Pricing & Key Features Comparison Chart
Check out this side-by-side look at the best options on the market today. Compare costs, capabilities, and more to find the most suitable product.
| Provider | Best For | Driver Assist | Emergency Response | GPS | Price | Money-Back Guarantee | Night Vision | Smartphone App | Video Resolution | Warranty | Wide Angle Lens |
| Nextbase 522GW | Image quality | No | Yes | Yes | $260 | 28 days | No | Yes | 1440p | 12 months | 140° |
| Garmin 55 | Voice control | Yes | Yes | Yes | $199.99 | 30 days | No | Yes | 1440p | 90 days | 122° |
| Rexing V1 | Audio | No | Yes | Yes | $100 | 30 days | No | Yes | 4K | 18 months | 170° |
| Mio Mivue | Video play back | Yes | Yes | Yes | $142 | 30 days | Yes | Yes | 1080p | As-is | 150° |
| Nextbase 222 | Basics | No | No | No | $79.99 | 28 days | No | No | 1080p | 12 months | 140° |
| Garmin 66W | Driver Assist | Yes | Yes | Yes | $250 | 30 days | No | Yes | 1440p | 90 days | 180° |
| Thinkware F800 Pro | Safety | Yes | Yes | Yes | $250 | 30 days | Yes | Yes | 1080p | As-is | 140° |
| Yi Mini | Touchscreen | No | Yes | No | $45 | 30 days | No | Yes | 1080p | 12 months | 140° |
| Owlcam | Front/back views | Yes | Yes | Yes | $349 | 30 days | No | Yes | 1440p | 12 month | 120° |
| Black Vue DR900S-2CH | Total package | Yes | Yes | Yes | $499.00 | 7 days | Yes | Yes | 1440p | 12 months | 162° |
| Vantrue N2 Pro | Dual-view | No | Yes | Yes | $199.99 | 12 mos | Yes | No | 1080p | 18 months | 170° |
| Garmin Mini | Compact design | No | Yes | No | $129.99 | 30 days | No | Yes | 1080p | 90 days | 1 |
How to Set Up a Dash Cam
Even with the best dash cam, it’s not always clear how to install it and get the most out of it. Below are some tips on how to get the most out of these devices.
- Mount it in the right spot. Most dash cams are meant to sit near the rear-view mirror. Be careful not to place it somewhere on the windshield where it will impede vision. That said, it should still be close enough where it’s easy to reach the controls.
- Plug it in. Most dash cams have a convenient cable that plugs right into the vehicle’s cigarette lighter (12V outlet). For safety purposes, it’s a good idea to run the cord along the top of the windshield and over the sun visor so that the view is clear. Some holding clips would come in handy here.
- Secure it. Finally, be certain that the cable is secured and won’t swing around while the vehicle is in motion. Again, clips work well here.
The Most Important Features to Consider Before Buying
To find the best dash cam, it’s important to consider a few key metrics. Look for dash cameras that tick the following boxes to ensure that it gets clear recording footage and stands the test of time.
Camera Quality & Night Vision
A car dash cam is there to help people out in case there’s a court trial or civic dispute. Therefore, the camera quality needs to be spot-on. Top-rated dash cameras work well in daylight and after sundown, usually with 1080p HD images. When shopping around, opt for a 4K dash cam, if possible.
Intuitive Control Panel
Check some dash cam reviews and see what users have to say about the controls. A decent panel is crucial because it helps people quickly access different camera modes. Look for dash cameras with large, well-marked buttons and control pads that don’t jam.
Stable, Secure Mounts
Dashcams have to sit on a secure mount, which attaches to the vehicle’s windshield. Without a safe and stable mounting system, there’s a risk of the dashboard camera becoming loose or falling off. Seek out a car camera that comes with adhesive tape or suction cups that hold tight to the glass.
A Decent Display Screen
The best dash cameras have a display screen that’s large enough to see clearly, but small enough to be safe. In terms of measurements, look for a car dash cam that’s at least two inches, if possible.
Overall Size
Along the same lines, a good dash cam will have an overall size that isn’t too large. Since it’s sitting on the windshield, it needs to be discreet enough for drivers to see the road. That said, dash cams that are too small won’t prove to be of any use.
Wide FOV
Dash cams with a wider FOV (field of view) allow for better footage, especially on a multi-lane highway. Just be careful that a wide-angle lens doesn’t distort the recording because this will make it hard to determine how close other vehicles truly are.
Mobile Capabilities
Lots of people these days appreciate smartphone integration, so any good dash cam will include this feature. With a mobile app, users can access their video footage, share recordings, and keep track of things like vehicle speed and maps.
Internal GPS
A car camera with a global positioning system can track the vehicle’s location as well as other valuable information. This includes things like speed and travel history. Be aware that most dash cams with a GPS don’t provide turn-by-turn directions, so drivers would need to use an app.
