Best Dash Cams For 2022

Best Overall

Nextbase 622GW

Why We Picked It

The Nextbase 622GW is like the Swiss Army Knife of dash cams, with a range of features that sets it apart from the pack. It has the basics well covered, with super-sharp 4K video, a large touchscreen display, and a handy powered magnetic mount. Plus, it includes image stabilization for smoother video, GPS tracking, wireless connectivity for a smartphone app, Amazon Alexa and What3Words integration, and even an Emergency SOS mode that can automatically summon help to the car’s location after a crash. You can also plug in any of three rear camera modules to expand your view.

Pros & Cons

Sharp 4K video makes it easier to see fine details
Touchscreen display is easier to use than the button controls of most other models
Powered magnetic mount makes it simple to remove and install the camera without having to mess with the cord

More expensive than most dash cams
At almost 4 inches wide, it’s larger than many other models
Maximum storage card of 128 GB is less than other models

Best, Runner-up

Garmin Dash Cam 57

Why We Picked It

The new Garmin 57 is an excellent dash cam, with sharp 1440P resolution, super-handy voice control, a compact size, an easy-to-use magnetic mount, GPS, Wi-Fi, and the ability to accept a whopping 512 GB SD card. But what makes it also stand out is its ability to let you see the camera’s view in real time and store video in Garmin’s cloud service, which ensures that valuable footage won’t be lost to theft or a corrupted SD card.

Pros & Cons

Automatically saves video to Garmin’s cloud service, which can provide greater security and easier access
Can see the camera’s live view even when away from the vehicle
Voice control allows basic operation without having to touch the dash cam

Storing video in the cloud service for longer than 24 hours requires a subscription
Buttons are on the right side of the device, facing away from the driver
Suction-cup mount is optional

Best for a Tighter Budget

Rexing V1 4K

Why We Picked It

The Rexing V1 4K is one of the lowest priced 4K dash cams we’ve seen from a reputable brand. It has a wide 170-degree field of view, a 2.4-inch display, and Wi-Fi connectivity for pairing with a smartphone app. The V1 can accept up to a 256 GB SD card, and it’s powered by a supercapacitor, which helps give it a wider operating temperature range than most models: -20 to 176 degrees F.

Pros & Cons

One of the most affordable 4K dash cams we’ve seen
Powered by a supercapacitor, which helps its reliability in extreme weather conditions
Includes Wi-Fi for connecting to a smartphone app

Records 4K video at 24 frames per second, which isn’t as smooth as the 30 fps used by most other 4K models
Wide 170-degree field of view can make things look further away
GPS tracking requires an optional accessory

Best for Recording Front and Rear

Viofo A129 Pro Duo

Why We Picked It

This dual-channel dash cam records at a sharp 4K resolution in front and 1080P in the rear. Its buttons are easy to reach, and it gives you a 2-inch display, a supercapacitor power supply, GPS tracking, and dual-band Wi-Fi for connecting to a smartphone app. You can even add a Bluetooth remote control that makes it easier to quickly lock a section of video. If you want to save a little money by going with a 1440P model, we recommend the similar Viofo A129 Plus Duo.

Pros & Cons

Front camera’s 4K resolution is higher than most other dual-channel models
Integrated GPS tracking
Optional Bluetooth remote control available for easily locking video

More expensive than lower-resolution dual-channel models
Front camera’s 130-degree field of view is relatively narrow
No suction-cup mount offered

Best for Recording a Vehicle’s Interior

Vantrue N2S Dual

Sale

$219.99

(-$33.00) (15%)

Why We Picked It

If you want to record what’s going on inside your vehicle as well as in front, the Vantrue N2S is an easy choice. It records in sharp 1440P resolution in both cameras, or the front camera can be used on its own in super-sharp 4K resolution. The N2S also includes GPS tracking, a supercapacitor power supply, and infrared lights for the rear camera that lets it record in complete darkness. If you want to capture the rear view as well, we recommend the three-channel Vantrue N4.

