Really there’s only one thing the best dash cams need to do well: record sharp footage of what’s happening on the road and around your car. As experts in auto repair and vehicle diagnostics at cardiagnosticnearme.com, we understand the importance of reliable evidence in case of accidents or disputes. We know this firsthand – our team has rigorously analyzed the market and assessed numerous dash cams from leading brands like Garmin, Nextbase, 70mai, and Viofo to bring you the most informed recommendations.
Each dash cam featured in this guide excels at capturing crucial road events with clarity, and many offer valuable additional functionalities. Features such as GPS tracking, parking surveillance modes, and seamless smartphone app integration are increasingly common. Whether these extra features are essential for you depends on your specific needs and budget. To simplify your decision, we’ve organized this guide according to different driving scenarios and requirements.
If we were to recommend just one dash cam for universal car installation, it would undoubtedly be the Viofo A329, a model we awarded a perfect 5-star rating. It boasts exceptional 4K video recording at up to 60fps and provides a comprehensive solution, especially when paired with its optional rear camera. The Nextbase iQ is another top-tier choice, distinguished by its innovative smart features, setting a new benchmark in dash cam technology. For those seeking simplicity and affordability without compromising essential recording capabilities, the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3 stands out as a compact and budget-friendly option.
Our dedicated team has invested countless hours in real-world testing, thoroughly evaluating a wide array of dash cams. Each model undergoes rigorous assessment across various driving conditions, from straightforward setup to challenging nighttime scenarios. Our curated ranking is based on the comprehensive results of these hands-on reviews. Beyond our top selections, we also include an “Also Consider” section, presenting a broader spectrum of options to ensure you find the ideal dash cam tailored to your unique needs, complete with links to discover the best deals.
Written by Timothy Coleman, TechRadar’s Camera’s Editor, whose extensive experience in the photo and video industry, including significant time testing dash cams, informs his expert perspective.
Top 3 Picks
For drivers seeking immediate recommendations, our quick overview highlights the best dash cams across various categories and budgets. Find the perfect match for your needs and use the provided links to jump directly to detailed reviews.
Viofo A329 dash cam on white background
1. Viofo A329
Best Overall
The Viofo A329 stands out as a premium all-rounder, delivering impressive 4K video quality at up to 60fps, complemented by a flagship feature set suitable for most drivers.
Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3 on a white background
2. Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3
Best Budget
Garmin’s compact dash cam receives a subtle yet effective upgrade, featuring a landscape design and polarizing filter that enhance its Full HD HDR footage.
Nextbase iQ Smart Dash Cam on a white background
3. Nextbase iQ Smart Dash Cam
Best Smart
For those willing to invest in a subscription, the Nextbase iQ offers a 4K dash cam brimming with features, combining intelligence with user-friendly operation.
Best by Use-Case
Miofive S1 Ulta dashcam4. Miofive S1
Best Cheap 4K
Priced under $100 / £100, the Miofive S1 is arguably the best value dash cam currently available, offering 4K video and integrated GPS.
70mai Omni Dash Cam on a white background
5. 70mai Dash Cam Omni
Best 360-degree
This unique 360 dash cam provides an omni-directional view, perfect for capturing your journeys and in-car moments.
Garmin DriveCam 76 dash cam on a white background
6. Garmin DriveCam 76
Best for Analogue Vehicles
A combination dash cam and sat nav, the Garmin DriveCam 76 is a feature-rich solution for cars lacking modern infotainment systems.
The Best Dash Cam in 2025
Why Trust Our Recommendations? At TechRadar, and by extension, our expert analysis at cardiagnosticnearme.com, we are committed to rigorous testing of every product and service we review. This dedication ensures you receive reliable buying advice and can be confident in your purchasing decisions. Learn more about our testing process.
Below, you’ll find comprehensive reviews of each top dash cam from our list. Every model has been thoroughly tested, guaranteeing that our recommendations are trustworthy and based on solid performance evaluations.
The Best All-Rounder Dash Cam
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1. Viofo A329
The best all-rounder dash cam
Our Expert Review:
Specifications:
- Video Quality: 4K
- Viewing Angle: 140 degrees
- GPS Tracker: Yes
- Memory: MicroSD card up to 512GB / SSD up to 4TB (not included)
Reasons to Buy:
- Exceptional 4K 60fps Video: Capture incredibly detailed footage that can be crucial in incident analysis or insurance claims. The rear camera also delivers impressive quality.
