The best dash cams in Australia aim to give drivers peace of mind by capturing and storing clear footage of the road ahead (and behind for some models), making them essential upgrades for any vehicle.
No matter how safely you drive, you can’t control the actions of other motorists, and minor accidents are statistically inevitable. Even a tiny, negligible paint scratch can result in a frustrating and prolonged insurance dispute, so a dash cam recording will serve as undeniable proof to get things moving quickly.
If you're in the market for one, consider your budget first before looking at anything else. We won't beat around the bush, our favourite model right now, the Viofo A329, is definitely quite an investment — but we think it's the most complete dash cam you can currently find. If it’s not quite within reach of your set budget, there are more affordable options in this list that won’t skimp on quality.
I’ve shortlisted the best dash cams that our international team of reviewers has rigorously tested, all of which have stood out amongst a deluge of other models in TechRadar’s rigorous testing processes that see the dash cams used in real-world driving conditions.
The best dash cam in Australia in 2026
Below you'll find more in-depth reviews of our picks for the best dash cams in Australia. TechRadar's team of camera experts has thoroughly tested each one, and you can click through to read the full review of each.
The best dash cam overall
The Viofo A329 covers your bases with its two-camera setup that records hi-res video, supports external SSD storage and has a solid, premium-feeling build. It doesn't come cheap, but we really do think it's worth the investment. If money is no object, then you'll struggle to find a dash cam with better-quality video.
The Viofo A329 is chunky but not too bulky, while also feeling nicely made. The rear-facing camera has simple and straightforward design lines. Mounting to a windshield involves using a sticky patch or static sheets, aimed at easy removal. Our reviewer found the initial setup process to be a little finicky, but this is more to do with getting it all wired in.
This dash cam has voice control, notifications and support for either a microSD card up to 512GB or an SSD up to 4TB (connected via 5GHz Wi-Fi 6) — handy for accommodating the large 4K 60fps video files. You can also view footage and manage files directly through the Viofo app.
It offers smooth, detailed 4K video up to 60fps from the front-facing main camera, which we found remained composed even at higher speeds. The rear-facing unit also records decent 2K video footage. What's more, video recorded in lower light conditions was also impressive in our testing, with both cameras more than capable of picking out details such as registration plates and road signs.
Viofo A329 sample footage
Read our in-depth Viofo A329 review
The best budget dash cam
For its price, you might not expect a lot from the Miofive S1, but you'd be wrong. With an RRP of AU$119 — but regularly discounted — you get 4K video recording, built-in GPS and 5Ghz Wi-Fi for fast data transfers to your smartphone. The 4K video footage is legit, too, boasting sharp detail that controls noise well when light levels dip.
While not the smallest in this list, the Miofive S1 is still impressively compact even with the 3-inch display. It also has an interesting textured look, with some parts even bearing a carbon fibre-like design, giving it a bit of contrast for a premium look and feel. Setting the dash cam up is easy with an included windshield mount that attaches via an adhesive pad.
It's also possible to buy it as a standalone unit, bundled with a 4K rear camera and even with a microSD card for local storage of video footage. The cost naturally increases with these packages, but they're still what we would call affordable, considering what you're getting in return.
The Miofive S1 records in 4K resolution, better than something like the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3, and our reviewer was impressed by the detailed video quality with no grainy noise. There’s also an option to record in 1080p if you want to save storage space. Unfortunately, both resolutions only record at 30fps (60fps at 1080p would have been a fair compromise), but for the price, it’s hardly a complaint.
Miofive S1 sample footage
Read our in-depth Miofive S1 review
The best compact dash cam
The Vantrue Element 1 Pro Dash Cam (also known as the E1 Pro) is a compact, cost-effective model that still manages to fit in a rear display for easy setup. It captures 4K video and supports microSD storage up to 1TB, and is also easy to install.
