A dashboard camera, usually called a dash cam, is a device that can record everything that is going on outside the car. Some cameras can also record what is happening inside the passenger compartment, and still others allow you to see (but not necessarily record) behind the car. People use dash cams for a variety of reason, including wanting to have proof of what actually occurred in the case of an accident.
We have reviewed dozens of dash cams so that we can bring you a list of the best. We looked at the available features, stability, and other factors that Amazon users reported in their reviews. By the way if you are looking for a list of car speakers, check out our list of the top picks!
Our top pick is the APEMAN Dash Cam 1080P. It features a large screen display, a wide view, the latest in WDR and HDR technology, and features that will make set-up and use easier than you could imagine. It includes a suction mount as well as a car charger with mini USB cable. As the company says, drive without fear, as your road trip is under control.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Dash Cams
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | APEMAN Dash Cam 1080P | 4.4 |
| Runner Up | Rexing V1 Car Dash Cam | 4.3 |
| Best Budget Buy | Zhiroad Dash Cam | 4.2 |
| Best Dual Dash Cam | Vantrue N2 Pro Uber Dual Dash Cam | 4.4 |
| Best Mirror Dash Cam | DuDuBell 7″ Backup Camera With External GPS | 4.7 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Our Top Pick: APEMAN Dash Cam 1080P
The APEMAN Dash Cam 1080P made our top pick among all of the available dash cams. This is a 1080P full HD dash cam with high resolution and a 3-inch lens. The super-wide angle is 170 degrees, reducing blind spots and capturing more details. It offers superb night vision, eliminating the need for auxiliary lighting and providing a clear image even in the dark.
This dash cam includes features like emergency accident lock to record all the details of a collision or other unexpected event, continuous recording that overwrites older footage to prevent the card from stopping when it gets full, and the option to put on 24-hour parking monitoring. It is easy to set up and includes everything you need.
APEMAN Dash Cam 1080P Key Features:
- Large screen
- High resolution
- Wide lens
- Emergency accident lock
- Continuous recording
- Parking monitoring
- Includes charger, cable, mounts, and user manual
Our Runner Up Pick: Rexing V1 Car Dash Cam
Our runner-up pick is the Rexing V1 Car Dash Cam. Its low-profile design is discreet and well-hidden. The camera features full HD recording and a wide dynamic range, allowing it to perform in any lighting situation without auxiliary lighting. The 170-degree 7-layer glass lens captures a full view of what’s in front of you.
The recording is split into segments, and if the memory card gets full, the oldest segments will be overwritten. This prevents a loss function when the memory card is full. It supports micro SD cards up to 128 GB. This camera also offers accident detection thanks to built-in gravity sensors. The footage will lock and not be overwritten in the case of a collision.
Rexing V1 Car Dash Cam Key Features:
- Low-profile
- HD recording
- Wide view lens
- Loop recording
- Accident detection technology
- Supports micro SD cards
Best Budget Pick: Zhiroad Dash Cam
When it comes to budget-friendly dash cams, the Zhiroad Dash Cam was the clear top pick. It offers many of the same features as the other top cams at an economical price. The footage recorded is in full HD to provide a clear picture. It has an aluminum alloy case for extra strength and it comes with a charger and USB cable. An SD card with 32 GB of memory is recommended.
This camera has accident detection and a system where collision-related footage won’t be overwritten. The other footage is loop-recorded, which means that the older footage will be overwritten as time passes. There is a parking mode that will turn on the recording in the case of a hit-and-run when the car is parked. It is easy to set up and use.
Zhiroad Dash Cam Key Features:
- Full HD recording
- Aluminum allow case
- Accident detection
- Loop recording
- Parking mode
- Includes cable and charger
Best Dual Dash Cam: Vantrue N2 Pro Uber Dual Dash Cam
Our top pick among dual dash cams is the Vantrue N2 Pro Uber Dual Dash Cam. This camera made Wirecutter’s top pick for the best dash cam to record the car interior. The front and inside camera record both the road and the inside of the car simultaneously. You can also increase the clarity of the front camera by turning off the inside camera if you choose.
It features infrared night vision that can handle low light conditions without auxiliary lighting. It has seamless looping that overrides the oldest footage first once the memory card is full, but it also has accident detection, which will prevent incident-related recordings from being overwritten. It also has 24-hour parking mode that will record any time it senses motion in front of your car. You can turn the LCD off to reduce the amount of light you have shining on the dashboard as you drive.
Vantrue N2 Pro Uber Dual Dash Cam Key Features:
- Dual cameras to show inside and front of car
- Infrared night vision inside and out
- Seamless looping
- Accident detection
- 24-hour parking mode
- 18-month warranty
Best Mirror Dash Cam: DuDuBell Backup Camera with External GPS
The DuDuBell Backup Camera with External GPS is our top pick for mirror dash cams. This one has a touch screen that will display real-time traffic conditions. The front camera is 1080P and the rear cam is 720P. Both have wide angles and you can play back to footage on the camera itself or on your computer. The rear camera also helps with reverse assistance.
