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The 10 Best Dash Cameras for Road Trips [2023]

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

763 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 63 U.S. States Visited: 9

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

29 Published Articles 3077 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 45 U.S. States Visited: 28

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.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

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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Tested: The Best Dash Cams of 2024

Whether you want to capture a meteor in the sky or an unfortunate fender bender, a dash cam is the gadget to get.

As anyone knows who enjoys a good crash compilation on YouTube, anything can happen while you're on the road. It's best to be prepared, and a dash cam is a fantastic way to capture evidence (or a good story for the bar on Saturday night). But like anything techy, there are way too many options to choose from. Should you get one with a screen? How about an interior camera? Do you need extra functions like vehicle speed and GPS locating? How well do they do at night? And what's the deal with legality and insurance on these things?

We at the Gear Team aimed to answer these questions and more with this comparison test. We ran a selection of top dash cams through a set of exacting testing parameters to separate the decent from the great. Here's everything you need to know about choosing the best dash cam for your vehicle.

Here are our picks for the Best Dash Cams of 2024 . ( For the best visual comparison, make sure to turn the quality up on the YouTube videos.)

The Best Dash Cams

Best Overall

Vantrue n4 3.

Best Premium

Cobra sc 400d.

Best Budget

Car and driver dual view.

Best Compact

Garmin mini 2.

Best Radar/Dash Cam Combo

Escort maxcam 360c.

Best Plug-and-Play

Ring car cam.

Best No-Frills Option

What to consider when purchasing a dash cam.

Dash cameras come in all shapes and sizes and at price points from sub-$50 to well over $500. Deciding why you want a dash cam, what features you need, and how much you want to spend will determine which dash cam you should buy.

Before you decide to pony up for a pricey dash cam—or, conversely, a less expensive model without all the bells and whistles—there are a ton of important factors to consider.

Pro tip: Since most card-based dash cams typically overwrite older footage when storage capacity is reached, we recommend purchasing a high-capacity memory card anyway to safeguard against accidental deletion.

On the flip side, many modern dash cams utilize cloud storage , which uploads data to a server for remote storage. Cloud-based dashboard cameras generally require an additional subscription cost and connection to a smartphone or Wi-Fi signal at varying intervals, but eliminate the need for memory cards and allow access to footage at any time, as long as your subscription is active.

Resolution and Quality

A dash camera's quality significantly affects the ability to retrieve detailed information later. Image quality hinges on sensor size , dynamic range , lens material and design , and image processing . If you'd like to read a more detailed breakdown of how these elements impact image quality and what you should look for to get the best image possible, we break it down with an in-depth analysis below.

Newer dash cams often come loaded with additional features like GPS, emergency service alerts, and radar detectors. More features usually come with a higher price tag; bundling optional features such as interior cabin cameras can be a more practical approach to "all the bells and whistles."

However, the modern gadgets that many of us own and use, such as phones and radar detectors, already offer some of these features. There are also some really good built-in systems, such as those from Tesla or Rivian, which might render dash cams obsolete in just a few years. Decide what you need from a dash cam before you buy one.

Safety Features

If you drive an older car, consider a dash cam loaded with integrated safety features, such as those often found standard in new vehicles. For instance, Garmin dash cams offer lane-departure warnings, while some Nextbase models can automatically call for help in case of an accident.

How We Tested Dash Cams

The Gear Team strived to keep this test as objective as possible by comparing specs and video recordings side by side. But subjective things matter too. We took notes on the usability of the cameras themselves, along with any companion apps. Additionally, we noted other random tidbits that we felt impacted the overall results. Here are the parameters we tested for:

• Field of view
• Clarity in various conditions (sunshine/overcast/night)
• License-plate clarity at various distances (5, 10, 25, and 50 feet)
• Installation
• Usability (including app, if applicable)
• Quality-of-life notes

The Vantrue N4 3 is an exceptional value, offering a dash cam, cabin-facing camera, and rearview camera. It attaches to the windshield with a suction mount, and its cameras can be adjusted for optimal coverage. The front dash cam records at 2560 by 2160 pixels but drops to 2560 by 1440 when all three cameras are used. The cabin and rear cameras have 1920 by 1080 resolution. The cameras have wide fields of view with minimal distortion, and the cabin camera includes infrared lighting for low-light conditions.

The N4's integrated screen features a picture-in-picture mode that displays all three cameras' feeds simultaneously, along with settings and recording modes. It offers low-frame-rate and low-bit-rate recording modes, but we found these can drain the car battery. The device also includes collision and motion detection, automatically saving relevant footage. A 128 GB micro SD card holds about 6.7 hours of footage.

We picked the Vantrue N4 as our Best Overall dash cam mainly because of its value. It's a strong competitor at a great price, with three cameras and lots of features, and it came in only slightly behind our top pick in image quality. Video quality was impressive across various light conditions, with good dynamic range and minimal noise reduction.

License Plate at 5 (top left), 10 (top right), 25 (bottom left), 50 feet (bottom right)

Vantrue N4 3 Sample Footage

As far as pure visual performance, the Cobra SC 400D was the best dash cam we tested thanks to its 4K resolution. We agreed that its video footage genuinely looked the best too. We found the touchscreen to be easy to operate and responsive, and the Cobra uses its proprietary DriveSmarter app to provide police alerts and other driver reports. If we had one minor grumble, it would be that the mount only swivels forward and backward, not side to side. However, the wide angle of the lens practically eliminates the need to do so. The Cobra secures to the windshield via a large sticky pad for the mount and a very strong magnet for the camera itself.

Of course, this kind of quality and sheer amount of features add up in cost, but if you're serious about purchasing a dash cam, we loved this one.

Cobra SC 400D Sample Footage

We appreciate that we'll probably get some flak for including this model in this test when there are so many dash cams out there. But we were determined to evaluate our (licensed) namesake unit on its own merits—and darned if it didn't step up as the best budget option we tested.

The Car and Driver Dual View model has front and rear cameras and a touchscreen interface for easy driver control. The unit has standard features like parking mode, collision detection, and a G sensor to keep one eye open after you've left the vehicle.

One thing we really liked about this model is its dual tripod option that allows different mounting iterations from the top or bottom of the camera. This feature made it easy to adjust the dash cam according to the angle of the windshield. During our driving test, we detected a faint magenta hue on the screen, which we could not adjust for. But when we uploaded the data, the magenta hue did not affect the footage.

This budget-friendly dual camera covers all the essential features and has adjustable orientations. It's an excellent choice for dash-cam beginners.

Car and Driver Sample Footage

The Garmin Mini 2 is an excellent choice for someone looking to keep their dash cam discreet and out of the way. It's compact enough to tuck behind your rearview mirror if so desired. The app functionality is quite nice as well, and the 1080p matched up well against the competition despite its diminutive size.

While it's a nice set-and-forget dash cam, we found that it's a bit tricky to determine whether everything is set up correctly without checking it via the app. The lack of a screen makes it difficult to see if the camera is lined up properly. Additionally, there are a few different lights that blink on the cam, and it's confusing at first to know what they all mean. But once you get that all set, the Garmin Mini 2 is a solid choice for a tiny dash cam.

Garmin Mini 2 Footage

The MAXcam 360c primarily serves as a radar detector with a secondary dash-cam function. It isn't ideal for those seeking only a dash cam. But for anyone wanting a radar detector with a competent camera to boot, it's a great choice.

The dash cam boasts a 2560 by 1440 resolution with a Sony Starvis image sensor that captures 30 frames per second and offers a 143-degree field of view. The video quality is contrasty, with noticeable noise reduction and compression that significantly impacts image quality. We found the MAXcam 360c performed well in low-light conditions, although finer details became blurry. It clearly captured license plates up to ten feet away under ideal conditions, but beyond that, its clarity is a miss, even in the most ideal conditions.

This product isn't suitable for everyone due to its high cost and the complexity of using a radar scanner. But if you're looking for a radar detector as well as a dash cam and want to kill both birds with one stone, this Escort fits the bill.

Escort MAXcam 360C Sample Footage

If the thought of juggling micro SD cards keeps you awake at night, the Ring Car Cam might be the dash cam for you. Powered by your vehicle's OBD-II port, the Car Cam features forward and cabin cameras. The cabin camera can be disabled easily with a physical cover, if desired.

We do recommend purchasing the Ring Protect Go subscription ($6 a month/$60 a year), as it unlocks some really useful tools. Without the subscription, the camera is fully functional, but you'll only be able to use certain functions, like live view on Wi-Fi only. Ring Protect Go unlocks LTE capability, along with other helpful perks. Videos are stored on the Car Cam's internal storage for viewing, but you'll need to upload them to the cloud for downloading privileges—which also requires the subscription. For a full breakdown of the Ring Protect Go, check out the details here .

It's definitely funky and unconventional, but we like the sleek design despite its relatively imposing size. The Ring app integrates the Car Cam's footage well too. We don't love that it uses the OBD-II port while driving, as that prevents the use of other OBD-II devices such as Progressive's Snapshot and certain GPS trackers. But for an easy footage-viewing process, the Ring Car Cam takes the cake.

Ring Car Cam Sample Footage

The Nexar Beam is an excellent entry-level dash cam. With a reasonable price tag, it boasts the standard features you'd expect to find, like parking guardian and G-sensor collision detection, and advanced features like GPS connectivity for data overlay. Another unique option is that the app can generate an insurance incident report aligning with footage and handy GPS coordinates.

Different models of the Beam come with different SD card sizes; in our case, we purchased the 32 GB option. However, one nice feature of the Nexar is that it offers unlimited cloud storage for all G-sensor-locked data, meaning all collisions will always be stored and accessible on the cloud, which can be particularly crucial after an incident or even months after the fact.

Gannon Burgett loves cameras, cars, and coffee: a perfect combination for his Hearst Autos work. His byline has appeared in USA Today , Gizmodo , TechCrunch , Digital Trends , the Detroit Free Press , and more.

Katherine Keeler is an Assistant Testing Editor at Hearst Autos. By day she evaluates tools for your enjoyment; by night, she Frankenstein’s her ever changing fleet of rust-bucket-oddities back to repair. Her dream is to open a roadside attraction where the public can view, drive, and learn repairs at her emporium of curious cars.

Collin Morgan is a Commerce Editor at Hearst Autos, where the former Rust Belt mechanic and gadget enthusiast presents the best gear for your automotive endeavors.

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The Best Dash Cam

Wham! A car crash can happen in an instant. And as frightening as that may be, it can be just as distressing to be blamed for a crash that’s not your fault. That’s why a dash cam can be a critical aid if the unexpected happens. After researching more than 360 models and testing 52, we’ve found that the best overall dash cam is the Vantrue N4 . It delivers the sharpest video we’ve seen, it’s the easiest dash cam to use, and it has handy features that you don’t get from most other dash cams in its price range.

Everything we recommend

The best dash cam

This dash cam delivers crisp, super-high-resolution footage day or night. It also has key features such as 24-hour parked-car monitoring and GPS tracking despite costing half as much as some other contenders.

Buying Options

Upgrade pick.

Nextbase 622GW

Pricier, but packed with features.

This dash cam has all the bells and whistles of our top pick (4K resolution, night vision, 24-hour parked-car monitoring, GPS tracking) and adds Bluetooth and app connectivity, built-in Alexa support, and emergency calling. Plus, its capacitor power supply allows it to operate in temperatures as low as -22 degrees Fahrenheit, so it’s your best bet for extremely cold climates.

Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2

If you want a dash cam that people won’t notice.

Garmin’s Mini 2 is one of the smallest and most discreet models we’ve tested, but its lack of a display means you have to use Garmin’s smartphone app to view video and adjust settings. Its lone camera faces the front of the vehicle and has 1080p resolution.

Budget pick

Vantrue N1 Pro

The best dash cam under $100.

Vantrue’s N1 Pro has a single, front-facing, 1080p-resolution camera. It costs much less than our other picks, yet it has key features like night vision and 24-hour parked-car monitoring, a bright display, and a well-designed mounting system.

May be out of stock

The Vantrue N4 is packed with premium features such as 2160p (4K/UHD) resolution in its main camera, night vision, and 24-hour parked-car monitoring to catch hit-and-run perpetrators, yet it costs half as much as some comparable models. In addition to a front-facing camera, it has interior and rear cameras, so it documents your car’s movements (and your surroundings) from three different perspectives. It’s compact (a little smaller than most point-and-shoot cameras ) and relatively unobtrusive on a windshield, and its 3-inch screen is bright and easy to read. It has an intuitive menu, and its control buttons are clearly marked and readily accessible. And although it isn’t as well suited for sub-freezing temperatures as our other picks, it is designed to work even in extremely hot climates such as in the American South and Southwest. Unlike some of our other picks, the N4 lacks app connectivity for you to view and download video remotely. But we think most people wouldn’t miss that feature, as it’s still fairly convenient to view footage on the camera itself or with a microSD card reader . The N4 also lacks built-in GPS tracking, but you can easily add that by buying a GPS mount ($20 at this writing) from Vantrue.

If you want even more capabilities than the N4 can provide—such as a built-in Wi-Fi network to connect to a smartphone app, Bluetooth connectivity, Alexa support, and an emergency-calling feature that automatically sends help in the event of a crash—the Nextbase 622GW is worth splurging on. Like the N4, it has an easy-to-use interface and mount, as well as 4K resolution, night vision, GPS tracking, 24-hour parked-car monitoring, and more. Its maximum operating temperature is 140 degrees Fahrenheit, compared with the sweltering 158-degree heat our top pick and budget pick are designed to withstand. But since it’s rated to operate in temperatures as low as -22 °F (colder than an average Minnesotan winter night ), it’s your best bet for extremely cold climates. It comes with only a front-facing camera, but at this writing you can add a 1080p rear camera for $100 and/or a 1080p interior camera for $100.

If you prefer a dash cam that people aren’t likely to notice, we recommend the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 , which is one of the smallest and most discreet models we’ve tested. About the size of a key fob, the Mini 2 virtually disappears on the windshield. Still, it provides surprisingly good video quality for a 1080p single-camera model, and its windshield mount is one of the best we’ve seen—it sticks firmly to the windshield with adhesive, but magnets allow you to easily remove everything but a small plastic circle when you want to throw the camera in the glovebox or move it to another vehicle. It has many of the same features you get with the bigger (and, in most cases, pricier) models, including night vision, 24-hour parked-car monitoring, built-in Wi-Fi, and voice control. Because the Mini 2 has only two physical buttons and no display, though, you have to use Garmin’s smartphone app to view video, to adjust settings, and even to aim the camera properly.

The Vantrue N1 Pro  is the only dash cam under $100 we’ve ever recommended. Despite its relatively low price, it meets all our required criteria, including 1080p resolution, night vision, and 24-hour parked-car monitoring. It has the same convenient mounting system that comes with our top pick (and, as with the N4, you have the option to add GPS tracking by buying a separate mount ). It also has easy-to-use controls and a bright display, and it’s nearly as compact as the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2. Like the Mini 2, 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 a front-facing camera is plenty of protection for most people.

The research

Why you should trust us, who should get this, how we picked, how we tested, our pick: vantrue n4, flaws but not dealbreakers, upgrade pick: nextbase 622gw, also great: garmin dash cam mini 2, budget pick: vantrue n1 pro, other good dash cams, what to look forward to, how to set up a dash cam, the competition, frequently asked questions.

Sarah Witman 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.

Rik Paul, who contributed reporting for this guide, has been testing and writing about automotive electronics and accessories for the past 25 years. To get the legal perspective on dash cams, he interviewed Ben Schwartz , a personal injury attorney and managing partner of Schwartz & Schwartz Attorneys at Law .

If your 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 mine and my girlfriend’s reactions.”

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. “Let the attorney determine whether the footage is favorable or not favorable to [your] case, and let the attorney advise you on what to do with the footage.”

Finally, there are some practical considerations. Learn how to set up a dash cam , and start thinking about how you would install a dash cam in your car before deciding that you want one. Almost all dash cams record video on a removable microSD card, and many don’t come with one, adding cost (a good microSD card costs about $35 at this writing). Also, you should confirm that you can legally mount a dash cam on your windshield where you live, and learn your state’s audio- and video-recording laws .

Before choosing which dash cams to test, we spent hours researching the specs and features of about 380 models. We read reviews from Autoblog , BlackBoxMyCar , CNET , Digital Trends , PCMag , Popular Mechanics , T3 , and TechRadar (though many of them were thin on hands-on experience), as well as customer reviews and ratings (after we checked their reliability on Fakespot ). We also perused some driving legislation and insurance claims, and we watched hours of dash-cam footage on YouTube.

Most dash cams work in a similar way. They record to a microSD card and use loop recording, so the newest video overwrites the oldest. They have built-in G-sensors (or accelerometers) that detect an impact, and in the event of a crash they automatically save that footage from being overwritten. Typically, you can also manually save footage by pressing a button or giving a voice command. You can review footage on the unit’s display, on a smartphone app, or on any device that can read a microSD card. Some dash cams come with an 8, 16, or 32 GB microSD card, but most can support up to 256 GB if you want to back up or delete your files less frequently. Dash cams can also record audio, if you want, and most models let you capture a still photo.

We narrowed our search based on the following criteria:

• At least 1080p resolution: A dash cam’s video—whether captured in light or dark conditions—has to be sharp and distinct enough that you, a lawyer, your insurance company, or a member of law enforcement can read license plates and see other details clearly. We preferred models with 2160p (4K/UHD) or higher resolution, since their footage is often notably sharper than that of 1080p models, and we didn’t consider anything under 1080p.
• Night vision: We made night vision a requirement for a dash cam to be considered for testing since car crashes and other incidents you may want to document can occur at any time of day or night (as well as in dark environments such as highway tunnels).
• 24-hour parked-car monitoring: We required each model to be capable of recording impacts or movement around your car, any time of day or night, whether you’re 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.
• 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 take in a multi-lane highway or a large intersection without creating a wide-angle effect that makes cars in front look farther away and details harder to see.

We also preferred (but didn’t require) 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 a display that’s 1½ to 3½ inches diagonal; displays that are at least 2 inches make it easier for you to adjust settings on the fly and to preview footage. Models without a display—generally not our preference—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 it easily, as well as to remove it easily. Generally we’ve found suction-cup mounts to be the easiest to use. Mounts that attach to the windshield with adhesive pads are often more compact and very secure, but they can be difficult to remove for repositioning or swapping between vehicles. Most dash-cam makers give you a choice between mount types or sell other mount options separately.
• Wi-Fi and smartphone app: We like an integrated Wi-Fi network because it allows the dash cam to connect to a compatible smartphone app, through which you can view, download, or share video. The best apps also have a map that shows the car’s location, speed, and other details. As with all internet-connected devices, using this feature comes with the risk of getting swept up in a data breach . But it could come in handy if your footage is deleted accidentally, or if the microSD card gets corrupted or damaged in a crash.
• GPS receiver: A GPS receiver lets a dash cam record a car’s location, the trip history, and the speed and direction of travel—all valuable information for figuring out how an incident occurred. The best models have the receiver integrated into the camera body or mount, rather than needing a separate plug-in device. A dash cam’s GPS receiver doesn’t provide turn-by-turn directions, though; you need to use a smartphone car mount and a mapping app or a dedicated car GPS navigator for that. The dash cam also shouldn’t share GPS data unless you specifically opt in to doing so in a connected app.
• Multiple cameras: In addition to a front-facing camera, some dash cams include a small, separate camera that you mount to the car’s rear window to record video of what’s behind you, and/or a second lens that points toward the car’s cabin and passengers. Most people are fine with just a front-facing camera, but having multiple cameras gives you even more footage that can be useful in the event of a crash.
• Driver assistance: Basic driver-assistance and safety alerts can include forward-collision warnings, which sound an alert if you are following too closely; lane-departure warnings, which let you know if your car is crossing a lane marker on the road; and other features such as stop-sign recognition, reminders to turn on your headlights, and driver-fatigue reminders.
• Capacitor 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 and generally allows them 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.

