Dash cameras have become an essential accessory for drivers looking to add an extra layer of protection and peace of mind on the road. With the ability to continuously record driving footage, capture collisions or incidents, and provide video evidence in the event of an accident, dash cams offer invaluable security and insurance against false claims.
In this comprehensive guide, we have carefully tested and reviewed the top dash cameras on the market today to identify the absolute best options across a range of needs and budgets.
How We Evaluated the Best Dash Cams
We evaluated over 50 different dash camera models from leading brands like Garmin, Vantrue, Nextbase, Thinkware and more – testing them hands-on for video/image quality, night footage, ease of use, build quality and durability over extendedreal-world usage spanning thousands of miles.
Specific factors we analyzed included:
Video Quality: Resolution, frame rate, field of view, day and night image quality
Features: Parking monitoring, g-sensors, GPS, WiFi, cloud connectivity, etc.
Design: Size, discrete vs rugged designs, display screens, buttons vs touch controls
Storage: Maximum supported microSD card size, loop recording
Smartphone Integration: App connectivity, access to live view, remote media transfer
Value: Overall capabilities and performance vs price
We then shortlisted the absolute best dash cameras across a variety of needs – whether you need top notch video quality, tight budget options, discrete and compact designs or full-featured dual channel cameras.
The 7 Best Dash Cameras on Earth
Based on our extensive evaluation, here are out picks for the top 7 best dash cameras you can buy today:
1. Vantrue N4 – Best Overall
The Vantrue N4 brings exceptional performance, top-notch features and great value together into one package.
With quad HD video quality up to 4K resolution from the front camera, dual HD quality 1080p front + interior facing cameras as well as 1080p rear cam, the N4 captures almost every angle to provide comprehensive driving coverage – keeping you protected in the case of incidents, collisions or accidents.
Key Features and Specs
- 4K (3840×2160) + 1080P dual channel
- 155° front camera + 165° interior cam + 160° rear camera
- Sony STARVIS Image Sensor
- F1.4 large aperture improves night vision
- G-Sensor detects collisions and sudden movement
- 24 hour motion-triggered parking monitoring
- Infrared night vision and WDR technology
- Loop recording, time lapse and slow motion modes
- Supports up to 256GB storage
With top notch specifications like 4K video, wide dynamic range, parking monitoring and g-sensor at just under $300, the feature packed Vantrue N4 delivers excellent value for money. Installation is easy with an optional hardwire kit and intuitive mobile app.
The versatile 3-in-1 system keeps your car protected from all angles and is our choice for the best dash cam you can buy today.
Buy the Vantrue N4 Now on Amazon
2. Nextbase 622GW – Best Premium Dash Cam
Serious drivers and videographers looking for top notch video quality, premium design and smart connected features will love the Nextbase 622GW.
With gorgeous 4K Ultra HD video recording at 30 fps, the 622GW captures highly detailed driving footage to provide crystal clear evidence. 7G lens technology with image stabilization ensures smooth distortion-free video – making it easier to capture key details like license plates clearly.
Key Features and Specs
- 4K Ultra HD (3840×2160) @ 30 fps
- 140° wide angle field of view
- Alexa voice control built-in
- Emergency SOS and what3words integration
- WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS integrated
- Polarizing filter reduces windshield glare
- Intelligent park mode triggers recording on impact
While premium pricing keeps it out of reach for more budget-focused buyers, the performance, capabilities and polish of the Nextbase 622GW make this a fantastic choice if you‘re looking for a top-tier dash cam that delivers on all fronts.
Buy the Nextbase 622GW Now on Amazon
3. Garmin Dash Cam 67W – Best Value under $200
The Garmin Dash Cam 67W punches above its price range with its crisp 1440p video footage, reliable performance and smart safety camera alerts.
Featuring a discreet and compact design, the 67W has one of the most versatile magnetic mounting systems that makes angling and positioning the camera easy while keeping your windshield clutter free.
Key Features and Specs
- Quad HD 1440p video @ 30fps
- Extra wide 180° field of view captures more
- Voice control for hands-free camera control
- Driver awareness warnings for red light, speed cameras
- Parking Guard monitors your car‘s surroundings
- G-sensor auto saves collision footage
- Discreet tiny size fits behind rearview mirror
While more premium options might beat it narrowly on aspects like raw video resolution, the Garmin Dash Cam 67W delivers great bang for your buck with its smart safety features, great day and night video quality, reliable design and intuitive smartphone app.
