Owning a dash cam is like having an extra set of eyes on the road. Although these devices can be pricey, they’re extremely valuable. A dash cam can provide crucial footage of any accidents and act as a deterrent for potential car break-ins.
When it comes to automotive tech, there are plenty of front and rear dash cams to choose from, making it tough to decide. To help, here’s a roundup of our top five favorite models.
The Thinkware X1000 Dash Cam is a solid choice for most vehicle owners. It records in sharp 1440p resolution and features a 3.5-inch LCD touchscreen for easy use. It also has night vision and technology to reduce noise and lens flare for clearer nighttime footage. Additionally, it includes an advanced driver assistance system, though you’ll need to buy a GPS antenna for this feature.
If you enjoy smart home technology, you’ll love the Nextbase iQ 4K Dash Cam. Using the iQ app, you can receive alerts about threats to your parked car and view the front and rear feeds anytime. You can also activate Witness Mode to share footage with a trusted contact in case of danger and get emergency assistance if you’re in an accident.
Smart features aren’t limited to expensive models. The 70mai Dash Cam Pro Plus A500S is an affordable option with impressive features. It records clear footage with 1944p resolution for the front camera and 1080p for the rear. It has an advanced driver assistance system, built-in GPS for route tracking, automatic recording when its G sensor detects a collision, and video downloads via the 70mai app.
If you want comprehensive coverage, the Vantrue S1 Pro 2.7 Dual Dash Cam is excellent. The front camera captures a 160-degree field of view (FOV) at up to 1944p/30fps, while the rear camera covers a 165-degree FOV at 1080p/30fps. It also features a built-in Starvis 2 Sensor for optimized nighttime footage. The S1 Pro is easy to install and has 5GHz Wi-Fi for networking both cams. You can download the Vantrue app to edit videos, use GPS, speed tracking, and get firmware updates.
For those on a tight budget, the Onn. Dual Dash Cam is a great choice. It captures 1080p footage from the front camera and records both inside and behind the vehicle with the rear camera. It has a parking lot sensor that triggers recording on impact, and a 3-inch LCD screen displays images from both cameras.
Choosing the best dash cam isn’t easy with so many options online, but we focused on the needs of vehicle owners to narrow down our top picks. You’ll need to determine your preferences and budget to make the best choice. Look for dash cams with features that you’ll use and that fit your budget.
When shopping for a dash cam, opt for one with the latest technology. Even budget-friendly models should have useful features to protect your car and family. Only go for outdated models if absolutely necessary.
Ease of installation is key. Many vehicle owners may find tinkering with car electronics daunting, so the highlighted dash cams are easy to install without the need for cutting wires or making complex connections. Avoid extra costs by choosing a plug-and-play model.
Finally, value for money is crucial. Whether you choose a cheap or expensive model, ensure it offers good value. A budget dash cam shouldn’t break in a few days, and a premium one shouldn’t charge extra for features available in cheaper options. Deciding your budget will help you choose the best dash cam you can afford.
This article is managed and created separately from the Digital Trends Editorial team.