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(Pocket-lint) - Dash cams are a great upgrade to your car setup. They add peace of mind while you're on the road, with an extra pair of (digital) eyes working as a witness should you ever be in an accident.
They're also useful for other things. Some car insurance companies offer discounts on your premium if you have a dash cam installed for example. Alternatively, they can be used to report motoring offences or simply prevent others from making malicious false claims against you.
If you're after a dash cam, then you've probably noticed there are quite a number to choose from. At a glance, it's hard to know which is the right one for you. To cut down on the fuss, we've been testing out a number of different dash cams to bring you the low-down on the best cameras to buy for your car.
We've been running these dash cams during our daily drive, testing them out in a variety of conditions, day and night, rain and shine, to find which offer the best features and results.
The following is our round-up of the best dash cams you can buy, whatever your budget or capture goals.
Best Dash Cams in 2022
- Viofo A139 3 channel dashcam
- Nextbase 622GW dash cam
- Nextbase 222 dash cam
- Mio MiVue 798 Pro Dash Cam
- Zenfox T3-3CH triple channel dash cam
Our Top Pick
Pocket-lint
Viofo A139 3 channel dashcam
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For
- Simple intelligent design
- Easy installation process
- Super capture quality
Against
- No built-in display for real-time review
- Pricier than other options
On the face of it, the Viofo A139 is easily one of the best dash cam systems money can buy. It might not be as affordable as other dash cams on this list, but it is one of the most feature-packed cameras available.
As you might have gathered from the name, this is a triple camera dashcam system. It's designed to capture every useful angle of the car and be used by families, rideshare drivers and more.
It has one camera for the front, a second for the rear and a third internal camera for peace of mind.
The front-facing camera is capable of capturing video in 2K (2560 x 1440p30FPS) while the rear and internal cameras record HD footage (1920 x 1080P 30FPS).
You can, of course, choose to tweak settings on the camera and within the app. This includes various recording modes, timelapse and parking mode too. The parking mode intelligently detects bumps and events automatically and everything is designed to be convenient.
One thing we really like about this dashcam package is the attention to detail. The system uses a super slim coaxial cable to connect the front, rear and interior cameras. This makes it a lot easier to install and ensures cables don't get in the way with daily use and are much easier to hide.
The front camera can also be rotated 300 degrees, so you can easily position the lens facing the right way and there's an optional polarising lens to block excessive sun glare too. It's these little touches that make the Viofo A139 a joy to use.
There's an accompanying app that allows you to access footage and download it directly to your phone rather than having to transfer it to your PC first. Ideal if you need it in a hurry.
There's an easy access button to secure footage on this camera should you witness or be involved in an accident. It also has a"G-sensor" technology to detect crashes, collisions or near misses. Those recordings are "locked" so they can't get deleted as generally the recordings are done on a rolling basis, so when the card gets full it gets overwritten.
The result is a low maintenance, feature-rich dash cam that's capable of not only capturing great footage, but also can save your bacon if you happen to get rear-ended.
Other dash cams we recommend
There are a number of other dash cams worth looking at that we've tested - here are all the details.
Pocket-lint
Mio MiVue 798 Pro Dash Cam
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For
- Clever alert systems
- Lets you know about speed cameras
- Can capture up to 2.8K QHD 1600p
- Record 1080p at 60FPS or 1600P at 25FPS
Against
- Pricey for a single camera
If you demand more from your dash cam and want something that does more than just capture footage then how about one that also spots speed cameras and helps ensure your safety on the road?
The Mio MiVue 798 Pro is an upgrade to the 798 with interesting changes that include upgraded recording quality and the addition of average speed camera alerts. These alerts let you know when you're in an average speed zone and how long you have until it ends as well as your average speed.
It uses Sony's premium STARVIS CMOS sensor and a F1.8 aperture for capturing superb images day or night.
That, along with a 145-degree wide-angle lens, gives a great view of the road in front and you can pair it up with either the MiVue A50 or MiVue A30 for a rear view as well.
It also boasts several intelligent features that include smart alerts forfatigue warnings, headlight reminders, lane departure warnings and more.
The Mio MiVue 798 Pro has a G sensor for recording "events" like high-speed driving, aggressive braking, crashes and more. The footage it captures is fantastic too.
All told, this is a fantastic camera for the money and a great choice if you happen to have a heavy right foot.
Pocket-lint
Nextbase 622GW dash cam
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For
- Simple mounting system
- Convenient quick release
- Support for Amazon Alexa
- Upgradable system
Against
- Not as feature-rich as other systems
If you're looking for something that's easy to manage, with a simple interface and very little fuss then we'd suggest the Nextbase 622GW is the answer to your quest.
This dash cam has a number of fantastic features that include a large 3-inch touchscreen display, the ability to capture up to 4K footage at 30 FPS and a simple mounting design.
This dash cam boasts a quick release catch which means you can easily take it out of the car when not in use if you're worried about theft. There's also a suction cup mount as an alternative installation option. Like the other cameras on this list, this dash cam has a trim tool for easy installation too.
