Updated on May 7, 2024
Dash cams come in all shapes and sizes. Most of us have our own set of specific requirements when selecting which device is suitable for our car, but there are some features that we cannot do without.
Most of the best dash cams for sale in 2024 come with everything you need to keep you protected with video footage should something occur unexpectedly on the road. These functions include loop recording, memory lock, g-sensor, parking monitor, and much more. Many of the devices over 100 dollars nowadays feature built-in GPS modules too.
However, choosing the best dash cam can be confusing if you’re unfamiliar with all the technical terms and jargon. To make things simple for first-time buyers, and even those who may not be so new to this, we have compiled a list of the top 5 devices for sale at the moment which we think rate well and offer good value for the customer. All of the below come with pretty much everything you’d want from a dashcam.
Top 5 Best Dash Cams In Summary
Here is a selection of the better feature-packed and slightly more expensive devices hand-picked and compared from the wide selection of dash cameras which can be found within this site.
| Brand / Model | Display | View Angle | GPS | WIFI | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin Dash Cam 65 | 2" | 180° | Yes | Yes | 1.6 x 0.8 x 2.2” |
| KDLINKS X3 | 2" | 165° | No | No | 2.5 x 2.5 x 0.7" |
| Vantrue N2 Pro | 1.5" | 170° | Optional | No | 5.4 x 4.6 x 3.8" |
| Apeman C860 | 3" | 170°+170° | No | No | 3.5 x 2 x 1.2" |
| Rexing V1P Pro | 2.4" | 170°+170° | Yes | Yes | TBC |
Dash Cam Buying Guide
This section is a quick overview of what to expect from a good dash cam, and what’s available on the international market today. If you’d like a more in-depth overview, please check our dash cam buying guide.
What Type Of Dash Cams Are There?
- We all know that dash cams record video, but did you know some can take still pictures too? Some can take up to 12MP pics and save the image directly to file.
- You can buy a dash cam that has a front or back camera, or one that records both at the same time. This is possible just with the main front cam, which stems off to power a smaller rear cam.
- Some dashcams can rotate 360 degrees, so for example, you can record straight ahead, out the side, or into the cabin.
- Much of the tech included in dashcams are what differentiates them from one another. Features are usually the same, but the tech quality makes one perform better than its competitor.
- Almost everyone shopping for a new dash cam will have a smartphone. It’s worth buying a dashboard camera with built-in WIFI to connect your phone and adjust settings or watch footage on your phone.
- If size matters to you, you’ll be interested to know that generally, in this case, smaller is better. A large dash cam can cause distraction and block the partial view of the road ahead, thus creating more of a hazard for the driver as opposed to acting as a safety net.
Some Technical Features To Watch Out For
- UHD (Ultra High Definition) and FHD (Full High Definition) refer to screen resolution and typically will be in the region of 1080P, ranging to 2K and 4K for increased image clarity.
- If possible, you should purchase a camera which can capture the widest angle of view. For example, the camera, which can record anything over 140 degrees of view is a good choice, especially handy for wide highways found in Canada and the United States.
- It’s worth noting that a windscreen mount may sometimes have a GPS module built into it. If you choose to use your own mount, be careful you don’t throw away the GPS module by accident.
- As a minimum, the dash cam should include a G-Sensor, Memory Lock, Loop Recording, WDR, and a good wide angle of view. Things like GPS, WIFI, and Drive Assist are excellent bonuses that you’ll get when you buy higher-end vehicle cameras.
- Always check the compatibility of the maximum size SD card that can be used. Some people will use that largest memory card in the budget (like a 256GB) in a dashboard camera that can only support 64GB. This will cause technical issues.
- The LCD screen size can differ greatly. Cameras can range from not having a screen at all, to approximately 3-inches in size is the norm. This is down to personal preference, and we don’t think it matters too much. No screen means you’ll use your phone to do everything. A very small screen can be tedious. Around 2.4-inches and above is fine, whereas anything over 3-inches gets a bit too big.
- We mentioned Drive Assist earlier, but what is it? Drive Assist offers constant protection when driving as it can warn you if you stray across lanes, or if the camera detects oncoming traffic.
How Much Should I Spend On A Dash Cam?
- Cheap dash cams are anything you’d buy for approx $50 or less. These models will lack things like capturing 2K video, integrated GPS, and WIFI.
- Mid-range dash cams cost anything between $50 and $120. They will have much of the required electronics and capability of capturing FHD images with much of the bonus functionality we mentioned above.
- Anything in the high-end range we’d class as $120 and above. For this price, you should get all the bells and whistles along with a lengthy warranty and customer support.