- Premium Design and Build: The high-quality construction adds to the overall value and longevity of the device.
- Supplementary Rear Camera: Offers comprehensive coverage around your vehicle, enhancing security and recording capability.
- External SSD Compatibility: Provides extensive storage options, accommodating large volumes of high-resolution video data.
Reasons to Avoid:
- Complex Installation: Setting up the wiring can be intricate, requiring patience and potentially professional installation.
- Bulky Design: Slightly larger than some competitors, which might be a concern for discreet mounting.
- Higher Price Point: Reflects its premium features and performance, making it a more significant investment.
- Tight Cable Connectors: While robust, the connectors can be difficult to detach if incorrectly connected during setup.
Viofo A329 Sample Footage: (Note: Consider embedding a sample video if available and relevant to Amazon listings, although this is text-based rewrite).
Buy It If:
✅ You Demand Superb 4K Footage: The clarity and sharpness of 4K 60fps video are invaluable for capturing fine details, crucial for incident resolution and insurance purposes. The rear camera’s quality is equally commendable.
✅ You Need Front and Rear Coverage: A dual-channel system ensures all-around protection. Hardwiring enables advanced features and reliable performance.
Don’t Buy It If:
❌ You Prefer Easy Setup: The extensive cabling and tight connectors may complicate installation, particularly for users seeking a quick, hassle-free setup.
❌ You Only Need Basic Features: The Viofo A329’s advanced capabilities like 4K video, rear camera support, and extensive features might exceed the needs of users who require only fundamental dash cam functionality. More basic, less expensive dash cams could suffice.
The Viofo A329 Dash Cam bundle, while a pricier option, justifies its cost with its exceptional performance. It delivers crisp 4K video at up to 60fps from the main camera, capturing minute details even at high speeds. The rear-facing camera complements this with its own 2K footage. We observed that both front and rear cameras maintained impressive footage quality in low-light and overcast conditions, effectively capturing license plates and road signs.
Data storage is highly versatile, supporting microSD cards up to 512GB or SSDs up to a massive 4TB. File access via Viofo’s user-friendly app is seamless. While initial setup requires some technical skill and patience due to wiring complexity, the resulting premium performance is well worth the effort. For those prioritizing top-tier video quality without budget constraints, the Viofo A329 is an unmatched choice.
The Best Budget Dash Cam
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(Image credit: Future)
2. Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3
The best budget dash cam
Our Expert Review:
Specifications:
- Video Quality: 1080p
- Viewing Angle: 140 degrees
- GPS Tracker: No
- Memory: MicroSD card (not included)
Reasons to Buy:
- Discreet, Compact Design: Its small size allows for near-invisibility behind the rearview mirror, maintaining unobstructed visibility.
- High-Quality Footage: Despite its size, it captures clear and reliable Full HD video.
- Polarizing Lens: Reduces windshield glare, enhancing video clarity in various lighting conditions.
- Simple, Intuitive Interface: Easy to set up and operate, ensuring straightforward functionality.
Reasons to Avoid:
- Incremental Upgrade: Offers only minor improvements over the Dash Cam Mini 2, making it less compelling for existing owners.
- No GPS Functionality: Lacks GPS tracking, which might be a desired feature for some users.
- Screenless Design: No built-in screen for immediate review, relying on app connectivity.
- MicroSD Card Not Included: Requires a separate purchase of a microSD card for operation.
Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3 Sample Footage: (Note: Consider embedding sample video if available and relevant to Amazon listings).
Buy It If:
✅ You Want a Discreet Dash Cam: The Mini 3’s compact dimensions allow it to hide neatly behind your rearview mirror, ensuring it doesn’t obstruct your field of vision.
✅ You Value Simple Setup: Garmin designed the Mini 3 for ease of setup and use, making it a dependable, low-profile tool that operates reliably in the background.
Don’t Buy It If:
❌ You Already Own the Dash Cam Mini 2: The polarizing filter and landscape redesign are the primary updates, offering minimal incentive to upgrade from the Mini 2.
