Accidents happen in a flash, and you don’t want to compound that stress by being prosecuted for an incident that wasn’t your fault. That’s where a dash cam comes in. By recording your movements, you’ll have the necessary evidence should the worst come to pass, plus it could also reduce your insurance premium.
When it comes to dash cams, don't take everything at face value. 4K video recording might feel crucial, but the quality across cameras can vary wildly - even Full HD video in some of the best dash cams can give sharper detail than that of 4K in lesser-quality offerings. 4K can also fill up memory cards really quickly.
If you want to record inside and outside your vehicle at the same time, then a dual dash cam is for you and be advised that the spec can vary a lot between these two cameras. There's plenty more to consider; ease of installation, ease of use, companion apps and bonus features like what3words. You can learn more through our buying tips at the end of this guide.
Timothy Coleman, Cameras editor
Whatever your budget, user requirement or experience level, there’s an option in this guide for you. If money is no object then the Nextbase 622GW is our top pick, while the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 is our favorite budget choice. We’ve included links to the best dash cam deals beneath each recommendation.
Every dash cam in this guide has been extensively tested by us and meets what we think are the minimum standards – producing sharp videos that clearly pick out details and a wide field of view. You can read more about how we test dash cams, how to pick the best one for you and how to get started with a dash cam at the bottom of this page, plus we’ve written a useful guide on how to fit a dash cam.
Happy, peaceful driving to you.
The best dash cams 2023
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With impressive video quality and a flagship feature set, the Nextbase 622GW is the best dash cam you can buy right now. We found its 4K/30p footage almost cinematic in testing, with crisp definition and outstanding detail. Low-light and poor-weather algorithms also improve results in tricky conditions. Drop down to 1080p and you can shoot 120fps slow-mo that makes it easier to pinpoint things like registration numbers.
Setup was slightly fiddly and the 3-inch touchscreen does require obvious swipe inputs. We also had some trouble connecting to our smartphones to transfer video clips. That said, we still think the 622GW is a simple camera to use overall. We found its interface intuitive, while the display is big, sharp and clear. Footage is automatically saved when an incident is detected, while a big red button lets you manually save moments.
We were impressed in our review with how effectively the built-in polarizing filter reduced windscreen glare, and how well the digital image stabilization soaked up road vibrations. And thanks to clever what3words integration, the 622GW can pinpoint the location of stricken vehicles and send it on to emergency vehicles. There are less bulky alternatives with better voice control, but if you want a dash cam that reliably captures clear 4K video, the 622GW is our pick.
- Read our in-depth Nextbase 622GW review
The Garmin Mini 2 is a dash cam tiny enough to disappear behind your car’s rear-view mirror. Despite its size, it records in Full HD at 30fps with HDR, producing footage that’s sharp enough to pick out key details like registration plates, regardless of the ambient light and weather conditions.
We found installation quick and simple. The compact plastic arm takes up very little windscreen space, while the ball-and-socket joint makes it easy to reposition. Given how small it is, we think most users will want to leave the Mini 2 permanently in place.
The interface is similarly accessible. There’s no display, but shortcut buttons let you save clips and mute the mic with one touch. The Garmin Drive smartphone app (for iOS and Android) is where you can easily change further settings, review recordings and check the camera’s view. It also helps to make initial setup straightforward.
While features are limited to voice controls and a g-sensor that can detect collisions, we felt that GPS was the only real omission. Unless you need the best dash cam with driver assistance functions, the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 will leave you wanting for very little. Simple, subtle and reliable, it’s the definition of set-and-forget technology.
- Read our in-depth Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 review
Aimed at those who spend extended periods behind the wheel, the Nexar Pro is a dual-cam solution that can record video both inside and outside a vehicle. Comprised of two separate camera units connected by a cable, we found the setup to be pretty neat, even if it took up a fair bit of screen real estate.
The Nexar app is central to the twin camera experience: it’s where you can fine-tune settings, generate incident reports and back recorded clips up to the cloud (Nexar bundles cloud storage in for free). Other useful tools include break-in alerts if someone tries to tamper with your car, as well as GPS data logging.
This dash cam doesn’t record in 4K, but we found its 1080p video to be perfectly serviceable. The external camera fares well even in tricky shooting situations, from heavy rain to bright sunshine. There are cheaper dash cams out there with fewer features to play with, but if the security of your car is crucial to your daily life, the Pro is hard to beat in terms of protection and overall value.
