The best dash cam for safety, security or just recording curiosities that happen on the road will depend on a few key features. It's hard to choose since there are so many dash cams on the market, most from brands you don't know. Here are my tips on how to choose the right one in a sea of generally good ones.
First, think about your budget: You can spend tens to hundreds of dollars on a dash cam, but start with a rough idea of what your reason for having one is worth. If you want to record evidence of a crash you're involved in, that's easily worth hundreds of dollars; If you just want to capture the occasional YouTube moment, that might warrant spending less than $100.
Read more: Best Dash Cam Deals
Then realize that all dash cams have the same core purpose that makes them unique among digital cameras: They record live (not time lapse) video as you drive, running in a continuous loop, the "length" of which varies by the amount of storage in the cam. Every feature beyond that is optional and, often, superfluous.
Basic Dash Cam Tips
- Get a big SD card. The bigger the card, the longer that "loop" of recorded video you can mine for a clip you want to save. Memory cards are cheap, so buy the largest one your camera can handle. How much video a given card size will hold is determined by the specs of the camera as each will use different levels of video resolution and file compression: It's not possible to say that xx GB of storage will hold xx hours of video across all cams. Some dash cams come with a card, but it's usually a scrawny one so plan on buying your own. I'd avoid dash cams that only use internal memory and don't allow you to insert your own card, for capacity and convenience reasons.
- Look for stable 4K recording. 4K may seem like overkill in a little device, but it allows you to better zoom in on details in a video clip and read small text like license plate numbers. Clips from a lesser 1080p HD cam might turn to mush when you do that. Bonus points for a cam that couples 4K recording with image stabilization.
- Decide which views you want.All dash cams record the "over the hood" forward view but if you're a rideshare driver you may also want a view of the people in the cabin with you (but see my notes on audio recording below). If you're more concerned about evidence when you're rear-ended you might want a cam that supports an additional rear window lens and records what's behind your car. Some cams, like the Vantrue N4, let you record all three.
- Know that dash cams cut both ways.If you get in an accident with another driver, a visible dash camera is a sign that you have evidence. The other person may mention it to their insurance company, and attorneys may demand a copy of what you've recorded. That could go badly if you were in the wrong, but don't get in the habit of destroying recorded evidence that is known or discoverable. This is an argument for using the smallest, least noticeable dash cam -- like the Garmin Mini2.
- Think about audio.When looking for the best dash cams, consider whether they have audio recording but, more importantly, make sure you can turn it off. Some states havetwo-party consent lawsyou'll violate if you use a cam to record the voices of casual carpoolers, Uber and Lyft customers, or friends and family in your car who aren't aware of the recording. And know that when an accident happens, spontaneous remarks like "Oh no, I didn't even see him" can damn you in litigation if there's video. I personally suggest turning off dash cam microphones, though users interested in recording interactions with law enforcement may disagree.
- Cams increasingly rely on phones. It's not a trend I like, but more dash cams rely on apps as the screens rather than having a built-in one. You know how clunky it can be to reconnect to anything that talks to your phone via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, so bear that in mind when deciding on a dash cam without its own screen. On the other hand, some of the new phone-reliant dash cams also use that connection to upload clips to the cloud through your phone, which is a nice feature... as long as you pay attention to how much of your data plan it's using.
- Scrutinize the mount.All dash cams come with a windshield mount, but they vary widely in adhesive type, size and occasionally, essential technology built into the mount like a GPS antenna. These factors determine if a cam is easy to move from car to car, if it's going to be big and ungainly, or whether it may block more of your view and potentially run afoul of your local laws on dash cam mounting.
- Don't get bamboozled by bells and whistles. The main reason for a dash cam is recording video. Many cams are trying to differentiate themselves in a crowded market with features like AI driver assistance alerts, cloud backup, voice commands and supercapacitor power sources. None of these are key to getting a great dash cam. On the other hand, new features like AI fog removal or a glare-reducing polarizer built into the lens, both found on cams I recommend, are useful innovations in the main job of recording solid video.
