreciate for years to come .

It’s a little price to pay to have a tangible remembrance of a critical and enjoyable period in your life.

Provide Functions And Features That Are Beneficial

Dash cameras have changed significantly in the previous several years from their initial forms.

These come with a slew of beneficial features and functionalities that may help a rig owner in a variety of ways.

Most models, for example, have audio alerts and status updates.

These features will keep you informed about what’s going on throughout the dash cam’s recording procedure.

You’ll also be informed about any troubles that may arise with the camera or the storage card.

As previously stated, several versions will have a GPS gadget as standard equipment.

This function will allow you to keep track of your position and speed while driving.

It may not seem to be a significant function, but it might be beneficial to have aboard your rig.

Furthermore, these gadgets will assist you in recording each stop on your log file, allowing you to manage your travel efficiently and without issues.

Models having a low battery use function are another characteristic you’ll come across.

This feature ensures that your dash cam consumes the least amount of battery possible.

This capability becomes much more important for choices that operate on external batteries, as you would expect.

It will significantly extend the life of these cameras.

During your search, you’ll come across cameras with high-tech LCD panels.

To make the gadget more user-friendly, these displays frequently include touch technology.

It’s simply another outstanding and helpful function that these fantastic gadgets have to offer, and one that will make your life easier.

It’s Ideal For Capturing Parking Accidents And Spotting Potential Thieves.

Even for the most seasoned RVers, finding a parking spot may be a headache.

You often have to cram your massive car into a parking place that is barely big enough.

Other cars may scratch your rig while attempting to park in the spot adjacent to it as a result of this predicament.

It’s not unusual for a rig owner to emerge from a shop to find fresh scratches or scratch marks on their rig caused by another vehicle.

Having a dash cam may help you capture these occurrences on camera and provide proof of what occurred.

Any vandal or criminal who tries to break into your rig will be caught on tape by your dash camera.

This feature is vital for anybody who plans to leave their RV in public locations or in regions with poor lighting.

One of the nicest features of a dash cam is that most versions can be programmed to record continuously throughout the evening.

You won’t even have to keep your rig’s engine running to use this feature.

It’s a good method to keep up with what’s going on with your equipment.

It’s worth noting that dash cameras may be controlled remotely, allowing you to use them from the comfort of your own home.

All of the data from these cameras will be sent to your smartphone, tablet, computer, or laptop.

This is just another method in which these technologies will verify that everything in your RV is in working order.

How Do You Set Up A Dash Cam?

There are two primary approaches for installing a dash cam in most circumstances.

The simplest and most straightforward method is to connect the camera’s power line to a 12-volt socket on your equipment.

To mount the camera to your rig’s windshield, you’ll need to use a suction cup, which most manufacturers will offer with the purchase of the gadget.

Make sure the camera has a clear and straight view of the road in front of it.

It’s also important to double-check the camera’s placement to make sure it’s not in your line of sight.

Otherwise, you may have a slew of issues once you are on the road.

Run the connection from the dash cam to your rig’s 12-volt outlet after you’ve found the proper place.

The middle console is normally where you’ll find this outlet.

You’re set to go after this wire is connected in, and the camera should start operating right away.

However, some individuals find this procedure to be a little cumbersome.

The second approach, which involves hardwiring the dash cam into your RV, is typically preferred by these folks.

This procedure will need the use of tools as well as knowledge of how an RV’s electrical system operates.

It will begin by suction-cupping the dash cam to your windshield, like in the prior technique.

After that, gently tuck the cable under the front half of the headliner and run it down the A-pillar.

Sliding it beneath the panel that covers the A-pillar is required for this manoeuvre.

After you’ve completed this process, you’ll need a fuse tap to connect the wire direction to your rig’s fuse box.

Fuse taps may be purchased online or at your local auto parts shop if you don’t already have one.

What is the finest dash cam for an RV?

An RV dash cam is a tiny video camera mounted on the dashboard of your vehicle.

However, despite their name, these cameras may be found in different places, such as on the windshield.

When it comes to its location, it all boils down to personal preference.

In any case, these cameras have proven to be a beneficial piece of equipment for rig owners.

It’s worth mentioning that a dash cam may be made out of any camera or recording device.

The purpose-built ones, on the other hand, are what we’ll be discussing in this post.