- Read our in-depth Nexar Pro review
Neat and relatively compact, the Vantrue E1 is an attractive dash cam that’s capable of recording 2.5K video at 30fps. It can also record Full HD footage at a smoother 60fps, for enhanced detail while you drive. Results in our review proved sharp night and day, with accurate colors and acceptable noise in low light. Our testing also revealed that the optional polarising filter usefully reduces dashboard reflections.
The E1’s magnetic mount works well, but the lack of sideways adjustment does limit its use if you can’t fit it centrally. If you can, you’ll find that its 160-degree angle captures a wide view of what’s ahead. A tiny 1.54-inch screen offers a preview when installing, but the smartphone app is the more useful way to tweak settings.
You don’t get the driver assistance systems of other dash cams, so it’s up to you or your vehicle to spot speed cameras and potential collisions. That said, you still get Wi-Fi and GPS connectivity, and we like that Vantrue has focused on video quality over unnecessary extras.
- Read our in-depth Vantrue E1 review
Capable yet accessible, Thinkware’s X1000 comes bundled with everything you need to record front and rear. Our tests found a lot to like about the X1000. Its best attribute is its ease of use: with a large 3.5-inch touchscreen and icon-based interface, it’s simple to configure and there’s no need to rely on a smartphone partner app.
Installing the X1000 requires the use of several sticky pads and we did feel that the user guide could have been more comprehensive in helping to navigate setup. You’ll also need to hard-wire it to unlock the full set of features, including parking surveillance, while GPS and radar detection require optional accessories. Still, once in place, the unit feels nicely put together.
Capture settings can be tweaked via the touchscreen, but we found that it worked well right out of the box: results from both cameras were impressive, with plenty of crisp detail and decent dynamic range, even in dim and dark conditions. If you’re looking for a stress-free and reliable dash cam, the X1000 gets plenty right.
- Read our in-depth Thinkware X1000 review
Also consider
Generously equipped yet blessed with a slender form factor, the Miofive 4K dash cam is a high-spec tool with plenty of premium features. In testing, we found it an easy dash cam to set up and use, while its horizontal design sits neatly behind the rear-view mirror. Not everyone will like that it sticks in place using an adhesive pad, which is less easy to reposition than a suction cup, but you do at least get a spare 3M pad included.
Thanks to a powerful Sony sensor and sharp 4K resolution, footage captured during our review proved crisp and clear in a range of weather conditions. The built-in 2.2-inch preview screen also made it easy to preview recorded clips in the car, although it’s not an absolute necessity.
We were impressed by the Miofive’s feature set, which includes Wi-Fi for file transfers, a ‘Parking’ mode and built-in GPS. We found that the optional spoken driver alerts quickly became annoying, but these can be disabled through the app. You’ll get better value from a screen-free alternative, but overall we think the Miofive 4K is close to the complete dash cam package.
- Read our in-depth Miofive 4K Dash Cam
Relatively compact for a dual-lens dash cam, the Vantrue N2 Pro records a detailed view of the road ahead and your vehicle’s interior. Designed with taxi drivers in mind, it forgoes many of the extras which your car is already likely to have, including speed camera alerts and collision warnings.
That simplicity extends to its connectivity, a factor we liked in testing. With no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or smartphone app, it’s a self-contained dash cam that gets on with the job of capturing events. The only feature we did miss was GPS tracking, although Vantrue sells an optional GPS windscreen mount.
We were happily surprised by the video quality. The cameras can record Full HD footage in both directions, capturing video that’s smooth, sharp and clear, matched by decent audio. The interior camera occasionally struggles in bright sunlight, but that’s a small criticism of otherwise impressive performance. The front camera can also go solo to shoot in even more detailed 1440p.
- Read our in-depth Vantrue N2 Pro review
A three-camera setup is overkill for almost everyone outside of the professional driving community. But if you do require coverage of your vehicle’s front, rear and interior, Viofo’s package offers a lot for the money.
The compact design means you can stick it in place without obstructing the windshield, although you need to plan your placement as each unit is fixed with adhesive patches. Initial setup requires routing numerous wires in the car’s headliner or under the carpet, which can be quite tricky. The Viofo app (iOS and Android) isn’t the slickest, either.