- Dress the cable. Every dash cam needs a power cable and nothing looks worse than having it messily hang down to your 12V outlet in the dash. That also screams out to passing thieves that you have something worth stealing in your car. Take the time to tuck the cable into crevices and gaps in your interior trim as it snakes its way down to the dash. Many cams come with a simple little plastic "butter knife" that aids in tucking the cable, if not, just use a real butter knife.
With the latest and greatest features, even the best dash cams are generally inexpensive given the important role they serve and they're perhaps the best gift you can give to anyone who drives. Here are four of my favorite dash cams, each representing a different approach.
Amazon
Above all else, this Garmin mini dash cam gets the job done in HD and still makes room for voice activation and cloud storage through your phone. Garmin's dash cam doesn't record in 4K, which is moving toward table stakes for dash cams, and any operation beyond the basics has to be accomplished via an app. But the unobtrusive size, excellent HD video quality and trusted brand name make this mini dash cam a great choice for the driver who wants a simple, elegant drive recorder.
$130 at Crutchfield $130 at Amazon
You're receiving price alerts for Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2
Nexar
The Nexar Beam dash cam is also "just" an HD camera but integrates GPS location data into its recordings via a GPS receiver built into its windshield mount. It uses image processing algorithms to alert you to road hazards and can let others know if you're delayed getting to your destination via the dedicated Nexar app. Check whether your phone is supported before buying a Beam: A number of popular phones are not as of this writing, which reduces the number of advanced features the Beam can offer. This dash cam has a rear-facing camera that records crisp 135-degree-wide dash cam footage in 1080p and includes a 32GB SD card.
Like the Garmin Mini 2, the Beam uses your connected phone for its full interface -- but also uses that pairing to do free unlimited clip backups. Next to the Garmin Mini 2, it's the least obtrusive option on the list, though it's still much larger than the Mini 2.
Amazon
The Vantrue N4 is a three-channel powerhouse able to record out the windshield, inside and behind the car all at once in HD or greater resolution, or it can record two views at once in 4K and HD. Two of the views are captured by sensors built into the main front-facing unit, while the third is recorded by a remote rear camera that comes with a long cable to reach the back window on most vehicles.
Unlike many dash cams today, the N4 doesn't require a phone for settings or clip review: It has a compact but sharp rear screen and plenty of dedicated buttons for features and settings. This is a great camera if you don't want to have to fuss with a second device.
The N4 also has motion detection, not just impact detection, so it can wake up and record activity around the car when it's parked. It also uses a robust supercapacitor to power those functions when the car is off, as opposed to a conventional battery that may suffer in a car's punishing temperatures.
Amazon
The Nexbase 622GW is perhaps the best-looking dash cam on this list, with more image stabilization than its 422GW and 522GW predecessors. This 4K camera maximizes capture quality with a rotating polarizer on the front of the lens, image stabilization and built-in processing to reduce the occlusion of fog in recordings.
Your choice of three rear camera modules is available to also record the cabin or rear window view. Two of those three rear cam options plug elegantly into the 622GW's main body, while the third is mounted remotely on a long cable for the best rear road view.
Alexa is built in for voice control of the device, and in the event of a detected major collision the 622GW can upload your blood type, allergies and other relevant medical history to an emergency call center if you opted in during setup. The 622GW also features support for What3words, an alternate GPS labeling platform that is slick but few people seem to use.
Control of the 622GW is via its rear screen or phone app. It's one of the larger cams out there, partly due to its prominent lens, but its quality of finish and performance would help make it a welcome addition on your windshield.
Dash Cam FAQs
How do I install a dash cam?
The best dash cams are easy to install. In fact, installation is often as simple as finding a suitable location on your vehicle's windshield or dashboard, affixing the camera with the suction cup or adhesive mount that usually comes in the box and then connecting the camera to 12-volt power -- commonly known as the cigarette lighter socket on older vehicles. You'll want to take care when securing and routing the power cable, so it stays out of the way while driving. You may also need to insert a microSD card into the camera, if one is required and not preinstalled.
