VANTRUE [Upgrade New Version] N2 Pro / N2 / T2 / R3 / X3 Dash Cam Mini USB Port Car Suction Cup Mount with GPS Receiver Module for Windows and Mac 4.5 out of 5 stars 183 $21.99.
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High resolution, low hassle
Great for Road Trips
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How we found the best dash cams
8 hours of driving
The Best Dash Cam
Day or night, the best dash cam should capture small details like license plates without missing the big picture, all while being easy to use right out of the box. After eight hours testing 14 of the best models around, we found three cameras that outperformed the rest.
How We Chose the Best Dash Cam
Image quality
With dash cams, image quality is measured in a couple different ways: resolution and field of view. We only considered dash cams have at least a 1080-pixel resolution â the standard for whatâs considered HD. Field of view, on the other hand, is more art than science.
Generally, the larger the degree of the field of view, the more the camera will capture along the sides of your car. But more isnât necessarily better: The wider you go, the more distant objects in front of the camera will appear, making it hard to see small details even when theyâre right in front of your car.
Dash cam manufacturers are also notoriously misleading about these difficult-to-measure numbers. For those reasons, we didnât set any minimum requirement; the models we tested range from 118 degrees to a full 180.
Automatically saves videos
The best dash cam is also a reliable dash cam. Each of our finalists plugs into a carâs âcigarette lighterâ receptacle, so they turn on and off with your vehicle. They also all come with sensors that detect sharp, sudden movement and save footage automatically. The last thing weâd want is to lose valuable evidence because we forgot to turn our camera on or click âsaveâ in the chaotic moments following a car accident.
Reputable manufacturers
Thereâs a wide range of prices and features in the dash cam market, but itâs not always clear whatâs essential and whatâs simply a nice-to-have. So to start our search, we looked for the most popular cameras from a variety of brands and models.
Best-of lists from Consumer Reports and The Wirecutter led us to highly-vetted models like the Papago GoSafe 535 and BlackVue DR450-1CH. But we also wanted to try out some lesser-known brands that had earned cult-like followings on dash cam review sites like Dash Cam Talk and Blackbox My Car, so we included cameras from Street Guardian and Viofo as well. Finally, we wanted to see how GPS navigation leaders like Garmin and Magellan stacked up against these companies that exclusively make dash cams.
We tested 14 top-rated dash cams total, ranging from $45 to $260. Once they arrived, all that was left to do was pile into a Nissan Altima and take to the streets of Seattle.
- Black Box G1W-H
- BlackVue DR450
- Cobra CDR 855 BT
- Garmin Dash Cam⢠65W
- Magellan MiVue 420
- Mobius ActionCam
- Papago GoSafe 535
- Street Guardian SG9665GC V3
- Thinkware F770
- VicoVation Vico-Opia2
- Viofo A119S
- YI Smart Dash Camera
- YI Ultra Dash Camera
- Z-Edge Z3P
Easy installation
The first thing we looked for in our tests were models that were easy to secure to our windshield, and they stayed there without any problems. Take it from us â thereâs nothing more distracting than a dash cam falling off your windshield in the middle of rush-hour traffic.
After playing around with all the different options, we found suction cups to be the most versatile. We liked how simple it was to move around on our windshield or from car to car. Whether you want to switch between multiple cars at home, or you want to use it in a rental car when you travel, the suction cup is the only method that was truly portable.
Dash cams that used stickers to mount the entire unit to the windshield are the most frustrating to set up â especially if they donât come with a screen. You only have one shot to get it right, and if you donât nail it on the first try, youâre stuck at a bad angle with a limited field of view.
Doesnât obstruct driverâs view
Because the dash camera is meant to stay on your windshield at all times, it shouldnât distract you from driving. The screens of our favorite models, like the Garmin 65W, are only a couple inches across diagonally, making them virtually invisible behind the rearview mirror. We also appreciated cameras like the Street Guardian SG9665GC that turn off automatically after driving for a few seconds. The less a dash cam asked of our attention, the better.
The 3 Best Dash Cams
- Street Guardian SG9665GC V3 -
Best Video Quality
- Garmin Dash Cam 65W -
Great for Road Trips
- Black Box G1W-H Hidden Dash Cam -
A Cheaper, No-Frills Option
Street Guardian SG9665GC V3
![Mac Mac](/uploads/1/2/5/1/125163980/605809514.jpg)
Razor sharp footage at any time of day
Pros
Captures small details
Night time performance
Wide field of view
Easy to use
Captures small details
Night time performance
Wide field of view
Easy to use
Why we chose it
Captures small details
Through every round of testing, the Street Guardian produced the sharpest images we saw. While almost every dash cam we tested could read license plates when we were stopped directly behind a car, but only the Street Guardian could do it while going 60 mph on the freeway. This is the information that can prove vital in the event of an accident, and the Street Guardian excelled better than any other model.
