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The 10 Best Dash Cams for 2022 – Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

A very helpful device for all the car owners.

animated car dash camGetting caught in a car accident is one of the biggest fears of most drivers.

Apart from the trauma of the accident, you also have to deal with the seemingly endless paperwork.

And the absolute biggest nightmare? Being put under blame for something that just wasn’t your fault or being forced to pay up for damages you didn’t cause.

How do you avoid that? The solution is a very simple but effective, which is the installation of a dashcam.

A dashboard camera can obviously not help you avoid crashes, but will most certainly come in handy and save you money when trying to prove a fraudulent case where the fault isn’t yours.

Dash Cams have a lot going on for them and our reviews of some of the best dash cams will certainly help you choose the ideal camera, aligning with both your needs and budget.
Who needs a Dash Cam?
car dashboard cameraEveryone who owns a car must get a dashcam installed in it.

When the time comes, a dash cam could save you a lot of money.

It could also save you a lot of legal trouble.

If you have ever been in an accident where it was not your fault, and you still ended up paying penalties, you would understand the value of dashcam.

For those who have never been in such a situation, it could happen to you.

Apart from all this, you can also save yourself from Staged accidents where pedestrians bump in your car purposely so that they can cash in for the accident.

Staging accident is happening at scale in few countries including some asian countries being very popular for this case.

Apart from that, you can also save yourself from the ticket for the violation that you haven’t done.

Last but not least, you can also use a Dashcam to record your road trip. Although you will not get the video quality as you get from a DSLR camera or any dedicated video camera for that matter, it would still be a decent quality video to relive the whole trip.

How we Picked and Tested?
man Installing a dash camThere were a set features we were looking for in every dashcam.

  • 1080P resolution atleast.
  • G-sensor.
  • Night vision.

There are other important features too, but we think the above three are the most important ones.

To easily be able to see the number plate or to see the minute details in a clip, the clip should be atleast in 1080P resolution. So we made sure every dash cam that we are choosing records the footage in 1080P atleast. Few of the dash cams on our list also record in 4K.

Next is the G-sensor.

With G-sensor in your dashcam, as soon as your car experiences a collision, the dashcam automatically saves and blocks the footage that has already been recorded before the collision. This way no one can tamper your footage.

The night vision is pretty self-explanatory. We made sure that dashcam gives out clear footage in the night too.

Once we were sure about what we want, we started looking for what’s popular in the market.

We checkout of other review publishing websites, we also checked popular products on Amazon and best buy, we also read reviews of the verified customers to know if the product we are picking is good or not.

We at first picked 13 dash cams, and out of them chose the best to be featured over here. Later on, some of them were discontinued so we then replaced them with new dash cams.

We always make sure that the products that we are promoting are still the best in the market.

Best Dash Cams for 2022 – Quick Look

(Click on the name of any dashcam to read it’s in-depth review)


1. Rexing V1 – Best Overall Dash Cam

Rexing V1 Car Dash Cam 2.4" LCD FHD 1080p 170 Degree Wide Angle Dashboard Camera Recorder with Sony Exmor Video Sensor, G-Sensor, WDR, Loop Recording

The V1 is a very tiny, unique dashcam.

Rexing is quite a popular and established brand when it comes to dash cameras, and does a pretty good job each time. The V1 is a budget-oriented dash camera from the company that offers up several reasons to be loved.

Upon a closer look, the most obvious aspect to this dash cam is its unique design, making it quite different from other available dash cams, and that is the thing that makes it special.

Specifications
  • 1080P recording at 30fps.
  • 170-degree ultra-wide-angle lens.
  • 2.4 inch LCD screen.
  • Sony IMX323 image sensor.

Our In-Depth Review:

Right from the very first glimpse, we were pretty blown away by its unique design. Add to that the specifications that come with it and you’ve got a solid and well-rounded dash cam to work with.

170-degree, 6 layer lens with wide dynamic range technology helps to capture Full HD 1080p videos, resulting in a super detailed and crisp image. This makes it super easy for you to read license plates, a company name on a roadside banner or a sign on a car, which can be pretty useful in the event of an accident should you need evidence to prove your case.

For those wondering about a loop recording feature, then yes, we can confirm that the camera does support this feature. Loop recording not only lets you record videos in a timeframe of 3, 5 or 10 minutes but you also don’t have to worry about storage issues. As soon the camera starts running low on storage, the advanced loop recording technology automatically starts deleting the older unwanted recording to make room for new videos.

The Rexing V1 does come with a G-Sensor which helps with the AutoSaving feature by locking videos in the event of an accident/collision. But before you turn it on, make sure you set the sensitivity level to medium in order to avoid unnecessarily triggering the feature at minor road bumps.

Low Light Performance: This is one of the most important key features where unfortunately most dash cams fail to perform. Luckily, the Rexing V1 does an excellent job here. Irrespective of whether the days are cloudy or it is night time, the video quality comes out exceptionally great in every condition, all thanks to the enhanced night vision technology-packed onto the camera.

The one and only thing that we don’t quite love about the camera is the LCD display that comes with it. First off, it’s pretty small. The standard display size for most dash cams is 2.7 inches, whereas the Rexing V1 only has a 2.4-inch display. Also, the viewing angles are not the best. Side angle viewing is pretty much non-existent with a clear view only from a head-on angle.

Pros

  • Equipped with G-Sensor.
  • Up to 128 GB expandable storage.
  • Enhanced night vision technology.
  • Discreet design.

