I and my team of experts have tested approximately 50 dash cams in real driving conditions – including over 15 just this year – and that number keeps growing. I can tell you that quality varies wildly, but fundamentally a dash cam’s most important job is simple: capture and safely store clear footage when it counts. Every model here has passed that test, and many go beyond with offer useful features, such as GPS, always-on parking modes, and app connectivity.
Black Friday bargains
Looking for massive savings on some great dash cams? Garmin currently has some incredible Black Friday offers on selected models in both the US and UK, so if you’re bargain hunting check out my post detailing the four best deals.
I’m confident you’ll find the best dash cam for your needs and budget below. And if you’re not sure how to select the right model, check out my buying advice further below, along with the glossary of a number of in-depth articles covering dash cam FAQs. You won’t find more comprehensive information about dash cams anywhere else.
Timothy Coleman
I’m TechRadar’s Camera’s Editor. I’ve worked in the photo industry for more than 15 years, as both a freelance photographer and a journalist. During that time, I’ve tested a huge range of camera kit, including many of the best dash cams. From the UK to Nairobi, I’ve spent a lot of time on the road – so I know what a good dash cam needs to do.
Why you can trust my choices
Collectively, I and my team of expert dash cam reviewers have accumulated decades of experience testing the latest models. 2025 has been our most fruitful year for reviews.
When I review a dash cam, I go through the process as if I’d bought it and was fitting it into my own vehicle, fixing the front camera to the windshield and additional rear / cabin cameras where available. If a dash cam can be hardwired, I’ll do that too – such models usually offer additional features when set up in this way.
Why you can trust TechRadar
☑️ 100s of cameras reviewed
☑️ 15 years of product testing
☑️ Over 16,000 products reviewed in total
☑️ Nearly 200,000 hours testing tech
All models are tested in daylight and nighttime conditions, at a range of driving speeds and over the course of a few weeks. I then assess the quality of footage at the various resolutions and frame rates possible, and report my findings, together with my experience fitting the dash cam, ease of use and connectivity features.
Additional features like voice assistants and drive assistance systems get a thorough workout, and I also test how easy it is to turn these off, or adjust them to my personal preferences. Being able to quickly and easily turn audio recording off is key, especially when carrying passengers who don’t want their conversations recorded.
Naturally, I cannot crash a vehicle to see how well the dash cam detects collisions. Instead, firmly tapping the dash cam can simulate a collision, allowing me to see what happens when footage is saved. It is also possible to trigger a recording by powering the camera with a portable battery and tapping it against our desk. It may seem rudimentary, but it works (and keeps my insurance company happy!).
Sometimes, driving over a particularly aggressive speed bump can trigger a dash cam recording. In these cases I learn that the camera’s g-sensor is too sensitive, and needs to be adjusted, providing the menu system includes such an option.
My aim is to help you buy a dash cam with confidence, based on my honest feedback. I highlight the pros and cons of every option, to give you the full picture. Having tested so many models, there are many that haven’t made the cut in this guide. These are included as additional options in an Also Consider section below.
TechRadar has been dedicated to providing honest, impartial and reliable feedback and buying advice on the latest technology since 2008. For more information about our commitment to editorial independence, our IPSO regulation and the standards we uphold, check out our About Us page.
Meet the team
Collectively, I and my team of reviewers have amassed over a hundred years of camera experience and testing, covering all of the latest and greatest cameras of the past two decades.
A lifelong car and tech enthusiast, Alistair writes for a wide range of publications across the consumer technology and automotive sectors. As well as reviewing dash cams for TechRadar, he also has bylines at Wired, T3, Forbes, Stuff, The Independent, SlashGear and Grand Designs Magazine.
Rob has been a tech journalist for more years than he can actually remember, having started out in print magazines before discovering the power of the internet. Since going all-digital, he has run Microsoft’s Innovation channel as well as turning out regular news, reviews, features and other content for the likes of TechRadar, Tom’s Guide and Automotive Testing Technology International.
Leon has been navigating a world where automotive and tech collide for almost 20 years, reporting on everything from in-car entertainment to robotised manufacturing plants. Currently, EVs are the focus of his attentions, but give it a few years and it will be electric vertical take-off and landing craft.
In the 20 years since he graduated with a degree in Computer Science, Paul has been actively involved in a variety of different tech and creative industries that make him the go-to guy for reviews, opinion pieces and featured articles. You’ll also find his writing in Creative Bloq, Digital Camera World and 3D World Magazine.