At just 44 x 50 x 44mm, the VanTrue E1 Pro’s cute, cubist design won’t take up much space, and it somehow still manages to fit a neat LCD screen on the rear. The mounting bracket attaches to a windshield either with an adhesive pad or a static sheet, and it also has a slide-out bracket to easily take the unit out and back in when needed.
Apart from the LCD screen, other features include voice control, a solid supporting app with fast Wi-Fi transfer rates, GPS, and improved temperature protection — all powered by a supercapacitor internal battery. With the move to 4K from the predecessor’s 2.5K resolution, the E1 Pro supports microSD storage of up to 1TB, which can fit up to 66 hours of footage.
This compact and attractive dash cam records 4K video at 30fps, providing sharp footage night and day, with accurate colours and great low-light performance. Our testing revealed that the included polarising filter does a good job of keeping glare to a minimum, and the PlatePix software can boost definition to give more detail to licence plates and the like.
Vantrue E1 Pro sample footage
Read our in-depth Vantrue E1 Pro review
The best screenless dash cam
The Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3 is a great option if you don’t want a display on your dash cam. We recommend it for its class-leading compact design that is unobtrusive on a windscreen, along with its easy-to-use user interface.
At 52.1 x 31.6 x 20.3 mm, the Garmin is smaller than our pick for the best compact dash cam above, the Vantrue E1 Pro, because of the absence of a built-in display — but we favoured the latter for its 4K video compared to the Garmin’s 1080p capture. The windshield mount attaches to the unit with a ball-and-socket joint and then attaches to the windshield itself with an integrated adhesive pad.
The Dash Cam Mini 3 has no integrated display, which could be preferable if you don’t want any distractions, though that also means you’d have to interact with the Garmin Drive app to adjust settings and download stored footage to your phone. There’s also a decent voice control system and support for microSD up to 512GB.
Unlike most of the other options here with 4K video, the Dash Cam Mini 3 still only records in 1080p like its predecessor, but the footage is sharp and clear with balanced exposure and enough detail for easily reading vehicle license plates, street signs and road markings; all the things you rely on a dashcam to pick up with great clarity.
Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3 sample footage
Read our full Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3 review
The best dash cam for older cars
Combining a dash cam and GPS display in one neat package, the Garmin DriveCam 76 is an ideal solution for vehicles without a built-in infotainment system. You’ll find better value dash cams if you don’t need features such as smartphone notifications and weather updates, but if you want a dash cam with added smarts, this is a great choice.
The unit itself is much larger than most of the options here at 177 x 106 x 35 mm so it can fit a 7-inch display. This size can make the DriveCam 76 tricky to place without obstructing the driver’s view, but both the display angle and camera lens are adjustable, so you can find the right position for you.
In testing, our reviewer found its 7-inch display intuitive to use and they loved how well Garmin’s rich mapping visuals were shown, making them easy to follow. Navigation is clear and well-timed, complemented by live traffic updates when paired with your smartphone’s data connection.
Full HD footage is shot in HDR at 30fps, delivering balanced exposure and enough detail to make number plates legible. That said, we found that the video suffers from noticeable stabilisation wobble. This distortion doesn’t reduce the detail, but the footage is worse than other Garmin dash cams.
Garmin DriveCam 76 sample footage
Read our in-depth Garmin DriveCam 76 review
How we test dash cams
Almost all dash cams can be fitted to a car without making any permanent modification. They can be attached to a windscreen using a suction cup or removable adhesive pad, and powered from either a USB port or the 12V socket found in almost all cars. To test dash cams, we install them in our car, attach them to the windscreen and pair them to our smartphone as if we had bought them ourselves.
We then drive during the day and evening to test how the camera handles different lighting conditions, and ideally in varied weather too. The footage is then transferred to a smartphone or computer and viewed to check the quality and whether key details like vehicle registration plates are legible. This also lets us see how easy (or difficult) it is to view, transfer and save recorded footage.