Pros & Cons

Records a vehicle’s interior in high 1440P resolution, which is handy for taxi, Uber, Lyft, and other ride-for-hire drivers
When not recording the interior, the front camera can record at higher a 4K resolution
Infrared lights allow the rear-facing camera to record in total darkness

Top-mounted buttons are hard to see
No option for connecting with a smartphone app
Adhesive mount is optional

Bestselling Car On-Dash Mounted Cameras on Amazon

Sponsored

Bestseller No. 1

Rove R2-4K Dash Cam Built in WiFi GPS Car Dashboard Camera Recorder with UHD 2160P, 2.4" LCD, 150° Wide Angle, WDR, Night Vision

4K ULTRA HD RECORDING – The Rove R2-4k dash camera can record videos up to a resolution of 2160p. The ultra hd video recording quality is so good that you will notight Sce much more clarity and quality difference than all other car dash cams. Revolutionary Super Night Vision Technology (Ultra-low liensor NT96660 + SONY IMX335) helps to get comparatively clearer footage and images from the recording in low light condition
BUILT-IN WiFi – Use the ROVE App to view and manage dash cam recordings instantly on your iOS and android devices. By using the app you can download your recorded 4k videos directly to your smart phone and then easily share these on social media with friends and family
DASH CAM WITH GPS – Built-in GPS accurately records your driving location and speed. View your driving route and tracker on google maps via Wi-Fi using the App or with our Car DV Player. We provide FREE Firmware Upgrade for this car camera

Bestseller No. 2

408 Reviews

ATOTO AC-44P2 1080P USB DVR On-Dash Camera - Sony Sensor Image- Recording Video On Camera End - Operation & Preview from ATOTO A6/S8 Car Stereo Side

1080P Video Recording. The AC-44P2 On dash camera records video by itself, and the ATOTO Android Car stereo acts as the operation interface - It does not require store space from Android car stereo, as itself has Micro SD slot. It has specified app "HD DVR" for operation management
Micro SD storage card is not included, and It can read up to 256 GB card. Compatible with Selected ATOTO Car Android Stereo models (ATOTO A6 & S8 series)
The camera has Auto Recording option,and is enabled by default. As long as it is powered by Android car stereo via USB, it will start recording automatically when you start the engine. Even if "HD DVR" app is not running, the automatic recording function will not be affected or interrupted.

Bestseller No. 3

157 Reviews

Pathinglek Dash Cam 1080P DVR Dashboard Camera Car Driving Recorder 3 Inch Driving Camera LCD Screen, 170°Wide Angle, WDR, G-Sensor, Loop Recording, Parking Monitor, Motion Detection

🚗【1080P Full HD Driving Recorder】The car camera can record in up to 1080P(1920x1080 at 30fps) in recording, Offer You a Broad Detailed Road Video, with a 170°wide angle lens captures the whole road in crystal-clear definition.It greatly offers you a perfect video evidence in the insurance case increase your sense of security and necessary indemnification.
🚗【G-sensor Emergency Lock】The dash camera with motion detection can automatically detect a sudden shake/collision and lock the footage to prevent the video from being overwritten even in loop recording or parking mode.
🚗【Seamless Loop Recording】The car cam will automatically overwrite the oldest unlocked videos with the newest when the memory card is full.Locked files won't be deleted from loop recording, protecting important video evidence in case of accidents.