The best dash cam in 2025
Why you can trust TechRadar
We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.
Below you’ll find full write-ups for each of the best dash cams in our list. We’ve tested each one comprehensively, so you can be sure that our recommendations can be trusted.
The best all-rounder dash cam
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Buy it if:
✅ You want superb 4K footage: Having crisp and clear 4K 60fps video can make all the difference in the event of an incident or insurance claim. The quality of the rear-facing camera impresses, too.
✅ You like front and rear coverage: A two-channel, setup keeps all bases covered. And with the cameras being hardwired into a vehicle, you get powerful features.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You want an easy setup: There’s a lot of cabling to plumb in and, while the connectors are excellent quality, they are hard to undo if you’ve plugged the ends in the wrong way around.
❌ You just need the basics: The Viofo A329 Dash Cam’s 4K video, rear camera support and various features might be more than you need when a cheaper stripped-back dash cam could be sufficient for you.
It might be expensive, but the two-camera Viofo A329 Dash Cam bundle is worth the outlay. Not only do you get crisp 4K video up to 60fps from the main camera that is able to capture fine details at speed, the rear-facing unit is a great supplement with decent 2K footage of its own. We also found that footage captured after dark was equally impressive than our clips taken on dull and gray days, with both front and rear cameras adept at picking out little details, such as license plates and road signs.
All of that data can be stored onto micro SD with generous 512GB capacity compatibility, or SSD up to 4TB. Files can be quickly loaded to Viofo’s app, which by the way is a dream to use. Initial setup will test your skills (and patience) – there is more work involved in getting it all wired in – but those who persist will enjoy the fruit of their labor – being rewarded with a premium performer. If money is no object, then you’ll struggle to find a dash cam with better quality video.
Read our in-depth Viofo A329 review
Top alternatives…
- Garmin Dash Cam X310 – Small, simple and highly capable, this 4K 30fps HDR cam comes with a built-in polarizing filter to reduce windshield reflections, plus built-in GPS and a 2.4-inch touch display.
- 70mai dash cam 4K T800 – 2025’s best premium dash cam bundle comes with three 4K cameras and a suite of optional parking tools. You’ll probably want to add the optional hardwire kit to get the most out of it, though.
The best budget dash cam
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Buy it if:
✅ You want a hidden dash cam: Compact proportions mean the Mini 3 can just about hide behind your rear-view mirror, so there’s no impact on forward visibility.
✅ You prefer a simple setup: Garmin has kept the Mini 3 simple to set up and use, meaning it’s a reliable tool that’s easy to install and runs faithfully in the background.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You already own the Dash Cam Mini 2: A polarizing filter and landscape redesign are the only upgrades to speak of here, so there isn’t a case for upgrading.
❌ You need 4K video footage: The Mini 3 is limited to 1080p Full HD. You’ll need to spend more on a premium model for higher resolution video.
If you want a small, simple dash cam to set and forget, we recommend the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3. In our tests, its compact design could be easily hidden behind the rear-view mirror, while its simple interface made it easy to set up and use. It also captured high-quality Full HD video with HDR. Granted, the same can also be said of the Dash Cam Mini 2, and if you’re already an owner of that device, there’s not really a case for upgrading.
Like the Mini 2, you don’t get GPS or a display here. Control is by way of the Garmin Drive app, which works well for changing settings and reviewing saved footage. What’s new is a landscape design, as well as a built-in polarizing filter. The latter is designed to reduce windshield reflections, although to our eyes, our review footage looked pretty similar to video from the Mini 3. Still, if you’re buying your first dash cam, or looking for a smaller one, the Dash Cam Mini 3 gets all the right things right.
Read our in-depth Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3 review
Top alternatives…
- Miofive S1 Ultra – I like this camera a lot – in fact, it’s already a full entry in this buyers guide, sitting down at number 4 below. Scroll down for more detail, but the bottom line is it’s bargain-cheap and very effective for the money.
The best smart dash cam
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Buy it if:
✅ You want an all-in-one dash cam: With a full suite of clever safety and security features, the Nextbase iQ is the complete dash cam package.
✅ You want a future-proof model: Firmware updates are in the pipeline which will add additional functionality to the iQ’s already impressive arsenal.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You don’t need a complex camera: If you only want to capture video of the road, there are simpler dash cam options for a lot less money.
❌ You want a subscription-free dash cam: Basic modes are free, but you’ll need to pay subscription fees for the full set of Nextbase iQ features.