Our Top 5 Picks
1. Garmin Dash Cam 65
Garmin makes one of the best dash cams for cars in the business. The Garmin Dash Cam 65 standalone driving recorder is one of those products designed to last and withstand the vagaries of nature and be used in demanding environments. The system is pretty much ready to use straight out of the box. It has an auto turn on and off button which ensures that the camera starts recording as soon as you turn on the ignition, and switches off when you turn off the ignition. The built-in battery lasts for about one hour.
It has all the features that you would expect from a state-of-the-art in-car camera system; shooting 1080p full HD, has a gravity sensor that picks up sudden changes in gravity for the camera, and also has a protected mode that automatically locks a video when a sudden change in gravity is sensed. This locking mechanism ensures that the camera does not accidentally overwrite footage that may be necessary when refuting a false claim or defending yourself in a court of law. Overall this is a small yet powerful addition to their portfolio of top-rated dash cams.
2. KDLINKS X3 Full HD
Anything classed as the best dash cam will need the minimum requirements to be fully high-definition capable; the KDLINKS X3 has that and more. Designed as a sleek-looking device that has a slightly protruding but nevertheless very functional wide-angle lens, the KDLINKS X3 is a smart design. The lens is a 6-glass innovation that shoots full HD at 30 fps, and the slightly higher frame rate produces smoother-looking footage.
At the back, there is an average-sized 2” LCD screen to playback or view live footage. The sensor is capable of a wide dynamic range. To conclude, this is a sleek, budget, no-frills unit that is perfect for first-time users and is selling fast in all corners of the globe.
3. Vantrue N2 Pro
The Vantrue N2 Pro is one of the most complete designs for sale in the marketplace. This is not a cheap alternative, but the features and the benefits it brings in will pay for themselves in the years to come. The stand-out feature of the N2 Pro is the ultra-wide angle lens. At 170˚ wide angle, it covers the entire view through the front windshield from left A-pillar to right A-pillar. It can also record the cabin with a 140-degree view.
It also has superior night vision due to the powerful Novatek NT96660 CPU and OV4689 sensor. Night vision is important for two things; it helps record a better quality video when driving at night because you never know when accidents can happen. The second reason you need night vision is so that the car surveillance mode videos are actually of some value. The other features of this unit include a good G-sensor and Auto-lock that senses a collision or sudden changes in g-force and immediately lock the video being recorded.
4. Apeman C860
As I wrote at the start of this article, sometimes a single camera isn’t enough. You need more than one to ensure that all of the possible angles are covered. The 1440P QHD+1080P FHD Apeman C860 is the best dual-camera dash cam system. It is probably the most preferred solution without having to convert your vehicle into a Google street view car. Dual camera systems, one pointing ahead and one towards the rear covers the two essential angles unless, of course, someone bumps into your side at the intersection. Each of the cameras covers the angle of view of 170˚. They can, however, be rotated to cover a view other than straight ahead or straight back.
Another stand-out feature of this dual-channel dash cam is the large 3 inch IPS screen. When most others have only a 2.7” screen, the Apeman’s 3″ makes adjusting the camera angles and viewing what has been recorded that much easier.
5. Rexing V1P Pro Dual
If you don’t have a full HD recording option on your truck or car dash cam you might as well not have one. These days even 720p just isn’t good enough. With devices boasting hefty megapixels capable of shooting at super HD resolution you cannot compromise on your only chance to refute a false claim. The WIFI-enabled Rexing V1P Pro dual dash cam records 1080p full high-definition videos @ 30fps and has effective car surveillance capabilities. The lens comes with a wide-angle 170˚ field of view for both the front and rear cameras. It promises to capture everything from one A-pillar to the other, giving you an unhindered recording of the entire view through the windshield.
You also get GPS tagging functionality (built it). Used with Google maps, this feature gives you speed, location, time stamp, and other details that may be used in proceedings in a court of law. It supports class 10 or higher micro SD cards up to a whopping 256GB in size (this is not included in the sale price).
Overall, this is a great 2-channel upgrade to the previous Rexing V1 editions and will not disappoint even the fussiest consumer.
Conclusion
As you can see for our writeup, there are numerous types of dashcam and each falls within a different design and set of features. Most of the above have been selected from the high-end or expensive range, as these are the better quality and better value overall that we have seen so far.
Choosing the best dash cam for cars and SUVs means you can generally opt for a 2 channel dual camera setup. For example, chose one that has a front and rearview camera. For a truck or other type of HGV, a rear camera may not be so necessary or practical.
The device you choose will depend on your vehicle, your budget, and the required functionality of the recorder. Each of the above is very good in terms of video quality and value for money, especially given the advanced technology of each of the newer models.
Based on our expert recommendations, we could safely say any of the above would be great as your new video recording road assistant.
With more than 20 years of experience in the automotive industry, Ash possesses a deep understanding of the diverse needs and challenges faced by drivers on the road. His relentless commitment to road safety and ongoing research is fueled by a genuine desire to create safer environments for all drivers.
