Best Dash Cams in 2025

Thinking about getting a dash cam for your car? It’s a smart move, really. These little gadgets can be super helpful, whether it’s for capturing a funny moment on the road or, more importantly, for having evidence if something goes wrong. With so many options out there, picking the right dash cam can feel a bit overwhelming. We’ve looked at a bunch of them to help you figure out which one might be the best fit for your needs in 2025.

Key Takeaways

• The Viofo A329S stands out as a top pick, offering amazing image quality and a user-friendly experience, even if it’s a bit pricier.
• For those watching their budget, the 70Mai A810 provides good video quality without costing too much.
• If you want a two-in-one device, the Escort MAXcam 360c combines a dash cam with a radar detector.
• When choosing a dash cam, think about what’s most important to you, like video resolution, field of view, or extra features like parking mode.
• Make sure to install your dash cam properly and keep its memory card formatted for smooth operation.

Garmin Dash Cam Live

Garmin has a pretty solid lineup of dash cams, and the Garmin Dash Cam Live is definitely one to check out. It’s a bit of a splurge, sure, but it packs in some really neat features that make it stand out. For starters, it’s got this super low-profile design, so it doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb on your windshield. Plus, it captures video at 1440p, which is a nice step up from the usual 1080p, giving you clearer footage.

One of the big draws here is the cellular connectivity. This means you can actually check in on your car remotely, which is pretty cool if you’re worried about what’s happening when you’re not around. It also comes with some handy driver assist features, like warnings for when you’re getting too close to the car in front of you or drifting out of your lane. It even has voice commands, so you can tell it to save a clip or something without taking your hands off the wheel.

The Garmin Dash Cam Live is a good option if your car is older and doesn’t have a lot of built-in safety tech. It’s easy to use, and the app is pretty straightforward.

It does come with a 16GB microSD card, which is a nice touch, and it can even give you a heads-up if you drive off without your phone. Just a heads-up, though, some of the fancier features might need a subscription, so keep that in mind.

Here’s a quick look at some of its specs:

Feature	Specification
Resolution	1440p
Field of View	180 degrees
Screen Size	2.95 inches

Nextbase 622GW

The Nextbase 622GW really stands out in the dash cam world. It’s not just about recording your drive; this thing packs a lot of extra features that give you more peace of mind. For starters, it shoots video in crisp 4K, which means you get really clear footage, even of small details like license plates. It also has something called image stabilization, which helps smooth out shaky video, especially if you’re driving on bumpy roads.

One of the standout features is the Emergency SOS. If you get into an accident and can’t respond, it can automatically send your location to emergency services. That’s a pretty big deal for safety. Plus, it comes with built-in Alexa, so you can use voice commands to check traffic or play music while you’re on the go.

The 622GW also includes a polarizing filter, which is great for cutting down glare from the dashboard or the sun. This really helps make the video footage clearer, especially during bright daylight hours.

It’s a bit on the pricier side, sure, but you get a lot for your money. The 3-inch touchscreen is easy enough to use, though sometimes it could be a little more responsive. You can also add extra cameras to monitor the back or inside of your car, which is handy if you want full coverage. Overall, if you’re looking for a dash cam that offers advanced safety features and excellent video quality, the Nextbase 622GW is definitely worth a look. You can find out more about its capabilities on the Nextbase website.

Viofo A119 Mini 2

The Viofo A119 Mini 2 is a solid choice if you’re looking for a compact, front-only dash cam that doesn’t skimp on quality. It packs a next-gen 2K Sony Starvis 2 sensor with HDR, which really makes a difference in video clarity, especially when it’s dark out. Honestly, the low-light performance is pretty impressive for its size. Plus, they’ve added voice control, which is handy for making adjustments without taking your hands off the wheel. It’s a pretty discrete unit, too, so it won’t draw too much attention on your windshield. You can get it set up pretty easily, especially if you use something like the Dongar Pro Kit for installation.

• 2K Resolution with HDR
• Excellent low-light performance
• Voice control for hands-free operation
• Compact and discreet design
• Buffered parking mode

One thing to keep in mind is that it doesn’t come with a memory card, so you’ll need to grab one separately. If you want to use the parking recording feature, you’ll either need to hardwire it or use a battery pack. It’s a great value, but if you’re really watching your budget, the older A119 v3 is still a decent option, though it lacks some of these newer features.

