These are the top 10 Best Dash Cams Of 2024: The Best Car Cams for Every Budget from brands like Nextbase, Garmin, Thinkware, and more.
You can feel safer behind the wheel with the best dash cams because they record video every time you drive. We’ve put all of the best dash cams through a lot of tests so that you can find the one that fits your needs and your budget. The expert guide below ranks our top picks for everything from primary in-car cameras to high-end multi-cam systems.
After giving it our full attention, we Nextbase iQ is the best dash cam for most people in 2024. This dash cam is brilliant in every way, and the people who made it say they will add new features this year, such as a Witness Mode that you can activate with your voice. Also, it costs the most of all the car cams we looked at. This is our top pick for people who want to save money: the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2. Below each suggestion, you’ll find links to the best dash cam deals.
Everyone on our team has thoroughly tried every dashcam in this guide. To ensure each model meets our objective standards, we test it in the real world and document the results. We look at more than just the specs. We also check how easy it is to use and set up, how well any driver assistance features work and the total video quality. At the end of this page, we discuss how we test dash cams and give tips on choosing the best one for you.We also wrote a guide on how to install a dash cam.
OVERALL, THE BEST DASH CAM
1. NEXTBASE 622GW
OVERALL, THE BEST DASH CAM
| SPECIFICATIONS | Video quality: 4KViewing angle: 140 degrees GPS tracker: Yes Memory: MicroSD card (not included) |
| TODAY’S BEST DEALS | View at Amazon(Black) |
| REASONS TO BUY | Alexa and what3words built-in+Superb video quality |
| REASONS TO AVOID | Requires large capacity SD card-Poor smartphone app |
The Nextbase 622GW is the best car cam you can buy.. It has a lot of great tools, and the video quality is excellent. When we tried it, the 4K/30p video almost looked like a movie because of its great definition and clarity. When things are challenging, methods that work better in low light and bad weather can also help. If you lower the quality to 1080p, you can shoot 120fps slow motion. This enables you to see things like license plates better. We were surprised by How well the digital picture stabilization smoothed out shakes from the road and how well the polarizing filter cut down on glare from the window.
It was hard to set up in our tests, and the 3-inch screen needs clean swipes to work. Getting movies from our phones to our computers also took a lot of work. But the 622GW is still simple to use. It’s easy to use, and the screen is big, sharp, and straightforward. With its intelligent Because it works with what3words, the 622GW can find where damaged cars are and send that information to rescue vehicles. Video is automatically saved when an accident is found. You can get a dash cam with better voice control for less money, but the 622GW is the best one for regularly recording clear 4K video.
BEST DASH CAM FOR THE MONEY
2. GARMIN DASH CAM MINI 2
BEST DASH CAM FOR THE MONEY
| SPECIFICATIONS | Video quality: 1080pViewing angle: 140 degrees GPS tracker: No Memory: MicroSD card (not included) |
| TODAY’S BEST DEALS | View at Amazon(Black) |
| REASONS TO BUY | Easy to set up and use+Full HD video with HDR |
| REASONS TO AVOID | Lacks a display-No battery-No GPS |
The Garmin Mini 2 is so small that it can fit behind your car’s rearview mirror. Even though it’s small, Full HD at 30fps and HDR recording are what it does. Full HD at 30fps and HDR recording are what it does.. In our study, the video it made was clear enough to see important details like license plates, no matter what the lighting or weather was like. In our tests, we also found startup to be quick and easy. The ball-and-socket joint on the plastic arm makes it easy to move. It only takes up a little room in the windshield.
It’s also simple to use the layout. There is no screen, but you can save clips and turn off the mic with a single touch of a button. You can easily change settings, watch movies, and see what the camera sees with the Garmin Drive app for iOS and Android phones. This phone is only missing speech controls and an accident sensor called a G-sensor. GPS was the most important. If you don’t need the best dash cam with tools that help the driver, the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 will always work. Best “set it and forget” tech: it’s easy to use, can’t be found, and always works.