Cons

  • Small display with average viewing angles.

Conclusion:

With the built-in 1080p Full HD display, the Rexing V1 dash cam records crystal clear videos from the windscreen. Its discrete design is pretty unique and a complementary factor for users. You’d be hard-pressed to find similar designs from other manufacturers. The best thing about it, of course, is its price. We would recommend this dash cam to anyone looking to get one without breaking the bank.


2. KD Links X1 – Portable Dash Cam

KDLINKS X1 GPS Enabled Full HD 1920x1080 165 Degree Wide Angle Dashboard Camera Recorder Car Dash Cam with Gravity Sensor, WDR Superior Night Model

Having a dash cam installed is a great safety measure to think about when it comes to car insurance. In the event of an accident, you have readily available video evidence should you ever need it. Easy and hassle-free.

The KD Links X1 is automatically powered as soon the ignition is turned on. Now, for people who have a tendency to forgot things (don’t we all?), this automatic power function is a pretty neat feature to have.

The X1 records videos at 30 frames per second with a resolution of up to 1920 x 1080p, giving you a clear and detailed video.

The videos recorded are sharp and are easy to monitor directly through the 2.7″ inch display that comes with the dash cam. No need to plug into a Laptop or PC.

Specifications
  • Slim design with 2.7 inch display.
  • GPS technology manufactured in Japan.
  • Multi-feature video app for Windows and Mac.
  • 165-degree wide-angle.
  • 1080P recording at 30fps.

Our In-Depth Review:

The camera uses 6 glass F1.6 lenses which are commonly used by high-end manufacturers making it a tough competition for other ruling manufacturers.

The camera in itself is designed very well and looks like most point and shoot cameras. Plastic is the major build component with some chrome on the top and bottom.

KD Links X1 comes equipped with G sensors which, again, immediately saves videos on the off chance your car meets with a crash and/or accident – a very important feature to have in case someone tries to tamper with the records. This also prevents important videos from being deleted automatically when storage is low.

The X1 dash cam also has the loop recording feature, which means you can record your videos at intervals of 2, 3,  and 5 minutes, which later makes it easy for you to navigate through videos. Loop recording also means that older, useless videos will be automatically deleted once the storage is full, making room for new videos.

The video quality is absolutely stunning both in daylight and night. You can easily zoom in to the minute details on videos and attain detailed information.

If you are looking for a camera that can record audio alongside a video, then the X1 is the best option for you. It is a good contender to the previously reviewed Rexing V1 in most aspects and comparatively has an easier installation process.

The only thing that might bother some users is that the GPS does not indicate accurate time on the videos. Even if you set up the time and date settings properly, it tends to reset it to January 1st the next day. So, if date and time is an important detail for you, you’re probably better off looking at other options.

Pros

  • Excellent GPS and Gravity sensor technology.
  • Maximum storage up to 128 GB.
  • 360-degree revolving camera for rear-view recording.
  • Battery that performs well in every weather condition.

Cons

  • GPS does not set the time and date in the video.

Conclusion:

The dash cam supports up to 128 GB storage and the installation process is super easy, with an excellent, dedicated support team waiting to help you out should you encounter any issues. The video quality is good, the design is excellent and the 165-degree wide angle is quite capable to capture all 3 lanes in a single frame.


3. Wheel Witness HD Pro – With Powerful Ambarella Processor

WheelWitness HD PRO Dash Cam with GPS - 2K Super HD - 170° Lens - 16GB microSD - Advanced Driver Assistance - For 12V Cars & Trucks - Night Vision Dashboard Camera Ambarella A7LA50 Car Security DVR

Coming in next, from an industry favorite brand is the WheelWitness pro HD.

It comes in with super HD 1296P resolution which is the same as the Z-Edge car dash camera and is super easy to install.

With the WheelWitness pro, the manufacturers have gone the extra mile with the inclusion of the 1296P resolution, which although may not be a very big upgrade, but is pretty useful on a dashcam.

Specifications
  • 2306x1296P resolution.
  • 3.0 inch LCD display.
  • Wide dynamic range technology.
  • 170-degree extra wide-angle lens.
  • Ambarella A7 processor.

Our In-Depth Review:

We were delighted to see that this camera pushes aside the traditional Novatek processor in favor of the more powerful and advanced Ambarella A7 processor, which results in effortless motion capturing and smooth video recording.

The higher 1296 resolution is absolutely amazing. The videos recorded are very clear and the camera captures minute details very well. The dashcam also comes with an inbuilt microphone that records audio along with the video and it is quite good in quality.

Remember, however, that high-resolution recording means faster storage drainage. So, if you are going to record higher resolution videos, make sure you get a 64 or 128 GB external SD card.

The 3.0 inch LCD makes it easy to preview videos, but, in case you want to view it on a bigger screen, you have the option to hook it up to your laptop with the USB cable that comes in the package.

Like other popular dash cams, the WheelWitness Pro comes with loop recording, so you don’t have to worry about storage. The old videos are automatically deleted once the storage is full. However, if you don’t want a specific video to be deleted automatically, then you can put a lock on it with a simple touch.

The 170-degree lens Packed with WDR Technology helps in capturing wide-angle videos along with the ability to control exposure, and compensate light and dark spots during one shot in the frame.

The wide-angle means regardless of where you mount the camera, it will still cover everything that you’re seeing through the windshield from left to right and vice versa.

