The truth regarding dash cams is that each one is unique, therefore each driver will have a different optimal option. There are those that are basic and reasonably priced, and those that have sophisticated features at a premium cost. The best option for you will depend on a number of factors, including your spending limit and needs. This guide has been put together to assist you in making that decision.
We've tested a ton of dash cams, and the Nextbase iQ is our personal favorite. With all of the security and driver assistance features we'd expect in a dash cam, it's one of the best options available right now. However, that does not imply that it is the best solution for your particular needs.
We've tested a lot of dash cams in real life because of this. Our goal is to evaluate every best in-car camera under real-world driving conditions, covering everything from installation to various weather conditions. To help you choose the best dash cam, we've compiled the findings of our in-depth testing here, including both the positive and negative aspects.
1. NEXTBASE IQ SMART DASH CAM
The best next-gen dash cam with smart features
Pros
- One-stop safety solution
- Impressive smart features
- Nicely designed and made
Cons
- Full functionality behind a paywall
- More features than many will need
- Expensive with added subscription
If you enjoy having your phone always connected, you'll be interested in the much-anticipated Nextbase iQ Dash Cam. One of the industry leaders in this space, Nextbase is situated in the United Kingdom and is frequently included in our list of the top dash cams, and for good reason. However, it has now launched its first smart connected dash cam model, the iQ, with the goal of addressing security and safety unlike anything before Three first-of-its-kind capabilities, including Smart Sense Parking, which helps you park, are allegedly available with the iQ Dash Cam from Nextbase. In the event of an incident, there is a voice-activated Witness Mode that records evidence, saves it to the cloud, and notifies an emergency contact. Additionally, the Nextbase iQ app offers Live View, which enables linked checks of your vehicle and its surroundings.
However, that is merely the beginning in terms of features. Depending on the model, the Nextbase iQ offers 1K, 2K, or 4K video resolution, and seems to cover all the bases in terms of monitoring your vehicle, the road ahead, and your personal driving behaviors. In fact, the Nextbase iQ's cabin-facing secondary lens may make it nearly too effective for anyone with a surveillance phobia of any kind.
2. GARMIN DASH CAM MINI 2
The best budget dash cam
Pros
- Easy to set up and use
- Full HD video with HDR
Cons
- Lacks a display
- No battery
- No GPS
The Garmin Mini 2 is so small that it can be hidden behind the rearview mirror of your vehicle. It records in Full HD at 30 frames per second with HDR despite its size. In our assessment, it provided video that was sufficiently sharp to identify important elements, like as registration plates, in every kind of weather or ambient light. In our experiments, we also discovered that installation was fast and easy. Little space is taken up by the plastic arm on the windscreen, and it is simple to adjust thanks to the ball-and-socket joint.
The UI is equally user-friendly; despite the lack of a display, shortcut buttons enable one-touch recording of clips and microphone muting. We discovered that you can quickly adjust settings, go through recordings, and verify the camera's perspective with the Garmin Drive smartphone app (available for iOS and Android). Although the only features available are voice commands and a collision-detection g-sensor, we believed that GPS was the only significant missing feature. The Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 will not disappoint unless you require the greatest dash cam with driver aid features. This technology is the epitome of set-and-forget—it's unobtrusive, dependable, and easy to use.
3. NEXTBASE 622w
The best all-rounder dash cam
Pros
- Alexa and what3words built-in
- Superb video quality
Cons
- Requires large capacity SD card
- Poor smartphone app
The Nextbase 622GW is still the most advanced model in the Nextbase dash cam lineup, despite its 2020 introduction. It also maintains its top ranking in our ranking of the best dash cameras because of its outstanding 4K video quality and extensive feature package, which includes what3words integration and efficient picture stabilisation. However, those abilities do come at a hefty cost. Look at the Nextbase camera's brother models if you're interested in one but don't require all of the functions the 622GW has to offer. For instance, the 522GW supports Alexa and captures 2K video but lacks picture stabilisation. In addition, it is far less expensive than the 622GW. All things considered, we believe the 622GW is well worth the investment if you're searching for the best dash cam available right now.