In our tests, the front camera’s footage was generally good enough in most scenarios. Viofo utilizes Sony Starvis image sensors, which perform well in low-light conditions. The lower resolution does compromise quality in subpar driving situations though, with fuzzy detail putting it behind the best 4K competitors. The interior and rear cameras offer a wide 170-degree field of view, and the interior camera is equipped with six LEDs for infrared capabilities. Even in the darkest driving conditions, visibility inside the car remained clear in our tests.
Although the A139 competes well with other cameras in its price range, many alternatives offer additional technology, more user-friendly apps, and touchscreens for easier interaction. With a similar price, Viofo’s own A129 4K dual dash cam is a better option unless interior footage is a necessity.
- Read our in-depth Viofo A139 review
Combining a dash cam and a sat nav, the Garmin DriveCam 76 is a feature-packed tool for vehicles without an infotainment system. In testing, we found its 7-inch display intuitive to use. It makes Garmin’s rich mapping visuals easy to follow, while navigation is clear and well-timed, complemented by live traffic updates when paired with your smartphone’s data connection.
Helpfully, both the display angle and camera lens are adjustable, so you can find the right position between road and driver. Full HD footage is shot in HDR at 30fps, delivering balanced exposure and enough detail to make number plates legible. That said, we found that video suffers from noticeable stabilization wobble. This distortion doesn’t reduce the detail, but footage is worse than from other Garmin dash cams.
The unit itself is much larger than many rivals, which can make it tricky to place without obstructing the driver’s view. You’ll also find better value dash cams if you don’t need features such as smartphone notifications and weather updates. But if you want a dash cam with added smarts, including speed camera alerts and forward collision warnings, this is a great choice.
- Read our in-depth Garmin DriveCam 76 review
Comparison table
| Row 0 - Cell 0 | Video quality | Viewing angle | GPS tracker | Memory |
| Nextbase 622GW | 4K | 140 degrees | Yes | Micro SD (not included) |
| Garmin Mini 2 | 1080p | 140 degrees | No | Micro SD (not included) |
| Nexar Pro | Full HD 1080p / 720p rear | 135 degrees | Yes | 32GB (upgradeable) |
| Vantrue E1 | 2.5K (2592 x 1944) | 160 degrees | Yes | Micro SD (not included) |
| Thinkware X1000 | 1440p | 156 degrees | optional extra | MicroSD card, 32GB card included |
| Mio MiVue 818 | 2K | 140 degrees | Yes | Micro SD (not included) |
| Vantrue N2 Pro | 2K (front) / 1080p rear | 170 degrees (road) / 140 degrees (cabin) | Optional | Micro SD (not included) |
| Viofo A139 | 2560 x 1440p & 1080p | 170 degrees (road) / 140 degrees (cabin) | Yes | Micro SD (not included) |
| Garmin DriveCam 76 | 1080p | 140 degrees | Yes | microSD (16GB card included) |
How to choose the best dash cam for you
The best dash cams can have anything from one, two or even three cameras. Single camera dash cams record the outside view from your windscreen, dual dash cams add an inside facing camera which is especially useful for ride-share drivers like taxis, while three-camera dash cams are more for professional drivers clocking up the miles, adding an additional viewpoint from the outside of the vehicle, being especially handy for trucks.
Video resolution is a key consideration when choosing a dash cam, as explained below. Most dash cams in 2023 can record footage in Full HD, which is generally enough to identify large details in a video clip. Sharper 4K dash cams tend to cost more, but capture video at a higher resolution. This makes it easier to pull out crucial details such as number plates, which mean 4K dash cams generally offer more reassurance from a safety perspective.
Video frame rates are also important. Most dash cams can record at 30fps, which is fine for reviewing footage at full speed, but the best models can capture action at a smoother 60fps. This gives you the option to slow down footage after the fact, making it easier to pick up details at half-speed. It’s increasingly common to find dash cams that can capture Full HD video at 60fps, but 4K 60fps recording is generally reserved for professional dash cams. Certain models, such as the Nextbase 622GW, also feature digital image stabilization, which helps to smooth out footage on bumpy roads.
There are also a wealth of features to consider, including a touchscreen display, a companion app, GPS, parking surveillance, voice control, sat nav and what3words to name but a few.
