When you see something happen on the road that you wish you could have caught on video or you get into an accident and what happened just isn't clear, you'll wish you had one of the best dash cam units installed in your vehicle.

A dash cam is just one of those things you don't know you need until you really need it. Having a dash cam helps protect you in the event you're in an accident that's not your fault.

Dash cams aren't just for law enforcement anymore. Technology has become so accessible that the average, everyday driver can pick up a high-definition, high-quality dash cam of their own. Many of the best dash cam units hold a low profile, making them undetectable without a very close look. This adds to the potential of using them as a security device and keeps them out of the way of drivers who need to concentrate. Many have Wi-Fi technology built in, as well, making it easier than ever before to share footage anywhere you want.

Dash cams are not only great for insurance and security, but the photo and video possibilities are endless. Pack your bags and head out for that scenic, dream adventure; road trips can be captured at the press of a button!

The dash cam market is full of candidates to fit any budget. In this guide, we'll go over different dash cams with different price ranges and capabilities. Maybe we'll come across the right one for you! Check it out.

The APEMAN C450 Series A Dash Cam is a powerhouse of a dash cam. Its three-inch frame packs high-resolution capabilities up to 12 megapixels, for a broad, clear visual experience while driving.

This camera is well-suited for capturing accidents. The built-in gravity sensor detects when collisions occur, keeping important footage safe and protecting it from being overwritten or deleted; the lens automatically records moving objects within three meters.

This dash cam switches easily between night and day vision so you can have the clearest possible footage even in low-light conditions. Couple this with a wide aperture and you can be sure this APEMAN model won't miss a thing.

The recording program offers seamless loop recording that allows you to automatically overwrite footage that isn't relevant while allowing you to pull footage from the recent past.

Installation is quick and easy, and the memory card is just as easy to place. There's a 45-day money-back replacement policy available to those who purchase this camera.

Customers enjoy the user-friendly nature of the menu; everything about using this dash cam appears to be very simple. Customers really like the addition of two mounts that allow users to place it on the dash or on the glass, depending on preference. The video quality is a big plus as well.

Some customers have reported the instructions included leave a little something to be desired; given the ease of use, this might not be a problem for many. Other customers say the glass-suction mount that comes with the camera is prone to slipping, which isn't necessarily an issue specific to this camera.

Overall, the APEMAN C450 Series A Dash Cam is a solid choice, especially for the price.

Key Features
  • Built in G-sensor for accidents
  • Automatic overwrite feature
  • 12-megapixel screen
Specifications
  • Display Type: LCD
  • Power Source: 1 AAA battery
  • Dimensions: 4.9 x 4 x 3.8 inches
  • Warranty: 12 months
  • Display Source: Rear screen
  • Brand: Apeman
Pros
  • User-friendly menu
  • Extra mount is a nice touch
  • Very easy to install
Cons
  • Mount can slip sometimes
  • Instructions aren't always clear
Premium pick

2. VAVA VD009 Dash Cam

9.10 / 10
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The VAVA VD009 Dash Cam is an excellent choice for first-time dash cam buyers. The dual camera spans 155 degrees in the front and 126 degrees in the back; the rear camera, in particular, is actually a bit wider in terms of field of view when compared to other models on the market right now.

This dash cam is further equipped with night vision that preserves video quality even in low-light situations. Built-in Wi-Fi will allow you to pull footage from your camera to your phone and send it to social media and beyond.

Seamless loop recording starts up when the engine is started, saving the video in one, two, and three-minute segments. This dash cam supports a 128 GB SD card (not included in this set).

Customers like the night vision feature; it's not easy to find a camera that has decent low-light capabilities, but this one fits the bill pretty nicely. The GPS capabilities, as well as an included Wi-Fi, is extremely convenient for customers also.

Some customers report flaws in the lens of the front camera, but other customers report that this doesn't seem to affect the performance of the dash cam. Some customers feel the video quality could be better for the price, but the VAVA VD009 Dash Cam is still an excellent piece of equipment with great bells and whistles.

