The Best Car Cameras for 2023

We can be of assistance here. We've tested the newest dash cams for hundreds of hours. In order to evaluate the functions and video quality of these tiny security cameras, our reviewers installed them on their cars, connected them to their cellphones, and drove at different times of day and night and in various weather situations.

1. Nextbase 622GW

Important Specifications 

• Brand: NEXT BASE

• Model Name: 622GW

• Special Feature: Night vision, Slow Motion 120fps, Image stabilisation, What3words, Wifi gps bluetooth, 4k UHD, Parking mode, Voice ControlNight vision, Slow Motion 120fps, Image stabilization, What3words, Wifi gps bluetooth, 4k UHD, Parki…

• Video Capture Resolution: 1080p, 4K

• Color: Black, Gray

• Control Method: Voice

Product's highlights

The greatest dash cam you can now purchase is the Nextbase 622GW, a brand-new flagship model. In our tests, it provided far superior stabilization and video quality, as well as what3words geolocation services for locating damaged vehicles within a three-meter range.

When we decided to shoot in 4K/30p, the finished product had an almost cinematic appearance, with incredibly sharp definition and fantastic detail, even in low lighting. This makes it much simpler to identify license plate numbers or identify obscure accident details.

To prevent glare from windscreens, a built-in polarizing filter on the front of the camera can be rotated. Digital image stabilization, another first for the dash cam industry, helps to smooth out tremors and shakes brought on by potholes and poor road conditions.

This model, like its 522GW sibling, can be operated with your voice using Alexa Skills, but it requires the companion smartphone app, which we didn't think was the best we'd tried. We discovered that it still had issues connecting with phones to transfer photographs and video clips, despite having dual 2.4GHz + 5GHz Wi-Fi.

Fortunately, the 3-inch rear touchscreen is clear, crisp, and very simple to use. What3words also works nicely with Nextbase's EmergencySOS feature, which comes with a free year's subscription when you purchase this dash cam.

Pros

• Built-in what3words and Alexa

• Fantastic video quality

Cons

• Needs an SD card with a sufficient capacity.

• Poor mobile application

2. Garmin Dash Cam 67W

Important Specifications 

• Brand: Garmin

• Screen Size: 2 Inches

• Color: Black

• Item Dimensions LxWxH: 2.21 x 0.84 x 1.59 inches

• Memory Storage Capacity: 512 GB

• Item Weight: 60 Grams

Product's highlights

With a few extra linked functions, the 67W improves on Garmin's already excellent 66W and offers a highly alluring package. The 67W, which is roughly the size of a matchbox, is one of the smallest dash cameras we've had the pleasure of testing. In fact, it's only surpassed by Garmin's Mini, which is so tiny it resembles something out of a Christmas cracker.

Inside its little box is a high-end sensor that can record clear 1440p video and improve it in challenging lighting circumstances using the HDR (High Dynamic Range) feature.

In our tests, it appeared fantastic, and the extra pixels allowed for punching into video material on the computer to read license plates or notice little details that could serve as crucial evidence.

The 67W improves on its predecessor by adding connected capabilities, such the ability to instantly upload any saved movies to Garmin's cloud when the camera finds a reliable Wi-Fi network. It is also easy to set up, simple to use, and comes with a very clean smartphone app. 

Remember that Garmin will charge you for a storage plan, and that you must hardwire the camera into your car's primary power supply if you want to take full advantage of its linked features, such as the ability to remotely check in on a parked car from anywhere in the world.

A mobile hotspot, which also needs continual power, or parking close to a friendly router are the only ways to ensure the camera is connected to a Wi-Fi network. You can see how it easily devolves into a substantial financial black hole.

Whatever the case, if all you need is high-quality video that is automatically recorded by a device that can fit in your shirt pocket, look no further.

Pros

• Remarkably compact packaging

• Outstanding video

• Easy to install

Cons

• Some functionalities require additional equipment.

• Frame edge warped by wide-angle lens

3. Viofo A129 Pro Duo

Important Specifications 

• Brand: VIOFO

• Special Feature: →4K resolution →5GHz Wi-Fi for Video downloading →Dual Recording 4K+1080P →Built-in GPS for tacking the route→4K resolution →5GHz Wi-Fi for Video downloading →Dual Recording 4K+1080P →Built-in G…

• Video Capture Resolution: 4K + FHD, 2K 60fps + FHD

• Included Components: Front Camera x 1, Rear Camera x1, Rear Camera Cable (6M) x1, Car charger x1, Mini USB Cable x1, GPS Module (Base) x1, Card Reader Adapter x1, Edge Removal Tool x1, 3M Sticker x 4 , Static Stickers x1Front Camera x 1, Rear Camera x1, Rear Camera Cable (6M) x1, Car charger x1, Mini USB Cable x1, GP…

• Mounting Type: Adhesive installation

• Color: Black

Product's highlights

Since Viofo isn't the most well-known brand in the dash cam industry, we won't hold it against you if you've never heard of it, but their 4K resolution Pro Duo model offers excellent value for the money.