❌ You Require 4K Video: The Mini 3 is limited to 1080p Full HD. For higher resolution video, consider premium models with 4K capabilities available on platforms like Amazon.
If you’re looking for a simple, unobtrusive dash cam that you can set up and forget, the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3 is an excellent choice. In our testing, its compact form factor easily concealed it behind the rearview mirror, and its straightforward interface made setup and operation simple. It consistently captured high-quality Full HD video with HDR. While these features are also present in the Dash Cam Mini 2, making it a modest upgrade, the Mini 3 remains a solid option for new buyers or those seeking a smaller device.
Like its predecessor, the Mini 3 omits GPS and a screen, relying on the Garmin Drive app for settings adjustments and footage review, which functions smoothly. New features include a landscape orientation and an integrated polarizing filter intended to minimize windshield reflections. However, in our evaluations, the video quality appeared similar to that of the Mini 2. Nonetheless, for those entering the dash cam market or desiring a more compact unit, the Dash Cam Mini 3 excels in essential functions.
The Best Smart Dash Cam
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3. Nextbase iQ
The best next-gen dash cam with smart features
Our Expert Review:
Specifications:
- Video Quality: 1080p/1440p/2160p (front) / 1080p/1440p (cabin) / 1440p (rear)
- Viewing Angle: 140 degrees (front) / 180 degrees (cabin) / 140 degrees (rear)
- GPS Tracker: Yes
- Memory: microSD / cloud
Reasons to Buy:
- Comprehensive, All-in-One Solution: Integrates a wide array of safety and security features into a single device.
- Impressive Smart Features: Offers advanced functionalities that enhance vehicle monitoring and safety.
- Elegant Design and Build Quality: Features a well-thought-out design and robust construction.
Reasons to Avoid:
- Overwhelming Feature Set: The extensive capabilities might be excessive for users seeking basic recording functions.
- Limited Free Subscription: The free subscription tier lacks the full spectrum of features, requiring paid upgrades for complete functionality.
- Subscription Costs: Ongoing subscription fees add to the overall expense of ownership.
Nextbase iQ Sample Footage: (Note: Consider embedding sample video if available and relevant to Amazon listings).
Buy It If:
✅ You Want an All-In-One Dash Cam: The Nextbase iQ is a complete dash cam package, offering a full suite of intelligent safety and security features.
✅ You Seek a Future-Proof Model: Continuous firmware updates are planned to expand the iQ’s already impressive capabilities, ensuring it remains at the forefront of dash cam technology.
Don’t Buy It If:
❌ You Don’t Need a Complex Camera: If your primary need is basic road video capture, simpler and more affordable dash cam options are available, possibly on platforms like Amazon.
❌ You Prefer Subscription-Free Operation: While basic modes are free, accessing the full range of Nextbase iQ features requires a paid subscription, adding to the long-term cost.
The Nextbase iQ is essentially a smart surveillance system for your car, loaded with features. Available in 1K, 2K, and 4K front camera resolutions, it’s a premium device with extensive connected capabilities. These include parking assistance, voice-activated Witness Mode, remote vehicle monitoring via the Nextbase iQ app, and GPS, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi connectivity. All models include an interior camera, with an optional rear camera available. However, fully leveraging its capabilities necessitates a paid subscription, which can make the iQ a significant investment.
Our tests revealed it to be remarkably effective. Setup was straightforward, and the app provided easy access to its numerous features. Video and audio quality from our 4K test unit were predictably excellent. Powered directly from the car battery, it remains active even when the engine is off, providing continuous surveillance. While its comprehensive feature set might be overkill for some, for those desiring an all-encompassing, always-on monitoring solution for their vehicle, the Nextbase iQ is unparalleled in its intelligence and capabilities.
If cost is a concern, Nextbase recently introduced the Piqo, a simpler, more affordable alternative with lighter versions of the iQ’s smart features, offering a more budget-friendly entry into smart dash cam technology.
The Best Cheap 4K Dash Cam
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4. Miofive S1 Ultra
The best next-gen dash cam with smart features
Our Expert Review:
Specifications:
- Video Quality: 4K 30fps
- Viewing Angle: 140 degrees (front)
- GPS Tracker: Yes
- Memory: microSD / cloud
Reasons to Buy:
- Excellent 4K Footage at a Lower Price: Delivers sharp 4K video with minimal noise, especially impressive for its price range.