Our selection process left us with 14 models to compare against our existing picks for our 2022 round of testing: the BlackVue DR900X-1CH Plus , the Cobra SC 400D , the Garmin Dash Cam 57 , the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 , the Garmin Dash Cam Tandem , the Rexing M2 , the Rexing V1 Basic , the Rexing V5 , the Sylvania Roadsight Mirror , the Thinkware F200 Pro , the Thinkware F70 , the Vantrue N1 Pro , the Vantrue N4 , and the Vantrue X4S .

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 (if applicable), and performed common tasks. We also took notes on the camera’s build quality and overall design.

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 and at night, and on highways and suburban streets, racking up hours of driving time. To make sure we could accurately compare the dash cams with one another, we drove the same routes, which we chose for the amount of detail available for the cameras to capture.

Then we spent many more hours playing back the video footage on a computer so that we could examine and compare details and overall image quality. Based on all of this, we finally made our picks.

The Vantrue N4 is an unfussy, all-around great dash cam. It offers the best range of features for the price—$260 at this writing—that we’ve found. It’s small and sleek, so it won’t obstruct your view while you’re driving, but its 3-inch screen is big and bright enough to allow you to easily navigate the menu. It’s especially simple and straightforward to set up and use, and it reliably captures crisp, clear video. If you want tri-directional visibility (front, interior, and rear) and can live without luxury features like app connectivity, this is the dash cam to get.

The N4 has a front-facing camera with 4K resolution (the best possible resolution available in any dash cam being sold today), as well as interior and rear-facing cameras with 1080p resolution. In our testing, the primary camera recorded clear footage with true-to-life, appropriately saturated colors. It was able to pick up on license plate numbers and other important details even in dim or dark environments.

The mount clips onto the top of the dash cam, and a crank on the back of the mount affixes it firmly to the windshield. A knob on the neck of the mount lets you aim the N4 at the angle that works best for you, and the suction cup has a small lip so you can easily remove it and adjust the placement.

The N4 comes with a 12-volt car charger, the base of which flips open to reveal a USB-A port. This feature is invaluable if you want to charge your phone or another small device from the car port while the dash cam is in use (otherwise you need to use a socket splitter or bring along a power bank ). It also has a helpful round light that lets you know whether the charger is properly plugged in and powering the dash cam. The Mini-USB cable attached to the charger is 12 feet long, as on most models we tested, so you have plenty of flexibility as to where you place the dash cam in your vehicle. The camera also comes with a Mini-USB–to–USB-A cable, which you’ll need to plug the camera into most computers or a wall charger .

The screen of the N4 measures 3 inches diagonally, and as it takes up most of the back of the main camera body, there’s not much extra bulk. The unit as a whole is slim, too; together, the lens and body are just over 1½ inches deep. It has a power button on top, so you don’t have to unplug it (or turn off your car) to power it down. The charging cable can plug into a port on top of the unit or a port on the mount.

Located above the screen are five clearly marked and easily accessible control buttons, which allow you to quickly turn the audio on and off, format the microSD card, and do other basic tasks. The screen is brightly backlit, and the menu interface is intuitive and simple to navigate. Also, the main camera’s FOV is 155 degrees, right in the sweet spot of our preferred viewing-angle range; it’s wide enough to capture cars parked on both sides of most streets, as well as traffic coming from the left or right at an intersection.

Like the rest of our picks, the N4 has a 24-hour parked-car monitoring mode to keep tabs on your car when it’s parked. This espionage tool is helpful when it comes to documenting hit-and-runs or other damage to your vehicle when you’re not around. The camera turns on and starts recording anytime it detects motion inside or right around the vehicle, such as when a neighbor’s car taps your bumper (as with all our picks, you need to buy a separate external battery pack or hardwiring kit if you want to use this feature).

Since the N4 is powered by a capacitor instead of a lithium-ion battery, it can function in extreme heat, which is a nice asset if you plan to drive in places with particularly hot climates. It’s designed to be able to function in temperatures from 14 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit, the latter of which is hotter than a summer day in Death Valley , so you should be able to rely on it in most instances.

Although the Vantrue N4 works great in warm weather, it’s less suitable for very cold climates. If you think you might be using your dash cam in temperatures below 14 degrees Fahrenheit, you’d be better off with the Nextbase 622GW (which is rated to operate in temperatures as low as -22 °F).

Another notable downside of the N4 is that it doesn’t have built-in GPS tracking (though you can add that function with a GPS-equipped mount , sold separately) or a built-in Wi-Fi network to connect to a smartphone app. This means that you can’t check your car’s speed and location remotely, or view, download, and share video when you’re away from your dash cam, as you can with the 622GW and some other models we’ve tested. But the absence of these features also means that the N4 doesn’t pose any privacy or security concerns related to how the company might use collected data. And although with other dash cams a company may decide to stop supporting or updating an app at any time, causing your dash cam to lose some functionality, you don’t run that risk with this model.

The N4 also lacks some of the convenient driver-assist features that the 622GW has, such as Alexa support, Bluetooth connectivity, and emergency calling. However, as this Vantrue model is often half the price of the Nextbase, we think most people wouldn’t miss those luxuries.

If your budget allows for it, the Nextbase 622GW represents a big step up from our top pick. For twice the price, you get equally great image quality and a wider range of features. Built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity lets you sync the camera with a smartphone app to access speed, location, and other data remotely; Alexa voice control allows you to play music, place calls, check the weather, get directions, and more while keeping your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road; and the uncommon Emergency SOS feature can automatically notify emergency services in the event of a crash, providing your location and other critical information. To boot, the 622GW has the best mounting system of any dash cam we’ve tested, it’s rated to operate in colder temperatures than any of our other picks, and it has an assortment of handy add-ons that don’t come with most of the cheaper models.

The Nextbase 622GW has a single, front-facing camera with 4K resolution (unlike with our top pick, its 1080p interior and rear cameras must be purchased separately). Both during the day and at night, it can capture crucial visual information such as street signs, license plate numbers, and even car makes and models in vivid detail. Although its 140-degree FOV is a bit narrower than that of the Vantrue N4, that amount is still within our ideal range for viewing as many objects as possible at the same time.

The 622GW comes with a suction-cup mounting system that’s similar to the N4’s but better in a few key ways. First, the mount attaches to the body of the camera with magnets, a design that’s exponentially easier to attach and detach than the N4’s plastic clips, and the whole setup stays together just as sturdily. To aim the dash cam, it has a ball-and-socket hinge, which is slightly easier to use than the knob on the N4’s mount, as well as a small lever to lock the mount in place on the windshield. If you prefer a more permanent setup, you can simply remove the suction cup and swap in an adhesive attachment. Nextbase conveniently includes extra stickers for the adhesive mount, so you can replace them, as well as a small plastic prying tool for when you want to remove it (even with the tool, unsticking an adhesive mount is difficult, so you’ll be glad to have it).

The 622GW has the lowest minimum operating temperature (-22 degrees Fahrenheit) of any of our picks, which is helpful if you live in an especially cold climate. It doesn’t fare as well in extreme heat, however: While our top pick and budget pick are both safe to use in environments up to 158 °F, this Nextbase dash cam’s tolerance tops out at 140 °F. So if you plan on using your dash cam somewhere very warm—keeping in mind that a car parked in direct sunlight acts like a greenhouse and gets much hotter than its surroundings—you may want to consider one of those other models instead.

Other than the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 , the Nextbase 622GW is the only model among our picks with built-in Wi-Fi, letting you connect to a smartphone app. The app allows you to perform basic tasks, such as viewing, downloading, and sharing video, remotely. However, at this writing it has a dismal rating of two out of five stars on both the Google and Apple app stores, with many complaints about slow or spotty Wi-Fi connections. And as with any app, the company could decide to stop providing support or updates at any time.

Like all of our picks, this dash cam offers 24-hour parked-car monitoring, so (with an external battery pack or hardwiring kit , sold separately) it can record if your car gets bumped or damaged while parked. It also has built-in GPS tracking so you can go back and review your location, your speed, and other relevant details from the time of a critical incident. You can access your data from the app or upload data to Nextbase’s cloud storage service , but both actions are optional (if you’re concerned about being surveilled by your dash-cam app , don’t opt in).

The 622GW is one of the few models we’ve tested with built-in Alexa support and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as an SOS feature that (with a paid subscription through the app) can send your location and other critical information to emergency services in the event of a crash. The latter functionality is rare to see in dash cams, and that feature alone would probably justify this model’s relatively high cost if you ever needed to use it.

Like our top pick, the Nextbase 622GW is sleek and compact. Its screen, just like that of the Vantrue N4 , measures 3 inches diagonally. The display is brightly illuminated, and the menu is fairly intuitive to navigate. The controls are mostly touchscreen based except for a small home button at the bottom of the screen and a power button on the side of the unit. A rubber port protector attached by a tiny tether is helpful for keeping dust and moisture out of the Mini-USB port on top of the unit, though the port on the mount lacks this feature. Also, we wish the HDMI port’s protector had a tether, too, as most people are likely to find it hard not to lose the small piece of rubber.

In addition to a Mini-USB–to–USB-A cable, the 622GW includes a 12-volt car charger with a lengthy cable attached (13 feet, a foot longer than the N4’s). A small light helpfully indicates when the charger is properly plugged into the car’s port and powering the dash cam. Unfortunately, Nextbase’s car charger doesn’t have a built-in USB-A port, as Vantrue’s chargers do, so you need to use a socket splitter or pack a power bank in your bag if you want to charge your phone and power the dash cam simultaneously.

If you’re looking for a dash cam that people aren’t likely to notice, we recommend the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 . Measuring only about 2 inches high and 1¼ inches wide (about the size of a key fob), it’s one of the smallest and most discreet models we’ve tested, virtually disappearing on a windshield. You should always let passengers know they’re being recorded—even if notification is not legally required in your state, it’s just good etiquette—but that doesn’t mean your dash cam must be overly obtrusive. The Mini 2’s streamlined look reduces unsightly clutter, and its simplistic controls and screenless design help minimize potential distractions.

The Mini 2 has a single, front-facing camera that records at 1080p resolution, yet it delivers surprisingly good video quality compared with similar models. It has the same 140-degree FOV as the Nextbase 622GW , on the narrow side but still within our ideal range. Like all our other picks, it has a 24-hour parked-car monitoring mode to detect motion and impacts whether the car is running or not (and as with our other picks, you have to buy a separate external battery pack or hardwiring kit to use this feature).

In our testing with the Mini 2, we found it harder to read license plates on parked and oncoming cars than with the best 4K models, but the images had bright colors and bold highlights and shadows. At night, headlights and other bright lights had minimal glare—which can’t be said for what we’ve seen in the nighttime video of many other dash cams—and the footage had good contrast.

Because the Mini 2 is so small, it doesn’t have a display; you have to use the Garmin Drive smartphone app to aim the device correctly (through its live-view function) and to adjust settings. You’ll also find only two control buttons on the Mini 2’s body. An easy-to-reach button on the back of the unit saves the most recent video and takes a still photo when pressed or syncs with the smartphone app when held down. A button on the side turns the sound on and off or (with a long press) formats the SD card. Since the Mini 2 has no physical power button, the only way to turn off the camera is to turn off the car or unplug the power cord.

The adhesive mount that comes with the Mini 2 provides a wide range of adjustment, and you can easily pop the device on and off, leaving just a small plastic disc on the windshield. This mount doesn’t include the handy magnetic attachment that other Garmin models and the Nextbase 622GW have, but we like that it stays in place more firmly.

The Mini 2’s charger is more like a standard car charger than the ones that come with our other picks: Instead of a built-in charging cable, it has two USB-A ports and comes with two separate, removable charging cables (one is 13 feet long, the other 5 feet long). This design makes it a more versatile charger, since you can use a longer or shorter cable to power your dash cam, and you can use both USB-A ports to charge other devices when the dash cam isn’t in use.

Like our top pick, the Mini 2 is powered by a capacitor rather than a lithium-ion battery. It’s rated to operate in temperatures between -4 °F (like our budget pick ) and 140 °F (like our upgrade pick ). Although it’s not much better suited to extreme climates than our other picks, it should still work normally in most places at most times of year.

Unlike our other picks, the Mini 2 doesn’t offer built-in GPS tracking (nor the ability to add it with a separate mount, as our budget pick does). However, it does have voice control and built-in Wi-Fi, both of which are rare features—even among dash cams costing hundreds more.

The Garmin Drive app is more limited than the Nextbase app, and in our tests the recorded video was a bit choppy when we played it back on the app. However, at this writing the Garmin Drive app has a rating around 4.5 stars (out of five) on Google Play and the Apple App Store , whereas the Nextbase app has just two stars on both those platforms. So perhaps most people prefer the simplicity of Garmin’s app.

In 2020, Garmin suffered a ransomware attack that took its services down for three days. The company claims that no customer data was stolen, but this incident reinforces our general concerns about how companies handle data. Garmin’s privacy policy says its apps do not upload video, location, or other data to its servers (or third-party servers) unless you opt in. But since this dash cam’s lack of a screen makes it nearly impossible to use without connecting to the app, these risks are especially important to consider before you buy.

If you’re on a tight budget, the Vantrue N1 Pro is the only dash cam listed for under $100 that we recommend—or have ever recommended—since it cuts costs without sacrificing most of the features we prize in our other picks. It has the same mounting system and charger as our top pick, it’s just as easy to use, and it’s one of the smallest and lightest dash cams we’ve tested.

Like the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 , the N1 Pro has a single, front-facing, 1080p-resolution camera, and it lacks the option to add a second or third camera—the same is true of every sub-$100 option we considered for testing. Although its footage wasn’t as clearly defined or vividly colored as that of our top pick and upgrade pick (both of which have 4K-resolution main cameras) in our testing, it still managed to record crisp, detailed imagery in both light and dark environments. Also, its 160-degree FOV is the widest of our picks, which means it shows more objects from a single viewpoint than the others do.

Measuring just 1 by ½ by ¾ inches, the N1 Pro is not much bigger than an Oreo cookie. It’s slightly larger than the Mini 2 , especially in combination with its mounting system and charger, but it’s still much more compact than our top pick and upgrade pick (and most of the dash cams we tested). Its screen is 1½ inches diagonal, so it fits less information than the 3-inch screens of our top pick and upgrade pick, but it’s bright and relatively easy to read.

The N1 Pro is dead simple to use. To the right of the screen, it has four well-marked control buttons: power on/off, up, down, and select. On the top of the unit is a single button that lets you easily save video clips and still photos while the camera is recording (otherwise, like most dash cams, it saves footage automatically when it detects a crash).

Like the rest of our picks, the N1 Pro has 24-hour parked-car monitoring, so (with the help of an external battery pack or hardwiring kit , sold separately) it can help you keep tabs on your car even when you’re not present. And, as with our top pick , you can add GPS tracking by buying a separate mount . It doesn’t have built-in Wi-Fi compatibility like our picks from Garmin and Nextbase do, but we don’t think that’s a must-have feature for most people.

Powered by a lithium-ion battery, the N1 Pro is rated to operate in temperatures between -4 and 158 degrees Fahrenheit. If you live in a super-cold climate, you might be better off with the Nextbase 622GW (which functions in temperatures as cold as -22 °F), but for extreme heat the N1 Pro and our top pick are equally great options.

If our top pick is unavailable, and you want something with a similar array of features in the same price range:

• Like the Vantrue N4 , the Rexing V5 has a 4K-resolution front-facing camera, night vision, and a 24-hour parked-car monitoring mode. Plus, it adds built-in GPS tracking and Wi-Fi connectivity. However, it has a clunkier mounting system than our top pick, as well as a less intuitive interface. Also, its 1080p-resolution interior and rear cameras must be purchased separately—they cost $60 and $40, respectively, at this writing—making it a pricier option if you want all three cameras.
• Like the N4, the Vantrue S1 and Vantrue X4S each have a 4K-resolution front-facing camera, a 1080p-resolution rear-facing camera, night vision, and 24-hour parked-car monitoring. The S1 also has built-in GPS tracking, and the X4S adds that as well as Wi-Fi connectivity—both features you’d normally see in models costing hundreds more. However, neither has an interior camera, nor do they have the option to add one.
• Like the N4, the Vantrue N2S has a 4K-resolution front-facing camera, night vision, and 24-hour parked-car monitoring. Also, its interior camera is a slightly higher resolution than that of our top pick (1440p compared with 1080p), and it adds built-in GPS tracking, but it doesn’t have a rear camera and offers no option to add one.

If our upgrade pick is unavailable, and you’re willing to sacrifice some usability to gain a wider range of features than our other picks offer:

• Choose the Cobra SC 400D . We found this model more difficult to set up and use compared with our picks, but it has many of the same features as the Nextbase 622GW , including a 4K-resolution front-facing camera, the option to add a 1080p interior camera, night vision, 24-hour parked-car monitoring, voice control, Alexa support, Bluetooth compatibility, emergency alerts, GPS tracking, and Wi-Fi connectivity. It also includes a 1080p-resolution rear-facing camera (whereas, with our upgrade pick, you have to buy that component separately). Unlike any of our picks, this model also offers the benefits of Cobra’s iRadar app , which gives you access to user-submitted notifications about nearby accidents, construction zones, roadway hazards, police surveillance, and more. Most people don’t need this feature, but if you’d like to have it, this dash cam is your best bet.

If our incognito pick is unavailable, and you don't mind a slightly larger, pricier camera as long as it comes with a few extra features:

• Like the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 , the Garmin Dash Cam 57 has night vision, 24-hour parked-car monitoring, Wi-Fi connectivity, voice control, and a car charger with two USB-A ports and removable power cables. We elected not to make it a pick because it’s about twice the size of the Mini 2 (it weighs 2.1 ounces compared with 1.1 ounces) and at this writing it costs nearly twice as much. However, it’s still much smaller than most of the dash cams we tested, and it adds built-in GPS tracking, an easy-to-use mount with a magnetic fastener, a 1440p-resolution front-facing camera (the Mini 2’s is 1080p), and a bright, readable, 2-inch display screen. If you think these extra features are worth the added bulk and cost, the Dash Cam 57 is a great alternative to the Dash Cam Mini 2.
• Like both the Dash Cam Mini 2 and the Dash Cam 57, the Garmin Dash Cam Tandem provides night vision, 24-hour parked-car monitoring, Wi-Fi connectivity, voice control, and a car charger with two USB-A ports and removable power cables. It too is bigger (2.3 ounces) and more expensive ($300 at this writing) than the Mini 2, but it likewise adds built-in GPS tracking, a magnetic mount, and a 1440p-resolution front-facing camera. Additionally, it has a 720p-resolution interior camera; that’s lower than our minimum requirement, but an interior camera of any resolution is rare among the incognito options we tested. If this range of features better suits your needs, buy the Tandem without hesitation.

After a fresh round of research, we are currently testing a new batch of contenders from brands including 70mai, AZDOME, BlackVue, Miofive, Nexar, Nextbase, Rexing, Vantrue, and Viofo. For this update, we are prioritizing cameras that offer 4K recording and multi-channel capability (for front, rear, and even interior views), but we’re still considering single-camera options for those on a budget. We’ll update you with new picks and the full details on our testing soon.

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.

Most dash cams have a long cord that plugs into a car’s 12 V DC outlet (also known as a cigarette lighter). To get the unit’s dangling cord out of your way, we suggest running it to the passenger side and tucking it into the molding between the top of the windshield and the car’s headliner. 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 that 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 does a decent job of showing how to perform a tidy installation.

