Vantrue Pilot 2: two-minute review

It’s becoming increasingly difficult to stand out in the overcrowded dash cam marketplace. However, Vantrue is having a stab at it with the Vantrue Pilot 2 dash cam, which the brand claims is the world’s first model to incorporate thermal imaging. This is certainly a first for me, and having reviewed the best dash cams on the market, this three-channel model plus the thermal camera did sound promising.

The Vantrue Pilot 2 dash cam has been in development for a while, with a Kickstarter campaign launching the initial design and production set to commence around now, with deliveries expected in the middle of the year. However, while the thermal imaging is a draw, the main appeal of this package is how it can used to bring a host of smart features to older cars. This is down to the other major feature, the touchscreen hub, which works rather like an infotainment screen of the type you'd see in most modern vehicles.

For me, this is actually the main appeal of the Vantrue Pilot 2 dash cam, because the 6.25-inch touchscreen supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as having voice command functionality, Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, and a storage capability of up to 1TB via a micro-USB slot. It can be mounted to a dashboard or similar location in older vehicles with more conventional dashboard layouts. Where it’s less useful is in a modern vehicle with an existing infotainment screen and all the functionality that comes with it.

Aside from the headline-grabbing features, the Vantrue Pilot 2 dash cam is a workmanlike exercise in covering all angles. The cameras comprise one front-facing unit that sticks to the windshield and has a cockpit-facing lens, too, while the rear-facing unit sits in the rear window capturing the view out the back. Meanwhile, the thermal imaging unit is meant to be fixed to the outside of a vehicle, using a clamp and bracket design. It can be attached to the back edge of a vehicle’s hood, or somewhere in the grille area – but note that it relies on a cable connection, so that has to be factored into its fitment.

The camera specifications are solid enough, with f/1.8 large aperture Sony Starvis 2 sensors (5-megapixel MX675 for the front and 2-megapixel IMX662 for the rear) and Novatek NT98530 dual-core processors boosted by 2.0 TOPS AI computing power providing plenty of appeal. The units can function between temperatures of -20℃ ~60℃, meaning they’re suited to all kinds of operating environments.

Meanwhile, the thermal imaging unit boasts a 12μm WLP high-performance vanadium oxide uncooled infrared detector, plus there are four infrared lights for the cockpit camera. There’s GPS, a 2.4G/5.0G Hz Wi-Fi 6 module, along with a supporting Vantrue app for overall management of files.

All things considered, the Vantrue Pilot 2 dash cam is a complete package – although there are a few comparable products in the Vantrue range that function similarly, minus the thermal imaging camera. The Vantrue Nexus 5S dash cam is a prime example, and available for just $399.99 (£295 approx).

Vantrue Pilot 2 dash cam: price and availability

At the time of writing, the unit sent in for review was an early production model and Vantrue’s pricing was also seemingly tentative. Deliveries of the Vantrue Pilot 2 dash cam are set for June, with a suggested price of $805 (£594 approx). Vantrue has also been offering early bird deals with 43% off, bringing the price of the dash cam down to $499 (£368 approx). As menioned above, though, the Vantrue Nexus 5S dash cam is a great alternative and available for just $399.99 (£295 approx). It's just as good, if you're not in need of the thermal imaging camera and/or touchscreen hub unit.

Vantrue Pilot 2 dash cam: specs

Vantrue Pilot 2 dash cam: Design

Make no mistake, the Vantrue Pilot 2 dash cam bundle is a chunky one – you'll need some space in order to accommodate the core touchscreen unit plus the cameras. Central to the action is the base or hub unit, which has the touchscreen plus all the connection points for the various cables that come included. Thankfully, Vantrue has marked up all the ports as well as the cables with clear indications as to what goes where. Step-by-step instructions are also included in the box. Note, though, that the design might not work for those with limited cabin space.

Construction of the various components is solid enough, with positive connections for all the ports, so it feels like the package will handle the effects of vibration and general use over time. The quality of the plastic for the cameras and hub feels of a good quality too. Overall, the impression is that the Vantrue Pilot 2 dash cam is a premium bundle.

Even novice users will find the design of all the component parts easy enough to plumb in and configure. What is less straightforward is getting everything into place, especially that touchscreen unit, which I found difficult to accommodate in a car with an infotainment screen on the dash. Fitting the front and cockpit-facing camera was a doddle though, using a sticky pad to affix to the windscreen, via a static sheet between the glass and the sticky pad if preferred. The same goes for the rear-facing camera, and both come with familiar barrel-style bodies that will be familiar if you’re familiar with Vantrue products.

The most unusual part of the overall design is the thermal imaging camera. This is a chunky unit that's designed to be mounted externally. The design itself seemed robust enough to spend its life outside a vehicle, although I’d assume the lens will require regular cleaning to perform optimally. This was also the trickiest part to fit. Vantrue has outlined a variety of ways to mount the external camera in its documentation, with the most obvious method being to clamp it to the rear edge of a vehicle’s bonnet. This took some effort on the vehicle I was using.

Similarly, the instructions didn't make clear what to do with the cable. I’m assuming it needs to be fed through the dash somewhere and then up through the engine bay – which, because I was using a test vehicle, resulted in my simply feeding it through the passenger-side window. Again, this additional step makes initial set-up of the Vantrue Pilot 2 dash cam more complicated, alongside placement of the touchscreen hub – if you have a vehicle with no obvious place to put it.

Granted, Vantrue has designed the touchscreen unit with a self-adhesive base and even supplied holes for more permanent fixing. There’s also a bracket that allows it to be angled slightly; but in my test vehicle I still struggled to find a proper home for it. Once fixed in place, though, both the screen and the presentation of the graphics therein were impressive. It all worked nicely with the required finger taps, too.

Vantrue Pilot 2 dash cam: Performance

One of the best things about the Vantrue Pilot 2 dash cam is the heads-up-style display – aside from finding somewhere to fix it in a modern vehicle, that is. It's the go-to area for the initial setup process, with clear touchscreen options that include formatting the microSD card. Similarly, configuring Apple CarPlay via the on-screen icon and connecting with my phone via Bluetooth proved straightforward.

I'm also a fan of the chunky icons in the system setup area. Using them I could tweak everything from Wi-Fi and warning tones, to making adjustments to the voice control and more general settings. There are also quick-access tabs for audio recording plus rain/fog modes and a parking mode option, too. Like most other dash cam models, the parking modes need to have the dash cam hard-wired into the vehicle, which then unlocks a wider range of features such as 24/7 monitoring while parked up.

I couldn’t really find fault with any of the footage delivered by the cameras in the Vantrue Pilot 2 dash cam bundle. The colour and overall quality was excellent, while road signs and license plates were crisp and clear, too. Even the thermal imaging worked as I’d expected, although I still don't see any major advantage to having it over any other dash cam that comes armed with "night vision".

The major issue I have with the Vantrue Pilot 2 dash cam is that it seems like overkill. I can see the setup working in an older vehicle that doesn’t already have a touchscreen, nor other modern day tech accoutrements. However, if that’s the case then this does make it a rather niche product, much like rear-view mirror dash cams. The other issue I experienced was trying to find somewhere suitable to position the hub, where it wouldn't get in the way of the other parts of the cockpit.

Having said all that, I did welcome the delivery of the footage. This was either via a four-way split screen showing all angles, or with only one view displayed on the whole screen. The ability to condense the view slightly and have the app widgets, such as Apple CarPlay, displayed to the left of the picture was also neat. While the cameras delivered great quality and colour, the thermal imaging was notable for displaying objects in a garish green hue in one quarter of the divided screen view. Useful for hunting Bigfoot, perhaps?

Indeed, the thermal imaging camera worked well enough: best illustrated when I pointed it towards myself, creating a ghostly apparition on the screen. However, this camera is designed to be more of a supplement to coverage provided by the other lenses. It might be handy for anyone heading into the great outdoors in a 4X4, for example, which is likely to have plenty of options for mounting it on the exterior. However, on regular vehicles, I’d say this aspect is decidedly niche.

Vantrue reckons it will prove useful when conditions are so poor that it’s difficult to see anything ahead. Personally speaking, if conditions get that bad, I think I’d be pulling over until things improved.

One important thing to note is that if you want to access the parking monitoring features then you'll need the optional hardwire kit. This does increase the potential of the bundle, although I found the Vantrue Pilot 2 dash cam an impressive proposition out of the box simply using a plug-in 12V power supply.

Should you buy the Vantrue Pilot 2 dash cam?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How I tested the Vantrue Pilot 2 dash cam

• I installed the dash cam in an SUV for an initial period of two weeks
• I used it for various day and night journeys, in various types of weather
• I connected it to my phone, and downloaded recordings to check their quality

Vantrue loaned me the Pilot 2 dash cam and supplied everything I needed to test it, including a microSD card. The unit was essentially a finished product, although Vantrue flagged that some features weren't quite complete. Android Auto, for example, could not be configured on my test unit; but will be ready come the launch.

The package was plumbed into a test vehicle, using all of the supplied cables and connectors. Vantrue also supplied a hardwire kit, but since the product was reviewed in a test car, bonus features such as parking monitoring weren't tried out – although these are the same as those found in other Vantrue dash cams across the range.

Vantrue also offers its supporting app, which is available for both Apple iOS and Android. I installed the Vantrue app on an Apple iPhone 16, while connectivity of both the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth was also checked in a variety of daily use scenarios and proved reliable.

• First reviewed April 2026

Miofive Mirror 1: two-minute review

While I’ve tried plenty of the best dash cams on the market, I’ve spent less time using one of the alternatives – a mirror dash cam, such as the Miofive Mirror 1 Dash Cam. It's a chunky hunk of kit, being designed to fit over a standard issue rear view mirror, using one of three different mounting options. It can be strapped, stuck or screwed on, but no matter which option is employed, the result is the same – this is a large gadget.

The Miofive Mirror 1 Dash Cam differs from traditional offerings in the design department, but it’s actually a refreshing variation on the theme. This gadget delivers the same functionality found on a traditional dash cam but everything is presented slightly differently.

Adding to the appeal is the way it can be an electronic rear-view mirror as well as offering a view out of the front too, or indeed, a split combination of the two. Both views also get recorded in a continuous loop process, much like a typical dash cam.

The Miofive Mirror 1 comes with an impressive specification, and sizable price tag. There are twin Sony sensors for the cameras; a 4K (3840 × 2160 30fps) IMX415 Starvis 2 for the front and a 2K (2560 × 1440 30fps) IMX675 for the rear unit, capable of capturing crips footage for regular day time driving as well as after dark scenarios – these sensors have proven performance characteristics. What they see is also presented on the mirror screen, which is an expansive 11.26-inch modestly curved display that features anti-glare capabilities.

As a premium device, the Miofive Mirror 1 also boasts excellent connectivity features, including 5GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2, which means moving those high-resolution files is quick and easy – Miofive says up to 7MB per second, while data itself can be managed by an accompanying no frills Miofive app.

The Miofive Mirror 1 dash cam also packs sophisticated and in vogue AI-driven driver assistance features and functions, which are all easily accessed via the touchscreen. These include warnings for abrupt acceleration or braking, lane departure and ‘Stop and Go’ traffic movement.

Along with those bang-up-to-date features, the Miofive Mirror 1 comes with everything needed to keep it running. There’s a super capacitor-based power supply plus the unit can be powered off a 12V socket or, if preferred, hardwired to exploit its functionality more comprehensively. Hardwire features include the 24-hour parking monitor aspect.

Miofive also packs a 128GB microSD card into the mirror’s media slot so, aside from some wiring chores initially, the unit is pretty much ready to go.

Miofive Mirror 1: price and availability

The Miofive Mirror 1 Dash Camera currently costs $299.99 on Amazon in the US. Meanwhile, the Miofive Mirror 1 Dash Camera is also available to buy from Amazon UK for £259.99, at the time of writing. Normally, the regular UK list price is £299.99, which is comparable to other likeminded mirror dash cam models with similar specs. Cheaper mirror dash cam alternatives can be found too, but I think the quality of construction makes the Miofive Mirror 1 Dash Cam seem like decent value.

Miofive Mirror 1: specs

Miofive Mirror 1: Design

While the ample screen real estate offered by the Miofive Mirror 1 Dash Cam, which has overall dimensions of 2.2 x 2.76 x 0.79 inches / 31 x 7 x 2 cm, is impressive, its size should be kept in mind by anyone with a smaller windscreen. In a compact or small sports car, the 11.26-inch IPS touchscreen might feel a little bit too obtrusive. Even in a larger vehicle, such as an SUV, the mirror construction is bulky. However, it looks and feels nicely designed and reasonably durable.

The same can be said for all of the various accessories and ancillary components needed to get the Miofive Mirror 1 Dash Cam installed and operating. Miofive offers three different ways to mount the mirror unit, which is essentially stuck in place over an existing rear-view mirror. I chose the rubberised strap method which worked well, didn’t vibrate or move on the go and was temporary enough to let the unit be removed from my test vehicle.

A more permanent option is using the supplied screws to fasten it in place, while bonding is another long-term method. I suggest using the rubberised strap method initially, just in case the Miofive Mirror 1 Dash Cam isn’t quite the right fit for your needs. The box contains all the other wiring and connectors needed to hook up to the power, including a 12V plug for that port and colour coded harnessing for connecting peripherals.

The peripherals include a small rear-view camera, which can be stuck in place using a sticky pad on the camera's base and subsequently angled for optimal capture. The other accessory that requires connection to the crop of wires is the GPS unit. Everything is basically finished in grey or black plastic, while most of the cabling is black too. This can be fed behind trim using the usual method just like any other dash cam. There’s just a little more to hide away.

Miofive Mirror 1: Performance

Once I had all of the wiring plumbed in, the Miofive Mirror 1 Dash Cam was actually very simple and straightforward to set up. The media card was already in the slot, and I followed best practice and formatted the card following initial power up. From there, the mirrored screen area displayed an array of small icons, plus a split view. To the left was a view of the read ahead and to the right, a view to the rear of the car. I left it in this default mode for testing purposes although views can be tweaked to suit individual preferences.

The picture quality looks less good in my photos but, in reality, the quality of the lenses was easy to see with clear and sharp images from each angle even in decidedly gloomy conditions. Miofive has done a decent job of including a solid level of control options, via screen icons when the cameras are on. This meant it was easy to tap and change anything, such as brightness, before setting off.

Dipping into the other features and functions – which include Connect Your Phone, Recording Settings, Parking Guard, AI, System Settings, About and Speed Cam Alert –required more thought, but the large color icons worked well. The AI menu option brings up five different functions that can be enabled and set for intensity, like Reverse Assist Line, for example, which is set as Medium by default. These are okay, although I didn’t feel a desperate urge to use them. In fact, Driver Assistance, as one option, is better off disabled as far as I’m concerned.

Overall, the footage recorded by the Miofive Mirror 1 Dash Cam is largely excellent. It's crisp and clear, capturing details nicely enough, and didn’t leave me wanting anything better. The detail presented along the bottom of the footage, including date, time and speed is also perfectly acceptable. Used as a pure front and rear dash cam setup, this is a very good product. And, should you require them, there are plenty of neat tools to enhance the functionality.

