The top-rated dash cams offer enhanced safety for drivers and fleet vehicles, whether on the road or when parked. These feature-rich devices provide crisp HD images, large touchscreens, and even multiple cameras for a comprehensive 360-degree view. The best part is that these highly rated dash cams are available at various price points, ensuring quality without the need for a premium budget.
Explore our selection of high-performing dash cams, catering to a range of budgets, and elevate your safety and monitoring capabilities on the road.
Quicklook: Best Rated Dash Cams
- Best For Parking Mode: Viofo A129 Pro
- Best For All Fleet Sizes: Garmin Dash Cam 67W
- Best For Small Size: Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2
- Best For Smart Driving Alerts: Nexar Beam
- Best For Dual Camera: Thinkware F200 Pro
- Best For Emergency Calling: Nextbase 522GW
What Is a Dash Cam?
A dash cam is a camera designed to be mounted on a vehicle’s dashboard or windshield and record automatically when the vehicle is in motion. Some dash cams have parking monitor features that record even when the vehicle is not turned on. Dash cams have one to three cameras that include front-facing, rear-facing, and interior cabin cameras.
How Does a Dash Cam Work?
Dash cams operate by continuously recording video footage while a vehicle is in motion. Typically, they are connected to a power supply within the vehicle and often feature a backup battery or capacitor power supply to ensure continuous recording, even when the vehicle is turned off. Dash cams utilize memory storage cards to store the recorded video footage. Additionally, many dash cams include intelligent features that automatically save and protect footage in the event of a crash or accident detection, providing valuable evidence for insurance claims and legal purposes.
6 Best Rated Dash Cams
With durable builds, excellent customer reviews, high quality video footage, and some interesting extras, the following dash cams will serve drivers and fleets of all sizes, or work well as a dash cam for car use.
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: $189.90
| 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 |
Garmin Dash Cam 67W
Garmin has emerged as a prominent player in the dash cam industry, and one of their noteworthy offerings, the Garmin Dash Cam 67W, exemplifies their commitment to excellence. Combining excellent video quality and easy installation, this compact dash cam stands out in the market.
Measuring about the size of a matchbox, the Garmin Dash Cam 67W is one of the smallest dash cams available today. Despite its compact form, it continues to maintain its reputation as one of the best-rated dash cams on the market. Experience the powerful combination of compactness and exceptional performance with the Garmin Dash Cam 67W.
Best For: All Fleet Sizes
Rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars with 475 reviewers
Special Features:
- Voice control
- Saved video automatically uploaded to cloud storage via wifi
- Parking guard to monitor activity around parked vehicle
Benefits:
- 180-degree viewing angle
- GPS tracker
- Tiny size
- Easy set up
- Simple smartphone app
Disadvantages:
- Some distortion on the edges of the frame in the wide-angle view
- Some issues with software compatibility and video uploads
Pricing: $259.99
| Technical Specifications | |
| Dimensions | 2.21 x 1.59 x 0.84 inches |
| Resolution | 1440p HD video with Garmin Clarity HDR optics |
| Display Type | No display, connects to smartphone |
| Mounting Type | Magnetic mount |
| Voice Command | Yes |
| Camera | Yes |
| Field of View | 180 degrees |
| Storage | 16GB microSD card, optional cloud storage at additional cost |
| Lane Assistance | Yes |
| Speed Limit Indicator | Yes |
| Traffic Services | Yes |
| Battery | Battery and vehicle power cables |
Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2
When seeking an affordable yet feature-rich option from Garmin, the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 stands out with its compact size and impressive recording capabilities. Despite being the smallest dash cam on the market, the Dash Cam Mini 2 consistently earns high ratings. It boasts excellent voice controls, effortless installation, and the option to pair additional cameras for enhanced monitoring. Experience the power of this tiny yet mighty dash cam that delivers outstanding performance and versatility.
