Expert consulted: In driving and in life, a little preparation goes a long way. Installing a dash cam, which monitors the front (and often the interior) of your vehicle in the event of a theft or accident, is an easy and affordable way to protect yourself, your passengers, and your investment if calamity strikes.
In 2024, dash cams are smarter and better connected than ever. Many models offer security and quality-of-life features that extend beyond mere POV driving footage, offering driver-assist features like lane-change and forward collision warnings, impact detection and the ability to sync multiple cameras at once. There’s even an option that lets you check a cloud-enabled stream to check what’s happening in the car in real-time.
So whether you’re looking to add safety and accountability while your vehicle is in motion, give yourself peace of mind when it’s parked, or you simply want a camera to capture your next epic road trip, we’ve got a dash cam for you.
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The Best Dash Cams
- Best Overall: Nextbase 622GW Dash Cam
- Best Value: 70mai A800S Dash Cam
- Best for Easy Setup: Garmin Dash Cam 57
- Best For Rideshare Drivers: Vantrue N4 Pro 3-Channel Dash Cam
- Best For New Drivers: Garmin Dash Cam Live
The Expert (Dan Bracaglia): I’m a consumer technology journalist specializing in digital imaging. I’ve reviewed cameras of all shapes and sizes for Digital Photography Review, Best Products, and the Wall Street Journal, among others.
The Expert (Elvis Desai): Elvis Desai is a Senior Forensics Engineer at YA Engineering Services, specializing in automotive accident reconstruction. He works with dash cam footage and data to test vehicle safety. Desai holds a Master of Science in Automotive Systems Engineering with a specialty in Vehicle Safety from Kettering University.
The Expert (Edward J. Primeau): Ed Primeau is an audio and video forensics expert and the founder and co-owner of Primeau Forensics. He’s contributed commentary and analysis on forensic evidence from many high-profile investigations to news media organizations across the country. Of course, not all of Primeau’s work makes international news. He frequently reviews dash cam footage when investigating automobile accidents on behalf of insurance companies, police departments and other organizations.
What to Consider in a Dash Cam
How We Evaluated The Best Dash Dams
I selected the best dash cams based primarily on the insights and information I received from Desai and Primeau. I also spoke to several rideshare drivers to find out what dash cam features they rely on most.
Lastly, I checked expert reviews from leading automotive and technology publications, including Car & Driver, CNET, Tom’s Guide, and PCMag, as well as user reviews from several online retailers.
Our Full Dash Cam Reviews
Nextbase 622GW Dash Cam
Nextbase 622GW Dash Cam
Pros
- Excellent video quality in all conditions
- Easy to mount
- Easy to operate
- Rear-facing cameras can be added for $100 more
Cons
- Large size
- Nextbase app has connection issues
Key Specs
| Resolution | 4K UHD |
|---|---|
| Field of view | 140° |
| Display | 3-inch, touchscreen |
| Storage | MicroSD card (not included) |
| GPS | Yes |
| Companion app | Yes |
| Temp rating | -4°-113°F |
| Backup power | Battery |
| Extras | SOS feature, Parking Mode, Optional rear camera available |
The Nextbase 622GW checks all of the above boxes and then some. It captures in crisp 4K, producing detailed footage in both bright and low-light conditions, the latter of which comes courtesy of an impressive night vision mode. It also features a 3-inch touch screen, which has an intuitive interface.
This pick also opens the door for a wider range of complex setups. For not too much more cash ($100), you can add additional cameras to film the interior or out the back window of your vehicle. And, like most of the models here, installation of a relatively affordable ($30) accessory hardwire kit unlocks even more features, like the ability to monitor your car and begin capture when something occurs, even while you’re away.
In the event of an accident, the 622GW features SOS mode, which will call and send GPS coordinates to emergency personnel in the event of an accident, even if you’re unresponsive. It also features a built-in battery that can power the camera in the event the car battery is disabled. That battery has a tendency to fail in extreme heat, though, so you definitely don’t want to leave it baking in the hot Texas summer sun. That caveat aside, this is among the most well-rounded dash cams out there.