Key Features
  • Wide-angle lens for both cameras
  • Low-light video capabilities
  • Built-in Wi-Fi allows for footage management on the go
Specifications
  • Display Type: N/A
  • Power Source: 320mAh battery
  • Dimensions: 7.72 x 2.83 x 7.32 inches
  • Warranty: 18 months
  • Display Source: Mobile Phone
  • Brand: VAVA
Pros
  • Night vision works well
  • GPS is helpful
  • Wi-Fi is a great selling point
Cons
  • Some flaws with the front lens
  • Video quality could be better
Best value

3. CHORTAU Dual Dash Cam

9.35 / 10
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The CHORTAU Dual Dash Cam is a great addition to any vehicle. With two cameras—one waterproof rear and a front-facing camera—you can capture anything you need to. The built-in LED lights on the rear camera ensure high-quality capturing even at night. The 1080P HD quality video allows you to capture every detail of your road trip or if you're ever in an accident.

This dash cam comes with a built-in G-sensor that locks video in the event of a crash. If you witness something, you can hit the emergency lock function to ensure the footage is properly saved.

The camera can also switch to a parking monitor and motion-activated mode, which keeps your car monitored and secure 24 hours a day.

This dash cam comes with a hidden windshield mount and is specially designed to minimize view interruption. The camera turns on and off automatically with the car engine, so there's no need to worry about forgetting to turn it on.

Customers love the clarity of view the camera offers, both in the width of angle and in the video quality itself. Installation is super simple and can be done in the span of about 10 minutes. Customers also appreciate the different recording modes while keeping track of how much time is still available.

Some customers have difficulties sticking the mount onto the windshield. The lights can get a bit bright when using the rear-facing camera, but that is a minor issue overall.

All in all, the CHORTAU Dual Dash Cam is a solid, budget choice for those in the market for a dash cam.

Key Features
  • Built-in LED for rear-facing camera
  • Switches to parking monitor
  • Low, hidden profile
Specifications
  • Display Type: LCD
  • Power Source: Built-in Li-ion Battery
  • Dimensions: 3.00 x 1.60 x 0.60 inches
  • Warranty: 18 months
  • Display Source: Rear screen
  • Brand: CHORTAU
Pros
  • The width and clarity of view is fantastic
  • Installation is very easy
  • Different recording modes are helpful
Cons
  • Installing sticky mount can be wonky
  • LED lights are a bit too bright

The ROVE R2-4K Dash Cam is one of the top dash cams on the market today. With an incredible resolution capability of 2160p, the video quality is several steps above the rest. The ultra-HD capability brings you clarity of view beyond almost any dash cam on the market right now.

The built-in Wi-Fi allows you to download your high-quality video on the spot and upload it to social media or wherever you need to push it. The built-in GPS allows for even more detail, as if the high-def video isn't enough! The GPS tracks not only your location, but your speed as well, in addition to helping you keep track of directions.

This camera has a built-in G-sensor with emergency video lock, time lapse, slow motion, and so much more. This dash cam supports up to a 512GB micro SD card.

This dash cam also comes with a one-year warranty and a closely connected customer service team.

In addition to its video technology, customers love how clear even snapshots show up on this dash cam. Customers claim this suction cup mount is one of the best on the market, which, while a small detail, is a common complaint among some of the cheaper cameras on the market. The Wi-Fi capabilities are innovative and something customers rave about.

Some customers have discovered a few dead spots when driving due to remote coverage areas, but hopefully as technology improves, that issue will resolve. At higher resolutions, sometimes the frame rate can be slow, so it's really a matter of tweaking according to customer needs.

Overall, the ROVE R2-4K Dash Cam is one of the top cameras on the market and well worth the investment.

Key Features
  • Ultra high 2160P resolution
  • Built-in Wi-Fi capabilities
  • GPS tracks location and speed
Specifications
  • Display Type: LCD
  • Power Source: Internal battery
  • Dimensions: 3.00 x 2.01 x 1.00 inches
  • Warranty: 12 months (up to 15)
  • Display Source: Mobile/Rear screen
  • Brand: ROVE
Pros
  • Clarity of camera is unparalleled
  • Suction mount is high quality
  • Wi-Fi is very convenient
Cons
  • Some dead spots can happen while traveling
  • Frame rate can slow down

The TOGUARD Dual Dash Cam with IR Night Vision offers high-quality camera footage from the front and back and is among the top of the line cameras on the dash cam market today.

The front camera stretches 170˚, while the inside camera goes to a 160˚ view, unprecedented among most cameras on the market. The video is filmed at a standard 30 fps, but the higher resolution spans 1920 by 1080P.

