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 Charlton
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.
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.
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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Subscription available: Vault cloud video storage (optional)
Reasons to buy
+
Compact size
+
High resolution with HDR
+
Fast frame rate
Reasons to avoid
-
Expensive when buying two or more
-
Short battery life (when not plugged in)
Buy it if:
✅ 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.
Don't buy it if:
❌ 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.
The bottom line
🔎 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.
Cameras: Front (up to three more can be added wirelessly)
Resolution: 1080p
Frame rate: 30fps
Dimensions: 31 x 53 x 29mm
Screen: No
Power supply: 12V (optional hardwiring cable sold separately)
Wi-Fi: Yes
GPS: No
4G: No
Parking mode: Yes (requires hardwiring kit, sold separately)
Subscription: Optional cloud storage available
Reasons to buy
+
Tiny design
+
1080p Full HD with HDR
+
Voice control
Reasons to avoid
-
No screen for viewing footage directly
Buy it if:
✅ 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.
Don't buy it if:
❌ 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 bottom line
🔎 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.
Frame rate: Up to 120 fps (front, 1080p); 4K at 30 fps
Dimensions: 152 x 127 x 122 mm
Screen: 3in IPS touchscreen
Power supply: 12V or hardwiring (kit sold separately)
GPS: Yes
WiFi: Yes
4G: No
Parking mode: Yes (hardwiring required)
Subscription available: No
Reasons to buy
+
4K main camera
+
Digital image stabilization
+
Alexa built-in
+
Support for multiple additional cameras
Reasons to avoid
-
Relatively expensive
-
More features than some drivers might need
Buy it if:
✅ 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.
Don't buy it if:
❌ 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 bottom line
🔎 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.
Subscription: Optional (required for 4G and cloud storage)
Reasons to buy
+
4G connection
+
Constant power OBD cable
+
Great 4K footage
Reasons to avoid
-
Very expensive
-
Some features require monthly fee
-
Not all features available at launch (Q4 2023)
Buy it if:
✅ 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
Don't buy it if:
❌ 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.
The bottom line
🔎 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.
4G is the big one here, turning this dash cam into a security camera for your car.
★★★★★
Design
Chunky but well made, the Nextbase iQ manages to pack an awful lot into its big body.
★★★★
Video quality
4K video quality is excellent during the day and at night, while interior footage captutred in Full HD with infrared night vision is also top-notch.
★★★★★
Value
There’s no getting around just how expensive the Nextbase iQ is, especially when selecting the 4K model and adding a rear camera. Then there’s the subscription cost.
✅ 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.
Don't buy it if:
❌ 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.
The bottom line
🔎 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.
Dimensions: 82 x 33.8 x 34.6mm (3.22 x 1.33 X 1.36 inch)
Screen: No
Power supply: 12V (OMD and hardwiring are optional extras)
WiFi: Yes
GPS: No (optional extra)
4G: No
Parking mode: Yes (OBD or hardwiring required)
Subscription: No
Reasons to buy
+
Compact design
+
Low price
+
No distracting display
+
Good in low light
Reasons to avoid
-
Grainy daylight footage
-
High frame rate would be welcome
Buy it if:
✅ 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.
Don't buy it if:
❌ 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.
The bottom line
🔎 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.
Although one of the simplest dash cams around, the F70 Pro still has a parking mode when hardwired, and infrared night vision
★★★
Design
The F70 Pro is one of the smallest dash cams on the market today. It takes up very little windshield real estate, and when hardwired provides a very neat installation.
★★★★
Video quality
I was hoping for more from the F70 Pro’s video quality. It’s just about passable, with important details like street signs and vehicle license plates readable at short distances, but doesn’t make the best use of its Full HD resolution.
★★★
Value
At $80 in the US, the F70 Pro represents decent value for money. It comes from a reputable brand and ticks the basics, while taking up little space and keeping things nice and simple.
Integrated storage means WiFi video transfer required
Buy it if:
✅ 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.
Don't buy it if:
❌ 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 bottom line
🔎 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.
Wifi, GPS and a display are the biggest features here, as well as optional hardwiring and, of course, the option for 4K video
★★★★★
Design
Surprisingly compact for a dash cam packing 4K video and a display; nicely designed windscreen mount, too.
★★★★
Video quality
Great video at 4K resolution and 30 frames per second. Lens a touch narrow, at just 140 degrees, and 4K file sizes can be massive, but overall the Miofive performs well.
★★★★
Value
Fantastic value, especially considering the 4K sensor and inclusion of both GPS and speedy 5GHz Wifi. There’s a generous 64GB of internal storage, too.
Power supply: 12V, hardwiring or OBD both optional extra
WiFi: Yes
GPS: Yes
4G: No
Parking mode: Yes (hardwiring required)
Subscription: No
Reasons to buy
+
K video with HDR
+
Lots of connected features
+
Discrete design
+
Optional rear camera
Reasons to avoid
-
Expensive
-
Lack of display (for those who want one)
Buy it if:
✅ 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.
Don't buy it if:
❌ 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 bottom line
🔎 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.
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.
(Image credit: Future)
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.
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 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.
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.