Additional features like voice assistants and drive assistance systems get a thorough workout, and we also test how easy it is to turn these off, or adjust them to our personal preferences. Being able to quickly and easily turn off audio recording is key, especially when carrying passengers who don’t want their conversations recorded.
Naturally, we cannot crash a vehicle to see how well the dash cam detects collisions. Instead, firmly tapping the dash cam can simulate a collision, allowing us to see what happens when footage is saved. It is also possible to trigger a recording by powering the camera with a portable battery and tapping it against our desk. It may seem rudimentary, but it works and keeps our insurance company happy.
Sometimes, driving over a particularly aggressive speed bump can trigger a dash cam recording. In these cases, we learn that the camera’s G-sensor is too sensitive and needs to be adjusted, provided the menu system includes such an option.
Installing your dash cam:
So you've managed to track down the best dash cam for your needs but you're not sure how to get started on installing it? We've put together a handy guide on how to fit a dash cam to help make installation a breeze.
How to choose the best dash cam for you
- Ideally pick a 4K model
- Half-speed 60fps frame rates can pick out details better than 30fps
- GPS records speed and location data, which could be crucial evidence
The best dash cams can have anything from one to four cameras. Single-camera dash cams record the outside view from your windscreen, while dual dash cams typically add a rear-facing camera. An additional cabin camera is especially useful for ride-share drivers like taxis and carpool karaoke divas. Professional drivers clocking up the kilometres, particularly trucks, can add a viewpoint from the outside of the vehicle.
Video resolution
Video resolution is a key consideration when choosing a dash cam, as explained below. Most of the best dash cams in 2025 record footage in 4K, whereas cheaper models could top out at just 1080p. We recommend 4K models, which should easily pull out crucial details such as number plates, even if the video files are larger.
Video frame rates
Video frame rates are also important. Most dash cams can record at 30fps, which is fine for reviewing footage at full speed, but the best models can capture action at a smoother 60fps, more often than not in reduced 1080p resolution.
60fps gives you the option to slow down footage after the fact, making it easier to pick up details at half speed. We're now starting to see 4K 60fps recording in select premium models, such as the Viofo A329. Other models also feature digital image stabilisation, which helps to smooth out footage on bumpy roads.
We've done the tests – check out this in-depth article: Is frame rate important for dash cam footage? I compared 30fps and 60fps clips from a 4K camera to find out.
Features
There is also a wealth of features to consider, including a touchscreen display, a companion app, GPS, parking surveillance, voice control, GPS and what3words to name but a few.
If you drive an older car without an infotainment system, then it’s worth getting a dash cam with GPS, but there’s little point if your car already has sat nav. GPS location data is handy when recording incidents, while some even include what3words geolocation data, which offers the most precise way of pinpointing your vehicle and is super handy should you become stricken.
Getting started with a dash cam
- Position the dash cam so it doesn't block your view of the road
- Check for automated safety features that keep footage safe, such as G-sensor
- Hardwiring is necessary for always-on features like parking mode
The overall experience installing, getting started and ease of use on the go varies wildly from dash cam to dash cam. For the most part, dash cams mount somewhere along a car's front windscreen. Of course, wherever you place your dash cam must not block your view of the road.
The advent of rear-facing cameras (or complete kits that contain both front and rear) requires a little extra installation, as these often involve cables that run from front to back. Expect some fiddly work involving the car's headliner to get these fitted correctly.
Dash cams usually record until the card is full, at which point loop recording kicks in, continually recording over the oldest clips. Some record shorter clips in order to prevent the card from filling.
While older models typically required the user to manually save or tag the appropriate clip in the event of an accident, new G-Sensor-based incident detection technology has taken over, and now takes care of this automatically.
There are also dash cams that boast additional features that, just like any other technology, translate to a higher asking price. In addition to better video quality like 4K, night vision and built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth for easy file transfer may also be included.
