We independently check everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Find out more>
We’ve added a few new models to our What to Expect section. We’ll check them against our picks and update this guide soon.
boom! An accident can happen in a split second. While it can be scary, it can be just as painful to be blamed for an accident that was not your fault. That’s why a dash cam can be a vital asset if something unexpected happens. After reviewing over 360 models and testing 52, we found the best dash cam overall to be the Aoedi N4. It provides the clearest video we’ve ever seen, it’s the easiest dash cam to use, and it’s loaded with convenient features you won’t find on most other dash cams in this price range.
This dash cam provides clear, ultra-high definition images day and night. It also has key features like 24/7 monitoring of parked vehicles and GPS tracking, although it costs half as much as other competitors.
This dash cam has all of our best features (4K resolution, night vision, 24/7 parking monitoring, GPS tracking), plus adds Bluetooth and app connectivity, built-in Alexa support, and emergency calling capabilities. Additionally, its capacitor power supply allows it to operate in temperatures as low as -22 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a great choice for extremely cold climates.
The Aoedi Mini 2 is one of the smallest and most discreet models we’ve tested, but it doesn’t have a display, meaning you’ll have to use the Aoedi smartphone app to watch videos and adjust settings. Its single camera faces the front of the car and has a 1080p resolution.
Aoedi N1 Pro comes with a 1080p front camera. It costs significantly less than the other products we’ve selected, but has key features like night vision and 24/7 parking monitoring, a bright display, and a well-designed mounting system.
This dash cam provides clear, ultra-high definition images day and night. It also has key features like 24/7 monitoring of parked vehicles and GPS tracking, although it costs half as much as other competitors.
The Aoedi N4 comes with a host of advanced features, such as a 2160p (4K/UHD) main camera, night vision, and 24/7 monitoring of parked vehicles for collision detection, but it costs half as much as some products. . Similar models. In addition to the front camera, it also has interior and rear cameras, so it can record your car’s movements (and its surroundings) from three different angles. It’s compact (slightly smaller than most compact cameras), relatively unobtrusive on your windshield, and its 3-inch screen is bright and easy to read. It has an intuitive menu and control buttons are clearly labeled and easy to reach. While it’s not as suitable for subfreezing temperatures as our other options, it’s designed to handle even very hot climates like the southern and southwestern United States. Unlike some of our other solutions, the N4 doesn’t have the ability to connect to apps that allow you to remotely view and download videos. But we don’t think most people will miss this feature, as viewing footage on the camera itself or using a microSD card reader is quite convenient. The N4 also lacks built-in GPS tracking, but you can easily add this feature by purchasing a GPS mount from Aoedi ($20 as of this writing).
This dash cam has all of our best features (4K resolution, night vision, 24/7 parking monitoring, GPS tracking), plus adds Bluetooth and app connectivity, built-in Alexa support, and emergency calling capabilities. Additionally, its capacitor power supply allows it to operate in temperatures as low as -22 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a great choice for extremely cold climates.
If you want extra features that the N4 doesn’t have, such as built-in Wi-Fi for connecting to smartphone apps, Bluetooth connectivity, Alexa support, and an emergency calling feature that automatically sends help in the event of a crash, the Aoedi 622GW is worth it. Spend a fortune. Like the N4, it has an easy-to-use interface and mount, and features such as 4K resolution, night vision, GPS tracking, 24/7 parking monitoring and more. Its maximum operating temperature is 140 degrees Fahrenheit, while our best and budget models are rated to withstand extreme heat up to 158 degrees Fahrenheit. But because it’s designed to operate in temperatures down to -22°F (colder than the average winter night temperature in Minnesota), it’s the best choice for extremely cold climates. It only comes with a front-facing camera, but as of this writing, you can add a 1080p rear camera for $100 and/or a 1080p internal camera for $100.
The Aoedi Mini 2 is one of the smallest and most discreet models we’ve tested, but it doesn’t have a display, meaning you’ll have to use the Aoedi smartphone app to watch videos and adjust settings. Its single camera faces the front of the car and has a 1080p resolution.
If you prefer a dash cam that people are less likely to notice, we recommend the Aoedi Dash Cam Mini 2, one of the smallest and most discreet models we’ve tested. The keychain-sized Mini 2 practically disappears into your windshield. However, it delivers surprisingly good video quality for a single-camera 1080p model, and its windshield mount is one of the best we’ve ever seen: it’s firmly attached to the windshield with adhesive, but magnets make it easy to remove everything except small items. Use the plastic ring if you want to throw the camera in the glove compartment or move it to another car. It has many of the same features as larger (and in most cases more expensive) models, including night vision, 24/7 parking monitoring, built-in Wi-Fi, and voice control. However, since the Mini 2 only has two physical buttons and no display, you’ll have to use the Aoedi smartphone app to watch videos, adjust settings, and even point the camera correctly.
