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The dash cam has become a must-have accessory for commuters, road-trippers, and ride-hailing drivers. Footage from a dash cam provides irrefutable proof of fault in the event of an accident, and our pick is the Garmin Dash Cam 55. It’s packed with useful, cutting-edge features like voice recognition technology, and it can even make timelapse videos users can share on social media via a purpose-designed smartphone app.
Digital Trends selected Garmin’s 55 after testing the most popular dash cams on the market in real-world conditions. We judge them by their ease of installation, storage capacity, video quality, and features. When we’re not behind the wheel, we constantly stay up to date with the latest developments in the dash cam world by attending major international trade shows like CES. There are cooler, more feature-rich dash cams on the market, and there are cheaper ones, but the Garmin 55 is the jack of all trades.
Best dash cams at a glance:
The best dash cam: Garmin Dash Cam 55
Why should you buy this? It boasts a robust set of features that actually work as intended.
Who’s it for? Anyone who wants the absolute best in dash cam tech.
How much will it cost? $199
Why we picked the Garmin Dash Cam 55:
At about $200, the Garmin Dash Cam 55 offers a ton of useful features and above-par quality for a reasonable price. In a crowded market, it takes more than just being good — and the unique attributes of the Dash Cam 55 give it an edge.
At 1440p HD resolution and 30 frames per second, the Dash Cam 55 shoots in stunning quality during the day and respectable quality at night. Like some other dash cams on the market, the Dash Cam 55 offers innovative driver aids, but unlike other cameras, its alerts are often relevant (instead of driving you nuts with false alarms). And, thanks to a slew of voice-activated functions, it lets drivers focus on the road ahead. Also, the nifty Travelapse feature makes cool time-lapse videos that can easily be shared via the app.
The Garmin Dash Cam 55 looks great, feels sturdy, and has better features than competitors costing far more. What’s not to love?
The best dash cam under $100: Mobius ActionCam
Why should you buy this? It protects you without breaking the bank.
Who’s it for? Cost-conscious consumers.
How much will it cost? $75-$100
Why we picked the Mobius ActionCam:
Adding a dash cam to your car is a smart move, but that doesn’t mean it’s an affordable one. Fortunately, the Mobius ActionCam allows drivers to protect themselves without going broke.
The ActionCam offers more than just a low price tag. Its compact size allows it to fit perfectly in front of a car’s rear-view mirror, so it doesn’t sacrifice visibility, and it allows motorists to keep a clean-looking interior. This little guy also boasts 1080p video recording at 30 frames per second, and it automatically overwrites previous footage when the memory card reaches its capacity. Rounding out the cam’s highlights is downloadable software for camera settings tweaks, and a painless setup process.
Our gripes with the ActionCam are few, but it’s worth mentioning that you’ll have to do without a built-in display to monitor your recordings – for that, you’ll need a computer or TV. Finally, the lack of an accelerometer and a G-sensor means accident footage may appear chaotic compared to stabilized cameras that cost more.
The best dash cam for safety: Owl Car Cam
Why should you buy this? You want front and rear video surveillance for maximum safety.
Who’s it for? Extra cautious drivers.
How much will it cost? $349
Why we picked the Owl Car Cam:
One of the latest innovations in the world of dash cams is the addition of a second, rear-facing camera lens to monitor activity in and around the cabin of your vehicle. There are plenty of choices within this growing segment of cams, but the Owl Car Cam stands out for its safety add-ons.
Once on the road, the Owl Car Cam’s display shows a view of both the 1440p front and 720p rear camera feeds, so you know they’re properly aligned. The Owl has room for up to 24 hours of video in its internal storage. Older clips are erased after the storage is full, but voice command technology lets the driver can save specific moments while keeping both hands on the steering wheel. That’s just the dash cam part; there’s much more packed in this device.
It keeps your car safe, too. When you park, the Owl watches for motion and sends an alert to your phone when someone approaches or tries to enter your car. As an intruder approaches, they see the flashing green LED on the top of the camera begin to flash brighter to let them know they are being tracked. Once you receive an alert of a break-in or motion from the camera, you can open the app to see a live view of the interior and exterior. While watching the video, you can turn on a bright, white LED on the display screen, and even enable a two-way speaker to talk to the intruder.