A smart surveillance camera for your car, the Nextbase iQ is as feature-packed as dash cams come. Available in 1K, 2K and 4K variants, it’s a premium solution with a suite of connected skills. That includes parking assistance, a voice-activated Witness Mode and the ability to check in on your vehicle via the Nextbase iQ app, as well as GPS, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. All three versions include an interior camera, and there’s an optional rear-facing unit. You will need a paid subscription to get the full benefit of its abilities, which means the iQ can quickly become a costly bit of kit.
But our tests found that it’s also an impressive one. Setup proved simple in our review, while the app made it easy to access its many features. Footage and audio from our 4K review unit was predictably excellent, too. Because powered is delivered directly from the car’s battery, the system remains active even when the engine’s off. It will be overkill for many road users, but if you want a complete, all-in-one camera to monitor your car at all times, the Nextbase iQ is as clever as they come.
Too expensive? Nextbase recently unveiled the Piqo, which is a simpler and much cheaper sibling with light versions of the iQ’s smart features.
Read our in-depth Nextbase iQ review
Top alternatives…
- Nextbase Piqo – As mentioned above, the Piqo is essentially a cut-price “light” edition of the iQ, offering some of the same features at a much leaner price.
The best cheap 4K dash cam
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Buy it if:
✅ You want 4K video for less: 4K footage is sharp, and suffers from very little noise too.
✅ GPS is a must: Not many dash cams at this price include GPS which adds key data to recordings and can be invaluable proving when and how an incident occurred.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You want high frame rates: Whatever the resolution, the S1’s video frame rates are capped at 30fps. Higher frame rates like 60fps can capture smoother footage.
❌ You’d rather avoid AI alerts: The S1’s AI features feel superfluous, such as its driver alerts and warnings about supposed harsh driving.
You can pick up the Miofive S1 Ultra for well under $100 / £100. That’s impressive when you consider that it’s a 4K dash cam equipped with GPS and a 5GHz Wi-Fi connection for fast data transfers. That’s a rare combo at this price point, especially given how impressive we found the quality of its video footage in testing: with sharp detail and admirable noise control in low light, this is the real deal.
If there’s one thing we’d improve based on our review, it would be the ability to record at 60fps – even if just in 1080p Full HD. Sadly the S1 is capped at 30fps. But otherwise, the S1 is hard to fault. It’s not the smallest dash cam around, but we found it easy to set up and get going. You also have option to bundle it with Miofive’s rear dash cam (2K and 4K options are availability) for full coverage. Considering all of that, we think this is the best 4K dash cam you can get for less than $100 / £100.
Read our in-depth Miofive S1 review
Top alternatives…
- Vantrue E1 Pro – Now available at a very accessible price, this compact model features good 4K quality capture and a microSD slot supporting up to 1TB capacity cards.
- Nextbase Piqo – If you don’t need 4K, the Piqo is a great low-cost alternative to the Miofive S1.
Best 360 degree
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Buy it if:
✅ You’d like wide coverage: In addition to the 4K rotating camera with a full 360 degree range, there’s a bundle which includes a rear camera.
✅ You want 4K quality: The 4K Omni updates the original model with better quality 4K video and a high-resolution rear camera.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You don’t vlog: The unique 360 rotating trick is neat but it’s a single camera, not a dual front and cabin type. That cabin view then, feels clearly designed for vlogging.
❌ A simple dash cam will do: A number of the 4K Omni’s features and functions could be superfluous – do check the specification before buying splashing out.
70mai updated its unique Dash Cam Omni with a pricier 4K model, the 70mai Dash Cam 4K Omni. Its party trick is its front camera with a 146-degree field of view which can rotate a full 360-degrees for both front and cabin views (though not at the same time – it’s a single camera). With the 4K Omni, you can record journeys from out the front, or rotate it to film inside the cabin of your vehicle – cue your in-car karaoke.
Video resolution has been bumped up from 1080p up to 60fps to 4K up 60fps, while the sensor is beefier too complete with 70mai’s new after dark tool called Lumi Vision, so low light footage is crisper than before, which is impressive given the Dash Cam Omni was already a decent low-light performer.
New features include AI Motion Detection 2.0, and there’s now a second rear camera available in the package, providing dual-channel HDR capability – that rear camera shoots in 1080p resolution. The front camera has a larger screen, beefier Wi-Fi performance and more efficient battery. Overall, the 4K Omni is a decent upgrade and worth forking out the extra for.