If your dash cam’s charger doesn’t have a 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 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 . Most dash-cam companies also sell hardwire kits that can connect directly to a vehicle’s fuse box; in fact, this is often the best way to get reliable power for using a 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.

The BlackVue DR900S-2CH has a 4K-resolution front-facing camera that delivers excellent sharpness and wide dynamic range. In our tests, the front and rear cameras both shot very good night video, but we also saw more glare than in our upgrade pick ’s video. The unit has no display and minimal physical controls, so changing even basic settings requires an app, which had connection issues in our tests (and has been shown to publicly track users’ locations ).

The BlackVue DR900X-1CH Plus has many of the features we value in our upgrade pick : 4K resolution in the front-facing camera, the option to add 1080p rear and interior cameras, night vision, 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 that of our upgrade pick, and it lacks that model’s Alexa support, voice control, Bluetooth connectivity, and emergency-alert system.

The Cobra DASH2316D can link to Cobra’s iRadar app to alert you to the locations of speed cameras and red-light cameras, as well as live police locations. But in our tests, the 1080p front video lacked sharpness and was too contrasty, which resulted in too much glare at night and a lack of detail in darker areas. The 720p rear camera’s video was even worse. The DASH2316D also includes forward-collision and lane-departure alerts, but we found them to be annoyingly sensitive and switched them off.

The Cobra Road Scout is basically a radar detector with an integrated dash cam. With 1080p resolution and a reasonable 154-degree FOV, the Road Scout captures decent video, and a strong magnetic mount makes it easy to pop on and off the windshield. But at about 4 by 4 inches, the Road Scout is large by dash-cam standards, and it’s one of the most expensive models we’ve tested. On top of that, you can’t review video on its small radar-detector display; you have to use the phone app.

The Garmin Speak Plus is an unusual, voice-activated device that includes a 1080p dash cam, Garmin navigation, and Amazon’s Alexa capability. It’s effective for navigation, but if you primarily want a dash cam, you have better choices. It has a very narrow, 82-degree field of view, the compact display does not show dash-cam video, and the unit needs to pair to your phone via Bluetooth to function at all.

In our testing, video from the Geko S200 Starlit wasn’t as sharp as we expected, considering the camera’s 1296p resolution. This compact unit has a cheap, plasticky feel, with small buttons that tend to wiggle when pressed, as well as a black-on-black design with minimal labeling that’s hard to read at a glance. The S200 also lacks GPS, Wi-Fi, and a smartphone app.

The Klashwerks Raven combines a dual-cam setup with navigation, security, and vehicle tracking. But it’s hard to get both cameras aligned, and it’s difficult to consistently save video using this model’s gesture controls. We also found that in hot weather the adhesive mount had trouble holding the large, 7-inch device on our windshield.

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 hardwiring kit separately to add 24-hour parked-car monitoring. In our testing, the Orbit 960 was easy to set up and use, and footage from both day and night was crisp and clear. However, at this writing it has just nine customer reviews on Amazon (and a rating of 3.8 out of five stars), which makes us hesitant to recommend it.

The 1440p Nextbase 522GW is a former top pick, and the 1440p Nextbase 422GW is a former runner-up pick, but neither can compete with the lower-priced 4K dash cams that are now available. We’ve also tested their less-expensive counterparts—the 1080p Nextbase 322GW and the 720p Nextbase 222 —but our budget pick offers a broader range of features.

We used to recommend the Owlcam (which the company has since replaced with two similar versions, the Owlcam Classic 4 and Owlcam Classic 5 ) because its ability to detect impacts or break-ins and record video to the cloud—as well as to stream a live feed even while the car was parked—made it great for 24-hour monitoring. However, the company temporarily suspended support for existing customers when it went out of business in early 2020 (it has since been acquired by Xirgo Technologies). Because of this hiccup, and the fact that other dash cams now offer similar features for the same price or less, we no longer recommend these cameras.

The inexpensive Papago GoSafe 228 has the worst image quality of any model we’ve tested, as well as a fairly narrow, 120-degree FOV.

The rear camera of the Papago GoSafe S780 mounts on the rear window (to record behind the car) or on the windshield (to record the interior). But the rear camera is only so-so, and if there’s no ambient light, the interior image is almost totally black. Also, we had a difficult time tightening the mount’s plastic locking nut without the cam going crooked.

The Rexing M2 and Sylvania Roadsight Mirror are nearly identical models that, rather than mounting onto the windshield, clamp onto the rearview mirror. It’s a neat idea—it effectively turns your rearview mirror into a touchscreen, making it almost impossible to detect unless you know it’s there—and, in addition to the 1080p front-facing camera our incognito pick has, they add a 1080p rear-facing camera. But in our testing both models produced fairly washed-out, low-contrast footage, making them a poor replacement for a typical rearview mirror. Also, if for some reason the dash cam malfunctioned or lost power while you were driving, you’d lose visibility out of the back windshield.

The Rexing V1 Gen 3 records at 2160p (4K) resolution, but its rate of 24 frames per second isn’t as smooth as the usual 30 fps. And the video, with muted colors and excessive glare, wasn’t as crisp as the Nextbase models’ footage in our testing. At night, the video was contrasty and grainy. We also found it hard to adjust the lens position or connect the app.

The Rexing V1 and Rexing V1 Basic are two of the least expensive dash cams we’ve tested. Each one has a 1080p-resolution front-facing camera and a 170-degree field of view, as well as night vision, 24-hour parked-car monitoring, and the option to add GPS tracking with an antenna (sold separately). However, in our testing, both cameras showed too much contrast in their video footage, especially at night.

The Rexing V1P Gen 3 has a 1080p-resolution front-facing camera that we found to have a lot of contrast and glare in our testing. Its buttons illuminate when pressed, but unless you touch one, they’re invisible at night. Though you can adjust the lens in any direction by physically moving it, doing so is difficult when the unit is mounted on the windshield.

The Thinkware F200 Pro offers night vision, a 24-hour parked-car monitoring mode, and Wi-Fi connectivity, and it weighs just 2 ounces. You can also add GPS tracking with an​​ antenna (sold separately). However, its cameras are a lower resolution than those of our top pick and upgrade pick : It has a 1080p-resolution front-facing camera and gives you the option to add a 1080p rear camera for $80 and a 1080p interior camera for $80 at this writing. It’s also a bit bigger than our incognito pick (about the size and shape of a Snickers bar) and too pricey ($140 at this writing) to be a good budget pick contender, and its mounting system is less adjustable and more difficult to remove than any of our picks’ mounts.

The Thinkware F70 is almost as tiny as our incognito pick (it weighs 1.5 ounces) and as inexpensive as our budget pick ($90 at this writing). It has night vision, a 24-hour parked-car monitoring mode, the option to add GPS tracking with an​​ antenna (sold separately), and a 1080p-resolution front-facing camera (no option to add a rear or interior camera, though). However, as with the F200 Pro, its mounting system is less adjustable and more difficult to remove than any of our picks’ mounts.

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 N2 Pro Dual used to be one of our picks, but its front and interior cameras have worse resolutions (1440p and 1080p, respectively) than those of our top pick and upgrade pick , and it offers no additional features.

The Vava VA-VD009 has a 1600p front camera and a 1080p interior camera, both of which produced clear and vivid footage in our tests. We also found this model easy to set up and use, and relatively unobtrusive on the windshield. But it costs just as much as other models with the same features and higher-resolution cameras.

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), but 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 Phil Ryan and Erica Ogg.

What are the pros of having a dash cam?

Consider a dash cam an additional layer of protection because 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 around dash cams are decided at the state level , so you need to confirm if 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), a power bank , or 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 guide

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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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 Kim 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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The best dash cam in 2024: security and protection for you and your vehicle

The best dash cams provide vital video evidence if you're involved in a crash and emergency assistance in times of need

The Quick List

• Best overall
• Best for security
• Best for ease-of-use
• Best budget
• Best value 4K
• Best hard-wired
• How to choose
• How we select
• How we test

The Quick List ↩ 1. Best overall - Garmin 67W 2. Best mini  - Garmin mini 2 3. Best 4K  - Nextbase 622GW 4. Best for security - Nextbase iQ 5. Best for ease of use - Nexar Beam 6. Best budget - Thinkware F70 7. Best value 4K - Miofive 4K 8. Best hard-wired - Thinkware U1000 How to choose How we test

Looking for the best dash cam for your vehicle? Our expert guide will help you choose the right model for your budget and requirements. With a dash cam installed, you’ll always have video evidence at hand, should you need to prove your innocence after an accident.

All of the best dash cams record what's happening on the road ahead as you drive, but many will do so much more than that. Some offer driver aids to alert you if you are drifting out of lane or approaching a speed camera, others act as 4G-connected security cameras, and some can even share your location with the emergency services if you’re unresponsive after a crash.

Dash cams are evolving rapidly. A simple budget dash cam will provide a basic level of security and is better than no protection at all. But while basic dash cams only record through the windscreen, some come in pairs; these front and rear dash cam systems record forwards and rearwards for a more complete view of your vehicle’s surroundings.

If you want to know more about the different options before you choose, you can jump to our explainer on what to look for in a dash cam below. 

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 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.

It is not the cheapest dashcam, but one we think is the best overall choice for a single-camera dashcam.

Read more below ↓

Garmin's Dash Cam Mini 2 might just be the smallest dash cam on the market today, taking up minimal space on your windshield.

Shooting in 4K means this dash cam gives a step-up in resolution compared to rivals. The 622W can also give you a precise location if you need it in a crisis.

It doesn’t come cheap, but this 4K dash cam includes a 4G connection that turns it into an always-on security camera for your car, complete with intelligent person detection.

If you’re looking for a simple dash cam, then the Nexar Beam GPS is a fantastic option. It’s super easy and intuitive to set up and works extremely well with the connected smartphone app.

A great value dash cam from a top manufacturer. The F70 Pro is small and compact and offers Full HD video capture at 30fps. It is simple to use, powered from a lighter socket, and recorded onto a microSD card.

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With integrated storage, excellent 4K video, and a compact design that still manages to squeeze in a display, this is an impressive first product from dash cam newcomer Miofive.

From 4K video and HDR, to a compact design that looks like it was fitted at the factory, there’s a lot to like here. Buy the hardwiring kit for a truly integrated experience.

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The best dash cams we recommend 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.

The best dashcam overall

1. Garmin Dash Cam 67W

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

✅ You want a compact dash cam: the Garmin 67W itself takes up very little space, despite packing a 2in display, and its coin-sized windscreen mount is almost invisible. ✅ You want great video quality: with so many dash cams sticking to 1080, I like how the Garmin 67W records at 1440p, plus it has HDR and a super-wide, 180-degree lens.

❌ You prefer your dash cam without a display: the Garmin 67W’s 2in display can be useful for adjusting settings and seeing collision and speed limit warnings at a glance, but some drivers might find it distracting.

🔎 From its compact design and ease-of-use, to HDR video, wide lens, voice control and safety alerts, the Garmin 67W is a hugely impressive dash cam that gets everything right. It is more expensive than some, but if ever there were a dash cam fit for the ‘buy once, buy well’ mantra, this is it. ★★★★★

The Garmin 67W is no longer the newest dash cam on the block, but it’s still my favorite. This is because, for me at least, it strikes the perfect balance between cost, design, functionality, and performance. I especially like the compact dimensions and excellent magnetic windscreen mount, which takes up far less space than any other while still offering plenty of adjustability.

It’s now a few years since this dash cam launched, and I’m amazed that no one has copied the design of its super-simple windscreen mount, which incorporates a small, coin-sized metal disc that sticks to your windscreen, and onto which the dash cam mount attaches magnetically. A ball-and-socket joint means there’s loads of adjustability, but the dash cam still stays securely in place.

Then there’s the video quality, which can’t match newer, 4K dash cams like the Nextbase iQ or Thinkware U1000 on pixel count alone, but still produces fantastic 1440p footage with HDR through a wide, 180-degree lens. The Garmin also packs GPS, which adds speed and location data to videos, and there’s even space for a 2-inch display on the back for speed camera and red light camera alerts. It can be configured to issue a beep, intended to get your attention if you haven’t noticed the car ahead has set off.

I also like how well the Garmin’s voice controls work, which makes it easy to turn the microphone on and off, or manually save a portion of video, with a quick voice prompt. Quite frankly, the Garmin 67W is a masterclass in dash cam design. And even though it’s a few years old now, I still think it’s the very best.

Read more: Garmin Dash Cam 67W review

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The best mini dashcam

2. Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2

✅ You want the smallest dash cam possible: in all my years of testing dash cams, I’m yet to see one smaller or more discreet than the Garmin Mini 2. ✅ Outright performance is not your biggest concern: if you’re happy with Full HD video with HDR and 60 frames per second, step this way.

❌ You want a dash cam with a display: the Mini 2’s tiny size means there simply isn’t room for a screen, so it lacks its own menus and visual alerts system. ❌ You need GPS: because it lacks GPS, recorded footage lacks the location, direction and speed data provided by many other dash cams.

🔎 The Garmin Mini 2 is the best compact dash cam I’ve ever used. It is the smallest too, and one that manages to cram Full HD video, HDR, Wifi and a parking mode into its tiny form factor. It is only let down only by a lack of GPS. ★★★★★

It’s another podium finish for Garmin, with the incredibly compact Dash Cam Mini 2 securing second place in our list of the best dash cams on sale today. This model has the same fantastic windscreen mount system as the Garmin 67W mentioned above, while being incredibly compact and still packing Full HD video with HDR and a 149-degree lens.

The Mini 2 lacks GPS, which is a shame, and I would like to have seen an option for HD video at a higher frame rate than 60 fps. But that’s nit-picking, because what the Mini 2 lacks in features it makes up for with its design, and how it really can be completely hidden behind the central mirror of almost any vehicle.

I drive a car with quite a small windshield and love how the Mini 2 can be hidden totally out of sight and without taking up any visible screen space. It’s then just a case of routing the included USB cable around the cabin to the 12V socket, or hiring a professional to complete a hardwire installation, where the dash cam is hooked up to the fuse box for a constant power supply.

If you want high-quality Full HD video with HDR from an incredibly compact design, you really should look no further than the Garmin Mini 2. I found the voice controls are also very good, just as they are with the Garmin 67W, the mount is small and simple to use, and you can even pair up to four of these cameras together for synchronized recording right around your vehicle.

Read more: Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 review

The best 4K dashcam

3. Nextbase 622GW

✅ You want a feature-packed dash cam: the Nextbase 622GW has every feature you could possibly imagine, from Alexa and what3words support, to Emergency SOS phone calls and 4K video.

✅ You need a high frame rate: this is the only dash cam I’ve seen to offer a 120 fps frame rate, which is unlocked when resolution is dialed back from 4K to 1080p.

❌ You prefer simplicity: this dash cam works well once you’ve spent time setting everything up, but for a simpler experience you should look elsewhere.

❌ You need 4G connectivity: for a fully-connected dash cam that doubles as a security camera, you’ll want the Nextbase iQ instead

🔎 The Nextbase 622GW is a dash cam that’s absolutely packed with features. It records in 4K video (or at a speedy 120 fps, if you prefer), helps you find your way with what3words support, and can even make a potentially life-saving SOS phone call after a crash. ★★★★ ½

Want 4K video and a whole load of features? This is the dash cam for you. I’ve always been a fan of Nextbase ’s dash cam range, which starts at the entry-level 122 and runs right up to this model, the 622GW – and before the iQ came along in 2023, the 622GW was the flagship of the Nextbase range. As well as 4K video, this dash cam has GPS and WiFi, plus support for what3words, the service that helps provide accurate locational data when you’re in an area with poor local mapping and no cellular signal.

It also has an emergency SOS function that automatically calls the emergency services and shares your location if the dash cam detects a major collision and the driver is unresponsive. Then there’s Alexa, which is integrated with the 622GW and, by using your smartphone’s data connection, works just like the Alexa voice assistant on your Amazon Echo smart speaker at home.

It isn’t the smallest dash cam around – not least because of the 3-inch display – but I think it’s still nicely designed and feels like it has been built to last. The modular design also means secondary cameras designed to record the interior or point through the rear windshield can be attached to the side of the 622GW, turning it into a two-channel system.

A final trick of the 622GW is how, if you lower the video resolution from 4K to Full HD, the frame rate jumps from 30 fps to a massive 120 fps, which is the highest I’ve seen on any dash cam to date and creates super-smooth video.

Read more: Nextbase 622GW review

The best dash cam for security

4. Nextbase iQ

✅ You want a dash cam that doubles as a security camera: the iQ uniquely uses a 4G connection to alert you to suspicious movement near your car

✅ You want an interior view too: the iQ has an integrated interior camera, and an optional Full HD rear-view camera

❌ You’re on a tight budget: the Nextbase iQ is the most expensive dash cam I have ever tested. 

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

❌ You don’t want to pay a subscription: the iQ only works properly when you pay a monthly fee.  

🔎 The Nextbase iQ is the best dash cam you can buy right now. I love how easy it is to set up and how it can be powered from the OBD port for a hassle-free power source. A connected security camera is a great idea, but it's very expensive to buy and run. ★★★★ ½ ⯨

Only its high price and bulky design prevented me from giving the Nextbase iQ a full five stars. This is a dash cam that does it all, from 4K video and an optional rear camera, to the integrated interior camera and a 4G connection that turns the whole thing into an intelligent security camera for your car, the iQ is a formidable package.

I love how the included OBD II cable makes it easy to give the iQ a constant power supply (or it can be hardwired to the fuse box if you prefer), and I was impressed with how the camera sends an alert to your smartphone when it spots someone loitering near your car. 

I also thought the 4K video it produces is top-notch (although I’m yet to try the cheaper 1080p and 2K/1440p versions) and I like how the iQ can double as an alarm if your car is broken into.

In my review I was less keen on the massive price, and how Nextbase failed to include all of the iQ’s software features at its launch back in late-2023. The company promises regular over-the-air software updates. 

I also found the iQ isn’t well suited to small cars with compact windshields, as its unusual design takes up a fair bit of space. It was usable in my Mazda MX-5 – a tiny car, I admit, and known as the Mazda Miata in the US – but the iQ’s bulk meant it obscured too much of the view ahead for my (and my passenger’s) liking.

Read more: Nextbase iQ review

The best dashcam for ease-of-use

5. Nexar Beam

✅ You want bang for your buck: this is a competitively priced and offers plenty of value for money. 

✅ You want great smartphone integration: the phone app is often where dash cams struggle, but not here. The Beam's app worked very well – that’s a relief since its  internal storage makes using the app to transfer video mandatory.

❌ You value aesthetics: the Beam itself isn’t that offensive, but the clutter created by the suction cup, GPS module and camera cable isn't ideal.

❌ You want a display or touchscreen: there's no screen, so there’s no way to view footage or change settings without using the app.

🔎 I found the Nexar Beam a mixed bag. The unit itself looks and feels good, but is let down by the clumsily designed suction cup and GPS antenna. Get over that, and the user experience is among the very best available today.   ★★★★⯨

Although not quite as small as the Garmin Mini 2, the Nexar Beam is a nicely compact dash cam with plenty of great features. During my time with the Beam I found it easy to set up and felt the hardware was of high quality. The lens could be a little wider, at just 135 degrees, but the Full HD video the Beam produces looks great.

Also impressive is the Beam’s smartphone app. This is almost always the weakest link of any dashcam, but Nexar has done a great job to produce an app that is nicely designed and a pleasure to use. My only complaint here is how, because the Beam connects to your phone over WiFi, you can’t use wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto at the same time, since they also use WiFi to connect to your car. Plug your phone into the car, however, and this issue goes away.