Read our full Owl Car Cam review
The best dash cam for vans and trucks: WheelWitness HD Pro Plus
Why should you buy this? You want a dash cam that doubles as a virtual copilot.
Who’s it for? Motorists who drive a lot.
How much will it cost? $125
Why we picked the WheelWitness HD Pro Plus:
The WheelWitness HD Pro Plus is a heavy-duty dash cam that’s ideally suited to the needs of van and truck drivers, especially those who drive for a living. Sony-sourced technology allows it to record clear images during the day and at night, which means the device won’t become an expensive windshield ornament after the sun goes down, and its 140-degree angle records a wide view of the road ahead. It automatically overwrites older files, though users who would rather download their footage can turn the loop function off. The built-in G-sensor tells the HD Pro Plus to immediately save the footage if it detects an impact.
Smartphone connectivity comes standard. Motorists can use an app compatible with Apple and Android devices to wirelessly transfer video footage from the camera to their phone. It also comes with a 4X zoom, a feature that’s not common in the dash cam world, and users can zoom in even when the device is recording. Finally, the built-in GPS function keeps track of where the vehicle goes, and the speed it’s traveling at at any given moment. This robust set of features makes the HD Pro Plus an electronic copilot you can mount to your windshield.
Research and buying tips
How do I install a dash cam?
There are two basic ways to install a dash cam. The first and simplest solution is to plug the cam’s power cord into your car’s 12-volt outlet. To do this, use the suction cup that most dash cam manufacturers include with their device to attach it to your car’s windshield. Make sure it has a clear view of the road ahead, and double-check that it’s not in your field of vision. Run the cord from the cam to the 12-volt outlet — which is normally located on the center console — and you’re good to go. It’s not the neatest solution, but it works.
For a cleaner look, you can hard-wire a dash cam into your car. This solution requires a handful of tools, a little bit of time, and a basic knowledge of how a car’s electrical system works. Again, start by positioning the dash cam on your windshield using the suction cup. Carefully tuck the power cord under the front part of the headliner, and run it down the A-pillar by sliding it under the panel that covers it. Use a fuse tap — which you’ll need to buy online, or from an auto parts store — to plug the wire direction into your car’s fuse box.
What does a dash cam record to?
Though some dash cams come with a small amount of internal storage, a vast majority of the devices on the market save the footage they record onto a micro SD card. Most cams feature a loop function that automatically overwrites older footage when the card reaches its capacity, though users who don’t want to lose their files can turn this feature off. If the loop function isn’t on, users will need to either empty the SD card or insert an empty one to keep recording.
How long can a dash cam record?
The amount of footage a dash cam can record varies depending on the size of the SD card that’s in it, and the resolution selected. If the loop function is on, meaning old footage gets overwritten when the card is full, the cam will keep recording indefinitely as long as it’s connected to a power source. If you want to save every file the cam records, keep in mind an 8 GB memory card stores approximately 20 minutes of footage recorded at 1080p resolution in AVI format. Upgrading to a bigger card — like a 16 or a 32 GB unit — and lowering the resolution will help you save more footage.
Do dash cams have night vision?
Like humans, dash cams don’t see as well in the dark as they do during the day, and they rely on a car’s headlights and other sources of lights (like street lights) to capture footage at night. Recent advances in sensor technology helps them record increasingly clear footage after the sun goes down, but the quality depends on the model purchased. Some of the more expensive units on the market come with night vision technology that automatically adjusts lighting levels to provide the best possible picture, but it’s not going to be as clear as what they record in broad daylight.
Broadly speaking, your dash cam sees about as well as you do. If you drive out to the Nevada desert on a cloudy night and turn your headlights off, don’t count on your dash cam to back up your claim of shaking hands with a jackalope.
Can dash cams tolerate extreme heat or cold?
Having to take your dash cam out of the car every time you park to prevent it from freezing or overheating would quickly become a nuisance. Luckily, that’s not necessary.