More complex multicamera systems may require you to install a second rear-facing camera. Sometimes this is as simple as attaching a second camera to the rear window and running a cable. Other kits may require you to attach the second camera to the license plate with a pair of screws and routing cable through the trunk and into the cabin. Other multicamera kits can get even more complex. If you feel out of your depth, contact a professional installer.
For dash cams that can monitor and record while your car is parked -- or if you're looking for a cleaner installation that doesn't block your 12-volt outlet -- you may want to consider hardwiring the device to your car's battery. You can usually find an appropriate fused connection in your vehicle's fuse box. If you're unfamiliar with car electronics installation, a professional installer should be able to help.
Are dash cams worth the money?
Yes and no. The happiest scenario is that you buy the best dash cam, drive for years without incident and never need to look at or even think about the footage. Technically, you bought a product you didn't need.
However, a dash cam can be invaluable when the unpredictable happens. After a fender bender, being able to prove your innocence with video or GPS evidence can save you hundreds of dollars on repairs, insurance premiums and legal fees. A relatively inexpensive dash cam is certainly worth the money in that regard.
It's better to think of these devices the way we think of insurance or fire extinguishers -- it's better to have it and not need it, than vice versa.
Are dash cams illegal?
Like most devices or modifications you make to your car, the answer depends on the laws in your area at the time. We know of no states that outright ban putting a camera in your car. So, generally speaking, the answer is no, dash cams are not illegal. However, there are factors you should consider when choosing the best dash cam for your individual needs and plans.
For example, many states have restrictions banning mounting gadgets or obstructions on the windshield. In these regions, you may consider a dashboard-mount, a camera that replaces or fits over the rearview mirror or some other low-profile installation option. Other states limit where on the windshield you're allowed to mount gadgets. So, you might have to put your camera in a corner of the windshield rather than in the center to avoid a ticket in these states.
Some states' distracted driving laws prohibit dash cams with always-on screens, so consider one with the option to disable the display while driving or one with no display at all. Honestly, even if you're not afraid of law enforcement here, not having another screen glowing in your periphery while driving, especially at night, is a good idea.
Finally, you'll need to consider your state's privacy and surveillance laws. They typically don't apply to recording what's happening around your car while you're driving, but drivers for ride-hailing services who pick up passengers, owners who share their vehicles with other drivers or who install a camera that continues to record while they're away from the car should check their local laws to make sure they don't run afoul of the law.
As we mentioned earlier, this is particularly important for cameras that record audio, which could rub up against two-party consent laws governing audio eavesdropping.
FAQs
What dash cam is best for me? ›
- Cobra Smart Dashcam + Rear Cam (SC 400D) : Best Overall.
- Rove R3 : Best Runner-up.
- KingSlim D4 : Best For a Tighter Budget.
- Garmin Dash Cam 57 : Best Single View Dash Cam.
- Vantrue N2S Dual : Best for Recording a Vehicle's Interior.
- HD Video. It's essential to capture and clearly display license plates. ...
- Wide-angle View. ...
- WDR for Low-Light Recording. ...
- Record and Save Video on Motion or Impact. ...
- Time and Date on Videos. ...
- Video Looping. ...
- Automatic Preservation of Accident Videos. ...
- Rear Window Camera.
Usage Time – Generally, one hour of 1080p recording uses approximately 6GB. Driving two hours a day, five days a week would need about 60GB worth of storage or a 64GB card. Frame Rates – Dash cams generally shoot 30 to 60 frames per second.
Which is more important front or rear dash cam? ›Just like when you're on the road, you need a rear dash cam to capture footage if someone backs into the rear of your car or a hit and run driver damages your vehicle. Interestingly, some drivers have reported that tailgaters tend to back off when they spot a rear-facing dash cam on the car in front of them.
How much should I pay for a dash cam? ›How Much Should I Invest in a Dash Cam? Dash cams help drivers and businesses avoid reckless incidents, theft, and vandalism. Depending on the size of your fleet and needs, you should expect to invest between $80 – $400.