Bestseller No. 4

267 Reviews

Official HD Mirror Cam (Real 1080p High-Definition Dash Cam - 16GB Micro SD Card) As Seen on TV, 350° 2.5" LCD Motion Detection Dashboard Camera Video Recorder, Loop Recording, Night-Mode

ALL-IN-ONE: The Official HD Mirror Cam is the all-in-one rearview mirror digital dash cam. Easy to install, the 350° rotatable camera and 120° wide-angle lens captures it all, even inside the car! The automatic dash cam records 1080P HD video and crystal-clear audio for up to 14 hours, while the built-in 2.5 LCD Playback Screen provides Screen Shut Off mode for distraction-free driving
INSTALLS WITHIN SECONDS: Unlike other dash cams that obstruct your view and become detached, the Official HD Mirror Cam discreetly fits over any rear-view mirror. Just attach the two soft bands over your existing mirror to hold it in place, mount the adhesive wire clips around the edge of the windshield, and plug in the car adapter...that’s it! Instantly turn your rear view mirror into a dash cam, giving you crisp and clear, high-definition video and audio on demand.
AUTO START & SHUT OFF w/ MOTION DETECTION: The HD Mirror Cam automatically starts recording upon ignition (with the Micro SD Card inserted) and only stops when the ignition is turned off. However, even when you are out of the car, the Motion Detection sensors can detect even the slightest vibration, automatically triggering the camera to start recording. Track each and every activity in and around your car with this Automatic Dash Cam.

Bestseller No. 5

1,462 Reviews

Dash Cam Front with 32G SD Card, BOOGIIO 1080P FHD Car Driving Recorder 3'' IPS Screen 170°Wide Angle Dashboard Camera Aluminum Alloy Case, WDR G-Sensor Parking Monitor Loop Recording Motion Detection

🚕【1080P Full HD Dash Cam】2021 Newest Dash cam recording with Super High Resolution 1080P@30fps Full HD Lens, providing outstanding image quality with a broader field of vision. 3 inch Super large IPS Display that can shows the real-time image,helps you see every details as clear as possible when playing back. Dash camera automatically recording when you start engine,you will always under protection.
🚕【Ultra HD Night Vision Dash Camera】The combination of F1.8 large aperture, WDR, HDR ensures the clarity of images at night. Car camera makes night shots brighter and prevents overexposure under strong light, obtains crystal-clear recording. Eliminates the need for an auxiliary light source even in low-light environments, making it easy to obtain sharp, color-accurate images.
🚕【170° Wide Angle Dash Cam for Cars with 6G Lens】Adopt upgraded sensor, 6 glass lens, F1.8 big aperture and real 170 degree wide field of view, the dash cam reduces the blind spots and captures more details, to reserve the real scene. High-performance chipset plus the powerful processor which enables you to take up to 1080P 30fps full HD videos and 12MP pictures.

SaleBestseller No. 6

REDTIGER 4K Dual Dash Cam Built-in WiFi GPS Front 4K/2.5K and Rear 1080P Dual Dash Camera for Cars,3.16" Display,170° Wide Angle Dashboard Camera Recorder with Sony Sensor,Support 256GB Max

【Real UHD 4K+FHD1080P Dual Dash Cam】 The REDTIGER F7N dash cam offers top quality 4K 3840*2160P with Sony STARVIS Sensor on front camera and 1920*1080P on rear camera that captures super clear view. Help you read most details from street signs, license plate etc. Wide-angle dual cameras capture all pedestrians and vehicles around the car, providing sufficient evidence for rear-end collisions or collisions etc.
【Built-in WiFi&GPS;】The 4K backup car camera has built-in Wi-Fi with easy connection to your smartphone app. With the "Ucam" app, it's very convenient to operate live preview, playback, and device management on your smart phone.what' s more, Video files can be downloaded to smartphone and shared with your friend by social media. The built-in GPS can easily record your driving route, driving speed and other information, which will become your important evidence.
【Sony Sensor&Super; Night Vision】F7N dash cam with Sony STARVIS Sensor improves low light sensitivity allowing clear imaging in low light environments. The combination of F1.5 large aperture and 6-glass lens, professional WDR, HDR technology ensures the clarity of images at night. Eliminates the need for an auxiliary light source even in low-light environments, Car license plates can be easily seen.