This review is still available as it was when it was first published. As Nextbase has always been at the forefront of dash cam technology, its most recent model, the Nextbase 622GW, is jam-packed with the newest video capturing features, making it one of the best dash cams available. First off, the 622GW has a brand-new quad-core Ambarella H22 chipset that enables you to record crystal-clear 4K video at 30 frames per second. Even better, the company has added a detachable polarising filter, enabling users to create stunning, glare-free footage by rotating a bezel on the front of the lens.
4. MIOFIVE S1 ULTRA
The best next-gen dash cam with smart features
Pros
- Sharp 4K footage with little noise
- Fast video transfer with 5GHz Wi-Fi
- Features GPS
Cons
- Video frames rates only up to 30fps
- Superfluous AI functions
The Miofive S1 is the dash cam for you if you're looking to upgrade and want 4K video on a two-digit budget. This dash cam yields unexpectedly good results, with great sharpness, decent colour reproduction, and very little grainy noise, even at night, in a world where inexpensive 4K solutions often fall short The Miofive S1 is the dash cam for you if you're looking to upgrade and want 4K footage on a two-digit budget. This dash cam yields unexpectedly good results, with great sharpness, decent colour reproduction, and very little grainy noise, even at night, in a world where inexpensive 4K solutions often fall short. You'll have a winner if you combine the S1's excellent video quality with solid technology, a stylish design, and a 3in screen.
Additionally, there is 5GHz Wi-Fi for quick video transfers between the camera and your smartphone using the Miofive app, and GPS for providing speed information to your recordings. It's simple to install, configure, and operate this dash cam. It's also tastefully designed, with a few AI-powered features that certain customers may find helpful (or easily ignore). The windscreen installation might use some improvement, but other than that, this is a fantastic 4K dash cam at a fantastic price. Remarkably small for a dash cam with a 3 inch LCD, the Miofive S1 is. Additionally, the outside corners of it have a rough surface, and the panel that houses the projecting camera lens has a carbon fiber-like appearance. I think this provides a wonderful element of contrast that makes the hardware look and feel more premium than the price tag says, but it might not be to everyone's taste.
5. NEXAR PRO
dash cam with smart features
Pros
- Neat design for both cams
- Easy to install and wire in
Cons
- Interior camera sticks to screen
- Cloud backup requires phone
Because it is primarily intended for professional drivers, the Nexar Pro dash cam is an improvement over the marginally less expensive Nexar Beam. This applies to those who drive for a living or who drive for extended periods of time. Though there are two cameras and more in the package than with the Beam model, the price difference isn't that great. The smaller one is for internal monitoring, while the larger one is your dashboard camera facing front Because it is primarily intended for professional drivers, the Nexar Pro dash cam is an improvement over the marginally less expensive Nexar Beam. This applies to those who drive for a living or who drive for extended periods of time. Though there are two cameras and more in the package than with the Beam model, the price difference isn't that great. The smaller unit is for inside monitoring, while the larger one is your dash cam facing forward.
Combining this camera configuration with the practical features found in the rest of the Nexar lineup is a true benefit of the Nexar Pro system. This entails free cloud storage for your expanding library of driving films, GPS data collecting to facilitate insurance claims, and a few useful features within the camera and software bundle. To enjoy 4K video, you'll need to upgrade to the most recent NexarOne model, although even 1080p full HD is more than sufficient.
Here are the FAQs for the top 5 best dash cams in 2024:
- Nextbase iQ Smart Dash Cam
Q1: What is special about the Nextbase iQ Smart Dash Cam?
A1: The Nextbase iQ Smart Dash Cam uses advanced AI-powered features, 4K ultra-HD recording, and a smartphone app for remote access; hence, it stands out as being among the smartest of dash cams.
Q2: Does the Nextbase iQ Smart Dash Cam have any type of remote access?
A2: Yes, it includes remote access, and will allow the user to see live footage, and receive alerts from their smartphone when away from the vehicle.
Q3: Does the Nextbase iQ have parking mode?
A3: Yes, it does; intelligent parking mode switches on the recording when movement is detected around the vehicle for extra security when parked.
Q4: How are the videos taken by this Nextbase iQ Smart Dash Cam?
A4: It does a recording in 4K ultra-HD resolution, hence crystal-clear footage, boasting sharp detail, perfect to catch license plates and other critical details well.