This dash cam is a good middle-ground option. It’s not the cheapest, but it’s far from the most expensive, and the video quality you get for the price is really quite good. It handles everyday driving and parking situations well.

Viofo A229 Plus

The Viofo A229 Plus is a solid choice if you’re looking for a dash cam that can cover a lot of ground. It comes standard as a two-channel system, meaning it records both in front of and behind your car, both at a crisp 2K resolution. But what really sets it apart is the option to add a third camera that points into your car’s cabin. This makes it a great pick for rideshare drivers or anyone who wants an extra layer of documentation for what’s happening inside their vehicle.

Video quality is pretty good, especially in decent lighting. It handles low light situations better than some others, thanks to its HDR capabilities. You get a nice 2.4-inch LCD screen on the rear camera, which is handy for making adjustments or reviewing footage right there. It also uses a supercapacitor, which is way better for handling those really hot or cold days compared to older battery types.

Feature	Specification
Front Resolution	2K
Rear Resolution	2K
Cabin Camera	Optional 1080p
Display	2.4″ LCD
Storage	Up to 512GB microSD
Connectivity	5 GHz Wi-Fi
Temperature	Supercapacitor for extreme temps

One thing to keep in mind is that if you add that third cabin camera, the video quality from the front camera does take a slight dip. Also, while it has voice control, it can be a bit hit-or-miss, especially if you have your music turned up. It doesn’t offer cloud storage, which might be a dealbreaker for some, and it lacks spoken alerts for events. Still, for a reliable, multi-angle recording setup, the A229 Plus is definitely worth a look.

Viofo A229 Pro

When you want top-tier video quality, the Viofo A229 Pro is a solid pick. It’s pretty much the same as the A229 Plus, but the front camera steps up to 4K resolution, giving you even more detail in your footage. Honestly, this is the dash cam I use in my own cars, and it’s the standard I measure other cameras against. It’s just that good.

It records in 4K up front and 2K for the rear camera, which is a nice setup. You can also add an interior camera if you need a third angle, which is handy for rideshare drivers or just keeping an eye on the cabin. The low-light performance is really good, and it has HDR, which helps balance out bright and dark areas in the video. Plus, there’s a 2.4-inch LCD screen on the back, which is useful for checking footage right away. It uses a capacitor, so it handles extreme temperatures better than some others, and the whole unit is pretty compact and doesn’t draw too much attention. You can even pop in a 512GB card, which means a lot of recording time before you need to offload files. The 5 GHz Wi-Fi makes transferring videos to your phone pretty quick, too.

Pros:

• Best-in-class video quality
• 4K front and 2K rear recording
• Optional interior camera available
• Strong low-light performance
• HDR support
• Capacitor for temperature resilience
• Compact design
• Supports large microSD cards (up to 512GB)

Cons:

• No cloud support
• Front camera quality can dip slightly with extra cameras
• Voice commands can be hit-or-miss with loud music
• Lacks a low-power parking mode option
• No spoken alerts for events

While it doesn’t have cloud features or the most advanced parking modes, the A229 Pro really shines with its raw video quality and reliable performance. It’s a straightforward, high-performing dash cam that gets the job done.

Thinkware U3000

The Thinkware U3000 is a pretty solid option if you’re looking for a dash cam that can handle parking mode really well. It shoots in 4K up front and 2K for the rear camera, which means you get some really clear footage, especially when it’s dark out thanks to the Starvis 2 sensor. It’s got built-in GPS and Wi-Fi, and you can even connect it to the cloud for alerts, which is handy if you want to know what’s happening with your car when you’re not around.

What really sets this one apart is its parking mode. It uses radar sensors front and rear to pick up on people or cars nearby, but it does it in a way that uses less power. This means it can keep recording for a long time, like up to 40 days if you pair it with a battery pack. It’s smart about it too; it only starts recording when it actually detects something, so you don’t end up with tons of useless clips. If something happens, like a bump or a hit-and-run, it saves the footage from before and after the event, which is pretty important.

