For drivers, a dash cam is comparable to CCTV. It can be used to support insurance claims and could even save your life.
Many cars now come equipped with backup cameras and lane departure warning systems, but if you get into an accident, you won’t be able to access the footage to prove that you were not at fault. That alone is a compelling argument to invest in the best dash cam.
Our top 12 picks are as follows:
- BlackVue DR900X-2CH 4K UHD Dashcam
- Thinkware U1000 4K UHD Dash Cam
- Garmin Dash Cam 67W
- Blackvue DR900S-2CH Dash Cam
- Thinkware U1000 Dual Dash Cam
- Thinkware Q800 Pro Dash Cam
- Garmin Dash Cam Tandem
- Garmin Dash Cam 45
- Nextbase 522GW Dash Cam
- Chortau Front and Rear Dual Dash Cam
- Vantrue N4 3 Channel 4K Dash Cam
- Rexing V1P MAX 4K Dash Cam
Read on to learn more about the 12 best dash cams, including the specs and features for each.
Best Dash Cam [Top 12 Dash Cams for Car or Truck]
1. BlackVue DR900X-2CH 4K UHD Dash Cam
First on our list is the BlackVue DR900X-2CH 4K UHD Dash Cam:
Click here to see it on Amazon.
The ultra-wide 162-degree angle of its front camera takes full advantage of the 4K UHD resolution. The rear camera provides Full HD video at a 139-degree angle with exceptional low-light sensitivity. It features the Native Parking Mode that protects your vehicle’s battery with a built-in voltage monitor. Hardwiring cable is also included.
Its front cam has an 8-megapixel sensor, 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 @30FPS) resolution, and a 162-degree view angle.
Its rear cam is equipped with a 2.1-megapixel STARVIS sensor, full HD (1920 x 1080 @30FPS) resolution, and a 139-degree view angle.
In 4K video streaming and broadcasting, High-Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC / H.265) is the industry standard. With HEVC, you get stunning 4K videos with the same length of recording time as a standard Full HD dashcam.
The Parking Mode can be hardwired to your vehicle’s fuse panel without the need for additional accessories. And when the car ignition is turned off, the dash cam automatically switches to Parking Mode. The BlackVue App allows you to set the voltage cutoff and timer as well.
The CM100LTE add-on connects to your compatible BlackVue X Series dash cam to provide you with 4G LTE connectivity. So, all you’ll need is a Nano SIM card. The CM100LTE connects to your dashcam’s USB port.
What’s more, you can check on your vehicle from anywhere, at any time, with the free BlackVue Cloud service. Remote Live View and Push Notifications are available on your phone. From anywhere, you may watch and download videos from your dash cam’s memory or the Cloud.
And through BlackVue’s integrated speaker and mic, you can enjoy two-way voice communication with the driver from the app.
- 4K Ultra HD video capture
- Great compression technology
- Fast WiFi, GPS, and optional 4G LTE connectivity
- BlackVue Cloud (Live View and Push Notifications)
- Two-way voice communication
2. Thinkware U1000 4K UHD Dash Cam
Our next favorite dash cam is the Thinkware U1000 4K UHD Dash Cam:
Click here to see it on Amazon.
The Thinkware U1000 is a high-end dash cam that prioritizes performance above everything else. The U1000, like its predecessors the F800 Pro and Q800PRO, focuses on providing crystal-clear video quality and dependable parking surveillance for all types of drivers.
The U1000 front camera is twice as powerful as the Q800PRO, with 4K Ultra High Definition at 30 frames per second and additional advanced features such as Energy Saving 2.0 and Remote Live View, opening up a whole new world for dash cam possibilities.
The U1000 also records crystal clear video in 4K UHD @30 fps, capturing every last detail you might have missed before. You may also record in 2K QHD at 60 frames per second.
The Thinkware cloud app allows for easy control and constant communication, as well as advanced location-based features, such as geofencing, vehicle location, and remote live view.
