<hr><h2 class=”body-h2″>What to Consider When Purchasing a Dash Cam </h2><p>Dash cameras come in all shapes and sizes and at price points from sub-$50 to well over $500. Deciding why you want a dash cam, what features you need, and how much you want to spend will determine which dash cam you should buy. </p><p>Before you decide to pony up for a pricey dash cam—or, conversely, a less expensive model without all the bells and whistles—there are a ton of important factors to consider.</p><h3 class=”body-h3″>Storage</h3><p>Here’s the Dirty Little Secret about dash cams: Many are worthless right out of the box. After all, what good is a dash cam if you can’t provide its footage to investigators later (or upload it to YouTube or <a href=”https://www.instagram.com/crashdashes/?hl=en” target=”_blank”>CrashDashes</a>)? Dash cams are generally too small to feature internal storage, so they require some sort of external memory, such as a micro SD card, to save footage. Problem is, most don’t come with said memory card included; you need to buy it separately or upgrade to a bundle that includes one. Always check to see if the model you’re considering requires and comes with a memory card, and purchase one if necessary so you can use the dash cam right away. </p><p><em>Pro tip: Since most card-based dash cams typically overwrite older footage when storage capacity is reached, we recommend purchasing a high-capacity memory card anyway to safeguard against accidental deletion.</em> </p><p>On the flip side, many modern dash cams utilize <strong>cloud storage</strong>, which uploads data to a server for remote storage. Cloud-based dashboard cameras generally require an additional subscription cost and connection to a smartphone or Wi-Fi signal at varying intervals, but eliminate the need for <a href=”https://www.amazon.com/Micro-SD-Memory-Cards/b?ie=UTF8&node=3015433011″ target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”>memory cards</a> and allow access to footage at any time, as long as your subscription is active.</p><h3 class=”body-h3″>Resolution and Quality</h3><p>A dash camera’s quality significantly affects the ability to retrieve detailed information later. Image quality hinges on <strong>sensor size</strong>, <strong>dynamic range</strong>, <strong>lens material and design</strong>, and <strong>image processing</strong>. If you’d like to read a more detailed breakdown of how these elements impact image quality and what you should look for to get the best image possible, we break it down with an in-depth analysis below.</p><h3 class=”body-h3″>Features</h3><p>Newer dash cams often come loaded with additional features like GPS, emergency service alerts, and radar detectors. More features usually come with a higher price tag; bundling optional features such as interior cabin cameras can be a more practical approach to “all the bells and whistles.”</p><p>However, the modern gadgets that many of us own and use, such as phones and radar detectors, already offer some of these features. There are also some really good built-in systems, such as those from Tesla or Rivian, which might render dash cams obsolete in just a few years. Decide what you need from a dash cam before you buy one. </p><h3 class=”body-h3″>Safety Features</h3><p>If you drive an older car, consider a dash cam loaded with integrated safety features, such as those often found standard in new vehicles. For instance, <a href=”https://www.garmin.com/en-US/” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”>Garmin</a> dash cams offer lane-departure warnings, while some <a href=”https://nextbase.com/dash-cams/” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”>Nextbase</a> models can automatically call for help in case of an accident. </p><hr><h2 class=”body-h2″>How We Tested Dash Cams</h2><p>The Gear Team strived to keep this test as objective as possible by comparing specs and video recordings side by side. But subjective things matter too. We took notes on the usability of the cameras themselves, along with any companion apps. Additionally, we noted other random tidbits that we felt impacted the overall results. Here are the parameters we tested for: </p><ul><li>Resolution</li><li>Field of view</li><li>Clarity in various conditions (sunshine/overcast/night)</li><li>License-plate clarity at various distances (5, 10, 25, and 50 feet)</li><li>Installation</li><li>Usability (including app, if applicable) </li><li>Quality-of-life notes </li></ul><hr>”/>
Our car experts choose every product we feature. We may earn money from the links on this page.
Pros
- Good image quality
- Clear display
- Fantastic value
Cons
- Wiring backup camera may be tricky
The Vantrue N4 3 is an exceptional value, offering a dash cam, cabin-facing camera, and rearview camera. It attaches to the windshield with a suction mount, and its cameras can be adjusted for optimal coverage. The front dash cam records at 2560 by 2160 pixels but drops to 2560 by 1440 when all three cameras are used. The cabin and rear cameras have 1920 by 1080 resolution. The cameras have wide fields of view with minimal distortion, and the cabin camera includes infrared lighting for low-light conditions.
The N4’s integrated screen features a picture-in-picture mode that displays all three cameras’ feeds simultaneously, along with settings and recording modes. It offers low-frame-rate and low-bit-rate recording modes, but we found these can drain the car battery. The device also includes collision and motion detection, automatically saving relevant footage. A 128 GB micro SD card holds about 6.7 hours of footage.