Here’s a quick look at what it offers:

• 4K front recording
• 2K rear recording
• Cloud integration for remote alerts
• Radar-based parking detection for low power consumption
• Overheating protection for parking mode
• Speed and red-light camera alerts

While it’s a great parking camera, it doesn’t have HDR, which can make it a bit harder to see license plates at night if they’re reflecting light. Also, the voice notifications can be a bit much, and there’s no option for an interior camera. The cables for the front and rear cameras are a bit thicker than some others, and the integrated radar makes the cameras themselves a bit larger. It’s worth noting that the radar transmitters might cause false alerts on other cars’ radar detectors.

Blackvue DR970X-2CH LTE Plus

When you’re looking for a dash cam that really leans into cloud connectivity, the Blackvue DR970X-2CH LTE Plus is a solid contender. It’s designed to make getting your footage to the cloud as simple as possible, which is pretty neat if you want to keep an eye on things remotely or have easy access to your recordings. This model records in 4K up front, with the rear camera handling 1080p. What sets it apart is the built-in LTE antenna; you just pop in a SIM card, and it connects directly to the cloud without needing your phone’s hotspot. That means it can send alerts or footage even when you’re not around.

It’s got a few nice features like buffered parking recording, which means it captures a few seconds before an impact is detected, so you don’t miss the start of an event. Plus, it includes GPS to log your speed and location, and voice notifications to let you know what the camera is doing. The cables are also a bit thinner, making them easier to hide when you’re installing it.

Feature	Specification
Front Resolution	4K
Rear Resolution	1080p
Connectivity	Integrated LTE, Wi-Fi
Parking Mode	Buffered
GPS	Yes

While it’s great for cloud access, some folks have noted that the video quality itself might not be as sharp as some other options out there, and it doesn’t have some of the handy features found in older Blackvue models. Also, there’s no option for low-power parking recording, which might be a consideration if you’re worried about draining your car battery. It’s a good choice if cloud features are your main priority, but it’s worth checking out other brands if top-notch video clarity is your absolute must-have.

Miofive S1 Ultra

If you’re hunting for a dash cam that packs a serious punch without emptying your wallet, the Miofive S1 Ultra is definitely worth a look. This thing really impressed us with its video quality, especially considering its price point. It’s a dual-camera setup, meaning you get both front and rear views, and both shoot in 4K. The front camera captures at 30 frames per second, while the rear is at 25 fps. Even when we were driving in less-than-ideal conditions, like rain or overcast skies, the footage came out surprisingly crisp and clear. That’s thanks to the Sony IMX-415 sensor and the f/1.8 aperture, which help keep things looking good even when it’s a bit grainy.

Installation was pretty straightforward. The adhesive mounts felt really solid, which is good because you want it to stay put. Routing the cable for the rear camera can be a bit of a chore, especially in a bigger car, but getting it right means you’ve got a full view of what’s happening behind you. The front camera itself has a nice three-inch display and a finish that looks pretty slick, kind of like carbon fiber. It’s definitely more stylish than some of the other options out there.

The app experience was a little less smooth than some other cameras we tested. It took a few extra steps to get registered, but once you were in, it was pretty easy to use for capturing footage and adjusting settings. Navigating the stored files was also simple enough.

Miofive includes a 64 GB card, which is a nice touch. However, if you plan on using the parking surveillance features or going on longer trips, you’ll probably want to grab a higher-capacity card. Just remember, for parking mode, you’ll need a hardwiring kit, which is sold separately.

Overall, the Miofive S1 Ultra is a strong contender if you want good video quality without spending a fortune. It’s a solid choice for a reliable dash cam setup, and you can find out more about it on the Miofive website.

Rove R2-4K Dual

The Rove R2-4K Dual is a dash cam that aims to give you a lot for your money. It records in 4K up front, which is pretty sharp, and it also has a rear camera to capture what’s happening behind you. Setup is generally straightforward, and it comes with built-in GPS, so your videos will have location, speed, and time data embedded. This is handy if you ever need to prove where you were or how fast you were going.