Q5: Does the Nextbase iQ feature voice control?
A5: Yes, it does; this feature enables drivers to be hands-free while driving when controlling the Dash Cam.
- Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2
Q1: What's so unique about Garmin's Dash Cam Mini 2?
A1: Garmin's Dash Cam Mini 2 comes with a super small build and almost invisible design on your windshield but offers recording at 1080p HD for quality purposes.
Q2: What is the video quality of Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2?
A2: Even though its dimensions are small, Mini 2 records in 1080p HD resolution, hence clear and detailed footage both at day and night.
3: Is voice control available on the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2?
A3: Yes, it is with enabling of Voice Commands, thus enabling drivers to start and stop recording, take photos, or save footage with their voice.
4: Does the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 offer cloud storage?
A4: Yes, it does. Through Garmin's Vault feature, cloud storage is available, enabling users to view video clips online for as long as 24 hours, and there is the option for extended storage.
Q5: How is the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 installed?
A5: The Mini 2 installs easily with its adhesive mount. It can be powered through the vehicle's power outlet and thus presents a pretty hassle-free setup.
- Nextbase 622GW
Q1: What makes the Nextbase 622GW special, setting it apart in 2024?
A1: The Nextbase 622GW features 4K ultra-HD recording and image stabilization, adding to that even built-in GPS-all mashed up in one of the most feature-rich dash cams around which captures quality footage.
Q2: Does the Nextbase 622GW have integrated GPS and Wi-Fi?
A2: Yes, it features both built-in GPS for location tracking of the vehicle and Wi-Fi for swift and easy file transfers to either a smartphone or computer.
Q3: What is the video resolution in Nextbase 622GW?
A3: The resolution of the 622GW is 4K ultra-HD at 30fps, meaning the footage it captures will be crystal clear, even in low light.
Q4: Does Nextbase 622GW have emergency SOS features?
A4: An Emergency SOS feature automatically alerts emergency services with your location in the event of a serious collision.
Q5: Is Nextbase 622GW resistant to any type of weather?
A5: Yes, it is intended for use in any weather, from hard rain to fog conditions, without deteriorating the driving recording performance.
- Miofive S1 Ultra Dash Cam
Q1: What does the Miofive S1 Ultra boast?
A1: The Miofive S1 Ultra is notable for its 4K resolution and also for having a highly embedded 64GB eMMC storage that provides a user with smooth performance without using memory cards.
Q2: Is there internal storage available on the Miofive S1 Ultra Dash Cam?
A2: Yes, it does, 64GB built into eMMC storage, so no more hustle in buying and handling the SD card externally.
Q3: How is the video quality of the Miofive S1 Ultra?
A3: The S1 Ultra shoots 4K resolution at 30fps with fantastically detailed and sharp footage, even in good and bad lighting conditions.
Q4: Does the Miofive S1 Ultra have GPS?
Q4: Does it have inbuilt GPS incorporated into the system?
A4: Yes, it has an inbuilt GPS system, which further monitors speed, location, and route of the vehicle, which is helpful during insurance claims or recording trips.
Q5: How does the parking mode on Miofive S1 Ultra function?
A5: The S1 Ultra has parking mode that starts to record automatically on any motion or collision when the vehicle is parked.
- Nexar Pro
Q1: What is the Nexar Pro primarily?
A1: The Nexar Pro represents a dual-camera dashboard camera capturing both the road ahead and inside the vehicle, which makes it perfectly suitable for rideshare drivers or anyone seeking extra insurance.
Q2: How would you rate the video quality of Nexar Pro?
A2: The Nexar Pro features recording at 1080p HD with a wide angle of view at 135 degrees to ensure that it captures crystal clear footage both on the road and inside the vehicle.
Q3: Does the Nexar Pro support real-time alerts and remote access?
A3: Yes, it can send you real-time alerts to your phone via the Nexar app and provides remote access to allow you to view footage when not near the car.
Q4: What kind of storage does Nexar Pro use?
A4: The Nexar Pro doesn't use physical SD cards; instead, it automatically uploads footage onto free cloud storage and also stores clips locally in your phone.
Q5: Does Nexar Pro have parking mode? A5: Yes, parking mode when the car is parked and will record any incident or suspicious activity around the vehicle.