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Drink driving? Here’s our guide to the best dash cams – ideal if you want to keep an eye on what’s going on around you.
Whether you’re driving on the highway or parked on the road, it’s natural to feel protected in your car, whether you’re sitting in it or not. Dash cams provide added confidence and peace of mind for those who want to keep an eye on their car (and their insurance premiums).
Drivers need to consider whether they only want a front-facing camera or a front and rear camera setup. You will also need a high-speed, high-capacity memory card for your high-resolution or dual camera. What’s our top tip? Don’t skimp on image quality—while most available models support 1080p recording, some have 2K or even 4K camera resolution. Top brand cameras generally perform better in night driving conditions, and HDR is also important for capturing key details and minimizing blur in low light.
Most modern dash cams also have a parking protection mode that saves all footage if a collision is detected. However, to ensure continuous coverage, a wired connection to the vehicle’s power source is usually required. There are so many dash cam options on the market, which are the best ones to consider? Take a look at our list of the 10 best models.
The 622 GW is priced significantly higher than the next model in the Nextbase Series 2 dash cam line, the 522 GW. However, it proves it with excellent functionality.
4K recording provides extremely clear images, with the ability to increase the camera’s frame rate up to 120fps at the expense of reduced resolution. Digital image stabilization also ensures footage remains smooth during playback, and Night Mode provides class-leading performance not found in many cameras. There’s even an adjustable polarizing lens that helps minimize glare.
The 622 GW is also easy to use, with a 3-inch HD capacitive touchscreen that is clear and responsive. Plus, convenient driver assistance features including Alexa, What3words and emergency SOS can help in any situation. Where the 622 GW falls short is in design: it’s not as attractive as its closest top-brand competitor, the Garmin 67W.
Despite its price, the 622 GW is one of the best dash cams on the market, combining 4K recording, a 3-inch touchscreen, and image stabilization in a large, sophisticated package.
Seasoned road users will know that Road Angel is renowned for its speed camera detection equipment. The UK company recently launched a line of dash cams and the results are encouraging. The Halo Ultra is the company’s flagship dash cam, with 4K video recording, GPS, and 64GB of storage, all housed in a slim body so there’s no display. Uniquely, there is even a winter heating mode that helps protect the screen from frost and ice during operation.
The Road Angel also has a suite of driver assistance features such as lane departure warning, forward collision warning and approaching vehicle notification, although these are often unnecessary and result in repetitive warning signals that are more annoying than helpful. It’s better to turn off these features and focus on the road.
As with most 4K cameras, recording quality is excellent even at night. Plus, if you’re tired of inserting and removing microSD cards, adding onboard storage can be very useful. However, users are reporting connectivity issues with the dash cam and its companion app.
The Ultra is excellent in almost every way, and has a decent amount of features, even if some of them aren’t all that useful.
Find out about the smartest dash cam system. iQ is equipped with a host of advanced technologies, including SmartSense Parking, which sends notifications and video to your phone if the onboard radar detects a collision or activity. There is also a bystander mode that can send real-time information to emergency contacts. You can also remotely activate the built-in alarm to deter intruders. At the time of writing, there are other features available that will help prepare the system for the future.
The 4K model delivers clean, crisp images, while iQ also offers more affordable 2K and 1080p versions. Front and cabin cameras are included as standard, with an optional rear camera sold separately.
However, keep in mind that this system is large, so be prepared for it to take up some space on your windshield, especially if you’re in a smaller car. Nextbase iQ isn’t cheap either, especially when you consider the monthly subscription, but there is a free option. All in all, it’s a complete package of smart technology that will help protect your brand and give you peace of mind.
Who said that a DVR needs a screen? Garmin has created an extremely minimalist camera, the Mini 2, and to be honest, it’s quite cute. The device is thicker than your thumb and fits perfectly and discreetly between the rearview mirror and windshield without obstructing your view.
However, this little dash cam also has a drawback. Resolution is limited to 1080p, and while Wi-Fi is available, GPS is a notable exception. Voice control is nice, though, with a simple two-button system that secures recordings and mutes/unmutes the microphone.
We can’t help but fall in love with the Mini 2. It’s very cute, discreet and offers decent picture quality for the price. If you drive a small car or aren’t too bothered by the lack of a display, this is something to seriously consider.
The Mini 2 packs a lot into a small package. Although it doesn’t have a screen, it is a powerful dash cam that can be hidden anywhere on your windshield.
The Thinkware F790 DVR has a very compact and discreet design. Since there is no display, it is located on top of the windshield and does not interfere with your view while driving.
The F790 is also equipped with a host of features, including distortion correction technology (which reduces the typical fisheye lens distortion found in dash cams) and a power saving mode (to protect your car longer, for example if you’re going on holiday). When connected to your car, it is reported to wake up and start recording within 1 second with a light touch.
There are also driving safety warnings such as red light, speeding and speed camera warnings. The dual-link kit includes a 160-degree rear camera for greater coverage.
Picture quality is good even at night, but the 1080p resolution is a bit dated given the lower prices of 2K and 4K systems these days. However, the F790 is still a solid package with impressive extras.
Good (if not 2K/4K) image recording, small form factor, and security features make it an attractive choice.
Over the past few years, Viofo has emerged from relative obscurity to release dash cams with stunning image quality. The A229 Pro is the latest system that doesn’t buck this trend. Thanks to the powerful 8MP Sony STARVIS 2 IMX678 image sensor, which captures 4K ultra-high definition images, you’ll be able to see a high level of detail on the road. The A229 Pro is also a dual-channel system, so there’s a fully rotating 2K rear camera for protection at the back.
While the device itself isn’t much to look at, it does offer a 2.4-inch screen and dual-band 5GHz and 2.4GHz Wi-Fi for faster file downloads. It also comes with a number of standard features found in many dash cams, including parking protection and time-lapse modes.