THE BEST SMART DASH CAM
3. NEXTBASE IQ SMART DASH CAM
The best car cam that can do everything and has intelligent features
| SPECIFICATIONS | Video quality: 1080p/1440p/2K (front) / 1080p/1440p (cabin) / 1440p (rear) Viewing angle: 140 degrees (front) / 180 degrees (cabin) / 140 degrees (rear)GPS tracker: Yes Memory: microSD / cloud |
| TODAY’S BEST DEALS | View at Amazon(Black) |
| REASONS TO BUY | One-stop safety solution+Impressive smart features |
| REASONS TO AVOID | Full functionality behind a paywall-More features than many will need-Expensive with added subscription |
The Nextbase iQ has the most features of any dash cam.
This high-end system’s 1K, 2K, and 4K models all work together. It has features like driving help, a Witness Mode that you can start with your voice, and the Nextbase iQ app lets you check in on your car. It can connect to GPS, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi as well. All three types have a camera inside; you can add one facing the back. You have to pay to become a member to get the most out of the iQ. Because of this, it can quickly cost a lot of money.
But our tests showed that it’s also a good one. In our study, setting up the app was easy to access all its features. As expected, the video and sound from our 4K review unit were also great. The system stays on even when the engine is off because power comes straight from the car’s battery. The Nextbase iQ is one of the most innovative cameras on the market. It will be too much for most people, but if you want to keep an eye on your car at all times, it’s the best.
FOR HIGH-MILEAGE DRIVERS, THIS IS THE BEST DASH CAM
4. NEXAR PRO
FOR HIGH-MILEAGE DRIVERS, THIS IS THE BEST DASH CAM
| SPECIFICATIONS | Video quality: 1080p (front) / 720p (rear) Viewing angle: 135 degrees GPS tracker: Yes Memory: 32GB (upgradeable) |
| TODAY’S BEST DEALS | View at Amazon(32GB) |
| REASONS TO BUY | Neat design for both cams+Easy to install and wire in |
| REASONS TO AVOID | Interior camera sticks to screen-Cloud backup requires phone |
The Nexar Pro has two cameras and can record video inside and outside a car. It is designed for people who spend a lot of time driving. The setup, made up of two different camera units linked by a cable, was excellent, even though it took up a lot of screen space. While it doesn’t record in 4K, the 1080p video it recorded was fine. Takwas challengings with the external camera was difficult, but it did well in both heavy rain and bright light.
The most critical part of using two cameras together is the Nexar app. It’s where you can tweak settings, report incidents, and back up clips you’ve taped to the cloud (Nexar comes with free cloud storage). If someone tries to mess with your car, GPS tracking and break-in alerts can help. There are cheaper dash cams that don’t have as many options. To keep your car safe, the Pro is the best choice. It’s the best value for money.
BEST 4K DASH CAM WITH A LOW PROFILE
5. VANTRUE E1
BEST 4K DASH CAM WITH A LOW PROFILE
| SPECIFICATIONS | Video quality: 2.5K Viewing angle: 160 degrees GPS tracker: Yes Memory: microSD (not included) |
| TODAY’S BEST DEALS | View at Amazon(512GB) |
| REASONS TO BUY | Good video quality+Neat, compact design |
| REASONS TO AVOID | 2K only captured at 30fps-No left/right adjustment |
The Vantrue E1 is a nice-looking dash cam that can take 2.5K video at 30 frames per second. It is neat and not too big. With 60 frames per second, it can also record a smoother Full HD video, so you can see more details while moving. Our review showed the results were clear day and night, It has accurate colors and enough noise for low light.The optional polarizing screen also works well to cut down on dashboard reflections, and the 160-degree angle gives you a good look at what’s ahead.