With a fun UI and bulbous design, it’s also unlike other dash cams, even if it’s anything but inconspicuous. Voice control works a treat – you can command the camera to rotate for a cabin view when the mood takes, without needing to fiddle with the camera itself. This 4K version irons out many of the issues we had with the original model, without losing the fun factor. Note – you’ll need to buy a 4G hardware kit if you want to backup to the cloud automatically.
Read our in-depth 70mai Dash Cam 4K Omni review
Top alternatives…
- Vantrue E360 – If you need 360º coverage on a tighter budget, the E360 is a great choice. Easy to use and decent in the dark, it’s currently around half the price of the Dash Cam 4K Omni.
- Insta360 X5 – The best all-round (no pun intended) 360 camera full-stop also makes a very capable dash cam. To find out more, click here to read about my experiences when I used it as one for an entire month.
Best for older cars without an infotainment system
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Buy it if:
✅ Your vehicle has no infotainment system: With features like mapping and forward collision warnings, the DriveCam 76 is ideal for older vehicles without such systems as standard.
✅ You want an all-in-one system: Combining a dash cam and a sat nav system means fewer devices mounted to your windshield, giving you a clearer view.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You have a small windshield: Because it’s larger than many dash cams, the DashCam 76 can feel like an obstruction in vehicles with shallow windshields.
❌ You’re on a tight budget: Its multiple talents mean the DriveCam 76 demands a fairly high price. If you won’t use all of its features, you’ll find better value in standalone cameras.
Combining a dash cam and a sat nav, the Garmin DriveCam 76 is a feature-packed tool for vehicles without an infotainment system. In testing, we found its 7-inch display intuitive to use. It makes Garmin’s rich mapping visuals easy to follow, while navigation is clear and well-timed, complemented by live traffic updates when paired with your smartphone’s data connection. The unit itself is much larger than many rivals, though, which can make it tricky to place without obstructing the driver’s view. Helpfully, both the display angle and camera lens are adjustable, so you can find the right position between road and driver.
Full HD footage is shot in HDR at 30fps, delivering balanced exposure and enough detail to make number plates legible. That said, we found that video suffers from noticeable stabilization wobble. This distortion doesn’t reduce the detail, but footage is worse than from other Garmin dash cams. You’ll also find better value dash cams if you don’t need features such as smartphone notifications and weather updates. But if you want a dash cam with added smarts, this is a great choice.
Read our in-depth Garmin DriveCam 76 review
Top alternatives…
- Thinkware X1000 – The X1000’s large screen and simple user interface makes it a solid pick for cars without an infotainment setup, and it can be purchased as a dual-cam package if needed.
Specs comparison
|
Model |
Video resolution |
Viewing angle |
GPS |
Memory |
|
Viofo A329 |
4K 60p |
140 degrees |
Yes |
microSD / SSD |
|
Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3 |
1080p |
140 degrees |
No |
microSD |
|
Nextbase iQ |
1k, 2k or 4k options (front) / 1k or 2k (cabin) / 2k (rear) |
140 degrees (front) / 180 degrees (cabin) / 140 degrees (rear) |
Yes |
microSD / cloud |
|
Miofive S1 |
4K 30p |
140 degrees |
Yes |
microSD |
|
70mai Dash Cam Omni |
1080p |
140 degrees |
Yes |
eMMC built-in 32GB / 64GB or 128GB |
|
Garmin DriveCam 76 |
1080p |
140 degrees |
Yes |
16GB microSD (dash cam, included) |
Also consider
We’ve reviewed a huge range of superb dash cams and plenty didn’t make the six strong list above. Below are the best of the rest, some of which I’ve already put against their obvious alternative in the entries above, all of which also come highly recommended.
70mai Dash Cam 4K T800: This three-camera setup provides excellent coverage, and the Sony sensors deliver high-quality video in all conditions. There’s a very capable suite of parking sensors too, if you’re willing to hardwire them in.
Vantrue Nexus 5S: Offering four angles in all, the Nexus 5S is a fine (and high-quality all-round) choice if you want full coverage of your interior as well as your exterior. It’s quite pricey, and some hardwiring is required to make the most of all features, but overall it’s a strong “one and done” dash cam bundle.