This dash cam provides an ultra-wide view as well. It has a 150-degree viewing angle that reduces blind spots and helps you to see more of what’s in front of your vehicle.
In the U1000, Super Night Vision 2.0 uses powerful image processing technology to record a crisp, visible video in any condition – day or night, while driving, or while parked.
Also, its 2K Quad HD rear camera is 4x more powerful and vivid than an HD rear camera.
- 4K Ultra HD @ 30fps
- 150-degree viewing angle
- 2K Quad HD rear camera
- Super Night Vision 2.0
- Thinkware Cloud app
- Thinkware Cloud-ready
3. Garmin Dash Cam 67W
Another great choice for car is the Garmin Dash Cam 67W:
Click here to see it on Amazon.
At up to 60 fps, the Garmin Dash Cam 67W records video at a resolution of 2560 x 1440. It has a wide 180° lens, a 2″ TFT LCD screen, a built-in GPS and G-sensor, providing event locations, recording after an impact, as well as a built-in microphone for audio capture.
Thanks to its WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, you can share, view, and edit captured footage using the Garmin Drive app for iOS and Android.
Forward collision and lane departure warnings are examples of this dash cam’s driver-assist systems. These features help keep you safe on the road. MicroSD/SDHC/SDXC cards up to 512GB are supported with an integrated memory card slot (16GB card pre-installed). The bundled dual-USB adaptor also allows you to charge your smartphone or tablet while using the dash cam.
The Garmin 67W is just a bit larger than the size of a golf ball, but it has all the essential functions and an impressive feature set you wouldn’t expect from such a small device.
- 1440p footage
- Extra-wide 180-degree field of view
- Garmin Clarity™ HDR
- Live view monitoring
- GPS incident detection
- Driver alerts
- Voice control
- Vault storage
- Secure online storage plans
4. Blackvue DR900S-2CH Dash Cam
Next on our list of the best front and rear dash cam is the Blackvue DR900S-2CH Dash Cam:
Click here to see it on Amazon.
The BlackVue DR900S 2CH is BlackVue’s much-anticipated 4K dashcam. Bitrate and hardware have significantly improved, but the most notable change is the highly anticipated upgrade in video resolution. Car dash cam fans have been waiting for this for a long time.
The DR900S includes many of the features found in the DR750S series, like the WiFi Cloud Event Partitioning and 4K UHD 30FPS or FHD 60FPS, including “Extreme” recording modes. With the new processor and sensor, the DR900S-2CH is capable of 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) recording on the front and 1920 x 1080 on the rear.
It’s compatible with the BlackVue Over the Cloud Service, which is available for free. This includes Remote Live View, Emergency Alarm, and many more.
This dash cam is built for hotter climates since it has a built-in High Temperature Cutoff. It also comes with a 2.4/5GHz WiFi G-Sensor and GPS, a 16GB Micro SD Card, 8-megapixel front, and 2.1 megapixels rear CMOS sensor for enhanced night vision.
- 4K UHD / FHD Recording
- BlackVue Over the Cloud
- Built-in WiFi and GPS
- “Extreme” recording modes
- Built-in High Temperature Cutoff
5. Thinkware U1000 Dual Dash Cam
Another one of the best dual dash cam is the THINKWARE U1000 Dual Dash Cam.
Thinkware’s flagship model, the U1000 4K dash cam, is manufactured in South Korea. It has excellent front and rear video quality, as well as a variety of customizable features.
It has a high price tag, yet it is not unjustified. This dash cam has best-in-class hardware and components. The Thinkware Cloud app can control a wide range of capabilities too.
And with the new and enhanced 8.42MP Sony STARVIS image sensor, it takes high detailed footage in 4K native UHD at 30 frames per second or changes to 2K QHD at 60 frames per second to make license plate viewing a breeze.
The Thinkware U1000 is a step up from the Thinkware Q800PRO, which it replaces. While many of the features stayed the same, the U1000 attempts to address some of the Q800Pro’s weaknesses.