The E1’s magnetic fix worked well, but since it can’t be moved side to side, it’s not very useful if you can’t get it to fit in the middle. You can see a sample on a tiny 1.54-inch screen while you download it, but you should use the app on your phone to change settings. Other dashcams have driver-aid systems that you don’t have. This means you or your car must look for speed cameras and possible accidents. You can join through GPS and Wi-Fi, too. Vantrue also does an excellent job of prioritizing video quality over free features.
THE BEST FOR EASE OF USE
6. THINKWARE X1000
HOW TO USE THE BEST DASH CAM
| SPECIFICATIONS | Video quality: 1440p Viewing angle: 156 degrees GPS tracker: requires an optional accessory Memory: MicroSD card, 32GB card included |
| TODAY’S BEST DEALS | View at Amazon(Black) |
| REASONS TO BUY | Great touch screen+Two cameras in the box |
| REASONS TO AVOID | Hard-wiring requires care-Records as soon as connected |
You can record the front and back of a car with the Thinkware X1000. The X1000 worked well for us. There are some sticky pads that you need to put together, and the user guide could have said more about how to do that. So you can watch your car while you park; you’ll have to hard-wire it. For an extra fee, you can get GPS and radio tracking.
Once the unit is in place, it does feel well put together. It’s great that it’s easy to use. It’s simple to set up and doesn’t need an app for your phone because it has a big 3.5-inch screen and–based on icons. You can change how the camera works on the tablet, but it worked well for us immediately. Even when it was very dark, the pictures from both cameras were great. They had a wide dynamic range and lots of precise details. The X1000 is a good dash cam that won’t trouble you.
THE BEST DEAL ON A DUAL DASH CAM
7. MIOFIVE DUAL DASH CAM
THE BEST DEAL ON A DUAL DASH CAM
| SPECIFICATIONS | Video quality: 4K (front) / 2K (rear) Viewing angle: 140 degrees GPS tracker: Yes Memory: 128GB |
| TODAY’S BEST DEALS | View at Amazon(Black) |
| REASONS TO BUY | Decent video quality+Generous set of features |
| REASONS TO AVOID | Pricier than single-cam version-140-degree FOV could be wider |
The Dual version of the Miofive 4K Dash Cam is better than the original because it has a 2K camera on the back. The front camera worked well and captured clear images during the day and night in our tests. IIt looks as sleek and modern as the one-cam version, but we wish it had a suction cup instead of glue.. A tiny camera on the back of the phone takes 2K video at 30 frames per second. It has a 140-degree field of view like the forward unit. That’s enough to see the front and back, but other cars have better views.
With 128GB of internal storage, the Miofive 4K has twice as much room as the previous model. You have about 8 hours to record before the loop erases the older clips. We liked how nice the Miofive app looked and how helpful the camera was.such as GPS, collision alarms, and supercapacitor power. Even with these features, setup is still pretty easy, though you might have to get creative with where to hide the longer, thicker line for the rear camera. This is an excellent choice if you need two cameras.
BEST FOR RIDE-SHARE DRIVERS
8. VANTRUE N2 PRO
BEST FOR RIDE-SHARE DRIVERS
| SPECIFICATIONS | Video quality: 2K (front), 1080p (dual) Viewing angle: 170 degrees (road), 140 degrees (cabin) GPS tracker: Optional Memory: microSD (not included) |
| TODAY’S BEST DEALS | View at Amazon(256GB) |
| REASONS TO BUY | Interior view for ride-share drivers+Good video quality from both lenses |
| REASONS TO AVOID | Lacks GPS tracking-Unattractive design |
The Vantrue N2 Pro dash cam is small, sturdy, and has two lenses.. It clearly shows the road ahead and the inside of your car. Because it was made with taxi drivers in mind, it only has a few things that your car probably does, like speed cameras and collision alerts. It’s also easy to connect, which was something we liked about testing. This car cam doesn’t have Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or a smartphone app, so it works independently to record events. We missed GPS tracking, but Vantrue sells an extra GPS windshield mount that you can buy if you want.