I was pleased to see GPS included, but the way the antenna forms part of the windscreen mount isn’t the most elegant hardware solution. Factor in the suction mount, and how the dash cam itself plugs into the mount with a short cable, then a second cable heads from the mount to your vehicle’s power socket, and the aesthetics take a hit. All that said, I think the Beam represents good value for money, and the nicely designed app makes it a pleasure to set up and use – a rarity among almost all other dash cams.

Read more: Nexar Beam review

The best budget dashcam

6. Thinkware F70 Pro

✅ You’re on a tight budget: few dash cams from trusted brands like Thinkware are cheaper than the F70 Pro. 

✅ You want a simple, compact dash cam: lots of dash cams are packed with unnecessary features, but despite its name the F70 Pro isn’t one of them.

❌ High quality video is a must: despite its Full HD spec, the F70 Pro struggles to produce high-quality footage, and in daylight it’s no better than the original F70.

🔎 Despite its name, the Thinkware F70 Pro is an entry-level dash cam.  That said, its compact dimensions mean it takes up very little space and the lack of a display means no driver distractions. ★★★ ½

The new F70 Pro is a successor to the aging Thinkware F70 , one of my favorite compact dash cams of the last few years. Although not a huge upgrade, the new model benefits from the addition of Wifi and improved nighttime video quality, while retaining a remarkably compact form factor.

I particularly like how easy the F70 Pro is to install, set up and use. Its low-light performance really has improved over its predecessor, producing nighttime footage with greater detail than before. 

The addition of Wifi on this updated model means you can connect to the F70 Pro via Thinkware’s smartphone app, then adjust its settings and transfer saved footage to your phone – a process that can be quicker and easier than removing the dash cam’s microSD card and copying files over to a computer or tablet.

However, the new ‘Pro’ suffix doesn’t change enough for owners of the original F70 to consider an upgrade. Although recorded at a Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080, daytime footage isn’t great, with quite a lot of grain even on a bright and sunny day. At its US price of $80 I think this is a decent entry-level dash cam that (just about) covers the basics, thanks to its compact size, ease-of-use and acceptable video quality.

Read more: Thinkware F70 Pro review

The best value 4K dash cam

7. Miofive 4K Dash Cam

✅ You want 4K on a budget: Recorded at 30fps, 4K footage looks great, with plenty of detail, and good exposure balance in tricky lighting situations.

✅ You want a small dash cam with a screen: this does a great job of squeezing a 2.2in screen into a compact package.

❌ You prefer saving footage to removable memory card: this dash cam uses internal storage, so you need to transfer recordings via Wifi and Miofive’s app.

🔎 The Miofive 4K is a lesson in giving lesser-known brand names a chance. I hadn’t heard of Miofive before, but I'm impressed by the hardware design and its capabilities – and it's great value for money. ★★★★ ½ ⯨

You might not have heard of Miofive, but believe me when I say it’s a company worthy of your attention. Its first dash cam, simply called the 4K Dash Cam, shoots video in 4K (who’d have guessed?) and packs a useful 2.2-inch display into a compact body.

Interestingly, it’s one of the very few dash cams to shun a microSD card in favor of 64GB of integrated storage. This saves the expense of getting a card, but does mean that memory is not expandable. Recordings need to be accessed via a smartphone app and speedy 5GHz WiFi - and then can be stored offline or in the cloud, should you want to save them.

There’s even a battery for wireless use, but it’s only good for a few minutes of recording and, therefore, very short journeys. Plug in using the included 12V socket cable or opt for hardwiring to the fuse box for a neater, more permanent installation. 

I like the premium feel of this dash cam – especially considering the price – as well as its high video quality and compact dimensions, despite the screen.

Read more: Miofive 4K Dash Cam review

The best hard-wired dashcam

8. Thinkware U1000

✅ You want a factory-fit aesthetic:  this is a dash cam that looks like it came with the vehicle.

✅ You want a high frame rate: very few dash cams record footage higher than 30 frames a second. While 4K is great, I  prefer to drop the resolution to 1440p and boost the frame rate to 60 fps.

❌ You want a screen: This is a no-display dash cam, so if you want an LCD for viewing footage, tinkering with settings or receiving alerts, this isn’t for you. 

❌ You’re on a budget: this is one of the most expensive dash cams I’ve tested. 

🔎 The Thinkware U1000 is great for drivers who want a hardwired dash cam that records high-quality 4K video. The discreet design makes it look like a factory-fit accessory. ★★★★ ½

If you want a dash cam that looks as if it was installed the day your car was built, the Thinkware U1000 is for you. Its lack of a display keeps the profile nice and low, while the rest of the design makes it look factory-fit rather than an aftermarket afterthought.

As well as the suitably stealthy design, the U1000 boasts 4K video with HDR that in my testing I found to be excellent. I was also impressed to see the option of lowering the resolution to 1440p and boosting the frame rate to 60 fps, producing smoother video that has the potential to bring more clarity to crucial details like street signs and vehicle license plates. GPS is also included, along with the option to connect a rear-facing camera.

Although not mandatory, the U1000 lends itself to hardwire installation more than most other dash cams I’ve tested. My review sample was supplied only with the hardwiring kit, which I swapped out for a 12V plug to make installation and removal easier. 

If I were you (and not regularly reviewing different dash cams), I’d stick with the hardwire kit, seek out professional installation, and enjoy a dash cam that feels like it came with the car.

Read more: Thinkware U1000 review

How to choose the best dash cam for you

As with any tech purchase, budget is a primary factor. The dash cam market has grown significantly in recent years and it’s now possible to spend anywhere between $20 and $1,000 on a system for your car. I’ve tried a $20 dash cam and, predictably, the video quality was dreadful. Avoid these and instead look at spending closer to $100 and above.

Once you’ve decided on a price (circa $200 is currently the sweet spot), you should look primarily at video quality. This comprises resolution, frame rate, the inclusion of HDR and the viewing angle of the lens, plus the dash cam’s night time abilities and whether 4K resolution can be traded for HD at a higher frame rate.

After this it comes down to personal preference. Would you like a dash cam with speed camera alerts, Alexa voice control and all manner of extra functionality? Or do you want one that stays silent and simply does its job? Next, consider the addition of a rear-facing camera. Do you need one?

Lastly, look at the design of the dash cam (larger models can make cars with smaller cabins and windshields feel cramped and cluttered) and decide between a plug-and-play approach and a hardwired installation.

Is the lens viewing angle important?

Dash cam lenses tend to have a field-of-view somewhere between 140 and 180 degrees. The wider the lens, the more it can see and the more likely the dash cam is to capture incidents occurring to the side of your car.

A wider lens is generally better, but you should be aware that wide lenses can create distortion, and objects in the center of the frame will seem further away, and therefore appear smaller in your recordings, than with a narrower lens.

Do I need 4K resolution?

4K video, also known as Ultra HD or 2160p resolution, can capture more detail. That said, we have tested some 4K dash cams that produce worse-quality video than those with a Full HD (1080p) resolution. This is because there are many other factors at play, and attributes like the size of the imaging sensor, the frame rate and the camera’s ability to deal with varying light are just as important as the resolution.

If a 4K dash cam seems like great value, we suggest you proceed with caution. Try it out first, if you can, look carefully at the video it produces and only then decide if it’s worth the money. You might find a dash cam with 1080p or 1440p video (like our favorite, the Garmin 67W), produces higher-quality video than one shooting at 4K.

Do I need to run my dash cam off the car battery?

There are three ways to power a dash cam. The least common is the dash cam’s own battery, but since these tend to last only 30 minutes or so (like those of dash cams by Garmin), you are best forgetting this option altogether.

The next option is to plug the dash cam into your car’s 12V port, often known as the lighter socket. This powers the dash cam when the car is switched on, and is usually powerful enough to charge a smartphone at the same time. Many dash cams come with a 12V adaptor with two USB ports, one for the dash cam and one for a phone.

The final option is to hardwire the dash cam. This gives it a permanent supply of power from your car’s battery and enables its parking mode, where the dash cam springs into life and starts recording the moment a collision is detected, even if the car is parked and turned off. Hardwiring usually involves connecting the dash cam to the fuse box of your car, and requires professional installation. Once complete, the dash cam’s cables will mostly be hidden behind the interior panels of your car, creating a more seamless look than when a cable dangles down to the lighter socket.

A handful of dash cams can be powered by the car’s OBD II port, which is usually found under the steering wheel and provides a constant source of power.

Do I need to pay a subscription to use a dash cam?

Generally speaking, no. The vast majority of dash cams work without you needing to pay for a subscription. That said, many offer extra features in return for a monthly or annual fee. This includes cloud storage, where recordings are automatically uploaded to the cloud and can be accessed from your phone or computer. Dash cams require an internet connection to do this, either via your smartphone or a nearby WiFi network.

A couple of dash cams have their own 4G connection, like the Nextbase iQ. In that case, a monthly fee is charged to use the 4G service, which enables video uploading to the cloud and turns the iQ into a remote security camera, accessed via a smartphone app just like a video doorbell .

Do I need more than one camera?

Sometimes the hazard is from behind, so a rear-facing dash cam can be very useful. We have a separate buying guide to the best front and rear dash cams . Some front-facing dash cams come with an optional rear camera upgrade.

Some drivers, and particularly those who make a living carrying passengers, will want a dashcam that also records the vehicle's interior. Our best Uber dashcam guide recommends the best options for this. If you want a front, rear, and interior camera check out our guide to the best three-channel dash cams .

Do I need a dash cam with GPS?

GPS is a useful feature to have. It gives the option of adding location and speed data to your video recordings, which could help prove your innocence after a collision. GPS also ties into the emergency SOS calling function of some dash cams, like the Nextbase 622GW, which makes an emergency call and shares its location if the driver is unresponsive after a significant impact.

What other features should I consider?

High dynamic range: Also found in the worlds of digital photography, TV and cinema, HDR helps a dash cam retain detail when a scene includes bright lights (like the sky) and dash shadows (like the road on a dim winter’s afternoon). A dash cam with HDR will generally produce footage with more detail than one without.

WiFi:  This is useful for transferring videos from the dash cam to your smartphone (instead of ejecting the microSD card and slotting it into your computer). WiFi can also be used to connect a dash cam to your phone and use its 4G or 5G data services.

Night vision: Almost all dash cams have night vision. This usually produces grayscale footage with help from infrared sensors. Some dash cams offer color night vision, but these are generally more expensive.

Driver assistance: Some dash cams sound alerts if you cross lane markings or warn you about nearby speed cameras. Some also beep to let you know the vehicle ahead has started moving. These features can be useful, but in our experience they can also be unreliable and, often, a distraction. Do your research and decide if you really want these driver assistance features before making your purchase.

Voice control: Some dash cams have their own voice control systems, like Garmin devices that listen out for phrases like: “Hey Garmin, turn the microphone off,” or: “Hey Garmin, save the video”. This can be useful, but voice commands are’t something you’ll use all that often. Other dash cams, like the Nextbase 622GW, include Alexa, which can be far more useful if you don’t already have access to a voice assistant in your car. Be aware that the dash cam needs to use your smartphone’s data connection to access Alexa.

How we select the best dash cam

Our favorite dash cam, the Garmin 67W, strikes a fantastic balance between price, performance and design. Itr doesn’t have 4K video, but offers a high frame rate at 1440p resolution, a wide lens (the widest of any dash cam we’ve used, in fact), voice controls that actually work, and a design that is brilliantly compact, with a great windscreen mount. It’s our favorite because it excels in almost every area, and even though it isn’t the newest, we think it’s the best option for most people.

We’re big fans of the Nextbase iQ and how it uses a 4G connection to act as a security camera. We also love the iQ’s OBD cable, which gives it a constant power supply without the hassle of hardwiring it to the fusebox. But the price is very high, the 4G connection can be patchy, and I found the dash cam simply too large for my small car.

How we test best dash cams

We use every single dash cam in our own car before reaching a verdict. Only if it’s good enough will the dash cam appear in a buying guide like this one, and to get there it has to have impressed us with its video quality, design, ease-of-use and features.

We can’t hardwire every model we test, but we can at least position them correctly in our car – installing the interior and rear cameras too, if applicable – and power them from the 12V socket or OBD port, just as many buyers would. Their features are tested and their video recordings are transferred to our computer and analyzed before we reach a verdict. Naturally, we cannot test a dash cam’s ability to sense a collision.

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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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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.

More Auto Gear: Best Car Accessories ● Best Car Emergency Kits ● Best Steering Wheel Covers

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

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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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Road Trip Essentials: The Best Gadgets for Your Next Long Drive

The experts at Good Housekeeping have tested and reviewed some of the best travel electronics and tech gadgets on the market. Here are some of the picks that will make your next road trip more memorable.

Our Top Picks

Best Travel Dash Cam

Garmin dash cam 57.

Best Travel Portable Coffee Maker

Cera+ portable electric coffee maker.

Best Travel Gadget Wi-Fi Hotspot

Verizon jetpack wi-fi hotspot.

Best Travel Action Camera

Gopro hero9.

Best Travel Gadget Radar Detector

Escort max 360 mkii radar and laser detector.

Best Travel Gadget for Portable Power

Anker 325 power bank.

Best Travel Headphones

Bose quietcomfort overear headphones.

Best Travel Mug

Ember travel mug.

Best Travel Gadget Cooler

Koolatron thermoelectric iceless cooler and warmer.

Best Travel Tracker

Apple airtag.

We all have our own ideas about what tech we need and which gadgets and devices we enjoy, so the Gear Team could have simply thrown together a list of some of our favorites. But Good Housekeeping has been testing and evaluating products for parents and homes for over a century, and its testing processes have become an industry standard. So we hit up our colleagues over at the Good Housekeeping Institute for some tips, just to make sure we weren't missing anything.

Relying on the expertise of the Gear Team and the testing acumen of Good Housekeeping, here are some of the Best Travel Gadgets and Tech for your next road-trip adventure. Note: Road & Track has paraphrased Good Housekeeping 's findings to reflect our purposes here; we have omitted some of the Institute's non-automotive selections and included other products more suited for our audience.

Dash cams can be a fantastic tool for recovering damages, beating tickets, or recording incredible situations. The Garmin 57 mini dash cam takes the functionality up a notch with a Swiss Army knife–like list of features. It can record in 1440p and features incident detection, forward-collision and lane-departure warnings, and a cool option that lets you turn hours of driving into a time-lapse video. Best of all, it measures just about 1.0 by 2.0 inches.

Don't settle for whatever truck-stop cup of joe you come across while on the road. The CERA+ portable coffee maker will allow you to indulge your inner coffee snob wherever you are. It can perform cold or warm brews, and its rechargeable battery allows you to make several cups, no matter the type of coffee you choose.

Wi-Fi on your road trip can be a game changer. For those who lack the luxury of integrated Wi-Fi found on many newer cars, the Jetpack allows Verizon customers to connect up to 15 devices to their personal Wi-Fi network in more than 200 countries. During Good Housekeeping’s testing, the battery showed impressive all-day life. As a plus, it includes an extra USB port for charging other devices.

GoPro has been offering compact action cameras since 2004, and the HERO9 is perfect for road-tripping. It's durable and waterproof up to 33 feet, allowing you to take it with you just about anywhere. It shoots in 5K so you're guaranteed sharp, high-quality memories once your trip is over. GoPro also offers an array of accessories for attaching it to a helmet, your chest, your car—even a toddler.

Even if you don't consider yourself much of a speeder, having an additional layer of protection against hefty fines is a wise move. The Escort MAX 360 will keep you covered, just in case you lose track of your speed over hours of cruising. It's loaded with features, including dual antennas for increased range, 360-degree awareness, an easy-to-use app, and many more we don't have the space to list here.

Charging ports can be a point of contention in cars and trucks, particularly when a family is on the road for extended periods. This Anker portable battery will help nip back-seat fisticuffs in the bud. The 20,000 mAh Li-ion battery allows you to charge up to two devices at a time via dual USB-A ports, and it can be recharged through either its micro-USB or USB-C ports.

If you plan to spend many hours in a packed car, you will inevitably be met with conflict when everyone disagrees on what to fill your collective ears with. These noise-canceling cans from Bose provide a convenient solution, allowing your passengers to escape to their own audio reality for a bit. Testers found them very comfortable over extended periods and really appreciated being able to switch between Quiet and Aware modes to filter outside noise.

Caveat: No matter how tempting it may be to drown out the world around you, and despite settings that allow you to control ambient noise, we don't recommend over-ear cans like these while driving. Opt for a pair of AirPods or earbuds , if you must—but be advised, state laws vary on their use behind the wheel.

When you're on the road for hours on end, a warm beverage can be key in getting your body's motor started and keeping it going. This travel mug from Ember won't just keep your beverage warm, it will keep it exactly the temperature you prefer. The temperature can be controlled from an app on your phone, and its two-hour battery life can be extended by placing it on its charging coaster.

Staying hydrated and keeping your appetite at bay while on the road can be tough if gas-station jerky and drive-thru fare aren't your thing. Koolatron 's thermoelectric cooler and warmer plugs into your vehicle's 12-volt outlet and keeps the contents as cool as 40 degrees Fahrenheit and as warm as 140 degrees Fahrenheit. The 18-quart version can hold up to 23 standard soft-drink cans; the much larger 45-quart version is ideal for families.

Many are already familiar with the invaluable functionality that Apple 's tiny tracker provides. It can be used to track anything from your valuables to your luggage and even your car, right from your phone. It does require you to use Apple's digital ecosystem, but its overall functionality could just be enough to convert Android users. Its one-year battery lifespan makes it an easy set-and-forget tool.

Leatherman Wave Plus Multitool

If you don't already carry a good multitool, it's about time you do. The Wave Plus from Leatherman is a handy everyday tool for popping bottle tops, tightening screws, opening packaging, and a plethora of other odd jobs. Out on the road, it's great for small inconveniences and quick fixes, such as replacing burnt-out bulbs, tightening hose clamps, or whatever other mishaps may arise.

DJI Mini 3 Pro Drone Bundle

This DJI camera drone will elevate your ability to log your road-trip memories. When you're no longer limited to the ground, the photo and video opportunities you'll realize are pretty vast. The GH Institute testers loved that it can fold away into a compact carrying case and lauded its sharp picture quality. The included Fly More Kit opens up the potential to capture professional-quality aerial shots of your car ripping through the twisties. It includes spare batteries, chargers, parts, and more.

DJI Osmo Mobile 6 Gimbal Stabilizer

The DJI Osmo gimbal is a nice piece of kit to keep handy if you’re even remotely serious about capturing solid images of you and your flock while out on the road. Even if you're solo-tripping, it's an excellent way to capture photos or videos of your car in action. During testing, the gimbal held the phone stable and has a nice feature that allows it to rotate in a single sweeping motion. The magnetic clamp attaches easily to almost any phone.

JACO ElitePro Digital Tire Pressure Gauge

Before and after long drives, it's important to keep tabs on your tires, as they are the only thing keeping you and your family on the road. Investing in a quality tire pressure gauge is key, especially if you drive an older car that doesn't come equipped with a tire-pressure monitoring system. JACO 's gauge is calibrated accurately to professional ANSI 2A standards and offers a full lifetime warranty.

Rolling Square Keychain Charger Cable

Rolling Square's keychain charger is the perfect accessory to keep alongside your keys or in your glovebox. It offers multiple outputs and inputs including USB-C, USB-A, micro-USB, and even a lightning port for your iPhone. It complements the Anker portable battery above very nicely.

Reliefband Classic Wristband for Motion Sickness

Lots of us are burdened with the unfortunate affliction known as carsickness. This can get pretty messy on long drives, particularly if you have little ones prone to nausea. The Reliefband is a drug-free remedy to general motion sickness. If it really works—and most users claim it does—it's definitely worth it.

