Are you a fleet manager, truck owner or driver looking to secure your vehicle? One effective solution is to invest in a dashcam with parking mode.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about dashcams with parking mode.
We also provide practical tips to help you assess your options and choose the best fit for your needs.
Quicklook: Best dashcam with parking mode
- Best For Independent Internet Access Through LTE: BlackVue-DR900X 1-Ch
- Best For Advanced Driver Assistance Features: Thinkware U1000
- Best For Budget-Friendly: Viofo A129 Pro
- Best For Voice Command Functions: Nextbase 622GW
- Best For Cabin Monitoring In Drive Mode: Vantrue N2S
5 best dashcams with parking mode
Are you looking for the best dashcam with parking mode on the market today? Check out these five picks for great dashcams featuring a parking mode.
BlackVue-DR900X 1-Ch
BlackVue’s latest model is one of the best dashcams with parking mode, recording in 4K ultra high definition (3840×2160) at 30 FPS. This dashcam also comes with high-efficiency video coding, which shrinks video size while maintaining the best video quality. It even uses dual-band wifi to transfer files to your phone quickly.
This stand-out dashcam has the option to attach an LTE module, allowing you to use BlackVue cloud service to check on your car at any time, wherever you are. In case of collision, the BlackVue-DR900X will save essential footage.
The DR900X comes in two versions, a single-channel model and a dual-channel model. Unfortunately, you cannot upgrade the single-channel DR900X.
Best For: Independent internet access through LTE
Special Features:
- 4K ultra HD recordings
- High efficiency video coding
- LTE-module available for cloud features
Benefits:
- Hardwired parking mode
- Automatically detects collisions and tags video files
- Will save event files and protect them from being deleted
- Push notifications in case of collision in parking mode
- Comes with SD card
Disadvantages:
- No screen
- No voice commands
- No lane assist
- No traffic assistance
Pricing: $139.99
| Technical Specifications | |
| Dimensions | 6.69 x 4.8 x 3.86 inches |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 @30 fps |
| Display Type | No screen |
| Mounting Type | Double-sided tape |
| Voice command | No |
| Camera | Yes |
| Field of View | 162 degrees |
| Storage | Maximum of 256 GB |
| Lane Assist | No |
| Speed Limit Indicator | No |
| Traffic Services | No |
| Battery | 12v adapter, hardwired for parking mode |
Thinkware U1000
The Thinkware U1000 is Thinkware’s newest flagship model. This dashcam comes with 4K video recording at 30 FPS, including super night vision technology to ensure quality recordings in poor light conditions.
The U1000 also comes with advanced driver assistance (ADAS). You can set up this feature to warn you about speed limits, lane switches, or possible frontal collisions. Optionally you can downscale the video quality to 2K QHD at 60 FPS.
In case of a crash, it will send out notifications to cloud services and save footage.
There is an optional rear camera add-on for dual-channel support.
Best For: Advanced Driver Assistance Services
Special Features:
- Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
- Integrated thermal protection
- Crash alert feature to notify others in case the driver is in no condition to
- Geofencing
Benefits:
- Cloud features when connected to the internet, such as a remote view
- Different video qualities are available
- Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
- Super night vision
- Comes with SD card
Disadvantages:
- No screen
- Maximum storage limited to 128 GB
- No voice commands
- Expensive
Pricing: $379.99
| Technical Specifications | |
| Dimensions | 2.5 x 4.3 x 1.4 inches |
| Resolution | 3840×2160 @30 FPS, 2560×1440 @60 FPS |
| Display Type | No screen |
| Mounting Type | Mounting tape, windshield mount |
| Voice command | No |
| Camera | Yes |
| Field of View | 150 degrees |
| Storage | Maximum of 128 GB |
| Lane Assist | Yes |
| Speed Limit Indicator | Yes |
| Traffic Services | No |
| Battery | 12v adapter, hardwired for parking mode |
Viofo A129 Pro
The Viofo A129 Pro is a budget-friendly option, and one of the best dashcams with parking mode. This dashcam offers 4K resolution at a more affordable price while forfeiting other functions like cloud services.
In addition, the Viofo A129 Pro features super night vision technology. This dashcam comes with a two-inch LCD. Optionally you can add a lens polarizer for better daytime recordings. It can also record in 2K HD quality.
The Viofo’s buffered parking mode will save the first 15 seconds leading up to an event and 30 seconds after. There is also an optional rear camera add-on for dual-channel support.
Best For: Budget-Friendly Dashcam
Special Features:
- Quality 4K video for a lower price
- High-temperature protection
- Quick-release mount
Benefits:
- High quality
- Super night vision
- Two-inch HD LCD
- Different video qualities are available
Disadvantages:
- Does not offer cloud services
- Narrow camera angle
- Hardwire cable is a separate purchase
- SD card not included
Pricing: $199.99
| Technical Specifications | |
| Dimensions | 2 x 1.62 x 3.25 inches |
| Resolution | 3840×2160 @30 FPS |
| Display Type | HD LCD, 2 inches |
| Mounting Type | Built-in mount, sticker |
| Voice command | Unknown |
| Camera | Yes |
| Field of View | 130 degrees |
| Storage | Maximum of 256 GB |
| Lane Assist | No |
| Speed Limit Indicator | No |
| Traffic Services | No |
| Battery | 12v adapter, hardwired for parking mode |
Nextbase 622GW
The Nextbase 622GW is another 4K dashcam option with parking mode. However, this one comes with Alexa built in, allowing you to use voice commands for music, calling, finding parking, and other features.