What kind of dash cam do police use? ›DC7 POLICE CAR CAMERA SYSTEM - DC7 is In-stock. The DC7 police in-car camera system uses the latest advanced technology. Our police dash camera system is engineered for ease of use for the officers. The DC7 was designed...
How to choose a dash cam for your car? ›Choosing the Right Dash Cam Based on Your Needs
Top features to consider include: number of cameras, storage capabilities, video resolution, GPS capabilities and parking mode capabilities. Of course you will also need to consider your budget. At Nexar, we offer a range of cameras that focus on different needs.
Most dash cams get their power from your car's cigarette lighter port. This isn't active when your car's not running. So most dash cams don't work when your car is off. However, you can buy dash cams that offer round-the-clock protection.
Do I need GPS and WiFi on dash cam? ›The GPS and Wi-Fi features in a dash cam are highly useful, and even crucial in daily use. Traditionally, only higher end premium dash cams offered these features. But with the tech advancements available now, a variety of lower-end dash cams that have these included as well.
How long will a 32GB SD card record on a dash cam? ›Best for Driving Recording
A 32GB card is great for value for those who use their dash cams for driving recording. Typically this translates to about 3-4 hours of 1080P recording, which is more than enough for most drivers.
How long will a 64GB SD card last in a dash cam? ›
The data is stored on a 64 GB SD card. This SD card will hold approximately 40 hours of video.
How long does a 128GB SD card last in a dash cam? ›The higher the megabyte capacity, the more footage it can store, thus the 64GB U3 can record 8 hours of HD footage, while the 128GB U3 can easily manage 16 hours of HD footage. Keep in mind, these storage numbers are halved if using a Rear Camera Module.
Will a dash cam lower my insurance? ›Is there a dashcam car insurance discount? Insurance companies generally don't offer discounts for dashcams, but they can help you avoid an increase in your insurance rate by providing evidence that you weren't at fault in an accident.
Where not to put dash cam? ›Windshield wiper area
Check to see if the dashcam lens is looking through a part of your windshield that the windshield wipers cover. You don't want to have your dashcam installed in an area outside of the range of your windshield wiper coverage.
I found the front camera gives more pleasing pictures than the back one, for example, the pictures taken by the back one often shows my eyes are proportionally smaller. Also the front camera seems to produce completely dark pictures when the lighting isn't good, while the back camera can still produce clearer pictures.
Do Dashcams use a lot of battery? ›Does a dash cam drain a car battery? Dash cams don't actually require a lot of power! Your vehicle's battery is massive, and the power that your dash cam needs is minimal in comparison. So don't worry about your dash cam draining your battery.
Can I install dash cam myself? ›Unless you're savvy with car wiring, choose a dash cam that's designed to work with the 12-volt power outlet inside your car. If you're willing to pay for professional installation, you can still choose a DIY dash cam, but it also opens up hardwired-cam possibilities.
What are the pros and cons of having a dash cam? ›- Dash claims can support your claim following an accident.
- Dash cams can help you avoid unfair accident claims.
- Encourages safer driving.
- Easy to install and use.
- Dash cams can be expensive.
- There may be blind spots.
- You also have to be careful about where you mount dashcams.
You may choose to show it to them, or you may choose not to. But if the incident results in a legal claim, it could be subject to a search warrant or subpoena. If the police believe your camera has recorded a crime and a search warrant or subpoena is issued, you will have no choice but to provide the footage.
Can the police turn off your dash cam? ›Yes. If the law enforcement agency believes that the dash cam video has probative value they will request you give it to them and/or they will get a warrant. In investigations, I've requested and received warrants for videos, medical records and blood work.
Can Dashcams be used against you? ›
Dash cam video — as long as it is recorded in a public place, is relevant to the case, and can be authenticated (meaning that it can be proved that the footage is from your camera and recorded at the time of the incident) — is nearly always admissible in court.