The camera includes external GPS, which records accurate speed and location data while you drive for the ultimate in safety. The user interface is easy to use and friendly to operate. The controls are largely intuitive. The camera has crash detection, loop recording, motion detection, and parking monitor features. The user guide is explanatory and the product comes with a one-year warranty.
DuDuBell Backup Camera With External GPS Key Features:
- Front and rear cameras
- Wide angles
- Reverse assistance
- External GPS
- Easy to use
- Crash detection
- Loop recording
- Parking monitoring
- One year warranty
Who Should Buy a Dash Cam
It is often thought that if you are a safe driver who is not likely to get pulled over, you don’t need a dash cam. Unfortunately, while this is a good theory, it isn’t true. Anyone who is driving, no matter how safely and defensively, has the potential to be hit by a less-safe or distracted driver. A dash cam can mean the difference between you being found at fault and you being vindicated when the video shows exactly what happened.
Another reason to have a dash cam is if you drive for a ride-sharing company such as Uber or Lyft. A dual dash cam, in this instance, will provide footage of what is happening inside the vehicle. While most passengers just want to get where they need to go, you might pick up one who is acting unacceptably in some way. Just the presence of a dash cam might convince them to be on their best behavior.
Finally, if you own a company vehicle that you allow your employees to use or if you are the parent of a teen driver, a dash cam will allow you to monitor how safely they are driving and, in the case of a dual dash cam, how they are acting inside of the vehicle. Be aware that in most states, you do need to alert drivers and passengers if they are being recorded.
Important Features to Consider
There are a few important features that you might want to keep in mind as you decide which dash cam is right for you. Here are some things to consider.
- Secure installation. The dash cam can be installed with a suction cup or with an adhesive or in some other manner. Make sure that it is secure and that you feel comfortable with where it is meant to be mounted in the car.
- Type of use. Make sure you pay attention to the type of dash cam you are purchasing. If you want the camera to record what’s going on in the car, you’ll need a dual dash cam. If you want one that will help you see behind the car to back up more safely, a mirror dash cam is a good option.
- Features. Most dash cams have features such as loop recording (where it will overwrite the oldest footage first) and crash detection. If you want a long-lasting battery life or infrared night vision, look for those special features.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a dash cam and how does it work?
A dash cam is a camera that automatically records out the windshield when you turn on your car. Some also record the inside of the car and some record or display what’s happening behind the car. Many dash cams are plugged into the car’s cigarette lighter to charge, while some are hard-wired to a fuse box.
Are dash cams legal?
There is no law in the USA that says that dash cams are illegal. However, there are some things that might be skirting the letter of the law or even breaking it. First, the camera must not be an obstruction to your vision while driving. Some states say that nothing can be mounted on the windshield, while others have some allowances for mounting a camera on the windshield. Also, some states specify that if you are using an audio recording (such as you might with a dual dash cam), you have to notify everyone who is being recorded.
The best action is to check with a legal expert in your state to find out whether it is legal to use a dash cam on your windshield or one that will record what people inside or outside the car are saying.
How long do dash cameras record for?
According to Rand McNally, the average time for a dash cam to record is 6 hours on a loop that records continuously. Once the memory card is full, it will begin overwriting the oldest content first. You can also set a loop for 1 minute, 3 minutes, 10 minutes, or whatever is allowed by your specific camera. Remember that you’ll usually keep your cam plugged in. (We review the best car batteries in a separate post.)
Does installing a dash cam lower insurance?
In general, no, installing a dash cam doesn’t directly lower your car insurance premiums. What it can do, however, is establish that an accident or collision is not your fault. If fault is not obvious to the officer arriving to file a police report, you could be fully or partially blamed. If the dash cam establishes that you were not at fault, then you should not receive a citation or any blame, which can prevent your premium rates from rising.
Other Dash Cams We Reviewed
In addition to the dash cams that made our top 5 list, we also reviewed 20 additional cameras. These might not have made our top picks, but they are still great options. The information you need to evaluate them is included with each listing.
Dual Dash Cams
Akaso Dual Dash Cam Front and Inside
Dual lenses and unparalleled night vision give you the best view of what is going on inside and outside of the vehicle. The G-sensor and parking monitor work overtime to keep you safe.
Key Features:
- 340-degree combined view
- Loop recording
- Impact detection
Cost: $110
APEMAN 1440P&1080P Dual Dash Cam
The user friendly design, the professional after-sale service, and a wide range of excellent features like accident detection and a long recording time make this dash cam a great bet.