Pros
- Excellent video quality in all conditions
- Easy to operate
- Lots of safety features
Cons
- Frustrating companion app
- Rear camera must be hardwired to front camera
Key Specs
| Resolution | 4K UHD |
|---|---|
| Field of view | 140° |
| Display | 3-inch, Button input |
| Storage | MicroSD card (Not included) |
| GPS | Yes |
| Companion app | Yes |
| Temp rating | 14°-140°F |
| Backup power | Battery |
| Extras | Parking Mode, Driver assist, Rear camera |
For less than $150, the 70mai A800S captures clear 4K video, even in less-than-ideal lighting. It’s also fairly feature-packed for the price, with dual-channel support, built-in GPS, driver assist warnings, and more. You can easily review videos in the car or adjust all of these settings using its built-in 3-inch display. You can enable parking mode, though it requires a $20 hardwire kit.
The great price and solid features come with a few caveats, though. Users report that the 70mai companion app has both connectivity and UI issues on iOS and Android. It also struggles in sub-freezing temperatures, so make sure to take it out of your car during the winter. All that aside, the A800S offers a lot of functionality and high-resolution video for a very affordable price. That’s not too shabby.
Garmin Dash Cam 57
Pros
- Good daylight video quality
- Discreet
- Easy to use
- Lots of safety features
Cons
- Sub-4K video
- Low light footage could be clearer
Key Specs
| Resolution | QHD |
|---|---|
| Field of view | 140° |
| Display | 2-inch, button input |
| Storage | 16GB MicroSD card, cloud backups (with subscription) |
| GPS | Yes |
| Companion app | Yes |
| Temp rating | -4°-140°F |
| Backup power | Battery |
| Extras | Voice control, Parking Mode, Driver assist |
The Garmin Dash Cam 57 has been on the market for a couple of years, but it still stands out as an appealing option for drivers who want a small and straightforward video capture setup. Recording in QHD (1440p), the footage isn’t quite as detailed as our top picks, but it delivers sharp daytime footage. Things get a little grainy at night and in inclement weather, but the quality should be usable in an emergency.
I personally love that, at 2.2- by 1.6- by 0.9-inches, the Dash Cam 57 is compact and discreet. Compared to the size of the device, the 2-inch display feels huge. I would’ve preferred a touch screen, but this unit has voice-activated controls that make it easy to adjust on the road. Plus, the 57 also plays nice with the Garmin Drive app, which is far more intuitive after a recent overhaul.
Even a simple dash cam should have some special features, though, right? The Dash Cam 57 features a host of driver assist notifications, like lane departure warnings, forward collision warnings, and “go” reminders. You also get parking mode, which will capture 15 seconds of footage if an impact with your vehicle is detected.
Vantrue N4 Pro 3-Channel Dash Cam
Vantrue N4 Pro 3-Channel Dash Cam
Pros
- Excellent video quality in all conditions
- Excellent temperature rating, Interior and rear cameras included (for 360-degree vehicle coverage)
- Easy to use
Cons
- Large
- Rear and Interior cameras only record in FHD
Key Specs
| Resolution | 4K UHD (main camera), FHD (rear and interior cameras) |
|---|---|
| Field of view | 155° (front), 160° (interior), 165° (rear) |
| Display | 3.2-inch, Button input |
| Storage | MicroSD card (not included) |
| GPS | Yes |
| Companion app | Yes |
| Temp rating | 14°-158°F |
| Backup power | Capacitor |
| Extras | Voice control, Parking mode, Lots of optional accessories |
With three cameras to cover the front, back, and interior of your vehicle, the Vantrue N4 Pro is the perfect choice for rideshare drivers or anyone who wants full coverage of their vehicle while driving.