The G-sensor comes integrated into the dashboard camera to automatically lock and save videos after any collision. The camera also comes with the option to add a GPS module, which would add date, time and location to your videos.

The instruction manual that comes in the package is amiss on a lot of information about the functionality of this dashcam. We’d advise manually going through the different settings and features available to give you a sense of what is possible with the camera.

The dashcam comes with a 450 mAh lithium battery which is pretty great when looking at what other dash cams have to offer. This isn’t all that important, however, since the dashcam is only powered on when the ignition is on too and can also be powered directly through the charger that comes with it.

Pros

  • Records videos at 30 frames per second.
  • G Sensor and HDMI Port.
  • Motion detector WDR and Night Capture.
  • Loop recording.

Cons

  • The instruction manual is slightly confusing and misses a lot of the information.

Conclusion:

Along with the other features, the GPS works great on this dash cam as well. The display is of a higher resolution and an upgrade when compared to a regular HD display. The best thing about the camera though is the 170-degree extra angle coverage and exceptional Night vision technology.


4. Z-Edge Z3D Dash Cam – With Dual Lens

Z-Edge Z3D Dual Lens Dash Cam, 2.7" Screen Ultra HD 1440P Front & 1080P Rear 150 Degree Wide Angle Front and Rear Dash Cam, Dashboard Camera with GPS, WDR, Low Light Vision, Parking Mode, G-Sensor

Zero Edge Dash Cams are becoming a force to be reckon with in the tech and digital sector. The Z-Edge Z3D is also making headlines for all the right reasons. It offers outstanding full HD video quality from both the front and rear cameras.

Besides its crystal clear images, it delivers all the top-line features you want in a dashcam, like ultra-wide viewing angle, superior night vision, and GPS tracking.

From a design point of view, this dash cam looks stylish and feels well-made. Considering its extensive features and performance, this dash cam from Z-Edge is worth a shot!

Specifications
  • 2.7-inch LCD Display.
  • Built-in GPS for Speed, Route and Location Recording.
  • Wide 150 Degree Viewing Angle.
  • WDR Technology for Incredible Day/Night Video.

Our In-Depth Review:

While most dash cams focus on recording what’s ahead of you, the Z-Edge Z3 also records what’s behind you. Hence, you can clearly capture just about everything in your car. This is made possible thanks to its 1080p recording resolution in both the front and rear cameras. This quality is far much better than many dual-cam models out there.

If only the front camera is in use, it records at 1440p resolution –capturing excellent, crisp and detailed images. The Z-Edge Z3D also has a bright 2.7-inch display which makes live viewing easy while driving.

It also features an impressive dual wide 150°viewing angle that captures all the surroundings when driving. This virtually eliminates blind spots in the field of view.

The built-in GPS function keeps track of your car’s physical location, the route and speed its traveling at any given moment. This feature really comes in handy in the event of an incident. The footage can be used to speed up a potential insurance claim or even used as evidence for the courts or police.

The cam also features a built-in G-sensor which can be particularly useful if your vehicle is involved in an incident. In case of a sudden impact, it locks the recorded footage to ensure it’s not overwritten by any further footage you record.

Loop recording is another powerful function this Zero Edge Dash Cam boasts. When enabled, the dashcam continues to record even if the memory card reaches its full capacity, but automatically deleting the oldest files. The device supports up to 128 GB of memory however, the TF card is not included in the package. You have to purchase it separately.

The Zero Edge Z3D incorporates the Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) technology which makes all the difference in terms of lighting conditions. It simply balances contrast lighting for one clear image.

In situations where the light is low, like nighttime, the cam adjusts accordingly to capture an extremely detailed video. Nighttime drivers and travelers can benefit greatly from this feature.

Lastly, there is no doubt the Zero edge has upped its design game in the last few years. The Z3D not only looks classy but, feels sturdy and well-made as well.

Pros

  • Dual full HD resolution to record both front and back view.
  • Super night vision.
  • Sturdy and well made.
  • Parking monitoring for a greater sense of security.

Cons

  • No Cons.

Conclusion:

If you are looking for the most bang for your buck, the Z-Edge Z3D won’t disappoint. This feature-packed dash cam is among the most reliable and easy to use device you can buy. Actually, it’s one of the best dual dash cams out there in the market.


5. Vantrue N2 Pro – With Infrared night vision

Vantrue N2 Pro Uber Dual Dash Cam Infrared Night Vision Dual 1920x1080P Front and Inside Dash Camera, 2.5K 2560x1440P Single Front, 310 Degree Car Camera, Parking Mode, Support 256GB max, Sony Sensor N2 Pro is a very popular dash camera that comes with all the features you could ever ask for.

Vantrue N2 Pro is a dual dash camera that records a 310-degree area (170 degrees outside and 140 degrees inside).

It is capable of recording 2.5K videos at 30fps and 1080P videos at 60fps.

Although its quite expensive as compared to “normal dash cams”, but since its a dual dash camera, the price seems fair.

Specifications
  • Infrared night vision.
  • 256GB Micro SD card support.
  • 310 degree area coverage.
  • 14 hrs motion activated parking mode.

Our In-Depth Review:

We were really surprised to see how many features and functions this dash cam comes with. First of all, it comes with a great night vision recording, and on top of that, the internal camera is an infrared one.

The infrared camera could be really helpful for uber and lyft drivers. It records great shots at night when everything inside the car is dark and records full HD 1080p shots during the daylight.

