The Best Dash Cam: Your Extra Pair of Eyes on the Road

1. BlackVue DR900S-2CH 4K UHD Dash Cam

2. Garmin Dash Cam 55

3. AKASO DL12 2.5K Mirror Dash Cam

Vantrue N2 Pro

If your job involves driving, one of the smartest investments you can make is a car camera. Having footage of both the inside and outside of your vehicle can be a real lifesaver in a numerous situations.

The Vantrue N2 Pro mounts to the windshield via a suction cup and captures video of the passenger cabin across 140 degrees and the car front over 170 degrees. This is what makes it the best dash cam for Uber and taxi drivers; it ensures that it has ample coverage to record whatever happens.

The video quality is excellent—1920x1080p at 30 FPS for both cameras. You can opt to record with the front camera only, which boosts its resolution or frame-per-second rating and allows it to capture better-quality footage of license plates.

The interior camera is equipped with a Sony IMX323 infrared sensor for recording in dark conditions. This car camera recorder provides a crystal-clear image that can serve as evidence in court, no matter the light conditions. The exterior camera automatically adjusts its light settings to balance out the video for a crisp image.

This dashboard camera even protects your car with its built-in motion sensors. These sensors activate the camera when someone tampers with your vehicle while it’s parked. Paired with the best car alarm system, this would really fortify your car’s security system.

Video files are stored in a perfect seamless loop. New footage is always being recorded over old to save storage space. When the camera detects a sudden shake or a collision, the footage is automatically sent to an “event file” folder and saved. This nifty feature makes this the best dash camera as it prevents the loss of important footage.

The manufacturer offers an 18-month warranty for this camera. The kit costs around $246 on Amazon. It includes the Vantrue N2 Pro, a 256 GB SD card (the maximum this model supports), and window stickers to inform passengers and potential thieves that they are being recorded.

Vantrue N2 Pro specifications:

• Camera resolution and FPS: 1920x1080p at 30 FPS for both interior and exterior cameras
• Recording angle: 170 degrees exterior, 140 degrees interior
• Maximum storage: 256 GB
• Price: $169.99

Rexing V1

Reliability is the name of the game. You won’t have peace of mind on your travels if you can’t rely on your dash cam to be vigilant and safely store the footage it records.

The supercapacitor that powers the Rexing V1 offers that crucial long-term reliability. Thanks to its sleek and unobtrusive design, the Rexing V1 is the perfect traveling companion. It’s hard-working and hardly noticeable, which also makes it the best dash cam for vlogging.

It records clear and precise 1080p footage of the car front with a wide 170-degree angle to capture every detail on the road ahead. The Sony STARVIS 307 image sensor ensures that the footage is usable in almost all light conditions.

Most of the footage your dash cam records is uninteresting. That’s why old footage is constantly being overwritten to ration storage space. With this Rexing dash cam, you can set the loop interval to one minute, three minutes, or turn the looping feature off entirely.

That said, when the G-sensors pick up a disturbance during your drive, the relevant footage is automatically locked and will not be overwritten. The gravity sensor has three sensitivity modes. So, it can activate the locking procedure for each pothole you run over, or you can set it to only record bigger incidents, like crashes.

If you ever feel the need to quickly share the footage from your trip, like when you encounter a deer on the road, you can do so easily. What makes the Rexing V1 the best dash cam in 2021 is that it can connect to your mobile device (both iOS and Android) via Wi-Fi and sync up with the mobile app.

The user manual will guide you through the 13-step installation procedure, which can be completed by one person in a mere 45 minutes. The unit is listed at around $90 on Amazon.

Rexing V1 specifications:

• Camera resolution and FPS: 1080p at 30 FPS
• Recording angle: 170 degrees
• Maximum storage: 256 GB
• Price: Around $99

Thinkware M1 Motorsports Cam

Sometimes you do a bike stunt so daring, a jump that gets so much air, a crash that’s so near-death that no one will believe you if you don’t supply the footage. Here’s a fix-all solution for the nay-sayers who doubt your two-wheel escapades—the Thinkware M1 Motorsports Cam. When memorable moments happen, lock the files in place with the single push of a button.

The Thinkware M1 Motorsports Cam is a dual dash cam. It records both the front and the back of your vehicle. This is crucial if you, heaven forbid, have an accident on the open road; the whole incident will be captured from both sides.

The image stabilization algorithms on this camera can minimize the blurring and distortion that usually occur when filming on bumpy terrain. The thermal sensors ensure that it keeps recording even in extreme temperature conditions (from -10ºC to 60ºC). It’s safe to say that the M1 will work pretty much anywhere on planet Earth where you can drive a bike or a quad, especially because of Thinkware’s proprietary anti-file-corruption technology.

