Best Dash Cams in 2025

A dash cam functions as a driver’s ever-vigilant copilot, always watching the road and recording video and photos in case of an accident or other incident. A dash cam captures pre- and post-incident information, such as license plate numbers and the vehicles and people involved, and the time and location, to provide reliable video and photo evidence.

Beyond accident documentation, a dash can also help protect drivers from falling victim to insurance fraud or staged collisions. With multiple cameras, they can monitor the rear and interior of your car, and can even watch your vehicle while parked, sending alerts if there’s a break-in or suspicious movement.

Dash cams come in a wide variety of styles, such as with single or multiple cameras, and are available with a vast array of features and at a wide range of prices, so choosing one can feel overwhelming.

This buyer’s guide and Market.com’s accompanying proprietary scoring system will help make it easier for you to sort through all the styles and features relative to a dash cam’s price. Read on to learn everything you need to know about how to choose a dash cam that’s right for your car, needs, and budget.

How Dash Cams Work

Dash cams function much like any other camera, capturing photos and video through a lens and image sensor. They come with easily comparable specs, like video resolution, field of view, and frame rate, along with practical considerations like size, mount type, and power connection that largely depend on personal preference. Some models even have features like voice control or touchscreen interfaces for easier operation.

Once powered on, a dash cam continuously records video to a memory card. When its built-in G-sensor detects a sudden event, like hard braking or a collision, it automatically locks that portion of footage so it isn’t overwritten, to save it for review and evidence. You can also manually take video and photos in a non-emergency situation to, say, capture scenery or suspicious activity near your car. Dash cams are built to withstand the demanding conditions of driving, including extreme temperatures, vibration, and bumps, ensuring reliable performance for years.

Video footage is recorded on a memory card, usually a microSD card, although some older dash cams use full-size SD cards or include a small amount of built-in storage. Drivers can view the dash cam footage on a built-in screen, through a companion smartphone app, or directly on a computer after removing the memory card. Many dash cams feature Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for wireless transfer and easy sharing of videos.

What To Look for in a Dash Cam

Here are the specs and features to consider when shopping for a dash cam based on my years of hands-on testing of the devices.

Number of Cameras/Channels

One of the first things you’ll need to decide when shopping for a dash cam is how many cameras (or channels) you’ll need. A single-channel dash cam records the front of the vehicle, while a dual-channel (two-camera) model can watch either the rear of the vehicle or the interior.

Some brands, such as the Vantrue N4 and the 70mai 4K T800, include three cameras to record the front, rear, and interior. Some brands, like Thinkware, even let you add extra cameras – for example, to monitor the sides of your vehicle – using an optional multiplexer box. Naturally, more cameras usually mean a higher price.

Image Sensor

Like any camera, a dash cam uses an image sensor to convert incoming light into video or photos. Since dash cams need to capture details such as moving vehicles and stationary road signs at speed and in a wide variety of lighting conditions, a dash cam with a high-quality image sensor is key. It can mean the difference between clearly reading a license plate after an incident – or not.

Many dash cams, including the Viofi A329S and Rove R2-4K, use Sony’s STARVIS 2 image sensors, widely considered the industry gold standard. Others, like the Sarmert C1, use the first-generation Sony STARVIS sensor or OV4689 sensors, such as those found in the Garmin 65W.  When comparing models, look for Sony’s STARVIS 2 sensors, like the IMX675, IMX678, or IMX662, since brands will often list the exact image sensor used in their product details.

Additional optical features worth noting include Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) and High Dynamic Range (HDR).

• WDR is a hardware-based feature that merges multiple exposures to balance scenes with both bright sunlight and deep shadows – like driving at sunrise or sunset.
• HDR performs a similar function to WDR, but by using software, enhancing brightness and color range to bring out more detail in both highlights and shadows.

Some dash cams offer one or the other, while models like the Pelsee P1 include both.

Resolution

Video resolution refers to the number of pixels in each frame of video footage and directly impacts image clarity and detail. The more pixels, the higher the resolution – resulting in clearer, more detailed video and photos.

Common dash cam resolutions range from 1080p Full HD to 2K Quad HD and 4K Ultra HD. While higher resolutions mean sharper images, which is helpful for reading license plates and distant details, they also come with trade-offs. 4K dash cams produce larger files, requiring more storage space, faster memory cards, and higher costs.

By comparison, 1080p models don’t fill up a memory card as fast and are generally more affordable, though they capture fewer fine details. Multi-camera systems often mix resolutions (e.g., 2K front and 1080p rear), and many allow you to adjust the resolution settings to balance image quality and storage needs.