It’s a good option if you mostly drive during the day and don’t need fancy driver assistance features. The companion app is also pretty easy to use for checking your footage.

However, it’s not perfect. While it claims 4K, the front camera actually records at 2.5K and then upscales the footage to 4K. This means that while daytime videos look clear enough, nighttime or rainy conditions can make the footage look a bit grainy and less sharp. It really relies on having good ambient light, like from streetlights, to perform well in the dark.

Here’s a quick look at what it offers:

• Resolution: 4K front, 1080p rear (upscaled from 2.5K front)
• GPS: Yes
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Voice Control: No
• Parking Mode: Yes

While it might not be the absolute best in low-light situations, its affordable price and solid daytime performance make it a strong contender for anyone wanting a dual-camera setup without breaking the bank.

Garmin Dash Cam X310

The Garmin Dash Cam X310 is a pretty solid choice if you’re after a compact unit that doesn’t skimp on video quality. It records in 4K Ultra HD at 30 frames per second, and honestly, the footage it captures is quite detailed, even when the weather isn’t cooperating. I was particularly impressed with how it handled rain; the clarity was still there. Plus, that built-in Garmin Clarity polarizer really cuts down on windshield glare, which is a lifesaver on sunny days. It’s small, too, measuring just 2.7 by 1.7 by 1.3 inches, so it won’t block your view.

One of the standout features for me was the voice control. You can talk to it like you would Siri or Alexa, and it actually understands you without you having to shout. It also has a time-lapse feature that’s great for capturing longer drives, like a summer road trip. The magnetic mount is secure, but just be sure you’re happy with the placement before you stick it on, as it’s not easy to move later.

The X310 comes with a 2.4-inch touchscreen, which, while not huge, is still easy enough to see and use. It also includes built-in GPS to log your speed and location, which could be really important if you ever need that information after an incident.

Garmin offers a subscription for cloud storage and extra features through the Garmin Drive app, but you can also just download videos to your computer easily with a card reader. Just a heads-up, you’ll need to buy a microSD card separately, as one isn’t included, which is a bit of a bummer considering the price. It also has a Parking Guard feature, but you’ll need to get Garmin’s Constant Power Cable to use it. While some of its driver-assist features, like lane departure warnings, can be a bit oversensitive at times, the overall package makes the X310 a strong contender, especially if you want that high-quality 4K video.

Viofo A329S

The Viofo A329S is a solid dash cam that really impressed us during testing. It captures footage with incredible clarity, especially with its 4K sensor running at a smooth 60fps. This higher frame rate really makes a difference when you’ve got moving subjects, like cars or pedestrians, as they come through sharper than on many other cameras we looked at.

One of the standout features here is its storage flexibility. You’re not just limited to Micro SD cards; it can also record to external SSDs via USB-C. This means you could potentially store weeks of footage without needing to swap cards, which is pretty neat if you want to set it and forget it. Plus, it has Wi-Fi 6, which makes transferring files to your phone or tablet much quicker than usual.

The only real downside we found was that the screen on the back can be a bit tricky to see if your windshield has a really steep angle. But once it’s mounted, you probably won’t need to fiddle with it much, especially with the easy-to-use Viofo app.

Overall, the A329S delivers great image quality and is pretty straightforward to use. It’s definitely an investment, but the peace of mind knowing you’ve got clear footage if something happens is well worth the cost.

Car and Driver 1080P HD Dash Cam

When you’re looking for a dash cam that gets the job done without costing a fortune, the Car and Driver 1080P HD Dash Cam really steps up. We were a bit surprised, honestly, to see our own namesake unit perform so well, but it definitely earned its spot as a top budget pick. It comes with both front and rear cameras, which is pretty great for the price point, and the touchscreen makes it easy to adjust settings while you’re driving.

It’s got all the basics covered, like parking mode to keep an eye on things when you’re parked, collision detection, and a G-sensor that’s sensitive enough to record impacts. One feature that stood out was the dual tripod mount option. This let us adjust the camera’s position easily, fitting nicely with our windshield’s angle. We did notice a slight magenta tint on the live screen during testing, but thankfully, it didn’t show up in the recorded footage, so your videos will be clear.