Best For: Smallest Dash Cam
Rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars with 476 reviewers
Special Features:
- Smallest available size
- Voice commands
- Cloud storage option
Benefits:
- Compact windshield mount
- Full HDR
- Inexpensive
Disadvantages:
- No GPS
- No screen
- No battery
Pricing: $129.99
| Technical Specifications | |
| Dimensions | 1.22 x 2.09 x 1.14 inches |
| Resolution | 1080p HD |
| Display Type | No screen, smartphone app integration |
| Mounting Type | Windshield mount |
| Voice Command | Yes |
| Camera | Yes |
| Field of View | 140 degrees |
| Storage | 512 GB SD card maximum storage purchased separately |
| Lane Assistance | Yes |
| Speed Limit Indicator | No |
| Traffic Services | Yes |
| Battery | No battery, connected to vehicle |
Nexar Beam
Offering a compact and budget-friendly solution, the Nexar Beam dash cam stands out with its intriguing smart features, including advanced image processing algorithms and alerts for road hazards. With integrated GPS and phone pairing capabilities, it allows for unlimited clip backups. The Nexar Beam’s combination of exceptional reviews and affordable pricing makes it an excellent choice for fleets of all sizes, earning its place as one of the best-rated dash cams in the market. Experience the reliability and value provided by the Nexar Beam, an ideal companion for fleet vehicles.
Best For: Smart Driving Alerts
Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars, with 2725 reviewers
Special Features:
- Integrated GPS
- Road hazard alerts
Benefits:
- Small size
- Easily concealed
- Create detailed post-collision reports
- Compatible with iPhone and top Android phones
- Full HD quality
Disadvantages:
- Does not pair with all phones
- Check that your phone is supported
Pricing: $119.95
| Technical Specifications | |
| Dimensions | 6.26 x 3.74 x 3.31 inches |
| Resolution | Full HD 1080p |
| Display Type | No display, view on smartphone |
| Mounting Type | GPS Suction mount |
| Voice Command | With iPhone integration via Siri |
| Camera | Yes |
| Field of View | 135 degrees |
| Storage | 32 GB, can take up to 256 GB SD card |
| Lane Assistance | Yes |
| Speed Limit Indicator | Yes |
| Traffic Services | Yes |
| Battery | Runs off phone battery |
Thinkware F200 Pro
With front and rear cameras, a sleek profile, and a user-friendly app, the Thinkware F200 Pro is a standout choice. Alongside its impressive design, it offers intriguing features such as an integrated GPS, lane assist, and a slow-speed front collision warning system. What sets the Thinkware F200 Pro apart is its integrated supercapacitor, allowing it to hold a charge even when disconnected from a vehicle power supply. This unique feature, coupled with its stellar ratings, makes the Thinkware F200 Pro the ultimate choice for a reliable and highly rated dash cam.
Best For: Dual Camera Dash Cam
Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars, with 101 reviewers
Special Features:
- Dual cameras for a 300-degree view
- Front collision warning
- Capacitor powered
Benefits:
- Excellent, integrated app
- Slim, discrete profile
- GPS
Disadvantages:
- 30p only in full HD
- Some customers find lane assist unclear and dangerous
Pricing: $179.99
| Technical Specifications | |
| Dimensions | 3.9 x 0.91 x 1.3 inches |
| Resolution | Full HD 1080p |
| Display Type | None; phone app integration |
| Mounting Type | 3M adhesive mount |
| Voice Command | No |
| Camera | Yes |
| Field of View | 140-degree front camera160-degree rear camera |
| Storage | 32GB MicroSD Card included, up to 128 GB SD card slot |
| Lane Assistance | Yes |
| Speed Limit Indicator | Yes |
| Traffic Services | Yes |
| Battery | Supercapacitor |
Nextbase 522GW
The Nextbase 522GW is a top-of-the-line, feature-rich option that caters to those who desire a comprehensive dash cam experience. Packed with advanced functionalities, it includes Alexa integration, emergency calling, WiFi connectivity, and GPS capabilities. With its integrated 3-inch touchscreen, navigating through the features becomes effortless.