One important thing to note is anyone wanting to enjoy the parking monitoring will need to do so by enlisting the services of an optional hardwire kit. This does increase the potential of the bundle, especially for anyone wanting the extra parking features that get unlocked by going down the hardwire route.

Should you buy the Miofive Mirror 1?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How I tested the Miofive Mirror 1

• I installed the dash cam in a car for an initial period of three to four weeks
• I used it for various day and night journeys in all types of weather
• I connected it to my phone, downloading recordings to check on quality

I tested the Miofive Mirror 1 dash cam across a period of several weeks. This involved using it in a test vehicle and during a variety of weather conditions. This allowed me to try all of the features and functions, aside from the hardwire options due to it being powered via a 12V power port in a vehicle that was on temporary loan.

On top of that, I downloaded the latest Miofive app, which was installed on an iPhone 17 and used during the installation process and also for file management duties. I also tested the Wi-Fi connectivity between the main camera unit and the app, which based on the size of the 4K video files was a big part of the overall testing procedure and everything worked as anticipated.

• First reviewed February 2026

• Garmin's dēzl DualView system comprises two exterior cameras and transmitter
• They are IPX7-rated and designed to cover a truck's blind spots
• The package costs $999.99 / £879.99 (Australia pricing / availability TBC)

Leading dash cam maker Garmin has unveiled a different kind of vehicle cam that's designed specifically for trucks – and it's called the dēzl DualView.

The system comprises a transmitter and two IPX7-rated exterior cameras which can be mounted to a truck's rearview mirror or down each side to provide a clear view of any remaining blind spots, complete with visual alerts when other vehicles enter the spots covered by the cameras. Mounting hardware is also supplied.

Gaining a full surrounding view of the truck should give truck drivers greater confidence for any maneuvers such as turning, changing lanes and reversing, and are great news for other vehicles, especially motorbikes and cyclists who may otherwise go undetected as a truck driver makes such maneuvers.

Naturally, the dēzl DualView can also record journeys like any dash cam, delivering 1080p video, and auto saving incidents onto microSD card storage.

The live feed can be viewed on a driver’s paired tablet or dēzl LGV truck sat nav. When paired with the latter, drivers can use voice command to control the camera's view, see saved video and check location, speed, date and incident time overlays.

Videos can be viewed on and shared through the Garmin Drive mobile app, provided the user is signed up to Garmin's optional Vault plan ($9.99 / £9.99 per month or $99.99 / £99.99 per year).

The road safety device that every truck should have

I've personally sat in the driver's seat of a truck (during a cycling safety course) and can testify to the extent of blind spots when at the wheel. Such knowledge has impacted where I ride on two wheels around a moving truck.

However, I would find it reassuring to know that a truck is armed with a device like the Garmin dēzl DualView, as I'm sure those at the wheel of such vehicles would be too.

Until such a time that all trucks are fitted with such safety devices, the Garmin dēzl DualView looks like a decent accessory, costing $999.99 / £879.99 at Garmin for the transmitter, two exterior cameras and mounting hardware (Austrailia pricing TBC).

TechRadar will be extensively covering this year's CES, and will bring you all of the big announcements as they happen. Head over to our CES 2026 news page for the latest stories and our hands-on verdicts on everything from wireless TVs and foldable displays to new phones, laptops, smart home gadgets, and the latest in AI.

And don’t forget to follow us on TikTok and WhatsApp for the latest from the CES show floor!

Thinkware U3000 Pro: two-minute review

Thinkware has recently introduced the U3000 Pro Dash Cam as a beefier edition of its existing U3000 model. The company is already well-known for producing some of the best dash cams out there, but this model takes things a step further with Connected Service support. Anyone wanting the ability to monitor their vehicle remotely will find that’s now possible with the Thinkware U3000 Pro, with an optional LTE module that will be sold separately.

Another bonus with the Thinkware U3000 Pro, much like the excellent 70mai 4K T800, is that it's able to work in a three channel setup. That means it can be configured to shoot forward-facing video, capture video out of the rear window and also enjoy an infrared view of the cabin area too. That said, if the LTE module is being used, Thinkware states that the cabin cam component cannot be engaged at the same time. Nevertheless, the latter is a handy option for anyone who needs to keep an eye on occupants, from small children through to anyone transporting passengers.

On paper too, the Thinkware U3000 Pro Dash Cam has an impressive set of features and functions. My two-channel review bundle came with twin cameras that feature Sony Starvis 2 sensors, one 8.4 megapixel IMX687 for the front and one 5.14 megapixel IMX675 for the rear, shooting 4K UHD (3840 x 2160p) at 30 fps or QHD (2560 x 1440p) at 60 fps for the forward-facing unit. The rear backs it up with 2K QHD (2560 x 1440p) and 30 fps, which is all perfectly serviceable.

This is a slightly different camera to look at too, with a slender body shape for the front that sits neatly tucked up and out of the way of the windshield. That could be a blessing for anyone with a small viewing area at the front. There isn’t any built-in screen though, which means the setup, configuration and day-to-day management of files mainly needs to be done in partnership with the Thinkware app. The app is workmanlike and gets the job done, while built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi covers the connectivity part of the equation without much in the way of fuss.

Like most dash cam models now, this is a unit that can be boosted still further with the optional addition of a hardwire kit. Plumbed into your vehicle’s electrics, the specification is boosted with smart parking modes that enhance the U3000 Pro's appeal. Features including built-in radar and Super Night Vision 4.0 that tap into the power of the Starvis sensors adds up the appeal even further.

Meanwhile, the ADAS (advanced driver assistance) tools and built-in GPS means the Thinkware U3000 Pro Dash Cam wants for nothing. It is, however, priced on the higher side and, and for anyone who prefers a rear screen on their dash cam, it might not fit the bill at all.

Thinkware U3000 Pro: price and availability

The Thinkware U3000 Pro Dash Cam is available now and is priced at $429.99 / £399 for the single channel U3000 Pro (roughly AU$800). Meanwhile, the two-channel variant is priced at $549.99 / £479 (around AU$960). This makes it a premium model, with lots of rival models to choose from, including the aforementioned 70mai 4K T800. Anyone wanting a similar dash cam but not requiring the additional features might prefer to just settle with the original U3000 model, which can currently be found discounted via some retailers.

Thinkware U3000 Pro: specs

Thinkware U3000 Pro: Design

Thinkware has gone down a slightly different route with the design of the U3000 Pro. While many dash cams are either boxy or rectangular, the main unit of the U3000 Pro is a little bit quirkier. The front portion of the body is where most of the bulk is as this houses the lens. This in itself is an interesting idea as its angle can be adjusted to suit the rake of different windshields. I found this very stiff to adjust at first, but I guess that prevents it from changing position due to vibration or rough roads.

The back end of the camera body is thinner and contains the slot for the microSD card and has ports for the cables. At the top, there’s a bracket that slides on to the body once it’s out of the packaging and this has the self-adhesive pad that sticks to either a static sheet or directly to the windshield. I think the design works quite well, with a form factor that isn’t quite as blatantly dash cam-looking as some rivals. Handy for anyone wanting a low-key look.

On the underside of the camera, facing downward from the roof, are three illuminated indicators that show BT/Wi-Fi, Rec and GPS from left to right. This panel also contains physical buttons – Rec, Power, Wireless and Microphone symbols, for when manual intervention is needed. The easiest way to get set up, though, is to do everything via the supporting Thinkware app.

Thinkware has kept things blocky for the design of the rear-facing camera and, again, I quite like the rectangular shape used here as it’s different from the many barrel-style units out there. The rear camera is linked up to the front-facing main unit via a decent length cable. Meanwhile, my test unit arrived with a 12V cable connector that could be connected to a standard in-car power port. The alternative is to buy the version with the hardwire kit, which unlocks the extra functionality mentioned above.

Thinkware U3000 Pro: Performance

It took me a couple of tries to successfully pair the Thinkware U3000 Pro Dash Cam to my iPhone, for whatever reason, possibly issues with the wireless connection. Once that was sorted, I was easily able to manage the camera and functionality using the options contained therein. Of course, one potential downside for this model is the lack of a built-in screen. However, in its place, the app let me adjust the angle of the camera correctly by showing a view across the bonnet of my car. Those on-camera buttons were useful for basic tasks too, but the app will be the way to go for most users.

Whilst it was operating, the Thinkware U3000 Pro Dash Cam got on with the job in hand without fuss, with the red recording button letting me know that it was capturing content as expected. Once I’d used it for a bit, I got the video off the card and checked it out. I’ll admit that wintry conditions didn’t prove the best for capturing good video but overall, I thought the Thinkware U3000 Pro Dash Cam footage was a bit on the average side. It was undeniably clear, but dark winter conditions seemed to take the edge off the overall look of the content.

Neither did it didn’t seem to be that good at capturing low light content, while picking out detail including license plates was less impressive than other models I’ve tried. A bit surprising given this model uses the ever-popular Sony Starvis hardware. I thought the detail (such as GPS data, speed and so on) added to the bottom of the footage was a bit on the small side too, especially compared to rivals, although the Wi-Fi and GPS functionality of this model all worked as expected. Overall, the Thinkware U3000 Pro Dash Cam felt good, but not as great as I’d hoped for.

One important thing to note is anyone wanting to enjoy the parking monitoring will need to do so by enlisting the services of an optional hardwire kit. This does increase the potential of the bundle, especially for anyone wanting the extra parking features that get unlocked by going down the hardwire route.

Should you buy the Thinkware U3000 Pro?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How I tested the Thinkware U3000 Pro

• I installed the dash cam in a car for an initial period of three weeks
• I used it for various day and night journeys in all types of weather
• I connected it to my phone, downloading recordings to check on quality

I tested the Thinkware U3000 Pro Dash Cam overall several weeks, which consisted of using it in a test vehicle and in a variety of weather conditions. This allowed me to try all of the features and functions, aside from the hardwire options due to it being powered via a 12V power port.

In addition, I downloaded the Thinkware app, which was installed on an iPhone 17 and used during the installation process and also for file management duties. The Wi-Fi connectivity between the main camera unit and the app was also tested, which based on the size of the 4K video files was a big part of the testing procedure and everything worked as anticipated.

• First reviewed December 2025

• The Co-Driver NO2 tracks speed cameras, road hazards and more
• Community-driven, real-time feedback keeps data up-to-date
• Device is small and easy to swap between vehicles

There is a groundswell of discontent growing among new vehicle owners, as manufacturers have seen fit to add layers and layers of nannying Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) to their products in recent years.

It’s partly a marketing exercise to be seen to offer the most tech, but also a necessary evil in order to appease the various safety organizations (not least Euro NCAP) and garner its coveted five star safety rating.

But not every driver necessarily wants this suite of alerts, while many still happily own and drive vehicles that were produced before they became a standard feature. Whichever it is, Danish automotive tech company Ooono believes it has a neat halfway house.

The Co-Driver NO2 is a discreet safety device that can be mounted anywhere on a vehicle’s dashboard, so long it is within reach of the driver, and offers visual and audible alerts on the location of fixed speed cameras, upcoming road hazards and changes in speed limits.

It costs £69.99 at Amazon (around $92/AU$140) and is available in much of Europe, although it isn't on sale yet in the US.

But the device is hugely popular in Germany and other European countries, where it has sold in excess of 4 million units, while sales have increased by 150% in the UK in recent months.

Why is that important? Well, the community is relied upon to deliver real-time feedback, such as the location of mobile speed cameras, broken down vehicles, accidents and other such incidents.

Ooono says it is like having “an extra pair of eyes on the road” and its latest unit has received a number of upgrades that make it more useable than ever.

Easy set-up

The little puck-like device uses a rechargeable battery that lasts around a month on a full charge, but seeing as it supports standard USB-C charging (with an adaptor for older vehicles with USB), it’s really simple to charge in the car from a dedicated outlet or 12V socket adaptor.

On the rear of the Co-Driver NO2 there are two tiny magnets with 3M tape on one side. Once you’ve found the right location, which has to be within easy reach of the driver, it’s simply a case of removing the 3M protective covers and sticking it in place.

Once the magnets are mounted, you can then remove the device and take it away - buy another set of magnets and it can be transferred between vehicles very easily.

Ooono has its own dedicated smartphone app, which helps users get accustomed to the various button pressing patterns that are required to report issues on the road or dismiss notifications. It's also possible to navigate using Ooono's own software.

The unit starts automatically when you get in the car and it detects a smartphone is within range. It requires a smartphone with the Ooono app running in the background in order to hijack the data feed and piggyback its GPS to make it work.

But you can leave that phone in the pocket, away from temptations, and let Co-Driver notify of nearby speed cameras, changes to speed limits and upcoming hazards.

Even easier to use

The second generation of Ooono’s little gadget now plays nicely with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so the unit will play audible notifications through the vehicle’s sound system, as well as from the device itself.

It is also possible to project Ooono's navigational software through any vehicle head units that run either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

I set mine up on the dashboard, just to the left of the steering wheel, and waited for the first notification to arrive. Sure enough, it flagged a static speed camera nearby my house with plenty of notice.

It made me jump at first, as the audible alert was played through the vehicle’s sound system at a fair volume. But hey, it did the job and I checked my speed before passing the big yellow law enforcer.

Dive into the settings and it’s possible to have Ooono warn when you’re traveling too fast for the section of road in question. It’s still in Beta phase but worked perfectly well for me on public roads, even when not using the firm's navigation software, flashing a clear blue LED ring and sounding a warning when nudging over the speed limit.

Personally, I found this a step too far and it got a bit annoying after a while. It’s the sort of system I immediately turn off in modern cars, but if you need a constant reminder that you are traveling too fast, it’s a worthy addition.

Building a community

Oooono also relies on its community to report mobile speed cameras or changes in speed limits, which can be done with a simple single tap on the device. Road hazards are reported with a double tap and there’s a dedicated button at the top of the device to dismiss phantom warnings.

It really is that simple and there aren’t any distracting screens constantly flashing information into the driver’s line of sight.

However, despite the popularity of the device in Germany and other countries, the community is still growing in the UK. This manifested in a patchy reporting of road hazards and broken down vehicles, with the likes of Google Maps and Waze doing a better job there.

But Ooono’s database contains over 150,000 verified speed cameras, and the German company must be doing something right, because its supplies its safety camera database to a number of automotive manufacturers and Tier 1 suppliers.

TomTom has also just launched an eerily similar product in its Tom by TomTom device. In the UK, it is priced exactly the same as Ooono.

Is it any good?

In short, yes it is. Ooono is one of the simplest automotive devices that I’ve tested in a long time and it does exactly what is promised on the box. For persistent speeders, I imagine this would be the perfect solution to avoid being constantly caught unaware by fixed camera systems.

What’s more, the speed limit functionality might even serve to change driving behavior entirely, as listening to the warning tones, which are actually quite pleasant compared to many rivals, gets annoying after a while.

The key issue is the live hazard reporting, which relies on community data to perform properly and it’s not quite where it needs to be… in the UK at least.