- Fast Video Transfer with 5GHz Wi-Fi: Enables quick and efficient data transfer for reviewing and sharing footage.
- Integrated GPS: Includes GPS functionality, a feature often absent in dash cams at this price point.
Reasons to Avoid:
- Limited Frame Rate: Frame rate is capped at 30fps, even at Full HD, which might not be ideal for capturing very fast motion smoothly.
- Windscreen Mount Design: The windscreen mount could be improved for better stability or ease of adjustment.
- Superfluous AI Features: Some AI functions might feel unnecessary or gimmicky to some users.
Miofive S1 Ultra Sample Footage: (Note: Consider embedding sample video if available and relevant to Amazon listings).
Buy It If:
✅ You Want 4K Video on a Budget: The Miofive S1 Ultra provides impressive 4K video quality at a significantly lower price than many competitors, making high-resolution recording accessible.
✅ GPS is Essential: GPS logging is included, adding crucial location data to recordings, invaluable for verifying incident details and circumstances.
Don’t Buy It If:
❌ You Require High Frame Rates: Video frame rates are limited to 30fps across all resolutions. Higher frame rates, like 60fps, offer smoother motion capture, which is preferable for some users.
❌ You Prefer to Avoid AI Alerts: The S1’s AI features, such as driver alerts and harsh driving warnings, might be unwanted or distracting for some drivers.
The Miofive S1 Ultra is available for under $100 / £100, a remarkable price for a 4K dash cam with GPS and 5GHz Wi-Fi. This combination is rare at this price, especially considering the impressive video quality we observed in our tests. It produces sharp, detailed 4K footage with excellent noise control in low light.
One area for potential improvement is the frame rate, which is capped at 30fps even in 1080p Full HD. However, otherwise, the S1 is hard to fault. Setup is straightforward, and while not the smallest dash cam, it’s user-friendly. Options include bundling with Miofive’s rear dash cam (in 2K and 4K variants) for comprehensive coverage. Considering its features and performance relative to its price, the Miofive S1 Ultra is arguably the best 4K dash cam you can find for under $100 / £100, making it a standout value proposition, especially for those searching on platforms like Amazon for affordable 4K options.
Best 360 Degree
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5. 70mai Dash Cam Omni
Best omni-directional front dash cam
Our Expert Review:
Specifications:
- Video Quality: 1080p up to 60fps
- Viewing Angle: 140 degrees, omnidirectional
- GPS Tracker: Yes
- Memory: eMMC built-in 32GB / 64GB or 128GB
Reasons to Buy:
- 360-Degree Viewing Capability: Offers complete surround coverage, unique among dash cams.
- High-Resolution Video: Captures detailed 1080p video, suitable for most recording needs.
- Comprehensive Audio and Video Recording: Records both sound and visuals, providing a complete incident record.
- User-Friendly Voice Controls: Simplifies operation and enhances convenience.
- Affordable Price: Offers extensive features at a competitive price point.
Reasons to Avoid:
- No Default Cloud Backup: Cloud backup requires an optional accessory.
- Hardwiring Required for Parking Surveillance: Full parking surveillance functionality necessitates hardwiring to the vehicle’s electrical system.
- Difficult Windscreen Removal: Once mounted, it can be challenging to remove from the windscreen.
70mai Omni Sample Footage: (Note: Consider embedding sample video if available and relevant to Amazon listings).
Buy It If:
✅ You Desire 360-Degree Coverage: The Omni can rotate to provide a full 360-degree view, filming from any angle around the vehicle, offering unparalleled situational awareness.
✅ You Appreciate User-Friendly Technology: The Omni features charming, interactive display graphics, enhancing the user experience.
Don’t Buy It If:
❌ You Need 4K Video Quality: With a maximum resolution of 1920×1080 Full HD up to 60fps, the Omni’s video resolution is lower than some higher-end dash cams, particularly those offering 4K.
❌ Automatic Cloud Syncing is Important: Cloud syncing is available, but it requires an optional 4G hardware kit, not included as standard.