The camera has exceptional night vision thanks to invisible light technology. The camera is easy to hide, allowing you to monitor the goings-on in your car at all times. Even when it's very dark, the IR sensors help you see everything.

Continuous loop recording automatically overwrites the oldest footage, so there's no need to worry about losing out on memory. The G-sensor built into the dash cam automatically saves your footage in the event of a sudden stop.

The dash cams can switch to motion detection, which is a great way for your car to be monitored while parked. The audio quality is reportedly excellent in any mode as well.

Customers love the suction mount, which is not a common compliment any dash cam gets, but the quality is certainly there. The lenses are of high quality and offer high-resolution video from the rear and the front alike. The user interface is user-friendly, and it’s simple to switch between modes.

Some customers would like to see time-lapse mode supported, but perhaps we will see that in a software update. Other customers would like to see the display be a bit bigger, as well.

Overall, the TOGUARD Dual Dash Cam with IR Night Vision is a solid entry into the higher-tier dash cam market and certainly worth the investment.

Key Features
  • Super-wide angle lens with front and rear cameras
  • Low profile design
  • IR sensors make for easy night recording
Specifications
  • Display Type: LCD
  • Power Source: Lithium Polymer battery
  • Dimensions: 4.4 x 1.48 x 1.56 inches
  • Warranty: 30 days
  • Display Source: Rear monitor
  • Brand: TOGUARD
Pros
  • Suction mount works perfectly
  • High quality lenses offer high resolution
  • User-friendly controls
Cons
  • Time-lapse mode would've been nice
  • Display could be a little bigger

This APEMAN C550 Dash Cam is no-frills and perfect for a first-time buyer of a dash cam.

This mid-tier dash cam has a sleek, discreet design that's designed to stay out of the way when you're driving. The 170˚, 1080P front camera gives you a wide field of view, in addition to the 720P HD rear-view camera. Together, they leave no metaphorical stone unturned, giving you complete coverage in the event of an accident or something else you'd like to record.

This dash cam works well during the day or night. Driving information like speed and GPS data are recorded along with the high-quality footage. Like so many quality dash cams on the market today, this dash cam contains a G-sensor that automatically locks footage in the event of a big jolt or a collision with your car. There are no worries of losing footage or evidence with this dash cam. An included, powerful SD card has 32GB of memory, making it so you can use the camera right out of the box.

Customers love how easy and quick this dash cam is to install; the added SD card is certainly a welcome addition. The well-reviewed design keeps the wires out of view and out of the way, leaving the driving experience as distraction-free as possible. The price point is something customers really love, too; while there are lower prices on the market, this model definitely makes up for it in quality.

Some customers would love a higher-quality rear camera, but the front camera is fantastic. The USB cord that comes with the unit could be a bit longer, too, but the power is connected to the cigarette lighter anyhow.

Overall, for the price, the APEMAN C550 Dash Cam is an excellent model that you shouldn't pass up!

Key Features
  • Wide field of view on front and rear cameras
  • G-sensor saves footage leading up to impacts
  • Included 32GB SD card
Specifications
  • Display Type: LCD screen
  • Power Source: Built-in battery
  • Dimensions: 3.68 x 2.10 x 1.34 inches
  • Warranty: 12 months
  • Display Source: Rear screen
  • Brand: APEMAN
Pros
  • Easy and quick to install
  • Excellent price point
  • Design keeps wires easily out of view
Cons
  • Rear camera could be better
  • USB cord could be longer

The Rexing V1-4K Ultra HD Car Dash Cam is one of the finest on the market. The camera has high-definition capabilities even when driving fast. The sleek profile means the camera stays out of your way and away from prying eyes. This dash cam can support up to a 256GB micro SD memory card.

The wide-angle lens is almost 180˚, allowing for a field of view beyond what most cameras on the market are capable of.

This dash cam is particularly durable, withstanding extreme temperatures and specially designed to prevent overheating. The camera quickly converts to a parking monitor mode, keeping extra eyes on your car to ensure its security.

This Rexing dash cam also comes with its own Wi-Fi connection, allowing you to view, save, and share dash cam recordings right from the palm of your hand.

Videos can be recorded in three types of intervals and up to three minutes in length. New recordings will automatically overwrite the oldest recordings with G-sensor locking capabilities included.