On top of this, Waze, Google Maps and Apple Maps also offer similar safety camera warnings, alerts for speed limit changes and reliable reports of upcoming hazards or broken down vehicles… depending on what region you live in.

The warnings might not be as obvious as Ooono’s, but anyone navigating using the aforementioned software in the UK and much of Europe will be aware of them.

However, Ooono really comes into its own when you consider the device provides speed camera warnings in all markets and doesn’t ever require eyes to be taken off the road.

There aren’t any screens to tempt or distract when trying to concentrate on what’s important, and even reporting incidents requires a simple, muscle memory click.

It’s a great antithesis to modern vehicles that are packed to the gunwales with touchscreens and fiddly haptic buttons, but it also works well in older vehicles that perhaps lack this sort of safety tech.

Ooono’s navigation services, which it offers through its smartphone app, are perfectly good enough, too.

Regular Apple Maps, Waze and Google Maps users will likely find it difficult to justify purchasing a separate device, unless they really need the speed camera reminders.

If you’ve installed a dash cam then you’ll be all too familiar with the frustration of running long, messy cables through the interior of your car. Yes, they can be tucked behind interior trim panels. But it’s a pain to do this neatly and you still end up wasting time running a cable from the top of the windshield to a USB socket, 12-volt supply or OBD connection which, almost always, is a good couple of feet away.

When testing dash cams I tend to run cables over the passenger sun visor, then through the door handle and down towards the 12-volt socket in the footwell. It’s (just about) tidy enough, but isn’t compatible with using the passenger door. The alternative is to let the dash cam cable dangle inelegantly down, just like we’ve all seen in Ubers where the driver has three smartphones on the dashboard.

Thankfully, I’ve just found a solution. It comes from a company called Dongar and it’s simply called the Dash Cam Power Adapter. That unassuming name hides just how clever this little gadget is, since it’s one of those products that, the moment you’ve used it, makes you wonder why no one – not even dash cam makers themselves – had thought of this before. It only costs $42 at Amazon US, or £33 at Dongar UK (in the UK it's £40 at Amazon), just make sure you pick the right model for your vehicle – more on compatibility later.

Its simplicity is a thing of beauty. You know how cars often have a self-dimming central mirror? The ones that dim to stop you being dazzled at night by the lights from following vehicles? Well this adapter shares the mirror’s power supply with your dash cam. That’s it. It gives you a short tidy cable, enough power to run a dash cam, right where it needs to be.

How it works

You’ve probably never noticed – I certainly hadn’t – but there’s probably a cable plugged into the back of your car’s interior mirror. I know that’s a broad statement, and it won’t be true of every single car.

But if you have an auto-dimming mirror, there’s a good chance you’ll see a cable back there, and Donger has discovered that there’s more power running through that cable than the mirror needs. Enough power to also run a dash cam, in fact.

Not every dash cam is compatible. I’ll cover more of that in the compatibility section later. But Dongar currently sells versions of its adapter that work with a wide range of five- and 10-pin dimming mirror connections for vehicles from manufacturers like BMW, Ford, Mazda, Subaru, Porsche and Toyota, among others.

The adapter essentially acts as a splitter, ensuring enough power still flows from your car’s wiring loom to the mirror, while also siphoning off enough electrons to run a dash cam. One of the dongle’s three ends plug into the rear of the mirror, one receives the cable that previously went into the mirror, and one is a USB-A port. Donger includes three short USB cables in the box, ensuring compatibility with dash cams powered by mini USB, micro USB and USB-C.

Since dash cams are usually installed very close to the central mirror, Dongar’s adapter presents a USB port exactly where you need it. No more routing cables down to the lighter socket, or to a USB port in the center console. And there’s no need to pay for a professional hardwired installation either – unless you need a constant power supply for your dash cam’s parking mode, in which case hardwiring, or using an OBDII cable, is still the answer.

• After years of testing, I know where to install a dash cam – follow my 5 tips for your perfect placement

Installation

I went into this test not knowing if the Dongar would work, or even how it actually connected to my car. I’d never looked behind the mirror before, and didn’t expect its power connection to be so easily accessible. This won’t be the case on every car, but for my 2016 Mazda Miata (or MX-5 here in the UK), the cable was right there.

Being a small car, it was tricky to reach behind the mirror, squeeze an Ethernet-like connection on the plug and pull the wiring harness out from the back of the mirror. It really took some effort but, sure enough, it detached correctly. The Donger adapter then plugs into that same socket, and the cable that once fed into the mirror now connects to the adapter.

A USB-A port then sprouts from behind the mirror, ready to power your dash cam. Connect that using one of Dongar’s short USB cables included in the box, and mount the dash cam to your windshield in the usual way.

With all that done, my auto-dim mirror continues to function exactly the same as before, and the dash cam works as normal, but there’s no cable clutter whatsoever – and no cables to tuck behind interior panels. It took about five minutes to install and works perfectly.

Compatibility

Granted, the Dongar isn’t as universal as a USB port, a 12-volt socket or a vehicle’s OBDII connection. For owners of some vehicles, and some dash cams, it simply won’t work. The company explains on its website which of its various adapters work with which cars. The adapters all mostly look the same, and install in virtually the same way, but it’s important that you carefully pick the right model for your vehicle.

I tested the Dongar with two dash cams: a Nextbase Piqo and a Garmin Mini 3. Both worked perfectly, powering up and functioning exactly as they do when connected with their own cables. I also tried a couple of Thinkware dash cams, but these did not work at all – and I later realized that Dongar’s website explains as much. Older Garmin dash cams (from the 20, 45, 55 and 65 series) are also incompatible, but new models all work fine.

Naturally, the adapter does not work with dash cams that use power cables with barrel-shaped connections. The company also admits that a car’s automatic stop-start function, where the engine is turned off when sat in traffic, may cause the dash cam to momentarily turn off. So if you don’t want to disable your stop-start, but want the dash cam to run constantly while in the car, this might not be for you.

Admittedly, that’s a fair few caveats to get your head around. But for a great many drivers, I can see the Dongar adapter being incredibly helpful. It instantly tidied the interior of my car and made the dash cam installation appear seamless. It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, but for many drivers it’s a fantastic example of a company thinking outside the box.

VanTrue Nexus 5S: two-minute review

I thought the 70mai 4K T800 three-dash cam bundle, which I reviewed recently, was one of the best dash cams I’d tried in a while. It’s still my first choice currently, because it’s such a well-rounded package; however, anyone wanting to top that particular trio of cameras now has the VanTrue Nexus 5S, which goes one better and offers full four-channel coverage. Overkill? Or a sensible option now that our highways and byways seem to be peppered with less-than-great drivers? I’m going with sensible I think.

The bundle consists of two cameras, with the front-facing unit also boasting a rearward or cabin-facing lens. Meanwhile, the second camera mounts on to the rear windshield and has a pair of lenses, one of which shoots video out of the back of your vehicle while the other lens captures the cockpit from a rearward perspective. This means the VanTrue Nexus 5S captures 360-degree coverage using the combined field of view of its lens combo. It’s a neat idea.

VanTrue’s thinking is that a lot of accidents occur from the side, so having this complete recording overview means all points are covered. The other benefit is the inward-facing cameras are useful for keeping tabs on occupants in the back, most notably small children and what they’re getting up to while you’re behind the wheel.

The 1944p, 1080p, 1080p, 1080P at 30fps combined video capture provided by Sony IMX675 chips and Starvis 2 tech delivers great results in less-than-ideal conditions.

Although the VanTrue Nexus 5S is a bumper bundle, it’s actually easy to set up and manage all of the content. This is down to 5G Wi-Fi for quick and easy transfer of files, while there’s a very good VanTrue app to help with the task. The package boasts all of the latest features and functions too, with voice control proving handy for hands-free operation, while the option to hardwire the unit into a vehicle will unlock a 24/7 parking mode. This is in addition to everyday essentials that include GPS tracking and buffered motion detection. The latter means all four cameras record 10 seconds before, during and after any event.

While the VanTrue Nexus 5S dash cam package comes with everything you need to get started, including the twin camera units, all cables, clips and mounting accessories, you can add to it. There’s the option of a two-level hardwire kit, a wireless remote control unit, and a CPL filter for diffusing light coming into the main camera lens, while you'll likely need a 512GB microSD card, given the volume of files created by the combo.

VanTrue Nexus 5S: price and availability

The VanTrue Nexus 5S dash cam is available direct from VanTrue in the US for $399.99, which puts it in the premium arena, but it still seems like good value given its four-channel capabilities. The VanTrue Nexus 5S dash cam can be purchased in the UK from Amazon, which currently has it priced at £299.99. Again, this is a higher price for a dash cam, but the bundle does justify its cost. UK purchasers can also buy it direct from VanTrue if preferred, though it’s currently slightly pricier there than at Amazon, at £339.99.

VanTrue Nexus 5S: specs

VanTrue Nexus 5S: Design

My VanTrue Nexus 5S dash cam review unit arrived in a large white box that contained the twin camera units that make up the core of this bundle. The front-facing camera is quite a chunky thing, and I’d imagine it might seem a little obtrusive in a car with a smaller windshield, but I tested it in an SUV and had no issues.

At the front, the lens protrudes from the body of the camera unit, while at the back there’s a rotatable inward-facing lens and a landscape screen. The latter can be used for initial setup purposes, with four buttons along the bottom that you press to cycle through the options.

Once it's been powered up, the same screen delivers all of the views from any camera that’s plugged in. The front-facing lens gets the bulk of the screen real estate, while cabin views, and the video being captured by the rearward-facing lenses, are shown in small boxes within the bigger screen. The main screen also displays the icons for the various features and functions, so I was able to see which of them were working and which – Wi-Fi for example – was switched off. I think the overall look, feel and visual quality here is excellent.

There’s a mounting bracket that clicks on to the camera, and this then slides into a piece of plastic with a 3M self-adhesive pad that fixes either directly to the windshield or to a standard static sheet for easier removal. Usefully, the mounting bracket can also be slid off the sticky pad base for removal too.

Meanwhile, the rear-facing camera unit is a fairly standard barrel-type design, which is slightly larger than some models I’ve tested. It also has a rotatable lens for the rear view, so this can be tweaked to capture the view of the road correctly depending on the slant of the rear glass. I got lucky and found my guesswork during setup got my views just about right, but if not, the view displayed on the screen can help you make adjustments before hitting the road.

I did have to double check the manual to find the microSD card slot, which is hidden behind the end of the main camera unit. You need to open the circular cover with the orange button, and the card then pops into the slot behind. Cable-wise, there’s plenty of length for reaching to the back end of the vehicle for connecting the rearward camera, while the main unit has another cable that runs into a standard 12V vehicle power port. An optional hardwiring kit will unlock the usual parking features and functions.

VanTrue Nexus 5S : Performance

I was expecting the VanTrue Nexus 5S dash cam to be a bit of a fuss to get up and running, but it was surprisingly straightforward. Plugging it into the 12V power socket in my vehicle, I found it quick and easy to configure the unit. This is a simple step-by-step process during which I set the date, time and various functionality preferences, although it seemed to have everything right by default anyway. When I plugged in the rear camera, the screen became full of views from all four lenses, which was an impressive sight.

I did get the angle of capture about right from the off too, so there was little reconfiguring or adjustment needed. The cameras themselves offer solid video content from all angles, with all the trip details added along the bottom of the screen including date, time, speed and so on. I could also hear the stills capture working every so often, usually when I hit a more pronounced bump or sizable pothole, which would automatically trigger the function. All content is stored in its own dedicated folder on the card, which I found easy to get from the camera to my phone using the app.

File management was smooth too, considering the volume of files created by a four-lens capture arrangement, with the 5GHz wireless transfer capability helping here. Looking at the video on my phone, I'd say the overall quality and clarity was up there with any other premium rival. The performance in low-light conditions as also dependable, and I was impressed by the details all four lenses could pick out. In fact, the cabin detail was almost too impressive for something that's really just a compliment to the all-important exterior-facing video.

One important thing to note is that if you want to access the parking monitoring features you'll need the optional hardwire kit. This does increase the potential of the bundle, although I found the VanTrue Nexus 5S dash cam to be an impressive proposition out of the box.

Should you buy the VanTrue Nexus 5S ?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How I tested the VanTrue Nexus 5S

• I installed the dash cam in an SUV for an initial period of two weeks
• I used it for various day and night journeys in all types of weather
• I connected it to my phone, and downloaded recordings to check their quality

VanTrue loaned me the Nexus 5S dash cam and supplied everything I needed to test it, including a microSD card.

I tested the package over a period of a couple of weeks, after plumbing in all of the hardware and wiring. The box contained everything I needed, although the microSD card was an extra which VanTrue also supplied. I didn't hard-wire the bundle into my loan vehicle, however, and so I was unable to test the additional parking features.

During the course of testing I downloaded the VanTrue app, which proved useful for managing the files generated by a four-camera arrangement. I was using the app on an Apple iPhone 17, and it's also available for Android devices. While transferring files between the cameras and the app I was able to check the efficacy of the 5GHz Wi-Fi, which enabled me to transfer multiple files quickly and easily.

• First reviewed October 2025

If you own a car, it's wise to invest in one of the best dash cams, which could pay for itself several times over in a single unfortunate moment. Want to know more? We've got all your dash cam FAQs covered.

But what if you don't really need a dedicated dash cam to record your journeys at all? What if your action camera could double up and do the job instead? Using a GoPro to record your journeys is one option, but in 2025, there's another action cam that feels like an even better dash cam alternative – the Insta360 X5.

The X5 is the best 360 camera today and it has a dedicated Road Mode – essentially delivering a dash cam function. So what's it actually like to use, and could the X5 truly replace a dash cam?

To get you the answers, I swapped my dash cam for the X5 for a month. Here's what I found out.

Installing the Insta360 X5 as a dash cam

Insta360 has a variety of accessories and mounts for its action cams, including car mounts, but there's also a wide range of third-party options, too. Two examples are the Flexi Clip, which easily attaches to the sun shield, and the Ulanzi Car V-Bayonet (UURig R073) for your dashboard. There's also a suction cup car mount, but I found that one better for external mounting when capturing creative shots for video projects.

I've used all three of those mounts and thankfully it's quick and easy to remove the X5 for other uses – it is primarily a 360 camera, after all.

The stick-like design of the X5, together with its ultra-wide field of view, makes positioning for a clear view outside the windscreen tricky. Possible? Sure, just a little fiddly. The squat design of the GoPro Max 2 could be an easier option, especially for small vehicles. The Flexi Clip positions the X5 at a similar perspective to that of a person in a front seat, while the dashboard mount arguably gives the clearest view out the windscreen.

Installing any dash cam into a vehicle takes a little effort because it needs continuous power for uninterrupted recording. Some dash cams have built-in batteries, meaning they can run for a certain time without being plugged in; however, the majority need wired power.

The simplest solution is connecting to your 12V charger, ideally hiding the cable away and out of sight within the vehicle's trim. The Insta360 X5 offers the best of both worlds; you can plug it in for continual power through its USB-C port, or charge its removable battery for an average run of 1.5 hours in its power-efficient Road Mode.