This bundle includes a front & rear cam, 32GB micro SD card, 12V power cable, hardwiring cable, and CPL filter.
- Dual channel (4K front and 2K rear)
- Comes with a hardwiring kit
- Built-in WiFi/GPS
- Remote Live View
- Super Night Vision
- Lane Departure Warning System
- Thinkware Cloud
6. Thinkware Q800 Pro Dash Cam
The Q800 Pro is a dash cam with a lot of features and driver safety systems. It can also be used with a second rear-facing camera and records in 2K resolution. However, some buyers may be put off by the high price and extensive feature set.
Its 2K 1440P QHD image is 4x more vivid than HD quality with 140° wide angle view at 30 frames per second. This allows the dash Cams to record more detailed footage in all road conditions, as well as other drivers’ license plates. The internal camera on the rear has a full 1080P HD picture.
The award-winning Super Night Vision 2.0 feature on this dash cam captures the best quality dual dash cam footage in low light. Sony Exmor R STARVIS image sensor provides the highest quality lens and technology available in a car camera recorder.
Using the G-sensor, a cutting-edge energy-saving Parking Mode monitoring system, help prevent vehicle battery drain. Without the need for additional power magic adaptors, the Q800 dash cam continuously monitors the health and status of the vehicle battery and will shut down if it detects any issues.
Another feature is its advanced driver safety feature, which includes a forward-collision warning system, vehicle departure warning, lane departure warning, emergency record button with built-in GPS, and G-sensor incident detection.
For its WiFi and Cloud connectivity, it features geofencing, vehicle location, and driving impact notification. The cloud combines top-of-the-line dash cam technology with a range of ‘connected’ features that elevate the user experience. View, download, delete, and share footage over WiFi.
- Ultra-clear 2K video recording
- Great build quality
- High-quality footage in low light
- Comes with driver safety features
- Parking Mode monitoring system
- WiFi and Cloud connectivity
7. Garmin Dash Cam Tandem
Next on our dash cam list is the Garmin Dash Cam Tandem.
This first front/interior camera from Garmin proves that great things come in small packages.
The Garmin Dash Cam Tandem is an excellent choice for rideshare drivers who are willing to invest a little more money for good-quality footage. A 180° field of vision is provided by the dual cameras. The external-facing cam has a resolution of 1400 pixels. And while the cab-facing cam has a lower resolution of 720 pixels, it adds audio recording as an option. This dash cam is ideal for people who want a little peace of mind knowing that whatever happens, everything will be recorded while their vehicle is in use.
The exterior-facing camera also captures precise motion and vivid colors, so if you want to capture a picturesque journey, this dash cam will do the trick.
The Garmin Tandem is a wonderful option for rideshare drivers who want sharp windshield video and decent cab video and audio. While the voice command won’t give you a fantastic timelapse of your entire trip, it will be easier to capture high-quality clips that will impress your friends and family.
- Compact profile
- 180° field of vision
- Very easy to install and use
- Great magnetic mount
- 360-degree front / interior view (minus obstructions)
8. Garmin Dash Cam 45
The Garmin Dash Cam 45 is another top choice on our list of the best value dash cam.
The Garmin Dash Cam 45 is a well-designed, reliable, and inconspicuous travel recorder and potential safety device.
The Garmin Dash Cam 45 is a user-friendly HD driving recorder with a 2.0-inch LCD display. It catches the entire road and adds GPS for detailed time and location data, allowing you to identify exactly where and when incidents occurred.
For both bright and low-light conditions, the Dash Cam 45 will record great video detail. This dash cam uses a removable microSD card to record in a continuous loop. Add a bigger microSD card to add extra memory (accepts up to 64 GB, sold separately; Class 10 required). Playback the clip on display or save it to your computer for further review.
- 1080p HD driving recorder
- Travelapse feature
- Driver awareness warnings
- GPS-enabled
- Automatic incident detection (G-sensor)
- Built-in WiFi
- Parking mode feature
9. Nextbase 522GW Dash Cam
The Nextbase 522GW Dash Cam pushes the limits of what a dash cam can do. It includes a built-in polarizing filter and automatically records when bumps are detected on your parked car, in addition to recording in High Definition.