We were pleased with how good the video quality was in our study. It’s possible to take Full HD video either way. The video is smooth, sharp, and clear and has good sound quality. The inner camera sometimes needs help in bright sunlight, but that’s the only slight problem with how well it works. You can also use the front camera to shoot in 1440p, which is even more detailed.
BEST 360 DEGREE
9. 70MAI DASH CAM OMNI
THE BEST FRONT DASH CAM WITH MANY DIRECTIONS
| SPECIFICATIONS | Video quality: 1080p up to 60fps Viewing angle: 140 degrees, omnidiectionalGPS tracker: Yes Memory: eMMC built-in 32GB / 64GB or 128GB |
| TODAY’S BEST DEALS | View at Amazon(128GB) |
| REASONS TO BUY | Omni-directional+User-friendly voice controls |
| REASONS TO AVOID | No default cloud backup-Parking surveillance requires hardwiring |
The 70mai Omni dash cam is the best one like it. The lens on the camera is on the window, and it can see 140 degrees. It can also turn around to cover the whole car from all sides, which is pretty cool. So you can record your trips from the front like any other dash cam or turn it around and record from inside your car.. There is a 1080p quality at 60 frames per second setting that would make the video better, but we were surprised by how well the f/1.8 lens worked in low light.
We said in our review that the Omni was well-made and straightforward to use. When you press on it, fun pictures and movements appear on the screen. Other safety features, like motion detection and AI-driven threat-level processing, keep your car safe. This is one of the most astounding single-dash cams and doesn’t cost too much. To have it back up to the cloud on its own, The 4G hardware kit is something you’ll need to buy.
BEST FOR OLDER CARS WITHOUT AN INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM
10. GARMIN DRIVECAM 76
BEST FOR OLDER CARS THAT DON’T HAVE AN ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM
| SPECIFICATIONS | Video quality: 1080p Viewing angle: 140 degreesGPS tracker: Yes Memory: 16GB microSD (dash cam, included), microSD (not included) |
| TODAY’S BEST DEALS | view it amazon Black |
| REASONS TO BUY | Intuitive user interface+Clear navigation and mapping |
| REASONS TO AVOID | Poor video stability-Expensive for what you get |
The Garmin DriveCam 76 is great for cars that don’t have an entertainment system because it’s both a dash cam and a GPS. We tested it and found that the 7-inch screen was simple to use. IIt makes it easy to understand Garmin’s detailed maps and makes it quick to get around.
. If you connect your phone to the internet, you can also get live traffic reports. Because it’s so much bigger than many of its competitors, though, it can be hard to put in the right place without blocking the driver’s view. The display angle and camera lens can be changed, which is helpful because it lets you find the best position for the car and the road.
Full HD video is recorded in HDR at 30 frames per second, which gives it even lighting and enough clarity to read license plates. We did find, though, that the video has a significant stabilization wobble.The video quality is worse than other Garmin car cam videos, but the blurring must be fixed to make the details easier to see. You can also find dash cams for less money if you don’t need tools like phone messages and weather updates. However, this is an excellent choice for a dash cam with extra smarts.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST DASH CAM
How to pick the best dash cam for you
One, two, or three cameras on the best car cams may exist. A dash cam with just one camera can record what’s going on outside your window. Dashcams with two cameras have an extra camera that faces the inside of the car. This helps people who drive taxis and ride-shares. It’s better for professional drivers who put in a lot of miles to get a dash cam with three cameras. This is because the extra view from outside the car is helpful for vehicles.
It would help if you thought about the recording quality of a dash cam, as we’ll see below. These days, most car cams can record video in Full HD, which is usually clear enough to see specifics in a clip. It has better 4K dash cams.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USING A DASH CAM
Different dash cams have very different ways to set them up, get them going, and make them easy to use while leaving the house. Most dash cams are attached to a car’s front window or windshield. Ensure that your dash cam doesn’t get in the way of your view of the road.
There are now cameras that look backward or kits with both front and back cameras. They are more complicated to set up because the lines usually go from the front to the back. To put these right, you must do some tricky things with the car’s roof.