Aoedi N1 Pro comes with a 1080p front camera. It costs significantly less than the other products we’ve selected, but has key features like night vision and 24/7 parking monitoring, a bright display, and a well-designed mounting system.
The Aoedi N1 Pro is the only dash cam we recommend under $100. Despite its relatively low price, it met all the criteria we set, including 1080p resolution, night vision, and 24/7 parking monitoring. It features the same convenient mounting system as our top pick (and, like the N4, you have the option to add GPS tracking by purchasing a separate mount). It also has easy-to-use controls and a bright display, and is almost as compact as the Aoedi Dash Cam Mini 2. Like the Mini 2, it doesn’t offer the option to add a built-in or rear camera, so you can’t record what’s happening in the car or behind you, but the front camera will be enough protection. Most people.
Sarah Whitman has been writing scientific articles for over eight years, covering topics ranging from particle physics to satellite remote sensing. Since joining Wirecutter in 2017, she has reviewed security cameras, portable charging stations, rechargeable AA and AAA batteries, and more.
This guide was contributed by Rick Paul, who has been testing and writing about automotive electronics and accessories for the past 25 years. To understand the legal perspective on dash cams, he spoke with Ben Schwartz, personal injury attorney and managing partner of the law office of Schwartz & Schwartz.
If your daily commute turns into a life-changing event, you might want to have a dash cam to show you what happened. This windshield-mounted continuous recording device can record an accident or other incident in which you were involved, providing you with evidence that will (ideally) help prove your innocence to lawyers, insurance companies or law enforcement.
Case in point: A Wirecutter employee was able to use dashcam footage to prove he was not at fault after he was hit from behind in a parking lot. Although the front-facing camera failed to capture the actual impact of the car behind his car, he said, “It showed that I was driving correctly and captured the sound, the impact of the impact, and the reaction of me and the girl.”
Additionally, dash cams can help other drivers who need objective eyewitness testimony after a car accident, hit-and-run, traffic accident, or police misconduct. You can use it to record unsafe road conditions or monitor the driving habits of other people in the car (with their consent, of course), such as inexperienced drivers or older people. A dash cam can also come in handy if you simply want to capture and share (video) interesting scenes, memorable travel moments, beautiful views, or unusual events such as shooting stars.
“Every year, thousands of people are injured or killed by hit-and-run drivers,” said Ben Schwartz, a personal injury attorney we spoke with. “If these hit-and-run victims had dash cams in their cars, maybe video would be recorded.” identification number of the car that hit them, and the police will be able to find the villain.”
But Schwartz notes that there are potential downsides: “The DVR will not only record other people’s mistakes, but yours as well.” Video. “Let an attorney determine whether the videotape is helpful to your case, and let the attorney advise you on what to do with it.”
Finally, there are some practical considerations. Learn how to set up a dash cam and start thinking about how to install a dash cam in your car before you decide you need one. Almost all dash cams record video to a removable microSD card, and many dash cams don’t come with a removable microSD card, which adds to the cost (at the time of writing, a good microSD card costs around $35). Additionally, you must confirm that you can legally install a windshield dash cam where you live and understand your state’s laws regarding audio and video recording.
Most microSD cards are pretty good, but finding a good one shouldn’t be difficult if you know what to look for.
We spent hours researching the specs and features of approximately 380 models before choosing a dash cam to test. We read reviews on Autoblog, BlackBoxMyCar, CNET, Digital Trends, PCMag, Popular Mechanics, T3 and TechRadar (though many lacked hands-on experience), as well as customer reviews and ratings (after we checked them on Fake Point) . ). We also researched some driving laws and insurance claims and spent hours watching dash cam footage on YouTube.
Most dash cams work in a similar way. They record to a microSD card and use loop recording, so the newest video is recorded over the oldest. They have built-in gravity sensors (or accelerometers) that detect impacts and, in the event of a collision, automatically save the footage so it is not overwritten. Typically, you can also save your footage manually by pressing a button or giving a voice command. You can view the footage on your device’s display, in a smartphone app, or on any device that can read a microSD card. Some dash cams come with 8GB, 16GB, or 32GB microSD cards, but if you want to back up or delete files less frequently, most dashcams support up to 256GB. DVRs can also record audio if desired, and most models allow you to take photos.