In an emergency, the Emergency SOS function alerts emergency services to your location, and it even has Amazon Alexa built-in, so you can ask it to play music, make calls, and more.
- Quad HD video quality
- Quicklink WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity
- GPS and G-Sensor
- SOS emergency response
- Built-in Alexa voice control built-in
- Rear windshield placement
- Parking mode
10. Chortau Front and Rear Dual Dash Cam
The Chortau Dash Cam is another great dash cam for your car.
The Chortau dual dash cam provides excellent protection and peace of mind on the road by covering both the front and rear angles. The videos shot with the rear camera are kept on the memory card alongside those shots with the front camera for convenient access.
This dash cam provides full HD 1080P @30fps videos, giving you the best visual experience. It captures clear videos and image footage even in low-light night settings thanks to its 6 LEDs, IR (infrared) lights, and super night vision technology.
An internal battery powers this dual dash cam. When someone hits your car in park mode, and the impact reaches the G-Sensor, the dash camera will turn on and record a short video, then lock and save it before turning off automatically. And if you install a dash cam with a hardwire kit, it will monitor your vehicle 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Both front and rear cameras work in parking mode. The dashboard camera screen will show both front and rear views at the same time.
- Dual dash cam
- 1080P resolution front cam
- Seamless loop recording
- 24-hour parking monitor
- G-sensor
- Super Night Vision
11. Vantrue N4 3 Channel 4K Dash Cam
The Vantrue N4 3 Channel 4K Dash Cam made it on our list of the best dash cams due to its triple channel camera.
The Vantrue N4 is the 1st major dash cam to record not only 2 but 3 video channels: the front camera, the rear camera, and the interior of your vehicle.
So, basically, this is a taxi / Uber cam with an extra rear camera or a front and rear dash cam with an extra interior lens.
The interior view is supported by 4 infrared LEDs that illuminate the passenger cabin in the dark. It is a must-have if you want to observe what’s going on in your car on video at night. Uber or rideshare drivers, as well as anyone in the people transportation industry, value this feature.
The Vantrue N4 records in 1440p with its front camera and 1080p with the interior and rear cameras. If you drive a taxi or Uber, you should seriously consider buying this camera for your vehicle.
- Triple channel dash cam
- 4K and 1080P resolutions (front and rear dual dash cam)
- Infrared night vision
- G-sensor
- Collision Detection Parking Monitoring
- Heat Resistant with Super Capacitor
12. Rexing V1P MAX 4K Dash Cam
The V1P MAX has two cameras: a front camera that records Real 4K 3840 x 2160 video and a rear camera that shoots 4K + 1080p video when used with the front camera.
A parking monitor is on service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to guarantee that you are well prepared in the event of an emergency. In addition, the built-in GPS provides critical information, such as your speed, location, and more. And through the Rexing Connect app, you’ll have seamless access to this data.
- 4K dual channel recording
- Built-in GPS, WiFi, and mobile app
- G-sensor, loop recording
- Supercapacitor & Parking Monitor
- Simple installation
- Super Night Vision
Best Dash Cam [Top 12 Dash Cams for Car or Truck]
So to recap, what is the best dash cam? Our top 12 picks for the best dash cam are as follows:
- BlackVue DR900X-2CH 4K UHD Dashcam
- Thinkware U1000 4K UHD Dash Cam
- Garmin Dash Cam 67W
- Blackvue DR900S-2CH Dash Cam
- Thinkware U1000 Dual Dash Cam
- Thinkware Q800 Pro Dash Cam
- Garmin Dash Cam Tandem
- Garmin Dash Cam 45
- Nextbase 522GW Dash Cam
- Chortau Front and Rear Dual Dash Cam
- Vantrue N4 3 Channel 4K Dash Cam
- Rexing V1P MAX 4K Dash Cam