Field of View

A dash cam’s field of view (FOV) refers to how wide an area it can capture, measured in degrees. The wider the FOV, the more of the scene the dash cam records. For example, a 170° FOV provides a broad view of the road and surroundings.

However, there are compromises. A very wide FOV can record a more expansive scene outside of a vehicle, which can distort the image, potentially reducing the amount of important details the camera can capture, such as license plate info. On the other hand, a narrower FOV has a less expansive view outside a vehicle but can potentially capture more detail.

Some dash cams, such as the Vantrue E360, use fisheye lenses with an extra-wide FOV – ideal for interior cameras that need to record the entire vehicle cabin, where overall coverage matters more than fine detail.

Power Source

Almost all dash cams come with a power cord that plugs into a car’s 12-volt outlet (cigarette lighter). You want to make sure the cord is long enough not only to reach the nearest 12-volt outlet but also that it’s long enough to neatly hide the cord behind the car’s interior panels if you prefer a clean installation (see our How to Install a Dash Cam guide). This is especially important for dash cams that come with a rear camera, since the cable will have to run from the rear of the vehicle to the front.

A dash cam can also be hardwired directly into your car’s electrical system. Some models come with the necessary hardware, while others require a separate hardwiring kit.

Backup Power Source

Dash cams usually have a backup power source to keep recording in case the power is interrupted in a crash. The backup power in a dashcam is provided by either a lithium battery or a supercapacitor. While a lithium battery can record for longer after power is interrupted, it’s also much more sensitive to heat. The very high temperatures can cause a lithium battery to not only degrade quickly, but also swell, leak, or even lead to a process called “thermal runaway,” where the battery overheats uncontrollably and can lead to ignition.

While dash cams with supercapacitors usually cost more, they provide more heat resistance and longer-term reliability, making them the preferred option for drivers in hot climates.

Built-in Screen

Some dash cams have built-in screens to display info, access settings, and provide a live camera view. Other less expensive dash cams, such as the $50 MioFive Mini 2, forego the screen entirely and use a companion smartphone app.

A built-in screen offers convenience since you can view footage and adjust settings directly on the device. However, most dash cam screens are smaller than the average smartphone screen and have tiny icons that can be hard to read or use. A built-in screen means you don’t have to use an app, although dash cams with a built-in screen usually also provide a smartphone app.

Choosing between a built-in screen and an app-based model largely comes down to cost and personal preference.

Smartphone App

As mentioned above, most dash cams come with a free smartphone app to display information, manage settings, and view camera footage. Apps also enable parking mode monitoring, allowing you to view the dash cam feed remotely when the car is parked.

In addition to viewing a dash cam’s video, apps can store videos in the cloud, manage file transfers, and, in some cases, send footage directly to your insurance company or via email or messaging services.

Connectivity

Dash cams usually have both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. Bluetooth is typically used for initially connecting to a smartphone for tasks that don’t require a lot of data, such as adjusting settings and managing features. A dash cam’s Wi-Fi connection, in which the dash cam acts as a Wi-Fi hot spot to connect to a smartphone or computer, has much higher bandwidth to allow users to view and download video and photos without removing the dash cam’s memory card.

Wi-Fi can also be used for dash cam wireless firmware and software updates, and in some models, cloud uploads for remote video storage (though this often requires a subscription). Many dash cams also come with a USB cable for direct file transfer and manual updates.

GPS

Many dash cams have built-in GPS so that the recorded video and pictures are embedded with location, speed, and route data, which can be useful evidence after an accident. If a dash cam doesn’t have built-in GPS, it can sometimes be added via an external module at an additional cost. Depending on the model, GPS data may be displayed on the screen or on a map along with the dash cam view.

Mounting Style

Dash cams have two mounting styles: adhesive or suction-cup mounts. Adhesive mounts, which use strong two-sided tape to secure the dash cam to the windshield, are the most common mount style. The advantage of this type of mounting is that it’s very secure, although extreme heat in hot weather, as well as the typical vibrations and jolts common in moving cars, can weaken the adhesive over time. This is why most dash cams come with several strips of two-sided tape. Adhesive mounts may also make it hard to remove the dash cam or access the memory card if it’s mounted behind the rearview mirror.

Additionally, adhesive mounts make it more difficult to access the dash cam’s onscreen controls or access the memory card once the device is mounted up high on the windshield or behind the car’s rearview mirror.

Suction-cup mounts, on the other hand, offer easier removal and transfer between vehicles, but they’re less stable and more likely to fall off on bumpy roads or in high heat.

Loop Recording

Most dash cams use loop recording, which allows the devices to continuously capture new video by automatically overwriting the oldest video data when the memory card gets full. This allows a dash cam to always record indefinitely without requiring the user to manually delete older footage.

Dash cams with loop recording typically have an automatic or manual lockout feature that saves a video clip if an accident or other impact is detected, protecting those files from being overwritten.

Voice Control

Some dash cams allow users to control features such as starting and saving recordings via voice commands. Others integrate with Amazon Alexa for expanded functionality. Voice commands are available in a variety of languages, including English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Swedish, Chinese, and Japanese.

Size

Dash cams come in a variety of sizes, from compact units without built-in screens to larger models that include them. Size is largely a matter of preference, but make sure that the dash cam doesn’t block your view of the road or that the screen isn’t too small to use effectively. Keep in mind that many places have laws specifying where a dash cam can legally be mounted on a windshield.

Parking Mode

Some dash cams include a parking mode that allows the unit to record while the vehicle is parked. This requires that the dash cam be hardwired to the vehicle so it always has power, but only activates when impact or motion is detected so as not to drain the battery.

Dash cams with parking mode allow owners to monitor the vehicle remotely, but this requires an extra-cost cellular modem to send notifications of an impact to the vehicle to the owner’s smartphone or even live video to the owner’s smartphone.

The most advanced dash cams use visual motion detection, analyzing images and beginning to record when a person or other object is detected. This is usually combined with “buffering” to save a few seconds before motion is detected to provide better context. Motion sensitivity is usually adjustable to help minimize false triggers from things like shadows or moving tree branches.

Some dash cams use radar sensors to detect motion, and high-end models, such as the 70mai 4K Omni and A810, incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) to differentiate between genuine threats, like a person peering into a vehicle, and harmless movement. Keep in mind that motion detection in parking mode can drain a vehicle’s battery if constantly activated, and some dash cams can be connected to an extra-cost external battery.

Sound Recording

Along with video, dash cams can record audio inside the car. This can be useful for ride-share drivers or professionals who transport passengers, which helps provide evidence to document passenger interactions and provide evidence in case of an incident.

The legality of recording audio with a dash cam varies by country and even by state or region. In some areas, a driver is required to inform passengers that the dash cam is recording audio and obtain their consent. In some places, recording audio in vehicles is prohibited even if the driver informs the passengers and obtains their consent. Make sure to check the laws in your area before using a dash cam to record audio with passengers on board.

Driver Assists

Some dash cams come with driver-assistance features similar to those found in modern vehicles. These include:

• Lane-departure warning: Alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane.
• Forward-collision alerts: Detect vehicles or pedestrians ahead and warn the driver of potential impacts.
• Emergency contact feature: Automatically dials a preassigned contact on a connected smartphone in case of an accident.
• Reverse-view or backup camera: Activates when connected to a secondary rear camera to help with parking and reversing.

Night Vision

Some dash cams have night-vision to record images in the dark. The feature uses infrared (IR) lighting, which isn’t visible to the human eye but provides light for a camera’s sensor to record in complete darkness – typically resulting in black-and-white video.

More advanced systems, such as Super Night Vision (found on models like the 70mai 4K T800), use sophisticated sensors, lenses, and software to enhance brightness, contrast, and clarity in dim or dark environments. Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) also helps balance the exposure in scenes with both bright and dark areas, improving overall video quality in the dark.

Firmware and Software Updates

Firmware and software updates are common on modern dash cams and are used to fix bugs, improve performance, and add new features or security patches. Updates are usually downloaded from the manufacturer’s website and then installed via a memory card, Wi-Fi, or computer connection. Both firmware and software updates are usually free of charge.

File Storage

All dash cams store files on a memory card, usually a microSD card, which may or may not be included. The minimum recommended size for a dash cam memory card is 64GB to 128 GB. A smaller memory card can fill up too quickly, which could cause you to lose valuable footage or require you to delete files manually to make more room. For high-resolution recording, such as 4K, a 256GB or larger card may be necessary.

Choose a card with a high write speed, such as Class 10 or U1/U3 for 4K, and look for a high-endurance memory card designed for continuous writing and erasing, since dash cams can wear out standard cards more quickly.

Memory cards must be formatted before use, and most dash cams will format a new memory card as a menu option. Make sure there are no important files on a memory card before formatting it, since formatting erases all data. Dash cams with Wi-Fi allow you to download footage from the memory card to a smartphone or computer without having to eject the memory card or remove the dash cam from its mounting location.

5 Common Mistakes Consumers Make When Buying a Dash Cam

1. Not Paying Attention to Camera Placement and Angles

One of the first mistakes people make is overlooking how a dash cam is mounted and aimed. Even the best camera won’t capture important details if it’s pointed too high, too low, or blocked by parts of the car. Check the view on a built-in screen or smartphone app, and adjust as needed. Camera angles can shift from bumps, jolts, or hard braking, so it’s a good idea to periodically verify that the dash cam is still recording properly.

2. Underestimating Power and Installation Needs

A dash cam is only useful if it has reliable power. Plugging into a car’s 12-volt outlet can work, but plugs can come loose from bumps or accidental tugs. Hardwiring is a good option, especially if you want parking mode or continuous recording, but make sure wires are routed safely out of the way. Overlooking the power setup can leave you with a camera that doesn’t record when you need it most.

3. Buying a Memory Card With Too Little Capacity

Running out of storage is a surprisingly common issue. Dash cams can quickly fill memory cards, especially when recording in high resolution. The minimum recommended size is 64GB to 128GB, but a larger 256GB card is often better. Look for cards with high write speeds and high endurance, since dash cams constantly write and overwrite footage. Otherwise, you’ll spend time manually deleting files – and risk losing important video.

4. Choosing a Dash Cam With Low Resolution

Video quality matters. A low-resolution dash cam may miss license plates, faces, or other critical details, especially at night or in challenging lighting. For the best results, choose a camera with at least 1440p resolution, and consider night vision or wide dynamic range features for clearer footage in dark or high-contrast conditions.

5. Ignoring Privacy and Legal Considerations

Finally, don’t overlook laws about recording video and audio. Interior-facing cameras and audio recording can be illegal in some regions, even if passengers are informed. Make sure the dash cam you choose complies with local rules, so you’re covered while capturing the footage you need.

Popular Brands and Types of Dash Cams

I’ve tested dozens of dash cams over the past several years. Here are some of my current favorites, covering a variety of prices and feature sets.

Miofive Mini 2

The Miofive Mini 2 is a budget-friendly dual-camera dash cam with a 2K Quad HD front camera and a 1080p Full HD rear camera, both with a 130-degree field of view. It doesn’t have a built-in screen; instead, controls and video are accessed on a smartphone app, which allows viewing, downloading, and sharing video. The Mini 2 also has GPS, parking mode, and free over-the-air firmware updates.

Garmin Dash Cam Live

Even though the Garmin Dash Cam Live is smaller than many dash cams, it includes a built-in 2.95-inch display. It records 2K Quad HD video via a 140-degree lens and comes with a 16GB microSD card (though you’ll likely want to upgrade to a higher-capacity card). The Garmin Dash Cam Live has GPS, driver-assist tools such as forward-collision and lane-departure warnings, and voice control in six languages. Adding an LTE connection lets users access real-time video via the Garmin Drive smartphone app and receive incident notifications while the vehicle is parked.

70mai 4K Omni Dashcam

The 70mai 4K Omni has a front camera that rotates 340 degrees and a 146-degree field of view. It uses AI motion detection to automatically track moving objects outside the car. With an optional LTE modem, users can control the camera remotely via a smartphone app and view live footage. Its 4K resolution combined with a Sony STARVIS 2 image sensor captures details even in low light, and 70mai’s Lumi Vision Night Owl technology records video in near-total darkness.

Vantrue E360

The Vantrue E360 uses front and rear cameras with image-stitching technology to create a 360-degree view of the interior and exterior. While this gives a wide perspective, video quality is somewhat reduced. The dash cam employs a Sony STARVIS 2 sensor and HDR technology for excellent low-light performance, and eight infrared lights assist the rear/interior camera in total darkness. The 1.54-inch touchscreen can be tricky to operate, but most settings are mirrored in the smartphone app.

Nextbase 422GW Dashcam

The Nextbase 422GW records in 2K Quad HD with a 140-degree lens and enhanced night vision. It features built-in Amazon Alexa, allowing voice commands to start recording, take pictures, or even control smart home devices. An emergency SOS feature can call a preprogrammed number in the event of a crash. Its 2.5-inch touchscreen is intuitive to use, and a companion app allows easy viewing and downloading of footage.

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