Another great feature of the dashcam is the parking monitor. When the car is parked, the dashcam is turned off, but as soon as it detects any motion in the surrounding, it gets turned on automatically. This will ensure that everything in the surrounding is recorded. If any surrounding vehicles crash with your car while being parked, that would be recorded and would help you as proof.

In terms of storage option, the dashcam supports up to 256 GB of an external SD card. On top of that, it also has a loop recording. With loop recording, you never have to worry about the storage being running out. As soon as the storage runs out, the dashcam automatically starts deleting the old files, making room for the new files.

The dashcam also has a G sensor built in which automatically locks the video footage as soon as your car crashes. This makes sure that no one tampers the video, the video gets saved and locked and could only be accessed by you.

The video quality of the dashcam is absolutely excellent. The front cam records video at 2560x1440p at 30 fps, and also 1080P HD videos. The internal-facing Cam works perfectly at night and automatically balances the light during night or in dark areas. And with a sony sensor and 4 Infrared lights, you get a perfect inside video even in the darkest conditions.

Along with the internal video recording, you also get the option to record the audio. The dashcam has a built-in microphone that records crystal clear audio. In case you don’t want to record the audio you can simply turn off the audio just at a press of a button.

The last but not least, you get an option to turn off the LCD automatically so that you don’t get distracted while driving.

Pros

  • Excellent video quality.
  • Internal infrared cam.
  • Heat and Cold resistant.
  • 170 degree wide angle view.

Cons

  • No cons.

Conclusion:

This is the perfect dual dash cam for anybody. It produces excellent 2.5K video, great infra red internal video, expandable sotrage upto 256 GB, and some otherfeatures that could come up as very helpful for anyone.


6. ITRUE X3 – With Beautiful Design and Leather Finish

ITrue X3 Dash Cam,2.7Inch LCD,1080P,170 Degree Angle,Night Vision and 8GB Card

ITrue X3 is one of the most beautiful car cameras that you can find. Adding to its sleek design are the excellent features that come with it.

The dashcam comes with endless loop recording which pretty much means you don’t ever have to manually go through it to delete older outdated recordings, until and unless it is an older locked file.

While most cameras do come with the loop record feature, there are a few that don’t and we would suggest steering clear of those options. It is a complete waste of time going through the storage every now and then in order to make room for future video recordings and then going back and redoing the whole process.

Specifications
  • 1080p video recording at 30 fps.
  • 170-degree super-wide-angle.
  • 6 layer glass lens.
  • Unique and Beautiful leather stitched design.
  • Endless looping enabled.

Our In-Depth Review:

The ITrue X3 comes with excellent night vision, 170-degree 6 layers lens glasses and can records Full HD 1080p videos at the rate of 30 frames per second. Though the design looks similar to other dash cams, what we love most is the stitched leather design of the camera.

The camera has a unique front surface with a leather covering on top that provides an excellent grip and feels great in hand. The design and feel are what make it different from its competitors, despite the fact that it has features similar to them.

The videos recorded at 1080p are bright and clear and come with great audio quality. The suction mount that comes in the package is excellent in terms of quality, plus it is very easy to move from one vehicle to another.

The storage capacity is slightly low with maximum support of 32 GB external storage. Like other top dash cams, ITrue X3 also supports auto-start in sync with the vehicle ignition, meaning the camera turns on as soon as the ignition is turned on.

The dashcam also supports G-sensors that autosaves the video in the event of a car crash or collision.

The camera doesn’t have any major drawbacks apart from the storage capacity. In our opinion, a dashcam should at least support 64 GB of external storage. With the inclusion of loop recording, however, this shouldn’t be too much of an issue. Although this does mean that the maximum number of recordings that the camera can hold at any given time will be limited in comparison to other dash cams.

Pros

  • Unique stimulated stitched leather style.
  • Emergency lock button along with crash detection.
  • Great Night vision recording.
  • Effective price point.

Cons

  • Low maximum storage support of up to 32 GB.

Conclusion:

The ITrue dash cam is classy and does add a stylish element to the interior of your car. You are sure to get a few appreciative comments from friends! The camera is small, lightweight, easy to install and supports continuous loop recording. Apart from these, it comes with all other major features that a dash cam should have, all at a pretty exceptional price tag, making it pretty hard to resist.


7. Xiaomi Yi Dashboard Camera – Best Value Car Camera

YI cm YI-89006 2.7 FHD 1080p 1920x1080 F1.8 H.264 WDR HDR 64GB mSD Smart Dash

With built-in Advanced Driver Assistance System and an ultra-low price tag, the Yi Dash camera is the most value for money option in this countdown.

Although initially, the overall design of the camera can be a little confusing – it is designed in the shape of a handy cam and is very small and very compact – but when it comes to performing the job it was made for, the camera certainly proves exceptional.

The Yi dash cam comes packed with a high-end processor and a 165-degree wide-angle lens with F1.8 apertures and 3x3mm high image sensitivity sensors that can record videos up to 1080p resolution at a maximum frame rate of 60 frames per second.

This is all surprisingly impressive, especially when considering the price that you pay for it.

Specifications
  • Advance driver assistance system.
  • Excellent Night vision.
  • 165-degree wide-angle.
  • 6G all-glass lens with an infrared filter.