Although the front camera is somewhat larger than many of its competitors on this list, it has a built-in GPS module, which many other brands only provide as an extra. Although its plastic body has a basic appearance and feel, it houses some very advanced technology that belies the overall build quality.

It uses supercapacitors instead of a conventional rechargeable battery system, which means that its power source is robust and capable of withstanding a wide variety of temperatures without degrading performance. Additionally, you have the choice of recording 4K (3840 x 2160p) video, which we found to be impressive and produced footage with a ton of information. Additionally, a Wide Dynamic Range setting is available for vivid colors in any weather.

Unfortunately, you can only record in 4K at 30 frames per second, which isn't ideal if you want to slow down video. However, full HD (1080p) is the only resolution that can be used for dual recording (front and back cameras), and this is output at 60 frames per second for far smoother results.

The setup was fairly simple in our tests, and Viofo provides a smartphone app for fast evaluating and saving clips. Unfortunately, installing two cameras necessitates removing interior trim and skillfully concealing lengthy wiring. To get it properly might be a frustrating and unpleasant procedure, but it is worthwhile to prevent a tangled mess of electrical lines.

If you drive a lot of miles and want complete camera coverage that doesn't cost a small fortune, this bundle is definitely worth considering because you get night vision, a parking mode, motion detection, automatic emergency recording, GPS tracking, and dual-channel 1080p for this price.

Pros

• A front and rear cam at a great price

• Crisp video

Cons

• Many trailing cables

• Unusually large front camera unit

4. Garmin Dash Cam Tandem

Important Specifications 

• Brand: Garmin

• Video Capture Resolution: 1440p

• Control Method: Voice

• Auto Part Position: Rear

• Real Angle of View: 180 Degrees

Product's highlights

It's convenient for taxi drivers and other people who want to keep an eye on their passengers to have Garmin's first dual-lens dash cam, which enables you to observe what is happening both inside and outside the car while you are driving. The Dash Cam Tandem is incredibly small in size, has a magnetic mount that clips in, and is simple to install behind the rearview mirror and take down when not in use.

There are two USB cable lengths included (the longer one makes it possible to run the cord neatly throughout the car interior), as well as a cigarette lighter USB socket with two ports for charging two devices at once. However, you will need to have the dash cam professionally fitted so it is continuously recording if you want to utilize it for incident recording, such as if your car is banged in the parking lot while you are shopping.

The Garmin Drive app for Android and iOS is essential for controlling the camera since it allows you to check video and audio recordings from your drives without removing the microSD card from the camera. In general, we thought the picture quality was superb, especially from the front camera. And even if the rear camera had some difficulty in the low light, passengers can still be seen quite well in black and white. Additionally, picture-in-picture viewing lets you see video from both the front- and rear-facing cameras at the same time.

A time stamp, the vehicle's speed, and its location are all presented with the film, which is rather helpful. Additionally, voice control is offered, allowing for hands-free operation with commands such "OK Garmin, take a picture" or "OK Garmin, save video." Updates for safety cam alerts will also soon be available on the app.

The app's lack of intuitiveness and failure to instantly establish a Wi-Fi connection when we were analyzing footage from our drives was the only minor issue we encountered. Aside from that, this is an expensive yet great choice for individuals who wish to monitor their car from the inside out.

Pros

• Small unit

• Flexible dual lens configuration

Cons

• Unreliable night vision

• The Garmin app isn't very good.

5. Kenwood DRV-A601W

Important Specifications 

• Brand: Kenwood

• Video Capture Resolution: 4K

• Mounting Type: Magnetic Mount, Adhesive Mount, Suction Mount

• Color: Black

• Control Method: Touch

• Product Dimensions: 40.5"D x 50.5"W x 106"H

Product's highlights

Without many of the bothersome extra features that many contemporary units try to entice potential buyers with, such as lane-keeping assist warnings and speed limit alerts, the Kenwood DRV-A601W does everything you ask of it and does it well.

With the inclusion of a retractable polarizing filter and integrated HDR technology, it is possible to obtain very clean and clear photos, even in poor lighting or terrible weather conditions. We found the 4K footage to be seamless.