Garmin Dash Cam X310: Garmin’s best-ever dash cam is small, easy to use and records sharp 4K video with HDR. It’s also packed with features, including GPS and a 2.4in touchscreen – plus it can be accessed remotely via the Garmin Drive app (if you pay for a subscription). It’s not a huge upgrade from the Dash Cam 67W, but for most people this will feel like a top-tier product that is built to last.
Nextbase Piqo: If you like the sound of the Nextbase iQ but can’t quite stomach the price and rolling subscription costs, the Piqo is the perfect low-cost alternative from the same brand. It offers ‘Lite’ versions of many of the iQ’s smart features, in an attractive and compact package.
RedTiger F77: Shooting some of the sharpest 4K video you’ll see from front and rear cams with a wider-than-most 170 degree field of view – the Redtiger F77 is a top drawer dash cam, let down only by a fiddly file upload process.
Vantrue E360: If you want a true 360-degree dash cam, the Vantrue E360 dash cam is the package. Being able to break from the confines of a vehicle to double up as a regular 360 camera, it’s a big box of tricks. Features include 5.2K 30fps video through, dual-lenses each with a 210-degree field of view that together produce a 360-degree video in playback, complete with an additional rear camera. There are various bundles, including one with a tripod for using outside a vehicle.
70mai Dash Cam 4K T800: The Omni might be 70mai’s unique dash cam, but the 4K T800 is its comprehensive flagship which we awarded a full five star rating. It’s a complete triple camera setup with front, cabin and rear cameras, complete with 24 / 7 parking mode an intuitive app.
Nextbase 622GW: With 4K video resolution, an excellent Night Vision mode, a built-in polarizing filter plus image stabilization, the 622GW delivers excellent quality footage that makes it easy to pick out number plates in all conditions. The addition of Alexa voice control and What3Words emergency geolocation are welcome added bonuses.
Thinkware X1000: Another option that feels unique from all the other choices here (see below). It has a bigger touchscreen and easy to use interface, meaning you don’t really need to rely on a companion app like other options. It can be purchased as a dual camera bundle, however it lacks built-in GPS.
Miofive Dual Dash Cam: If you like the sound of the Miofive S1, our pick for a sub $100 / £100 4K dash cam, you can find an S1 ‘Ultra’ version that’s a dual camera setup, or indeed Miofive’s high-end model, the Dual Dash Cam, another five-star rated dash cam.
Viofo A229 Pro: It’s not particularly cheap and there’s a fair amount of wiring to install, but the A229 Pro offers complete coverage with a trio of cameras. It’s a smart choice if you want total peace of mind while driving.
How to choose the best dash cam for you
Key features to look out for
• Ideally pick a 4K model
• Half speed 60fps frame rates can pick out details better than 30fps
• GPS records speed and location date, which could be crucial evidence
The best dash cams can have anything from one to four cameras. Single camera dash cams record the outside view from your windscreen, while dual dash cams typically add a rear facing camera, An additional cabin camera is especially useful for ride-share drivers like taxis and carpool karaoke divas. Professional drivers clocking up the miles, particularly trucks, can add an additional viewpoint from the outside of the vehicle.
Video resolution
Video resolution is a key consideration when choosing a dash cam, as explained below. Most of the best dash cams in 2025 record footage in 4K, which cheaper models could top out at just 1080p. We recommend 4K models which should easily pull out crucial details such as number plates, even if those files sure are bigger.
Video frame rates
Video frame rates are also important. Most dash cams can record at 30fps, which is fine for reviewing footage at full speed, but the best models can capture action at a smoother 60fps, more often than not in reduced 1080p resolution.
60fps gives you the option to slow down footage after the fact, making it easier to pick up details at half-speed. We’re now starting to see 4K 60fps recording in select premium models, such as the Viofo A329. Other models, such as the Nextbase 622GW, also feature digital image stabilization, which helps to smooth out footage on bumpy roads.
We’ve done the tests – check out this in-depth article: Is frame rate important for dash cam footage? I compared 30fps and 60fps clips from a 4K camera to find out.
Features
There are also a wealth of features to consider, including a touchscreen display, a companion app, GPS, parking surveillance, voice control, sat nav and what3words to name but a few.
If you drive an older car without an infotainment system, then it’s worth getting a dash cam with sat nav, but there’s little point if your car already has sat nav. GPS location data is handy when recording incidents, while some even include what3words geolocation data which offers the most precise way of pinpointing your vehicle and super handy should you become stricken.