Car cameras often capture footage for one to two minutes at a time. The cameras continuously record over the oldest tape to prevent the memory card from filling up too much.
People who use older models often have to save or label the right clip by hand after a mistake. That’s where new G-Sensor-based event recognition technology comes in and does it for you.
Some automobile cameras cost more since they offer additional functions, just like any other technology. It may have improved night vision and 4K video quality. Built-in Bluetooth or Wi-Fi may also be present for ease of file sharing.
Even basic devices like automobile cameras have voice control these days. Alexa and other voice-activated technology should be top of your priority list.
There are many ways to park. With time-lapse, these can keep an eye on those pesky parking lot prangs while you’re doing other things.
SHOULD YOU GET A DASH CAM?
Yes, without a doubt. Although some drivers may find it bothersome to have a camera following them around in their vehicle, dash cams like the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 are so small and unobtrusive that they can almost be hidden behind the rearview mirror. You don’t have to think about them again after setting them up. If you get into an accident, they’ll be ready to take video as you sit there and watch.
The dash cam movie could help you prove your innocence if something terrible happens. You can also set this video to record your speed, time, and date. This will help establish your case if the other person says they weren’t at fault. Dash cams can record both from the rearview mirror and the front window. The tape can then be used as proof if someone hits you from behind.
Even if you never get into an accident, having hazard cameras on your car can still be useful. A button that allows you to save the final moments of a movie instantly is present on several of them. Then, you can provide that evidence to the appropriate person if you need to document something significant, such as a collision involving two vehicles or drunk driving. Some dashcams are also useful since, if they witness an accident and you don’t pick up, they will notify the police or fire service. They can then promptly help you by letting others know where you are.
Many dash cams come equipped with additional functions that aid drivers. In the unlikely event that you were not paying attention while you were held in traffic, nearby speed and red light cameras will alert you when the vehicle in front of you has departed.
Finally, some dash cams can be left permanently plugged into your vehicle. They always have a power supply, thanks to this. This allows the camera to record footage and detect impacts while the car is stopped and functions in conjunction with a unique parking mode. You may use this to teach your pals the proper way to park.
DO DASH CAMS DRAIN YOUR CAR’S BATTERY?
Even if you never get into an accident, having hazard cameras on your car can still be useful. A button that allows you to save the final moments of a movie instantly is present on several of them. Then, you can provide that evidence to the appropriate person if you need to document something significant, such as a collision involving two vehicles or drunk driving. Some dashcams are also useful since, if they witness an accident and you don’t pick up, they will notify the police or fire service. They can then promptly help you by letting others know where you are.
Many dash cams come equipped with additional functions that aid drivers. In the unlikely event that you were not paying attention while you were held in traffic, nearby speed and red light cameras will alert you when the vehicle in front of you has departed.
Finally, some dash cams can be left permanently plugged into your vehicle. They always have a power supply, thanks to this. This allows the camera to record footage and detect impacts while the car is stopped and functions in conjunction with a unique parking mode. You may use this to teach your pals the proper way to park.
Your car battery could die if you leave your dash cam plugged into the cigarette lighter or USB port overnight to charge it. This depends on whether the ports always get power. Hard-wired dash cams can work when some cars turn the key on. You can also save battery life this way.
Because you don’t want to drain your car battery, choose a dash cam that can sense motion and use an external power source if you use it for security.
IS A DASH CAM BETTER THAN A GOPRO?
GoPro produces some of the greatest action cameras available. They are simple to install on your dashboard and have a recurring video recording feature. Since GoPro cameras are tiny, you should be able to see the road ahead of them. Furthermore, videos with resolutions higher than 4K can be recorded on the newest models.
Nonetheless, there are a few reasons why using a dedicated dash cam rather than a GoPro is preferable for recording traffic. Better dash cams are less expensive than you expect, like the Nextbase 622GW. Compared to the GoPro Hero 11 Black, that is less. When purchasing a GoPro camera, you must have the more sophisticated features of a premium dashcam, like parking alarms and collision detection. Additionally, even with the power cable connected to your car, you must set the GoPro to record each time you go behind the wheel.
If you already own a GoPro, mounting it to a dashboard or windshield suction cup makes recording footage while you’re moving simple. Following this guide, you may even utilize a GoPro as a dash cam for your automobile. However, there are alternative methods for capturing video in your car. Get a dash cam, please.
COULD I LEGALLY USE A DASH CAM?
Generally speaking, it is permissible to use a dash cam in both the US and the UK.. Even groups in both countries actively urge people to use dashcams to lower their insurance rates. Still, you should follow some simple rules to ensure you don’t break the law when you use your car camera.
A dash cam should stay in the way of your view of the road ahead and catch your attention while driving. This is why some people would instead pick a model without a screen. In the US, many states have rules about where a dash cam can be mounted. For example, some say you can’t put one on your window.
It would be beneficial if you also considered privacy regulations. Since no one has the right to privacy when using a car camera on a public road, recording is usually acceptable. This is not the case on private land like a driveway. Because it keeps you safe, recording with a dashcam is usually fine, but be careful about what and where you record.
In this way, skilled drivers are most at risk. You should tell your customers that your car has a dash cam if it’s recording sound, like if you’re a taxi driver. In the US, some states will only let you record sound if everyone in the car agrees.
Also, it would help if you considered it before posting any dashcam videos online. It might be against the law to upload videos that name people without their permission. When you post dash cam clips, it’s always safer to blur things like license plates and names.
There are rules about using car cams in some European countries, so make sure you know the rules in your area.
WHAT IS RECORDING IN A LOOP?
When you set a dash cam to “loop recording,” it keeps recording video to either its internal memory or a memory card. If you turn this setting on, the camera will delete the older clips and add new ones when its memory is full. This way, you won’t have to stop recording and delete clips by hand. This makes sure that your driving record doesn’t have any breaks.
Dash cams save videos in a particular order by default. Most of the time, loop recording works by cutting these clips into set lengths, like 2- or 5-minute chunks, based on the time or file size. Dash cams can write over small parts of a longer video without deleting the whole thing because they split records in this way. So you don’t have to watch whole records; you can quickly find clips from certain times.
There are a lot of great dash cams that can find possible accidents and mark the video so it doesn’t get deleted. This keeps essential parts from being switched out. Most that record in a loop also let you tag clips by hand, which works the same way. Usually, you press a button on the dash cam’s body to do this.
WHAT WE DO TO CHECK DASHCAMS
Putting many dash cams on a car won’t change it in any way that will last. A suction cup or a sticky pad can be removed to stick them to the window. Almost all cars can charge them from a USB port or a 12V socket. To test dash cams, we put them on the window of our vehicle and connected them to our phones as if we were going to buy them.
Then we drive during the day and at night to see how well the camera works in various lighting conditions and, if possible, weather. After that, the video is saved to a computer or phone and watched to make sure it’s accurate, and that crucial features like license plates can be seen. This way, we can also check how simple or challenging it is to watch, move, and save movies that have been recorded.
Voice helpers and drive aid systems are extra features that we use a lot. We test them to see how easy it is to turn them off or change them to our liking. Stopping the recording of sound quickly and efficiently is essential, especially when carrying people who want their conversations to be kept from being taped.
We can’t wreck a car to see how well the dash cam records crashes. We can fake an accident instead by hitting the dash cam hard. This tells us what takes place after the video is saved. If we put a portable battery in the camera and hit it against our desk, it will also start to record. It’s easy, but it works and makes our insurance company happy.
A dash cam recording can sometimes begin when the car goes over a very rough speed bump. During these times, we learn that the g-sensor on the camera is too sensitive and needs to be changed in the menus.
You May Also Read This:The Best Dash Cams for 2024 | PCMag