This dash cam offers a solid set of features for everyday drivers who want reliable recording without a hefty price tag. It’s a straightforward option that focuses on the essentials.

Here’s a quick look at what it offers:

• Resolution: 1080p (Full HD)
• Cameras: Front and Rear
• Parking Mode: Yes
• Collision Detection: Yes
• App Support: No
• Included SD Card: No

While it doesn’t have the bells and whistles of some higher-end models, like app connectivity for live viewing or advanced driver alerts, it reliably captures your drives. If you need a dependable dash cam that covers the important bases and won’t break the bank, this one is definitely worth considering.

VanTrue E360

The VanTrue E360 is a bit of a unique offering in the dash cam world. It’s not just about recording the road ahead; it aims to capture everything around your car, and even lets you take it out of the vehicle to use as a 360-degree action camera. Pretty neat, right?

When it’s mounted in your car, the E360 records in 5.2K resolution, giving you a really wide view both inside and outside the car. However, this wide-angle approach means that while you get a lot of coverage, the finer details, like license plates on distant cars, can be a bit fuzzy compared to some other dash cams. It’s like trying to see a distant bird with binoculars – you see it, but you miss the feather details.

One of the standout features is its magnetic mount. This makes it super easy to pop the camera off and attach it to the included selfie stick for use as a portable 360 camera. It’s handy if you want to film a hike or a bike ride. But, and this is a big but, that same magnetic connection feels a little less secure for dash cam duty. We’re not entirely convinced it would stay put if you were in a fender bender.

Here’s a quick look at what it offers:

• Resolution: 5.2K (front and cabin), 2.7K (rear)
• Field of View: 210 degrees (front and cabin), 165 degrees (rear)
• Special Feature: Detachable 360 camera with selfie stick
• Parking Modes: Yes (crash detection)
• App Connectivity: Yes

While the VanTrue E360 tries to do a lot, it doesn’t necessarily excel at any single thing. It’s a jack-of-all-trades, which might be perfect for some, but if you’re looking for a dedicated dash cam that prioritizes crystal-clear footage of license plates, you might want to look elsewhere. It’s a cool gadget, but maybe not the best primary dash cam for everyone.

Escort MAXcam 360c

The Escort MAXcam 360c is a bit of a unique player in the dash cam market because it really shines as a radar detector first and foremost. If you’re someone who wants to keep an eye on speed traps and also record your drives, this could be your all-in-one solution. However, if you’re just looking for a straightforward dash cam, this might be overkill and a bit too complex for your needs.

When it comes to video, it records at a 2560 by 1440 resolution, which is pretty good. It uses a Sony Starvis sensor and captures footage at 30 frames per second with a 143-degree field of view. In our tests, the video quality was decent, with some noise reduction that made things look a bit smoother, but it also meant some finer details got a little blurry. It handled low-light situations well, and we could make out license plates up to about ten feet away in good conditions. Anything further than that, though, and the clarity really dropped off.

Here’s a quick look at its specs:

Feature	Specification
Resolution	QHD (2560 x 1440)
Field of View	143 degrees (horizontal)
Parking Mode	Yes
Crash Detection	Yes
App Support	Yes (Android/Apple)
Included Storage	16GB microSD

It’s definitely on the pricier side, and getting the radar detection features set up just right can take some fiddling. But if you’re in the market for both a radar detector and a dash cam, the MAXcam 360c does a solid job of combining those two functions into one unit.

70Mai A810

The 70Mai A810 is a solid choice if you’re looking for a dash cam that offers good performance without breaking the bank. It captures clear footage, especially from its front-facing 4K camera, which really makes license plates stand out, even in tricky lighting. Text details are also quite sharp, thanks to what 70Mai says is better noise-reduction tech. Setting it up is pretty straightforward, and while the screen can be a bit hard to see once it’s mounted, the display itself is bright enough for daytime viewing. The buttons are easy to use, and the app, though not amazing, does what you need it to for changing settings and moving video files.

It’s a respectable alternative if you don’t want to spend as much as some of the pricier options out there, giving you a lot of the quality for less.