This dash cam has a rolling video capture capability and a large button to protect important footage from being overwritten. A quick tap on the touch screen also snaps a still photo should the need arise. You can then use this touchscreen to scroll through and replay captured footage without moving it to another device.
The Nextbase 622GW is an updated version of the company's very best dash cam with numerous superb features including smooth image stabilisation, enhanced night vision, super slow mode, extreme weather capture and what3words capabilities. That last feature can be used to help emergency services find your exact location with ease if you're in an accident.
It's also worth noting that Nextbase also has a system to help you easily submit footage to local police forces with ease, which is pretty neat.
The Nextbase 622GW is a superb dash cam, that's convenient, easy to use and packed full of great features for a very reasonable price.
Pocket-lint
Nextbase 222 dash cam
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For
- Incredibly affordable design
- Simple click and go mounting system
- Excellent capture quality for the money
Against
- Not as powerful as other models
If you're shopping on a budget, but still want something reliable and able to capture useful footage, then look no further than the Nextbase 222.
This camera is essentially the cheaper, less feature-packed brother of the 522GW. It might not have the touchscreen, the Amazon Alexa compatibility or the ability to capture 1440p footage, but that doesn't mean it should be overlooked.
The Nextbase 222 is an easy to use dash cam that's simple to install, convenient to use and is capable of capturing up to 1080p footage as well.
Alongside the standard road-facing footage capture, this camera also has an Intelligent Parking Mode. This can be used to keep an eye on your car when you're not in it.
Park in a car park and nip off to the shops and the camera will automatically switch into this mode - only recording if it senses a bump or shunt. Meaning if someone reverses into your car while you're away and makes off without leaving a note you'll have footage to prove it.
This system is available on other dash cams too, but having the feature on such an affordable camera is certainly a bonus. Other highlights include a simple mounting system that makes it easy to take the camera down and into the house with you if you want to keep it safe or check the recorded footage.
All told, the 222 is a fantastic camera for the money and does not disappoint.
Pocket-lint
Zenfox T3-3CH triple channel dash cam
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For
- Clever camera for safety inside and out
- Works for everyone
- Superb Sony STARVIS sensors
Against
- Not a subtle installation
The Zenfox T3-3CH is an excellent option for those who not only need eyes on the road but an inside view of the vehicle too.
Whether for safety sake or for peace of mind, taxi drivers or Uber drivers or those involved in lift sharing will appreciate this triple camera setup.
Not only does this camera record both a front and back view, but also a nice wide-angle view of the inside of the vehicle too.
The main camera can capture 1440p footage while the inside and rear capture at 1080p. Sony STARVIS sensors and Wide Dynamic Range tech and IR LEDs mean you get a great view from every camera whatever the conditions.
This one is easy to adjust too, with cameras that can be moved to the perfect position with ease. All this from a single power source as well. Fantastic.
As you'd expect, the Zenfox T3-3CH has a built-in G-sensor supporting variable sensitivity, so it'll automatically capture and save footage in the event of an accident. You can also protect important clips with a click of a button too. Other highlights include built-in GPS accurately records the driving route, location, speed and time too, but for us, it's the usability of this triple camera setup that makes it appealing.
How to choose a dash cam
There are a few things to consider when purchasing a dash cam. Not just the capture quality and how good that will look if you ever need to review it or submit it to the police or other agency but also the features.
If your car spends a lot of time parked in public car parks when you're away from it then intelligent parking features on some of these cameras make them more valuable.
If you're sharing rides with others or if your job involves regularly driving people (or things) from place to place, then one of the multi-camera systems would be a good choice. These dash cams not only keep an eye on the outside of your vehicle, but give the necessary coverage for everyone inside too.
We've looked at the best dash cams which offer a good range of features, simple installation and great capture quality. As you'll see, any of those on this list will be a good choice to purchase.
More about this story
There are a number of factors we consider when looking at recommending products, and every dash cam in this list has been thoroughly tried and tested in real-life situations.
We've driven with them installed during the day and night and through all sorts of weather. We've tried out the parking modes, we've saved footage randomly and using the hard braking systems to capture it too. We've reviewed capture footage for quality and sound and checked they all performed well under pressure.
With the multi-camera systems, we've also checked on what can be seen and heard of the passengers and how well that footage could be used. We've checked the apps and the usability of the dash cams to ensure you're getting a great experience when you buy.
We've tested these so we can be sure they deliver the best quality. What we aren't interested in is pointless number crunching or extraneous details - we just want to provide an easy to understand review that gives you an idea of what it's going to be like to use.
We’ve been covering tech since 2003, and, in many cases, have not only reviewed the product in question, but the previous generations, too - right back to the first model on the market.
There are also plenty of models we've considered that didn't make the cut in each of our buyer's guides.
Writing by Adrian Willings.
FAQs
Which dash cam has the best video quality? ›
After researching more than 360 models and testing 52, we've found that the best overall dash cam is the Vantrue N4. It delivers the sharpest video we've seen, it's the easiest dash cam to use, and it has handy features that you don't get from most other dash cams in its price range.