Spare X5 batteries are pretty cheap – I had two, which covered me for three hours of drive time without the camera needing to be plugged in.

Road Mode is actually pretty good

As I mentioned, without constant power, the X5's run time in its Road Mode is approximately 1.5 hours. A depleted battery can easily be swapped to extend recording time, should you have spares, or you can opt for wired power.

Before getting started, you can set the parameters for loop recording, including partitioning the memory card between the road mode and regular use. I had a 128GB memory card inserted and set aside 64GB for the road mode. Shooting 5.7K video gave over 1.5 hours of footage before that partitioned part of the card filled up, while 8K was a little over an hour. The X5 accepts up to 1TB memory cards, though, which would increase those record times eightfold.

Once the card is full, loop recording kicks in, overwriting the oldest footage. This is pretty sophisticated for a regular 360 camera, but dedicated dash cams could hold the advantage over the X5 here for the following reasons...

What's missing

Advanced dash cams typically feature a G-sensor which, in short, automatically protects video recordings when an incident is detected. There's no such luxury with the X5.

Certain dash cams, such as the Nextbase iQ, can also provide an easy way to auto share files of key incidents with key primary contacts, while many leading models can auto upload to the cloud to keep those files safe.

Automated backups are super handy because you won't necessarily be thinking clearly during an incident, say for manually making sure your evidence is protected. It would be a disaster to lose files should, say, the camera continue loop recording.

Most of the best dash cams also feature built-in GPS, which provides data such as your vehicle's speed and location in real time. This sort of information can be vital evidence in claims, including against speeding fines. The X5 does not have built-in GPS, but you could pair it with a GPS-enabled device and overlay such information into videos; that's certainly a fiddly process compared to a GPS-enabled dash cam, though.

The X5's video and audio quality is better

The Insta360 X5 can shoot 8K video with complete 360-degree coverage, meaning you can simultaneously record the view from your windscreen and inside the cabin. It has a 4K 60fps single lens mode, too, but in this setting you lose the Road Mode option, leaving loop recording as the next best option.

I'm only aware of one dash cam that captures 360-degree footage – the Vantrue E360 (which also wants to be an action cam) – while the rotating 70mai Omni 4K can cover 360 degrees, but not at the same time. There are also a few dash cams with front and cabin cameras built into the main camera unit, which record as separate channels.

In general, dedicated dash cams prioritize function over video quality, although recent models have raised the bar, such as the Viofo A329 with its 4K 60fps recording. The X5 is another level, though – with HDR video, dash cam-beating frame rates and crisp lenses, its video quality is clearer.

Most of today's dash cams include a night mode for enhanced quality low-light recordings. The X5 is also in on this game – there's an enhanced low-light option in Road Mode. Put simply, if you want the best video quality on the road, the X5 beats any dash cam that I've used.

Many dash cam bundles include a front and rear camera so you get views from both ends of the vehicle. Obviously, a single X5 positioned at the front is only providing a 360-degree view from the front. However, for soft top sports cars, this view is all you need, and these vehicles can't accept a rear camera anyway.

Audio recording is another factor to consider. Thankfully, the X5 has decent internal mics, which should provide additional clear audio evidence. The X5 can also be paired with a wireless mic – if you opt for Insta360's own Mic Air you won't even need to plug a receiver into the camera because there's a direct connection.

Naturally, I couldn't resist trying out my car karaoke game during this experiment, complete with 360-degree coverage inside and outside the vehicle – the Mic Air provided crisp audio of my dulcet tones!

Value

OK, so the X5 is a pricier option versus most of today's dash cams. If you account for the camera itself, spare battery and car mount accessory, you're looking at around $600 / £550 / AU$1,000. A fair dash cam comparison, given the X5's quality, would be a premium dash cam like the Viofo A329, which costs $400 / £350 / AU$750 – that's about 35% cheaper.

The good thing about picking up the X5 instead, however, is that its primary purpose is as an action cam, so you're getting two products in one. In fact, the X5 serves multiple purposes: 360 camera, action camera, vlogging camera and dash cam.

Insta360 X5 as a dash cam – final thoughts

As a simple alternative to a dash cam, I've been surprised by how effective the X5 is with its clever Road Mode. The camera can keep running for 1.5 hours from its own battery, or infinitely with a wired power supply (nb. there are clever solutions such as the Dongar, which transforms an auto-dimming rearview mirror into a power source for your dash cam).

I like how you can manually partition the X5's memory card between use as a dash cam and a regular 360 camera, complete with loop recording when the card fills up. Video and audio quality are better than in any dash cam I've tested, too, with complete 360-degree coverage and audio skills that include pairing to a wireless mic, ideal for vlogging.

Is the Insta360 X5 the perfect dash cam alternative? No. You don't get certain advanced features such as built-in GPS, G-Sensor or parking mode. Nor do you get the automatic backups when a road incident occurs, like many advanced dash cams do. Those automatic backups can make all the difference – you're typically not thinking straight following a crash, so checking your recordings are safe probably won't be your first thought.

Will the X5 replace my dash cam? No. But if I didn't own an onboard camera already, I'd be thinking twice about getting one knowing how effective the X5 is at the job. It's a way more creative camera, too.

You might also like

• The best dash cam 2025: finest car cameras for every budget
• After years of testing, I know where to install a dash cam – follow my 5 tips for your perfect placement
• Does having a dash cam really lower your insurance premium or is it just an urban myth? We asked leading insurers

70mai Dash Cam 4K T800: two-minute review

I’ve been mildly obsessed with the best dash cams since getting rear-ended by another car. Nowadays, I tend to bypass more basic models, like the Nextbase Piqo and head for something with a more substantial set of features. The Viofo A329 Pro Dash Cam, for example, is a great option. However, the 70mai 4K T800 three dash cam bundle supplants Viofo as my current pick of the dash cam crop.

Since installing it a few weeks ago, I think this model is one of the best for covering all bases thanks to a trio of cameras and lots of shooting power. The 70mai Dash Cam 4K T800 is a premium package, which means it costs more than many other models, even within the rest of the 70mai product portfolio. This is for good reason though, as the bundle is an impressive blend of quality cameras, beefy tech and the sort of user-friendly design that makes setting it up appealing for anyone who’s short on time.

The front and rear cameras both feature Sony IMX678 Starvis sensors, which capture 3840 x 2160p 4K video at 30 frames per second with a 146-degree field of view. The cockpit-facing camera shoots 1920 x 1080p footage, so combined there’s effectively complete coverage both outside and in. Adding to the appeal is a raft of bang-up-to date tech specifications, that including Wi-Fi 6 at 5GHz for speedy transfer of those larger 4K files, plus voice command operation, storage up to 512GB via microSD card and a power supply that uses a supercapacitor arrangement.

Alongside these impressive specs, I also love the after-dark and low-light capabilities of the 70mai 4K T800. It’s got 70mai Lumi Vision, that helps enhance footage in less-than-ideal conditions, plus there’s the so-called ‘Night Owl Vision’ which captures excellent footage in the dark. I’m also keen on the subtle features, like the MaiColor Vivid+ Solution technology that boosts the exposure capabilities of the cameras to tackle issues that can occur when shooting through different types of windshield glass.

Crucially, for me at least, the 70mai 4K T800 benefits from upgraded Buffered Emergency Recording, which can work from a default 1 minute right up to 3 minutes. The usefulness of this feature is everything, with the ability to retain footage of any kind of incident before, during and after it happens. The way it can do this without me having to worry about it makes the 70mai 4K T800 a very dependable option. If I needed them, I’d also be pretty pleased with the Smart Parking Guardian Mode, which offers permanent 24/7 monitoring in locations such as car parks. An additional, hardwire kit is needed to deploy this, however.

Overall, the 70mai 4K T800 is a complete solution that offers complete coverage with a specification and feature set that’s right up there with the best of them. 70mai also completes this comprehensive dash cam package by supplementing it with an excellent app, which I have used previously without fuss or bother.

70mai Dash Cam 4K T800: price and availability

The 70mai Dash Cam 4K T800 is available to buy now and can be purchased from Amazon in the USA for $400 as a Premium Set bundle that includes the rear camera. It can also be purchased directly from the 70mai website. Meanwhile, Amazon in the UK also sells the bundle for £450.

70mai Dash Cam 4K T800: specs

70mai Dash Cam 4K T800: Design

I really like the design of the 70mai Dash Cam 4K T800. The main camera unit, which contains both the front-facing lens as well as the cockpit surveillance camera, is chunky but relatively unobtrusive. This is mainly down to the way it has been designed, with a body that can be easily attached near a rear-view mirror without feeling like it's encroaching too much on screen space.

That was good news for me as I fitted the 70mai Dash Cam 4K T800 to the screen of my two-seater sports car, which does have a fairly small windshield. The main camera has a sloping bracket, which contains the self-adhesive pad that can be mounted using a static sheet on the glass to make removal easier.

The really clever bit with this design, though, is the way that the 70mai designers have made the cockpit camera lens swivel on its mount. This means it can be adjusted so the view is just right and covers all of the interior space. I found it really useful because my two-seater makes mounting a rear-facing camera all but impossible due to a retracting top. The 70mai Dash Cam 4K T800 covers this scenario as the cockpit camera also gets the view out of the back window. In my case, it effectively does the three-camera job using just two.

However, the third camera, if it is needed, is the standard barrel-type design and that too can be adjusted using the swivel technique, once it’s been stuck in situ using the adhesive pad. Again, this can be done using a static sheet attached to the glass, then sticking the camera to that if the setup might need to be moved to another vehicle at some point.

Around the back of the main camera unit there’s a 3-inch IPS display screen, which features a very decent 640x360 resolution that works well in a variety of lighting conditions. Once powered up, the view displayed is a full-front outlook with a picture-in-picture layout showing the cockpit view to one side. Attach the rear-facing camera and that view also appears within the screen space. Amazingly, it all seems to fit in perfectly fine.

On the side of the body, there’s a circular light that is coloured depending on the mode of operation. On the other side is a microSD card slot and along the bottom of the camera, underneath the screen, are four control buttons. If the screen is powered up there are matching menu icons on the screen itself, making setup and adjustment all very straightforward. The 70mai app is best used in order to get the best from all of the features and functions though. It’s also great for managing those chunky 4K files.

70mai Dash Cam 4K T800: Performance

Alongside a practical design, the 70mai Dash Cam 4K T800 has proved to be very dependable in the performance department. If the three-camera setup is being used there is some inevitable time taken to plumb in the various cables and get everything into place. However, I found having those camera lenses mounted in a rotating case made getting the shooting angle really straightforward. This was further aided by the live view that appears on the rear screen.

I also found the setup procedure a no-nonsense affair, with the usual formatting of the memory card needed to get the ball rolling. I also had to pick through the time and date settings, which is very simple using the default time zone sections, or it can be setup manually. I did all the basic steps using the controls on the back of the camera, and the buttons and menu options were all self-explanatory.

It’s also well worth getting the 70mai app, which acts as a brilliant supplement to the camera bundle itself. Available for iOS and Android, the software is nicely executed and makes managing those larger 4K files much easier. This is helped by the Wi-Fi connectivity of the 70mai Dash Cam 4K T800, which features Wi-Fi 6 that can be used at 5GHz for faster transfers.

Footage-wise, all three cameras are excellent. The quality is of a really good standard, with great definition when it comes to things like license plates and road signs. Best of all, the combined field of view of the trio of lenses offers up complete coverage. I found using a two-camera setup worked well in my small car too, with crisp and clear cockpit footage complimenting the views of the road ahead. And, because my car’s cockpit is so small, it’s possible to enjoy a recorded view through the back window, just by using the cockpit camera.

The 70mai 4K T800 dash cam is generously endowed with additional features and functions too. Of course, the suite of parking surveillance tools only gets tapped into by enlisting the services of an optional hardwire kit. However, there is also plenty to enjoy if hardwiring isn’t an option, including voice control for added convenience.

Best of the specification features, though, has to be the muscle offered by the Sony Starvis 2 sensor technology. 70mai reckons the sensors in this bundle help deliver 90 percent higher light sensitivity and 100 percent improved low-light performance. I see no reason to disagree.

Should you buy the 70mai Dash Cam 4K T800?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How I tested the 70mai Dash Cam 4K T800

• I installed the dash cam into a test car for an initial period of two weeks
• I used it for several journeys during both day and night
• I connected it to my phone and downloaded recordings for comparison

70mai loaned me the Dash Cam 4K T800 and supplied everything I needed to test it.

I subsequently used the dash cam over a period of around two weeks, after being sent the Premium Set bundle, which contains the main camera unit with two lenses plus the supplementary rear-facing camera. Using the contents of the box, I was able to plumb in the cameras and connect them using the supplied cables. 70mai also supply a fitting tool, which was used to push wiring behind trim panels where it was needed.

I also downloaded the app, which was installed on an iPhone 17 and put through its paces. The Wi-Fi connectivity between the cameras and app was also tested, which based on the size of the 4K video files, was a big part of the testing criteria. It all worked as expected.

• First reviewed October 2025

• The Baseus PrimeTrip VD1 Pro has a tiny solar panel that powers recording while you're parked
• There's also a battery for continuous, on-the-road recording
• Complete with front 4K and rear 1080p cameras

I look after TechRadar's dash cam coverage and have reviewed plenty of the best dash cams from the likes of Nextbase and Garmin. Thankfully, there's still room for innovation in this space, as this week I came across the surprising Baseus PrimeTrip VD1 Pro.

The VD1 Pro has a unique trick up its sleeve: a tiny solar panel. Let's be clear, it's not enough to power the dash cam for continuous, on-the-road recording – there's an internal battery for that. No, what the solar panel can do is power a parking mode for up to two weeks.

Parking modes are a relatively recent thing in dash cams. They spark to life to record the evidence when motion and threats around your parked vehicle are detected, like bumps or break-ins. Typically, they're powered by hardwiring to your vehicle's battery.

You don't want to leave a dash cam hardwired into your parked vehicle for too long, though – eventually it'll drain the battery completely. However, the VD1 Pro potentially does away with the need for hardwiring, providing what its maker says is up to 14 days power for the parking mode, storing up to 20 recordings through the front and rear cameras.

I can't believe a feature like this hasn't been utilized before, especially given the position that most dash cams find themselves – on a windscreen with exposure to daylight.

I personally prefer the simpler plug-and-play dash cams rather than fiddling with the mechanics and hardwiring for permanent installation, so points go to the VD1 Pro for that. But how does it fare in other areas?

It's surprisingly cheap, too

Baseus is better known for making power banks and security cameras, so it makes sense that it could combine those worlds into a dash cam with an innovative power supply design.

Beyond its solar skills, the VD1 Pro is a dual-channel dash cam, meaning there are front and rear cameras. The front camera shoots 4K video with a particularly wide 170-degree field of view (most dash cams are 140-degrees), while the rear camera tops out at just 1080p.