Should dashcam be on windshield or dashboard? ›Dash cams have been legal in California since 2011. But there are some rules to comply with: Dash cams must take up no more than five square inches of space if mounted on the upper center of the windshield, and no more than seven square inches of space if mounted in the lower right corner.
Can a dash cam record while parked? ›A dash cam with parking mode is designed to go into a state of hibernation when your vehicle is parked. This helps to save energy and minimizes unnecessary recording time. When the camera detects motion in front of the lens, it turns on and begins recording.
Should I get A1 or A2 for dash cam? ›IOPS is a performance measurement to classify computer storage devices. There are two Application Performance Classes for SD cards. Class A1 requires a minimum of 1500 reading and 500 writing operations per second, while class A2 requires 4000 and 2000 IOPS. We recommend class A1 for our camera system.
What dash cam is always on? ›Owlcam is always recording while driving. Video history can be instantly viewed on your phone from anywhere. Owlcam safely draws power from the OBD-II port, providing AI surveillance protection and video recording even when the vehicle is parked and off.
How often do you have to delete dash cam footage? ›Delete the footage when you no longer need it
If there hasn't been an accident, and you have no other reason to keep the footage, you should probably delete it after a week or so.
While you might see dash cams that claim to be totally wireless, you'll generally find that most dash cams currently on the market do require some sort of wiring to draw power. There are a few dash cams that run entirely on internal batteries but these are usually only able to record for a few minutes.
How do I connect my dash cam to my phone? ›- Press on the WiFi button on the face of the dash cam to turn on the WiFi function. ...
- Go to the WIFI Settings on your phone and look for the WiFi name "VIOFO_A139_XXXX". ...
- Once your phone is connected to the dash cam, the LED light will turn to a solid blue.
With a capacity of 256GB, the microSD card will record approximately 37.7 hours* of HD footage before the Dash Cam overwrites the oldest recordings, or 26 hours* if using a rear-view module. This provides you with enough capacity to capture any incident and ensure you have the evidence you need.
What happens when dash cam memory is full? ›The right card for the job
All of our dash cams have continuous loop recording. This means when the memory card is full, it will automatically overwrite the oldest video. For that reason, it's important you use an SD card from a reliable source that can handle the stress of writing video files all the time.
How long will a 16gb SD card last for dash cam? ›
The number of saved hours of video that a dash cam can record will vary by device and recording quality, among other factors, but here are some general estimates for different capacity SD cards recording at 1080P resolution with a single view: 8 GB – 55 minutes. 16 GB – 110 minutes (1.8 hours)
What is the largest SD card for a dash cam? ›| SD Card For Dash Cam | Storage Capacity | Warranty |
|---|---|---|
| SAMSUNG SD Card For Dash Cam | 256 GB | 10 Years |
| Vanture SD Card For Dash Cam | 256 GB | 2 Years |
| INLAND SD Card For Dash Cam | 128 GB | 3 Years |
| Lexar SD Card For Dash Cam | 128 GB | Limited Lifetime Warranty |
If the SD card is good for 500 total writes, you'll be needing to replace the card in a year - that's considering you only use your car for work and you don't have parking monitoring enabled, because if you do, then you will be looking for a replacement much sooner.
Do Dashcams record without SD card? ›All dash cams typically require a memory card, mostly SD (Secure Digital) or microSD card to store recorded footage. Without a memory card, the camera would not have any place to save the recordings, making the device essentially useless.
How long will a 512GB SD card record? ›For example, on 512GB, you can fit over 33 hours of 4K footage at a low bitrate of 35 Mbps or nearly 3 hours of 4K footage recorded on a high-end camera at 400 Mbps. So it really depends on the capabilities of your camera and which settings you're shooting with.
How long will 512GB last in dash cam? ›A: A 512 GB card will record up to 48.8 hours at 1080p30 and 110.4 hours at 720p30.
Should I send dashcam footage to insurance? ›Dashcam footage can provide strong evidence in your car accident claim. When you submit the footage to the insurance company, they will take what it shows into consideration. The potential impact that the recording could have on a deliberating jury will be calculated.