One of the most impressive features of this Thinkware dash cam is the mobile app it integrates with. When you connect the M1 with your device via Wi-Fi, you’ll gain access to some extremely useful features. These include easily browsing through your files, altering your detailed camera settings, and live streaming footage on the cam.

Both cameras record HD 1080p footage at 30 FPS. The Sony STARVIS, combined with Thinkware’s proprietary Super Night Vision recording technology, makes the image as clear as it can be in the given light conditions.

Dash cam supplier, BlackBoxMyCar, lists this dual camera dash cam at $499.99.

Thinkware M1 Motorsports Cam specifications:

• Camera resolution and FPS: 1080p at 30 FPS for both cameras
• Recording angle: 140º
• Maximum storage: 32 GB
• Price: Around $500

BlackVue DR900S-2CH 4K UHD Dash Cam

Some may argue that having 4K footage of your driving is overkill. Who needs that kind of detail when shooting footage of a road? Well, dash cam reviews always include 4K dash cams for those who are serious about providing convincing evidence in court with clear and legible license plates.

With a fast shutter speed and double the amount of pixels as full-HD resolution, the BlackVue DR900S-2CH guarantees that you won’t lose any important detail in your footage.

The system has both front and rear cameras (162-degree and 139-degree wide shots, respectively), but only the front piece shoots in 4K. The rear camera on this car camera system shoots in 1080p HD, which is still on par with competitors. It has boosted low-light sensitivity in case you happen to have tinted windows.

You might be wondering: Doesn’t 4K recording mean the storage space will fill up twice as fast? It doesn’t, thanks to BlackVue’s High-Efficiency Video Coding compression algorithms, which preserve image quality while storing files as if they were shot in Full-HD resolution. That’s having your cake and eating it too, and it’s another reason why many consider the BlackVue DR900S-2CH to be the best front and rear dash cam on the market.

Everything about the DR900S-2CH screams high quality, even the Wi-Fi connectivity. It can connect to a 5 GHz network to transfer files twice as quickly as 2.4 GHz networks. Additionally, the Quick Play versions of the clips minimize buffering time.

BlackVue’s “Over the Cloud” service means that, for an extra monthly fee, you’ll never have to lose sight of your car again. BlackVue’s best dash cam connects to the cloud via Wi-Fi, allowing you to check in on your car any time via the mobile app. If you’re a business owner with a fleet of cars, this feature also enables you to effectively keep tabs on your employees, much like a car tracking device does.

BlackVue lists this camera at just under $500.

BlackVue DR900S-2CH 4K UHD DASH​CAM specifications:

• Camera resolution and FPS: 4K for front, 1080p for the back camera, both at 30 FPS
• Recording angle: 162 degrees front, 139 degrees back
• Maximum storage: 256 GB
• Price : Around $250

Garmin Dash Cam 55

This little model might just be everything you need in a dash cam. It’s a small, easy-to-hide unit that shoots in higher-than-HD resolution, works in low light conditions, and has a motion sensor and a G-sensor that detect critical situations and lock video files in place. Coming from the maker of the best GPS navigation devices, this comes as no surprise.

This Little Cam That Could goes a step further. Garmin’s best dash cam for your car can hear your voice and receive commands without you lifting your hands from the wheel. With commands like “save video,” “take a picture,” and “record audio,” you’ll be in complete control of this dash cam without endangering yourself or your passengers.

Let’s say you’re driving along a country road and a deer crosses in front of your car. You can use the voice command “take a picture” to treasure that moment.

The “Travelapse” feature also makes this the best car camera for traveling. In this work mode, the camera takes snapshots every minute to create an interesting and captivating timelapse of your trip. This feature can also be activated via voice control.

The wireless control, combined with the free Virb mobile app, means you can transfer that all-important footage or fun timelapse to your device in no time.

The camera starts and stops automatically when you turn on the ignition if connected to a power source. There is a battery inside, but it has a short life of around 30 minutes. This is normal for small dash cameras. You’ll either need to buy a power cable or connect the camera to the car’s electrical system.

The Garmin Dash Cam 55 also helps you drive more safely. It has a built-in warning system for when you drift out of your lane or are charging towards a head-on collision.

The unit is small and inconspicuous. It comes with a handy magnetic mount and films in 1440p resolution with a 122-degree angle. There is also a 1080p version that captures a 180° shot. Garmin lists its Dash Cam 55 model at around $200, with the price varying depending on the features.