Night time performance
The Street Guardianâs performance held up no matter what light conditions we tested it in. Where nighttime images from some cameras were ruined by the glare of headlights and street lamps, the Street Guardian neutralized them beautifully so that we were still able to discern subtle details like the make and model of passing cars.
The Street Guardian (top) performed better in low-lighting than the Cobra CDR 855 BT (bottom).
Wide field of view
Before we started testing, we assumed this dash camâs biggest weakness would be its field of view, listed at 120-degrees. Since a narrower field of view sacrifices context around the edges for greater detail in front, we expected the high marks in detail to come with the baggage of large blind spots around the sides of our car.
To our delight, the Street Guardian excelled here, too. Despite its modest listing, it out-performed cameras that claim to capture 160 degrees (like the Papago GoSafe 535 and Cobra CDR 855 BT), all while maintaining the sharp resolution that we fell in love with in the first place.
While the Papago GoSafe 535's viewing angle (bottom) is supposedly 40° wider, we found the Street Guardian (top) captured a slightly wider angle.
Easy to use
We appreciated this cameraâs simple functionality. While some models forced us to click seven times to set the language, date, and time whenever we turned on the car (talking about you, Papago), the Street Guardian was truly âset and forget.â The screen even turned off after a few minutes of driving, saving us from unnecessary distractions (though you can easily change that in the settings). This subtlety carried over to the unit as well; it was one of the most discreet dash cams we tested, virtually invisible from the outside of the car.
Points to consider
Fixed mounting
One of the only things we werenât crazy about on the Street Guardian was its mounting system. Instead of the usual suction cup or sticker that most dash cams employ, it uses a bracket permanently mounted by a sticker. We liked that better than a sticker alone â you can remove the camera from the bracket without having to pry off the sticker â but it still means youâll have to use an extra bracket if you plan on moving the camera from car to car.
Garmin Dash Cam 65W
Its 180° field of view makes it perfect for landscapes, but that comes at the expense of smaller details
Pros
Great at capturing scenic vistas
Built-in WiFi and mobile app
Voice control
Mounting system
Great at capturing scenic vistas
Built-in WiFi and mobile app
Voice control
Mounting system
Cons
Some excessive features
Struggles with small details
Some excessive features
Struggles with small details
Why we chose it
Great at capturing scenic vistas
If you imagine using your dash cam as much for filming scenic landscapes as for protection against accidents, the Garmin Dash Cam 65W is an excellent option. It has a 180-degree field of view â the widest of anything we tested â so open vistas come out absolutely gorgeous. It was the smallest dash cam we tested, yet it produced videos that looked like they belonged on a movie screen. It wasnât hard to imagine how much fun it would be to take on a road trip down the Pacific Coast Highway or Blue Ridge Parkway.
The Garminâs 180° field of view (top) captured wider vistas than the Blackvueâs narrow 118° (bottom).
And it does have more practical applications, too â the 65W captures everything on both sides of your car, so youâd have the complete story in the event of an accident.
Built-in Wi-Fi and mobile app
Along with the Yi models we tested, the Garmin was one of the only dash cams to include WiFi capability and a corresponding app â travelers can easily upload and share road videos directly from their phone. It also has a cool âtravelapseâ feature, which speeds up hours of driving into a road trip highlights video.
Voice control
The Garmin is one of the most features-heavy cameras we tested, but unlike a lot of competitors, most of them actually improved our experience.
The audio control was especially thoughtful. Just say âOK, Garminâ and it brings up a simple, four-option menu. We loved that we could use basic controls without having to fiddle around with tiny buttons.
Mounting system
The Garmin 65W had one of the most thoughtful and easy to use mounting systems of any dash cam we saw. It uses a magnet that permanently sticks to the windshield, so itâs incredibly simple to take it off and reattach. Garmin also includes an extra mounting magnet if you want to switch between your two-door sedan and the family mini-van.