The sensor tech is actually slightly basic compared to today's best dash cams, so I don't have super high hopes for video quality. However, the VD1 Pro looks decent for the money, just $139.99 at Amazon US at the time of writing. I can't see the VD1 Pro at Amazon UK yet, but it appears at other discount sites for a much lower price – buy at your own risk.

Elsewhere, the Baseus PrimeTrip VD1 Pro is packed with features, including voice control, 5GHz Wi-Fi 6 for quick file uploads, and a companion app for streaming, saving recordings, viewing GPS data, and receiving OTA updates – all in-car, not remotely, which is a shame.

I'm yet to test the VD1 Pro so I can't comment on how well it holds up in the real world, but it has piqued my interest enough to check it out.

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A modern dash cam is a phenomenal tool for capturing incidents on the road, with high quality camera technology now able to snare crisp, 4K footage in low light and poor weather conditions.

Bryn Brooker, Head of Road Safety at Nextbase, explained to us that: "Dash cam footage provides independent, unbiased evidence that can support a driver's version of events. It’s especially valuable when there are no witnesses or when accounts differ”.

In essence, they are a fantastic way of protecting the modern motorist in the event of an accident, road rage or simply providing evidence in a complicated insurance claim.

One of the common questions surrounding dash cams is whether or not they record sound. We asked Henry Peng, R&D Director at Vantrue dash cams and the answer was a fairly resounding “yes”.

“Most modern dash cams record audio of some description, but the quality varies across models. In most products, audio can be turned on or off in the settings menu,” he adds.

Why do dash cams record audio?

In a similar way that dash cams provide an excellent form of visual proof for the courts or an ongoing police or insurance investigation, adding sound to the mix builds an extra layer into that evidence.

Henry Peng from Vantrue says that audio is important because it can help clarify accidents or incidents, adding the soundtrack might bring additional evidence that a camera has failed to capture, for example.

"If an accident occurs or you are stopped by the police, recording the conversation, voices or even background sounds can provide supporting evidence," he says.

"What’s more, sometimes video evidence alone isn’t conclusive and audio can serve as additional proof in legal and insurance cases," he adds.

What sort of sounds does a dash cam capture?

Most dash cams feature a small, built-in microphone that can capture any conversations that are happening in the cabin, but they will also pick up external noises.

"Some high-end dash cams, such as a number of models from Vantrue, reduce wind and engine noise, making voices clearer inside the cabin.

"This is really important for professional drivers, like those running a taxi, Uber of Lyft ride, as it can be used as evidence should an incident occur inside the vehicle," explains Henry Peng.

Where most dash cams are optimized to record internal audio, with software used to drown out excess external wind or traffic noise, they will typically pick up more extreme events, such as the sound of screeching tires or blaring horns.

What are the problems with recording audio?

It is good practice to get educated on local privacy laws, as it can be considered illegal to capture in-cabin audio without the consent of everyone onboard.

Lots of dash cam models will offer a shortcut button for quick muting of audio capture for this exact reason — a feature that many professional drivers and taxi operators look out for in those cameras that also record in-cabin video.

"Some dash cam users worry about the impact audio has in internal storage, but audio files are typically very small compared to video, so recording sound won’t noticeably shorten storage time in most cases," says Henry Peng.

"People sometimes overlook audio, but it makes a dash cam record complete. It’s not just about seeing the incident, but fully understanding it," he adds.

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Rove R2-4K Dual Pro dash cam: two-minute review

Dash cams are becoming increasingly advanced, but their core job is still to capture video. The Rove R2-4K Dual Pro Dash Cam will certainly do that, and is supposedly the company’s most advanced dual-camera model to date, although the conventional design doesn’t suggest that at all – it looks like a no-frills dash cam bundle.

The package consists of a front-facing 4K camera, supplemented by a rear-facing 2K camera. These boast Sony Starvis 2 IMX678 and IMX675 sensors respectively, both of which are common among many of the best dash cams you can buy.

Rove sells the Rove R2-4K Dual Pro Dash Cam in a bundle that comes complete with a 128GB Rove Pro microSD card, and a CPL filter for improving the video quality further.

It’s presented in a box that, like other Rove models, has some of the busiest artwork you’ll ever see on a product. There is much to flag, however, with a bumper crop of features and functions that make the Rove R2-4K Dual Pro Dash Cam appealing for anyone who prefers a model with a more conventional suction-fit design.

While the looks are pretty conventional, inside the camera has lots of decent tech that makes it a solid windshield-mounted workhorse. There’s built-in GPS for recording vital data such as speed, time and date stamps, 5GHz and 2.4GHz Wi-Fi for quick and easy transfer of files up to 30Mbps on the former setting, plus a supercapacitor power supply that offers more efficient operation.

The bundle also features everything you'd expect from a premium dash cam, with 150-degree and 140-degree field-of-view lenses, loop recording, high dynamic range capability, Sony’s Starvis 2 Night Vision, motion detection, and 24-hour parking surveillance. The latter does require an additional hardwire kit to work, however.

Along with features including voice commands, and easy compatibility with both iPhone and Android handsets via the Rove app, you also get free over-the-air updates on tap that should keep the dash cams up to date for a good while. It’s worth noting, especially considering that this model shoots 4K, which produces larger files, that the download speed is Rove’s fastest – 30Mbps is a definite improvement compared to the Dual non-Pro model that offers 20Mbps, although I’ve tried the Rove R3, and found it to offer similar transfer rates to this model.

On top of the solid specification, the other main area of appeal is this dash cam's ease of installation. The front camera comes with a suction-mount bracket, which means it can be easily attached to a windshield and detached whenever needed. The rear-facing camera is a more permanent fixture, with a self-adhesive pad fixing it to the rear window.

Another bonus is just how quickly the Rove R2-4K Dual Pro can be configured, with USB-C cabling connecting the two units together. Both cameras can be run off a standard in-vehicle 12V power source, or be hard-wired as mentioned above.

Inside the box you'll find everything needed to get up and running, save for the optional hardwire kit. The package includes the two cameras, a long USB-C power cable, 128GB microSD card, CPL filter, windshield suction mount, 3M sticky mounting pads, lens cleaning cloth and an assortment of cables and clips, along with a trim tool for fixing everything firmly into place.

Rove R2-4K Dual Pro dash cam: price and availability

The Rove R2-4K Dual Pro Dash Cam is available now from the Rove website priced at $349.99 (about £260) for a bundle that includes a microSD card and CPL filter. This is a lot more than the $199.99 (approx £150) non-Pro Dual model that's available via the Rove website, or from Amazon.

It is also, in essence, very similar to the previously released Rove R2-4K Dash Cam without the rear-facing camera unit. That model is still available from the Rove website for $159.99 (about £120) and comes with the same set of features, less the 2K rear unit, which is pretty good value if you only need a single-camera option.

Rove R2-4K Dual Pro dash cam: specs

Rove R2-4K Dual Pro dash cam: Design

The Rove R2-4K Dual Pro Dash Cam isn’t any different to countless other rival models, with a conventional design that offers little in the way of surprises. It’s therefore a good option for anyone wanting to move up from a model with a lowlier specification. The front-facing camera unit is boxy but compact, with dimensions of 1.65 x 3.66 x 2.52 inches / 4.91 x 9.29 x 6.4cm with a weight of 5.8oz / 164 grams and a protruding lens that points towards the windshield. Around at the back, there’s an integral 3-inch IPS colour screen with a row of control buttons underneath. The design is simplistic, but it works to good effect.

One of the biggest benefits for me is the design of the mount for the Rove R2-4K Dual Pro. Granted, it all looks a little bit clunky due to the extra angled brackets, but the suction cup is a real boon. There’s a circular screw on the back of this that let me stick it to my windshield and remove it just as easily, which I think is super convenient. I frequently move cameras from car to car, and, in this respect, a suction cup mount is the way to go. The rear camera is neat too, with a self-adhesive sticky pad that fixes it to the glass. Meanwhile, the lens can be moved in situ, so it’ll suit a rear screen with any kind of angle.

Rove R2-4K Dual Pro dash cam: Performance

The Rove R2-4K Dual Pro cameras offer fairly standard views of the road ahead and behind, with 150-degree field of view from the front and 140-degree field of view from the rear camera. These work using a standard loop recording process, via H.265 and H.264 video codec, storing video files to the removable microSD card or to any cloud storage setup if preferred using the Wi-Fi connectivity and Rove’s supporting app. I was more than happy with the setup and installation procedure, with the standard formatting of the included 128GB microSD card needed prior to use.

Everything about this bundle is straightforward and that included the installation thanks to the suction cup mount for the front camera. The rear camera required a little more fiddling about, mainly to get the wiring to the front camera tidied away. Once in situ though, the pair performed admirably. I always appreciate a rear screen a dash cam, especially for getting an idea of the view from the lens. The buttons along the bottom were also handy for tweaks and fine-tuning. However, the Rove app that I’ve used before really does offer increased ease of use.

Up front, the 4K 2160p video is crisp and clear, helped by a 6-layer optical lens, the Sony Starvis 2 chip and 8-megapixel CMOS sensor. The 2K 1440p recording delivered from the 6-layer lens, Sony chip and 5-megapixel CMOS sensor is obviously lesser quality, but it delivers perfectly serviceable footage. Audio levels are good too, offering some context to any incident if it’s ever needed.

Naturally, this model generates larger amounts of content due to the 4K specification, which is where the faster data transfer rate proved really handy. I thought the way the app managed control of files when I wanted to keep anything was as easy as any rival setup I’ve tried. Overall, Rove has everything sorted with this model, though many of its lesser products deliver much the same for a bit less cash.

Should you buy the Rove R2-4K Dual Pro dash cam?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How I tested the Rove R2-4K Dual Pro Dash Cam

• I installed the dash cam into a test car for an initial period of two weeks
• I used it for a wide variety of journeys during the day and at night
• I connected it to my phone and downloaded recordings for comparison

Rove sent me the Rove R2-4K Dual Pro bundle box, which contained the twin cameras, plus it had the benefit of an included 128GB microSD card and CPL filter. They also supplied the optional hardwire kit.

The twin cameras were installed in a test vehicle that I was road testing at the time, which allowed me to try out all the features and functions. This didn’t include the hardwiring option, however, as the car had to be handed back.

Fitment required that all the supplied cables had to be plumbed in around the car, being pushed back behind trim panels where needed using the supplied plastic tool. This allowed me to check that everything would reach, especially where power to the rear camera was concerned.

• First reviewed August 2025

The statistics don’t lie: a report from NextBase revealed that 70% of UK drivers are in favor of all vehicles having a dash cam fitted, while police forces in the UK are receiving a record number of video submissions from motorists every month to assist with insurance claims and incident reporting.

Put simply, a dash cam offers an extra pair of eyes on the road, which can be vital in the unfortunate event of a crash, a bout of road rage or some other unforeseen scenario while driving.

But aside from simply recording what is going on outside the windscreen (or rear window, in some cases), most modern dash cams also log all manner of data — be it date, time, GPS location coordinates and speed of travel.

Bryn Brooker, Head of Road Safety at Nextbase, says: "Most modern dash cams can record your vehicle’s speed as you drive.

"This is made possible through built-in GPS technology, which tracks your car’s location and movement in real time and combines that data with your video footage.

"As a result, you’re not just capturing what happened on the road, but also how fast you were going when it happened.”

Why capturing speed is important

During a road traffic incident, no matter how minor, the police or an insurance company will launch some kind of investigation to find out who was at fault. Having crisp, clear video footage is a powerful tool to prove fault or innocence.

"Capturing speed alongside video gives a much more complete and accurate picture of any journey or incident," explains Bryn Brooker.

"In the event of a collision or road dispute, speed data can be extremely useful. It helps support your version of events and demonstrate that you were driving within the speed limit and behaving responsibly.

"This can be particularly valuable in situations where there are no witnesses, or where other accounts of what happened may be conflicting," he adds.

While crystal clear video footage is one, very vital element of the puzzle, it helps if the authorities have a full and clear understanding of events. Time stamping and GPS coordinate overlays, for example, prove that an incident happened where and when someone alleges.

"The combination of speed, GPS location, and time-stamped data provides a clear, objective overview of your journey. Whether you're submitting footage as part of an insurance claim or defending yourself against a false or unfair allegation, having this detailed record can make a significant difference in proving what really happened,” Brooker adds.

Do all dash cams record speed?

Not all modern dash cams record speed and some of the cheaper options eschew the required GPS unit in order to remain competitively priced. Accelerometers and advanced sensors also help build a more accurate depiction of speed but again, these cost money, so don't expect these features from all cameras.

"Nextbase dash cams are specifically designed to capture all of this critical information in a seamless and reliable way,” says Brooker.

"The footage is not only high quality, but it’s also enhanced with built-in data tracking that makes it easier to review what happened second by second. This level of detail transforms dash cam recordings from simple video clips into comprehensive, trusted sources of evidence."

Alongside providing useful evidence in court following an accident or road incident, dash cam footage with accurate speed readouts could even be used to dispute speeding tickets in the rare occasion that police equipment isn't calibrated correctly.

It pays to invest in one of the best dash cams on sale in order to make use of these additional features, as you never know when they could save your bacon.

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Dash cams are becoming increasingly popular, as astute drivers look for an extra pair of unbiased eyes in the unfortunate case of an accident or incident on the road.

In fact, one of the best dash cams can help protect motorists during a collision, in the event of a fraudulent insurance claim or even a nasty bout of unprovoked road rage.

Even a basic dash cam will constantly record footage out of the windscreen, while more encompassing packages can offer a second camera angle out of the rear.

Once in place, a dash cam will continually record footage (overwriting older clips when memory fills up) and store the most important data in a safe folder when the technology detects an incident or the user manually hits save.

Bryn Brooker, Head of Road Safety at Nextbase, says: "Dash cam footage provides independent, unbiased evidence that can support a driver's version of events. It’s especially valuable when there are no witnesses or when accounts differ".

Brooker goes on to explain that the resulting footage is increasingly being used in court as evidence, as well as assisting police forces during ongoing investigations.

"Whether you’re dealing with a collision, road rage or even a fraudulent insurance claim, high-quality footage can help prove what really happened," he adds.

As evidence, dash cam footage is difficult to ignore, seeing as many manufacturers offer a time-stamping tool, geo-location and typically bright, crisp footage that is more often than not captured in high-definition or even 4K resolution, even at night or adverse weather conditions.

"In the UK, the Nextbase National Dash Cam Safety Portal allows you to report and share footage to your local police authority of any incident that happens to you or another party,” Brooker explains.

"Police forces use this footage to investigate potential traffic violations and take action where appropriate against offenders. This is a free online service for anyone to use, and the footage is shared only with the chosen force," he adds.

Those without Nextbase cameras can share footage either by delivering the SD card upon which it is stored or via the numerous smartphone applications that now come part and parcel of the best dash cams on sale.

Best practices for the best footage

If you’ve recently invested in a dash cam, there are a number of things you can do in order to ensure the resulting footage is of high quality, remains easily accessible and is generally good enough to be used by the police force or in a court of law.

Firstly, finding the perfect position for your dash cam is important, ensuring nothing is blocking the view and that the camera can capture as much as possible out of the front and/or rear windows.