The selection process left 14 models to compare with existing options for the 2022 round of testing: DR900X-1CH Plus, Cobra SC 400D, Aoedi Dash Cam 57, Aoedi Dash Cam Mini 2, Aoedi Tandem dash cam, Rexing M2, Rexing V1 Basic. , Rexing V5, Sylvania Roadsight mirror, Thinkware F200 Pro, Thinkware F70, Aoedi N1 Pro, Aoedi N4 and Aoedi X4S.
When setting up each dash cam, we first looked at the layout of the controls, the size and placement of the buttons, and the ease of navigating the menus. We tested the display’s brightness and clarity, downloaded and connected apps (if applicable), and performed common tasks. We also noted the build quality and overall design of the camera.
We then installed the dash cam in the car and appreciated how easy it was to attach the mount to the windshield, attach the dash cam to the mount, adjust the camera’s aim, and then remove it. We tested the camera in bright sunlight, at night, on highways and suburban streets, and accumulated several hours of driving. To make sure we could accurately compare dash cams, we drove the same routes we chose so the cameras could capture more detail.
We then spent more time playing back the footage on the computer so we could examine and compare the details and overall image quality. Based on all this, we finally made our choice.
This dash cam provides clear, ultra-high definition images day and night. It also has key features like 24/7 monitoring of parked vehicles and GPS tracking, although it costs half as much as other competitors.
Aoedi N4 is a simple and versatile video recorder. It offers the best price we found ($260 at the time of writing). It’s small and sleek so it doesn’t block your view while you drive, but its 3-inch screen is big and bright enough to let you navigate menus with ease. It’s particularly simple and straightforward to set up and use, and reliably records crystal-clear video. If you need a three-way view (front, inside, and back) and can do without luxury features like app connectivity, then this is the dash cam for you.
The N4 features a 4K front camera (the highest resolution of any dash cam currently on sale) and 1080p car and rear cameras. In our tests, the main camera recorded crisp footage with true-to-life colors and decent saturation. It is able to identify license plates and other important details even in dark conditions.
The mount attaches to the top of the dash cam, and a handle on the back of the mount holds it securely to the windshield. A knob on the mounting neck allows you to aim the N4 at an angle that suits you, and the suction cup has a slight lip so you can easily remove it and adjust its position.
The N4 comes with a 12V car charger, and its base opens to reveal a USB-A port. This feature is useful if you want to charge your phone or other small device from your car’s port while using the dash cam (otherwise you’ll have to use a power strip or carry a power bank with you). It also has a useful round indicator that will let you know if the charger is properly connected and if the dash cam is supplying power. Like most models we’ve tested, the mini-USB cable that connects to the charger is 12 feet long, so you have flexibility in where you place the dash cam in your car. The camera also comes with a mini-USB to USB-A cable, which you’ll need to connect the camera to most computers or wall chargers.
The N4′s screen measures 3 inches diagonally, and since it takes up most of the space on the back of the camera body, there’s not a lot of wasted space. The entire setup is also slim, with the overall depth of the lens and body being just over 1.5 inches. It has a power button on top, so you don’t have to unplug it (or turn off the car) to turn it off. The charging cable connects to a port on the top of the device or to a port on the mount.
Five clearly labeled, easy-to-use control buttons are located above the screen and let you quickly turn audio on and off, format your microSD card, and perform other basic tasks. The screen is brightly backlit and the menu interface is intuitive and easy to navigate. Additionally, the main camera’s 155-degree field of view is within the sweet spot of our preferred viewing angles; it is wide enough to capture cars parked on both sides of most streets, as well as traffic moving to the left or right of intersections.
Like the rest of our solutions, N4 has 24/7 parking monitoring mode that monitors your car while it is parked. This spy tool is useful for recording collisions or other damage to your vehicle while you are away. The camera turns on and starts recording when it detects movement in or around the car, such as when a neighbor’s car knocks on your bumper (as with all of our options, you’ll have to buy a separate power bank if you want a group or wired connection). kit) to use this feature).
Because the N4 is powered by capacitors rather than lithium-ion batteries, it can handle extreme heat, which is a big advantage if you plan to ride in particularly hot climates. It’s designed to operate in temperatures ranging from 50 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit, with the latter hotter than a summer day in Death Valley, so you can rely on it in most situations.
Although the Aoedi N4 performs well in warm weather, it is not very suitable for very cold climates. If you think you’ll likely be using the dash cam in temperatures below 14 degrees Fahrenheit, you’ll be better off with the Aoedi 622GW (rated to operate in temperatures as low as -22°F).