Front & Rear Cameras
The best dash cam for a car will include a dual camera. Of course, this is a premium feature that most dashcams won’t have. For those who can afford it, this capability records video of the street as well as the driver and passengers in the car.
Parking Mode
This unique feature allows users to record video while the car is parked. This does require an external battery or a device that’s wired to the vehicle’s fuse box. Even so, this grants greater surveillance by keeping an eye on things around the parked car.
Driver Safety Features
A good dash cam includes assisting tools that keep the driver and passengers safe. Examples of this could be collision warnings, yield signals, and lane-merging alerts. Most of the time, these are customizable, so users can be reminded to turn on their headlights or switch to cruise control.
Alternate Power Supply
Most dash cams use a lithium-ion battery, but some rely on a capacitor. The upside to this is that it’s less temperature-sensitive, so it won’t overheat or freeze up as easily. While this is a premium feature, it’s worth looking out for.
Client Support & Manufacturer Reputation
Great customer service can’t be stressed enough. Consumers must look for trusted brands that have their interests at heart. Look for dash cam companies that have excellent client feedback, clear business hours, and open lines of communication.
How to Buy the Best Dash Cam
1. Make a List of What You Need
Each individual should think about what qualities they want in a dash camera. If money were no obstacle, what would be most important? Maybe it’s 1080p video quality or an internal GPS. Perhaps night vision is most crucial. Other people might want an accompanying smartphone app so they can share with family members at home.
2. Find Trustworthy Brands
Some people may already have their favorite dash cam brands. Others may need to do some research or turn to dash cam reviews like this one. Either way, once they know which companies they trust, they can look at those specific offerings to make an informed buying decision.
3. Identify Key Features
Buyers should think about why they want a dash cam in the first place. This will help them decide which option suits their needs the most. For example, if they want to track the actions of their passengers, then a rear camera is critical. If they work as an overnight driver, then night vision is a top priority.
4. Factor in Added Costs
Unfortunately, lots of surveillance equipment comes with hidden fees, and dash cams aren’t immune. Consider things like upfront costs, activation charges, and the company’s refund policy. Check the manufacturer’s website for more details. Better yet, read dash cam reviews to get the inside scoop.
5. Read Customer Reviews
FAQs
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Are Dash Cams Worth It?
Yes, as long as the person can afford the cost of having and maintaining one. There are lots of reasons why someone would want a dash cam. They could work for a ride-sharing service or be a truck driver who works the graveyard shift. These products ensure that everyone stays safe, or that there is ample evidence in case an accident occurs.
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What is the Best Dual Dash Cam?
There are a few dual dash cams on this list to check out, so be sure to start there. The answer depends on the person because different individuals have unique needs and preferences. Rather than focusing on a specific product, consider which features are non-negotiable and see who provides that. This will point towards the most suitable camera.
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What is the Easiest Dash Cam to Use?
Again, this depends on the person. Some people are very tech-savvy, while others have a lot of trouble with certain tasks. Buyers should consider how many features they want out of their dash cam, such as:
- Dual-view
- Image resolution
- Power source
- Video quality
From there, they can determine whether the product they want will be high-tech or more basic. Fortunately, many of the best dash cameras come with an accompanying mobile app to make set-up and maintenance easier.
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Can You Get a Ticket From a Dash Cam?
Not only do everyday people use dash cams, but police officers do, too. They can nab someone for speeding if they catch it on their camera. On the other hand, average folks could get into trouble for simply having a dash cam. Consider that many states have eavesdropping laws, including:
- California
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Nevada
- Oregon
- Vermont
- Washington
If a person leaves their vehicle with a mechanic or friend, they could end up capturing a private conversation. This could be used against them in a court of law.
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Should I Get a Dual Dash Cam?
There are a few different reasons why someone may want one of these cameras. First, if they are an Uber driver or something similar, they have lots of people coming in and out of their vehicle. There’s a real danger in that, so a dash cam could capture incriminating evidence. Alternatively, these cameras come in handy for the average person, too. It can be a great source of backup if there’s police injustice because it can prove their innocence. It’s also helpful in capturing a video of cars to the rear of them in case of an accident.
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How Long Can a Dash Cam Record?
This depends on the SD card that’s inside the camera. Typically, an 8GB memory card can store 20 minutes of video at 1080p quality. A lower resolution can result in more memory, but the images won’t be as clear. Alternatively, for cameras on loop mode, they will continue to record and just overwrite existing data when they run out of storage space.
The Best Car Dash Cam is the One You’ll Use Regularly
The best dashcam will vary from person to person. Rather, individuals should focus on how likely it is that they’ll use it. Equipment, no matter how great it is, will be useless if it’s sitting in the corner collecting dust. Consider budget, features, and reliability and choose a gadget that will fit comfortably into daily living and driving.