It’s not a cheap system, and while its peers outshine it in build quality, the A229 Pro delivers superb image clarity that rivals even the bigger players in the dash cam space.
Don’t be fooled by its mediocre design: the A229 delivers stunning daytime picture quality that allows it to compete with the big players.
The Vantrue E1′s quirky cube design is cooler than you think at first glance, making it almost as small as the Garmin Mini 2. Not only that, but it also supports 2.5K recording, Wi-Fi, GPS, and a wide-angle FOV lens 160 degrees to shoot more. The E1 is also one of the few dash cams with remote control, making it useful for larger vehicles where access to the main unit may be difficult.
Daytime recordings are decent, but night recordings need improvement as night shots lose grain. We also found the screen too small for practical use, and we preferred to transfer files for viewing to a phone or computer. Luckily, there are USB-C and Wi-Fi connectivity options that can help in this regard. These features make the Vantrue E1 a compact and beautiful dash cam with a lot of features and a very reasonable price.
The VanTrue E1 is great value for money and includes 2.5K recording, Bluetooth remote control, and durable construction. Being a mid-range product, it can’t compete with the best products on this list, but it costs much less.
The Nextbase 522 GW offers many of the same features as its bigger brother, the 622 GW, including Alexa, GPS and Wi-Fi connectivity, polarizing filters, and a 3-inch touchscreen. To keep the price down, image stabilization and 4K recording with support for 1440p resolution are paramount. That said, daytime recording is excellent, although shots at night lose sharpness.
However, it is significantly cheaper than the 622 and is an excellent mid-range all-rounder. We’re also big fans of Nextbase’s quick-release magnetic mounting system, so there’s no need to unplug the power cord to pull the unit out—just remove the cam from the mount. With several cameras now offering 4K recording capability, the 522 finds itself on the pricier side of mid-range dash cams, but it’s still a great, reliable device with a great interface.
One of the most powerful mid-range dash cams, the 522 GW is a great all-rounder with a large touchscreen, polarizing filters and good image quality both day and night.
We really like the way Garmin has designed their current dash cam. This also extends to the 67W, a matchbox-sized dash cam with tactile bumps and lines. It is also very lightweight and easy to carry compared to other products on this list.
One of the main advantages of this dash cam is that it is one of the few dash cams that offers 180-degree wide-angle recording, whereas most dash cams only offer 140 or 160-degree angles. This gives the user a better chance to capture more action from the side, although it does introduce some fisheye distortion. As you’d expect from a top-notch dash cam from Garmin, even without the 4K video option, the recording is impressive both day and night. It also doesn’t have a capacitive touchscreen, but the included buttons feel solid and reliable, and the save recording button is more obvious for protecting the lens on the go.
Garmin also offers live viewing from your phone, letting you keep an eye on your pride and joy, and the Vault subscription service automatically saves video to the cloud.
The 67W model has a wide viewing angle to capture more of the action, and is compact and sleek in design. However, the lack of 4K is a small obstacle.
Viofo A139 PRO is a three-camera system with front, rear and cockpit recording capabilities. With three separate camera modules, you have more freedom to install them wherever you see fit, but using all three modules at the same time will require a lot of effort.
While the standard A139 supports 2K video recording, the new Pro upgrade ups the ante to 4K. Image quality is excellent thanks to the Sony STARVIS 2 sensor and HDR mode, which brings out details such as license plates and improves the visibility of pedestrians in night-time lighting, while also reducing noise and motion blur. The quality of the interior camera is excellent even in low light conditions.
It’s a little unusual in appearance, having the wedge shape of an e-cigarette, but it’s designed to sit on top of the windshield and be virtually invisible. Fortunately, the main camera can be adjusted vertically by 300 degrees, but it cannot be rotated sideways.
The awkwardly named A139 PRO is designed for those who want a full-fledged front, rear and interior dash cam system that offers high-resolution recording and excellent HDR mode.
MiVue 886 is Mio’s 4K DVR with an 8-megapixel recording sensor. As a result, the image quality is quite good thanks to HDR and the larger sensor, although it is a little poor compared to the leading competitors on this list. Likewise, if you’re willing to sacrifice resolution, you can increase the frame rate.
If there’s one thing we don’t quite like, it’s that the 886′s chunky camera body design looks a little clunky, although at least the device itself is relatively small and has a large 3-inch LCD display but no touchscreens. functions. Speed camera alerts are also a useful feature, with the device showing a distance indicator when you arrive at your destination. Users can also download the MiVue Pro companion app and use it to view camera footage as well as live view.
Its design will appeal only to a mother, but the Mio 886 still offers 4K resolution, speed camera alerts, and a wide-angle lens.
Halo Pro is our pick for the best front and rear dash cam system. Both devices are discreet and narrow and fit neatly on the front and rear windshield without any hassle. Image quality is impressive, especially in daylight, although the lack of HDR means details aren’t as sharp as on similar devices in low light conditions. Additionally, its field of view can be an issue compared to others, with a viewing angle of only 140 degrees in the front and 120 degrees in the rear.
If you want to take your driving to the next level, Halo Pro features a driver telematics system that monitors the severity of hard braking, hard acceleration and sudden turns. All of this is designed to help you hone your driving skills on the go. crooked. Additionally, Road Angel is very confident in the Halo Pro’s durability, as it comes standard with a three-year warranty.
The Pro has a decent front and rear dash cam system, as well as driver telematics and a longer warranty. However, the image quality is not as good as similar products.
With an active LTE subscription, Garmin Live is your own in-vehicle security camera, providing live view, location tracking and theft alerts, but a wired connection is required to take full advantage of this feature.
Post time: Jan-17-2024