Customers love the ease of the user interface, allowing users to change the length of videos, mute, and unmute the microphone with a single touch and much more. The clarity of the video found in the Rexing V1-4K Ultra HD Car Dash Cam is a big selling point for a lot of customers; the higher resolution puts it a few steps above standard HD, which can come in especially handy when an accident occurs.

The stealthy design also attracts buyers, keeping necessary wires hidden and out of the way, leaving a minimal profile and possibility of distraction.

Some customers have some difficulty connecting the app to the camera but learning curves can be expected at times. Others report some slipping of the suction cup on hot days.

Overall, this is an excellent, high-end dash cam and certainly worth high consideration.

Key Features
  • Wide angle almost covers 180 degrees
  • Withstands elements and extreme temperatures
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
Specifications
  • Display Type: LCD
  • Power Source: Built-in battery
  • Dimensions: 3.5 x 2.5 x 2 inches
  • Warranty: 12 months
  • Display Source: Rear screen
  • Brand: Rexing
Pros
  • Very easy controls
  • Clarity of video is second to none
  • Easily hidden design
Cons
  • App can be a little finicky connecting
  • Suction mount can slip sometimes

The Garmin Dash Cam Mini is an excellent choice for those in the market for a basic dash cam.

This Garmin model is about the size of a car key and can go easily unnoticed when attached to the windshield. The wide, 140˚ angle offers a great field of view—and in HD video quality, no less.

This dash cam also automatically records and saves video in the event of an accident, and it supports an 8GB micro SD card.

Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity uploads your footage to your smart phone thanks to the Garmin Drive app, allowing you to take the footage anywhere. The dash cam sync helps you to play footage from up to four cameras using the Drive app.

Customers love the ease of use of the Garmin Drive app, as well as the camera itself. The set-and-forget nature of this camera means that you'll have security and safety as you go about your travels, and you may even forget it's there! Despite the wide angle, this camera manages to avoid the fish-eye effect that seems pretty commonplace in some dash cams. The addition of simple voice commands only adds to the user-friendly nature of this particular dash cam.

This camera does not come with a micro SD card, much to the disappointment of some customers, but you won't find too many on the market that come with SD cards anyway. Some customers would like to see the battery last longer, as well as have better night vision.

For what the Garmin Dash Cam Mini is, it’s a great starter cam and mid-tier model.

Key Features
  • Very small, discreet build
  • G-sensor records during crashes
  • Built-in Wi-Fi helps you manage footage
Specifications
  • Display Type: LCD
  • Power Source: Lithium Metal battery
  • Dimensions: 1.23 x 2.1 x 1.15 inches
  • Warranty: 12 months
  • Display Source: Rear screen
  • Brand: Garmin
Pros
  • Camera and app are both very easy to use
  • Wide-angle lens doesn't have fish-eye effect
  • Simple voice commands are convenient
Cons
  • Battery could be better
  • No SD card included

The ROAV DashCam A1 by Anker is a great choice in terms of mid-tier dash cams.

The super wide-angle lens offers a long field of view in crystal-clear HD. NightHawk technology allows users to see clearly, even in bad lighting conditions and in the dead of night. The built-in Wi-Fi capabilities of this dash cam allow you to seamlessly view, edit, and upload HD video right from the convenience of the device of your choice. This can all be done through the ROAV Dash Cam app.

A built-in G-sensor allows your car to record activity in the event of a bump or crash, even if your car is turned off at the time.

With this dash cam package, you will get the dash cam, a one-port car charger, suction mount, micro USB cable, trim removal tool, and warranty and instruction information.

Customers love how user-friendly this dash cam is to use. Even those who struggle learning technology at first don’t have too tough of a time getting this camera up and running in a matter of minutes.

The sound quality and picture quality are both great, as noted by customers, which can be rare, especially for other cameras within this price range. It's small, lightweight build makes it simple to set up and store as needed.

Some customers would like to see longer battery life in this dash cam. The Wi-Fi does not automatically switch on when the camera does, and some customers find it slightly inconvenient to have to remember to switch that on.

Overall, the ROAV DashCam A1 by Anker is a solid mid-tier dash cam and well worth considering.