A rise in popularity of voice control has also made its way over to the humble dash cam, so expect Alexa integration and other such voice-activated technology at the very pinnacle of the range.
Numerous parking modes are also possibilities. These use a time-lapse feature as a surveillance function to capture details of those irksome car park prangs when you're off running errands.
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth having a dash cam?
- A dash cam can prove innocence in a collision and help avoid false speeding fines
- Some dash cams can alert emergency services, with location data
- Those with a parking mode can also monitor their unmanned vehicle
Yes, absolutely. Some drivers might not like the idea of a camera constantly monitoring their vehicle, but some models of dash cams are compact and subtle enough to almost disappear behind the central rear-view mirror. In other words, once they are up and running, you soon forget about them; they just sit there, quietly keeping an eye out, ready to save footage if you’re caught in an accident.
If the worst were to happen and you need to prove your innocence, the dash cam’s footage could do exactly that. This footage can also be set to include your speed, along with the time and date, to help reinforce the validity of your evidence if blame is disputed by the other party. As well as monitoring the road ahead, dash cams can be used to record out of the rear windscreen too, recording footage if you are unfortunate enough to be rear-ended by another motorist.
Even if you're not directly involved in a collision, dash cams can still be useful. Many have a button for quickly saving the last few seconds of video. That way, if you see something ahead that you think needs recording, like an accident between two other vehicles, an example of bad driving, or something else noteworthy, you can provide that evidence to whoever might need it. Another useful feature of some dash cams is that they will call the emergency services if a crash is detected and you don’t respond; they can then share your location and ensure help is on its way.
Furthermore, many dash cams come with additional driver assistance features. These include alerts to let you know about nearby speed cameras and red light cameras, plus a prompt to tell you the vehicle in front has set off – just in case you weren’t paying attention while sitting in traffic.
Lastly, some dash cams can be permanently installed in your vehicle and hard-wired, giving them a constant power supply. When paired with a special parking mode, this enables the camera to sense impacts and record footage while the car is parked, potentially gathering useful evidence of your neighbour’s poor parking.
Can a dash cam drain your car battery?
- Dash cams need wired power
- So long as your engine is running, it won't drain the battery
- Don't leave it plugged in too long when the vehicle is not in use
Different dash cams use different power sources, so it's always worth checking how your new dash cam is powered if you're concerned about draining your car's battery.
Some dash cams have internal power or can easily be charged using external power sources. However, the rest use the cigarette lighter/USB port in your vehicle or need to be hard-wired, meaning they do use your car's battery.
If you use the cigarette lighter/USB port to power your dash cam, then leaving it plugged in overnight might drain your car battery, depending on whether your vehicle supplies constant power to the ports. Hard-wired dash cams can be set up to switch on with the car ignition in some vehicles to save battery, too.
If you were planning on using your new dash cam for security purposes, you might want to consider choosing a dash cam with motion detection and using an external power source to make sure you don't drain your car battery.
Is a GoPro/action camera better than a dash cam?
- Action cameras can have better video quality than dash cams
- You miss out on advanced safety features, such as a G-sensor
- The price difference can be negligible
GoPro cameras are some of the best action cameras you can buy, together with those made by DJI and Insta360. They can be easily mounted to your dashboard and set to record video on a rolling loop. Because action cameras are compact, they shouldn’t obstruct your view of the road ahead, while the latest models are capable of capturing 5.3K video, which is sharper than 4K. Then there are 360 cameras that can record front and cabin views simultaneously.
However, there are certain factors which make a dedicated dash cam better than a GoPro for recording the road, forgetting that the price difference between a GoPro Hero 13 Black, say, and a premium dash cam such as the Garmin Dash Cam X310 is less than you might think. What you don’t get with an action camera are the more advanced features associated with a high-spec dash cam, such as G-sensor collision detection or parking protection, while many won't show GPS data such as speed and location. You’ll also need to manually set a GoPro or action camera to record every time you get behind the wheel, even if its power cable is connected to your vehicle.