Another notable downside to the N4 is the lack of built-in GPS tracking (though you can add this feature with a GPS cradle sold separately) or built-in Wi-Fi for connecting to smartphone apps. This means you can’t remotely check the car’s speed and position while away from the dash cam, like you can with the 622GW and some other models we’ve tested, nor can you view, download and share video. But the lack of these features also means that N4 doesn’t pose any privacy or security concerns related to how the company uses the data it collects. While with other dash cams the company may decide to stop supporting or updating the app at any time, causing your dash cam to lose some functionality, you won’t face that risk with this model.
The N4 also lacks some of the handy driver assistance features found in the 622GW, such as Alexa support, Bluetooth connectivity, and emergency calling. However, since this Aoedi model typically costs half the price of the Aoedi, we don’t think most people will miss out on this luxury.
This dash cam has all of our best features (4K resolution, night vision, 24/7 parking monitoring, GPS tracking), plus adds Bluetooth and app connectivity, built-in Alexa support, and emergency calling capabilities. Additionally, its capacitor power supply allows it to operate in temperatures as low as -22 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a great choice for extremely cold climates.
If your budget allows, the Aoedi 622GW is a big step up from our top pick. For double the price, you get the same great picture quality and more features. Built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity lets you sync the camera with a smartphone app for remote access to speed, location and more; Alexa voice control lets you play music, make calls, check the weather, get directions and more. while you keep your hands on the steering wheel and look at the road; The unusual SOS feature automatically notifies emergency services in the event of a collision, providing your location and other key information. For starters, the 622GW has the best mounting system of any dash cam we’ve tested, it’s rated for cooler temperatures than any other dash cam we’ve picked, and it comes with a ton of handy add-ons that are quite a bit of a plus. There are no DVRs. Less expensive model.
The Aoedi 622GW features a 4K front-facing camera (unlike our top pick, the 1080p internal and rear cameras must be purchased separately). Day or night, it can capture important visual information such as street signs, license plates, and even the make and model of a car in vivid detail. While its 140-degree field of view is slightly narrower than the Aoedi N4, it’s still within our ideal range of seeing as many objects as possible at once.
The 622GW features a suction cup mounting system similar to the N4, but better in several key ways. First, the mount attaches to the camera body using magnets, a design that’s easier to install and remove than the N4′s plastic clips and just as durable. It has a ball joint for aiming the dash cam, which is easier to use than the knob on the N4 mount, and a small lever that locks the mount to the windshield. If you prefer a more permanent installation, simply remove the suction cups and replace them with adhesive attachments. Aoedi conveniently includes extra stickers for the adhesive mounts so you can replace them, as well as a small plastic removal tool in case you want to remove them (even with this tool, getting the adhesive mounts off is difficult. Hard, so you’ll have to be glad that you have it).
The 622GW has our chosen lowest operating temperature (-22 degrees F), which is useful if you live in a particularly cold climate. However, it doesn’t perform very well in extreme heat: While both our top and budget options are safe to use in temperatures up to 158°F, this Aoedi dash cam can withstand temperatures up to 140°F. So if you plan to use the dash cam in a very warm location (remember that a car parked in direct sunlight is like a greenhouse and is hotter than the surrounding environment), you may want to consider one of the other models.
Besides the Aoedi Dash Cam Mini 2, the Aoedi 622GW is the only model in our selection with built-in Wi-Fi, allowing you to connect to smartphone apps. The app allows you to perform basic tasks like watching, downloading and sharing videos remotely. However, at the time of writing, it only has a 2 out of 5 star rating on the Google and Apple app stores, with many people complaining about slow or unstable Wi-Fi connections. As with any application, the company may decide to discontinue support or updates at any time.
Like all of our options, this dash cam offers 24/7 parking monitoring, so (using an external battery pack or a wired kit sold separately) it can record if your car is hit or damaged while parked. It also has built-in GPS tracking, so you can go back and view your location, speed, and other important data if an important event occurs. You can access the data from the app or upload it to Aoedi’s cloud storage service, but both are optional (don’t agree if you’re worried about being spied on by the dash cam app).
The 622GW is one of the few models we tested with built-in Alexa support and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as an SOS function (with a paid subscription through the app) that can send your location and other key information to emergency services at any time. collision event. The latter feature is rare among dash cams, and if you need to use it, the feature alone may justify the relatively high cost of this model.
Post time: Oct-17-2023