Key Features
  • Built-in Wi-Fi allows for easy uploading
  • High-quality video even in dark conditions
  • Comes with micro USB cable
Specifications
  • Display Type: LCD
  • Power Source: Built-in battery
  • Dimensions: 3.27 x 2.20 x 1.38 inches
  • Warranty: 3 months
  • Display Source: Rear monitor
  • Brand: ROAV
Pros
  • User-friendly overall
  • Sound and video quality is great
  • Small, lightweight build makes it easy to move and store
Cons
  • Battery life could be better
  • Wi-Fi doesn't automatically switch on

The AUKEY DR02 Dash Cam is simple, sleek, and just what you're looking for when it comes to shopping for a dash cam.

The low-key design means not only will it stay out of your way as you concentrate on driving, but you'll also go undetected by anyone else on the road, as well. Equipped with the Sony Exmor Sensor, this camera is sensitive enough to capture everything in 1080p with an unusually wide 170˚ field of view. Even at night, you can expect to capture high-definition footage.

A built-in G-sensor puts the AUKEY DR02 Dash Cam into emergency recording mode in the event of the unexpected. The dash cam automatically protects the footage from getting deleted or overwritten. For the discerning videographer, this dash cam also comes equipped with a time-lapse mode, not often found in many dash cams.

This dash cam is powered by your standard car charger and automatically powers on and off with your car's engine. The super-capacitor helps keep the camera from overheating and makes it able to withstand even tough elements.

Customers say this particular dash cam seems to outpace other top-tier dash cams in terms of night-time clarity. It's not always easy to pick up details in low light, but this cam seems to get the job done.

Though there are less expensive cameras on the market, customers comment that this dash cam is one of the best in terms of value for money spent. The camera's super-capacitor has been tested against serious heat in the American desert and held up just fine!

Some customers appreciate the simple controls but note that they could be better to improve user-friendliness. The screen could also be bigger, but with a smaller design, something like this is to be expected.

Overall, the AUKEY DR02 Dash Cam is a great value when it comes to dash cams. Check it out!

Key Features
  • Low-profile, discreet design
  • Wide field of view at 170 degrees
  • Super-capacitor keeps cam balanced in harsh conditions
Specifications
  • Display Type: LCD
  • Power Source: Built-in battery
  • Dimensions: 2.2 x 2.2 x 1.2 inches
  • Warranty: 24 months
  • Display Source: Rear screen
  • Brand: AUKEY
Pros
  • Night vision camera is particularly great
  • Design is durable and holds up well to elements
  • Excellent value for the money
Cons
  • Controls could be better
  • Screen could be a bit bigger

Why You Should Buy a Dash Cam

You may have come across this buyer's guide because you've never bought a dash cam before. Welcome! You're making a great choice for your own security.

Here's why you should take the plunge and get yourself a high-quality dash cam today.

Crash Evidence Is Everything

Let's say you get into a car crash. In the moment, you may not realize that you are not at fault, and there may be situations in which you are the victim of an insurance scam... or you would be, if you didn't have video evidence. Having the camera going when you start your engine and every time you drive provides real-time footage that’s perfect for capturing details in the event an accident happens.

Escape a Ticket?

Traffic violations can be just as stressful as certain car accidents. Thankfully, if you find yourself in a situation where you're given a ticket for a violation that seemed dubious at best, you can have evidence to fight it.

If the officer issuing the ticket won't take the time to watch the footage back, you can bring the evidence to court against the state as proof you didn't do what you've been ticketed for. There are cases where officers will take time to watch the footage and be able to let drivers go based on evidence without the courts ever getting involved because you have evidence you didn't do anything wrong!

Stay Scam-free

Let's expand on insurance fraud here. You might have ended up in a crash that gives you a gut feeling that something isn't right. The other driver might complain about whiplash or a related injury that doesn't seem possible given the situation, for example.

If you suspect you might be the victim of potential insurance fraud, having a dash cam can go a long way in providing evidence to those who combat insurance fraud every day.

Memories

There are less serious reasons to invest in a dash cam, too! Having a dash cam allows you to record road trip footage you may not otherwise have. Having a dashcam handy can also allow you to capture those once-in-a-lifetime things that could happen on your way from Point A to scenic Point B. You might come across elusive wildlife or see something funny happen on the road. You never know!

Investing in a dash cam has a number of purposes; it's almost silly to go without buying one for yourself!

ResourcesSecurity Bros, Insurance.com

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