If you already own a GoPro, pairing it with a dashboard mount or windshield suction cup is an easy way to record video while you’re driving. We even have a dedicated guide on how to use a GoPro as a dash cam for your car. We also ran a month-long experiment with the Insta360 X5 360-degree camera to see if it could replace a dash cam. In both cases our conclusion is clear – if you’re looking for a comprehensive solution to capture in-car video, it’s worth considering a dash cam.
Are dash cams legal?
- Make sure the dash cam doesn't obstruct your view of the road
- It might not be legal to record on private property
- Don't breach data protection laws by posting identifiable individuals online
Using a dash cam is generally legal in Australia. In fact, certain bodies like the police, insurers and auto and road safety clubs actively encourage the use of dash cams to reduce insurance premiums. That said, there are a few basic rules to follow to ensure your dash cam usage stays on the right side of the law.
A dash cam shouldn’t obstruct your view of the road ahead or distract you while you’re behind the wheel. For this reason, some people prefer to choose a model without a display.
Privacy regulations are another factor to consider. As there is no reasonable expectation of privacy on public roads, it’s generally legal to record with a dash cam while driving. However, this changes on private property, such as a person’s driveway. While dash cam recordings can usually be justified on the grounds of safety and security, it’s important to act reasonably and be mindful of where and what you record.
This is particularly the case for professional drivers. If you’re a taxi driver, for example, you should inform passengers that your vehicle is fitted with a dash cam, particularly if it’s recording audio. Victoria, Queensland and South Australia only permit sound recording with the permission of everyone in the vehicle.
You should also think carefully before sharing any dash cam footage online. Uploading videos that identify individuals without their consent could breach data protection laws. It’s always safer to blur details such as registration plates and faces when publishing any dash cam clips.
What is loop recording?
- It avoids your microSD card filling up
- When memory is full, the oldest footage is overwritten by newer clips
- G-sensor tech auto-protects key clips such as collisions
Loop recording allows dash cams to continuously record video footage to their built-in storage or memory card. The setting automatically overwrites the oldest clips on your camera with new ones when its storage becomes full. This way, it can keep recording without requiring you to pull over and manually delete unneeded clips. This reassures you that there will be no gap in your driving log.
By default, dash cams save video clips in sequential order. Loop recording usually works by splitting these clips into preset intervals based on file size or time, such as 2-minute or 5-minute segments. By dividing recordings like this, dash cams can write over small parts of a longer video without erasing the entire thing at once. This can also make it easier to locate clips of specific moments, without having to scan through lengthy recordings.
To stop important clips from being overwritten, many of the best dash cams can automatically detect potential incidents and flag the relevant footage to protect it from deletion. Most models with loop recording also allow you to manually tag clips with the same effect, generally through a shortcut button on the dash cam body.
How much is a dash cam?
The price of a dash cam can vary wildly depending on the technology housed within, the features it offers and the quality of the video and audio it captures.
Our best budget dash cam, the Miofive S1, comes in at around AU$139, but it is possible to spend upwards of AU$500 for those kits that include rear-facing cameras or models that also capture footage from inside the cabin.
In reality, it is possible to spend as little as AU$50 for a dash cam from a respectable brand, but you’ll likely have to make do with lower-quality 1080p video, basic sound, and the bare minimum in terms of sensors that kick-start automatic recording in the case of an accident.
How do dash cams work?
Dash cams are small video cameras that are mounted inside a vehicle to capture the road ahead, continuously recording on a loop (and deleting older footage unless saved) in order to save space on a memory card.
Some models also cover action from the rear window, as well as those that record inside the cabin, while audio capture, night vision and 4K resolution (in some cases) all help deliver the best footage for use as evidence following an incident.