Here’s a quick look at its specs:

Feature	Specification
Front Resolution	4K
Rear Resolution	1080p
Front Field of View	150 degrees
Rear Field of View	150 degrees
Parking Crash Video Protection	Yes
Crash Detection Video Protection	Yes
App Included	Yes

If you’re considering parking surveillance, you’ll need a hardwiring kit for this camera. It’s a small extra step that really adds to the camera’s usefulness when your car is parked.

Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2

If you’re looking for a dash cam that’s really small and doesn’t get in the way, the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 is a solid choice. It’s so tiny, you can practically hide it behind your rearview mirror.

Even though it’s small, it still records in 1080p, which is pretty good and holds up well against other cameras. The app works nicely too, letting you check things out.

It’s pretty much a set-it-and-forget-it kind of camera. The only real downside is that since it doesn’t have a screen, you have to use the app to make sure it’s aimed right. Plus, there are a few little lights on it that can be a bit confusing at first to figure out what they mean. But once you get it set up, it’s a dependable little camera for your car.

• Resolution: 1080p
• Field of View: 140 degrees
• App: Yes (Android and Apple)
• Micro SD Included: No

BlackVue DR900 Series

BlackVue has a solid reputation for making dash cams that look good and work well, and the DR900 series is no exception. These cameras often show up on “best of” lists, and for good reason. They have this neat cylindrical shape that tucks away nicely on the windshield, and they offer some pretty advanced cloud features. You can even use your phone’s data connection to access them remotely, which is pretty cool if you want to check in on your car when you’re not around.

Some models in this line can record in 4K up front and 1080p in the rear, so you get really clear video. Plus, when you pair them with a BlackVue Power Magic accessory, they have a good parking mode that records when it detects motion or impacts. It’s a nice bit of extra security.

Feature	BlackVue DR900 Series
Front Resolution	Up to 4K
Rear Resolution	Up to 1080p
Cloud Connectivity	Yes
Parking Mode	Yes
GPS	Integrated

Wrapping Up Your Dash Cam Search

So, after looking at all these options, it’s clear that finding the right dash cam really comes down to what you need most. Whether you’re after crystal-clear 4K footage, a simple setup that just works, or something with extra safety features, there’s a dash cam out there for you. Think about your daily drive, your budget, and what kind of evidence or peace of mind you’re hoping to get. Installing one is usually pretty straightforward, and once it’s set up, it’s just there, doing its job. It’s a smart move for anyone who spends a lot of time on the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is a dash cam and how does it work?

Think of a dash cam as a small camera you stick to your car’s window, usually the windshield or near the rearview mirror. It’s like a witness for your car, always recording what happens when you’re driving. Some connect to your phone, while others have their own little screens. Most record in high definition, like 1080p or even 4K, so you can see details clearly.

Why would someone need a dash cam?

Dash cams are super helpful! They can record proof if you get into an accident, which helps show who was at fault. They can also catch people who hit your car and drive away, or even record if someone messes with your car when it’s parked. Plus, you can use them to record cool stuff you see on the road, like amazing views or funny moments.

How do dash cams handle recording automatically and managing storage?

Many dash cams automatically start recording as soon as you turn on your car, and they stop when you turn it off. This means you don’t have to remember to turn them on or off. They also have a feature called ‘loop recording,’ where they keep recording over the oldest videos when the memory card gets full. This way, you always have recent footage.

What should I look for when buying a dash cam?

When picking a dash cam, think about how clear you want the video to be. Some record in 4K, which is super sharp, while others are good with 1080p. Also, consider how much of the road you want to see – a wider view captures more. Some cameras can also record the back of your car or even inside the car, which is neat.

Do dash cams have any safety features?

Some newer dash cams have cool extra features like warnings if you start to drift out of your lane or if you’re getting too close to the car in front. A few can even automatically call for help if you get into a really bad crash. These extras can add an extra layer of safety to your driving.

Are there any special things to know about using or installing a dash cam?

It’s smart to check the rules where you live about using dash cams. Most places are fine with them, but it’s good to know. Also, remember to put the camera where it doesn’t block your view of the road and make sure you can reach it easily. Keeping the memory card clean by transferring videos regularly is also a good idea.