Its primary, front-facing camera captures in 4K resolution, while the two secondary cameras record in Full HD. While that isn’t ideal, the secondary cameras have features that cater to their specific uses: The interior-facing camera has an infrared mode that switches on in the dark. The rear camera supports high-dynamic range (HDR) processing to minimize blown-out lighting and grainy shadows. Both secondary cameras also have wider fields of view, allowing you to visualize the interior and behind your car.
You also get plenty of useful bells and whistles. The N4 Pro features voice control, GPS, a 3-inch display, and a functional, but slightly clunky companion app. It also supports parking mode with motion detection if you install the optional hardwire kit.
That said, this unit features an internal capacitor that allows it to record after an impact without a direct connection to power. With three cameras and so many useful features, the Vantrue N4 Pro keeps an eye on every part of your car, inside and out.
Pros
- Remote live view
- Lots of safety features
- GPS tracking
Cons
- Cloud backup requires a subscription
Key Specs
| Resolution | QHD |
|---|---|
| Field of view | 140° |
| Display | 3-inch, non-touch |
| Storage | 16GB MicroSD card, cloud backup (with subscription) |
| GPS | Yes |
| Companion app | Yes |
| Temp rating | -4°-140°F |
| Backup power | Battery |
| Extras | LTE connectivity for live view and cloud storage, Voice control, Driver assist, Parking mode |
The new Garmin Dash Cam Live is one of the most feature-rich options out there, with the unique, tech-driven functionality to keep new drivers safe. Its signature highlight is the ability to watch what your camera is looking at at any time on your phone via livestream. That may give peace of mind to anxious parents who want to check on their kids during their first weeks on the road. It also allows you to track your car’s location via GPS, and get alerts if your car moves when your phone isn’t inside.
All of those outstanding features come with an annoying catch. Most of them are only enabled when you pay a monthly LTE subscription. The $9.99 subscription also backs up your recordings to the cloud, and enables additional notifications.
Beyond its smart features, the Dash Cam Live is a decent, fully-featured dash cam. The QHD camera works surprisingly well in daylight and decent in low light. It also offers a laundry list of useful features, including voice-activated controls and parking mode. We certainly understand if you balk at paying a monthly fee, but the Dash Cam Live delivers the kind of features that are worth a subscription.
Pros
- Discreet body
- Good video quality in daylight
- Easy to mount
- 17 hours of capture to a 128GB card
Cons
- Full HD resolution
- Isn’t great in low-light
- No built-in GPS
Key Specs
| Resolution | FHD |
|---|---|
| Field of view | 140° |
| Display | No |
| Storage | 16GB MicroSD card (not included), cloud backups (with subscription) |
| GPS | No |
| Companion app | Yes |
| Temp rating | -4°-140°F |
| Backup power | Battery |
| Extras | Voice control, Parking mode |
Though it’s a bit older than the other options on this list, the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 remains the obvious choice for drivers who want a small, discreet dash cam. Thanks to its tiny 1.2- by 2.1- by 1.1-inch footprint and suction cup mount, you can set it and forget it in a flash. It’s also easy to move from vehicle to vehicle.
The small footprint obviously creates some limitations. At Full HD (1080p), it has the lowest resolution of any of our picks. It lacks a display, which may frustrate some users while adjusting settings. It also doesn’t have GPS support, which limits its functionality beyond basic recording.
The problems aren’t as bad as they sound, though. The video resolution is still clear in daylight and stays generally readable in low light. Though it doesn’t have any onboard controls, Garmin’s Drive app makes it easy to control settings with voice commands, review recordings, and handle storage transfers. (Like the other Garmin cams, you can also enable cloud backups with a Garmin Vault subscription.) This dash cam puts nearly everything we look for in a dash cam in the smallest possible package.