Built-in accelerometers and other sensors can detect an accident and will automatically save the footage to an SD card or the cloud, depending on what’s offered, while hard-wiring a camera into a vehicle’s power outlet means it can also act as a vigilant pair of eyes when the vehicle is parked.
How do I install a dash cam?
Installation will depend on the model, but in general, the camera unit itself attaches to the windscreen through either a suction mount or via provided adhesive pads. There are other possible locations and mounting methods, but it’s best to check the manufacturer’s guidelines – or see our full guide to dash cam placement.
Dash cams then draw power from the vehicle’s 12V battery via a typical 12V cigarette lighter-style outlet. More modern units can also be powered through a vehicle’s USB or USB-C ports.
The trailing wires will need to be tucked neatly out of the way, which can require removing interior vehicle trim, while “hard-wiring” the camera directly to the vehicle’s battery also unlocks other beneficial features, such as a parking “sentry” mode, but it’s worth seeking professional installation help for these things.
What is a good dash cam to buy?
As you can see in our guide above, we recommend the Viofo A329 as the best all-rounder dash cam, based on its excellent video quality, supplementary rear camera and its compatibility with external SSD drives.
That said, the Viofo model is relatively expensive, and there are more affordable dash cams out there for those on a tight budget, including the Miofive S1 and the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3.
Nextbase, Garmin and Thinkware have been producing dash cams for a very long time and, as a result, have garnered an excellent reputation for quality and longevity.
Do dash cams record audio?
Most modern dash cams can record audio, though quality and the ability to turn it off vary by model.
The built-in microphone primarily captures internal sounds, though exterior noises such as horns, tyre screeching or loud voices can also be recorded. Some high-end dash cams use noise-reduction algorithms to suppress wind and engine noise, helping conversations or warnings come through more clearly.
However, there are privacy and legal considerations. Recording passengers without their knowledge may breach data laws in some regions. To address this, many dash cams include a mute function or allow users to disable the microphone entirely, striking a balance between evidence and privacy.
We’ve got an entire guide to dash cam audio, including input from experts in the field.
Do dash cams record when the car is switched off?
If a dash cam is plugged into a vehicle’s 12V outlet, power is typically cut to the device to preserve the vehicle’s battery, and the dash cam will switch off after a few seconds.
That said, it is best to check this, as some vehicles provide constant power from 12V outlets, which can quickly drain batteries. Read our full guide to dash cam power for more info.
An alternate method is to hard-wire a dash cam into a vehicle’s power supply, which will typically involve smart power monitoring tech, so the camera will only draw power if there’s enough remaining in the vehicle’s battery pack.
Is a front or rear dash cam more important?
Most dash cams cover the action out of the front window, as this is where the majority of potential incidents take place. However, a rear-facing camera can add further peace of mind in the case of rear shunts, persistent tail-gaters or other unfortunate events that might occur in the rear-view mirror.
Similarly, some modern dash cam kits include three cameras to give an almost 360-degree view of the environment, including capturing content from inside the vehicle. This sort of footage can prove vital as evidence that the driver wasn’t distracted during an incident, for example.
Are there any wireless dash cameras?
Because dash cams need continuous power, fully wireless models aren't available. However, the best options on the market feature built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, allowing you to easily send footage and photos to your phone through a user-friendly app on your smartphone.
Do dash cameras lower insurance costs?
Owning a dash cam doesn’t necessarily guarantee a lower insurance premium – many drivers who ask insurers for discounts often get no direct reduction. Larger or leading insurers tend to treat dash cams as helpful for evidence, not as a primary factor in pricing.
That said, a camera can prove invaluable when making a claim: video can help establish fault, disprove false allegations or speed up processing. We’ve explored the topic extensively in our guide to whether dash cams lower insurance costs.
If you’re shopping around, it’s worth asking the insurer whether they offer discounts for specific dash cam models, or whether certain features are required. Even without premium savings, the protection and peace of mind offered by clear video evidence will almost certainly help speed up claims and investigations.