How well a dash cam withstands extreme temperatures depends on the make, the model, and the hardware packed in it. We recommend buying a device with a capacitor, not a battery. The capacitor or the battery is what will power it in the brief moment after you turn the engine off so that it can save what it recorded. Capacitor-equipped cams are normally more expensive than those with batteries, but they’ll withstand hot and cold temperatures much better.
Can dash cams work with Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant?
Though many dash cams feature voice recognition technology and Wi-Fi compatibility, most do not work with Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant. Not yet, at least; it’s the next development in the dash cam world. One of the exceptions to the rule is the Garmin Speak Plus, a tiny device we called the Swiss army knife of dash cams. It supports a wide range of Alexa features, allowing you to access news reports, stream audio, communicate with your home, and carry out a host of other actions on the fly.
Editors' Recommendations
Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.
The Rundown
- Best Overall:Rexing V1 at Amazon, “Great HD video and lots of features for less than $100.”
- Best Budget:Old Shark 1080p at Amazon, “Super easy to use as it turns on and records automatically when the engine starts.”
- Best Front and Rear Camera:Pruveeo MX2 at Amazon, “A two-inch LCD screen on the back will display both camera feeds.”
- Runner-Up, Best Overall:KDLINKS DX2 at Amazon, “The camera is powerful enough to clearly read a license plate at a reasonable distance.”
- Runner-Up, Best Budget:APEMAN at Amazon, “Will keep you safe and secure but at a fraction of the price of other dash cams.”
- Best Cloud Storage: Nexar Smart Dash Cam at Amazon, 'The Nexar app will automatically save recordings to the cloud if it senses a dangerous event.'
- Best Video Quality:Z-Edge Z3 at Amazon, “No other dash cam offers a better picture.”
- Best Features:Garmin Speak Plus with Alexa at Amazon, “Responds to voice commands the same way as Amazon's Echo devices.'
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: Rexing V1
There are many budget dash cams out there, but not all are worth the money. The Rexing Wide Angle Dash Camera offers great HD video and lots of features for less than $100.
First off, the Rexing Wide Angle Dash Camera has clear 1080p HD video recording at 30 frames per second on a wide-angle 170-degree lens, so you’ll be able get every detail. It will automatically detect collisions and save those video files for later so you don’t lose them. You also have the option to record videos in loops of 3-, 5-, or 10-minute video files, which may vary depending on what you want to record. It can support for microSD cards up to 128 GB in size, which means you can record roughly 22 hours of 1080p video or 40 hours of 720p video if you use the maximum card size.
Best Budget: Old Shark 1080p Dash Cam
Dash cams come in many different formats and some can be downright expensive. If you’re in need of a cheap dash cam that has plenty of good features, then the Old Shark 1080p Dash Cam might be for you.
The Old Shark dash cam is much more modern than the name implies with 1080p HD video recording at 30 frames per second, wide-angle recording to get the full view of the road and “night vision,” thanks to its built-in infrared light reader. This model is super easy to use, too, as it turns on and records automatically when the engine starts. It also offers video recording on a loop, so the oldest video is recorded over when it runs out of space. As for memory, it supports microSD memory cards up to 32GB, so you’ll want to buy one of those, too. Overall, this model has been praised for its excellent video quality and ability to take video during both day and night.
Want to take a look at some other options? See our guide to the best dash cams under $100.
Best Front and Rear Camera: Pruveeo MX2
Dash cams can save a lot of headache when you need that objective view of an accident or driving incident. While most things that can go wrong often occur in front of the car, it’s nice to have your rear covered as well. Instead of two separate dash cams, a front/rear camera like the Pruveeo MX2 will give you both perspectives in a single device.
The dash cam features two independently swiveling cameras. One camera records 720P while the other records at 420p, making the resolution of each camera crisp enough to clearly see the video without needing a large amount of storage. Both also record at a standard 30 frames per second for a smooth video. Each camera can rotate 320 degrees with a wide 120-degree perspective. With this wide angle, you will be sure to catch all of the action that is happening in front or behind your car as you drive.