Points to consider
Some excessive features
We did appreciate how the Garmin automatically stamps the date, time, GPS coordinates, and miles per hour onto every video, but a few features were more distracting than useful for us. For example, the 65W has a setting where it will urge you to âGoâ if youâre stopped in traffic and the cars in front of you begin to move again. It felt like overkill to us, but it might come if you've got a car full of rowdy kids competing for your attention. Either way, itâs an incredibly user-friendly dash cam, so adjusting the settings to your liking never takes more than a few clicks.
Struggles with small details
While the Garminâs wide field of view is what made it such a delightful choice for road trips, we found it difficult to pick up license plates even when they were directly in front of the car. Its performance also suffered at night time, picking up a lot of glare from streetlights and oncoming traffic. The Garmin would do a perfectly serviceable job as an everyday dash cam, but it truly excels in capturing wide landscapes.
Black Box G1W-H Hidden Dash Cam
A larger, more basic camera that ranked third in our field tests
Cons
Night time performance
Bulky design
SD card not included
Night time performance
Bulky design
SD card not included
Why we chose it
Picture quality
Judging by picture quality alone, it was difficult to tell the difference between the $55 Black Box and some of our most expensive cameras, like the $260 Thinkware F770. The Black Box dash cam produced razor sharp images whether we were stopped at a light or driving on the freeway, allowing us to see precise details that could end up being crucial in an insurance claim.
While the field of view is narrower than the Street Guardian and Garmin models, we never felt like we were missing a lot of information. We could see two full lanes directly on both sides when we were on the freeway, which made us feel confident we would catch any relevant activity in an accident.
The Black Box (top) had a narrower field of view than the Papago GoSafe (bottom), but it was better at picking up details like street signs.
Adapters included
Though itâs a pretty bare-bones dash cam, the G1W-H does come with some thoughtful additions like HDMI and AV cables adapted to plug directly from the camera to a TV or computer. That way, you can quickly view your footage on a bigger screen without having to upload it through its SD card first. Itâs not quite as useful as an app, but it was the kind of sensible solution that we really loved in this model.
Suction mount
We loved the Black Boxâs suction cup mounting method. It eliminated the high-pressure stakes of sticker mounts, meaning that we could move it around from car to car (especially useful if you plan on using it in a rental). Suction cups are probably a little less secure than sticker mounts, but the Black Box stayed rock solid through a full eight hours of testing.
Points to consider
Night time performance
Where it failed to reach the quality of the Street Guardian was in our night-time testing. Images were much darker overall, and while it didnât have the same problem with glares that cameras like the pricier Cobra CDR 855 BT and BlackVue DR450 did, we did find it hard to see objects that werenât directly in front of a light source.
The Black Box (top) struggled at night compared to the Papago GoSafe (bottom).
Bulky design
This also isnât exactly a 'low-profile' dash cam. While the 2.7-inch screen is nice when setting up your camera angle, it takes up more room than our other top picks and is easily noticeable from the outside. On the bright side, it's still small enough to stow in the glove compartment while youâre parked if you're concerned about theft.
SD card not included
Unlike the Street Guardian and Garmin, The Black Box doesnât come with an SD card. This wasnât a huge deal, but it effectively adds on to the sticker price. You can easily find one on Amazon (or any local drug store) for around $11.
How to Find the Right Dash Cam for You
Decide between a single- or duel-channel dash cam
All of the dash cams weâve recommended are single channel models designed to capture the action in front of your car. If youâre looking for even more protection, dual channel dash cams allow you to record with an additional camera facing the interior or rear of the car.
The advantage is that you can collect more information this way â if someone rear ends you and drives off, for example, you could potentially use their license plate and description in a police report. It can also be useful for taxi, Uber, or Lyft drivers who want to position the second camera on the interior for insurance against the occasional rowdy passenger.
Unsurprisingly, high-quality dual-channel models generally cost about twice as much a single cameras, so you might consider buying two of those instead (although this would require plugging into separate outlets). If the added protection sounds like its worth the extra money, Consumer Reports recommends the Auto-Vox M2 and Cobra CDR 895 D Dual Camera.
Consider parking surveillance modes
One of the most prominent features on the best dash cameras is a parking surveillance mode. Of the fourteen models we tested, eight of them have the ability to use sensors to turn on and start recording when they detect movement near the car. That's nice in theory, but it's also a lot of work to set up.
Motion sensors require a constant power source, so youâll have to hardwire the cameraâs power into your car battery (usually with professional help) or purchase a pricey external battery. And even after all that, thereâs no guarantee of catching anything since the cameraâs only facing one direction. If youâre facing consistent problems in your parking lot or driveway, consider placing a security camera in your home's window instead.