Why is my dashcam not sticking to the window? ›Start with a clean dry surface. If the temperature of the suction cup is drastically different than that of the windshield it might cause the suction cup to lose its grip. If you need to, a little moisture might help it to seal firmly.
Can you leave a dash cam in a hot car? ›To prevent the possibility of damage, remove the Dash Cam from the vehicle or store it out of direct sunlight, such as in the glove box. - Do not operate the Dash Cam outside of the following temperature range: from -20° to 45°C (from -4° to 113°F).
Which is best reversing camera or sensors? ›As you need to drill through your boot to fit the camera, it is advisable to get it professionally fitted. Even though reversing cameras are effective, we recommend parking sensors.
Why do people look better in front camera? ›
Why? The front camera is a more wide angle camera than the back. A wide angle lens enlarges the foreground and diminishes the background. That's why people's noses look comically large with a shorter focal length lens (wide angle).
Is a mirror how others see you? ›When you look in a mirror, what you're actually seeing is a reversed image of yourself. As you're hanging out with friends or walking down the street, people see your image un-flipped. So that mole that you're used to seeing on your right cheek is actually on your left to the person facing you.
Is 30 or 60 fps better for dash cam? ›Because there are more frames per second, a 60fps video is more likely to capture twice as much underlying data as the 30fps. The other benefit of choosing a 60fps video speed is that you can slow down the video while keeping a higher quality of slow motion.
What is the downside of dashcam? ›Can be a Distraction. Dashcams could be a distraction for some drivers. Whether just by looking at it too much while you are driving or reaching to fiddle with it while you are on the road, any attention diverted away from driving and onto the camera is a danger.
Is there a dash cam without wires? ›Wireless dash cams offer many benefits, including quicker access to video footage and greater storage capacity. In this article, learn about the difference between wired and wireless dash cams and how to select the best wireless dash cams for your fleet.
Is shooting 24 or 60 FPS better? ›24fps vs.
When choosing your frame rate, you'll want to keep in mind that the higher the frame rate, the slower the slow motion will be. For example, videos recorded in 60fps or 120fps will then be slowed down to a 24ps frame rate, which creates that smooth slow-motion effect.
More fps also means more details, making the scene look unrealistic. That is why most filmmakers stick to 24 or 30 fps. On the other hand, 60 fps allows you to capture more movement and slow down the shots. In projects with fast movement, it is usually beneficial to shoot it at 60 fps.
What is the best resolution and FPS for a dash cam? ›At a minimum, 1080P Full HD is recommended to ensure that details, such as license plates, are captured clearly. High resolution is also useful for better clarity of zoom-in images. Frame rate, commonly referred to as frames per second (FPS), indicates the number of frames or images taken per second to make up a video.
Is A Dashcam bad for a car battery? ›Does a dash cam drain a car battery? Dash cams don't actually require a lot of power! Your vehicle's battery is massive, and the power that your dash cam needs is minimal in comparison. So don't worry about your dash cam draining your battery.
Is it OK to leave dash cam in car? ›If you own a dash camera which doesn't have parking mode, leaving it in the car overnight may only attract unwelcome attention. In those cases, it's important to remember to remove the device from the windscreen when possible.
Do dashcams record when car is off? ›
Most dash cams get their power from your car's cigarette lighter port. This isn't active when your car's not running. So most dash cams don't work when your car is off. However, you can buy dash cams that offer round-the-clock protection.
Should I tell insurance about dash cam? ›If you're involved in an accident and you have a dash cam installed, you should submit the footage to your car insurance company. In fact, many insurers insist that you do. When you make a car insurance claim, tell your insurance company that you have dash cam footage to submit.
Do you have to tell your insurance you have a dash cam? ›You don't have to tell your insurer you're using a dash cam, as it is not considered a vehicle modification.
How long do dash cam batteries last? ›One major concern is the type and quality of the battery they use. The two main types of batteries used in dash cams are capacitors and lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are common and can last between 5 to 10 minutes on a full charge, enough to wake up and record an incident while your car is parked.