5 Best Budget Dash Cams 

Driving can lead to anything, as anyone who appreciates a good crash compilation on YouTube can attest. It’s always best to be ready, and gathering evidence (or a great story for the bar on a Saturday night) is made easy with a dash cam. However, there are far too many options available, as with anything computer related. Is it wise to purchase one with a screen? A camera inside, perhaps? Do you require additional features like GPS location and vehicle speed? How successful are they at night? And what’s the story with these things’ insurance and legality?

With this comparison test,our Team hopes to address these issues and more. A number of the best dash cams were put through a set of exacting testing parameters to separate the decent from the great. Here’s everything you need to know about choosing the best dash cam for your vehicle. (For the best visual comparison, make sure to turn up the quality on YouTube videos.)

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Last update on 2024-09-20 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

5 Best Budget Dash Cams

1.Vantrue N4

Last update on 2024-09-20 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

With its dash cam, rearview camera, and cabin-facing camera, the Vantrue N4 is an amazing deal. It uses a suction mount to affix to the windshield, and its cameras are movable for the best possible coverage. When using all three cameras, the resolution of the front dash cam’s recordings decreases from 2560 by 2160 pixels to 2560 by 1440. The resolution of the rear and cabin cameras is 1920 by 1080. The cabin camera has infrared lighting for low light levels, and both cameras feature large fields of vision with less distortion.

The integrated screen of the N4 has settings and recording modes in addition to a picture-in-picture mode that shows the feeds from all three cameras at once. The automobile battery can be depleted by using the low-frame-rate and low-bit-rate recording modes that are available. The apparatus also includes collision and motion detection, automatically saving relevant footage. A 128 GB micro SD card holds about 6.7 hours of footage.

The Vantrue N4 dash cam was chosen as our Best Overall choice mostly due to its affordability. With three cameras, a plethora of capabilities, and a competitive price tag, it only just lost out to our top choice in terms of image quality. The video quality was remarkable in a variety of lighting scenarios, exhibiting a strong dynamic range and low levels of noise reduction.

2.Cobra SC 400D

Last update on 2024-09-20 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

Because of its 4K resolution, the Cobra SC 400D proved to be the best dash cam we tested in terms of sheer visual performance. We also concurred that its video clip had the best overall appearance. Police alerts and other driver reports are provided by the Cobra through its in-house DriveSmarter app, which we found to be user-friendly and responsive. One small complaint we might have is that the mount can only be rotated forward and backward, not side to side. But the lens’s wide angle almost completely removes the necessity to do so. A sizable adhesive pad for the mount and an extremely powerful magnet for the camera itself hold the Cobra to the windshield.

Of course, with this caliber and sheer amount of features add up in cost, but if you’re serious about purchasing a dash cam, we loved this one.The SC 400D has an unusual light pewter color. The majority of dash cameras are either dark gray or black in color. Although I initially thought the lighter color could be distracting, I didn’t find that to be the case when using it. It may have even been less distracting than its counterparts wearing darker clothing.

The fact that the SC 400D weighs a little bit more than the typical dash cam is very welcomed. Though it feels heavier than most other versions, it is still manageably light. The GPS device is integrated into the main unit via a semi-permanent sticky mount.

The front camera has a 140 degree field of view (FOV) and is a 4K (2160p) device. Using a 3.5mm to mini-USB cable, the rear camera, which has a 120 degree field of view, is connected to the main body in 1080p. It also makes use of a sticky semi-permanent mount. For some, semi-permanent can be a disadvantage. For instance, I don’t lock the doors of my convertible to deter potential burglars from slamming the top. However, there’s that dashboard camera that begs to be stolen.

3.Nextbase 622GW

Last update on 2024-09-20 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

We believe the Nextbase 622GW has a lot to offer, including flagship features and excellent video. In testing, we discovered that the 4K/30p footage had excellent detail and clear resolution, almost like a movie. In challenging circumstances, low-light algorithms also yield better outcomes. If you lower the resolution to 1080p, you may capture 120 frames per second in slow motion, which helps you identify details like registration numbers. We were also impressed by how well the computerized picture stabilization captured road vibrations and how well the integrated polarizing filter reduced windscreen glare.

Our testing did show that the 3-inch touchscreen needed clear swipe inputs, and that setup was a little tricky. In order to transfer video clips, we also encountered some connection issues with our iPhones. Still, we believe that the 622GW is a simple camera to use overall. We found its interface intuitive, while the display is big, sharp and clear. Footage is automatically saved when an incident is detected, and thanks to clever what3words integration, the 622GW can pinpoint the location of stricken vehicles and send it on to emergency vehicles. The Nextbase iQ (above) is even smarter still, but if you want a capable dash cam that reliably captures clear 4K video, the 622GW is well worth considering.

The resulting 4K recordings are comparable to entry-level GoPro products when recorded in typical, well-lit environments, and reducing playback to 120 frames per second with the Super Slow Motion preset is a very simple process.

This is especially helpful for things like picking up individual frames from an accident or snagging a license plate during a hit-and-run.

A secondary rear camera module that records at 1080p/30 frames per second is also an option. Positively, this neatly plugs into the side of the 622GW, eliminating the need for an obtrusive long wire hanging from the back window.

The Nextbase 622GW may be operated through a crisp three-inch full-color back touchscreen display, with small icons for navigating through the many menu menus. Locating these can be a little tricky, especially if you’re driving (which is not recommended), and the touchscreen needs to be swiped clearly before it will recognize the instruction.

As an alternative, you can use the accompanying MyNextbase Connect software, which works with both iOS and Android smartphones, to connect Amazon Alexa voice control to the 622GW. After the two software components are connected, all you have to do is ask your dash cam to take a picture by saying, “Alexa, ask my dash cam to take a picture.” In general, it functions quite well; however, Alexa may have difficulty understanding commands if you are in a noisy car.