Garmin Dash Cam 55 specifications:

• Camera resolution: 1440p or 1080p, depending on model
• Recording angle: 122 degrees or 180 degrees, depending on the model
• Maximum storage: 64 GB
• Price: Around $200

Nexar Beam

Remember HAL 9000 from 2001: A Space Odyssey? The Nexar Beam Dash Cam bears an eerie resemblance to him. But don’t worry; this dash cam won’t talk back or try to murder you for the greater good.

The hanging design actually serves a purpose. It allows the camera to swivel 360 degrees and record the inside of the car. Combine the swiveling camera, the noise-reducing microphone, and a purchasable snapshot remote control, and what you get is a bonafide memory creator. Record those legendary karaoke sessions and relive the high notes you and your passengers hit (or miss) with this 360-degree dash cam.

Dash cams are designed to record the road in front of you. Sometimes, that’s for your own enjoyment, but it’s not all scenic routes and beautiful wildlife. The quality of the dash cam’s recording can make the difference between compelling evidence in a court of law and a worthless, smudgy video clip of a road accident.

This dash cam shoots razor-sharp video in 4K UHD (3840x2160p resolution at 30 FPS). The different video quality choices make this one of the best-rated dash cam options out there. This ensures that all number plates are captured clearly and legibly. The OV4689 CMOS visual sensor also contributes to this goal. Nexar’s camera films footage at a 155-degree angle, which grants ample coverage of the road in front.

The G-sensors detect collisions and major impacts. When they do so, the camera automatically creates a 15-second video, no matter what mode it is in. This even works when your car is parked, thanks to the internal battery.

The app that comes free with this wireless dash cam connects to the device via 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and is very user-friendly, making managing your video files a breeze. The maximum card capacity is 256 GB. Additionally, the product comes with a 30-month warranty that includes product registration.

Nexar lists the 4K-VD004 dash cam at $119.95.

Nexar Beam Dash Cam specifications:

• Camera resolution and FPS: 3840x2160p resolution at 30 FPSS
• Recording angle: 155 degrees, can swivel to 360 degrees
• Maximum storage: 256 GB
• Price: $119.95

Akaso Mirror Dash Cam

When you really think about it, you don’t really need your central rear-view mirror. After all, trucks and bikes don’t even have them. You’re probably used to using it, but you can actually see everything you need to switch lanes in your side-view mirrors.

That’s why a dash cam in the shape of your rear-view mirror actually makes a lot of sense. This dash cam has two cameras: front and rear. They both connect to an LCD screen module that covers your existing mirror. Of course, it still functions as a mirror while the display is off.

Its LCD touchscreen display is responsive enough to be used even when the car is in motion. Although for safety reasons, we recommend that a passenger operates the buttons while you’re driving. You can access all of the features of the cam from the touchscreen.

On this best budget dash cam, you can turn the audio recording on and off, choose the quality of the footage you record, and even display clips on the extra-wide 6.8’’ display. The footage is kept on an SD card with a capacity of 256 GB.

The front camera shoots in 1080p at 30 FPS at a 170-degree angle. The rear camera records 720p footage at 30 FPS and covers 160 degrees. It is usually mounted on the bumper or near the back of the license plate. Because the video can be streamed directly onto the display, this HD mirror cam also functions as a rear parking camera. Obstacles that would be impossible to see just by looking out the back window suddenly become visible.

The camera also packs in all the usual dash cam features. You get loop recording and a shock sensor to activate emergency video recording, an internal battery to keep the device on standby even when the ignition is off, and a micro USB port that connects to the power source, be it a battery pack or the cigarette lighter plug.

With all of these features and a price tag of just $135, the AKASO DL12 2.5K Mirror Dash Cam is the best mirror dash cam on the market right now.

AKASO DL12 2.5K Mirror Dash Cam specifications:

• Camera resolution and FPS: 1080p at 30 FPS exterior camera, 720p at 30 FPS interior
• Recording angle: 170 degrees exterior, 160 degrees interior
• Maximum storage: 256 GB
• Price: $135.99

VIOFO A119 Dash Cam

Even though we’re getting used to cameras being attached to anything and everything (it’s only a matter of time before toothbrush cameras start hitting the market), they are still delicate and complicated pieces of equipment. Temperature can greatly affect the performance of a camera.

This is why the VIOFO A119 has supercapacitors to ensure that the camera functions in even the most extreme summer and winter conditions. Wherever your car can drive, we’re confident that the A119 will do its job.

This car security camera records 1440p footage at 30 FPS or 1080p at 60 FPS with its six-glass lens camera. You can also opt to have a CPL (circular polarizing lens) installed. This lens filters the circular flares that show up when light is reflected off smooth surfaces. These flares can cover up important details like license plates and render your recordings useless.