If you drive an older car without an infotainment system, then it’s worth getting a dash cam with sat nav, but there’s little point if your car already has sat nav. GPS location data is handy when recording incidents, while some even include what3words geolocation data which offers the most precise way of pinpointing your vehicle and super handy should you become stricken.
Getting started with a dash cam
The overall experience installing, getting started and ease of use on the go varies wildly from dash cam to dash cam. For the most part, dash cams mount somewhere along a car's front windscreen or windshield. Of course, wherever you place your dash cam must not block your view of the road.
The advent of rear-facing cameras (or complete kits that contain both front and rear) require a little extra installation, as these often involve cables that run from front to back. Expect some fiddly work involving the car's headliner to get these fitted correctly.
Dash cams record smaller snippets of footage, usually in increments of one to two minutes at a time. The cameras continually record over the oldest clip in order to keep the memory card from filling up as well.
While older models typically required the user to manually save or tag the appropriate clip in the event of an accident, new G-Sensor-based incident detection technology has taken over, and now takes care of this automatically.
There are also dash cams that boast additional features that, just like any other technology, translate to a higher asking price. In addition to better video quality like 4K, night vision and built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth for easy file transfer may also be included.
A rise in popularity of voice control has also made its way over to the humble dash cam, so expect Alexa integration and other such voice-activated technology at the very pinnacle of the range.
Numerous parking modes are also possibilities. These use a time-lapse feature as a surveillance function to capture details of those irksome car park prangs when you're off running errands.
Is it worth having a dash cam?
Yes, absolutely. Some drivers might not like the idea of a camera constantly monitoring their vehicle, but some models of dash cam (like the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2) are compact and subtle enough to almost disappear behind the central rear view mirror. In other words, once they are up and running you soon forget about them; they just sit there, quietly keeping an eye out, ready to save footage if you’re caught in an accident.
If the worst were to happen, and you need to prove your innocence, the dash cam’s footage could do exactly that. This footage can also be set to include your speed, along with the time and date to help reinforce the validity of your evidence if blame is disputed by the other party. As well as monitoring the road ahead, dash cams can be used to record out of the rear windscreen too, recording footage if you are unfortunate enough to be rear-ended by another motorist.
Even if you're not directly involved in a collision, dash cams can still be useful. Many have a button for quickly saving the last few seconds of video. That way, if you need something ahead that you think needs recording, like an accident between two other vehicles, an example of bad driving, or something else noteworthy, you can provide that evidence to whoever might need it. Another useful feature of some dash cams is how they will call the emergency services if a crash is detected and you don’t respond; they can then share your location and ensure help is on its way.
Furthermore, many dash cams come with additional driver assistance features. These include alerts to let you know about nearby speed cameras and red light cameras, plus a prompt to tell you the vehicle in front has set off – just in case you weren’t paying attention while sat in traffic.
Lastly, some dash cams can be permanently installed in your vehicle and hard-wired, giving them a constant power supply. When paired with a special parking mode, this enables the camera to sense impacts and record footage while the car is parked, potentially gathering useful evidence of your neighbor’s poor parking.
Can a dash cam drain your car battery?
Different dash cams use different power sources, so it's always worth checking how your new dash cam is powered if you're concerned about draining your car's battery.
Some dash cams have internal power, or can easily be charged using external power sources. However, the rest use the cigarette lighter/USB port in your vehicle or need to be hard-wired, meaning they do use your car's battery.
If you use the cigarette lighter/USB port to power your dash cam, then leaving it plugged in overnight might drain your car battery, depending on if your vehicle supplies constant power to the ports. Hard-wired dash cams can be set up to switch on with the car ignition in some vehicles to save battery, too.
If you were planning on using your new dash cam for security purposes, you might want to consider choosing a dash cam with motion detection and using an external power source to make sure you don't drain your car battery.
Is a GoPro better than a dash cam?
GoPro cameras are some of the best action cameras you can buy. They can be easily mounted to your dashboard and set to record video on a rolling loop. Because GoPro cameras are compact, they shouldn’t obstruct your view of the road ahead, while the latest models are capable of capturing videos at resolutions sharper than 4K.