What is the highest resolution dash cam? ›The highest resolution dash cam on the market is currently 4K, which boasts image quality comparable to high-end TVs and cameras. This provides the best quality dash cam footage compared to other models through improved contrast and colour range.
Which is the best car camera recorder? ›- Nextbase 622GW. The best dash cam overall. ...
- Garmin Dash Cam 57. Great features for a more palatable price. ...
- Nextbase 320XR Dash Cam. A great, no-frills camera solution. ...
- Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2. ...
- Vantrue N2 Pro. ...
- Kenwood DRV-A301W. ...
- Vantrue S1 Dash Cam. ...
- Car & Driver Road Patrol Touch Duo.
A good quality dash cam price will typically run between $100 and $400. At this price point, you can buy a car camera from a trusted brand name, built with reliable components, and covered by a warranty. This is a pretty wide price range, but the higher you go, the more features are included with the product.
Is 4k dash cam worth it? ›While cams that record in 1080p will do the trick in most situations, 4k cams simply pick up more detail. In the case of an accident, having better quality footage can mean the difference between a clear-cut victory and a drawn-out battle. For instance, think about license plates.
Is it worth getting front and rear dash cam? ›This can make a rear-end accident less likely, keeping you safer on the road. The presence of any dash cam – front or rear – may also help discourage bad behavior from other drivers who don't want to be caught on video.
Is 1080P good enough for dash cam? ›1080P, while being excellent picture quality, remains the lowest resolution among our dashcams. This doesn't mean they're bad—in fact most vehicle owners would be thrilled with the picture quality from their 1080p dashcam. However, 2k and 4k displays offer a sharper, clearer image that allows for a more robust capture.
Do Dashcams record all the time? ›Dash cams can be placed at the front or rear of your car interior and record footage of exactly what's going on around the car. Recording will continue to loop, with unimportant footage simply overwritten by new footage automatically.
How long do dash cam batteries last? ›How Long Do Dash Cam Batteries Last? Internal dash cam batteries are only expected to last for about 3 to 5 minutes. However, that should be enough time to record the important information in the case of a collision while your car is parked.
Is GPS necessary for dash cam? ›Do I really need it ? If the incident is very cut and dry, GPS isn't necessary. For example, if someone veers across their lane into your car - the footage will clearly show they're at fault. But, unfortunately, many incidents don't go like that.
Do dash cameras work when the car is off? ›
Modern dashcams can be set to record when the engine is turned off.
Where should a dash cam be placed in a car? ›You need to be careful where you install the camera. You want to ensure that you aren't obstructing your view while driving. It is always best to install your camera in the center of the windshield, and behind the rearview mirror.
What is the difference between a gopro and a dash cam? ›Dash Cam vs GoPro - YouTube
Is an expensive dash cam worth it? ›More expensive dash cams also utilize better manufacturing, for better fitment as well as stronger materials. All of these things contribute to a much longer longevity for the dash cam.
Is there a monthly fee for dash cam? ›No, It does not require a subscription. It saves the video to a memory card that you will have to buy separate. So if your phone can pull video off a micro memory card you should be able to see it on your phone.
How much does it cost to install a dash cam in a car? ›Dash cam installation should cost between $35 and $50. However, many models are “plug-and-play,” meaning they can be plugged into a vehicle port – such as a cigarette lighter, or a truck's OBD-II port – and shouldn't cost anything to have installed.
Are nextbase Dashcams any good? ›Still one of the best-selling branded dashcams on Amazon, the Nextbase 322GW Dash Cam comes with Bluetooth, wifi and an Emergency SOS system. We particularly liked the fact that recorded videos (at 60fps) were very clear and everything seems to have a good build quality.
Is 1080P good enough for dash cam? ›1080P, while being excellent picture quality, remains the lowest resolution among our dashcams. This doesn't mean they're bad—in fact most vehicle owners would be thrilled with the picture quality from their 1080p dashcam. However, 2k and 4k displays offer a sharper, clearer image that allows for a more robust capture.
Are dash cams worth it? ›Perhaps the biggest benefit of having a dashboard camera is that it gives you, the driver, proof of what occurred if there is an accident on the road. Most dashcams record video, but some can record audio as well. The typical dashcam will record a piece of video and keep it in cloud storage for a set period.
What is the difference between a gopro and a dash cam? ›Dash Cam vs GoPro - YouTube
Is the Nextbase 622GW worth the money? ›
Nextbase 622gw Review: Verdict
The Nextbase 622GW does the basic stuff really well and then only offers additional services that are actually useful. The footage is excellent and it's extremely easy to ensure vital clips are saved.
TechRadar Verdict. With the Nextbase 622GW featuring a built-in polarizing filter, image stabilization, 4K video resolution and excellent Night Vision mode, the resulting footage is of excellent quality, making it extremely easy to pick out number plate and vehicle details in all conditions.
How long does the Nextbase 622GW battery last? ›The 622GW has an internal battery for emergency uses, such as the loss of power during an incident. This will allow the camera to continue recording to the end of the clip before switching off. This internal battery has around 15-20 minutes of battery life.