This dash cam comes with a mount and an adhesive sticker to attach it to the windshield. For an extra $10, you can order a mount with a GPS logger installed. This feature on the best dash cam will help you log your travels as well as sync the clock on your camera with satellite time to ensure proper time stamps on your recordings.

The A119 has loop recording, which means new footage is being recorded over old footage in a continuous loop. The footage can be displayed on a 2’’ screen on the device.

Of course, the model comes with G-sensors and motion sensors that pick up impacts and save a recording of that clip. The files are stored on an SD card that has a maximum capacity of 128 GB.

This model does not have an internal battery or Wi-Fi connectivity. But if you’re looking for the best cheap dash cam, its low price of $79.99 is very appealing. If you opt for the GPS logger, you can add the extra $10.

VIOFO A119 Dash Cam specifications:

• Camera resolution and FPS: 1440p at 30 FPS or 1080p at 60 FPS interior
• Recording angle: 135 degrees
• Maximum storage: 128 GB
• Price: $99.90 with optional GPS logger

Owlcam

If you’re looking for the best dash cams that work 24/7, then you’re going to like the Owlcam. This ever-vigilant camera is chock-full of unique features that make it stand out from the competition.

For starters, it draws power from your car’s onboard diagnostics (OBD) port, which is usually used by mechanics to detect faults in the vehicle’s electrical system. This frees up your cigarette lighter for other accessories and also ensures that the device has enough power at all times.

Moving on, the Owlcam’s LTE data plan provides around-the-clock live feed straight from the camera. It also provides 911 support. This is the best dash camera for car crashes and theft. When it detects these accidents, the device contacts the owner. If there is no answer, the police are automatically dispatched.

The live connectivity means that you get instant notifications when your car is tampered with while it is parked. The flashing green light will inform criminals that there are security measures in place and decrease the chance of your car getting hit. Purchasing the product gets you a one-year subscription to this service, while subsequent renewals cost $9.99 per month.

The Owlcam dash cam installation process doesn’t require any drilling. Even the clumsiest person shouldn’t take more than 15 minutes to install it. However, it does involve adhesives that could potentially damage your car. The mount wedges into the ventilation duct and attaches to the windshield via a suction cup. The camera unit is then perched on top of the mount by a magnet. The cables are easy to thread through to the OBD port thanks to the tuck stick and cable ties that come in the box.

The Owlcam has both an exterior and an interior camera. The exterior records in 1440p and the interior at 720p, both at 30 FPS with a 120-degree angle. Owlcam lists their best dash cam at $349.

Oh, we almost forgot—the Owlcam is a voice control dash cam, too!

Owlcam specifications:

• Camera resolution and FPS: 1440p at 30 FPS exterior or 720p at 30 FPS interior
• Recording angle: 120 degrees for both cameras
• Maximum storage: 32 GB
• Price: $219.99

Rove R2-4K Dash Cam

Truckers spend the vast majority of their time on the road. Driving at night is a part of the job. Truckers, more than anyone else, need a dash cam to protect themselves, and they need that camera to have good night vision.

The Rove R2-4K Dash Cam’s wide dynamic range, achieved by combining multiple exposures, makes it the best night vision dash cam on the market. The camera also has an impressive 170-degree field of vision.

What’s more impressive is the quality of the footage the HD Pro records. With 2304x1296p resolution at 30 FPS, the camera is guaranteed to provide crystal-clear footage of the road. The six-glass lens also lends a hand in that respect.

Standard features, like loop recording and a motion sensor, are included.

The storage space is, however, lackluster. The Rove only offers a maximum of 64 GB in storage. The bright side is that the product comes bundled with a 16 GB microSD card, unlike the best dash cams on the market that don’t offer a free microSD card.

This dash camera also comes with a second mounting bracket so you can use it on multiple vehicles. The installation process is clear and simple, and the activation is “plug-n-play.” You don’t have to be a technical wizard by any stretch of the imagination to set this unit up.

To top it off, this device also comes with a GPS unit that enables you to track your trips.

You can watch the video clips you record on a 3’’ TFT LCD display. This display also makes it much easier to set the recording parameters, although they can also be set via the smartphone app.

We believe you’ll hardly find a better-value dash camera for your car. You get all these features for just $119.99; it’s almost a steal. Well, it’s not, but if someone tries to steal your vehicle while you have it mounted, you’ll know!

Rove R2-4K Dash Cam specifications:

• Camera resolution and FPS: 1296p at 30 FPS
• Recording angle: 170 degrees for both cameras
• Maximum storage: 64 GB
• Price: $119.99