The 70mai Omni stands out with its unique design and functionality. It’s a single camera with a 140-degree field of view that can rotate 360 degrees from its windshield mount. This allows it to function as a standard forward-facing dash cam or rotate to record the vehicle’s interior. Video resolution is capped at 1080p up to 60fps, which, while not the highest available, is complemented by an f/1.8 lens that performs well in low light, as we noted in our tests.
In our review, the Omni impressed with its user-friendly design, featuring engaging graphics and animations on its display. It also includes AI-powered surveillance features such as motion detection and threat-level assessment to enhance vehicle security. As a single-unit dash cam, it’s exceptionally fun to use and reasonably priced. However, automatic cloud backup requires purchasing the optional 4G hardware kit. Its unique 360-degree capability makes it a compelling option, especially for users interested in comprehensive, single-device coverage, potentially discoverable on platforms like Amazon.
Best for Older Cars Without an Infotainment System
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(Image credit: Alistair Charlton)
6. Garmin DriveCam 76
Best for older cars without an infotainment system
Our Expert Review:
Specifications:
- Video Quality: 1080p
- Viewing Angle: 140 degrees
- GPS Tracker: Yes
- Memory: 16GB microSD (dash cam, included), microSD (not included)
Reasons to Buy:
- Excellent User Interface: Features an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface on its large display.
- Superior Navigation to Smartphones: Offers dedicated sat nav functionality that can surpass smartphone navigation in reliability and ease of use while driving.
- Numerous Useful Connected Features: Includes a range of connected features that enhance driving convenience and safety.
Reasons to Avoid:
- High Cost: Priced at a premium, reflecting its combined dash cam and sat nav functionalities.
- Subpar Video Stability: Video footage can suffer from noticeable stabilization issues.
- Excessive Notifications: The notification system might be overly frequent or intrusive for some users.
Garmin DriveCam 76 Sample Footage:
Garmin DriveCam 76 sample footage – YouTube
Buy It If:
✅ Your Car Lacks an Infotainment System: The DriveCam 76, with its integrated mapping and forward collision warnings, is perfect for older vehicles without modern infotainment features.
✅ You Want an Integrated System: Combining a dash cam and sat nav reduces windshield clutter, providing a cleaner and less obstructed view.
Don’t Buy It If:
❌ You Have a Small Windshield: Its larger size compared to standard dash cams can make the DashCam 76 feel obstructive in vehicles with limited windshield space.
❌ You Are on a Tight Budget: Its multi-functionality comes at a higher price. If you don’t need the integrated sat nav and smart features, more affordable standalone dash cams offer better value.
The Garmin DriveCam 76 merges a dash cam and sat nav into a single device, ideal for vehicles without built-in infotainment systems. In our testing, the 7-inch display proved intuitive and user-friendly. Garmin’s detailed mapping visuals are easy to follow, and navigation is clear and timely, enhanced by live traffic updates when paired with a smartphone. However, the unit is larger than typical dash cams, which can pose placement challenges in smaller vehicles. Adjustable display angle and camera lens help in finding an optimal position.
It records Full HD footage in HDR at 30fps, providing balanced exposure and sufficient detail for license plate readability. However, video stability is a noted weakness, with noticeable wobble affecting footage quality, making it less smooth than other Garmin dash cams. While smartphone notifications and weather updates are included, their utility might not justify the higher price for all users. If you need a dash cam with added smart features, the DriveCam 76 is a strong contender, especially for older vehicles, and could be considered a worthwhile investment available through online retailers like Amazon.
Specs Comparison
Swipe to scroll horizontally
| 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, 4k (front) / 1k, 2k (cabin) / 2k (rear) | 140/180/140 deg | Yes | microSD / cloud |
| Miofive S1 | 4K 30p | 140 degrees | Yes | microSD |
| 70mai Dash Cam Omni | 1080p | 140 degrees | Yes | eMMC 32/64/128GB |
| Garmin DriveCam 76 | 1080p | 140 degrees | Yes | 16GB microSD (incl) |
Also Consider
Beyond our top selections, numerous other dash cams deserve recognition. Here are honorable mentions that offer compelling features and performance:
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Garmin Dash Cam X310: Garmin’s top-tier dash cam, recording sharp 4K HDR video, is compact and user-friendly. It’s feature-rich, including GPS, a 2.4-inch touchscreen, and remote access via the Garmin Drive app (subscription required). A premium, durable product, though not a significant upgrade from the Dash Cam 67W.