We picked the Vantrue N4 as our Best Overall dash cam mainly because of its value. It’s a strong competitor at a great price, with three cameras and lots of features, and it came in only slightly behind our top pick in image quality. Video quality was impressive across various light conditions, with good dynamic range and minimal noise reduction.
| Resolution (front, cabin, rear) | 1440p, 1440p, 1080p |
|---|---|
| Field of View (front, cabin, rear) | 155, 165, 160 degrees (diagonal) |
| Parking Crash Video Protection | Yes |
| Crash Detection Video Protection | Yes |
| App? | No |
| Micro SD included? | No |
| Cameras | Front, Cabin, Rear |
License Plate at 5 (top left), 10 (top right), 25 (bottom left), 50 feet (bottom right)
Pros
- 4K resolution
- Fantastic touchscreen
Cons
- Pricey
As far as pure visual performance, the Cobra SC 400D was the best dash cam we tested thanks to its 4K resolution. We agreed that its video footage genuinely looked the best too. We found the touchscreen to be easy to operate and responsive, and the Cobra uses its proprietary DriveSmarter app to provide police alerts and other driver reports. If we had one minor grumble, it would be that the mount only swivels forward and backward, not side to side. However, the wide angle of the lens practically eliminates the need to do so. The Cobra secures to the windshield via a large sticky pad for the mount and a very strong magnet for the camera itself.
Of course, this kind of quality and sheer amount of features add up in cost, but if you’re serious about purchasing a dash cam, we loved this one.
| Resolution | 1080p |
|---|---|
| Field of View | N/A |
| Parking Crash Video Protection | Yes |
| Crash Detection Video Protection | Yes |
| App? | Yes, Android and Apple |
| Micro SD included? | Yes, 32 GB |
| Cameras | Front, Rear |
License Plate at 5 (top left), 10 (top right), 25 (bottom left), 50 feet (bottom right)
Pros
- Two cameras for the price of one
- Several mounting options
- Easy to use
Cons
- Mount can loosen on a bumpy ride
We appreciate that we’ll probably get some flak for including this model in this test when there are so many dash cams out there. But we were determined to evaluate our (licensed) namesake unit on its own merits—and darned if it didn’t step up as the best budget option we tested.
The Car and Driver Dual View model has front and rear cameras and a touchscreen interface for easy driver control. The unit has standard features like parking mode, collision detection, and a G sensor to keep one eye open after you’ve left the vehicle.
One thing we really liked about this model is its dual tripod option that allows different mounting iterations from the top or bottom of the camera. This feature made it easy to adjust the dash cam according to the angle of the windshield. During our driving test, we detected a faint magenta hue on the screen, which we could not adjust for. But when we uploaded the data, the magenta hue did not affect the footage.
This budget-friendly dual camera covers all the essential features and has adjustable orientations. It’s an excellent choice for dash-cam beginners.
| Resolution | 1080p |
|---|---|
| Field of Vision | N/A |
| Parking Crash Video Protection | Yes |
| Crash Detection Video Protection | Yes |
| App? | No |
| Micro SD included? | No |
| Cameras | Front, Rear |
License Plate at 5 (top left), 10 (top right), 25 (bottom left), 50 feet (bottom right)
Pros
- Discreet
- Easy-to-navigate app
Cons
- App is required to determine camera angle
The Garmin Mini 2 is an excellent choice for someone looking to keep their dash cam discreet and out of the way. It’s compact enough to tuck behind your rearview mirror if so desired. The app functionality is quite nice as well, and the 1080p matched up well against the competition despite its diminutive size.
While it’s a nice set-and-forget dash cam, we found that it’s a bit tricky to determine whether everything is set up correctly without checking it via the app. The lack of a screen makes it difficult to see if the camera is lined up properly. Additionally, there are a few different lights that blink on the cam, and it’s confusing at first to know what they all mean. But once you get that all set, the Garmin Mini 2 is a solid choice for a tiny dash cam.
| Resolution | 1080p |
|---|---|
| Field of Vision | 140 degrees |
| Parking Crash Video Protection | Yes |
| Crash Detection Video Protection | Yes |
| App? | Yes, Android and Apple |
| Micro SD included? | No |
| Cameras | Front |
License Plate at 5 (top left), 10 (top right), 25 (bottom left), 50 feet (bottom right)
Best Radar/Dash Cam Combo
Escort MAXcam 360c
Best Radar/Dash Cam Combo
Escort MAXcam 360c
Now 12% Off
Pros
- Built-in radar detector
- Respectable image quality
Cons
- Expensive
- Complicated to change settings
The MAXcam 360c primarily serves as a radar detector with a secondary dash-cam function. It isn’t ideal for those seeking only a dash cam. But for anyone wanting a radar detector with a competent camera to boot, it’s a great choice.