Similar to Amazon Alexa, this dash cam allows you to enjoy music playback, stay updated with the latest news, and even control your smart home devices while on the road. If you’re seeking a dash cam that offers an all-inclusive range of features, the Nextbase 522GW is the ultimate choice. Experience the pinnacle of functionality and performance with this highly rated dash cam.
Best For: Emergency Calling Features
Rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars, with 2167 reviewers
Special Features:
- Alexa voice commands
- Touchscreen
- Emergency SOS calling
Benefits:
- GPS with direction and speed
- Location sharing with emergency services
- Full HD recording
Disadvantages:
- Larger size
- Less discreet
- Higher price
Pricing: $219.50
| Technical Specifications | |
| Dimensions | 2.2 x 1.9 x 3.8 inches |
| Resolution | 2K resolution of 1440p at 30 fps, regular 1080p full HD at 60fps |
| Display Type | 3″ HD IPS touch screen |
| Mounting Type | Windshield mount, patented Click&Go PRO mount |
| Voice Command | Yes |
| Camera | Yes |
| Field of View | 140 degrees |
| Storage | Up to 256GB SD card |
| Lane Assistance | Yes |
| Speed Limit Indicator | Yes |
| Traffic Services | Yes |
| Battery | Internal battery, vehicle power connection |
What to Look for With the Best Rated Dash Cams
The best dash cams 2021-2022 include enhancement in video quality, with 4K video becoming standard. There are also upgrades to video stabilization, improved user interface, and extra features. Here is what to look for in the best rated dash cams:
Ratings
If a dash cam is highly rated by many users, that is a clear indication of a product that not only has impressive features, but delivers superior quality and reliability. A 5-star rating from 5 users shouldn’t be taken too seriously.
On the other hand, a 4.5-star rating from 5,000 users is a good indication of an excellent product. The higher the number of customers who bought the product the better the credibility of the rating.
Video Quality
These days, 4K video is becoming the industry standard. Look for the best rated dash cams with 4K video and superior image stabilization. You’ll also want to check the ratings for night recording as performance in low light can vary greatly between dash cams.
Easy Controls
While driving you need to keep your focus on the road and not the dash cam. Ease of installation, an intuitive layout, and ease of use are essential to get maximum value from a dash cam. Look for a dash cam that is highly rated by users for ease of use and installation.
Size & Packaging
Look for the best rated dash cam that is small in size. The smaller the packaging of the dash cam, the less potential view obstruction it can create. A small, discreet dash cam also means the dash cam will blend in with the car and won’t attract additional attention or make your vehicle a target of theft.
Build Quality
The best dash cam will be durable and reliable. It will be running many hours daily while you’re on the road and will perhaps be jostled. You want a dashcam that can generate high-quality, clear footage consistently, regardless of road conditions or operating hours.
Automatic ON and OFF
Many of the best dash cams offer an automatic on/off feature. When the vehicle starts, the dash cam will automatically start recording. And when the vehicle is shut off, the dash cam will automatically store video footage.
Extra Features
Some of the best rated dash cams, especially more high-end options, offer extra features like parking mode and GPS tracking. Some other interesting extra features include infrared lighting for inside the cabin, a driver fatigue alarm, options to capture still images while driving, and more. You will pay a premium for most of these extra features, but if you spend a lot of time on the road, it can be worth it.
Security Is Within Your Reach
The best rated dash cams all cost less than $250 and don’t require a monthly subscription, but offer significant benefits in peace of mind and security to protect vehicles and fleets of all sizes.
When selecting the best dash cam for your business, look at user ratings, size, video quality, and extra features that add value to your needs. A dashcam is a one-time investment that could save you thousands of dollars in case of an accident or theft.
FAQ
There are dashcams that have wireless transfer features. Some capacitor dash cams can be wireless, although most dash cams have at least one wire to charge while the vehicle is running.
Yes, dash cams provide security and backup for insurance claims in case of an accident. Also, they provide proof for the police in dangerous driving situations.
Dashcams will not lower insurance, but they will enable you to prove that you were not at fault in case of an accident. This can prevent an increase in insurance premiums in case of an accident.