Our In-Depth Review:

The Xiaomi Yi dash cam comes with a 2.7 inch TFT screen which is decent enough to monitor and go through videos. Other great functionalities include the portable storage option which supports up to 64 GB of an external SD card and goes as low as 8 GB (sold separately).

One-touch sharing: The Xiaomi Yi dash cam comes with a 2.4 GHz wireless module, through which you can create a wireless connection between your mobile phone and the dashcam (with a dedicated Xiaomi mobile app), and then view live video footage or play existing video recordings.

You can also share the footage with your mobile device over Wi-Fi which is a pretty nifty feature, saving you the hassle of manually extracting it from the SD card by removing and inserting it onto a laptop.

ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) – the Yi comes with an advanced and optimized technology called ADAS. Basically, this is a visual recognition algorithm that ensures safe driving by real-time lane departure.

The video quality that Xiaomi provides on this dash camera is simply amazing. Though it provides the same 1080p FHD video quality that most other cameras come with, what sets it apart is the 60 frames per second rate where usually most cameras offer a rate of up to 30 frames per second.

The company has done a pretty good job, working to reduce blind spots with the use of 165-degree ultra-wide angles, which can cover even broad 3 lane roads.

Some other basic features include the G-sensor and Loop recording options. G-sensor auto-detects any crashes and collisions and instantly saves and locks the current video. Loop recording, on the other hand, records videos in the smaller time frames of 3 minutes and loops over, replacing useless old files ensuring the camera doesn’t run out of storage.

Ultimately, however, nothing is perfect and there are flaws in the Xiaomi Yi:

  • A USB port can only be used for charging and not for file transfer or looking up recordings, which isn’t a major issue with the built-in wireless option but it can get a little cumbersome to constantly connect each time you want to pull up a certain recording.
  • The silvery grey color is pretty prominent and quite visible from outside and doesn’t blend in with most dashboards. A black variance would have been quite appreciated and should have been an option by the manufacturers.

Pros

  • 1080P FHD at 60fps.
  • Built-in Wi-Fi technology.
  • Beautiful compact design.
  • Quite cheap as compared to most of the dash cams.

Cons

  • Some menu features are hard to understand.
  • No file transfer via USB port.

Conclusion:

Xiaomi is a pretty well-known brand and is renowned for delivering quality products at a fairly low price point when compared to competitors. It is pretty obvious that the features of this dash cam outweigh the price. Our official recommendation would be that this is a great dashcam and you should confidentially head out and buy it!


8. Aukey Dash Cam – With Sony Exmor Sensor

AUKEY Dash Cam, 1080P Dashboard Camera Recorder, 6-Lane 170 Degree Wide Angle Lens, Supercapacitor, G-sensor and Clear Nighttime Recording This dashcam offers drivers full coverage of highways and freeways as well as their surroundings with a 170° wide-angle lens. The lens is accompanied by a 2.19MP Sony Exmor sensor which offers incredibly clear footage, even if it’s not 4K.

You can record footage in four modes: continuous loop, motion detection, time-lapse or emergency recording. The latter locks footage relating to accidents so that you have evidence to back your case when pressing for insurance claims.

The stealth design of this camera allows for its discreet positioning behind your rearview mirror.

It may not come with many bells and whistles, but this camera offers superb functionality and practicality.

Specifications
  • 170° wide-angle view.
  • MP4 video output.
  • 1.5-inch LCD display.
  • Supports micro sd up to 128GB.
  • 3M adhesive mounting pad.

Our In-Depth Review:

This camera captures footage in full HD (1080p) with a 170-degree wide-angle field of view. With 4K-quality dash cams available, some may not be impressed by the level of clarity the DR02 offers. But the camera’s makers have also worked to improve the quality of the image it captures at night. Those who find the fish-eye effect in most dash cams annoying will be happy to note that it is barely noticeable on this model.

Videos are recorded in MP4 format so no need to convert the footage after downloading it from the camera. You also, therefore, don’t need to open the video through a proprietary program.

Like most of the recently released dash cams, the Aukey Dash Cam has emergency recording mode. Footage recorded during a collision will be locked and not overwritten by the continuous loop recording. It is activated whenever the car comes to a sudden stop or turns sharply. The dashcam also comes with a loop recording that allows you to save storage space by overwriting old footage automatically.

Installing the Aukey DR02 takes just a few seconds. Simply stick the 3M adhesive pad wherever you want to position the camera on your windshield. This may not work well if you wish to transfer the camera to other cars. You will need to invest in a separately sold suction cup for this.

The ‘stealth design’ of this Aukey model allows you to position it unobtrusively behind your rearview mirror. You can enhance the security of the car and your safety without creating a distraction for the driver. Keep the camera juiced up by hooking it up to the dual port USB car charger that is part of the package.

Pros

  • Locks footage of accidents automatically.
  • The compact size makes it very unobtrusive.
  • Withstands temperature extremes very well.
  • Allows discreet positioning on the windshield.

Cons

  • Doesn’t offer Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • GPS not available.

Conclusion:

Many users of this dash cam agree that it offers superb video quality for its price; rivaling even the much-vaunted 4K models. Its solid build quality ensures that it lasts longer than other more pricey cameras, making it even better value for money. Users in hot geographic locations will appreciate how well the DR02 braves the heat.

However, if you value GPS location data and being able to connect to the camera remotely via Wi-Fi, the Aukey DR02 dash cam may not work for you. But if you want a dashcam that does the basics well, this is it.