The 622GW also comes with three different video capture modes and digital image stabilization. In addition, its intelligent parking mode shuts down all components except the g-force sensor until it registers movement, allowing this dashcam to run on its internal battery overnight.
There is an optional rear camera add-on for dual-channel support.
Best For: Voice-command functions
Special Features:
- What3Words built-in
- Alexa built-in
- Emergency SOS with optional profile setup
- Super slow-motion feature @ 120 FPS
Benefits:
- Comes with built-in emergency services
- Has three different camera resolutions
- Voice-command for media, calling, or navigation needs
- Does not require hardwiring
- Enhanced night vision technology
Disadvantages:
- Bulky design
- Hardwire cable is a separate purchase
- Maximum storage limited to 128 GB
- Does not come with SD card
Pricing: $379.99
| Technical Specifications | |
| Dimensions | 2.09 x 3.7 x 1.77 inches |
| Resolution | 3840×2160 @30 FPS, 2560×1440 @60 FPS, 1920×1080 @120 FPS (super slow motion) |
| Display Type | 3-inch LED HD display |
| Mounting Type | Window stick-on mount |
| Voice command | Has Alexa built in |
| Camera | Yes |
| Field of View | 140 degrees |
| Storage | Maximum of 128 GB |
| Lane Assist | No |
| Speed Limit Indicator | No; can be requested from Alexa |
| Traffic Services | No |
| Battery | 12v adapter, optional hardwire |
Vantrue N2S
The Vantrue N2S is another one of the best dashcams with parking mode on the market today.
The N2S comes as a dual camera in one housing. The front camera is capable of recording 4K @25 FPS. The second camera faces the interior, recording everything inside the cabin at up to 2.5K @30 FPS.
This dashcam’s parking mode uses both cameras to see what’s happening behind your car and in front.
Best For: Cabin Monitoring In Drive Mode
Special Features:
- Built-in interior-facing camera
- Dual camera parking mode
- Wide dynamic range technology for optimal performance in any light situation
- Infrared LED for night vision
Benefits:
- Record the inside of your vehicle
- Will save event files and protect them from being deleted
- Many resolution options
- Displays both camera views on its LCD screen
Disadvantages:
- 4K recording is only available when using just the front camera
- Lower FPS
- Hardwire cable is a separate purchase
- SD card not included
Pricing: $209.99
| Technical Specifications | |
| Dimensions | 4.25 x 1.73 x 1.73 inches |
| Resolution | 3840×2160 @25 FPS, 2560×1440 @30 FPS, 1920×1080 @30 FPS, 1280×720 @30 FPS |
| Display Type | 2-inch TFT LCD |
| Mounting Type | Suction cup mount |
| Voice command | No |
| Camera | Yes, two |
| Field of View | Front 155 degrees, interior 165 degrees |
| Storage | Maximum of 256 GB |
| Lane Assist | No |
| Speed Limit Indicator | No |
| Traffic Services | No |
| Battery | 12v adapter, hardwired for parking mode |
What is parking mode?
Parking mode is a feature available in some dash cameras that allows them to continue recording even when the car is turned off and parked.
This semi dashcam feature is useful for monitoring your truck while it is parked and can help deter theft and vandalism.
Depending on the camera, parking mode may be triggered by motion detection (dashcam g-sensor), the impact detection device, or a combination of both.
When triggered, the camera will start recording and save the footage to an internal memory card. Some cameras also have a feature that sends phone alerts if an event’s detected while you’re away from the vehicle.
How does a dashcam with parking mode work?
The dashcam will enter parking mode when you turn off the ignition. Most dashcams are hardwired to your car battery to supply power for the night’s recording.
Some dashcams will be in standby mode until motion is detected or an event happens. Only then will it start filming.
Types of parking mode
Motion detection
When the dashcam’s image sensor detects movement, the dashcam will wake up and start recording.
Impact
As soon as the dashcam detects any impact, it begins recording.
Stationary
The dashcam records continuously while parked.
What to look for in dashcams with parking mode
When shopping for the best dashcam with parking mode for you, you need to consider a few essential qualities.
- Video quality – Look for high-quality video so you can make out license plates in case of collisions.
- Number of channels – This refers to the number of cameras included in a dashcam system. Forward-facing single-channel dashcams may suffice for passenger vehicles, but semitrucks are better served by dual-channel or even quad-channel dashcams.
- Reliability – Your dashcam needs to perform as intended, so consider buying one from a reputable brand even if it isn’t the cheapest.
- Memory – The size of a dashcam’s SD card affects storage capacity, recording duration and video quality. Before purchasing an SD card, check the dashcam’s specifications to ensure compatibility.
- Extra features – Look for any extra capabilities that may be especially beneficial for your vehicle. These may include, for example, voice command, emergency SOS and collision push notification features.
Choose a dashcam with parking mode to protect your vehicle
If you’re looking for a new dashcam with parking mode, consider one of the five options listed here. All of our dashcam recommendations are highly rated and will protect your parked vehicle while you’re not watching.
FAQ
Yes, parking mode does use the battery power of your dashcam. However, many dashcams will be in standby mode until motion or impact is detected, reducing battery drain.
The cost of trucker dashcams with parking mode can vary depending on the brand, features, and quality. Typically, prices range from $50 to $200, with some high-end models costing more.
Parking mode is a feature found in some modern vehicles and dash cameras. It allows the device to continue recording and monitoring the surroundings even when the vehicle is parked and the engine is turned off.
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