Check your stateâs laws
Under the First Amendment, itâs legal to record video or pictures in public spaces. However, dash cams mounted to the inside of a carâs windshield are illegal in 28 states. A good rule of thumb is to make sure your dash cam obstructs no more than a five inch square on the driverâs side or a seven inch square on the passenger side. Every state is different, though, so be sure to check your stateâs laws before purchasing a dash cam.
You can also run into problems with dash cams that record audio. Twelve states require all parties to consent before recording a conversation: California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and Washington. So if you do purchase a model with audio recording, itâs on you to disable it or let your passengers know before they get in the car (especially important for taxi, Uber, or Lyft drivers).
Dash Cam FAQ
How do dash cams store footage?
Dash cams use SD cards as their storage method. Most of the models we tested came with 8 GB but could hold up to 32 GB, with some even going as high as 64 GB. All of them operated on a loop system: as you record more footage, the oldest videos are continuously replaced. We found that 8 GB cards could hold about an hour of video, which is plenty of room if your only concern is capturing potential accidents.
Can dash cam footage be used in court?
In general, the more physical evidence you can produce in a criminal case, the stronger your argument will be. That said, dash cams are currently illegal in 28 states, and your video wonât be admissible in court in any of them. But for cases that often come down to âhe said, she saidâ â if youâre trying to prove you werenât at fault or were the victim of a hit and run, for example â dash cam footage can often be a decisive piece of hard evidence.
Will a dash cam lower my insurance rates?
As of now, no major auto insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who use dashboard cameras. Still, that doesnât mean it wonât end up saving you money on your insurance in the long run. If youâre the victim of an accident, dash cam footage can provide video evidence that you werenât the driver at fault, thus saving you from a spike in your rates.
The Best Dash Cam: Summed Up
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Choosing the Right Dashboard Companion
Dash cams have gained in popularity recently in part because of jaw-dropping viral videos of stunt driving and stunning weather activity, like a gorgeous sunset or menacing tornado. Perhaps a less fun, but more important reason that drivers are putting dash cams into cars is to limit liability in accidents and capture vandalism when parked. Especially if you drive a company car or work for Lyft, Uber, or any other taxi service, having video proof of your role in an accident is crucial. For everyone else, it's just another piece of evidence to furnish to your insurance company in case of an accident or vehicle damage.
There's a varied landscape of dash cams out there, with a range of features including GPS navigation, safety alerts, and mobile app integration. Some even double as action cameras and are compatible with tripod mounts, so you can take them out of your car and into the great outdoors. Here's how to choose the right dash cam for you.
What Is a Dash Camera?
All of the dash cams featured in this story record in 1080p video resolution, though you can dial that down in some cases to increase the amount of video you can store. Consider purchasing the largest memory card a dash cam will accept so that you can store the maximum amount of video, and remember to transfer it to your computer regularly if you want to keep it.
Many dash cams are set up to automatically record once you start the car, and to overwrite video once the internal storage or memory card is full. In the case of a collision, a dash cam with a G-Sensor will detect that action and automatically save the recording so you can view it later and use it as evidence if necessary. Some also have a still camera built in if you want to take a snapshot on your route, though it's usually low resolution, not even at the level of a smartphone image. A camera's field of view is important, as a wider-angle lens will capture more detail.
While some dash cams double as actual GPS navigation devices, others simply use GPS so that you can pinpoint where a video took place, which is important in the case of accidents or other incidents. It's also helpful when you capture a sunset, storm, or other interesting activity and want to know exactly where it happened.
Most dash cams have built-in screens so you can review video right on the device (hopefully not while driving), while others have no screen at all, and must be paired with a smartphone app. While a dash cam can act as a safety device, one with a large 5-inch screen will take up more space on your windshield and if not positioned carefully can be a distraction. Be sure to install it outside of your line of sight, perhaps closer to the passenger side. Smaller cams without screens can be installed right under the rearview mirror, and thus out of your sight.
The dash cams we tested use either a suction cup to connect to the windshield or an adhesive to stick to the rearview mirror or dashboard. Consider going for a test drive to be sure you've chosen a good spot and that it's securely installed.
Back It Up
Dash cam manufacturers have also entered into the rear-facing backup cam business. Garmin sells the dedicated BC 30 backup camera and babyCam, the latter of which can be used to keep an eye on kids in the backseat. Newer dash cam models have dual cameras that can be used side-by-side to get a wider field of view, or as simultaneous forward- and backward-facing cameras.