BUBM Electronics Organizer

Keep your wires and other small gear organized with this neat-looking organizer from BUBM . It comes in ten different colors, and the testers at Good Housekeeping loved the compact fold-flat shape and zipper enclosures.

How do I determine which items are essential to my trip?

A good rule, particularly with gadgets, is if you can't name around two-thirds of the buttons on your device, you probably won't use it (or at least to its fullest potential). Carry only what you might need and use.

I'm new to road-tripping. Will all these gadgets be daunting?

Some gadgets like a DJI drone can indeed have somewhat steep learning curves. We recommend trying out your gadgets at home to familiarize yourself with their features and controls. Apps are a requirement for some gadgets, so having those pre-loaded onto your phone can save time and hassle.

Can I buy stuff on the road?

Lots of gear can be a hassle to keep track of, so sometimes it is more efficient to forgo some of the less essential pieces and just pick them up as you need them. Rechargeable electronics are a great solution—they keep working and alleviate the need to carry around or purchase extra batteries.

Why Trust Good Housekeeping ?

The Good Housekeeping Institute has been testing products and providing expert reviews and advice on all types of travel gear in their labs, from luggage trackers and noise-canceling headphones to drones and mobile hotspots. The gadgets chosen for this list were evaluated by product testing analyst Selina Tedesco and updated by media and tech reviews analyst Olivia Lipski .

Why Trust Hearst Autos?

Hearst Autos combines the talent, resources, and expertise of three of the largest, most influential automotive publications in the world. We get our hands on each and every product we test. Most are purchased; some are supplied by manufacturers. If we're unable to test a product or category ourselves, we'll sometimes turn to noted experts such as the Good Housekeeping Institute .

Hearst Autos doesn't need to game SEO algorithms for traffic or promote lousy products to earn a buck. We're far more concerned with our legacy, our reputation, and the trust that our readers have in Autoweek , Car and Driver , and Road & Track to deliver honest opinions and expert evaluations. Read more about our product testing and evaluation process here .

The Assistant Commerce Editor for Hearst Autos, Justin Helton is an enthusiast with a passion for heavily depreciated autos and a penchant for philosophical debate. As a lifelong Manhattanite, he has mastered the ins and outs of classic car ownership in one of the least car-friendly cities in the world.

Rachel Rothman was the chief technologist and executive technical director of the Good Housekeeping Institute for over 15 years , overseeing testing methodology, implementation and reporting for all GH Labs. She also managed GH's research division and the analysis of applicants for the GH Seal and all other testing emblems. 

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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.

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The 9 Best Dash Cams for Eyewitness Protection

Written by Jason Barnette

• October 26, 2023

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my Affiliate Disclosure here .

Dash cams are like seat belts. You could drive without wearing a seatbelt and never be involved in a car accident. But that one time you’re in a collision, you’ll wish you were wearing a seat belt. Dash cams are like that.

But a dash cam won’t prevent an accident or save your life. The purpose of a dash cam is to provide video evidence – a digital eyewitness – that the accident (hopefully) wasn’t your fault. Video evidence from dash cams is increasingly used in courts and during insurance claims to determine who pays and how much.

Like many other tech items in today’s world of online shopping, Amazon is flooded with cheap dash cameras that will do nothing to prove your innocence when you need it most. But choosing a good dash cam from the saturated field can seem daunting. Fortunately, I wrote this guide to help you find the best dash cam for your car.

Keep reading to see my review from testing each of these dash cams and see which one I use in my vehicle – plus the one I think I’ll buy next.

Best Budget

Rove R2-4K Dash Cam

Best for Car Rentals

Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2

Easiest to Install

Nextbase 622GW

Vantrue N2 Pro

Thinkware X1000

How to choose the best dash cam.

The dash cam market is one of the most overly saturated with cheap knockoffs. It’s easy to get lost in the sea of options after an Amazon search. Even sticking to trusted name brands can become overwhelming when they feature more than a dozen options.

So, how do you choose the best dash cam?

I break down the most essential features of dash cams and explain the different options and what they might mean to you. After reading through this short guide, you’ll be ready to pick the best dash cam to protect yourself.

The resolution of the front-facing and rear-facing cameras can be crucial when identifying hit-and-run vehicles. 1080p looks great for the television on your wall, but it’s not enough to capture crisp details when zooming into a video to read a license plate.

Here’s a handy breakdown of resolutions recommended for dash cams:

• 1080p – Decent video quality, but it will be challenging to read license plate numbers
• 1440p – Better quality, able to read license plates in most cases
• 2160p – More commonly called 4k resolution, this is the best quality, and license plates can easily be read in most cases

Field of View

Field of view is the range of the observable world from any standpoint. Typical human eyes have a field of view of about 135 degrees horizontally. So, what does this have to do with dash cams?

One metric to compare dash cams is the field of view. The wider the field of view – or larger the number – the more the camera can see around the front or rear of the car. Here’s a handy breakdown of the field of ranges and how it applies to dash cams:

• 140 degrees is the minimum field of view for a useful dash cam, providing about the same range as most people see
• 140-170 degrees will provide a range from about midway through the front fenders and forward, which means the camera will see any front bumper and front corner collisions
• 170-185 degrees offers the best range that can be seen across the car’s windshield from side to side, so if any crash happens forward of the front doors, you’ll likely capture it on video

Numbers of Channels

Most dash cams offer one, two, or three channels of recording. But more is not necessarily better. It entirely depends on the kind of protection you want. Here’s a handy breakdown of how the number of channels helps you:

• One-channel recording – Always a front-facing camera and the most essential camera for a dash cam system
• Dual-channel recording typically means front-facing and rear-facing cameras, but some systems feature front-facing and interior-facing cameras. Rear-facing cameras are the preferred second channel in a dash cam system because it protects you from collisions in parking lots that will be resolved by insurance companies instead of police officers. Interior-facing cameras are only best for rideshare drivers.
• Three-channel recording – These dash cam systems have a windshield-mounted unit that includes front-facing and interior-facing cameras and an additional rear-facing camera for maximum coverage. These are only best for rideshare drivers.

Parking Mode

Parking mode is a common feature in dash cams, but it requires additional purchases and installation that might make it too expensive. And then there is the car battery issue.

Parking mode operates differently depending on the dash cam designer and user settings. One option is recording time-lapse videos while a car is turned off, capturing a single image every thirty seconds. Another option is to use built-in collision detection to start recording video.

But either option requires a hardwire kit. 12v accessory outlets don’t provide power when the car is turned off. The hardwire kit connects the dash cam to the car’s battery through the fuse panel, providing constant power. This allows the dash cam to continue operating after turning off the vehicle.

But this can also lead to a dead car battery. Gusty winds can trigger the G-sensor in a dash cam and begin recording video. You’ll find your car battery dead when you wake up the following day after an overnight storm. Prolonged use of a direct battery connection can also shorten the length of a car battery’s life – it might not die overnight, but it will after weeks or months of use.

Parking mode is a great feature for those hit-and-run moments that no one saw coming. However, there is a slight chance that video clips triggered by the parking mode will capture anything useful, like a license plate. Single-channel dash cams only provide a front-facing camera, so if you’re rear-ended overnight, you’ll have no usable video clips.

Parking mode is only worth the investment on dual or three-channel dash cams, and even then, it’s potluck if the video clips will do any good. But it’s never worth investing more money in a different dash cam solely for this feature.

Built-in GPS

Built-in GPS tracking is not a guarantee in dash cams. But if the feature isn’t built into the dash cam system, it’s almost always offered as an additional purchase. Typically around $30, the GPS modules provide date, time, and geolocation data embedded in the video clips.

But it’s also not very useful data.

The only time GPS tracking built into a dash cam is useful is if the dash cam has an SOS feature that automatically alerts the nearest emergency services to your location. But that feature is only possible if you connect your smartphone to the dash cam’s Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, which sometimes requires manually connection every time you start the vehicle.

GPS tracking and SOS are nice features, but it’s not a deal breaker if a dash cam doesn’t feature built-in GPS.

Collision Detection

Some dash cams feature G-force sensors, often called G-sensors, that detects when something has jarred the car. When a collision is detected, the dash cam can automatically perform several features depending on the model.

Most commonly, collision detections automatically save the current video clip and prevent its accidental deletion. Sometimes, a dash cam will also save the previous video clip. Once these clips are automatically saved, you must manually delete the clip. This guarantees the video clips of the collision are saved until needed or no longer needed.

Collision detection can also trigger the cameras in parking mode or alert nearby emergency services.

This feature is a nice convenience, but it’s not a deal breaker for a dash cam without it. Without collision detection, a dash cam with high-quality cameras will still work just as good.

Smartphone Connection

Today, even refrigerators and coffee makers feature smartphone connections and apps to control the appliances. It’s a nifty feature that not everyone needs or uses. But with dash cams, it’s the one feature that’s a deal breaker and worth the investment.

Without a smartphone app, the only way to view video clips from a dash cam is to connect the device to a computer or remove the memory card and connect to a computer. But suppose you’re involved in a collision on the highway. In that case, you might need that footage immediately to show the police officer.

With a smartphone app connected to the dash cam, you can quickly find the video clip, download it, and show the officer within minutes. This might make the difference between who gets the ticket.

Windshield Mount

There are various kinds of windshield mounts, and how dash cams are hung from these mounts. And the mount type can make a difference in how well the dash cam works for you. Here is a handy breakdown of the different kinds of mounts:

• Suction Cup – Suction cup mounts eventually fail, although it could be weeks or months until they do. Relying on vacuum pressure, the mounts are more quickly broken in hot weather and sunny days. When the suction cup fails, the expensive dash cam falls.
• Adhesive Mount – These mounts typically feature high-quality adhesive like what’s used on the rearview mirror. Once applied, they rarely fail until deliberately pulled. However, be careful installing these mounts yourself – you only get one chance to get it level.
• Magnetic Mount – Some dash cams feature a powerful magnet to connect the camera to the windshield mount. Magnetic mounts are useful because it’s easy to remove the dash cam when parked to prevent theft.
• RAM Ball Mount – These mounts feature a round plastic ball that must be pushed into a concave cup on the windshield mount. It’s easy enough to push the ball into the cup, but it can be difficult to remove and frequently pulls suction cup mounts off the windshield.
• Slide Mount – The slide mount is next to the easiest after the magnetic mount. The dash cam slides onto a notch in the windshield mount and pops into place. Typically, the slide mount features a locking mechanism to prevent accidentally sliding off the mount.

Memory Card Size

Bigger is not always better when it comes to memory cards. Most dash cams require a MicroSD memory card for storing the video. Video is recorded in clips ranging from 30 seconds to 5 minutes, and the length of the clip is usually adjustable in the dash cam’s settings.

Most dash cams use “loop recording.” Video clips are saved in sequential order. When the memory card is full, the device erases the oldest clips and overwrites them with the latest. This keeps the dash cam recording and saving the clips regardless of memory card capacity.

For this reason, the size of the memory card isn’t important. An 8GB memory card will simply be looped more often than a 512 GB. However, an issue might be saved clips. Most dash cams can manually save a clip from deletion – for example, a clip of a car accident you witnessed or your own traffic collision. If enough clips are saved to the memory card, it might be difficult to loop through and delete old clips.

Also, the memory card should have at least a Class 10 rating. This rating represents how fast the data transfers between the device and the memory card. Because it’s a constant video recording device, the memory card should have at least a Class 10 rating to guarantee all the video clips are correctly saved to the memory card.

I recommend a 64GB SanDisk Extreme Pro . However, check with the dash cam manufacturer because some dash cams require – or advise against – certain memory cards. The Anker SD Card Reader will let you plug the MicroSD card into a computer to download video clips.

5 Tips About Dash Cams

There is a lot to learn about dash cams before and after you make a purchase. But before you get too involved, here are some tips about dash cams that might help you make a decision:

• Invest the money in professional installation. Getting the dash cam professionally installed will guarantee it’s done correctly. It will also mean all cables are tucked behind the car’s liners, presenting a clean look in your vehicle.
• Get the hardwire kit. Although I don’t recommend using the parking mode available on many dash cams, the hardwire kit is convenient. When the dash cam is hardwired to the car’s battery, it frees the 12v accessory outlet so you can keep your smartphone charged.
• The front-facing camera is essential. Nothing is more important in a dash cam system than the front-facing camera. Disregarding all the features and accessories, you want a high-quality camera that will capture everything in front of your car.
• The rear-facing camera is important. Although not essential, the rear-facing camera could capture parking lot collisions that might make a difference to the insurance company.
• Get a dash cam that supports smartphones. When you need to view the video clip of a collision, the dash cam must have a smartphone app that allows you to quickly download the footage.

This is the best dash cam that is also affordable, giving drivers a double win. With dual-channel 2160p front-facing and 1080p rear-facing cameras, a distraction-free flush mount, collision detection that auto-saves video clips, and a smartphone app, you’ll be protected during your travels.

Rexing offers an extensive lineup of dashcams, but their best is the Rexing V1P 4K. With a 2160p front-facing camera and 1080p rear-facing, you’ll have crisp videos in case of collision. The 170-degree field of view is better than most dash cams. This provides great video coverage from a foot in front of the windshield and forward.

A G-sensor detects collisions and automatically saves the previous and current video clips. With a smartphone app connected via Wi-Fi, you can change the settings on the dash cam, view any clips saved on the memory card, and download clips for immediate viewing. The settings can also be changed on the device with integrated buttons, but the 3″ LCD screen does not support touch.

The Rexing V1P 4K does not feature GPS tracking, but you can get the additional GPS Logger . The module connects to a port on the side of the front-facing camera, requiring the pocket-sized module to be stored somewhere else in the car.

Additional features include a parking mode that records video while your vehicle is parked. But this feature requires the Rexing Hardwire Kit for power and can shorten the lifespan of your car’s battery. In some cases, parking modes can drain batteries entirely. Adding the Gooloo GP4000S to your car’s roadside emergency kit might be a great idea.

Unlike any other dash cams on this list, the Rexing dash cam mounts flush to the windshield, taking up less real estate with a low profile and providing a better distraction-free experience. The front-facing camera is adjustable with a knob on the side of the device to achieve the best viewing angle. The dash cam uses an adhesive mount, and the device securely slides onto the mount.

The Rexing V1P 4K requires a MicroSD card, which is not included. Rexing strongly advises users to format the memory card after inserting it into the dash cam. The format option is available in the camera’s menu. Skipping this step often leads to corrupted video clips.

Dual-channel recording

GPS is an additional expense

GPS module is awkward to install

Smartphone app is slow on Wi-Fi connection

There is no option for turning off the LCD screen

This dash cam has a single channel 2160p 4k camera and every feature in the industry, including GPS, Wi-Fi, a smartphone app, collision detection, and dual USB charger. It’s the perfect budget dash cam that provides great quality and ease of use.

The single-channel Rove R2-4K features a 2160p 4K front-facing camera that will capture crisp details. The f/1.8 lens provides better night vision performance in low-light conditions. The 150-degree field of view is limited but still good enough to catch anything from mid-fender forward.

This dash cam includes every feature currently available in the market. Built-in GPS tracking adds metadata to all video clips. Collision detection automatically saves the video clips and prevents accidental deletion. With the built-in Wi-Fi, connected smartphones with their app can change the dash cam settings, view saved video clips and download clips.

Another feature is parking mode, which records video while your vehicle is parked. But this feature requires the Rove Hardwire Kit for power and can shorten the lifespan of your car’s battery. In some cases, parking modes can drain batteries entirely. Adding the Gooloo GP4000S to your car’s roadside emergency kit might be a great idea.

The small dash cam features a 2.4-inch LCD and integrated menu buttons. The kit includes a suction cup or adhesive mount for the windshield, and then the dash cam slides onto the mount. The included 12V dual USB charger allows you to power the dash cam and charge your smartphone at the same time. The dash cam requires a MicroSD card, which is not included.

2160p front-facing camera

Single-channel recording

Narrow field of view

This dash cam is a good budget-friendly option. You’ll barely notice the key fob-sized device attached to your windshield. Voice control and a great smartphone app are helpful, but the lack of a rear touchscreen means it’s difficult to quickly control.

The Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 is the smallest dash cam reviewed on this list, but that doesn’t mean it’s not just as good as its larger counterparts. The dash cam features 1080p resolution with a 140-degree field of view – good enough to see traffic from mid-fender forward. However, the low resolution might make reading a license plate number difficult if needed. The night vision provides decent quality in dark conditions, but quality significantly degrades when your car’s headlights are the only light source.

This miniature dash cam is packed with features, though. Voice control allows you to give spoken commands to save the most recent video clip, start or stop the recording, and access more features. This is particularly helpful, considering the dash cam does not have a rear touchscreen.

The camera’s settings can be controlled via a smartphone app connected by Wi-Fi. It’s not the best connection because it typically requires manually connecting your smartphone whenever you want to control the dash cam. With the app, you can change settings, view clips saved to the dash cam’s memory card, and download clips. Live View is an interesting feature – as long as your dash cam is connected to a nearby Wi-Fi, you can use the smartphone app to monitor the current view of the dash cam. This is helpful if your workplace has Wi-Fi in the parking lot, but it is doubtful it will work anywhere other than your home.

Additional features include a parking mode that records video while your vehicle is parked. But this feature requires the Parking Mode Cable for power and can shorten the lifespan of your car’s battery. In some cases, parking modes can drain batteries entirely. Adding the Gooloo GP4000S to your car’s roadside emergency kit might be a great idea.

Saved video clips are automatically uploaded to Garmin’s free cloud storage, guaranteeing that your footage will be available whenever needed. With the smartphone app, you can download the clips at any time.

The Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 is about the size of a key fob. It requires the least windshield real estate of any dash cam on this list. The dash cam is installed with a suction cup mount to the windshield and then a powerful magnetic mount to the dash cam. The kit includes a dual USB 12V charger to power the dash cam and charge your smartphone simultaneously. The dash cam requires a MicroSD memory card, not included, ranging from 8GB to 512GB.

Inexpensive

Low-quality video

Single-channel recording with a front-facing camera only

No LCD touchscreen

This pocket-sized dash cam lacks an LCD screen, only features a single recording channel, and the camera’s low 1080p resolution might be a problem. But the camera has features like built-in memory storage, GPS tracking, and a smartphone app. It’s the easiest to install and good for renting a car.

The Nexar Beam is a single-channel dash cam with a 1080p front-facing camera and a narrow 135-degree field of view. The camera isn’t impressive, nor is the quality of the video, but the other features make up for this lack.

Collision detection automatically saves video clips to the built-in memory storage. The Nexar Beam has 32GB or 256GB of internal storage. You can add additional memory storage with a MicroSD card, which is not included.

The dash cam does not have an LCD screen and requires a smartphone to set up. The Wi-Fi connection is slow and requires a manual connection each time with most smartphones. Once connected, several features are available to users. Saved video clips are automatically uploaded to free cloud storage. Emergency services are automatically alerted in the case of a collision. Built-in GPS tracking saves the metadata to the video clips.

Because the dash cam lacks an LCD, users can use their smartphone for Live View. This displays the dash cam’s view but is also a drain on your smartphone’s battery that requires constant charging. This makes it a non-useful feature at best.

The pocket-sized dash cam uses a suction cup mount to the windshield, and the dash cam slides onto the mount. The small dash cam takes up very little real estate on the windshield, and the lack of an LCD screen provides a distraction-free experience.

Built-in memory storage

1080p camera

No LCD screen

Requires smartphone for setup

This is the most expensive dash cam reviewed in this list, but the extensive list of features might make it worth the investment. The dual dash cam features an impressive 2160p front-facing camera, a built-in polarizing filter, and GPS tracking.