-
Nextbase Piqo: A budget-friendly alternative to the Nextbase iQ, offering ‘Lite’ versions of smart features in a compact design, ideal for those seeking Nextbase quality at a lower price without subscription costs.
-
Nextbase 622GW: Excels in video quality with 4K resolution, Night Vision, polarizing filter, and image stabilization, ensuring clear footage in all conditions. Added features include Alexa voice control and What3Words emergency geolocation.
-
Nexar Pro: A five-star dual-cam solution, excellent for high-mileage drivers, recording both inside and outside the vehicle. It records 1080p video and includes unlimited cloud storage, though it’s an older model.
-
Vantrue E1: A well-rounded, compact option that fits neatly behind the rearview mirror, offering crisp 2.5K video and 1080p at 60fps, with built-in GPS.
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Thinkware X1000: Unique with a larger touchscreen and user-friendly interface, minimizing app dependence. Available as a dual-camera bundle, it lacks built-in GPS.
-
Miofive Dual Dash Cam: For fans of the Miofive S1, consider the S1 ‘Ultra’ dual-camera version or Miofive’s high-end Dual Dash Cam, another five-star rated model for enhanced coverage.
-
Vantrue N2 Pro: An honorable mention, particularly suited for ride-share drivers needing both front and cabin recording.
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Viofo A229 Pro: Another excellent all-around dash cam from Viofo, offering robust performance and features.
The Thinkware X1000 dash cam mounted inside a car windshield
The Thinkware X1000 dash cam and its large screen (Image credit: Future)
How to Choose the Best Dash Cam for You
Dash cams vary from single to triple camera setups. Single-camera models record the view through your windshield, dual-camera systems add an interior-facing camera (useful for ride-share drivers), and triple-camera setups offer additional external viewpoints, beneficial for professional drivers and trucks.
Video Resolution:
Crucial for video clarity. Most 2024 dash cams record in Full HD, sufficient for general details. 4K dash cams, though pricier, capture higher resolution, essential for license plate identification and detailed evidence.
Video Frame Rates:
Frame rates matter for video smoothness. 30fps is standard, but 60fps models capture smoother motion, allowing for slow-motion review to catch finer details. 4K 60fps is typically in higher-end models. Some, like Nextbase 622GW, include digital image stabilization for smoother footage on rough roads.
Features:
Consider features like touchscreen displays, companion apps, GPS, parking surveillance, voice control, sat nav, and what3words. Sat nav is useful for older cars without built-in systems. GPS data logs incident locations, and what3words provides precise geolocation, especially useful in emergencies.
Nextbase iQ
(Image credit: Future)
Getting Started with a Dash Cam
Installation and ease of use vary. Most dash cams mount on the windshield, ensuring they don’t obstruct your view. Rear-facing and dual-camera kits require more complex installation, often involving running cables within the car’s headliner.
Dash cams record in short loops, typically one to two minutes, continuously overwriting the oldest footage to manage memory. Older models required manual clip saving, but newer G-sensor-based incident detection automatically saves clips upon impact.
Advanced features like 4K, night vision, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth increase price. Voice control and Alexa integration are found in high-end models. Parking modes use time-lapse for surveillance, capturing parking incidents.
Miofive Dual Dash Cam front camera in the hand
(Image credit: Future)
Is It Worth Having a Dash Cam?
Yes, definitively. While some dislike constant vehicle monitoring, compact models like the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 are unobtrusive. They operate silently, ready to record crucial footage in accidents.
Dash cam footage can prove innocence in disputes, often including speed, time, and date stamps to validate evidence. They also record rear-view footage, useful in rear-end collisions. Even without direct involvement in accidents, dash cams can record and save footage of noteworthy events like other accidents or bad driving. Some offer emergency services contact in crashes, sharing your location if you’re unresponsive.
Driver assistance features include speed and red-light camera alerts, and prompts for traffic flow. Permanently installed, hard-wired dash cams with parking mode can record impacts while parked, useful for parking incidents.