9. Tao Tronics – Auto Turn On with Car Ignition

TaoTronics Car DVR Dash Cam 2K for Super Night Vision (400W Sensor, 160 Degrees Wide Angle Lens, 2 Inch Screen,G-Sensor)

Smart, powerful and cheap – these words perfectly describe the next dash cam on our list.

The Taotronics car camera comes with virtually every feature needed in a good dashcam, all at a very reasonable price.

You get excellent clarity from the 150-degree, 6 layers lens glass that also supports WDR technology.

In terms of processor, the Taotronics Dashcam still relies on the older Novatek processor, where we already have a few options in the market that have upgraded to the Ambarella processors.

Although this is to be expected at the price point, the addition of the Ambarella processor would have given a serious boost to the overall performance of this dash cam.

Specifications
  • 2.7-inch LCD screen.
  • Power on/off with car ignition.
  • Loop recording and G-sensor enabled.
  • 150-degree wide-angle with 6 layer glass lens.
  • WDR technology.

Our In-Depth Review:

The dashcam comes with the option to support a SD card of up to 32 GB, which might seem on the lower side, but with the loop recording feature that automatically overwrites older useless recording, this storage shouldn’t be an issue for most people.

The camera comes with a 150-degree wide-angle lens that records videos up to 1080p at a maximum rate of 30 frames per second. The videos recorded are amazing with excellent clarity, and on par with most other 1080p dash cams.

Other general features include G-sensors for auto-saving videos when triggered by accidents and/or collisions, and a button to instantly mute and lock videos.

The camera also comes with the auto power option in sync with your ignition. Just turn on your ignition and the dashcam will start recording immediately. You have the option to delay the auto start by 10, 20 or 30 seconds.

With the loop recording feature on the camera, you get the option of choosing between 2, 3, or 5-minute length videos, making it easy for the user to go through videos later.

All new videos have a 1 second of video overlap from previous videos. Loop recording also makes sure your camera never runs out of storage by rewriting old, useless files once the storage is full.

Overall the camera records excellent and sharp footage and is super easy to mount and install. Basically, there is a very minimal learning curve and you should be able to use it like a pro from the very first day. The price tag is very cost-effective and is probably one of the cheapest on the market. There are no issues with build quality as well.

A few things to note that were a little disappointing:                 

  • The nighttime visual isn’t the best and we’d probably call it average. It tends to come out a little dark and can be a little hard to see, although far from impossible to view.
  • Menu buttons are not the best to use. Looking at the price at which the camera is available, however, it is an acceptable flaw.
  • Maximum expandable storage is on the low side.

Pros

  • Parking protection.
  • Loaded with superior night vision technology.
  • Excellent Mobile design-build with quality material.
  • Low price point.

Cons

  • Smaller screen size as comapred to other Dash cams.
  • Menu keys are of average quality.

Conclusion:

Since the dashcam is small, it is very easy to mount onto dashboards without taking away from the windscreen view. The wide-angle lens captures a full view in both daylight and nighttime conditions. Like other dash cams, it also includes G-Sensors to auto stop and saves the current video recording in case of a collision or crash. Disregarding the slightly low night-time performance, this camera is an ideal choice for most users, especially considering the great price point.


10. Toguard Dash Cam – With Time Lapse Video

TOGUARD Dash Cam 4K GPS UHD Dashboard Camera for Cars 2 inch 170° Wide Angle Dash Camera with Loop Recording Parking Monitor Travelapse This camera was designed to enhance the driver’s safety on the road and the car’s safety off it.

It provides high-resolution video to give you a clear view of the road and its envornments from all angles, reducing possible blind spots. With the Toguard you get both a wide-angle view of the road and 4K video footage.

Easy and quick to install on your windshield, you will have this camera up and running in a couple of minutes. And it neither takes up much space nor obstructs the driver’s view of the road. The camera also keeps an eye on your car when parked.

Specifications
  • 4K video recording at 30fps.
  • 12 MP photo.
  • 170° wide-angle lens.
  • 2-inch LCD display.
  • Time-lapse video playback.

Our In-Depth Review:

What distinguishes the 4K Toguard from its previous incarnations is its ability to record video in ultra HD. Up to this point dash, cam buyers had to content with 1080p footage. The footage from most of these models also was not 170° wide-angle, giving a broader view of the road and what surrounds it.

With the Toguard’s parking monitor, you can feel a bit more at ease regarding your car’s safety. Whenever it detects any vibration, the camera will become active and begin recording a 15-second clip. This is but one of a number of intelligent features in the CE55. Another is the G-sensor which locks footage of accidents and prevents it from being overwritten by the continuous loop recording. You also have the freedom to lock footage manually if you want to.

Another of the intelligent features of the 4K Toguard is its timelapse video recordings that offer sped-up, compressed video. What would have been hours of footage is recorded at higher speeds, saving you precious storage space. In addition to this, you get specific positioning and speed information from the camera’s inbuilt GPS. This will help you stay within speed limits, and capture evidence that you did if ever it is required.

The compact design of this dash cam means that it will be less of a distraction to the driver. It has a distinctly smaller display than previous models for this purpose. With the Toguard CE55, you get a handy 2.3×1.33×3.66 inches gadget as opposed to predecessors like the CE35 which measured a whopping 11.8x3x0.6 inches.

Installing and uninstalling the camera is a breeze. You just need to stick the adhesive mount where you want it on the windshield and push the camera onto it. To remove it you simply need to push it up and out of the mount.