The dash cam boasts a 2560 by 1440 resolution with a Sony Starvis image sensor that captures 30 frames per second and offers a 143-degree field of view. The video quality is contrasty, with noticeable noise reduction and compression that significantly impacts image quality. We found the MAXcam 360c performed well in low-light conditions, although finer details became blurry. It clearly captured license plates up to ten feet away under ideal conditions, but beyond that, its clarity is a miss, even in the most ideal conditions.
This product isn’t suitable for everyone due to its high cost and the complexity of using a radar scanner. But if you’re looking for a radar detector as well as a dash cam and want to kill both birds with one stone, this Escort fits the bill.
| Resolution | QHD |
|---|---|
| Field of Vision | 143 degrees (horizontal) |
| Parking Crash Video Protection | Yes |
| Crash Detection Video Protection | Yes |
| App? | Yes, Android and Apple |
| Micro SD included? | Yes, 16 GB |
| Cameras | Front |
License Plate at 5 (top left), 10 (top right), 25 (bottom left), 50 feet (bottom right)
Pros
- Doesn’t require use of SD card
- App functionality is quite good
Cons
- Subscription required for the majority of useful features
- Not functional while other OBD-II devices are in use
If the thought of juggling micro SD cards keeps you awake at night, the Ring Car Cam might be the dash cam for you. Powered by your vehicle’s OBD-II port, the Car Cam features forward and cabin cameras. The cabin camera can be disabled easily with a physical cover, if desired.
We do recommend purchasing the Ring Protect Go subscription ($6 a month/$60 a year), as it unlocks some really useful tools. Without the subscription, the camera is fully functional, but you’ll only be able to use certain functions, like live view on Wi-Fi only. Ring Protect Go unlocks LTE capability, along with other helpful perks. Videos are stored on the Car Cam’s internal storage for viewing, but you’ll need to upload them to the cloud for downloading privileges—which also requires the subscription. For a full breakdown of the Ring Protect Go, check out the details here.
It’s definitely funky and unconventional, but we like the sleek design despite its relatively imposing size. The Ring app integrates the Car Cam’s footage well too. We don’t love that it uses the OBD-II port while driving, as that prevents the use of other OBD-II devices such as Progressive’s Snapshot and certain GPS trackers. But for an easy footage-viewing process, the Ring Car Cam takes the cake.
| Resolution | 1440p |
|---|---|
| Field of View | 148 degrees (horizontal) |
| Parking Crash Video Protection | Yes |
| Crash Detection Video Protection | Yes |
| App? | Yes, Apple and Android |
| Micro SD included? | N/A |
| Cameras | Forward, Cabin |
License Plate at 5 (top left), 10 (top right), 25 (bottom left), 50 feet (bottom right)
Pros
- Easy to navigate app
- Free cloud backup
- GPS capability
Cons
- App can drain phone battery quickly
The Nexar Beam is an excellent entry-level dash cam. With a reasonable price tag, it boasts the standard features you’d expect to find, like parking guardian and G-sensor collision detection, and advanced features like GPS connectivity for data overlay. Another unique option is that the app can generate an insurance incident report aligning with footage and handy GPS coordinates.
Different models of the Beam come with different SD card sizes; in our case, we purchased the 32 GB option. However, one nice feature of the Nexar is that it offers unlimited cloud storage for all G-sensor-locked data, meaning all collisions will always be stored and accessible on the cloud, which can be particularly crucial after an incident or even months after the fact.
| Resolution | 1080p |
|---|---|
| Field of View | 135 degrees |
| Parking Crash Video Protection | Yes |
| Crash Detection Video Protection | Yes |
| App? | Yes, Android and Apple |
| Micro SD included? | Yes, 32 GB |
| Cameras | Front |
License Plate at 5 (top left), 10 (top right), 25 (bottom left), 50 feet (bottom right)
Gannon Burgett loves cameras, cars, and coffee: a perfect combination for his Hearst Autos work. His byline has appeared in USA Today, Gizmodo, TechCrunch, Digital Trends, the Detroit Free Press, and more.
Katherine Keeler is Associate Testing Editor at Hearst Autos. By day she evaluates tools for your enjoyment; by night, she Frankensteins her ever-changing fleet of rustbucket oddities back to repair. Her dream is to open a roadside attraction where the public can view, drive, and learn repairs at her emporium of curious cars.
Collin Morgan is a Commerce Editor at Hearst Autos, where the former Rust Belt mechanic and gadget enthusiast presents the best gear for your automotive endeavors.
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