Hard-wiring the camera into the vehicle’s power supply (whether via a DIY job or through a professional fitter) unleashes always-on recording, and means you aren’t reliant on the 12V socket, which often isn’t live when parked up with the ignition off.

"Thanks to features like Parking Mode, which allows the camera to record while the car is stationary or switched off, incidents like vandalism or hit-and-runs can also be captured - especially when the dash cam is hardwired for continuous power," Bryn Brooker, Head of Road Safety at Nextbase explains.

Selecting the correct frame rate and settings for your camera also assists in capturing crisp footage, with higher frame rates generally better at recording the action at higher speeds. It pays to check the settings to ensure things like HDR recording modes are still active when recording at 60fps, for example.

Brooker also recommends keeping footage "backed up and kept secure on digital devices" through methods such as password protection and encryption after downloading from your dash cam’s SD card.

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Does dash cam footage get deleted? This is a question I get asked from time to time, seeing as I review a lot of the best dash cams. It’s not an unreasonable query – recording incidents when you’re behind the wheel is what a dash cam is designed to do, and the last thing you want is to lose any crucial clips.

The simple answer to the question is yes, and for good reason. Dash cam memory cards get full, and quickly too if you're a frequent traveller. To work around this, the majority of dash cams overwrite older footage, generally on a rolling basis: as the card fills, the oldest clips get deleted.

Human error is also a factor – even as a seasoned dash cam tester, I've accidentally delete video recordings, usually in my haste to free up some space on the memory card inside.

Bryn Brooker, Head of Road Safety at Nextbase, says: “Dash cam footage is typically stored on a microSD card and is managed using a loop recording system. This means the camera continuously records, overwriting the oldest footage automatically when the memory card becomes full. So, unless protected, dash cam footage will eventually delete itself to make room for new recordings."

That sounds helpful but also concerning, right? Well, there's good news; many dash cams are equipped with handy auto back up features:

“Users can take steps to preserve important clips.", Brooker continues. "Most dash cams, including all Nextbase models, come with file protection features. These allow key events - such as collisions or sudden braking detected by the G-sensor - to be automatically saved and locked, preventing them from being overwritten. Drivers can also manually protect footage with a simple button press, ensuring it’s stored safely until downloaded or reviewed."

In addition to localized memory card / internal drive storage and clever backup features, there are manual steps you can take to ensure the reliability of recorded media, plus computer and cloud-based storage options.

Ensure localized storage is healthy

Most dash cams record footage onto a micro SD. And when you think about what a microSD card goes through: recording video clips on a loop pretty much continuously, there’s every reason to expect the card to fail at some point.

As a safe starting point, I recommend purchasing a memory card specifically for the dash camera you’ve bought. If there's a bundle with one included, go for that. You'll then want to format the card before using it, and that's especially true if you're repurposing a micro SD card from another device.

Memory cards used in multiple devices are much more likely to behave erratically or corrupt, so make sure you format it before recording. (Just remember formatting a card deletes all data on it.)

Formatting a card is instigated manually, which means you’ll need to remember to do it from time to time. However, it is often quick and easy to do, without even needing to remove it from the dash cam itself. Just remember, backup any important clips first – and that brings me to the next point: backing up onto a computer or the cloud.

Computer backups

As dash cams get increasingly smarter, the process of backing up video footage is often much simpler than it might sound. One simple way to backup is simply by connecting the memory card / dash cam to your computer – through card reader, USB-C or wirelessly – and downloading the files.

These files can take up a lot of hard drive space, especially if you're recording 4K footage, and so you might want to invest in an external drive to store those files, rather than fill up the local storage on your computer.

There's another backup route to take, and it's one that's saved me a few times now: cloud-based storage. Thankfully, most of the best dash cams today offer it. Brooker at Nextbase says:

“We recommend regularly reviewing and backing up any essential footage to a secure location like a computer or cloud storage via the Nextbase app. This is particularly important for incidents that may be needed later for insurance or legal purposes."

Let's take a look at cloud storage.

Get your head in the cloud

I believe that having a cloud storage back-up option as part of a dash cam package is a no-brainer – a lot of dash cam models utilize cloud storage not just for backup, but also for handy additional features too.

"Premium models like the Nextbase iQ take footage protection even further with features like Guardian Mode and Witness Mode. These intelligent modes allow users to trigger recordings with voice activation and receive alerts to their phone when incidents occur - even when the car is parked", says Brooker.

Not all dash cams offer cloud based backups, but I'd recommend one that does. Variations on how cloud back-up works might mean that content is moved from the card to a remote cloud storage facility at a given time, most likely when Wi-Fi is connected, like when you're parked up at home within reach of your router. This makes sense over using mobile data to transfer files, especially if they are large 4K files.

Reassuringly, a lot of the cloud backup procedure can be automated and set up in advance, so that's one less thing to worry about.

While having the option of cloud-based storage and automatic back-up of files is a sensible route to take, not everyone wants that level of complexity and cost – cloud backup is a paid-for monthly subscription service.

What I will say to that, is that prices for cloud-based dash cam service packages are super affordable these days, with so many options available. And it could just be the difference between recording and safely storing an incident or losing those crucial clips.

Dash cams – further reading

Do dash cams delete footage is part of an ongoing series where TechRadar is addressing dash cam FAQs. In the series, you'll also find the following:

• I hardwired my dash cam and it’s unlocked so many new features – here are 3 reasons why you should too
• Does a dash cam drain battery? Here’s what you need to know, according to experts
• After years of testing, I know where to install a dash cam – follow my 5 tips for your perfect placement
• Is your dash cam feeling the heat? Here are 8 tips to keep it running smoothly

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• I wish I’d had the Nextbase iQ Smart Dash Cam when my car got totalled – here’s why
• This free app gives drivers real-time speed camera alerts, complete with Google Maps integration
• Five reasons why you need a dash cam – from protecting yourself against scams to fending off speeding fines

Should I hardwire my dash cam? That was something I never even thought about when I installed my first model a number of years ago. Back then, the most popular way of powering a dash cam was to plug it into a 12V power port, which was a standard feature in most vehicles. Even now, I still use a 12V power source if it’s available when I'm testing dash cams.

The great thing about this plug and play route is that I’m not stuck with the dash cam fitted to one vehicle. I test a lot of cars and dash cams too, so having that flexibility is mighty handy. The downside? Well, many of the best dash cam models come with a extra features and functions that only to work if the unit is hard wired into the vehicle.

Bryn Brooker, Head of Road Safety at Nextbase, agrees: “A dash cam is powered in two ways, either through hard wiring or by plugging in to the car's 12V power socket," he says. "Drivers may opt for the 12V because it requires a less thorough set-up; however, while a dash cam might not necessarily need to be hardwired, those who want to get the best out of their models should consider doing so."

What is hardwiring a dash cam, and how is it done?

Hardwiring a dash cam into a vehicle means that instead of the plug and play route for power, generally using a 12V power source, the unit is plumbed directly into the wiring loom. This task can be made much easier because many of the dash cam manufacturers sell supplementary hardwiring kits, which take much of the strain out of the process.

However, as the installation process does involve fiddling with the wiring and fuses in a vehicle, it could be wise to get the work carried out by a professional. This can include someone like a vehicle electrician, a qualified mechanic, or anybody who is confident with their understanding of vehicle electronics. It’s also worth consulting the owner’s manual and the relevant dash cam documentation or website to ensure the dash cam model and vehicle are compatible.

Some models offer a variation on this theme using the ODBII port as the connection point. The ODBII port is primarily used for plugging in diagnostic tools for fault checking in newer vehicles. However, it is also a quick way of connecting a dash cam that can subsequently use an always on source for power.

This method is also less permanent as the ODBII port connector allows the dash cam to be unplugged. It’s worth noting that ODBII ports can often be quite hard to find but are usually located somewhere under the dashboard area.

So that's the what and the how, but what about the why? There are three key benefits to hardwiring.

Always-on monitoring

Depending on the model and its specification, hardwiring a dash cam into any vehicle can open up all sorts of extra possibilities. The main appeal is that hardwiring allows a dash cam to work in an always on setup. This means it can unlock the potential that many dash cams have to carry out 24/7 monitoring of a vehicle, which includes a 'parking mode'. This makes good sense if the vehicle is often left unattended in less salubrious areas.

“Through hardwiring, a dash cam has a continual power source maintained through the fuse box or the car’s electrical system via the OBD socket, meaning it’s still operational and continues recording while in parking mode," adds Brooker. "Hardwiring is therefore advisable for those wanting to continue capturing while their vehicle’s engine is off in case of any incidents like vandalism, break-ins or hit-and-runs. Plus, this also frees up the 12V socket to be used by another device."

Parking mode is becoming increasingly common in the best dash cams, including Nextbase's own iQ and the 622GW.

The other bonus with this route is the way the dash cam is also useful for parking monitoring when a vehicle is stored in a parking lot. With a dash cam recording activity around the car, it will capture footage of anyone tampering with the vehicle or, for example, someone dinging or damaging it when you’re absent. The footage may well capture license plate details and other important information relating to any such incident.

A tidier setup

Of course, another big bonus with going down the hardwiring route with a dash cam installation is that it is much tidier than choosing the plug and play option. Every dash cam has a power cable, and these can often be long and rather obtrusive in the cockpit of any vehicle. This is especially so where the cable comes out from the dash cam on the windshield and down towards the power source.

A hardwiring kit can eradicate a lot of the obvious cables and all dash cam manufacturers produce handy plastic installation tools that can be used to push wiring behind trim panels. Not needing to remove the dash cam thanks to hardwiring can mean this job can be done much more permanently than if a dash cam needs to be moved from vehicle to vehicle.

That said, it is also a lot less flexible in that respect, so might not suit folks who need the flexibility of moving a dash cam between vehicles. If this aspect of hardwiring a dashcam is less appealing, it may be worth searching for a dash cam model that can be powered using an external battery pack, thereby unlocking the likes of 24/7 surveillance and parking monitoring features.

Any drawbacks related to hardwiring?

Hardwiring a dash cam into a vehicle might have an effect on the vehicle's battery as the always on requirement for it to work will always sap a small amount of power. However, many dash cam models and today's smart hardwiring kits can detect if power levels are getting low and duly shut themselves off to avoid a flat battery. Therefore, if this is a concern, make sure you look out for smart hardwiring options when purchasing a dash cam.

The other issue with hardwiring is that it is, essentially, a permanent solution. A dash cam that has been hardwired can be removed again, but this isn’t going to be advisable unless you’re selling the vehicle and want to keep the dash cam, or you’re going to upgrade to a newer model with a better specification. On the upside, if the installation is done using a supplementary hardwiring kit matched to the dash cam model, there should be instructions on how to remove it without causing any unwanted issues.

Hardwiring a dash cam – the bottom line

I’ve found that going down the hardwiring route for dash cam installation can be a brilliant way of maximising its potential beyond an easy plug and play setup. It’s all down to personal choice and how permanent you want your dash cam to be, but hardwiring is well worth investigating, especially for more advanced dash cam models.

As I've mentioned, it unleashes an always-on parking mode, with all its benefits. Secondly, it makes for a much tidier setup. There's a third big reason, too – you can relax in the knowledge that hardwiring is a more reliable connection than the plug-in 12V power source.

“At Nextbase, we’d recommend that premium dash cam models like the Nextbase iQ be hardwired," explains Brooker. "This will allow drivers to access additional features like Parking Mode which activates when the car is stationary for enhanced security while parked and a built in ‘cut off’ to stop the car’s battery getting too low. Hardwiring also avoids missed footage due to loose 12V plugs or unreliable connections, which is important for capturing unpredictable events. Plus, it also allows for neater installation with less visible wires and can act as a theft deterrent as a more permanent fixture of the car.

“Dash cams should always be fitted according to user manuals, with any cable or leads secured to ensure it does not obstruct the view of the road or distract the driver. While it is possible to hardwire a dash cam yourself, this requires some knowledge of your car’s electrical system. Those without previous experience or knowledge of hardwiring should consult a professional. Should you need assistance, Nextbase have a home installation service, plus retailers like Halfords in the UK and Best Buy in the US offer installation when you purchase your dash cam.”

Ultimately, if you’ve bought a decent dash cam, it can bring out the best in many models. What’s more, by spending a bit extra and getting it professionally fitted, the experience should also be a low stress exercise.

You might also like

• I wish I’d had the Nextbase iQ Smart Dash Cam when my car got totalled – here’s why
• This free app gives drivers real-time speed camera alerts, complete with Google Maps integration
• Five reasons why you need a dash cam – from protecting yourself against scams to fending off speeding fines

After working my way through all the best dash cam models released this year, I’d say there’s never been a better time to buy one. Prices are super competitive and, thanks to plenty of deals, are sinking even lower.

Meanwhile, specifications continue to head in an upward trajectory, which is one of the main reasons I’m siding with the fully-loaded Viofo A329 as my current pick of the dash cam bunch – check out my A329 review in which I give the premium model a five star rating.

Sure, this isn’t a bargain-basement dash cam and if I only needed something basic but functional I’d probably head in the direction of models like the Nextbase Piqo or the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3.

However, following a road accident where my then dash cam captured the event, I’ve made a beeline for anything with a top-quality specification. Having the best video, plus audio, can be invaluable in case of an accident – I should know.

What was I after?

Following the incident with our car being written off, I wanted a dash cam that could do a little bit of everything. The Viofo A329 fits the bill on that front.

Not only was the A329 the first dash cam to deliver 4K video at 60fps, but the bundle I opted for comes with a rear-facing camera unit too.

A dual channel setup is ideal because my accident, which resulted in our car being totalled, was hit from behind. Luckily, the original front-facing camera captured the impact and showed how our car was pushed across two lanes of traffic during the impact.

Having a rear-facing camera was therefore one of the main considerations I had in mind, which means that there’s going to be video captured towards the back of the car in future.

A rear facing cam is also really useful for capturing what exactly people are up to prior to any incident, such as looking at their phone screen or simply not paying attention. Of course, there is more work involved with installing a two-camera dash cam setup, with more wiring to plumb in and hide behind trim panels. However, if you’re keen to be as covered as much as possible, a dual dash cam arrangement is absolutely the way to go.

Any other essential features?

Along with having the front and rear cameras, I was also after a model that packed in plenty of power and that would be able to cope with everything I threw at it. The Viofo A329 makes a lot of sense on this front too as it’s got a formidable specification.

Top of the pile in terms of potency is the way the 4K 60fps front cam and 2K rear cam pack Sony Starvis 2 image sensors (IMX678 1/1.8-inch 8-megapixel and IMX675 1/2.8-inch 5-megapixel respectively) armed with HDR recording, as used on many of the other great dash cams out there currently.

On top of that, this is a really great pick in terms of everyday usability with 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi connectivity for fast and efficient transfer of files.

There’s voice control too, plus a host of notification options, all of which can be managed in the most part via the excellent Viofo app.

Another big bonus with this model, especially considering that 4K files can be bulky and soon fill up a standard-issue dash cam, is that there is SSD storage compatibility allowing files to be easily moved to a drive without fuss.