4.Garmin Mini 2

Last update on 2024-09-20 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

If you want to keep your dash cam out of the way and discrete, the Garmin Mini 2 is a great option. If preferred, you can hide it behind your rearview mirror due to its modest size. In spite of its small size, the 1080p performed admirably versus the competition and had excellent app capabilities.

Although this dash cam is easy to set up and forget, we discovered that it can be challenging to confirm that everything is configured correctly without using the app. It is challenging to determine whether the camera is correctly oriented because there is no screen. In addition, the camera has a few blinking lights, and at first, it’s unclear what each of them signifies. However, once you get that all set, the Garmin Mini 2 is a solid choice for a tiny dash cam.

The Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 is the dash cam for you if you’re looking for the smallest and most covert kind available. The Mini 2, which is little larger than a key fob, eschews amenities like a touchscreen in favor of being so tiny that it perfectly fits behind the rearview mirror of your automobile.

The Dash Cam Mini 2 has a 140-degree lens and captures in Full HD at 30 frames per second, despite its small size. This places it somewhat behind other, bigger Dash Cam models that use broader, 180-degree lenses to capture 1440p footage. However, we believe that 1080p is still sufficient for a dash cam, particularly one this small and reasonably priced.

For the time being, let’s stay with design: the Dash Cam Mini 2 is incredibly small. The lens and a ball-and-socket joint that attaches to a short arm are the only components housed in the front. After that, there is an adhesive pad to attach it to the windshield.
Even though we love the magnetic attachments on other Garmin dash cams, this one’s small plastic arm still fits well in the windshield and does a great job. Because of the Mini 2’s modest size, we believe that the majority of customers will leave it installed permanently and only take it out (by unscrewing the ball-and-socket joint) in order to access the microSD card or transfer the camera to another vehicle.

Regarding storage, a memory card is not included in the package from Garmin, so you’ll need to provide your own. This has to be at least 8GB and the camera supports cards up to 512GB, with Garmin recommending a Class-10 card or faster.

The Garmin Drive smartphone app can be downloaded for free on both iOS and Android platforms, and it is used to configure the camera. While some dash cams may have trouble connecting to our phones, ours worked flawlessly. We then used the app to watch recorded footage, change settings, update the firmware, and see a live view of the camera.

If you choose not to use the app again after it is set up, it is not necessary. The dash cam operates silently, and you can quickly move recorded video from the microSD card to your computer or tablet.

5.Escort MAXcam 360c

Last update on 2024-09-20 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

The MAXcam 360c has a supplementary dash-cam function in addition to its primary use as a radar detector. Not the best option for people looking for just a dash cam. However, it’s a fantastic option for anyone looking for a radar detector with a good camera as well.

With a Sony Starvis image sensor that records 30 frames per second and provides a 143-degree field of vision, the dash cam has a resolution of 2560 by 1440. With considerable noise reduction and compression that greatly affects image clarity, the video quality is contrasty. The MAXcam 360c did well in low light, however we noticed that finer details become hazy. Under perfect circumstances, it could clearly detect license plates up to ten feet away, but beyond that, even in the most ideal conditions.

This product isn’t suitable for everyone due to its high cost and the complexity of using a radar scanner. But if you’re looking for a radar detector as well as a dash cam and want to kill both birds with one stone, this Escort fits the bill.

The Escort MAXcam 360c has shown to be a more than capable dashcam option, and it performs a great job of detecting laser and radar while driving. I have nothing but praise for the item itself, despite the fact that it is a little pricey.

Conversely, the Drive Smarter app? I understand Escort’s intention, and it would be fantastic if it were to succeed! However, the app is complete garbage in its current state.

Conversely, the Drive Smarter app? It’s a brilliant idea, and I get what Escort was trying to do with it! But the app is completely garbage in its current state.

Do You Need A Dash Cam?

Dash cams can in most use following a traffic collision or accident, despite the allure of perhaps capturing something incredible while driving. According to Janet Ruiz, the Insurance Information Institute’s head of strategic communications, “a dash cam records and saves road activity,” Car and Driver. “Video footage can provide direct evidence to law enforcement and your insurer of what caused an accident.”

According to Bob Passmore of the American Property Casualty Insurance Association, dash-cam film is invaluable in situations such as hit-and-runs or accidents when there is injury or worse and it is hard or impossible to obtain specifics and information. Additionally, he made the point that drivers who are engaged in traffic incidents are only able to provide their perspective and may, on purpose or not, distort the truth.

How We Tested Dash Cams

The performance of dash cameras is affected by a number of environmental parameters, including as weather, ambient light, distance, speed, and time of day. We were able to mimic a variety of real-world scenarios and assess each dash cam’s performance both individually and in comparison over the course of three days of objective testing under equal conditions.

We unboxed each dash cam on the first day and noted the stated resolution and field of vision. We also downloaded and evaluated each pertinent app’s usability.

To evaluate each camera’s performance at night, we ran the cameras along a predetermined local route twice on the second testing day: once during the day under cloud cover and again after dusk.

FAQs

How do I install a dash cam?

The majority of dash cams are as easy as plugging them into the USB or 12-volt outlet in your car. Most of them mount to the dashboard or windshield, while others have several mounting options.

The management of cords presents the true difficulty. To reduce the number of hanging cords in the interior of your car, you should probably route the power cord through the headliner or trim. To aid in this operation, a trim tool is typically included with the unit.

How do I hide the dash cam’s wires?

Your dash cam cables must be run beneath the headliner or windshield molding in order to be hidden. The majority of dash-cam systems come with a basic trim tool that is meant to be used to gently peel the trim away as you run the line to the power supply.