Getting started with a dash cam
Getting started with a dash cam
• Position the dash cam so it doesn’t block your view of the road
• Check for automated safety features that keep footage safe, such as G-sensor
• Hardwiring is necessary for always-on features like parking mode
The overall experience installing, getting started and ease of use on the go varies wildly from dash cam to dash cam. For the most part, dash cams mount somewhere along a car’s front windscreen. Of course, wherever you place your dash cam must not block your view of the road.
The advent of rear-facing cameras (or complete kits that contain both front and rear) require a little extra installation, as these often involve cables that run from front to back. Expect some fiddly work involving the car’s headliner to get these fitted correctly.
Dash cams record usually record until the card is full, at which point loop recording kicks in, continually recording over the oldest clips. Some record shorter clips in order to prevent the card from filling.
While older models typically required the user to manually save or tag the appropriate clip in the event of an accident, new G-Sensor-based incident detection technology has taken over, and now takes care of this automatically.
There are also dash cams that boast additional features that, just like any other technology, translate to a higher asking price. In addition to better video quality like 4K, night vision and built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth for easy file transfer may also be included.
A rise in popularity of voice control has also made its way over to the humble dash cam, so expect Alexa integration and other such voice-activated technology at the very pinnacle of the range.
Numerous parking modes are also possibilities. These use a time-lapse feature as a surveillance function to capture details of those irksome car park prangs when you’re off running errands.
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth having a dash cam?
• A dash cam can prove innocence in collision and false speeding fines
• Some dash cams can alert emergency services, with location data
• Those with a parking mode can also monitor your unmanned vehicle
Yes, absolutely. Some drivers might not like the idea of a camera constantly monitoring their vehicle, but some models of dash cam (like the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3) are compact and subtle enough to almost disappear behind the central rear view mirror. In other words, once they are up and running you soon forget about them; they just sit there, quietly keeping an eye out, ready to save footage if you’re caught in an accident.
If the worst were to happen, and you need to prove your innocence, the dash cam’s footage could do exactly that. This footage can also be set to include your speed, along with the time and date to help reinforce the validity of your evidence if blame is disputed by the other party. As well as monitoring the road ahead, dash cams can be used to record out of the rear windscreen too, recording footage if you are unfortunate enough to be rear-ended by another motorist.
Even if you’re not directly involved in a collision, dash cams can still be useful. Many have a button for quickly saving the last few seconds of video. That way, if you see something ahead that you think needs recording, like an accident between two other vehicles, an example of bad driving, or something else noteworthy, you can provide that evidence to whoever might need it. Another useful feature of some dash cams is how they will call the emergency services if a crash is detected and you don’t respond; they can then share your location and ensure help is on its way.
Furthermore, many dash cams come with additional driver assistance features. These include alerts to let you know about nearby speed cameras and red light cameras, plus a prompt to tell you the vehicle in front has set off – just in case you weren’t paying attention while sat in traffic.
Lastly, some dash cams can be permanently installed in your vehicle and hard-wired, giving them a constant power supply. When paired with a special parking mode, this enables the camera to sense impacts and record footage while the car is parked, potentially gathering useful evidence of your neighbor’s poor parking.
Can a dash cam drain your car battery?
• Dash cams need wired power
• So long as your engine is running, it won’t drain battery
• Don’t leave it plugged in too long when the vehicle is not in use
Different dash cams use different power sources, so it’s always worth checking how your new dash cam is powered if you’re concerned about draining your car’s battery.
Some dash cams have internal power, or can easily be charged using external power sources. However, the rest use the cigarette lighter/USB port in your vehicle or need to be hard-wired, meaning they do use your car’s battery.
If you use the cigarette lighter/USB port to power your dash cam, then leaving it plugged in overnight might drain your car battery, depending on if your vehicle supplies constant power to the ports. Hard-wired dash cams can be set up to switch on with the car ignition in some vehicles to save battery, too.
If you were planning on using your new dash cam for security purposes, you might want to consider choosing a dash cam with motion detection and using an external power source to make sure you don’t drain your car battery.
•Does a dash cam drain battery? Here’s what you need to know, according to experts
Is a GoPro / action camera better than a dash cam?
• Action cameras can have better video quality than dash cams
• You miss out on advanced safety features, such as a G-sensor
• The price difference can be negligible
GoPro cameras are some of the best action cameras you can buy, together with those made by DJI and Insta360. They can be easily mounted to your dashboard and set to record video on a rolling loop. Because action cameras are compact, they shouldn’t obstruct your view of the road ahead, while the latest models are capable of capturing 5.3K videos which is sharper than 4K. Then there’s 360 cameras which can record front and cabin views simultaneously.