Escort MAXcam 360c
Escort MAXcam 360c
Pros
- Reliable radar and laser detection
- Good video quality in daylight
- Impact detection
Cons
- Large
Key Specs
| Resolution | QHD |
|---|---|
| Field of view | 143° |
| Display | Yes |
| Storage | 16GB MicroSD Card, Cloud backups (with subscription) |
| GPS | Yes |
| Companion app | Yes |
| Temp rating | N/A |
| Backup power | N/A |
| Extras | Parking mode, Cloud backup |
If you want a dash cam and a radar detector, Escort MAXcam 360c combines both functions into one effective device. A trusted brand in the radar detector space, the Escort MAXcam 360c can pick up all major police bands and alert you to laser detection. It doesn’t have the same functionality as the new and improved Escort MAXcam 360c Mk II, our favorite radar detector, but experts and users agree this is still one of the best options out there.
But what about video performance? The QHD camera performs well during the day, and reasonably well at night. Given that it’s a combo, the MAXcam 360c doesn’t have a luxurious feature set, but it has a G-sensor, so it will start capturing footage in the event an impact is detected.
That said, unlike other models in this guide, there’s no backup power source, so if a collision disables the car battery, you won’t be able to record. Still, this is a great option for folks who want to keep an eye out for speed traps as they record the road ahead.
Thinkware X1000 Front + Rear Dash Cam
Thinkware X1000 Front + Rear Dash Cam
Pros
- Good video performance in low light
- Front and rear cameras
- Display with touch screen
Cons
- No built-in GPS or WiFi
- Rear camera requires wired installation
Key Specs
| Resolution | QHD |
|---|---|
| Field of view | 156° |
| Display | 3.5-inch touchscreen |
| GPS | No |
| Companion app | No |
| Temp rating | 14°-140°F (operational), -4°-158°F (storage) |
| Backup power | Capacitor |
| Extras | Parking Mode, Driver assist (with GPS accessory) |
If you prefer not to connect your dash cam to your phone, the Thinkware X1000 is a robust, dual-sided dash cam with plenty of features, and is relatively easy to use without an app. It sports a large 3.5-inch touch display and a straightforward onboard user interface.
Both the front- and rear-facing cameras record in QHD, though they work surprisingly well in less-than-ideal driving conditions. The Thinkware X1000 also boasts an impressive temperature rating (thanks to a capacitor), parking mode, and an optional GPS accessory that unlocks a range of driver-assist features. It even comes with a 32GB MicroSD card to store and transfer your footage.
Unfortunately, this dash cam comes with one big caveat. You’ll need to wire the rear camera to your car’s electrical system, which requires either better-than-average automotive know-how or professional installation. Once it’s set up, though, the X1000 is easy to use.
Dash Cam Q+A With Our Experts
Dan Bracaglia is a writer and photographer living in Seattle, Washington. An expert in photography and service journalism, he's been writing about technology since 2010 for publications including American Photo, Digital Photography Review, Popular Photography, Popular Science, Sound & Vision and others. Moonlighting as a freelance photojournalist, Dan has also covered everything from the NCAA Women's Basketball National Championship to presidential speeches to stadium rock concerts. But there's nothing he enjoys photographing more than friends and family.
Elvis Desai is a Senior Forensics Engineer at YA Engineering Services, specializing in automotive accident reconstruction. He works with dash cam footage and data to test vehicle safety. Desai holds a Master of Science in Automotive Systems Engineering with a specialty in Vehicle Safety from Kettering University.
Desai has experience conducting complex three-dimensional accident reconstruction. He is qualified to download and analyze all types of Event Data Recorders and Bosch Crash Data Retrieval (CDR) data. He holds Certification to download and interpret EDR data from heavy-duty vehicles. Mr. Desai also has experience working with photogrammetry, 3D designs, and video editing software for accident reconstruction purposes.
Edward Primeau is an audio and video forensics expert and the founder and co-owner of Primeau Forensics. He’s contributed commentary and analysis on forensic evidence from many high-profile investigations to news media organizations across the country, including Trayvon Martin/George Zimmerman, Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, United Airlines Flight 93, and the JonBenet Ramsey case. He’s also appeared on The History Channel’s The Proof is Out There (2021) as a forensic audio specialist. Of course, not all of Primeau’s work makes international news. He frequently reviews dash cam footage when investigating automobile accidents on behalf of insurance companies, police departments and other organizations.