Using the dash cam is easy. You can plug the camera directly into the cigarette lighter for continuous operation. Recording automatically starts when the engine turns on and stops when cut off. Video records to a microSD card so you can select the storage capacity (up to 32 GB) you want in order to potentially extend how long videos are saved before they are recorded over. A two-inch LCD screen on the back will display both camera feeds (picture-in-picture) or one feed at a time.
Runner-Up, Best Overall: KDLINKS DX2 Full-HD 1080P Front + 720P Rear Dash Cam
The DX2 has a three-inch screen and the camera is excellent, powerful enough to allow the clear reading of a license plate at a reasonable distance. It has a super wide 165-degree (front) 125-degree (rear) viewing angle. The camera records at 1080p high-def resolution at 30 frames per second. It has a night-vision feature using f.16 six-glass lenses and comes with a useful 16 GB micro SD card for lengthy recording. Should you need more, this camera supports up to 32 gigabytes of extra recording space with the purchase of a larger Micro SD card.
An emergency lock button can be engaged in the case of an accident, and your recorded video will be protected from being overwritten. The accident auto-detection feature can kick in when a collision is detected.
Runner-Up, Best Budget: APEMAN Dash Cam 1080P FHD DVR Car Driving Recorder
APEMAN's dash cam includes all of the features you're looking for in a dash cam that will keep you safe and secure but at a fraction of the price of other dash cams. Set up is straightforward so you can get to using this camera as soon as you receive it. Features include a 170-degree view that lets you see cross traffic, WDR and HDR for the ability to see in low-light, and a three-inch LCD screen. APEMAN's camera also auto-captures any car collisions you're involved in so you can view them later.
Reviewers say the camera gets the job done, but you may want to buy a separate SD card for more storage.
Best Cloud Storage: Nexar Smart Dash Cam
Harnessing the power of the smartphones most of us drive around with, the Nexar Smart Dash Cam saves footage on a free storage account in the cloud. The installation process is quick: mount the camera on your windshield with the included equipment and pair it with the free Nexar app on your phone. The app will automatically record while you drive and save recordings to the cloud if it senses a dangerous event, such as sudden braking or a collision. If you do get into an accident, a “1-Click Report” button generates a report with related video clips and relevant data like your location, timeline, and impact/speed analysis.
The camera has a 155-degree viewing angle and records 720p video at 30fps. A 32GB microSD card is included to store the latest four hours of footage, with some video saved on your phone depending on your available storage space. The cloud storage for uploaded events is unlimited, though, and you can access it at any time.
Best Video Quality: Z-Edge Z3
The Z-Edge Z3 excels at a dash cam’s most important job – accurately capturing the scene with a high-quality video. No other dash cam offers a better picture. With its Super HD 2560 x 1080 resolution camera, your recorded videos are so detailed you’ll need a high-resolution monitor or TV to view them in all their glory! The camera’s 170-degree angle is also excellent, picking up everything that happens at the front and sides of your car.
The Z-Edge Z3 is also an economical choice, especially when you consider it comes with a 32 GB SD card and an extra-long USB cable bundled in. There’s no GPS or Wi-Fi connectivity, but a G-sensor allows for automatic crash detection and the Z3 can be set up to record continuously while the ignition is on. The three-inch screen is nice and clear, and the LCD can be set to automatically switch off after a set period to save energy.
A worthy contender for best overall dash cam, the Z-Edge Z3 is the choice for you if you want the best possible picture from your dash cam and don’t need GPS or Wi-Fi connectivity.
Best Features: Garmin Speak Plus with Amazon Alexa
This little device is capable of much more than just video recording. It's starring feature: integration of Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant. The Garmin Speak Plus responds to voice commands the same way the ever-popular Echo devices do — ask it to change the music in your car, add events to your calendar, update you on traffic conditions, or answer questions. On top of all that are the benefits of Garmin GPS turn-by-turn navigation, though it only gives you direction through voice commands (it does not have a visual map display).