Key Features:
- Loop recording
- Extra long recording time
- Accident detection
Cost: $100
Crosstour 1080P FHD Front and Rear Dual Lens Dash Cam
The advanced sensor and 6-glass lens provide you with a crystal-clear 1080P recording. Night vision and an external GPS are other great features that this mid-price camera offers.
Key Features:
- 1080P cameras
- Super night vision
- External GPS
Cost: $100
iiwey Dual Dash Cam FHD 1080P & HD 720P
The loop recording, 24-hour parking monitor and great night vision keep you covered all day and all night. This dash cam also comes with a 12-month worry-free warranty.
Key Features:
- Loop recording overwrites oldest footage first
- Shake/collision detector
- Automatic power-on if motion is detected
Cost: $60
Petzio Dual Dash Cam Front and Rear
The wide angle and the 3-inch screen combine with features such as parking monitor, G sensor, motion detection, and night vision in this solid camera.
Key Features:
- Wide angle camera
- Large touch screen
- Motion detection
Cost: $50
This dual dash cam records automatically when the car is turned on, saving you from having to remember to turn it on. Lots of great features.
Key Features:
- Waterproof backup camera
- Wide dynamic range
- Seamless loop recording
Cost: $60
Record from two different perspectives with this dual dash cam. It offers great resolution, even at night and in low lighting conditions.
Key Features:
- Automatic detection of accidents
- Loop recording
- Good temperature resistance
Mirror Dash Cams
This camera has a large 9.88″ touch-screen streaming media mirror to provide you with clear and bright real-time traffic conditions. It also has worry-free reverse assistance.
Key Features:
- G-sensor
- Loop recording
- Parking monitor
Cost: $260
This backup camera and dash cam has a 10-inch IPS screen. Superior night vision, a dual lens camera, an adjustable view backup camera, and loop recording function make this a great choice.
Key Features:
- Parking monitor
- G-sensor for crash detection
- Easy-to-use backup camera
Cost: $130
CHICOM V21 9.66 inch Mirror Dash Cam
The 1080P front camera records high-quality no matter what the light level, and the 9.66-inch touch-screen is fully HD, allowing you to see more traffic at a glance.
Key Features:
- Superior night vision
- G-sensor and loop recording
- 24 hour parking monitor
Cost: $110
Chortau Mirror Dash Cam Touch Screen
You’ll be as safe as can be with reverse assistant, a waterproof rear camera, and parking guide lines, which activate automatically in reverse.
Key Features:
- Looping recording
- Sudden impact detection
- 24-hour parking monitor
Cost: $50
This mirror dash cam has the touch-screen on the left side, which is convenient for American drivers to operate. High resolution with HDR technology captures every detail.
Key Features:
- Enhanced night vision
- Reverse assistant
- Dual channel recording
Cost: $40
Jeemak Backup Camera Mirror Dash Cam
The front and weatherproof rear cams provide four modes for your safety and security. Parking assistance, emergency locking, and loop recording make this camera easy to use.
Key Features:
- 4.3″ display screen
- Automatic parking assistance
- Continuous recording
Cost: $30
This 7-inch touch screen allows you to record not only with the full HD front view video but also with the waterproof rear camera for the best footage any time of day.
Key Features:
- Reversing camera for safer parking
- G-sensor for accident detection
- One key switching design
Cost: $65
WordCam 7-Inch Touch Screen Backup Camera
This dash cam features a 2.5D high transparency silver mirror, giving you great vision whether day or night. It also has a 170-degree wide angle for ultimate visibility.
Key Features:
- 7-inch touch screen
- Parking monitor
- Collision detection
Other Dash Cams
This high-definition dashboard camera offers sharp 1080P video, optional in-car audio, and 140 degrees of view. It also has a long lasting battery.
Key Features:
- Emergency recording
- Extreme temperature operation
- Easy mounting
Cost: $40
This small dash cam is easy to use; simply mount it, connect the power cable, and go. You’ll get a high definition video resolution and you’ll enjoy no blind spots.
Key Features:
- Seamless loop recording
- Mini size for no vision obstruction
- Great night vision
Cost: $35
Crosstour 1080P Car DVR Dashboard Camera
This camera has a 3-inch LCD screen that captures real time images, helping you clearly see every detail when you play it back.
Key Features:
- 6G lens camera
- Shake/collision detection
- Big aperture and wide dynamic range
Cost: $38
DDPAI Mini3 Dashboard FHD 1600P Car Camera
This mini dashboard camera has it all: No need to purchase an SD card, because the built-in 32 G storage eliminates the need. It is the first 1600P dashcam with clear night vision.
Key Features:
- Discreet design
- Operates in temperature extremes
- Built-in WiFi
Cost: $130
With a compact design and super-simple installation, this dash cam is easy to use and offers some great features, including wife, crystal-clear resolution, and a rotatable lens.
Key Features:
- Good night vision
- Seamless loop recording
- 24-hour parking mode
Cost: $120