Despite this, the DRV-A601W is pricey. Competitors with similar price tags offer comparable video quality along with cutting-edge capabilities, including the Emergency SOS geo-location service available on the Nextbase 622GW.

Kenwood also promotes its rear-view camera, which captures rear-end crashes and similar events in great HD clarity, as well as its hard-wiring kit, which enables the camera to take a specific amount of power when the ignition is off without depleting the battery of the car. This creates new options for parking surveillance and circumvents contemporary engine-stop/start technology, which frequently results in the power being shut off to cameras and the termination of recording.

A model like the Viofo A139, for example, offers a perfectly fine three-camera array for the same price as the Kenwood's front-facing camera. However, adding these additions can get pricey. Of course, it can't match in terms of video quality, but there are alternatives if you want comprehensive coverage on a tight budget.

Pros

• Excellent video caliber

• Slick, little packaging

• Simple to assemble and use

Cons

• Minimal characteristics

• Extras quickly add up as well.

1. How is a dash cam installed?

The greatest dash cameras are simple to set up. In reality, installation is frequently as easy as choosing a suitable location on your car's dashboard or windshield, attaching the camera with the suction cup or adhesive mount that typically comes in the box, and then connecting the camera to 12-volt power, which is typically found in older cars' cigarette lighter sockets. In order to keep the power wire out of the way when driving, you should be careful when securing and routing it. If a microSD card is needed and is not already installed, you might also need to put one into the camera.

A second rear-facing camera might need to be installed if the multi camera setup is more complicated. Sometimes all it takes to accomplish this is to run a cable from a second camera to the back window. Other kits can require you to run the cable through the trunk and into the cabin, as well as affix the second camera to the license plate. Even more complicated multi camera kits are available. A professional installer should be contacted if you feel overwhelmed.

If you want a cleaner installation that doesn't obstruct your 12-volt outlet, or if your dash cam can monitor and record when your car is parked, you might want to think about hardwiring the device to your car's battery. In most cases, the fuse box of your car contains an adequate fused connection. A skilled installer should be able to assist if you are unfamiliar with installing automotive electronics.

2. Are dash cameras financially viable?

Sure and no. The ideal situation is to invest in the top dash cam, have a safe driving record for years, and never need to review or even consider the footage. In actuality, you purchased a good that you didn't require.

However, when the unexpected occurs, a dash cam can be extremely helpful. After a collision, you may be able to avoid paying hundreds of dollars in repairs, insurance premiums, and legal costs by demonstrating your innocence with video or GPS data. In that respect, a dash camera that is reasonably priced is unquestionably worthwhile.

It is preferable to think of these tools in the same way that we do insurance or fire extinguishers: it is preferable to have them than not.

3. Are dash cameras forbidden?

The answer is based on the current legislation in your location, just like other accessories or car modifications. No state that we are aware of explicitly forbids installing a camera in a vehicle. Therefore, in general, dash cameras are not prohibited. When selecting the best dash cam for your particular needs and ambitions, there are a few things to keep in mind.

For instance, putting devices or impediments on the windshield is prohibited in many states. Consider a dashboard mount, a camera that fits over the rearview mirror or replaces it in these areas, or another low-profile installation option. Other states place restrictions on where you can put devices on the windshield. Therefore, to avoid receiving a penalty in these jurisdictions, you might have to position your camera at a windshield corner as opposed to the middle.

Consider a dash cam with the option to turn the display off while driving or one with no display at all because certain states' regulations against distracted driving forbid dash cams with always-on screens. In all honesty, it's a good idea to avoid having another device lit up in your peripheral vision while driving, especially at night.

The rules governing surveillance and privacy in your state should also be taken into account. Although they usually don't apply to recording what's going on around your car while you're driving, drivers for ride-hailing services who pick up passengers, owners who share their cars with other drivers, or those who install a camera that records even when they're not in the vehicle, should check their local laws to make sure they're not breaking any rules.

This is crucial for cameras that capture audio since they may violate rules controlling audio eavesdropping with two-party consent, as we previously explained.

A dash cam can be a great method to defend yourself and find some peace of mind if you're particularly concerned about safety. In addition to making you feel safer, a good dashboard camera can reduce the amount of trouble you have to deal with after an accident, increase your confidence at traffic stops, and simply make driving a bit more fun.

That latter statement may not initially make sense. However, the notion of being able to record your memories is fascinating when you consider being able to document road trips or beautiful rides. Of course, it can also record all of the events, like break-ins or accidents, that can support your insurance claims.