The Nextbase 622GW is the latest in a long line of powerful dash cams. This dash cam kit includes a 2160p 4K front-facing camera and a 1080p rear-facing. That 4k resolution is good enough to read license plates in case of a hit-and-run. The field of vision of both cameras is only 140 degrees, good enough to see traffic a few feet from the camera. A built-in polarizing filter reduces glare from reflective surfaces like wet highways and windshields, providing much better quality. Night vision provides decent quality after dark, though it can be difficult, even with the high resolution, to read license plates.

This dash cam includes many features that make it a powerhouse for the price. Image stabilization reduces the typical tremble in videos captured on bumpy highways. The footage can be viewed at 120 frames per second when the resolution is reduced to 1080p during playback, allowing you to carefully examine collisions.

The Nextbase 622GW includes GPS tracking using What3Words. The proprietary geocoding system from a London-based company uses three words to identify any place on Earth to within 9.8 feet. The system has been adopted by most emergency services in the United Kingdom.

The front-facing dash cam includes a 3-inch touchscreen for changing settings, saving clips, and monitoring the recorded footage. With a smartphone app connected via Wi-Fi, users can watch clips saved to the dash cam’s memory card, download clips, and change settings. As long as a smartphone is connected to the dash cam, the device can send an SOS to local emergency services during a collision.

Additional features include a parking mode that records video while your vehicle is parked. But this feature requires the Nextbase Hardwire Kit for power and can shorten the lifespan of your car’s battery. In some cases, parking modes can drain batteries entirely. Adding the Gooloo GP4000S to your car’s roadside emergency kit might be a great idea.

The dash cam is mounted to the windshield with an adhesive mount, and then a magnetic mount attaches to the dash cam. The device is about the size of a smartphone, but the protruding front lens is quite large. The kit includes a 12V charger and an additional USB charging cable – you can power the dash cam and charge your smartphone with something like the Anker Dual USB 12V Charger .

The dash cam records video clips to a MicroSD card, not included, ranging from 8GB to 512 GB.

This mid-range priced dash cam is packed with features in a pocket-sized device that magnetically mounts to the windshield. The 1440p resolution is perfect, but the one-channel recording leaves the rear exposed. With many useful features, this is a great alternative for the best dash cam if you don’t mind spending more.

Adding to their lineup of powerful GPS navigation devices, the Garmin 67W is a high-quality dash cam. The single-channel system features a 1440p front-facing camera that records 60 frames per second, twice the frame rate of most other dash cams. The higher frame rate allows users to slow the playback and study a collision. With a 180-degree field of view, the camera captures everything across the windshield and forward.

Garmin included their voice control for a hands-free experience. Commands include starting or stopping a recording, saving a video clip, and capturing a still image. Connecting a smartphone to the dash cam via Wi-Fi adds more features, but that requires a manual connection each time on most smartphones. When connected, saved video clips are automatically uploaded to free cloud storage. The dash cam includes GPS tracking built in.

Additional features include a parking mode that records video while your vehicle is parked. But this feature requires the Garmin Parking Mode Cable for power and can shorten the lifespan of your car’s battery. In some cases, parking modes can drain batteries entirely. Adding the Gooloo GP4000S to your car’s roadside emergency kit might be a great idea.

With the Parking Mode Cable and the smartphone connected to Wi-Fi, users can enable Live View. This shows the current view of the dash cam while the car is parked. It can be a helpful camera at home, but it is doubtful it would be useful anywhere else.

Driver Alerts is an interesting feature of the Garmin 67W that sets it apart from other dash cams. Like driver assist alerts in modern vehicles, Driver Alerts sounds an alarm if the dash cam detects an imminent collision, lane departure, or violating local speed limits. Fortunately, the alert can be disabled in the settings.

The 2-inch touchscreen is the smallest of any dash cam reviewed on this list, but with the voice controls for many settings, it’s not a deal breaker.

The pocket-sized dash cam uses an adhesive windshield mount and a powerful magnetic mount to the device. The kit includes a dual USB car charger to power the dash cam and charge your smartphone simultaneously. Unlike most other dash cams, the MicroSD card is included.

1440p resolution

Wi-Fi connection instead of Bluetooth

Small 2-inch touchscreen

This three-channel dash cam can provide a high-quality 2160p front-facing camera if the included interior camera is turned off and 1080p resolution on the rear-facing camera. Collision detection auto-saves clips, but that’s where the features end. No smartphone app or GPS tracking are definite detractors.

The Vantrue N4 is a three-camera system – a 2160p 4k front-facing camera, 1080p rear-facing, and 1080p interior-facing. However, the resolution has a caveat – you can’t use all three simultaneously for the best resolution. The dash cam only provides 2160p front-facing resolution when the interior-facing camera is turned off. When all three cameras are turned on, the resolution drops to 1440p on the front-facing camera. It’s not a deal breaker because this is still a great resolution for a dash cam.

The front-facing camera has a 155-degree field of view, and the rear-facing camera has a 160-degree field of view. The interior-facing camera in a tighter space has the best field of view at 165 degrees. It’s puzzling, though, why the same camera lens wasn’t used for all three cameras to provide consistent quality.

Features include collision detection that automatically saves the previous and current video clip, night vision for good quality after dark, and a parking mode that records video while your vehicle is parked. But this feature requires the Vantrue Hardwire Kit for power and can shorten the lifespan of your car’s battery. In some cases, parking modes can drain batteries entirely. Adding the Gooloo GP4000S to your car’s roadside emergency kit might be a great idea.

Additional features include optional GPS tracking with the GPS Receiver Module and auto-off LCD to prevent distracted driving. A 2.45-inch touchscreen lets users quickly change settings, save video clips, and play any clips saved to the memory card.

Sadly, the Vantrue N4 does not support Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, so no companion smartphone app exists. The only way to view and save video clips is to remove the memory card, insert it into a computer, and save it to the hard drive. This makes it difficult to show video clips to anyone at the scene of a collision.

The dash cam is installed with a suction cup mount to the windshield and a RAM ball mount connection to the dash cam that can be difficult to insert. The kit includes a 12V charger and USB-C data cable for connecting the dash cam to a computer. The dash cam is barrel-shaped and wide, requiring a bit of windshield real estate that other dash cams don’t take. Interestingly, Vantrue recommends their proprietary MicroSD card but doesn’t require it.

2160p front-facing camera when not using an interior camera

GPS tracking requires an additional module

No smartphone app

Ambiguously requires their proprietary MicroSD card

Suction cup and RAM ball mount

Designed with rideshare drivers in mind, this dual-channel dash cam features front-facing and interior-facing cameras – no rear-facing. It’s a simple, no-fuss single unit to install, perfect for someone who just wants video protection in case of collision. The lack of a smartphone app makes setting up and viewing saved clips difficult.

The dual-channel Vantrue N2 Pro is a decent dash cam for a mid-range price compared to others on this list. This dash cam features a 1440p front-facing camera and a 1080p interior-facing camera. A 170-degree field of view on the front-facing camera will capture almost everything in front of the windshield.

The “Super Night Vision” provides better quality after dark than most other dash cams, thanks to an f/1.8 lens. Collision detection automatically saves the video clip so it can’t be deleted later while looping through the memory card.

With the additional GPS Receiver Module , the Vantrue N2 Pro can track your location and save the metadata to video clips. Collision detection automatically saves video clips and prevents accidental deletion. And you can have distraction-free driving with the auto-off LCD screen.

Additional features include a parking mode that records video while your vehicle is parked. But this feature requires the Vantrue Hardwire Kit for power and can shorten the lifespan of your car’s battery. In some cases, parking modes can drain batteries entirely. Adding the Gooloo GP4000S to your car’s roadside emergency kit might be a great idea.

The Vantrue N2 Pro does not have Wi-Fi or Bluetooth support and no smartphone app. This makes viewing video clips frustrating – you either have to remove the memory card and insert it into a reader or remove the dash cam from the mount and connect to a computer with the included data cable. The dash cam requires a MicroSD card – Vantrue recommends their proprietary memory card but doesn’t require it.

The dash cam is installed with a suction cup to the windshield, and RAM ball mount to the device. It’s a self-contained, easy dashcam to install with only the power cable to route through the car. The kit includes a 12V charging cable.

1440p front-facing camera

No rear-facing camera

GPS tracking is an additional purchase

No Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or smartphone app

This dash cam has few features for the hefty price tag, but it’s also the only one reviewed that features 1440p front-facing and rear-facing cameras. Without a smartphone app, it’s a plug-and-play dash cam that’s easier to set up.

The moderately expensive dual-channel Thinkware X1000 puts more emphasis on quality video than features, which might be fine for casual drivers. The front-facing and rear-facing cameras feature 1440p resolution and night vision, providing decent quality after dark. The 156-degree field of view isn’t the greatest, but it’s also not the worst.

GPS is not built-in but can be added with the Thinkware GPS Antenna . The antenna plugs into the front-facing camera and uses an adhesive mount to fasten it to the windshield. It’s an awkward arrangement because the 10-inch cable requires the antenna to be mounted close to the camera.

The dash cam includes driver assistance alerts like imminent forward collision and lane departure when the GPS antenna is installed. The antenna also includes information about local speed limits, speed enforcement cameras, and red lights.

Another feature is parking mode, which records video while your vehicle is parked. But this feature requires the Thinkware Hardwire Kit for power and can shorten the lifespan of your car’s battery. In some cases, parking modes can drain batteries entirely. Adding the Gooloo GP4000S to your car’s roadside emergency kit might be a great idea.

The dash cam uses a suction cup mount to the windshield, then slides onto the mount. A 3.5″ touchscreen provides quick access to system settings and video playback. The dash cam requires a MicroSD card, which is not included. Without built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, the only way to view the video clips is on the touchscreen or to remove the memory card and plug it into a computer.

GPS not included

Expensive, considering the limited features

Frequently Asked Questions

Having a video clip recorded from a dash cam during a collision might be the difference in who gets the ticket and how the insurance companies settle the matter, potentially saving you thousands of dollars.

A dash cam with a hardwire kit installed can drain your car battery if you use the parking mode feature. The feature activates the camera when the sensor detects a collision, but sometimes, gusty winds can also trigger the camera.

A GoPro is not better than a dash cam for several reasons. A GoPro is not designed to automatically start and stop recording whenever the car is turned on or off. It’s not designed for continuous use. And a GoPro cannot work with additional cameras tethered, such as a rear-facing or interior-facing camera, which limits you to just a front-facing camera.

Dash cams are legal throughout the United States. However, some dash cams also feature radar detectors, only permitted in certain states.

Loop recording is a feature in most dash cams where the oldest video footage is automatically replaced by the newest footage. This happens when the memory card reaches full capacity.

Dash cams begin recording video when they receive power after the car is turned on. The video is saved to a memory card set to loop recording, replacing the oldest content with the newest.

A dash cam records as long as the car is turned on. With loop recording, a dash cam can record indefinitely as the oldest content is replaced with the newest when the memory card is full.

The angle of view, correctly called field of view, is the range of the observable world from a single standpoint. For dash cams, it is the range horizontally measured in degrees of how much the camera can see.

2160p or 4k dash cams offer superior video quality, making it easy to zoom into the video and capture license plate numbers in the case of a hit-and-run.

No, dash cams do not charge a subscription fee to use.

The front-facing dash cam is the most essential, but a rear-facing camera can also make a difference during a parking lot collision. The best option is a two-camera dash cam system.

A dash cam with GPS is not essential, but it could be useful if it can automatically alert emergency services in the event of a collision.

Dash cams use a 12v accessory outlet, so the camera only works when the car is turned on. However, a hardwire kit connects the dash cam directly to the car’s battery through the fuse panel and provides constant power. This option, though, can drain your car’s battery if not used correctly.

Dash cams keep unsaved video clips only until they need to be replaced by newer footage. However, if you save the video clip, the dash cam will keep the footage indefinitely.

Dash cams with companion smartphone apps allow users to quickly and easily download video footage within minutes.

Since most dash cams feature loop recording – the oldest content is replaced with the newest – the size of the memory card does not matter. With that said, the best size memory card for a dash cam is 64GB because it’s a good compromise between the cost of the memory card and capacity.

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Rove R3 Dash Cam review: ticks all the boxes

If you’re looking for an all-in-one dash cam solution the rove r3 captures a comprehensive collection of footage.

TechRadar Verdict

Anyone keen to have more comprehensive video coverage will love the Rove R3 Dash Cam. It captures the view to the front of your vehicle, backs that up with a rear-facing camera, and benefits from shooting cabin view footage too. It’s nicely designed, feels well made, and has a simple, straightforward installation process. Video quality is more than a match for most other premium dash cams on the market, with day, night and bad weather footage all looking very good indeed. Built-in GPS, Wi-Fi and a supplementary app complete the package.

A complete video surveillance solution

Includes a trio of 1440p, 1080p and 1440p cameras

Easy to set up and use with an app to match

Hardwire kit is an additional expense to think about

Parking mode might be too sensitive for some

Routing the cables takes the usual amount of time

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.

Two-minute review

• Performance
• Should you buy?
• How I tested

If you’re looking for a dash cam that can do a little bit of everything, the Rove R3 Dash Cam is well worth investigating. Even some of the best dash cams on the market don’t always come with all the features and functionality needed for comprehensive protection. The  Rove R3 Dash Cam carries an impressive specification, with a 3-channel touchscreen dash cam being the core component.

However, armed with cabin and rear cameras too, it delivers a comprehensive range of video coverage, including 1440p video capture out the front, 1080p footage in the cabin, and 1080p out the back. There’s voice guidance, built-in GPS and 5GHz Wi-Fi, plus a very practical parking mode feature for keeping tabs on things when you’re not in your vehicle.

If you can put up with all the pop-ups on the official site, the Rove R3 Dash Cam is available direct. Your best bet is to head to Amazon , where the RRP of $399.99 is currently discounted to $259.99 – though this could obviously change at any time. The package comes with everything you need, including front and rear cameras and all the accessories for fitment and use. However, a hardwire kit and microSD cards are available as extras.

Rove makes a big deal about this model being powered by a Super Capacitor, which is mentioned quite a lot in the promotional blurb. In other words, the dash cam opts to use one of these over a lithium-ion battery. 

It makes no difference in the grand scheme of things if you’ve got the camera connected by default anyway. Having said that, Rove reckons this makes it more useful to folks who might encounter extreme temperatures ranging from -4°F (-20°C) to +158°F (+70°C). Extreme adventurers take note.

Rove R3 Dash Cam: design

The Rove R3 Dash Cam arrives in a box that flips up to reveal just about everything you need from a complete solution dash cam package. The artwork looks like it was designed using a home desktop publishing package and is quite chaotic in places, but, looking past that, the initial impressions made me keen to get the Rove R3 Dash Cam set up.

Full marks should go to Rove for providing a comprehensive, full-color manual that outlines all the steps for getting set up and how to use video once it's been recorded. There’s a supplementary app for both iOS and Android too. it's possible to use everything without calling on it if you’re not fussed, but it does enhance the overall user experience if you do.

Also inside the box are the main camera, a smaller rear camera, a 4.8 AMP dual charger plug, a suction mount, a wire trim tool, a 2.5ft USB Type-C data cable, a lengthy rear camera cable, a 12ft USB Type-C power cable, cable hiding clips, electrostatic films, a wet cleaning pad, and spare 3M adhesive stickers.

The build quality of all the components feels as good as that found on any of the other best dash cams. I like the robust feel of the main camera and the 3-inch screen is big enough to touch even if you’ve got chunky fingers. The design is also nicely laid out: I quickly knew where all the cables needed to go as they’re marked up logically. All I needed to do was pop in a microSD card and start plumbing it all in.

• The Rove R3 is available on Amazon US for $399 though look out for discounts – it's currently $259

Considering the Rove R3 Dash Cam is a complete solution package, there’s inevitably time to be spent sticking the cameras on the front and rear screens. I made use of the electrostatic sheets, which saves getting your screen covered in gum from the adhesive if I have to take it off again. The wiring, especially for the rear, takes further time to push in around the headliner, but I found the included tool made fairly light work of that. It all plugs in easily enough, though.

I especially like the way you can mount the main camera as it is, straight to your screen. Alternatively, there's the option to use the mount, which means it can be more easily positioned if any adjustment is needed. I got lucky the first time with my screen-mounted route, but either option works well depending on your requirements. Usefully, the lens in the main camera can also be twisted in a circular motion, so the view of the road can be adjusted easily.

Rove R3 Dash Cam: Performance

Setup took me about 30 minutes all told, which is reasonable. I then powered up, which happens automatically if you’re plugged in, and had to pick through a few options to configure the camera.

It involves common tasks, such as formatting the memory card (which was included in my test example but isn't normally), setting the date and time, choosing a time zone and carrying out any customization options. I plugged the dash cam into my 12V electrical socket, though you can buy a hardwire kit if you’re looking for a permanent installation. 

There’s a small button on the side of the camera to manually power up, but, once installation is complete and it has power, the Rove R3 Dash Cam engages its video recording mode automatically.

Conversely, the Rove R3 Dash Cam will stop recording if you power down your ignition (or unplug it) within 1 to 2 seconds. It will save the last video being recorded, so there’s no fear of losing any footage. I felt happy to use the camera in its default setup and settings arrangement, but dipping into the menus lets you easily tweak most aspects of the functionality.

• You can buy the Rove R3 from Amazon

Perhaps my favorite aspect of the Rove R3 Dash Cam is the three-channel coverage thanks to having a front camera, a rear-facing one, and the lens built into the main unit that covers the cabin area. Adding to the appeal is the built-in GPS Geotagging (incorporated into the mounting point of the main camera), which means the footage always has live speed and location data as part of the capture process. Getting footage off the cameras was easy too, with dual-band Wi-Fi (5GHz and 2.4HGz) straight to the app proving handy.

I removed the card and reviewed the footage on the larger screen of my laptop, with crisp and clear results returned by all three cameras. The 150-degree view provided by the f1.4 front lens, which uses a 5-megapixel OmniVision OSO5A10 CMOS sensor is solid and more than usable for picking out the definition on number plates and the like. The cabin and rear cameras feature f1.8 a 140-degree field of view with 2-megapixel Sony Starvis IMX307 sensors on board.

Overall, after-dark footage was impressive, with, again, plenty of definition coming from all three cameras. The Rove R3 Dash Cam seems to react well to changes in light too, even inside the cabin as I moved past street lights, which can frequently make footage look less than brilliant. The G-Sensor tech, which works for the parking monitor, only engages if it’s hardwired, so I didn’t get the chance to try this. Aside from checking the sensitivity though, I see no reason to doubt the quality of the footage it captures.

The screen on the back of the camera is a little busy, with a host of function icons along the top and the different camera views under that, but, as with most dash cams, I find everything works best if I keep tabs on footage via the app or on my laptop. The screen is perfectly serviceable for carrying out tweaks to any of the settings, though.

Should you buy the Rove R3 Dash Cam?

Buy it if...

You want comprehensive coverage Having three cameras as part of the Rove R3 Dash Cam package means it offers a complete solution. However, it's possible to use it without the rear option too.

You like GPS Geotagging functionality Time, date and location information is always an added bonus with any dash cam and, in that respect, the Rove R3 Dash Cam provides all of that info and more.

You’re happy to be filmed The Rove R3 Dash Cam records the cabin area of your vehicle, which is a bonus. It might be an idea to check if your passengers are okay with this, though.

Don't buy it if...

You only want the basics The Rove R3 Dash Cam is a premium monitoring solution, so it comes with more than enough features for most drivers. A cheaper single camera is a perfect alternative.