A dash camera inside a car windscreen
(Image credit: Nexar)
Can a Dash Cam Drain Your Car Battery?
Power sources vary. Some have internal batteries or USB charging; others use car cigarette lighters/USB ports or hardwiring, using car battery power. Cigarette lighter/USB port dash cams might drain batteries if left plugged in, depending on the car’s power supply to these ports when off. Hard-wired models can be set to activate with ignition to save battery. For security purposes, consider motion-detection dash cams with external power to avoid battery drain.
A man adjusting a Nextbase dash cam in a car
(Image credit: Nextbase)
Is a GoPro Better Than a Dash Cam?
GoPros are excellent action cameras, mountable as dash cams, recording in loops and offering up to 5.3K video, sharper than 4K. However, dedicated dash cams are better for road recording due to advanced features like collision detection and parking protection, which GoPros lack. GoPros also require manual start each drive, even when powered by the car. While GoPros can be used as dash cams, dedicated dash cams offer a more comprehensive in-car video solution.
70mai 4K A810 Dash Cam
(Image credit: Future)
Are Dash Cams Legal?
Generally legal in the UK and US. Some bodies encourage dash cam use for insurance benefits. However, dash cams must not obstruct view or distract driving. US state laws vary on windshield mounting. Privacy is a consideration; public road recording is generally legal, but private property recording has limitations. Inform passengers about dash cam recording, especially audio, particularly for professional drivers. Some US states require consent for audio recording from all occupants. Be cautious sharing footage online to avoid privacy breaches; blur faces and license plates. European dash cam legality varies; check regional rules.
The Nextbase 522GW dash cam in a car interior
(Image credit: Nextbase)
What Is Loop Recording?
Loop recording continuously records video, overwriting oldest clips when storage is full, ensuring uninterrupted recording. Clips are saved sequentially in segments (e.g., 2- or 5-minute intervals), facilitating memory management and easier clip location. Dash cams often automatically detect incidents and protect relevant footage from being overwritten. Manual clip tagging is also usually available via a button on the dash cam.
Meet the Team
Our review team combines over a century of camera testing experience, covering the latest camera tech over the past two decades.
Alistair Charlton
Freelance technology and automotive journalist based in London, with extensive writing across consumer tech and automotive sectors, including dash cam reviews for TechRadar and contributions to Wired, Forbes, and more.
Rob Clymo
A veteran tech journalist with extensive experience in digital content, including running the Innovation channel at Microsoft and contributing to TechRadar, Tom’s Guide, and various automotive industry publications.
Tim Coleman
TechRadar’s Cameras Editor, overseeing camera content, including dash cams. Has nearly 20 years of experience in the photo and video industry.
Leon Poultney
Expert in automotive and tech convergence for 20 years, reporting on in-car tech and automotive manufacturing, with a current focus on EVs and future transportation technologies.
Paul Hatton
Digital expert with 20 years in tech and creative industries, providing reviews and articles for TechRadar, Creative Bloq, and 3D World Magazine.
How We Test Dash Cams
The Garmin Dash Cam Tandem mounted in a windshield
(Image credit: Future)
Dash cams are tested without permanent car modifications, using suction cups or adhesive pads and powered via USB or 12V sockets. We install and test dash cams in real driving conditions, day and night, in varied weather, assessing performance and video quality. Footage is reviewed for clarity and detail, especially license plate legibility, and ease of footage transfer and saving.
Some hands installing a dash cam into a car
(Image credit: Let Geo Create / Shutterstock)
Additional features like voice assistants and drive assistance are thoroughly tested, including ease of use and adjustability. Audio recording controls are checked for convenience, especially for passenger privacy. Collision detection is simulated by tapping the dash cam to test incident recording. G-sensor sensitivity is evaluated through driving tests, including speed bumps, to ensure proper function and adjustability.
Why You Should Trust TechRadar
Our reviewers have extensive experience in technology testing. With hundreds of camera product reviews, including many dash cams, our expert team offers in-depth knowledge for reliable recommendations. Every product is reviewed through real-world testing, assessing ease of use, video quality, and connectivity over several weeks in diverse driving conditions. TechRadar has provided impartial tech feedback since 2008, committed to editorial independence and reliable buying advice. For more on our standards, see our About Us page.