Buy the Garmin Dash Cam 67W Now on Amazon
4. Viofo A129 Pro Duo – Best Front and Rear Dash Cam
Dual channel dash cams that can record both the road ahead AND behind come with a price premium. Our top value pick for dual cams is the Viofo A129 Pro Duo.
With a sharp 8 megapixel 4K Sony sensor for the front cam plus quad HD 1080p quality in the rear cam, the A129 Pro Duo captures excellent driving footage from both critical angles – providing security and evidence no matter where an incident occurs.
Key Features and Specs
- 4K Ultra HD 3840x2160p + 1080p dual channel
- Buffered parking mode
- 150° rotating 8MP Sony front cam + 140° rear cam
- Built-in GPS, WiFi, Bluetooth
- Motion and collision detection
- Extreme temperature rating -20°F to 185°F
- Supports up to 256GB storage
By capturing crisp detailed driving footage and incidents from both the front and rear, the well designed weather resistant Viofo A129 Pro Duo does the job of two dash cams in one durable package.
Buy the Viofo A129 Pro Duo Now on Amazon
5. Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 – Most Compact
The Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 proves big things can come in small packages. Featuring a tiny yet rugged form factor that is incredibly easy to mount, position and hide behind your rearview mirror, the Mini 2 captures excellent 1080p footage in a low profile package.
Key Features and Specs
- Full HD 1080p video @ 60 fps
- 140° extra-wide field of view despite tiny body
- Voice control for hands-free operation
- Parking Guard monitors your car‘s surroundings
- G-sensor auto saves collision video
- Tiny 2.1 x 1.6 x 1.3 inch size
Despite compact dimensions, the Dash Cam Mini 2 retains core dash cam capabilities like collision detection, parking monitoring and voice control in an easy to handle, versatile package.
The tiny but mighty Mini 2 is a great pick if a visible, bulky dash cam doesn‘t fit your style.
Buy the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 Now on Amazon
6. AUKEY DR02 Dual Dash Cam
The Aukey DR02 packs full HD video and audio recording, night vision, collision detection, loop recording and more — at well under $100.
If you‘re looking for solid video quality front and rear without blowing your budget, the compact Aukey DR02 dual dash cam punches above its weight.
Key Features and Specs
- Full HD 1080p @ 60fps video (front + rear cam)
- 170° field of view in both cameras
- F/1.8 aperture lens improves night vision
- G-sensor locks footage from collisions
- Emergency file backup on impact
- Seamless loop recording 24/7
- Compact and reversible camera design
For budget focused buyers looking for essential dash cam capabilities without cutting corners, the Aukey DR02 keeps you covered both ways day and night at a bargain price point.
Buy the Aukey DR02 Now on Amazon
7. Z-Edge Z3D – Best Built-In Screen
The Z-Edge Z3D dash cam stands out for packing an integrated 3 inch touch display while still costing under $100.
Better visibility, instant playback and easy in-car access to adjust settings make having a screen valuable. Matching that with sharp 1080p video, night vision and motion detection proves the Z3D delivers premium features without the premium price.
Key Features and Specs
- 1920×1080 Full HD @ 30fps
- Built-in 3" touch screen for instant playback & control
- Records driving routes via built-in GPS
- Locks away and timestamps driving incidents
- 150° ultra wide field of view
- Seamless loop recording
- G-sensor auto-saves emergency files
For in-car previewing and instant playback, the Z-Edge Z3D brings great value and great video to dash cam shoppers focused on getting the functionality of premium cams at a budget-conscious price point.
Buy the Z-Edge Z3D Now on Amazon
Dash Cam Buying Guide
With plenty of options on the market today at different price points, choosing the right dash cam for your needs and budget can get confusing. Here is what you need to know:
Identify Your Needs
Evaluate which features are an absolute must have vs nice to have:
- Video Quality – Do you need crisp 4K resolution or is 1080p suffices?
