Driving is generally safe, but there’s always a chance you might get into an accident, even a minor one, and that can be pretty scary. That’s where dash cams come in handy, giving you some extra peace of mind. They capture photographic or video evidence of what happened, which is really useful if you’re not at fault. The good news is you don’t need to buy the most expensive dash cam to get cool features like parked collision detection. You can find great deals that won’t break the bank.
If you’re worried about theft while you’re at home, consider looking into security camera deals to keep an eye on your driveway and car.
One affordable option is the 70mai Smart Dash Cam 1S. Even though it’s the cheapest on this list, it’s packed with features. This dash cam supports microSD memory cards up to 64GB and records in 1080p Full HD resolution with night vision, thanks to its Sony IMX307 image processor and f/2.2 aperture. It has a built-in G sensor that detects accidents and locks the footage to prevent it from being overwritten. You can use voice commands to take photos or start recording, and watch real-time footage or download files to your phone using its app.
If you’re aiming for higher resolution, the Rove R2-4k might be perfect for you. It records in 2160P at 30fps and also features a large 2.4-inch IPS screen on the back. With a 150-degree field of view and a 24-hour parking mode, this dash cam is fully equipped. It can connect via 5Ghz Wi-Fi and supports microSD cards up to 512GB.
For full coverage, consider a dash cam with both front and rear cameras. The Redtiger Dash Cam 4K offers 4k resolution on the front camera and 1080p on the rear. It includes night vision, crash detection that saves video even if the microSD card is full, and a GPS with a route map for navigation.
The Nexar Beam GPS Dash Cam is compact and easily hidden behind your rearview mirror. It records videos with a 135-degree angle in 1080p Full HD. When it detects a collision or sudden brake, the footage is saved to the Nexar app and backed up to a free unlimited cloud account. The dash cam can also sense impacts when parked and stream live footage to the app. In case of an accident, the app can create a report with video footage, driving speed, and location for insurance claims.
Another quality product is from Thinkware, known for reliability. It can detect contact with your car while parked, recording immediately with both front and rear cameras. There’s also a GPS feature to record your location and speed, integrating this data into the footage.
Thinkware offers many options, including budget-friendly models. Their cameras come with night vision modes, essential since a third of accidents happen after dark. These models feature small LCD touch screens for easy control while driving.
The Thinkware Q1000 is unique with both front and rear cameras recording in 2k resolution, ensuring excellent video quality. It has HDR for extra contrast, remote connectivity, and alerts for impacts or issues. The collision sensor offers parking protection and low-energy modes, and it even provides basic driver assistance with lane departure alerts.
Even with the push towards 4K resolution, it’s rare to find ultra-HD dash cams that also include rear cameras. Thinkware’s system, equipped with an 8.42-megapixel Sony Starvis image sensor and a 150-degree viewing angle, offers just that. It can capture pre-event footage in parking surveillance mode and boasts built-in WiFi and GPS for connectivity and tracking, along with advanced driver assistance features like lane departure and front collision warnings.