A rear-facing camera isn't necessary for everyone, though it's certainly convenient when backing out of a driveway or parking spot. However, many new cars have this feature built in, as well as GPS navigation and other safety features. And as mentioned there are standalone options, like the excellent (but pricey) Pearl Rear Vision.
Driver Assists, Wireless Connectivity, and Apps
Dash cam companies have started adding driver-assist features that you'll find on newer, high-tech cars, such as lane departure warnings and forward collision alerts. Typically, these features kick in when you reach a certain speed. They could come in handy after a long day on the road or if you're using a company vehicle; they're not must-haves, though. Safety camera alerts, including red light and speed cameras, are helpful in avoiding traffic tickets. Some devices can even alert you of school zones and upcoming curves.
Certain dash cams double as radar detectors, with alerts to safety cameras and radar traps. Depending on the camera, you might need to pay an additional fee for services like these; we include the details in our individual reviews.
Some dash cams have Bluetooth in order to connect and sync with mobile apps, while others (though not many) use Wi-Fi. Pairing via Bluetooth also means, in some cases, that you can make and receive calls and text messages via voice.
How We Test Dash Cams
We take all of the dash cams we test for multiple drives, noting how easy (or difficult) it is to install and how conspicuous it is. While it isn't possible to test every single featureâtrying out the G-Sensor would require intentionally crashing into another car or objectâwe are able to get a sense for how effective the primary features are, and the quality of the video output.
To judge video quality, we watch recorded video and check for specific details, such as the ability to read license plates and street and traffic signs in both sunny and overcast weather.
In the end, it comes down to your own needs and preferences. Do you simply need a GPS app? Would you like to have modern safety features without purchasing a new car? Are you concerned about red light cameras and speed traps? Or do you just need a simple dash cam and nothing else? Consider these questions before making a purchaseâand be sure to read each of our reviews to determine which dash cam is right for you.
For more high-tech car accessories, see the best ways to soup up your current car with technology.
Best Dash Cams Featured in This Roundup:
-
Garmin DriveAssist 50LMT Review
MSRP: $299.99Pros: Upgrades your vehicle with a variety of safety features. Traffic alerts included.Cons: Can only be used (and charged) in a vehicle.Bottom Line: The Garmin DriveAssist 50LMT offers the full package for safe drivers: GPS navigation, hazard alerts, and a built-in dash cam.Read Review -
Cobra CDR 855 BT Review
MSRP: $149.95Pros: Includes radar, red light, and speed camera alerts. Can be used as an action camera.Cons: Small display. No GPS for navigation or tagging photos.Bottom Line: The Cobra CDR 855 BT adds some smart features and helpful alerts in addition to basic dash cam functionality, making it a good pick for the price.Read Review -
Garmin Speak Plus With Amazon Alexa Review
MSRP: $199.99Pros: Discreet and easy to install. Smooth navigation. Alexa integration.Cons: No onscreen maps. Alexa functionality requires mobile data. Sticky mount is hard to scrape off the windshield.Bottom Line: For voice-only navigation, an inconspicuous dash cam, and Amazon Alexa controls combined in one device, the Garmin Speak Plus is a great buy.Read Review -
Garmin Dash Cam 35 Review
MSRP: $169.99Pros: Compact. Safety alerts. GPS adds location data to videos.Cons: Red light and speed camera alerts cost extra.Bottom Line: The Garmin Dash Cam 35 is a fine choice for capturing on-road incidents and avoiding collisions.Read Review -
Goluk T1 Review
MSRP: $129.99Pros: Easy to share video. Crash detection. Parking mode available with optional accessory.Cons: No built-in screen. Must be paired with a smartphone.Bottom Line: The Goluk T1 is an affordable dash cam that is equally adept at helping you capture traffic incidents as well as your outdoor adventures.Read Review -
Owl Car Cam Review
MSRP: $349.00Pros: Offers remote access to camera. Records inside the car as well as out. Video is stored on smartphone, not the device. Easy-to-use app.Cons: Shuts down after 24 hours of non-use. Pricey, especially with LTE plan.Bottom Line: The Owl Car Cam offers handy features like remote access and two-way audio, but it's expensive considering some of its limitations.Read Review -
Roav by Anker Dash Cam C1 Review
MSRP: $129.99Pros: Relatively inexpensive. The charger has an extra USB port.Cons: Awkward placement on the windshield. No memory card included. So-so video quality.Bottom Line: The Roav by Anker Dash Cam C1 is a good basic dash cam at a budget price, but look elsewhere if video quality is a top concern.Read Review