Top-of-the-class dash cams for added security as you drive
While most new cars come with dash cams built-in, if you want top-notch security as you drive investing in a camera is a smart way to ensure you've got multiple eyes on the road in case of unfortunate accidents.
Why use a dash cam?
When it comes to car crashes and minor road accidents having an unbiased account of the event as it unfolded can be useful when it comes to processing a claim.
Able to capture important information like number plates, car make and model, these cameras can be useful when dealing with insurance companies or police.
How do dash cams work?
Each model can vary but for the most part, a dash cam attaches to your dashboard or windshield and captures video footage as you drive. Essentially these gadgets become your second pair of eyes that can save what you see.
With this in mind and to help keep you and your car safe, we've rounded up some of the best dash cams for you to use in your car.
NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.
Best of the best dash cam
Vantrue E3 2.5K 3-Channel WiFi Dash Cam
If you're after an all-around dash cam, the Vantrue E3 should be at the top of your list. While some cameras have a higher resolution, many dual and 3-channel dash cams have lower resolution rear and internal cameras. These three cameras all have a comparable resolution and field of vision making all three recordings the same high quality.
Its 24-hour parking monitor sensor can film in low light settings and will save a total of 45 seconds of footage of a potential incident, including 15 seconds of recording prior to the first detection. The cameras also use Night Vision 2.0. The Vantrue E3 also has loop recording that will automatically film over the oldest footage when the memory is full.
You can connect the cameras to your device through Wi-Fi and use the Vantrue app where you can watch, download and edit your recordings. It will also provide GPS tracking and speed in real-time.
Best dual dash cam
Vantrue E2 Dual Dash Cam
The Vantrue E2 has all the bells and whistles of a modern dual dash cam including 1440p front and rear cameras both with a 160-degree field of vision, a built-in G-sensor, and GPS tracking technology. What sets it apart is its high-tech inclusions.
Now a massive 41 per cent off, you can connect your dash cam via W-iFi to your devices and pair the vision with the GPS to see exactly where the recording was taken. You can also access a live feed of what the camera is filming – just make sure you stay off the phone while driving.
It is able to record up to 512GB worth of footage, the camera will loop and record over the oldest vision saved when at capacity. It also uses Sony Starvis Night Vision for clearer vision when recording at night, it's also voice-control activated to use without touching your device or the camera.
Best 3-channel dash cam
WOLFBOX i07 3-Channel Dash Cam
Capturing your car from every angle, the WOLFBOX i07 has a front camera with 2.5K resolution and a 150 degree field of vision, an internal cabin camera with 1080p resolution and a 160-degree field of vision, and a rear camera with 1080p resolution and a 155-degree field of vision.
Not only do the front and rear cameras adapt to low light settings, but the internal camera is built with six LED lights to clearly capture what is happening inside your car. You'll have access to two parking modes – one that activates recording if there is a collision and one that can film for 24 hours capturing one frame per second. It also has a looping recording feature that will film over the oldest video footage.
Best deal on a dash cam
REDTIGER Front 4K Rear 2.5K Dash Cam
Now 45 per cent off, the REDTIGER Front 4K Rear 2.5K Dash Cam is the best bang for your buck. It has a 4k front camera and 1080p rear camera which can be adjusted to any angle. Recording visuals in different settings, it uses Sony Starvis night vision to capture clear recordings at night and can be set to record parking in two modes – G-sensor mode and time-lapse mode. It comes with a built-in GPS that tracks the speed and location of your car as you drive. Buy yours now and save $135.
Best front camera dash cam
REDTIGER F7N Dash Cam
The REDTIGER F7N Dash Cam has a front 4K resolution camera with a wide-angle 170-degree field of vision. This camera will able able to record a huge range of vision with limited blind spots and clear enough footage to see important visuals like license plates or traffic signs.
Currently 36 per cent off, it also comes with a rear 1080p camera with a 140-degree field of vision and is built with a G-sensor that will be triggered and start recording for 15 seconds if it detects a potential collision will occur.
Best rear window dash cam
NEXTBASE Rear Window Camera
Easily sticking onto your rear windscreen, the NEXTBASE Rear Window Camera uses a magnetic mount that can be adjusted at any angle. This discrete camera is as small as a table tennis ball and can record using a 140-degree field of vision. If you have a Nextbase front dash cam, you can pair them together for full camera coverage.
Best internal cabin dash cam
Vantrue N2 Pro Dual Dash Cam
The Vantrue N2 Pro Dual Dash Cam films the front of the car in 1440p resolution and the internal cabin at the 140-degree wide angle in 1080p resolution. Both of these cameras can clearly capture vision in low light settings with the internal camera having four infrared lights and a Sony HDR sensor. This dash cam uses a 256GB microSD card and will loop record over the oldest videos when it is full. It also has a time-lapse video function to record for longer durations of time both inside and outside the car.
Best recording dash cam
WOLFBOX Dual Dash Cam
Ensuring you capture everything you need, the WOLFBOX Dual Dash Cam has 4K resolution for the front camera with a 170-degree field of vision and 2.5K resolution for the rear camera with a 140-degree field of vision. To improve the visuals of the rear camera, there are installation options – you can install it inside your car on the windscreen or outside above the number plate.
There are also two parking recording modes. The first mode is the G-sensor mode, which will start recording when a collision or impact is detected. The second is time-lapse mode which will record vision 24/7 so nothing is missed. You can connect your WOLFBOX dash cam via Wi-Fi to your device which records GPS data and the speed you were travelling.
READ MORE: Top wireless home security cameras that will put your mind at ease
Best for safety
NEXTBASE 622GW Compact Dash Cam
The NEXTBASE 622GW is built with an emergency SOS response feature that will send an alert to emergency services when there has been a major accident where occupants of the car are unable to call for help. Your location data is embedded into the dash cam itself so they will know where you are even if you don't.
It films in 4K resolution with a 140-degree field of vision and has image stabilisation technology to improve the clarity of the vision at various speeds. It is also built with Amazon's Alexa to access all of its regular features like playing music or making calls, but you can also ask it to help you find a parking space or get directions.
Best dash cam from a big brand
Garmin Mini 2 Dash Cam
The Garmin Mini 2 Dash Cam is a small 1080p HD camera measuring just 31mm x 53mm x 21mm making it easy to hide and less obvious for those outside the car to see. It has a 140-degree field of vision, is compatible with voice controls, and saved videos will be uploaded to the Garmin Cloud Video Vault for you to watch and download.
Best small dash cam
VIOFO A119 Mini Dash Cam
Measuring just 4.1cm x 4.6cm, the VIOFO A119 Mini Dash Cam is shaped like a wedge to sit in between the windshield and the rearview mirror. It records in 2K resolution and has a built-in GPS. It also has three parking modes for you to keep your car secure. It has auto event detection mode that will start recording if it detects an impact, time-lapse mode to record over longer durations of time, and low bitrate mode that will record at a lower resolution taking up less storage space.