The camera offers remote connectivity via Wi-Fi allowing you to manage recording and tinker with settings from your phone.

Pros

  • Light and non-obtrusive design.
  • It comes with a clear night vision recording.
  • A parking monitor enhances security.
  • Wi-Fi allows the transfer of data without connecting SD card.

Cons

  • No cons.

Conclusion:

This dash cam guarantees you crystal-clear video footage at a fairly reasonable price. For your money, you get 4K-quality footage from which you can easily discern license plate details. In addition to this, you get wireless connectivity, allowing you to transfer files to another device without having to take out the SD card. Controlling the camera without using the camera’s buttons is another advantage of Wi-Fi connectivity. The highly compact design of the camera and its weight make it an unobtrusive addition to your windscreen.


Dash Cams – Buyers Guide

What is a Dash Cam?

4k dashbaord cameraDashcam or Dashboard camera is a small device with a camera attached at the front, which could be mounted to the dashboard.

Most of the dash cams are automatic. That means that as soon as you turn on the ignition, the dashcam starts recording.

Since most of the dash cams come with WDR (wide dynamic range), which means that not just the lane that your going on is recorded, but the side lanes are recorded as well. This gives you a really good view of the complete route.

The main purpose of a dashcam is to provide the recording as proof in case of an accident.

And it is highly recommended for every car owner to get a dashcam installed, even if you are the best driver in the world.

Because its not just the accidents dashcam saves you from, but also from frauds and tickets.

How does a dashcam work?

A dashcam is permanently plugged into your car.

It just keeps recording all the time, and once the storage runs out it starts deleting the old files automatically making space for the new videos.

The videos that are recorded can either be viewed on the dashcam itself, or you can connect the dashcam or just the memory card to the PC.

Types of Dash Cam

Front:

A front dash cam is a unit that can record just the front view.

You get front dash cam unit, you install it on your dashboard, connect the charger to your dash cam and plug it in your car, and its done.

Most of the front dash cams come with WDR so that you don’t miss any angle.

We would recommend going for the dash cam tha can record atleat 1080P videos.

Front and Rear:

Front and rear dash cameras actually come with two units, its not that the one camera is doing both the front and rear video recording.

You install the front one on your dashboard and the other one at the back.

The size of the rear dash cam is much smaller as compared to that of the front one, which is why it could be easily installed at any part of the car.

The ideal location for the rear dash camera is on the rear windshield pointing outside. Both the front and rear dash cams are usually wide angle cameras so that you get full coverage around your vehicle.

Dual Dash Cam

A dual dash cam is basically a dashcam that has cameras placed on both the front and back so that the camera can record everything outside from behind the windshield and everything inside the car from the second camera.

This second camera does not record things behind your car, its just record everything that inside your car.

A dual dash cam is very helpful for Uber and Lyft drivers.

What is an IR dashcam and why do I need one?

dashboard camera on a wind shieldInfrared Cameras are basically the cameras that can record clearly at night or in dark places.

An infrared dash cam is the dashboard camera that can give you a clear view at night too.

You can either mount them to record the front view or the view inside the car.

Most of the uber and lift drivers install the IR dash cams facing inside the car to record the internal area or the occupants.

How to set up a dashcam?

  • Unbox the dash camera and the cable that comes along.
  • Guide the cable around your windshield.
  • You need to tuck the cable across the top of the windscreen in such a way that it is not visible. In vehicles usually, there is an ample amount of gap above the windscreen to tuck it.
  • Place the suction cup in the windscreen just before the rearview mirror.
  • Place the dashcam on the mount and plugin in the charging cable.
  • As a power source use the cigarette lighter.

And its done!

What is night vision?

Your dash cam shouldn’t only perform well during the day, but also at night.

With night we don’t mean pitch dark, in that case, you would need an Infrared cam.

A good dash cam works well in street light or just the headlights of your car.

Advantages of using a dashcam?

Proof in the case of an accident

Dash camera

Should you find yourself in a car crash, a dashboard camera helps in providing video evidence of the incident. You are free from worrying about false claims from other people involved in the accident.

If you find yourself being put under blame for something that wasn’t your fault, you now have proof to back you up and help clear your name.

There have been several incidences where people were able to clear their name with the help of footage from their dashcams, without which they most certainly would have been in trouble for something that wasn’t their fault.

Safe Parking

man Installing a dash camMost small-scale incidents occur while parking. This comes as no surprise that reverse cameras are a very popular purchase since they help ease in and out of tight spaces without causing accidental damages.

But what happens when someone accidentally bumps into your parked car when you are not around?

What if they decide to make a run for it?

Having a dashcam installed might be a smart idea then. Most dash cams come with a car park feature that functions while the car is parked. Simply leave it on and it will continue to record, providing evidence that can help in identifying the owner of the car by way of the number and license plate.

Vehicle Misuse

How many times have we been asked to borrow our car for quick drives or in cases of emergencies? Friends and family can have the best of intentions while borrowing our cars but their driving may not be the greatest. Having a dashcam installed removes any and all questions you may have and gives you peace of mind knowing you can always go back and watch how they’ve treated your car.

Insurance Fraudsters

Have you ever come across a very strange situation where someone bumps into you on purpose, solely to claim insurance? Consider yourself lucky if you haven’t since this is a pretty common occurrence in some countries. In such a situation, you can save yourself and the insurance companies the headache of an insurance fraud case. A dash cam can provide evidence in such a case.