And on top of all that is a built-in dash cam. It records good-quality video up to 1080p resolution at 30fps with a somewhat narrow 82-degree view. Footage is recorded on a default 60-second loop and detected accident footage is automatically saved. You can view recordings on Garmin’s VIRB app or on a microSD card if you choose to add one. While on the road, you’ll also benefit from alerts that warn you of lane departures and potential forward collisions.
The device itself is tiny, with a display that shows only basic symbols. It sticks firmly to your windshield, but the long power cable may take some maneuvering to get it out of the way. And since Alexa can’t function without your smartphone, the Speak Plus needs to be connected to it using cellular data, and the Garmin Speak app has to be running.
Tested by
How We Tested
Our reviewers spent 51 hours testing three of the most popular dash cams on the market. They drove hundreds of miles through city streets and rural terrain to see how well these dash cams captured the drive. We asked our testers to consider the most important features when using these dash cams and we've outlined them here so that you, too, know what to look for when shopping.
What to Look for in a Dash Cam
Picture quality - Clear picture quality can be crucial in catching details of a journey. Go for one that captures video in 1080p resolution at 30 frames per second at the minimum. If you want to spring for something even fancier, you can find options that capture video in Super HD 2560 x 1080 resolution.
Viewing angle -A wide viewing angle is important for capturing the whole scene. Most dash cams have cameras that have at least a 120-degree viewing angle, though the better ones will capture up to 180 degrees.
Night vision -If you often drive after dark, get a dash cam with a night vision feature. These will have a built-in infrared light reader that will record all the action no matter the time of day.
Test Results: Rexing V1 (Best Overall)
What We Like
Great image quality
Has 170-degree wide-angle lens
Includes collision sensor
The affordable price, great image quality, and customizable features of the Rexing V1 all won our testers over. Lifewire reviewers appreciated having several recording mode options — loop mode, continuous recording, and audio off — to choose from and highlighted the collision sensor as a key factor that would sway their purchase. “In my mind, the main reason to own a dash cam would be for insurance purposes, so you can capture an accurate sequence of events in an accident scenario,” one person said. “The HD video and license plate recognition are crucial for similar reasons.”
The only flaw with this dash camera is that you have to purchase your memory card separately.
Test Results: Old Shark 1080p Dash Cam (Best Budget)
What We Like
Motion detector initiates recording even when car is stopped
Has night-vision capabilities
Has 170-degree wide viewing angle
What We Don't Like
Written instructions are not clear
Power cable can get in the way
Our testers really appreciated the fact that this camera will start recording when outside objects get too close to the car, which would be helpful in capturing parking lot accidents. You can also choose to have it record continuously or only when the car is in motion, depending on when you think potential accidents may occur. The camera offers video recording on a loop, so the oldest video is recorded over when it runs out of space. Given all the options, you’ll need to set aside some time (only about 20 minutes) to enable or disable the available features. One of our testers said this model wasn’t as simple as just “plug and play” and that you should steer clear if you are “tech-phobic.”
Some of our at-home testers found the setup instructions a little hard to understand because they seemed to be written by a non-native English speaker. However, our reviewers eventually caught on and were able to suction the camera to their windshields.
Best Front and Rear Camera: Pruveeo MX2
What We Like
Good image quality
Cameras rotate 320 degrees
Automatically records when car is on
What We Don't Like
No night vision option
Setup instructions were very basic
Poor sound quality
One of our reviewers loved the Pruveeo MX2 so much that she said, “If you’re looking for an affordable dash camera that can get both the front and rear angles, this is a smart choice. The price is right, the size isn't too cumbersome, and it’s easy to adjust the cameras to the angle you need.” She mentioned that the image quality was good, but that the microphone wasn’t great. If audio is necessary for you — for example, if you’re a taxi driver that needs to record unruly passengers — then this model won’t work for you.
Some of our testers found that this dash cam was tricky to set up, because the included instructions are very basic. One person commented, “You need to use common sense to figure it out and it wasn't very user intuitive for a dash cam novice.” Everyone ultimately succeeded with the installation and the camera was easy to use once it was mounted onto the windshield.