However, there are certain factors which make a dedicated dash cam better than a GoPro for recording the road, forgetting that the price difference between a GoPro Hero 13 Black, say, and a premium dash cam such as the Garmin Dash Cam X310 is less than you might think. What you don’t get with an action camera are the more advanced features associated with a high-spec dash cam, such as G-sensor collision detection or parking protection, while many won’t show GPS data such as speed and location. You’ll also need to manually set a GoPro or action camera to record every time you get behind the wheel, even if its power cable is connected to your vehicle.
If you already own a GoPro, pairing it with a dashboard mount or windshield suction cup is an easy way to record video while you’re driving. We even have a dedicated guide on how to use a GoPro as a dash cam for your car. We also ran a month-long experiment with the Insta360 X5 360-degree camera to see if it could replace a dash cam. In both cases are conclusion is clear – if you’re looking for a comprehensive solution to capture in-car video, it’s worth considering a dash cam.
Are dash cams legal?
• Make sure the dash cam doesn’t obstruct your view of the road
• It might not be legal to record on private property
• Don’t breach data protection laws by posting identifiable individuals online
Using a dash cam is generally legal in both the UK and the US. In fact, certain bodies in both countries actively encourage the use of dash cams to reduce insurance premiums. That said, there are a few basic rules to follow to ensure your dash cam usage stays on the right side of the law.
A dash cam shouldn’t obstruct your view of the road ahead or distract you while you’re behind the wheel. For this reason, some people prefer to choose a model without a display. In the US, many states have regulations governing where you can mount a dash cam. Several prohibit you from fitting one to your windshield, for example.
Privacy regulations are another factor to consider. As there is no reasonable expectation of privacy on public roads, it’s generally legal to record with a dash cam while driving. However, this changes on private property, such as a person’s driveway. While dash cam recordings can usually be justified on the grounds of safety and security, it’s important to act reasonably and be mindful of where and what you record.
This is particularly the case for professional drivers. If you’re a taxi driver, for example, you should inform passengers that your vehicle is fitted with a dash cam, particularly if it’s recording audio. In the US, several states only permit sound recording with the permission of everyone in the vehicle.
You should also think carefully before sharing any dash cam footage online. Uploading videos that identify individuals without their consent could breach data protection laws. It’s always safer to blur details such as registration plates and faces when publishing any dash cam clips.
It’s worth nothing that a number of European countries restrict the use of dash cams, so be sure to familiarize yourself with regional rules.
What is loop recording?
• It avoids the card filling up
• When memory is full, the oldest footage is overwritten by newer clips
• G-Sensor tech auto protects key clips such as collisions
Loop recording allows dash cams to continuously record video footage to their built-in storage or memory card. The setting automatically overwrites the oldest clips on your camera with new ones when its storage becomes full. This way, it can keep recording without requiring you to pull over and manually delete unneeded clips. This gives you the reassurance that there will be no gap in your driving log.
•Worried your dash cam is going to delete footage? Here’s how you can preserve crucial clips
By default, dash cams save video clips in sequential order. Loop recording usually works by splitting these clips into preset intervals based on file size or time, such as 2-minute or 5-minute segments. By dividing recordings like this, dash cams can write over small parts of a longer video without erasing the entire thing at once. This can also make it easier to locate clips of specific moments, without having to scan through lengthy recordings.
To stop important clips from being overwritten, many of the best dash cams can automatically detect potential incidents and flag the relevant footage to protect it from deletion. Most models with loop recording also allow you to manually tag clips with the same effect, generally by way of a shortcut button on the body of the dash cam.
How much is a dash cam?
The price of a dash cam can vary wildly depending on the technology housed within, the features it offers and the quality of the video and audio it captures.
My favorite budget dash cam, the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3, comes in at around $150 / £150, but it is possible to spend upwards of $500 / £500 for those kits that include rear-facing cameras, or models that also capture footage from inside the cabin.
In reality, it is possible to spend as little as $50 / £50 for a dash cam from a respectable brand, but you’ll likely have to make do with lower-quality 1080p video, basic sound and the bare minimum in terms of sensors that kick-start automatic recording in the case of an accident.
How do dash cams work?
Dash cams are small video cameras that are mounted inside a vehicle to capture the road ahead, continuously recording on a loop (and deleting older footage unless saved) in order to save space on a memory card.