And not forgetting…

Another boon for me with the Viofo A329 is that the main unit features a neat and tidy design that, while chunky enough, isn’t too obtrusive once it has been fixed to the screen.

This model also packs in a rear screen, which is less essential these days because dash cam apps are usually so good. However, I still like the convenience of having a rear screen and this was also really useful for picking through the initial setup steps.

Viofo has done a nice job with the design of this model too, with the screen itself being crisp and clear while the function buttons underneath are simple and very practical. I like the emergency capture button in the middle too, which is handy if I just want to record something for posterity before I forget about it.

What’s more, all this works via a 12V connection, which is one of the main things I wanted above everything else. Granted, there’s quite a lot of wiring to sort out during the initial installation, but Viofo supplies all the tools, clips and fixatives to get the job done.

Was I temped by anything else?

Naturally, competition in the dash cam market is intense and I did have plenty of alternatives to consider when it came to beefier specifications. The Nextbase iQ, for example, is a cracking high-end dash cam, which comes with lots of smart features that make it one of the best I could buy. However, the downside for me, was that it needs to be plugged in via my car’s ODBII port, or hardwired, neither of which are top of my list of priorities right now.

I still like the flexibility and convenience of plug and play models, that can be powered via a 12V socket in the car. That’s why I also love the 70mai Dash Cam Omni, which not only shoots great quality video but can also rotate to record the interior of my car. It’s super handy for anyone who likes to capture themselves reviewing a car or, indeed, the dash cam itself.

70mai's model is just a little bit niche, though. And that’s why I keep on coming back to the Viofo A329. It does everything I need plus a little bit more besides.

You might also like

• I wish I’d had the Nextbase iQ Smart Dash Cam when my car got totalled – here’s why
• This free app gives drivers real-time speed camera alerts, complete with Google Maps integration
• Five reasons why you need a dash cam – from protecting yourself against scams to fending off speeding fines

If you're feeling the heat, then there's every chance your tech is too, especially if it's an automotive accessory such as a dash cam.

Prolonged exposure to the sun and excessive heat through a windshield can cause potential issues with the way even the best dash cam models operate.

Most manufacturers will often highlight the ideal operating temperature of any unit and its peripherals, which ordinarily should mean that there’s nothing to worry about provided you stick within those limits.

However, when the going gets really hot – like it is in many parts of the world right now – or, conversely, extremely cold, it’s worth running through a few potential measures to keep your dash cam working happily – we've included 8 steps you can take below, as well as a couple of key features to look out for.

Memory

Extremes of temperature can often result in both hardware and software failures. However, one of the most common issues with dash cams and extreme temperatures isn’t actually to do with the dash cam itself, but the media card in use.

Memory cards have come a long way in a reasonably short space of time and you'll want one that doesn't overheat or corrupt, especially given the potential importance of the data it holds when used in a dash cam.

The easiest way to combat any memory card failures is to ensure that you’ve got the best card onboard to suit your budget. Many dash cam models come with a supplied card – typically micro SD – and these can be a good bet as they’re often produced specifically for the model you’ve got. If you're buying a dash cam – considering adding a card from the supplier if it's not bundled with the dash cam.

Reformatting memory cards from time to time can be a wise practice as it keeps them refreshed and less likely to corrupt (just remember the data will be wiped from the card).

Another option is to purchase a high-performance micro SD memory card from a third-party supplier and there are plenty to choose from. As always, if you can afford to spend a little more it’s worth going for the major names with a reputation to match.

Skimping on a memory card can catch you out – losing or not even recording footage of a vital event doesn’t bear thinking about, so keep the memory card quality and health levels as high as possible.

Power

Before you purchase any dash cam it’s well worth picking through the specification, including what sort of temperature range the model you’re interested in buying can operate in.

Most of the best dash cams from leading names Nextbase, Garmin, Viofo, Miofive or 70mai are designed and built to work well within most common thresholds. However, if you’re opt for an unbranded and very cheap model, bear in mind there may well be compromises on the performance front.

We recently had a question from a reader about overheating in response to our 70mai 360 Omni 4K Dash Cam review. We asked 70mai for comment, and this was the reply,

'The operating temperature range of the 4K Omni is between -10°C to 60°C (14°F to 140°F). Additionally, the supercapacitor used in the 4K Omni allows it to operate under high temperatures and ensures that videos are automatically saved before shutting down in the event of a power outage.'

If you're looking for a new dash cam, one powered by a supercapacitor is more likely to withstand extreme temperatures than a battery dash cam.

8 things you can you do

In addition to selecting a good memory card and formatting it from time to time, as well as opting for a dash cam with supercapacitor rather than battery, there are a few practical steps you can take to ensure your dash cam runs smoothly.

Look for a dash cam that can be separated relatively easily from the mount on the windshield. That way, even if it is super-hot or extremely cold, you can take the dash cam indoors and keep it under wraps at night or during times you’re away from the vehicle.

The downside with this option is if you’re using 24/7 surveillance, always on functionality and parking modes, as of course you will lose these features by removing the camera.

If you'd rather keep the dash cam in the vehicle, even when it's sweltering, how about parking in the shade to keep it out of the sun.

Keep in mind that dash cams generate their own heat when operating, so like yourself, give your dash cam some ventilation if possible.

The other thing to consider is record settings. Dash cams that record high resolution 4K video files will generate more heat during the process than, say, Full HD, so it might be worth dialling back the video resolution just while the hot weather continues.

The same can be said for other features and functions too, with the likes of Wi-Fi and video bitrate which can contribute to additional heat being generated. If you don't need then, try switching Wi-Fi features off.

If you’re unfortunate to find your dashcam is still acting up, it may be worth rebooting the device while including a little bit of downtime in-between that will allow it to cool down a bit.

It might seem obvious, but sometimes simply switching it off and on again might just be the thing your dash cam is crying out for. Do that while you’re having a cooling drink, and everyone will be happy.

You might also like

• I wish I’d had the Nextbase iQ Smart Dash Cam when my car got totalled – here’s why
• This free app gives drivers real-time speed camera alerts, complete with Google Maps integration
• Five reasons why you need a dash cam – from protecting yourself against scams to fending off speeding fines

Redtiger F77: One-minute review

The Redtiger F77 is a two-channel dash cam that, almost uniquely among its rivals, records 4K video to the front and rear of your car at the same time. Both cameras have a Soy Starvis 2 imaging sensors, and both record smooth, colorful footage that is packed with detail.

Although bulky, the F77 feels well made, and its extra size means the 4-inch touchscreen on the rear is more useful than those of smaller dash cams, especially when it comes to navigating the intuitive menu system and viewing recordings. Footage is saved to the F77's 128GB of internal storage, then can either be transferred to a microSD card or sent to your phone via a 5GHz Wi-Fi connection.

If high-quality 4K video is what you want, the Redtiger F77 delivers exactly that – and at a competitive price.

Redtiger F77: Price & availability

At the time of writing, the F77 has been reduced in the US from $400 to $250, making it feel like excellent value for money. Sure, it isn’t the cheapest two-channel dash cam around, but it’s good value when you consider the dual 4K recording, wide lenses and 128GB of storage. In the UK the F77 is priced at £260 – although was reduced to £220 at the time of writing – and in Australia it retails for AUD$389.

Unlike some other dash cams, like the Nexar One and Nextbase iQ, there is no 4G connectivity or cloud storage, so there's no ongoing subscriptions or fees to worry about.

Redtiger F77: Specs

Redtiger F77: Design

• Front camera with 4-inch screen
• Bulky design might not suit smaller vehicles
• 128GB of eMMC internal storage

The Redtiger F77 is a chunky dash cam, but for good reason. This is one of the first dash cams to record 4K video forwards and rearwards. We’ve seen the former for a while now, but to shoot continuous 4K footage at 30 frames per second through two cameras at once is no mean feat. It takes a fair bit of processing power and, naturally, creates a lot of heat – hence the bulky design.

This could be annoying for drivers of especially small cars, or those with shallow, steeply raked windshields. Ideally the front-facing camera fits neatly behind the central mirror, mostly out of sight, but this won’t be possible in every vehicle. Even the screen on the back is massive, for a dash cam, at 4.0 inches. That’s 15 percent larger than the display of the original iPhone, and on par with many smartphones from just a few years ago.

Redtiger has leaned into the bulky aesthetic, and the F77 is all straight lines, blunt edges and blocky. It looks fine and feels well made, but the many vents show the design was led by a need for cooling. The rear camera is much smaller, but still quite large compared to non-4K rivals, and mirrors the same industrial design as the main unit.

Both cameras attach to your windshield with an adhesive pad and there’s enough vertical adjustment to suit most vehicles. There's no horizontal movement though, so you’ll want to install them as close to the center of each windshield as possible.

The main unit is powered by an included USB-C cable and lighter socket adaptor. The rear camera then plugs into the front camera with another USB-C cable. These cables are quite thick, especially the one powering the main unit, so aren’t as easy to tuck behind interior panelling than others.

Redtiger has fitted the F77 with 128GB of eMMC internal storage. And, while there’s a microSD card slot on the side, this is for transferring footage to a card, not recording directly to one in the first place.

Once saved to the internal storage, videos can be viewed on the touchscreen, or in the smartphone app, then transferred to your phone via Wi-Fi, or copied to a microSD card. Transferring them to an SD card can only be done from in the app. I'd prefer an option to do this from within the dash cam's own interface.

Redtiger F77: Performance

• Both front and rear cameras shoot very sharp 4K video
• Both cameras have a wider-than-average 170-degree field of view
• Smooth recordings even when driving on bumpy surfaces

The F77 uses its dual Starvis 2 imaging sensors and 4K resolution to incredible effect. It produces some of the sharpest footage I have ever seen from any dash cam system, while also benefiting from both cameras shooting through wide, 170-degree lenses.

Colors are a little artificial, with the sky and greenery looking particularly saturated. But this footage isn’t intended for the movie theater; it’s to prove your innocence after a crash, so detail is the most important factor. The Redtiger F77 performs well here, thanks to shadows being raised, helping to bring details out from darker parts of the frame.

Footage is also pleasantly smooth, with none of the horizontal shuttering exhibited by some other dash cams, especially when fitted to firm-riding cars driven over poor road surfaces. The F77’s video stayed nice and smooth throughout my testing, even over London’s sizeable speed bumps and lunar-like potholes.

While the Redtiger’s sharpness is welcome, I’d actually go as far as to say footage is overly sharp. I spotted this more with the rear-facing camera than the front, and the result was a curious white outline appearing around passing vehicles. This was more apparent on sunny days, and made cars pop so much that they looked superimposed onto the background. This isn’t a deal-breaker, but I’d like Redtiger to add a setting for turning sharpness down to a more realistic level.

That aside, the footage is still very impressive for a dash cam. Key details like vehicle license plates, road markings and street signs are pin-sharp.

I was also impressed by how quick the F77 was to set up, and how the large touch screen makes it easy to navigate through the intuitive menu system. Adjusting settings, like turning the microphone off and telling the display to go blank after 10 seconds, instead of being constantly on while driving, is the work of a moment.

Less straightforward is transferring footage off the F77. Because it has internal storage, you can’t just pop out a microSD card and slot that into your computer. Instead, you’ve to either insert a blank memory card and transfer files to it off the dash cam, or connect your phone via 5GHz Wi-Fi and move recordings that way. Redtiger says the 128GB of storage is good for five hours of 4K video (from both cameras) before the oldest content is overwritten. As with other dash cams, footage captured after a collision, or after you press the red manual record button, is saved in a separate folder where it can’t be overwritten.

A parking mode is available, but that’s only enabled when using Redtiger’s hardwiring installation kit, sold separately. Like other parking modes, this constantly draws power from the car’s 12-volt battery via the fuse box, allowing the camera to spring into life and start recording when a collision is detected.

I like how Redtiger has kept things relatively simple with the F77, and instead of fitting the dash cam with lots of driver assistance systems – like inaccurate speed camera warnings and misfiring lane-departure alerts (that's my experience with many other dash cams, at least) – it has focused on providing excellent video quality. There’s a driver fatigue function, but that merely suggests you take a break after a predefined length of time, rather than actively monitor your driving and alertness.

Redtiger F77: Sample video

Should you buy the Redtiger F77?

Buy it if...

Don’t buy it if…

How I tested the Redtiger F77

• I installed the Redtiger F77 in my own car
• I used the dash cam on several journeys, taking in a variety of roads
• I transferred the footage to my phone and computer for a closer look

I installed both the front and rear cameras of the Redtiger F77 and used it as my own dash cam on multiple drives. Although it can be used without the company's smartphone app, I installed that onto my iPhone and connected it to the F77. From there, I was able to adjust settings (instead of using the dash cam's own touchscreen), view recordings, and transfer video either to a microSD card or directly to my phone.

• First reviewed June 2025

Buying one of the best dash cam models on the market is a very good idea if you’re looking to get a recorded view of your journeys. Better still, even affordable dash cam models offer the ability to monitor your vehicle when it’s parked up too.

It's great to know that your vehicle is protected with security video recording whether you're on the move or parked overnight. However, concerns about returning to it and finding the battery flat are less appealing.

It's a common fear for most folks who are buying a dash cam for the first time and one of the questions I get asked the most, "will using a dash cam drain my battery?"

The short answer, is that it all depends. Many models plug into a 12V power port inside the car. If you buy one like that and unplug it every time the car is parked up, then there is zero chance the battery can go flat – after all there’s no connection to the car’s own electrics.

However, this scenario isn’t going to suit everyone, especially if you’re a forgetful type who might not pull the plug, or if your dash cam is hardwired to your car's power source. So what can you do?

Consider the power source

It’s worth remembering early on that most dash cams will power down when a vehicle stops and the ignition is turned off. The not-being-absolutely-sure-about-that aspect of this situation is what fuelled my own initial fears of getting a flat battery.

What you need to know, is the type of power a dash cam needs to draw in order to keep functioning. Essentially, power for dash cams comes in one of three ways.

With a typical capacitor dash cam setup, power is fed to the unit from the car, so that when the ignition is turned off, the camera will not lose any recordings up to that point.

The second power source option can be from an internal battery inside the dash cam itself, which acts as a supplement for when it’s not plugged in.

The third option is to power the dash cam with an external battery, although the obvious issue with this option is that it’s just something else that needs charging. This is also a less straightforward method to power a dash cam than the first two options.

Using an external battery to power a dash cam is also different to hardwiring a unit into your car, which I’ll get to further down the page.

What amount of power are we talking?

Whichever route is taken when installing a dash cam, we’re not talking a lot of power. Even the most advanced dash cam models are designed to work on low amounts of voltage, which in turn is negligible when the dash cam is powered up in a vehicle with its engine running.

Even if you’ve got an electric vehicle, the principle is essentially the same because the mechanics of the car covers lots of components that also require power when the vehicle is being used. However, it is still possible to get caught out when a vehicle is stationary and powered off because in some cases a dash cam can keep drawing power from a 12V port – formerly known as the cigarette lighter port.