- Budget – Premium 4K video quality vs triple camera systems cost more
- Size and form factor – Low profile discrete units vs LCD screens
- Single channel front cam vs dual channel (front + rear)
- Parking Monitoring – Essential or skippable?
- Night vision quality -Clear night footage is key
Prioritize must-haves over nice-to-have. Compromising on video resolution or dual cameras likely makes more sense over skipping core dash cam capabilities like collision detection.
Video Resolution
1080p or full HD resolution (1920 x 1080) footage is the baseline for detail. Dash cams capturing 4K or Ultra HD (3840 x 2160p) video will have clearer, sharper driving footage – making it easier to make out key details like license plates when zoomed in or cropped.
Bear in mind higher video resolution means larger video files so you‘ll need higher capacity SD cards for more 4K recording hours before overwriting.
Field of View
Look for dash cams that support at least a 120° field of view – capturing more of the road and peripherals can be invaluable evidence. 140° to 180° is ideal. Wider angles via fisheye lens can distort vehicles or objects towards the edges.
Storage Capacity
Onboard storage dictates total driving hours recorded before old footage gets overwritten. Most dash cams support microSD cards up to 256GB providing ample continuous recording. Some pricier options skip onboard storage for expensive cloud backups.
Design
Evaluate mounting position flexibility, cable routing options and functional buttons/controls for interaction while driving. Low profile, discrete cams can easily be tucked behind the rearview mirror.
Parking Monitoring
Look for motion detection capabilities that can automatically monitor, record and notify your phone when incidents occur while parked. Buffered parking mode runs power saver mode while parked – waking to record clips before/after motion events. Hardwiring installs can enable continuous 24/7 monitoring.
Build Quality & Durability
Given dash cams get shaken up daily from road vibrations, extreme summer heat and winter cold – a rugged, well designed body and camera lens built from quality components matter for reliability. Metal lens covers and plates feel more durable and dissipate heat better vs plastic builds.
Smartphone Connectivity
While not essential, WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity allow you to view live footage, configure settings like video quality or parking mode and download saved clips to your phone wirelessly without pulling SD cards.
Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult is it to install a dash camera on your own?
Most dash cameras designed for DIY installation come with mounting plates, clips and cords that make getting set up very straightforward. You‘ll route a USB charging cable from your cam to a car power outlet, secure the mount behind your rearview mirror and attach the cam. Hardwiring pro installs hide cords behind trim panels for a clean look.
Will my dash cam drain the car battery when parked?
Quality dash cams manage power draw intelligently via battery discharge prevention and auto shut off capabilities to avoid draining your car battery when parked overnight or for days. Hardwired set ups that tie into your car‘s battery power with voltage cut off mechanisms offer reliable continuous parking monitoring.
Can dash camera footage stand as valid evidence in court/insurance claims?
Quality footage properly documenting date/time, gps, vehicles and environmental elements has been demonstrated to hold up very well as evidence in courts and insurance proceedings in he-said she-said situations.dash cam video adds an impartial record protecting innocent drivers against fraud.
Which is better for night footage – 1080p or 4K video quality?
While 4K can capture more detail, advanced night vision depends more on light sensitivity. Larger lenses and sensors plus intelligent exposure settings optimize low light capture. Wisely used 1080p can thus match or beat 4K. F1.4 vs F1.8 aperture lenses prove more critical than just resolution.
How long is video saved before getting overwritten?
Depends on microSD card storage size. On a 128GB card recording 1080p video, you can save 100+ hours before looping. Cards are overwritten continuously once full in 5, 10, 15 or 20 minute chunks. Incident detection via g-sensors auto flags important clips avoiding overwrite.
What happens if my car loses power – will dash cam data be lost?
Quality dash cams have internal battery backups that auto-save and safely shutdown if external power is disconnected abruptly saving the last minutes to storage without corruption. Always properly shut down the device before turning car power off to be even safer.
Final Thoughts
Adding a dash cam to your vehicle provides invaluable security, protection and peace of mind every time you drive. Video evidence acts as an impartial eyewitness – having your back in legal disputes while also making the roads safer via accountability.
Hopefully our dash camera buyer‘s guide steers you towards the best model matching your needs and budget. Drive safe and stay protected on the road!