Dash cameras that are purpose-built have a few qualities that set them apart.

Running on 12V DC, with “always-on” recording, and automatically overwriting old data when new data is taken are only a few of the features.

Other characteristics will be found, but these are the ones that distinguish an RV dash cam as an RV electrical gadget.

A purpose-built RV dash cam has each of these basic qualities, which makes it such an important part of the RVing lifestyle.

The ability to operate on 12V DC, for example, allows you to hardwire it into your rig’s electrical infrastructure.

As a consequence, it becomes a permanent fixture in your RV rather than something you have to put up every time you go.

Its “always-on” recording capability is critical since it means the device will begin recording as soon as the rig is started.

As a result, it will never miss an important moment that you wish to record on video.

Finally, its capacity to replace outdated data eliminates the need to sift through earlier films in search of the relevant file.

It’s a time saver that ensures you won’t waste time when attempting to broadcast a video.

These arguments should be enough to convince you that investing in a dash cam for your RV is a good idea.

It’s just a terrific and practical approach to guarantee that you’re always safe and that you have a record of everything that happens throughout your vacation.  

What is the mechanism behind it?

In most situations, these dash cameras will be mounted on the front windshield, near your rearview mirror, and aiming forward.

These cameras will be active at all times, continuously capturing both audio and video.

Depending on the option you choose, the videos will be in segments ranging from 2 to 10 minutes long.

It’s also worth mentioning that the more memory your camera has, the more segments it can save before they’re wiped.

If the camera runs out of space, the oldest video will be erased.

When an accident occurs, the camera’s motion sensors may detect it.

In other words, the camera will lock the accident film to prevent it from being wiped.

When you believe the camera captured anything interesting, you may manually instruct the gadget to lock critical footage.

Dash cameras are fairly basic in terms of design.

These gadgets are directly connected to the 12V electrical system of your rig.

When your rig’s ignition is in the accessory or run position, the power is normally drawn from a source that is only hot when it is in the accessory or run position.

This is due to the fact that dash cameras are meant to record anytime your vehicle is turned on continuously.

They are also designed to turn on once they are given electricity.

If you want to utilize a dash cam as a security tool while your truck isn’t running, you’ll need to make sure it’s wired into a circuit that’s constantly on.

It might also be powered by an inner battery or a second exterior vehicle battery, preventing the battery in your gear from depleting.

These devices are designed to record video and audio data to removable storage media, regardless of how they’re set up.

A flash drive, an SD card, or an internal storage device might be used as this medium.

When the camera’s storage device is full, it will delete the oldest video files.

This design may be used to create a “set and forget” scenario.

In essence, you may connect the camera and let it to perform its work until you need it.  

What are the most dependable dash cam manufacturers for RVs?

Every brand included in our product reviews area would be considered a reliable firm.

Each has shown time and time again that its consumers’ needs come first.

But, even among this impressive set of businesses, two stand out a little more than the rest: Garmin and Homder.

Because of their reputation for producing high-quality dash cameras, both of these firms have become industry leaders.

Looking into both of their history seems like a good way to learn more about what makes these two companies stand out.

This information is crucial since it will teach you what to look for in a top-tier RV dash cam manufacturer throughout your search.

Garmin For a long time, this firm has been a market leader in the RV dash cam sector.

Garmin has been able to achieve and maintain this position due to their desire to go above and beyond.

This attitude has given them a solid reputation for producing high-quality goods.

It also helps that their designs are always superior than those of their competitors.

In other words, their cameras seem to have a distinct characteristic that distinguishes them from other models.

That’s perhaps why Garmin has become so well-known in this sector.

Homder Because of its creative goods, our next firm, Homder, has a large following among its clients.

These products are often designed with user-friendliness and ease in mind, making them godsends for those who purchase them.

When it comes to customer service, Homder seems to be a standout.

To be honest, it’s difficult to find a single consumer prepared to criticize this company.

This is a rare occurrence in today’s consumer industry.  

What kind of guarantee do you have?

Dash cam warranties vary from model to model, as they do with most devices.

You’ll find alternatives that cover you for a year, two years, or even for the rest of your life.

It’s also very unusual to come across cameras that have no rules.

I would advise keeping clear from things that do not come with a guarantee.

Having some coverage for products like these cameras is always a smart idea.

If you don’t, you can end up with a worthless item and no means to get your money back.

It’s also worth mentioning that some businesses would use warranties as a selling advantage without intending to follow through on them.

You must avoid purchasing from these companies, which is quite simple to do when one reads the consumer feedback for each product.

After all, I’m not sure whether there’s a problem that irritates consumers more than a bad warranty.

If there is a problem in this area, it should be mentioned numerous times in these talks.

Where can I get something?

Amazon is the best location to get a dash cam for an RV.

Their website will provide the widest range of cameras at the most competitive costs.

It’s a compelling combination that should appeal to anybody in the market for one of these gadgets.

The fact that Amazon has such a large database of consumer reviews doesn’t hurt either.

These materials will be critical in deciding which dash cam is the greatest fit for your needs.

However, these advantages do not negate the need to go elsewhere.

I’d also recommend going to a store like Camping World, which offers a good assortment and reasonable costs.

When there’s a bargain going on, their prices will sometimes go below those of Amazon.

This situation should be enough to persuade you that comparing costs on the two websites is a wise decision.

After all, it’s a practical and wise approach to avoid overpaying for your RV dash cam of choice.

If you don’t prefer internet shopping, there are a few more possibilities worth considering throughout this procedure.

A few possibilities should be available at Best Buy, Wal-Mart, Target, or your local RV supply shop.

However, I must point you that these solutions will have significantly greater pricing than those found online.

It’s exactly the way the consumer market operates right now.

Most people prefer to purchase online at companies like Camping World or Amazon since it is more convenient.

However, in one aspect, internet retailers still fall short of conventional locations: face-to-face customer service.

When the employee understands a lot about the goods you’re purchasing, this feature may be a tremendous blessing.

With all of these alternatives, it’s evident that there’s a great gadget seller for everyone.

It’s just a question of deciding which shop or online vendor best matches your expectations as a client.

It’s always going to be Amazon in my situation.

We hope that this post has addressed all of your questions and worries regarding which RV dash cam is the finest on the market today.

Now all you have to do is put what you’ve learned to good use and discover the best solution for your circumstance.

Once you’ve located it, this dash cam will instantly begin to make your life safer and simpler.

Never again will you have to worry about someone taking advantage of you or creating difficulties on the road.

After all, with your new dash camera at your disposal, you’ll always have documentation of what occurred.

So, use everything you’ve learned here and apply it to pick your ideal RV dash cam.

I assure it will not be a choice you will come to regret.

It has the potential to save you a significant amount of money in the near future.

If you have any more questions throughout your search, please leave them in the comments area.

We’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

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Published on April 29, 2024

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10 Easy (And Cheap) Car Hacks Every Driver Should Know

Posted: March 1, 2024 | Last updated: March 1, 2024

Many of us don’t think much about our vehicles, but we probably should. Your car gives you the freedom to do everything from getting to work on time to exploring the world around you.

Just using a few simple hacks can improve your driving experience and help you stop wasting money repairing your car.

Following are 10 genius car hacks every driver should know.

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Carry jumper cables and kitty litter in your trunk

Don’t leave home without jumper cables and kitty litter in your trunk. It’s easy to see the importance of jumper cables: You might need them if your car battery needs a quick charge. But why does kitty litter matter?

Kitty litter’s grit can help you get out of any slippery situation, whether that's by pouring it on a patch of ice or a pile of snow. As a bonus, it’s also great for cleaning up spills if your car happens to leak oil on your friend’s driveway.

Pro tip: Cars are expensive to buy and maintain. But you can save on auto insurance by comparing quotes and choosing the insurer with the right policy at the best price.

Are you a homeowner? Don't let unexpected home repairs drain your bank account.

Don’t let your car sit in the cold weather to warm up

A cold morning feels even worse when you climb into a car that hasn’t warmed up. However, as tempting as it might be to start your vehicle and let it get toasty, it’s not a good idea.

There’s no benefit to warming up your engine. Today’s car models are fully lubricated and ready to drive within 30 seconds. The car also will warm up faster if you drive it as opposed to letting it idle.

Finally, letting the car idle wastes gas and adds harmful emissions to the environment.

Keep a notebook of your car’s maintenance history

Keep track of your vehicle’s maintenance history in a small notebook in the glove compartment. You can also use a digital version if you prefer.

Follow the owner’s manual for your vehicle’s maintenance schedule, such as how often to change the oil. Write down details of all work you have done, including the replacement of parts, replacing tires, and any repairs.

When you decide to sell the car, you’ll have a solid record of the great work you put into it. That could boost your car’s value on the market.

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Read the owner’s manual

The owner’s manual offers some great tips for getting the most out of your car. It includes your car’s recommended maintenance schedule and provides insight into many aspects of how the car works.

If your vehicle has any fancy features, the owner’s manual should explain how they work.

Do as much work on the car as you can

If you’re not handy or don’t want to waste time, a local repair technician is the way to go when your car needs work.

However, consider powering through a few YouTube videos to learn how to replace the air filter, check the oil, and change the spark plugs. Chances are good that doing these things yourself will save you money.

You should be able to find the parts you need for these small fixes readily available online or at an auto parts store. And you'll pay a fraction of what the dealership is likely to charge you.

Those savings don’t even include the labor costs you'll avoid simply by doing the work yourself.

Use a tennis ball when parking in your garage

Determining how far to pull into your garage when parking can be difficult. But there is a simple trick to make this task easier.

Pull your car into the garage and park it just where you want it. Then, take a tennis ball, attach a rope to it, and hang it from a rafter in your garage. Make sure you attach the rope at the spot where the tennis ball just barely touches your windshield.

In the future, you'll know to stop your car when you pull into the garage and the ball makes contact with the windshield.

Money Goals: Make these 7 savvy moves when you have $1,000 in the bank

Use an app to find a parking spot

Whether you’re on your way to a show or just going to work, finding a parking spot at the last minute can be challenging, particularly in busy areas.

Fortunately, there are many phone apps that help you locate available parking spots within your target area. You can compare prices, and some apps even allow you to reserve a parking spot in advance.

De-ice a frozen lock with hand sanitizer

On a cold day, rain or snow might cause your lock to freeze up. But there is an easy fix if you don’t have a lock de-icer.

Putting a small amount of sanitizer on your key before sliding it into the lock should do the trick. The alcohol in the sanitizer works to de-ice the lock.

Pro tip:  Save more money by comparing auto insurance quotes and choosing the insurer with the right policy at the best price.

Use cupcake liners to catch crumbs

It’s easy to pledge never to bring food into your newly cleaned car, but it’s hard to keep that promise when you need to eat on the run. As a result, it can feel downright impossible to keep cup holders clean.

Here’s an easy fix: Place a cupcake liner in each of the cup holders in your car. The liners catch all of the debris that builds up over time and are super easy to remove and toss.

Grow Your $$: 11 brilliant ways to build wealth after 40

Buy a dash cam so you have a record of your trips

A dash cam is an excellent investment for most drivers because it allows you to record what’s happening while you’re driving.

If another car darts out in front of you or backs out while you’re driving by, you’ll capture this on camera. That can help boost your claim if you need to file one later. Choose a Wi-Fi-enabled option for the easiest solution.

Bottom line

Each of these tips can improve your driving experience or help you save money and keep more cash in your bank account .

DIY hacks like those mentioned on this list lower your costs. And when you need the help of others, shopping around can get you the best deal. Use these tips to extend your vehicle’s lifespan as you keep your wallet full.

More from FinanceBuzz:

• 7 things to do if you’re barely scraping by financially.
• Can you retire early? Take this quiz and find out.
• 12 legit ways to earn extra cash.
• Do you owe the IRS >$10K? Ask this company to help you eliminate your late tax debt.

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Car and Driver 1080p Full HD Dual View Dash Cam | Front, Rear-View Camera Combo with Sony IMX Sensor, High Dynamic, Range, ADAS Alerts, Night Vision | Blindspot Car Camera with 150 Degree Angle Lens

About this item.

Protect your Side of the Story with a Second Camera to Double your Perspective -Your Car and Driver Road Patrol Touch enhanced with another eye on the road protects from false overblown accident claims, questionable moving violations, and unexpected road hazards.

• Advanced 1080p Full HD Sony Image sensor video captures license plates with clarity and precision
• Front and Rear Camera - Record from custom angles anywhere in your vehicle with the included secondary camera.
• 3’’ OLED Touchscreen - High-resolution 3'' OLED touchscreen interface allows for easy menu navigation.
• Drivesmart Alert System - Alerts you when your car veers from its lane or comes within collision range of approaching vehicles. Parking Mode even starts recording in your car is struck while parked
• G-Sensor Collision Detection - Detects accidents & protects crucial video recordings from overwrite

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The CAR AND DRIVER line of road-ready tools, accessories, and more puts that trusted expertise directly into the hands of consumers. Our team of engineers, testers, and design experts bring a unique perspective to the world of automotive tech, one that prioritizes the on-road experience above all else.

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Product description.

Protect Your Side of The Story

Drivesmart Alert System

Alerts you when your car veers from its lane or comes within collision range of approaching vehicles.

Parking mode even starts recording if your car is struck while parked.

Modular Second Camera

Record from custom angles anywhere in your vehicle with the included secondary camera.

OLED Touchscreen

High-Resolution touchscreen interface allows for easy menu navigation.

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First Look: Car and Driver Road Patrol Touch Duo Dash Cam

Customer Review: Worked great for about 6 months

Customer reviews

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers have negative opinions about the viewing quality of the onboard camera. For example, they mention that the viewing screen began to glitch out after the 30 day warranty expired, the screen has separated from the body, and the monitor flashes. Opinions are mixed on quality.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers are mixed about the quality of the onboard camera. Some mention it's a really good product at a good price point, while others say it'd be better off not using it. Some say the camera is poorly constructed and won't turn on.

"...cant tell you how it works because i cant get it to work . and of course this all started happening right after the return window closed." Read more

"This thing seems like a really good product at a really good price point...." Read more

"...I believe that it is a product quality issue . Well, if you expect to work just for one year. Then this product will be fine." Read more

"...1, 2023 AND IT WORKED WELL UNTIL DECEMBER 2023, WHEN IT WOULD NOT EVEN TURN ON ANY LONGER !" Read more

Customers are dissatisfied with the viewing quality of the onboard camera. They mention that the viewing screen began to glitch out after the 30 day warranty expired, the screen just started wigging out with lines and distortion, and the screen has separated from the body.

"...the screen has separated from the body and now there is a quarter inch gap. and the suction falls down at least twice a week...." Read more

"...After about a year, the screen just started wigging out with lines and distortion...." Read more

"This camera's viewing screen began to glitch out 1 day after the 30 day warranty expired...." Read more

"2 yr Monitor Flashing ..." Read more

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Drivers warned they could have car insurance invalidated by little-known dashcam rule

Dash cams have surged in popularity in recent years, with the RAC recently estimating that 2.9 million people in the UK are currently using one - but there's a little-known rule that could invalidate your insurance

• 09:10, 1 MAY 2024

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Drivers are being cautioned about a lesser-known dash cam error that could potentially invalidate their insurance. Dash cams have seen a significant rise in usage over the years, with recent estimates from the RAC suggesting that around 2.9 million people in the UK currently utilise one.

Dash cam footage can serve as a crucial resource in safeguarding drivers against fraudulent claims, theft, or documenting unlawful driving activities. Some insurers even offer reduced policy premiums for drivers who have installed a dash cam, reports Birmingham Live .

However, Graham Conway, Managing Director at Select Van Leasing, warned: "It's frustrating to think that doing something proactive to protect yourself from a claim, or even theft, might come back to bite you, but motorists need to be aware of the legalities concerning dash cams."

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He further explained: "Some of the more expensive dash cams on the market are wired directly to the car's battery, rather than simply plugging-in to a socket in the vehicle's cabin. Being hard-wired means the dash cam offers added protection and can remain switched on, even when the engine isn't running, so that it continues to record after the owner has vacated the driver's seat."

"While a plug-in dash cam is considered a simple accessory in the eyes of most insurers, a hard-wired dash cam is deemed to be a 'modification' to your vehicle, and you need to notify your insurer that you've got one fitted. If you don't, and the worst does ultimately happen, you might not be covered against a claim - even though you could have clear evidence to prove any wrongdoing."

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Graham added: "Dash cam footage is a two-way street - in that it could be used as evidence for you, against another driver, or as evidence for your own poor driving behaviours."

Dash cam manufacturer Nextbase also operates the National Dash Cam Safety Portal (NDSP), which allows motorists to submit footage to report a road traffic incident to the relevant police force.

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