There are cameras that also cover action from the rear window, as well as those that record inside the cabin, while audio capture, night vision and 4K resolution (in some cases) all help deliver the best footage for use as evidence following an incident.
Built-in accelerometers and other sensors can detect an accident and will automatically save the footage down to an SD card or the cloud, depending on what’s offered, while hard-wiring a camera into a vehicle’s power outlet means it can also act as a vigilant pair of eyes when the vehicle is parked.
How do I install a dash cam?
Installation will depend on the model but in general, the camera unit itself attaches to the windscreen through either a sucker mount or via provided adhesive pads. There are other possible locations and mounting methods, but it’s best to check the manufacturer’s guidelines – or see our full guide to dash cam placement.
Dash cams then draw power from the vehicle’s 12V battery via a typical 12V cigarette lighter-style outlet. Although more modern units can also be powered through a vehicle’s USB or USB-C ports.
The trailing wires will need to be tucked neatly out of the way, which can require removing interior vehicle trim, while “hard-wiring” the camera directly to the vehicle’s battery also unlocks other beneficial features, such as a parking “sentry” mode, but it’s worth seeking professional installation help for these things.
What is a good dash cam to buy?
As you can see in our guide above, we recommend the Viofo A329 as the best all-rounder dash cam, based on its excellent video quality, supplementary rear camera and its compatibility with external SSD drives.
That said, the Viofo model is relatively expensive and there are more affordable dash cams out there for those on a tight budget, including the Miofive S1 Ultra and the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3.
Nextbase, Garmin and Thinkware have been producing dash cams for a very long time and, as a result, have garnered an excellent reputation for quality and longevity.
Do dash cams record audio?
Most modern dash cams can record audio, though quality and the ability to turn it off vary by model.
The built-in microphone primarily captures internal sounds, though exterior noises such as horns, tire screeching or loud voices can also be recorded. Some high-end dash cams use noise-reduction algorithms to suppress wind and engine noise, helping conversations or warnings come through more clearly.
However, there are privacy and legal considerations. Recording passengers without their knowledge may breach data laws in some regions. To address this, many dash cams include a mute function or allow users to disable the microphone entirely, striking a balance between evidence and privacy.
We’ve got an entire guide to dash cam audio, including input from experts in the field.
Do dash cams record when the car is switched off?
If a dash cam is plugged into a vehicle’s 12V outlet, power is typically cut to a device in order to preserve the vehicle’s battery and the dash cam will switch off after a few seconds.
That said, it is best to check this, as some vehicles provide constant power from 12V outlets, which can lead to flat batteries fast. Although you can read our full guide to dash cam power for more info.
An alternate method is to hard-wire a dash cam into a vehicle’s power supply, which will typically involve smart power monitoring tech, so the camera will only draw power if there’s enough remaining in the vehicle’s battery pack.
Is a front or rear dash cam more important?
Most dash cams cover the action out of the front window, as this is where the majority of potential incidents take place. However, a rear-facing camera can add further peace of mind in the case of rear shunts, persistent tail-gaters or other unfortunate events that might occur in the rear-view mirror.
Similarly, some modern dash cam kits include three cameras to give an almost 360-degree view of the environment, including capturing content from inside the vehicle. This sort of footage can prove vital as evidence that the driver wasn’t distracted during an incident, for example.
Are there any wireless dash cameras?
Unfortunately a dash cam requires a constant power supply to work, so there isn’t anything that’s completely wireless at the moment.
That said, some of the best models out there offer seamless data transfer via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, making it possible to send video and still images directly from the camera to a smartphone, often via an easy-to-use application.
Do dash cameras lower insurance costs?
Owning a dash cam doesn’t necessarily guarantee a lower insurance premium – many drivers who ask insurers for discounts often get no direct reduction. Larger or leading insurers tend to treat dash cams as helpful for evidence, not as a primary factor in pricing.
That said, a camera can prove invaluable when making a claim: video can help establish fault, disprove false allegations or speed up processing. We’ve explored the topic extensively in our guide to whether dash cams lower insurance costs.
If you’re shopping around, it’s worth asking the insurer whether they offer discounts for specific dash cam models, or whether certain features are required. Even without premium savings, the protection and peace of mind offered by clear video evidence will almost certainly help speed up claims and investigations.
FAQs glossary
We’ve been busy answering your dash cam FAQs in detail. Check out the the list of articles below, which is regularly being added to:
