Dash cams are popular because they can capture viral videos of bad drivers or stunning natural events, like a gorgeous sunset or a falling meteor. But, more importantly, dash cams are an invaluable accessory for your car because they can limit your liability in accidents and record instances of vandalism. 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 or incident is crucial. For everyone else, it's just another piece of evidence you can provide to your insurance company in case of vehicle damage.
Here are the top models we've tested, along with advice on how to choose the right dash cam for your needs.
Table of Contents
Garmin Dash Cam Live
Best for Driver Assists
Why We Picked It
The Garmin Dash Cam Live is an Editors’ Choice winner thanks to its low-profile design, 180-degree field of view, 1440p capture resolution, and cellular connectivity. Other highlights include excellent driver assist features (such as forward collision and lane departure warnings), remote live view capabilities, and easy-to-use voice commands. It even comes with a 16GB microSD card and can let you know if you drive away without your phone.
Who It's For
This is a great choice for drivers with older cars that lack built-in safety features. It costs a lot, but you can rely entirely on its local storage allotment, and the intuitive mobile app won't cause any headaches.
PROS
- High-res 1440p camera
- Remote live view
- Driver assist features
- Supports voice controls
- Cellular and Wi-Fi connectivity
- Cloud and local video storage
- Time-lapse recording
- Ships with microSD card
CONS
- Pricey
- Some features require a subscription
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 2.95 inches |
| Resolution | 1440p |
| G-Sensor | |
| Parking Mode | |
| GPS | |
| Voice Control | Integrated |
| Bluetooth | |
| Wi-Fi | |
| Forward Collision Warning | |
| Lane Departure Warning | |
| Safety Camera Alerts |
Nextbase 522GW Dash Cam
Best for Emergencies
Why We Picked It
The Nextbase 522GW provides a lot of features for the price, including a 3-inch touch screen, Alexa voice controls, a parking mode, and a subscription-based Emergency SOS feature that sends your car’s location to first responders if you get into an accident. The camera delivered quality 1440p video in testing and we had no trouble with the on-screen controls.
Who It's For
If you need a dash cam that does more than record the road in front of you, consider the Nextbase 522GW. The Emergency SOS feature can give you peace of mind, while Alexa support ensures you can stay up to date on traffic conditions. Optional add-on cameras ($99.99) even let you monitor what's happening behind you or inside the cabin.
PROS
- Crisp video recording
- Unique Emergency SOS feature
- Alexa voice control
- Parking mode
- Sturdy mount
CONS
- Frustrating power cord connection and flimsy, unconnected port covers
- Requires a memory card
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 3 inches |
| Resolution | 1440p |
| G-Sensor | |
| Parking Mode | |
| GPS | |
| Voice Control | Amazon Alexa |
| Bluetooth | |
| Wi-Fi | |
| Forward Collision Warning | |
| Lane Departure Warning | |
| Safety Camera Alerts |
Ring Car Cam
Best for In-Cabin Communication
Why We Picked It
We like that the Ring Car Cam uses two cameras, one that captures video in front of your car and another that records the interior of your vehicle. You must pay for a subscription to unlock certain remote features, but Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity, a sleek profile, and a 1080p recording resolution are all points in its favor. One standout feature: It gives you the ability to remotely speak with whoever is in the car.
Who It’s For
It's pricey, but the Ring Car Cam's cost might seem more palatable if auto insurance claims are something you deal with often. Both parents and app-based drivers should appreciate the insights of the interior camera, while the voice-activated Traffic Stop feature gives you an extra layer of protection if a cop pulls you over or someone tries to force their way into your vehicle.
PROS
- Dual-camera imaging
- Good 1080p video
- Includes GPS locator
- Supports in-cabin two-way talk
CONS
- Pricey
- Many features require a subscription
- Few integration options
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | |
| Resolution | 1080p |
| G-Sensor | |
| Parking Mode | |
| GPS | |
| Voice Control | Amazon Alexa, Integrated |
| Bluetooth | |
| Wi-Fi | |
| Forward Collision Warning | |
| Lane Departure Warning | |
| Safety Camera Alerts |
VanTrue N2 Pro Dual 1080p Dash Cam
Best for Rideshare Drivers
Why We Picked It
The VanTrue N2 Pro captures 1080p video of what's ahead of your car and who's inside it. It also installs easily and is small enough that it won’t impair your view. Its buttons are rather small and you get fewer driver assist features compared with competitors, but the device can detect crashes and offers a parking mode that automatically triggers a recording when someone bumps into your car.
Who It's For
The N2’s ability to see what’s happening inside the car should appeal if you drive passengers for a living or are a nervous parent who wants to keep an eye on your kid while they are on the road. Alternatively, you can angle the inside camera to act as a rearview camera and use the time-lapse feature for extended recordings. You should look elsewhere if you need Wi-Fi support and a companion app, but keep in mind that this model costs less than others on our list.
PROS
- Dual cameras capture video of the road and inside the car
- Adjustable rear-facing camera
- Automatic parking mode
CONS
- No built-in connectivity or companion smartphone app
- Small screen
- Cumbersome controls
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 1.5 inches |
| Resolution | 1080p |
| G-Sensor | |
| Parking Mode | |
| GPS | |
| Voice Control | None |
| Bluetooth | |
| Wi-Fi | |
| Forward Collision Warning | |
| Lane Departure Warning | |
| Safety Camera Alerts |
What Is a Dash Camera?
A dash cam is a mountable camera that you can secure to your windshield or rearview mirror. It's important to go for a test drive after you attach one, just to make sure it doesn't obstruct your view and that it's easy to access. Most dash cams have built-in screens for changing settings and viewing videos (don't do this while you are driving), but others require you to pair them with a smartphone app.
Many of the dash cameras we review record in at least 1080p, though you can dial that resolution down in some cases to stretch your storage further. To get around any such issues, purchase the largest memory card your dash cam accepts and make sure to transfer the clips that you need to your computer regularly. The best dash cams automatically start recording once you start your car, so your card might fill up more quickly than you think. If you do run out of storage, most devices just overwrite old videos. It may be more convenient to pay for a cloud storage plan (if offered) that has space for seven to 30 days' worth of recordings.
Consider a camera's field of view as well; a wider-angle lens captures more of the road in front of and around you. That comes in handy for taking snapshots along your route, though smartphones are often better at that task because dash cams usually do so at a relatively low resolution, such as 720p.
Dash cams with a G-Sensor can detect a collision and automatically save those recordings. Some double as navigation devices, though others simply employ GPS so that you can pinpoint your car's location on a map and pair it with recorded events.
Do You Need a Dash Cam With Multiple Cameras?
Some manufacturers outfit their dash cams with multiple cameras that you can pair together for a wider field of view or to see in front of and behind your car at the same time. Not everyone needs a dedicated rear-facing camera because all new consumer vehicles in the US have offered backup cameras since 2018.
Cameras that point inside the car can be more useful, as they let you see who is inside the cabin as well as what they are doing. If the device you choose offers a microphone, you might even be able to communicate with passengers from afar.
Which Dash Cam Has the Best Driver Assists, Connectivity, and Voice Features?
Some newer dash cams feature high-tech driver assists, such as lane departure warnings and forward collision alerts that can keep you safe. Meanwhile, alerts for red lights and speed cameras help you avoid traffic tickets. Some devices even alert you to school zones and upcoming curves.
Some dash cams have Bluetooth radios that allow them to sync with mobile apps, while others rely on either Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity. If you opt for a cellular plan, prepare to pay a monthly fee (potentially in addition to cloud storage).
As with most smart devices, the latest dash cams support voice controls for everything from capturing clips manually to recording traffic stop incidents.
For more ways to soup up your existing vehicle, check out the coolest car gadgets for your current ride.