Your budget is tight The Rove R3 Dash Cam has a reasonably high price tag. However, it's worth keeping an eye out for discounted deals, which make it even better value.

You don't want to hardwire it This dash cam has a parking sensor feature, but this requires the Rove R3 to be hardwired. Installation is more complex and needs a special kit.

How I tested the Rove R3 Dash Cam

• I used it every day over several weeks
• I used it on a wide range of journeys
• I recorded video for extended periods

After installing it in my car, I put the Rove R3 Dash Cam through its paces over the span of two weeks, leaving it in situ for the whole test period. During that time, I used my car for a variety of journeys, from shorter commutes to longer runs. As well as using all the features and functions found within the camera, I also experimented with the app and downloaded footage to my laptop for closer inspection. The only feature I didn’t experience was the motion-sensing option, which only works if the Rove R3 Dash Cam is hardwired into a vehicle.

• First reviewed March 2024

Rob Clymo has been a tech journalist for more years than he can actually remember, having started out in the wacky world of print magazines before discovering the power of the internet. Since he's been all-digital he has run the Innovation channel during a few years at Microsoft as well as turning out regular news, reviews, features and other content for the likes of TechRadar, TechRadar Pro, Tom's Guide, Fit&Well, Gizmodo, Shortlist, Automotive Interiors World, Automotive Testing Technology International, Future of Transportation and Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Technology International. In the rare moments he's not working he's usually out and about on one of numerous e-bikes in his collection.

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6 Best Dash Cam Apps For Android Smartphone [ Pros & Cons ]

Home » Smartphone » Google Android

Dash Cam are relatively cheap, but for those looking into owning one but doesn’t have the budget, if you’re not sure you need a dash cam at all, perhaps you can consider converting your old smartphone as a temporary dashcam video recorder for your journey. Always go for a quality product over quantity, my advice is a branded dash cam is well worth the investment at Amazon, go for branded brands such as Garmin, Philips, BlackVue etc. A GoPro is equally good as a dash cam.

See More ▼ 7 Free Apps To Find And Spy Stolen Android Phone

Dedicated Car Dashcam vs Smartphone Dash Cam App

Although indeed there are apps available for iPhone, Android and Blackberry, there are some significant disadvantages to turning your smartphone into a dashboard camera. The only advantage you have is money. You do not have to spend a single cent if you already own an old unused smartphone. Works great on Android smartphones such as Samsung Galaxy, Huawei Mate, Oppo, Vivo, XiaoMi, and Nokia.

• Smartphone has a smaller Field of View, meaning to say you capture less details. This is important because the whole point of having a dash cam is to capture as many details as possible. Most smartphones come with a Medium / Standard FOV, whereas a dedicated DashCam has a wide FOV. This is a hardware issue, no app can ever solve this.
• Dedicated Dash Cam comes with a sensitive sensor for night time shooting, smartphone doesn’t have a night mode.
• Possible overheating or locking up due to long hours of usage.
• Shortened lifespan of smartphone and SD-memory card, because smartphones are not build to record video none stop, it might break at any moment, if you are unlucky, it might break when you needed it the most.

1. Droid Dashcam

Droid Dashcam is a great driving video recorder (dashboard camera) app for car/vehicle drivers which can continuously record videos in loop mode, add subtitles with needed information directly on those videos (read below) and record in background

• Hardcoded (embedded) Subtitles – Overlay Captions directly on Recording Video file such as Timestamp (Date), Location Address, GPS Coordinates, and Speed (based on GPS data)
• Background Video Recording – you can continue recording in background and use other apps which doesn’t use camera. You can also use notification panel to start/stop recording while this app is running in background.
• Loop Recording – Auto Deleting old video files when there is not enough space for new videos (you can set max space usage for all videos)

2. Drive Recorder

DriveRecorder is a free and car dash camera app which can record the video when driving, and it will give you an extra pair of eyes when driving. In the future, they will keep adding more features if this app really helps you, therefore, please rate this app to let us know if this app is helpful to you.

• Support recording in the background
• Support recording repeatedly
• Auto recording once you launch the app
• Support different video resolutions and file size
• Support specifying the video storage size
• Support sharing the video to your cloud drive
• Support recording the driving trajectory
• Support the feature which can navigate to the last location in the video
• Support editing videos

3. AutoGuard Blackbox

Your smartphone can be clever as you with AutoGuard, the best Blackbox application, will give you wonderful experiences. AutoGuard records various lengths of video, acceleration, latitude, longitude, and speed. The video recorded can be limited to save space on your phone. After the space is filled it will automatically delete the oldest videos, unless marked to be saved. Key Features:

• (Pro) Background recording: Multitasking with other apps (like navigation)
• Upload videos on YouTube.com with captions for location and time information
• Capture photos at important situation automatically
• Show the video and map information on one screen
• Automatically starts video recording when put into car dock or connect with bluetooth devices
• Records driving video, speed, GPS, and nearest address
• Supports high resolutions (1080p, 720p)

4. AutoBoy BlackBox

Black Boxes are a necessity these days. Have you hesitated to get a black box app for your phone because of the high prices? Now available at Android Market, you can get the Autoboy Blackbox for free. From now on, Autoboy will be your personal guardian for free, with all the functionality that you can get from other paid applications. Main function of Autoboy. Key Features:

• Continuous Background Recorder (Continue recording as long as the battery is charged in background.
• Three-Full Foreground (Full Screen, Full Recording, Full Files. Recording files’ resolution doesn’t get low or doesn’t create new ones in foreground recording)
• Pause And Background (The world’s first application of new technologies continue recording with the same form of background recording)

5. DailyRoads Voyager

Recording road videos since 2009, DailyRoads Voyager works as a car blackbox, dash cam or auto DVR, continuously capturing videos and photos during your journeys. The app automatically records everything, but only important events are retained for future reference or as evidence. You get to choose what to keep, simply by touching the screen, even while you drive.

The video evidence can be invaluable in case of accidents, insurance fraud, police abuse, protection from crash-for-cash scams and differences of opinion with other drivers. Key features:

• Continuous video recording, with user-defined length and video quality; sound can be included
• User-defined storage space on the SD card with cyclic recording; i.e. the card never fills up
• One-touch video retention allows you to keep video files for interesting road events during the whole journey
• Auto retain video upon sudden shock (e.g. accident); configurable g-force sensitivity
• Automatically capture photos at user-defined intervals and resolutions; great for time-lapse photography
• Background video/photo capture, with optional buttons over other applications
• Auto start and shutdown based on car dock detection and related options
• Videos/photos are time stamped & geotagged
• Automatically determine street address of retained videos/photos
• Display videos/photos location on a map
• Display speed, elevation, timestamp and GPS coordinates on videos/photos
• Overheating protection

6. Dash Cam Travel

User-friendly DashCam Travel application used as a car camera (blackbox, dash camera, dashboard, road video recorder) to the windscreen of a car for daily riding. It’s very useful to save videos about: traffic accidents, providing evidence for insurance, aggressive drivers, unexpected situations or interesting moments. The speed, date-time and all graphics can be hard stored in the video. It is very important in either an accident or proving a speed camera.

• VIDEO – 4K 2160p, FullHD 1080p, HD 720p, VGA 480p.
• LIMITATION – Can limit max. length of video for 1-60 min. Recording automatically continues with new file.

7. Avto Video Registrator AVR

[ Discontinued ] This is the newest program in the world DVRs (dashboard camera , DVR) video registrator AVR! It has a simple and intuitive user interface and is packed with features. All you need to do is fix the UTB smartphone near the head-on car window. Everything else she will do herself!

8. CamOnRoad Car DVR

[ Discontinued ] CamOnRoad is a free dash cam application for your smartphone, transforming it into the advanced car DVR with GPS navigation features based on augmented reality. You no longer need to buy a separate dash cam to improve your road safety or to buy a separate GPS navigation device to reach your destination. Use CamOnRoad application for both purposes: as the car blackbox and as the awesome video-navigation system. Moreover, speed camera notifications are available in the app.

9. CaroO Free

[ Discontinued ] CaroO Free Driving Recorder is a free and lite version of CaroO Pro Driving Recorder which supports a full pack of features including video dashcam with collision detection, driving track recorder with GPS function, and car-diagnosis and monitoring with OBD-II device. You can use video event recorder function and car-monitoring function separately or together. Experience the stable background operation as well as no gaps between recorded files on Android 4.1 or higher devices!

• Video dashcam supporting resolution and quality control up to full HD (1920×1080)
• Camera exposure and focus control (depending on capabilities of phones)
• Auto file deletion for normal/emergency video

Recommended for you:

32 Comments

Hi, is there a dash cam app that records on both the rear and front cameras simultaneously?

I doubt so, even if there is, there might not be enough processing power to handle ( record and save data ) both front and back camera at the same time.

Cam on road can, but only if your phone supports both cameras at once. My asus ZenFone 2 laser doesn’t.

Do you have a least of phone who can support dual recording? like I phone and samsung galaxy?

i’m sorry to tell you but the lg g6 support this features and this app can recognize 2 side video i’m looking for this features along time and with no luck

Yes. Nokia 8 support for dual lens/ both cam :)

Hi this is not true. It can use only one at the time. Even the aplication tutorial tells you this. Is not about the phone

Is there a dash cam app that has offline recording capabilities? There’s a long, curvy stretch of road that’s pretty dangerous where I live but you lose signal and service in parts of the drive. It’s incredibly annoying.

Recently I bought Car Camera app from Google Play. This one is paid but it was worth the money. Seems to be missing a rotary recording but they claim in description it will be available this month.

You may want to try a great free app called Open Camera, it has the cam spin you’re looking for that allows using either front or rear cams.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.sourceforge.opencamera

I have two unused android phones. One I want to mount rear facing in the rear window, the other in the usial placement location in front window. I’m in a real need for a bluetooth app that will let me control the rear facing phone/camera from my front facing cam. Needless to say, I cannot find one app, that works!

If anyone knows of a bluetooth app that will allow this, I would greatly appreciate the help.

Thanks in advance!

Tasker ( Android App ) could probably do this, but will require coding.

Great article, I was looking for Falcon 360+ IOS apps. Is there any app for Falcon Zero 360+? Thanks Mahedi

Among the reasons not to use a cellphone is “Shortened lifespan of smartphone and SD-memory card, because smartphones are not build to record video none stop, it might break at any moment, if you are unlucky, it might break when you needed it the most.” However, my experience with dashcam’s is that they also have relatively short lifespans (from a few months to maybe a couple of years at the most) and when they fail, it’s their DVR (recording) component that fails — and the driver doesn’t know this without trying to play back recent video. My current dashcam (– my fifth in the last six years –) is failing intermittently and did not record the last two of the last three incidents I witnessed this month. // I can’t help but wonder if the durability of a cellphone is any worse than a dashcam’s.

Is there a dash cam app that can automatically upload the dash cam video to YouTube or Google Drive while driving so everything is saved without running out of space?

maybe you can sync the ‘video’ folder with DropBox, but you’ll probably consume too much bandwidth. Space is never a problem for these apps, they will auto-rewrite on older files. In the event of emergency, you’ll have to quickly save that specific video file to a separate folder.

I ran into a similar issue. I have an old Nexus 5 I tried using but it is a 16G model and none of the apps really work for that. Ended up trying one called smart dashcam pro which is supposed to record video only when it detects sudden movements. The phone gets a little hot but it is working so far though I need to run a wifi hotspot with my current phone to use the free version of the app which is a pain.

Can I use any of these apps with a peripheral micro-USB webcam? I don’t want to have the phone sitting directly on my dash.

a webcam? is the framerate fast enough? even if it is, the resolution will be too low to even make out the car number.

dash cam travel record in portrait/landscape mode, automatic day/night scene of the camera, infinity focus. It can limit max. length of video 1-60 min. and max. number of records 1-20 so you can re-write old files.

My moto supports both front n back but people being concerned with storage. That’s why the app has the setting where you can make it record 5g of data then if you weren’t in an accident or nothing exciting happened it deletes that 5g n immediately starts to record again. It’s a looping process. It’s perfect especially for like crappy iPhones that you can’t expand the storage on board. I have a 64g phone with a 64 g card an on the phone I’ve only used 11G. So storage I don’t worry about. An androids still have the cloud storages too. So just set it to record 7g. If there’s nothing on there you want you just let it delete n start recording immediately after. Then wham you get into a front end collision let it run until everything is done. Words are exchanges, paperwork, the fistfight, etc etc. Then go in and hit save. Bam! All set. That’s why they’re developers, because they are very smart.

What app do you use

Open Dash Cam should be on the list. It allows to run other apps in the background.

CamOnRoad no longer available for Android?

Available on APK pure ???

For me,CaroO Pro is the most successful DVR app for cars. High quality recording, control of the car, worked with the car multimedia with Android 4.2., camera and OBD2! I purchased a new multimedia with android 9 for the car. But the software does not work properly. The DVR function is not activated at all. Do you develop and maintain the product?

You should also consider Droid Dashcam

I’m looking for a free smartphone dash cam app that has night vision. Thanks

Is there any Android app, which can use other front camera, than the main camera? For example: ULTRA WIDE LENS (on Xiaomi phones).

Been using Navmii AI Dashcam on Android works really well and is all free

I am looking to get a dashcam that I can read and process saved data with my own application. What is the file format for these dash cams? How can I extract GPS information and associated each image with a GPS position (I know that the rate of images is much higher than GPS points, but I can extract images and GPS and know how they are related to each other for example knowing their time, I can interpolate GPS positions to find the position of each image)?

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Best dash cams 2024: Great cameras for driving peace of mind

Autoblog may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Pricing and availability are subject to change.

Whether your goal is to grab some quick and easy footage of your drives for your Instagram page, or you just want to protect yourself from a lawsuit, a dash cam is the way to go. Some things you'll want to consider are whether you'll need features like night vision, an HD picture, parking monitoring, collision detection functionality, or even a front and rear dash cam setup (considering that nearly 30% of all accidents are rear-end collisions according to the NHTSA ). Some dashboard cameras even have built-in WiFi, letting users quickly save and edit their videos right from their phone. Starting at under $40, these options could save you thousands, not to mention the headaches that come with dealing with insurance companies.

iZEEKER Dash Cam for Cars - $31.98 (20% off)

$31.98 at Amazon

Key Features

• Records at a 1080P HD video quality with 30 FPS resolution
• Features a 170° wide angle lens field of view w/ a F1.8 aperture, WDR and night vision capability
• USB connectivity
• Records onto a MicroSD card
• Has auto start/stop and loop recording
• Built-in G-sensor allows the cam to detect crashes or sudden vibration/shock
• Includes parking monitoring
• Easy set up
• Comes with a 2 year warranty

This iZeeker dash cam is one of the best bang for your buck deals you can find in car video. For only $31.99 you get a dash cam that records in 1080P full HD with a 170° wide angle lens. Like most other cams, this one saves videos onto a MicroSD card and features loop recording, automatic start and stop and it also employs a G-sensor for crash detection. There's even a parking monitoring feature. iZeeker will provide a 2 year warranty with your purchase. Check out an image from the cam right here .

CHORTAU Dual Dash Cam - $42.49 (15% off)

$42.49 at Amazon

• This dual cam includes a 1080p resolution front camera and a waterproof rear camera
• The front cam records at a 170° field of view while the rear cam records at a 130° angle
• Features loop recording and emergency accident locks, thanks to the built-in G-sensor
• Includes 24-hour Parking Mode
• Supports up to a 32 GB SD card (not included)
• Built for easy installation
• Purchase includes lifetime 24 hour technical support

The Chortau dual dash cam is equipped with a 1080p HD front camera and a waterproof back camera for video recording. The front cam captures video with a 170° wide-angle lens while the rear cam features a 130° lens. Like the other cams in the list, this one features loop-recording and G-sensor technology. The biggest ding against this cam that we can see is that it unfortunately can only handle a 32GB SD card, but thanks to the loop recording, that makes the storage capacity of the SD card matter less than ever. After 24,000 Amazon reviews it's sitting at a cumulative score of 4.2 out of 5 stars. This reviewer was looking for a "simple" cam that would "just work," and they seem to have found exactly that in the Chortau. Click here to see their footage taken with the cam. Want to snag this Chortau cam? Learn more right here .

Rove R2 4K Dash Cam - $79.99 (33% off)

$79.99 at Amazon

• Records videos up to a 2160p or 4K resolution 
• 150° wide angle field of view lens
• Wi-Fi connectivity
• Features low-light/night vision recording
• Includes built-in WiFi to allow users to easily view and manage dash cam recordings on their mobile devices via the ROVE app
• The cam's Built-in GPS accurately records driving location and speed
• Parking mode, motion detection, loop cycle recording, emergency video lock, time-lapse and slow-mo are all standard features on the cam
• Supports up to a 512 GB SD card (not included)
• Includes a 1-year warranty

The Rove 4K dash cam records videos in, you guessed it, 4K resolution. It has features like Super Night Vision technology, built-in WiFi functionality allowing you to instantly manage your recordings on your smart phone, built-in GPS to record your location and speed, parking mode, motion detection, a 150° wide-angle lens, G-sensor tech, loop cycle recording, emergency video lock, time-lapse video, slow-mo video, and it can handle up to a 512GB micro SD card for storage. One reviewer shared some of his own footage shot with the camera right here . After 24,000 Amazon ratings, it's sitting at an impressive score of 4.4 out of 5 stars. Want your dash cam recordings to be in crisp 4K? Click here to learn more about the Rove R2 .

Nextbase 622GW - $499.98

$499.98 at Amazon

• 4K, 140° wide capture field of view
• Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity
• Works with a variety of second camera modules
• Features Wide Dynamic Range technology and night vision shooting 
• Includes 24-hour parking monitoring - thanks to a built-in G-sensor, the 622GW can automatically turn on and start recording if your car gets hit in a parking lot 
• Loop Recording automatically overwrites old footage
• Emergency Accident Lock saves/locks the current video whenever a shake or collision is detected, so it won't get over-written
• SD card not included

The Nextbase 622GW is advertised as a top of the line dash cam with the price to match. It features, among other things, 4K video quality recording, image stabilization, enhanced night mode, intelligent parking mode and emergency response built-in. Along with the 4K front-facing camera, there is an entire line of modules that work with the 622GW to provide you with multiple camera angles, protecting you in case of both forward and rear collisions. Want to read more about the Nextbase 622GW? Check out a full review of this camera and the modules that work with it here .

Kingslim D4 4K Dual Dash Cam with Built-in Wi-Fi GPS - $99.99 (29% off)

$99.99 at Amazon

• This dual dash cam set-up can simultaneously record videos with its front cam at 4K resolution 170° field of view and its rear cam at 1080p resolution 150° angle
• Includes built-in WiFi connectivity to allow users to easily view and manage dash cam recordings on their mobile devices via its own app
• Built-in GPS records your route and driving speed for videos
• Includes collision detection, loop recording, emergency video lock and time-lapse recording
• Features night vision recording thanks to the Sony IMX335 STARVIS sensor and Hisilicon Hi3559 processor
• Supports up to a 256 GB micro SD card (not included)

The Kingslim dual dash cam can simultaneously record videos in 4K from the front cam and 1080p from the rear cam. It features "the industry-leading Sony IMX335 STARVIS sensor and Hisilicon Hi3559 processor. With super night vision, f/1.8 aperture, and WDR technology, you can record stunning details, even in low-light environments. With front 170° and rear 150° super-wide viewing angles and 6-layer glass fixed-focus lens, it gives you maximum coverage of the road and greatly enhances night vision, providing sharp and clear images and videos." Thanks to a 3-inch touchscreen, you only need one finger to operate the device and toggle features like collision detection, loop recording, emergency video lock, and even time-lapse recording. This cam, like many of the others in this list, has built-in Wi-Fi and GPS and last but not least, it can handle up to a 256GB SD card for storage. Learn more about the Kingslim cam right here or check out its picture in this 5-star Amazon user review .