Bestseller No. 7

Dash Cam 4K WiFi Ultra HD 2160P Car Dash Cam Front, Dash Camera for Cars Dashboard Camera Recorder with Night Vision, WDR, Loop Recording, 170° Wide Angle, G-Sensor, 24H Parking Monitor

【4K Ultra HD 2160P Dash Cam】Equipped with NOVATEK Chip + GC CMOS + 6G 170 degree wide angle lens, A1 dashcam delivers professional 4K 30Fps videos and 12MP photos, which is 4 times resolution of traditional 1080P dash cameras, which can vividly capture your driving moment, allowing more detailed evidence.
【Build in Wi-fi and APP Control】Built-in 2.4GHz Wi-Fi transmitter, A1 car camera achieves blazing speed for file transfer. By using the APP, you can monitor real-time videos, adjust the car dash camera settings according to your preference and download recorded 4k videos directly to your smartphone then easily share them on social media.
【Excellent Clarity Both Day and Night】Performs well in color precision and clarity, GC CMOS sensor with f/1.8 big aperture, WDR (Wide Dynamic Range) technology, achieves super night vision by automatically balancing the exposure in extreme dark scenarios, obtaining clear videos whether day and night.

Bestseller No. 8

Episode 10

Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
Chris Barrie (Actor)
Ben Hirsch (Director)

SaleBestseller No. 9

340 Reviews

REDTIGER Dash Cam Front Rear Camera 4K/2.5K Full HD Car Dashboard Recorder with 3.16” IPS Screen, Wi-Fi GPS Night Vision Loop Recording 170° Wide Angle WDR, Free 32GB Card

【4K+1080P Dual Recording】 The REDTIGER F7N-Plus dual dash cams records video up to Ultra HD 4K(3840*2160P)+FHD 1080P resolutions with Sony COMS Sensor,helps you read the key details like road signs, vehicle number plates etc.Besides, the front 170°and rear 140°wide-angle dash cameras ensure to reduce blind area, and important evidence can be retained and presented in the event of a collision.
【Superior Night Vision】 The driving recorder adopts an excellent optical lens with an ultra-large F1.5 aperture and 6 layers, and is equipped with HDR/WDR technology, captures important details clearly under low light conditions.
【Built-in WiFi/Smart App Control】The dashboard camera can connect to you smartphone APP via built-in WiFi.Use the [UCAM] app to view, playback, and manage the dashcams on your IOS or Android devices.Furthermore, You can also download and edit videos in the app, and one-click sharing allows you to share your travel scenery and wonderful moments with your friends and family.

Bestseller No. 10

4,357 Reviews

Garmin Dash Cam Tandem, Front and Rear Dual-lens Dash Camera With Interior Night Vision, Two 180-degree Lenses, Front-Facing Lens with 1440p, Interior-Facing Lens with 720p

Pocket-size dash camera features two 180-degree field of view lenses that record in tandem to provide complete video coverage around the driver
1440p Garmin Clarity HDR records crisp video details; 720p interior-facing lens with night vision featuring our exclusive NightGlo technology captures clear video of all passengers at night
Features voice control and built-in GPS to automatically capture where and when events occur, plus built-in Wi-Fi connectivity lets you view and share video on your smartphone by using the Garmin Drive smartphone app

Methodology

Forbes Wheels compared the specs, features, and pricing of about 40 of the best and most popular dash cams on the market, and we also reviewed evaluations by other critics and buyers to identify where users have had problems with the different models. The five dash cams selected here represent the best overall values for people with different needs.

Dash Cam FAQs

Is it legal to use a dash cam?

Yes. States do not prohibit the use of a dash cam in a vehicle, but they do limit where it can be placed on the windshield. Here’s a state-by-state guide. If you plan to use a dash cam to record passengers in the interior of a vehicle, you should also be familiar with your state’s recording laws.

How good is a dash cam’s video?

