Best dash cams: top car cameras tested

A good dash cam or dashboard camera is capable of producing high-quality video footage to help prove what happened in the case of a crash, or protect you from false claims. 

But not all dash cams are worth your money. 

Our in-depth tests of dash cams reveal big differences in quality between different models. Below, we've included some of our Best Buys and explain what you need to know to choose the best dash cam for you and your budget.

Head to our dash cam reviews to see all the models we've tested.

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Table last updated: June 2024

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Types of dash cam

There are two types of dash cam: forward-facing or front-and-rear. A forward-facing dash cam records the road ahead.

A front-and-rear dash cam is a multiple-camera system that offers both forward-facing and rear-windscreen cameras. Some manufacturers, such as Nextbase, offer rear cameras separately, so you can buy the rear camera later and link it to your existing front camera.

Although all rear dash cams have the same objective of recording what's behind you, you will get a very different rear view depending on which you choose. The three main types are:

• Rear-window dash cam – these record the road behind your car. These devices are separate from the front camera; you install them directly on the rear window to get a clear, uninterrupted view of the road behind.  
• Rear-view camera – as with rear-window dash cams, these record the road and surrounding area behind your car. This type comes as part of the main device that sits on your windscreen and records the front view, which means it records the road behind at a greater distance, through the car and out of the rear window. 
• Cabin camera –  these rear cameras aren’t as commonly found as the other two types. They’re designed to capture what’s going on inside your car. They’ll mainly show the interior, but may also capture some of your car’s surroundings through the windows and rear windscreen. They're usually more popular with professional drivers, such as taxi drivers.

How much does a good dash cam cost?

Dash cams range in price from basic £25 models to feature-laden dash cam systems costing upwards of £500. 

Price doesn't predict quality, though. We've found models from both ends of the spectrum that failed to impress in our lab and road tests. 

And while bells and whistles may be nice to have, the most important aspect of a dash cam is footage quality.

Cheaper models typically record footage at a lower resolution, either HD (1,280 x 720p) or Full HD (1,920 x 1,080p), and tend to skip the fancy features you'll find on premium models. 

However, you can still expect to get the basics such as audio recording and the ability to take still photos.

If you want to get a middle-range model, they'll usually record in Full HD, and have extra features such as parking mode, GPS and wi-fi connectivity.

Alternatively, premium dash cams commonly record in 4K (3,840 x 2160p). You can also get more advanced extras such as voice recognition at this price. 

Use our dash cam reviews to make sure you don't buy a dud.

Best dash cam features to look for

Here are the main dash cam features to check for. 

• Parking mode –  your dashboard camera will automatically start recording if it detects a collision or impact while you're parked. Useful for finding out who bumped your car in a busy car park.
• Footage quality – if the footage isn’t good, you may as well not have a dash cam. Our lab tests evaluate the footage of dash cams during the day and night, ensuring crucial information, such as number plates, is clear.
• GPS tracking – most dash cams have GPS built-in, meaning they'll record not only the location of your vehicle but also the speed and direction you're travelling (useful when submitting footage after an accident).
• Wi-fi – wi-fi lets you transmit footage wirelessly from the camera to your phone, so no need to remove the camera or its memory card to download footage. Some dash cams also allow you to view footage from the dash cam in real time via the wireless connection.
• Voice controls – this lets you say commands such as 'save video' or 'take a picture', without taking your focus off the road.

Don't assume lots of features results in a good dash cam, though. We've found Don't Buy dash cams that have both GPS and wi-fi, for example.

Questions about how you fit a dash cam? Check out how to install a dash cam

Where to buy a dash cam

Typically, dash cams are sold at shops that specialise in car accessories and parts, or hardware retailers.

To help you narrow shops down, we've picked some of the most searched-for retailers that have dash cams.

• Amazon has a wide range of dash cam from BlackVue and Garmin, as well as from several other brands. Since there's such a wide range, we'd recommend reading our reviews first. Prices start from just over £30, with most models topping out around £200. Prime members will also get free two-day shipping.
• Currys stock dash cams that start from £40 and can cost as much as £450. You'll find ones mostly from Nextbase and Road Angel. You will typically get free standard delivery, but you can pay either £7 or £11 for express shipping. 
• Halfords offers dash cams from brands such as Road Angel, Nextbase, and Garmin. Prices start from £60, with the most expensive options costing more than £500. Depending on which model you pick up, you might also qualify for promotions such as a free SD card. Many models have free shipping, too.

Does having a dash cam lower your insurance?

Insurers sometimes give discounts or consider dash cams when they assess how safe you are behind the wheel, which could mean paying less for insurance.

If you have a dash cam, let your insurance company know to check if you qualify for a discount.

But here’s the real deal - having a dash cam can be a game-changer if there’s an accident. It can prove you weren’t responsible, saving you money and saving your no-claims discount—a reduction on your insurance cost for having a clean claims history.

Which dash cam brands offer the best software and security support policies?

Software and security support are important considerations when buying a dash cam, dictating how long the brand aims to update the device with new features and security patches, to guard against emerging threats.

• Nextbase says it will provide updates for up to five years from after a product is last sold. 
• BlackVue guarantees that the support period for its products will be at least five years.
• Garmin, one of the biggest brands, does not appear to have a general policy.

For other brands, including Thinkware, Transcend and VIOFO, we were unable to determine support policies. 

For more information, read our guide to smart devices and security.

If you haven’t got a dash cam or want a new one, check our dash cam reviews to see all the models we've tested.ca