However, there are certain factors which make a dedicated dash cam better than a GoPro for recording the road. The price difference between a GoPro Hero 11 Black and a premium dash cam such as the Nextbase 622GW is less than you might think. But what you don’t get with a GoPro camera are the more advanced features associated with a high-spec dash cam, such as collision detection or parking protection. You’ll also need to manually set a GoPro to record every time you get behind the wheel, even if its power cable is connected to your vehicle.
So if you already own a GoPro, pairing it with a dashboard mount or windshield suction cup is an easy way to record video while you’re driving. We even have a dedicated guide on how to use a GoPro as a dash cam for your car. However, if you’re looking for a comprehensive solution to capture in-car video, it’s worth considering a dash cam.
Are dash cams legal?
Using a dash cam is generally legal in both the UK and the US. In fact, certain bodies in both countries actively encourage the use of dash cams to reduce insurance premiums. That said, there are a few basic rules to follow to ensure your dash cam usage stays on the right side of the law.
A dash cam shouldn’t obstruct your view of the road ahead or distract you while you’re behind the wheel. For this reason, some people prefer to choose a model without a display. In the US, many states have regulations governing where you can mount a dash cam. Several prohibit you from fitting one to your windshield, for example.
Privacy regulations are another factor to consider. As there is no reasonable expectation of privacy on public roads, it’s generally legal to record with a dash cam while driving. However, this changes on private property, such as a person’s driveway. While dash cam recordings can usually be justified on the grounds of safety and security, it’s important to act reasonably and be mindful of where and what you record.
This is particularly the case for professional drivers. If you’re a taxi driver, for example, you should inform passengers that your vehicle is fitted with a dash cam, particularly if it’s recording audio. In the US, several states only permit sound recording with the permission of everyone in the vehicle.
You should also think carefully before sharing any dash cam footage online. Uploading videos that identify individuals without their consent could breach data protection laws. It’s always safer to blur details such as registration plates and faces when publishing any dash cam clips.
It’s worth nothing that a number of European countries restrict the use of dash cams, so be sure to familiarize yourself with regional rules.
What is loop recording?
Loop recording allows dash cams to continuously record video footage to their built-in storage or memory card. The setting automatically overwrites the oldest clips on your camera with new ones when its storage becomes full. This way, it can keep recording without requiring you to pull over and manually delete unneeded clips. This gives you the reassurance that there will be no gap in your driving log.
By default, dash cams save video clips in sequential order. Loop recording usually works by splitting these clips into preset intervals based on file size or time, such as 2-minute or 5-minute segments. By dividing recordings like this, dash cams can write over small parts of a longer video without erasing the entire thing at once. This can also make it easier to locate clips of specific moments, without having to scan through lengthy recordings.
To stop important clips from being overwritten, many of the best dash cams can automatically detect potential incidents and flag the relevant footage to protect it from deletion. Most models with loop recording also allow you to manually tag clips with the same effect, generally by way of a shortcut button on the body of the dash cam.
How we test dash cams
Almost all dash cams can be fitted to a car without making any permanent modification. They can be attached to a windscreen using a suction cup or removable adhesive pad, and powered from either a USB port or the 12V socket found in almost all cars. To test dash cams, we install them in our car, attach them to the windscreen and pair them to our smartphone as if we had bought them ourselves.
We then drive, at day and night, to test how the camera handles different lighting conditions, and ideally in varied weather too. The footage is then transferred to a smartphone or computer and viewed to check out the quality, and whether key details like vehicle registration plates are legible. This also gives us an opportunity to see how easy (or difficult) it is to view, transfer and save recorded footage.
Additional features like voice assistants and drive assistance systems get a thorough workout, and we also test how easy it is to turn these off, or adjust them to our personal preferences. Being able to quickly and easily turn audio recording off is key, especially when carrying passengers who don’t want their conversations recorded.
Naturally, we cannot crash a vehicle to see how well the dash cam detects collisions. Instead, firmly tapping the dash cam can simulate a collision, allowing us to see what happens when footage is saved. It is also possible to trigger a recording by powering the camera with a portable battery and tapping it against our desk. It may seem rudimentary, but it works and keeps our insurance company happy.
Sometimes, driving over a particularly aggressive speed bump can trigger a dash cam recording. In these cases we learn that the camera’s g-sensor is too sensitive, and needs to be adjusted, providing the menu system includes such an option.