The sensor, lens design, and software all affect quality. Resolution is one of the most important things to consider when buying because it can make a big difference in how well you can see fine details, such as other vehicles’ license plates. That can be critical following an accident. The resolution of most of today’s dash cams range from 1080P to 4K (2160P), although there are still a few 720P models. If your budget allows, we recommend getting a 4K or 1440P model. A 1080P model is the lowest resolution we suggest you consider; we don’t recommend any 720P model. Many dash cams tout their night vision capabilities, but this is often little more than a marketing term. In fact, a camera’s night video is usually a weak point, with the image often suffering from too much contrast and digital noise, which makes it hard to see details. The quality of its night video is often reflective of the camera’s overall componentry; you get what you pay for, which is one of the reasons why we’re reluctant to recommend lower priced models.

How much area does a dash cam record?

A dash cam’s field-of-view (FOV) typically ranges from about 120 to 180 degrees. Wider FOVs record more of the area on the sides of the road, but the wide-angle effect makes things look further away, which can make it harder to read finder details, such as license plates. More narrow FOVs make things look closer, but don’t let you see what’s happening further to the sides. We generally prefer more moderate FOVs of about 140 to 170 degrees.

Which type of mount is best?

Dash cams typically come with a suction-cup mount or an adhesive mount, although some models offer both. A suction-cup mount allows the dash cam to be easily repositioned and moved between vehicles. It usually takes up more room on the windshield and its grip on the glass can weaken over time, although cleaning and reinstalling it will usually suffice. An adhesive mount is more compact and secure but hard to remove, so it’s good to be decisive when you’re first installing it. If a company doesn’t include both types with the dash cam, you can often buy the missing type as an optional accessory.

Can I install a dash cam myself?

Mounting the dash cam on the windshield is easy (see “Is it legal to use a dash cam?” for placement options). Hiding the long power cord(s) can be more challenging. For a forward-facing camera, you can typically tuck the cord into the molding along the edge of the windshield and then run it under the dash to the power source, which can be the car’s 12V power outlet (aka cigarette lighter), the fuse box, or, for some dash cams, the vehicle’s OBD II diagnostic port. For step-by-step details, check out this how-to guide. If you’re installing a rear camera as well, you’ll also need to hide the cord running between the front and rear cameras, usually by routing it under the car’s trim and carpet. Some dash cams include a tool that makes it easier to tuck the cord into molding; for others, you can buy a separate kit. Powering the dash cam through the 12V outlet is the easiest solution, but it may prevent you from plugging in other devices unless you use a 12V splitter. That said, a few dash cams, like Garmins, include an extra USB port in the 12V plug, letting you charge your phone while the dash cam is plugged in. To connect the dash cam to a car’s fuse box, you’ll need a hard-wiring kit, which is commonly available from any major dash-cam company. That’s not a difficult procedure as long as you have a basic familiarity with automotive electrical systems. Otherwise, you can take it to a car audio and accessory shop or Best Buy’s Geek Squad.

Can a dash cam record while the car is parked?

All dash cams include a “parking mode”, which lets it monitor the vehicle while it’s parked. But the systems vary a lot and many models need to be hard wired to the car’s fuse box (or plugged into its OBD II diagnostic port) for the system to work. Many dash cams rely on a g sensor to detect a bump or jolt. But even if detected, the camera(s) may not be pointing in the right direction to record what’s happening. If monitoring your car when parked is a big concern, we suggest investing in one, such as the Garmin Dash Cam 57, that will notify you through your smartphone and, optimally, let you see the camera’s view in real time.

Can I record a police encounter?

If you mainly want to record what’s happening at the driver’s side window, your best bet is a dash cam that records the vehicle’s interior. The model we recommend--the Vantrue N2S Dual--has a rear camera with a 165-degree field of view, which may be wide enough to cover both front windows, especially in a smaller car. If not, you can easily tilt it toward the driver’s side window if you get pulled over. Be sure to have audio recording turned on, too. If you want to record what’s happening all around your vehicle, including the front, rear, and interior, we recommend the Vantrue N4, which is very similar to the N2S Dual, but with a rear camera added.