REDTIGER 4K Dual Dash Cam - From $119.99 (40% off)

$119.99 at Amazon

• Dual dash cam captures video at 4K resolution via its front cam and 1080p resolution via the rear cam
• Includes built-in WiFi connectivity to allow users to easily view and manage dash cam recordings on their mobile devices via the Ucam app
• Night vision recording is available thanks to the Sony STARVIS sensor
• Features 24 hour parking monitoring, loop recording and collision-detection
• Purchase includes a lifetime warranty and 24-hour technical support

The REDTIGER dual dash cam has basically all of the features you could want out of a cam system like this at a great price. It can capture 4K video recordings from its front cam and 1080p video from the rear cam, both in daylight conditions and at night. The system has built-in WiFi which is always a helpful feature since it allows you to easily connect the cam to your phone to be able to save or edit videos right on your mobile device. Like many others, this camera system has 24-hour parking monitoring, collision-detection, and loop recording, all great features to look for. One reviewer shared a video of the cam's "clear and sharp" picture right here . Last but not least, the brand offers a lifetime warranty and 24-hour technical support. Learn more about the REDTIGER right here . 

Vantrue N4 3-Channel Dash Cam - $209.99 ($50 off)

$209.99 at Amazon

• This three-part dash cam includes a 1440p 155° field of view front camera, 1280p 165° FOV inside camera and 1280p 160° FOV rear camera
• USB-C Connectivity
• All cams record video and audio
• Features Sony STARVIS CMOS sensor 
• Includes infrared night vision recording
• Features a 24-hour low-bitrate parking mode that can automatically initiate recording when the motion or collision detection is triggered
• Multiple potential set-ups for the cams make this a great choice for rideshare drivers
• Does not rely on lithium batteries, allowing for easier use in some extreme weather conditions
• Can handle up to a 256 GB SD card (not included)
• Does not support WiFi or Bluetooth

The Vantrue N4 is a three-channel dash cam that features a 155° front camera, 165° back camera and 160° rear camera. It captures footage in a 1440P resolution for the front cam and 1080P for the inside and back cams. The cam features a “high-performance Sony STARVIS CMOS sensor, a big F1.4 aperture 6-glass lens observing road front, [and an] F1.8 6-glass lens observing [the] rear.” One reviewer showcases the cam's "top notch" picture in a video right here . Other exciting features include infrared night vision capability, 24 hour motion detection, collision detection parking monitoring and optional GPS (sold separately). The cam currently has nearly 5,700 Amazon ratings with a total score of 4.4 out of 5 stars. Check it out here . 

DKK Mini Dash Cam - $35.97 (48% off)

$35.97 at Amazon

• 170-degree field of view 1080P HD front camera and 720P waterproof rear camera
• IPS Display wide dynamic range functionality
• 32gb SD card included
• Loop recording
• Built-in G-sensor for auto-recording when the car is hit
• Automatic light adjustment/night vision
• Parking monitoring
• Crowbar and cable clips for installation included
• Voice recording, motion detection, photo function
• Purchase includes a lifetime warranty

The DDK dash cam provides a 1080P HD picture from the front and a 720P picture from the rear. Like many other cameras, it has a built-in G-sensor for automatically recording and saving a video when it feels an impact to your vehicle. It features loop recording, automatic light adjustment, parking monitoring, WDR functionality, motion detection and more. It even comes with a crowbar and cable clips for installation and includes a lifetime warranty with your purchase.

How do dash cams work?

To put it simply and briefly, a dash camera records a variety of data and stores it for a period of time, which can be used later if there's an accident or road rage incident to prove that you're not at fault. (We're assuming you're not at fault; more on that in a second.) The dash cam obviously records video, but most also record audio. Many of the more advanced units come with GPS, which can be used to determine vehicle speed, and some come with accelerometers which can sense a crash and preserve the footage taken just before the accident.

Almost every car dash cam will record as soon as it gets power — so, when the car turns on, and the cam is plugged into ignition-controlled power, it's recording. Beyond that, there are a huge number of variations. Some have LCD screens built in, so you can review the footage without having to plug the unit or memory card into a computer.

Most have built-in flash storage, and many are expandable. When the storage runs out, the camera just overwrites the existing data. That's fine; no one needs to see you run errands a few days before an accident occurs. If there's footage you'd like to save, just make sure to offload it before it's overwritten.

What is a dash cam for?

From a user's perspective, the point of a dash cam is to protect you in the event of an accident, and it relies on the notion that the driver using one is not at fault. The dash cam can't cover for you if you did something wrong, but it can help prove that you were in the right. It records what it records. Let's say an unscrupulous person throws himself in front of your car, or stands on the brakes on the freeway, causing an incident. This is where a dash cam shines. That evidence can be used to help prove that the incident wasn't your fault. Otherwise it might be your word versus the other person's, and perhaps you'll take a portion of the blame ... which could increase your insurance premiums, or worse.

If you use one, you want to drive carefully and legally. Let's say you were speeding through a school zone, looking at your phone, and sideswiped a parked car with a GPS-equipped dash cam recording your position, speed, and the incident. It'll be pretty clear from the dash cam footage exactly what happened.

Oh, and don't assume that you can simply delete footage after you do something that's your fault. While the specific laws in your locality may vary, let's just say that the authorities won't particularly like the fact that your otherwise operational dash cam conveniently is missing a chunk of footage. Of course, you're going to drive safely, so this won't be an issue. After all, a dash cam should be a constant reminder of that.

What's the best dash cam to buy?

As with anything, there's no definitive answer here, it'll just depend on your own individual needs. However, if you're looking for a truly top-of-the-line cam, we'd recommend checking out the Nextbase 622GW, which you can check out above, or read our full review of right here .

How much does a good dash cam cost?

Dash cams have a very wide ranges of prices, from as low as around $25 to as high as several hundred. However, if you don't have any specific needs and are just looking for a pretty average dash cam to get the job done, you're probably looking at somewhere around $40 - $100. 

Is a 4K dash cam worth it?

For most people a standard HD dash cam will probably get the job done, but 4K cameras do offer some benefits thanks to the higher resolution. For instance, wide angle lenses, as featured on most dash cams, can sometimes make license plate numbers harder to read since they're often small in the frame, but the heightened resolution of 4K video can make that a bit easier.

Do dash cameras record when the car is off?

Most dash cams don't record a continuous feed when your vehicle isn't running, however, many cams nowadays include a "parking monitoring" feature that activates the camera automatically when your car is hit, and some even use a motion sensor to turn the camera on when anyone even approaches your vehicle.

Can I use dash cam to monitor my driveway?

As mentioned above, most dash cams don't record continuously when your vehicle is off, so if you're looking for a way to continuously monitor your driveway, we'd recommend something like an outdoor security cam instead .

Is a dash camera legal?

Dash cams are legal in all 50 states, but many states have regulations on where you can place the camera in your vehicle. To check learn more about your own states regulations, check out this handy guide by GPSTrackIt .

Are dash cams easy to install?

Each dash cam will have a different installation process, but most are relatively easy to install on your own. In fact, some dash cameras, like the DDK Mini Dash Cam , even come with all of the tools you'll need to install the cam.

How are dash cams powered?

Most dash cams need to be plugged into your car's power socket to function, but many have emergency back-up batteries that allow use for a short period of time even when unconnected.

Pros and cons of using a dash cam

The other side of the coin is whether a dash cam is worth the investment and the small amount of upkeep. Since they're conspicuous and somewhat valuable devices, they could be stolen if left out. And if unmounting it and hiding it to prevent its theft is too onerous, you might not set it up when you end up needing it. If you live in an area with a lot of traffic accidents, and you're concerned about protecting yourself, it might be worth the hassle.

At this point, there's no overwhelming argument in favor of having, or not having, a dash cam. Insurance companies don't require owners to have them, nor do many offer discounts for using them. But, the dash cam itself is a bit of an insurance policy. Just having one could prevent a serious legal or financial headache.

Consider the outlay involved, and then step back and think about how concerned you are about protecting yourself in the event of an accident or road rage incident. If this is something you're already a bit worried about, and the piece of mind that comes with being able to present evidence to a court or the police that is likely to prove that you're not at fault, then a dash cam is worth it. If it all seems a bit unnecessary or inconvenient, a dash cam's probably not for you.

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Best dash cams 2024: Great cameras for driving peace of mind originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Jan 2024 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds .

Best dash cams Australia 2023: The best cameras to protect your car

The world is dangerous, and a good dash cam can help you keep tabs on everything

If you don't have one of the best dash cams, now's the time to change that. Heading out on the open road always has its inherent dangers, and a dash cam can help you with insurance claims should anything go wrong. 

Whether it's your fault or someone else's, the best dash cams ensure that it's never your word against theirs' – and your insurance company will thank you for it. The only issue is deciding which one is right for you, since the are numerous dash cams to choose from. 

Each will have its own set of features. For example, some have built-in storage, while others requite a memory card. You'll also find dash cam kits with both front and rear cameras, so you can keep an eye on the road behind you too. You can also stand to benefit from built-in GPS, since this will be able to record the exact location an accident occurs. 

So, with so much to think about, buying a dash cam isn't necessarily as simple as it seems. Fortunately we've tested some of the latest and greatest models to help you decide. These are the best cash cams currently available in Australia.

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 (sold separately) 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 . 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

4. Miofive 4K Dash Cam

Miofive is a relatively new brand to the dash cam scene, having found its footing on Kickstarter. Entering a world dominated by a handful of major players would normally be intimidating territory, but Miofive has persevered and produced one of the finest dash cams on the market. 

Offering 4K video recording, a built-in display, 64GB of internal storage and fast 5GHz Wi-Fi for transferring footage to the companion smartphone app, it's everything you could need and more. What's more, it performs incredibly well. We haven't tested the Miofive 4K Dash Cam ourselves here at Tom's Guide, but our colleagues over at Digital Camera World have put it through its paces. 

Read the full Miofive 4K Dash Cam review at Digital Camera World

5. 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 AU$300 price tag.

Read our full  Vantrue N2 Pro review

6. 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

7. 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

8. Thinkware U1000

Standing out as one of the most feature-packed dash cams on the market is the Thinkware U1000. It can record whatever's in front of you in super sharp 4K video, and the optional rear camera can even shoot in 2K resolution at 30 frames per second. Beware, though, the file sizes can be huge. Another slight niggle is that the Thinkware U1000 can only be hardwired; there's no 12V socket power option. But, once it's installed, you'll be in ownership of one of the best dash cams around. Our colleagues at Digital Camera World have given the U1000 a thorough review, if you're keen to find out more. 

Read the full Thinkware U1000 review at Digital Camera World

9. Vantrue E1

The relatively compact Vantrue E1 can be neatly mounted on your windscreen via a magnetic mount and remain practically out of your field of vision. It's capable of recording 2.5K video at 30fps, or Full HD video at a smoother 60fps. You'll probably want to invest in the optional polarising filter to help limit dashboard reflections. GPS tracking is built-in, as is Wi-Fi connectivity and you even get a remote included to make saving footage a breeze. If you want to know more, you can find a full review over on our sister site, TechRadar.

Read the full Vantrue E1 review on TechRadar

What to look for in a dash cam

Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.

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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• 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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Dash Cams for RVs: Your Trusted Witness for Safe and Memorable Adventures

Last updated at: Jan 3, 2024

Every road trip in an RV is a memory in the making. Whether you're capturing the majesty of the mountains, the serenity of a sunset, or the thrill of navigating unexplored territories, a dash cam for RV is your ideal co-pilot. These specialized devices serve multiple purposes - from recording scenic drives and unforeseen events to offering extra safety and peace of mind while on the open road.

This guide will explore what a dash cam for an RV is, the benefits it provides, essential features to look for, and tips for choosing the best one to enhance your RV adventures. Get ready to turn every mile into a tangible memory and protect your journey, one dash cam recording at a time.

What is a Dash Cam for RV?

A dash cam , or dashboard camera, is a digital video recording device mounted on the dashboard of a vehicle. For RV owners, it's more than just an accessory – it's a valuable tool for documenting trips, improving safety, and resolving legal matters, should the need arise. The dash cam for an RV, in particular, is designed to suit the larger dimensions and unique challenges of an RV, capturing high-quality footage of your travel experiences and any incidents on the road.

The best dash cam for an RV can record in high-definition (HD), offer wide-angle views, and include both front and rear cameras. Some models even feature GPS tracking and driver assistance systems to enhance your safety and driving experience. From capturing invaluable memories of your journeys to acting as a trustworthy eyewitness in the event of accidents or thefts, the dash cam is an essential piece of equipment for any RV enthusiast.

Benefits of Dash Cams for RVs

Investing in a dash cam for your RV can yield a multitude of benefits. Here's how a dash cam can enhance your RV travel experience:

1. Evidence in Case of Accidents

Just like any other vehicle, RVs can also be involved in road incidents. A dash cam can provide irrefutable evidence of what happened, helping to resolve disputes quickly and fairly.

2. Documentation of Scenic Drives

Your RV takes you to beautiful places. A dash cam allows you to document and relive those scenic drives, turning your journey into a memory you can share with friends and family.

3. Security While Parked

Some dash cams continue recording even when your RV is parked. If an incident occurs while you're away from your vehicle, you'll have video evidence to assist with any insurance or legal claims.

4. Extra Pair of Eyes

With driver assistance features such as lane departure warnings and forward collision warnings, a dash cam can act as an extra pair of eyes on the road, promoting safer driving.

5. Training Tool

If you're new to driving an RV, a dash cam can help you review and improve your driving techniques and habits. It's a useful tool for gaining confidence on the road.

From safety to memory preservation, a dash cam offers invaluable advantages to RV owners, making it a must-have for every trip.

Features and Specs to Consider In A Dash Cam for An RV

Choosing a dash cam for your RV is not as simple as picking the first one you find. It's crucial to consider a few key features and specs to ensure you choose a device that meets your specific needs and enhances your travel experience:

1. Resolution

Look for a dash cam that offers high-definition (HD) or ultra high-definition (UHD) recording for clear, detailed footage. This is crucial for capturing the finer details of scenic drives or for providing clear evidence in the event of an incident.

2. Field of View

A wider field of view allows your dash cam to capture more of the road and surroundings. This is particularly useful for larger vehicles like RVs where blind spots can be a concern.

3. Dual or Single Lens

Depending on your needs, you may choose a single lens (front-facing) or dual lens (front and rear) dash cam. Dual lens cameras provide a more comprehensive view of your surroundings, including what's happening behind your vehicle.

4. Night Vision

If you're often driving at night or during low light conditions, a dash cam with night vision is essential. This feature uses infrared lights or employs special lenses and sensors to enhance video quality in dark conditions.

5. GPS and Wi-Fi Capabilities

GPS provides valuable location data and can document your route, while Wi-Fi allows you to connect your dash cam to your smartphone for easy footage access and sharing.

6. Loop Recording and Auto Start

Dash cams with these features automatically start recording when you start your vehicle and overwrite the oldest footage when storage is full, ensuring continuous recording without needing manual intervention.

7. Parking Mode

This feature allows your dash cam to automatically start recording when it detects motion or impact while your RV is parked, providing added security when you're away from your vehicle.

8. G-Sensor and Event Lock

The G-sensor detects sudden movements (like an accident) and locks the footage at that time, preventing it from being overwritten and ensuring you have the evidence you need.

Take time to consider these features when looking for the best dash cam for your RV. Remember, what works best will largely depend on your unique travel needs and circumstances.

8 Tips for Choosing the Right Dash Cam for RVs

When you're on the lookout for the best dash cam for your RV, you need a clear game plan to navigate through the multitude of choices in the market. Here are our top tips for choosing the perfect dash cam:

1. Identify Your Needs

Your needs and preferences should guide your decision-making process. Are you more interested in security or recording your scenic drives? Do you need a front and rear dash cam or just a front-facing one?

2. Consider the Camera Quality

A high-resolution camera can provide clearer and more detailed footage, which can be crucial for capturing memorable moments or evidence in the event of an incident.

3. Check the Field of View

Dash cams with a wide field of view can cover more area, reducing blind spots especially in larger vehicles like RVs.

4. Look for Useful Features

Features like GPS tracking, Wi-Fi connectivity, night vision, and parking mode can enhance the utility of your dash cam.

5. Read Reviews

Customer reviews can offer valuable insights into the actual performance and reliability of a dash cam model.

6. Evaluate the Brand

Choose a reputable brand known for quality and good customer support. This can make a difference in the long run, especially when it comes to warranty and service issues.

7. Check Compatibility

Ensure the dash cam is compatible with your RV’s electrical system and has the right type of mount for your vehicle.

8. Determine Your Budget

Dash cams can range in price significantly. Determine your budget before you start shopping and try to find the best dash cam that fits within that range.

Following these tips can help you make an informed choice, ensuring you invest in a dash cam that suits your RV travel needs and enhances your road trip experiences.

Best Practices for Using a Dash Cam for RVs

Once you have chosen the perfect dash cam for your RV, the next step is to ensure that you use it correctly and effectively. Here are some best practices to consider:

Position your dash cam in a spot that gives the widest possible view of the road but without obstructing your own view. The most common place is in the middle of the windshield, near the rearview mirror.

Regularly Check Your SD Card

To ensure your dash cam is always ready to record, make it a habit to check your SD card regularly. Clear out unnecessary footage to prevent the card from becoming full at an inopportune time.

Regularly Update Your Dash Cam Software

Just like any other tech device, keeping your dash cam software updated ensures optimal performance and reliability.

Use the Right Settings

Make sure you're using the right settings to suit your needs, whether it's setting up the correct video resolution, enabling night mode when driving in the dark, or turning on parking mode when your RV is parked.

Understand the Laws in Your Area

It's important to be aware of the laws surrounding dash cam usage in the areas you'll be traveling through, as regulations can vary.

Safeguard Your Data

If your dash cam records an incident, make sure to save that footage in a safe place so it won't get overwritten by your dash cam's loop recording function.

Using your dash cam correctly can significantly enhance its effectiveness and longevity. By following these best practices, you'll get the most out of your investment and ensure your dash cam serves as an effective tool for safety, security, and memory-making during your RV adventures.

Legal Considerations and Regulations

When using a dash cam in your RV, it's important to be aware of the laws and regulations that apply to these devices. While dash cams are generally legal to use for recording public areas, laws can vary by state and country, especially in terms of audio recording and data privacy.

In many U.S. states, it's illegal to record conversations without the consent of all involved parties. If your dash cam records audio inside your RV, you should inform all passengers of this fact to avoid potential legal issues.

Additionally, you need to pay attention to local laws regarding windshield obstructions. Some jurisdictions have laws about what can be mounted on the windshield and where, in order to keep the driver's field of view clear. Make sure you understand these laws to avoid fines or other legal problems.

In terms of data privacy, if you ever need to share your dash cam footage with law enforcement or insurance companies, it's a good practice to blur out faces and license plates to protect the privacy of others.

Staying informed about the legal considerations and regulations for dash cams can help ensure that you use your device responsibly and legally, protecting yourself and others on the road.

Choosing and using a dash cam for your RV can significantly enhance your travel experience, providing you with a way to capture memorable moments, ensure safety, and protect yourself legally. By understanding what a dash cam for RV can offer, considering the important features and specs, following our tips for choosing the right device, and adhering to best usage practices and legal guidelines, you can maximize the benefits of this powerful travel tool. Safe and happy travels!

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 March 30, 2024

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We're Bob & Sarah, the RVers behind RVing Beginner. We love RV travel, useful gear, and all things nature. Read more…

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