Now let’s look at the various important features and specifications you need to look at before buying a dashboard camera:

Display ScreenInternal BatteryLoop RecordingAuto Recording
The display screen is a key aspect of these cameras. In the event of an accident or car crash, you may or may not have easy or quick access to a computer or laptop, essentially forcing you to monitor the footage right on the camera.

This makes the display screen pretty important.

So, what size is ideal? The most common display size is 2.7 inches, with a “few” dashcams coming in at 4 inches. There are of course variants with 2.4 or 3 inches. Ideally, it would be the bigger the better but if your camera offers on-screen zoom, you’re good with basically any size.

Contrary to other gadgets and cameras, dash cams don’t necessarily need to have the biggest or the best. Most dash cam batteries last up to an hour at continuous shooting, which is to be expected. The easy fix to this is just hooking your camera up to your car’s power supply. This was you don’t really need to fret about battery levels or charging your camera.
While most dash cams come with this feature, there are still a few that don’t. If you ask us, loop recording is a pretty important feature. Since most cameras record full HD 1080p videos that are very large in size, you are bound to run out of storage space quickly.

With loop recording, however, this isn’t an issue. The advance mechanism will automatically delete older useless videos, making room for new ones.

As mentioned during the review of the dash cams, a few of them come with the feature of auto start on ignition. This can be almost as important as the Loop Recording feature for some people.

Most of us have a tendency to forget things, especially if we’re in a hurry. Imagine forgetting to actually turn on your dashcam before driving and ending up in an accident that you now have no video proof of? Yeah, not the smartest thing to do. That’s where the Auto Recording feature comes in and ensures the dashcam is always on as long as the ignition is too.

Parking Mode G-SensorsNight VisionMounting Method
This mode is very helpful as it keeps the camera turned on while the car is parked. Say you return to your car only to find a dent caused by a reckless hit by a hit and run, or by someone learning to drive, the camera will pick up on this and provide evidence as to who the culprit is. For Parking Mode usage, you’ll need to keep the dashcam powered using you the cable provided.

These can hook up directly to your car making power issues non-existent.

G-sensors are pretty important in case of collisions, as once triggered, they simply stop the video, lock it and prevent auto-deletion.
All of the dash cams claim that they come with superior low lightening technology, but to make sure of that do check the pictures posted by the customer over different online sites.
There are basically two types of mounting methods, one using a suction cup and the other using adhesive. The suction cup is easy to transfer from one car to another, while the adhesive mount is permanent (although the camera is transferrable).

FAQs related to Dash Cams?

Do dash cameras reduce insurance?

Using a dashcam can definitely reduce insurance fraud. All around the world a lot of insurance frauds are happening regularly. These are called cash for crash incidents. If you find yourself in such a staged accident or notice any, immediately provide the dashcam footage to the involved insurance companies as proof. This can indirectly lower your rates.

Are dash cams legal?

Acceptance of dashcams completely depends on the country you are living in. For example, dash cams are perfectly legal in Australia. They are also completely legal in the United States and the United Kingdom. However, some of the other European countries impose certain restrictions. Dash cams are completely illegal in Switzerland due to their electronic surveillance laws.

Can dashcam footage be used in court?

Yes the dashcam footage is admissible in court. From a criminal standpoint, dashcam footage can actually make it easy for the police to catch the culprit if there is a case of hit and run. In case of a collision, you can submit it as proof in your favor.

Will a dashcam drain my car battery?

No! the dashcam runs on its own battery which is continuously charged when the car's ignition is on. If you are using the dashcam when the car is turned off, like in parking, then the dashcam would use its own inbuilt battery. It will not use the car's battery in any case.

Can I leave my dashcam in the car?

Once mounted you don't have to take off the dashcam, until and unless you need to watch some footage. You can leave it when the car is parked.

How long dashcam batteries last?

Dash Cam batteries usually last for around 1-2 years before there is any need to replace them. If you are talking about the battery range, then those batteries don't last too long and that's why it is advised to keep them permanently connected to the car charger.

Do dash cam record constantly?

Yes the dashcam records continuously. They come with loop recording, which means that once the storage runs out, old files would be automatically deleted to make room for new files.

How many hours can you record on 32GB

You can easily record 4-5 hours of footage on 32GB memory card until the old files start getting deleted.

Can I use my phone as a dashcam?

You can surely use it, though we don't recommend it since most of the mobile camera doesn't offer wide-angle coverage, and then there are no options like G-sensor which automatically locks the footage on.

Conclusion:

If you’ve decided to buy a dashcam then you already know the importance of having one installed. They are pretty useful when it comes to accidents and insurance claims.

If you’re looking to get your first dash cam, we’d suggest not going for the pricy high-end ones just yet. Any camera under 100 bucks should work pretty well and suit the most basic needs. If eventually, you feel you’d benefit from the expansive features that higher-end cameras come with, then, by all means, splurge away.

According to us, the best dash cam is Kd Links X1.

If you want a really affordable dashcam then we would recommend Yi Dash Cam.


 

Nirbhay Singh

Nirbhay Singh is the Founder & Editor-in-Chief of gadgetsdeck.com. He is a Full Stack Engineer with very deep understanding of modern day technology. His definitive objective here is to help people in purchasing the best item for their money. If it's not worth the price, Nirbhay wouldn't recommend it.

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