This might not be a lot, but it could be enough to drain your battery if the camera remains plugged in for a while. The health of the vehicle battery can be another contributing factor to this, although that is something that could cause an unwanted breakdown irrespective of having a dash cam fitted.

What about the hard wire route?

A hard wire installation is a slightly different option to going with the basic ‘plug-and-play' setup of installing a dash cam via a 12V socket. The vast majority of dash cam models can be hard wired into most vehicles, but they invariably need an additional wiring kit to get the job done. This isn’t a hugely complicated task, but it needs to be done correctly and with care.

That’s often why many people don’t bother and stick with the 12V socket option. However, hardwiring fitment can be carried out by all sorts of outlets and quick fit centres and the job shouldn't take too long or be too costly if letting someone else have the hassle seems like a better idea.

The obvious benefit of hardwiring a dash cam is that it’ll have an always on power source, with the added benefit of looking better as the cables can be tidied away out of sight.

The main issue, though, is that hardwiring means the dash cam is connected to a vehicles fuse box, and will therefore draw power even when the vehicle has been turned off.

The upside to hardwiring is that it unlocks lots of extra features on many dash cams. The most obvious and useful of these is 24/7 monitoring of your vehicle and, in some cases, the ability to enjoy live monitoring via an app on your phone. This can be super useful in less salubrious neighborhoods.

I don’t want a flat battery though

Who does? Thankfully, modern dash cams are increasingly sophisticated and nowadays it’s possible to enlist the help of a smart hardwiring kit. Using one of these when installing a dash cam permanently can ensure that your battery levels are monitored at all times and, should it be subjected to too much drain, the dash cam system will shut down automatically. In any case, most decent batteries will continue to supply power for between 24 and 48 hours depending on health.

This is a relatively low-cost route to take that, when bundled with a decent dash cam, can still keep things affordable but ensure that you’re not going to end up broken down or being faced with replacing a dead battery. Of course, the best way to ensure that everything is going to work in harmony with everything else is to consult a professional and get a certified mechanic or vehicle electrician to fit your dash cam.

I spoke with Bryn Brooker, Head of Road Safety at leading dash cam maker Nextbase, and he said:

“If a dash cam is deliberately connected to the car OBD connector or fuse box that’s active with the engine switched off and it is in use while in parking mode, this will be using the car battery.

“However, premium smart dash cams like the Nextbase iQ are fitted with a system that monitors your car’s battery voltage and will shut down the dash cam if it drops too low. The kit contains an inbuilt minimum voltage limiter which will protect the vehicle's battery from going flat.

“Drivers must always ensure they follow their dash cam provider’s set-up manual to guarantee maximum energy efficiency and monitor their car’s battery level for smooth and safe journeys on the roads.

“In all Nextbase products we include a battery level detection system which cuts power to the dash cam if it ever detects your car battery getting low. This ensures you can always start your car and the battery is not drained.”

Decide what you need first

One of the main aspects about buying the right dash cam for your needs is to consider what you’d like it to do. If you just want video recording as you drive, with footage that is acceptable to use in the event of an incident or accident, most plug-and-play models will be fine. Plugging in to the 12V power port is simple, but effective.

However, if you’re after convenience, additional features such as 24/7 parking monitoring and prefer much more piece of mind, the hard wire route using an intelligent hardwiring kit is the way to go. This option will invariably mean you’ll spend more, but the benefit of those extra features and functionality will outweigh the cost. As will not having to worry about the battery being drained.

You might also like

• I wish I’d had the Nextbase iQ Smart Dash Cam when my car got totalled – here’s why
• This free app gives drivers real-time speed camera alerts, complete with Google Maps integration
• Five reasons why you need a dash cam – from protecting yourself against scams to fending off speeding fines

I test a lot of dash cam models, ranging from the cheap and cheerful Nextbase Piqo right on up to premium models including the Nextbase iQ and the Viofo A329. They’re all excellent variations on a theme, along with other models which feature in our best dash cam guide.

Buying a dash cam is easy enough, largely based on your performance expectations and budget. Choosing where to install a dash cam, though, can often be a little more challenging.

Having been through the process myself countless times now, I think I’ve finally found the ideal location for a dash cam in a vehicle. I’ve hit that sweet spot, which means more efficient performance and much greater ease of use.

Naturally, the theory changes depending on the vehicle, but the principle basically stays the same. Here are the five main reasons I think I’ve finally got mounting a dash cam tamed…

1. Take a test run

Some might say the most obvious place to mount a dash cam is behind the rear-view mirror, but this isn’t quite as easy as it sounds. Different vehicles have all sorts of windshield types, which in turn often means the rear-view mirror is tailored to suit that particular vehicle.

The main objective is to secure a clear view of the road. So, the first thing I do is sit in the driver’s seat and offer up the camera before fixing it to the glass. The objective is to secure a wide field of view, without the dash cam interfering with your line of sight. Get another pair of eyes to check the view from outside too.

2. Ensure it is legal

Even if the positioning looks and feels good, it's vital to ensure that the dash cam meets all legal mounting requirements for your country. Nextbase, the leading dash cam manufacturer, has some good advice on its website for cross-checking purposes in the UK. Similarly for the US, dash cam maker DDPAI has a good state-by-state guide that helps clarify matters in America.

Make sure that fixing it where you think it looks right is actually a legal place to have the dash cam installed. Obviously avoid fitting a dash cam further down into the windshield glass area and keep it as close to the rear-view mirror as possible, which is usually on the passenger side of the mirror fixing. Ensure that this doesn’t affect any sensors that might be fitted in or around the mirror though, such as automatic rain sensors for the wipers.

3. Test fit the cables

Next up, try and test fit the power cable to make sure it can be effectively pushed away out of sight behind trim in the vehicle. This is a task that can become doubly complicated if a rear dash cam is also being fitted. The cable for this usually mates up with the front-facing camera, so it’s vital to spend time plumbing everything in as much as possible so that it doesn’t get in the way or could fall down and catch on any of the in-car controls.

Dash cams invariably come complete with plastic tools for getting wires behind trim panels, along with clips, fasteners and stickers for ensuring everything will stay put, even when the vehicle is being driven over rough surfaces. Use them.

4. Try a test preview

Ideally, try and power up the camera so that it is possible to preview the road ahead and what is being recorded before the dash cam is permanently mounted. This is less of an issue with dash cam models featuring suction cup mounts. However, most models fix to the glass using an adhesive pad, although it is usually possible to first mount a static sheet to the windshield and the adhesive pad to that.

A static sheet makes repositioning or even removal to another vehicle much easier. Attach the adhesive pad directly and it could be tricky to remove – trust me, I've found out the hard way.

Wires should be well out of the way of the lens and any controls on the unit itself need to be easily reached. Avoid fitting the dash cam too close to the mirror, or impede access to buttons and the memory card slot.

5. Last few checks and fitment

With everything test fitted, the final fitment can be carried out. Meanwhile, pick through a small checklist of final points such as ensuring the dash cam isn’t going to be affected by any air bags going off in the event of an accident.

I tend to move my dash cam models from vehicle to vehicle, but another way of achieving the perfect dash cam mounting scenario is to consider the same location and then using a hard wire kit to form a permanent connection in the vehicle. Doing this can frequently unlock additional features in a dash cam too, such as 24/7 parking monitoring and live ‘always on’ alerts.

Final thoughts

Working my way through this basic procedure many times over has enabled me to get my dash cam mounting process down to a fine art. A lot obviously depends on the type of vehicle, the design of the rear-view mirror and, also, the rake angle and area of the windshield itself. However, check off these points as you install your own dash cam and you should be in a much better place once installation is completed. Doing that dry run first is central to the whole process, I think.

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Nexar One: One-minute review

The Nexar One is a 4K dash cam that employs a clever modular design and an always-on LTE data connection to offer automatic cloud uploads with unlimited storage, wireless video transfer, and remote streaming. It can be bought with either 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, but there's no microSD card support. Rear and internal cameras are also available.

Unlimited cloud storage and live streaming for as little as $71.90 a year feels like good value, but the One is reliant on a strong cellular signal to work properly; if you have patchy 4G at home, this might not be the dash cam for you.

Nexar One: price & availability

The Nexar One is priced from $329.95 for the 128GB model (which can hold up to 37 hours of recordings), or from $379.95 for the 256GB model (which has space for up to 78 hours). Adding the interior camera featured in this review increases those prices to $379.95 and $429.95 respectively.

Nexar’s LTE Protection Plan costs $9.99 a month or $71.90 a year. This includes the ability to live stream from the dash cam to your phone, plus unlimited cloud storage, a 24/7 parking mode, real-time GPS tracking, emergency alerts, and rear camera compatibility.

Nexar says the One will be available in the UK soon, but hadn’t announced prices at the time of review in June 2025. The cost of the LTE Protection Plan is also unknown for now, and the One is not available in Australia.

Nexar One: specs

Nexar One: Design

The Nexar One is a clever piece of design, as far as dash cams go. It doesn’t have a screen, so there’s no chance of being distracted while you’re driving, and the unit itself is relatively slim, but with the LTE data module and interior camera connected, it’s quite large.

The clever bit is how the Nexar One uses magnets. Firstly, it connects to its windshield mount with a very strong magnet. You then stick the mount to your windshield with an adhesive strip, and a power cable runs from the mount to your car’s OBD2 port for a constant power supply, even when it’s parked and turned off. Power is then sent to the dash cam itself as soon as the magnets snap it into place.

There are more magnets on either side of the main unit. You can remove a cover from one end to attach what Nexar calls the connectivity add-on, which is basically an LTE (4G) antenna that gives the dash cam a cellular data connection for live streaming to your phone and cloud video storage – more on that later.

Removing the cover from the other end enables you connect the optional interior camera, which sold separately but was also provided by Nexar for this review. Overall, it’s a clever design that's been nicely executed, and I especially like how Nexar includes an OBD2 cable in the box, rather than a USB cable and a 12-volt socket adapter.

As mentioned, there’s no microSD card slot, with the One relying entirely on internal storage.

Nexar One: Performance

The setup process requires the Nexar Connect smartphone app and, for the dash cam, a decent 4G connection. Although I live in London, my street has awful cellular coverage, so it wasn’t a surprise to see the One fail to get itself online. I drove about half a mile, parked up, and the dash cam then quickly connected to Nexar’s cloud service and completed the setup process.

While video quality is the most important aspect of any dash cam, there’s more to this model than video recording. You can use either the Nexar Connect app or Nexar’s online dashboard to view every journey completed with the One installed. Your driving route is shown on a map, along with the distance and duration of your journey. It’s then easy to either view a low-resolution timelapse of a journey, or download a high-resolution portion.

If you’re away from your car (and therefore not connected directly to the dash cam via Wi-Fi), you can view the mapped routes and timelapses. And, while you can request to download a high-res portion of between 30 seconds and five minutes, the download won’t happen until the next time you turn your car on. Instead, it’s best to get in your car, connect directly to the dash cam over Wi-Fi, and transfer high-res recordings to your phone.

Another feature is live streaming, where the Nexar One’s LTE connection lets you view a live feed from the dash cam on your phone. This takes about 30 seconds to start and when using LTE (instead of a direct Wi-Fi connection) you’re limited to three minutes of live viewing at a time. This is understandable, given how much data would be swallowed up by longer streams. It’s a handy way to check up on your car, and means you can view a live feed right after the dash cam detects a collision while parked, as it will automatically start recording.

Since I live in an area with patchy cellular coverage, some driving routes and timelapses failed to upload right away. This process happens after you park up, while the dash cam is powering down, but a poor data connection can stop the upload from happening. The downloads are then unavailable until the next time you turn your car on and drive to an area with better signal.

If you live and mostly drive in an area with strong LTE coverage you’ll be fine, but if not – and you want to regularly use the Nexar One’s connected features – you’ll need to think twice about buying it. The Nexar One is designed to connect to a range of networks, instead of just one, so it should always hunt out the best signal. But I found it sometimes failed to connect, especially in known blackspots.

Incidents – where the dash cam detects a collision, either while parked or driving – are sorted into their own section of the app and dashboard, making them easy to find.

The app lets you pick from three video quality options, but frustratingly these use names – Basic, Standard and Premium – instead of recognizable numbers, like 1080p or 4K. Tapping on 'Learn more' opens Nexar’s website and explains that Basic is 720p (and 540p for the interior view), Standard is 1080p (and 720p for the interior), and Premium is 4K (plus 720p again for the interior).

Standard is the default option. These Full HD recordings look great on the phone app, but quality takes a dip when blown up onto a larger computer screen. Footage is okay, but details like the license plates of oncoming vehicles, even at just 20mph in bright daylight, are often difficult to read.

Bump the Nexar One up to Premium and the 4K videos are noticeably sharper, with more legible license plates and street signs. Files are also larger, with a five-minute clip weighing in at 1.5GB from the front-facing camera and 360MB from the lower-spec interior view.

The larger size of 4K files highlights the Nexar One’s slow Wi-Fi transfer speeds. Moving those five-minute, 1.5GB and 360MB clips to my iPhone, over a direct Wi-Fi connection, took a full five minutes.

The interior camera is of a lower spec, but still provides a decent view of the driver and front-seat passenger. Since I drive a small two-seater (a Mazda Miata, or MX-5 for non-US readers), this camera manages to capture an acceptable view out of the rear windshield too. However, due to my car’s tiny front windshield, I’ve had to partially hide the Nexar One behind the mirror, which blocks some of the camera’s interior view.

If I bought the Nexar One myself, and still owned a car tight on space, I’d likely do without the interior camera. That said, if you’re a taxi or ride-share driver, having recordings of your interior (and a sign telling your passengers as much) could be useful.

Lastly, there’s a parking mode. This works when the Nexar One is connected either with the included OBD II cable, or the optional hardwiring cable that powers it from the fuse box. When a collision is detected, the camera springs into life and starts recording. These videos appear in chronological order in the app, but can only be downloaded when you next switch your car on – and so long as the camera has a good cellular connection.

Parking mode, unlimited cloud storage, live streaming and other functions – including emergency alerts, GPS tracking and rear camera compatibility – are all part of a subscription plan. This is priced at $9.99 a month or $71.90 for a full year. Although the Nexar One works like any other offline dash cam without this fee, storing footage locally, not subscribing removes much of its functionality. If you don’t want to pay for a subscription, you’d be better off buying a different dash cam.

That said, I can see the value here – especially if you live in an area with solid cellular coverage. Having videos available online, through the app or any computer browser, takes away the usual dash cam pain point of having to eject the microSD card and transfer footage manually. I also like the idea of being able to check in on my car while I'm away from home, but my local cellular coverage made that tricky.

The dash cam occasionally sent phone notifications, promising more information when tapped. But doing so simply opened the app and showed me the home screen. It also sometimes told me a recording was in process (while the car was parked and switched off), then saved a five-minute journey in the Activity page of the app. Tapping on this brought up a page full of error messages, a map with no indication of where the car was, and the promise of a timelapse and high-res clip being “available shortly”.

Nexar told me it has had some issues with a recent firmware update, but after reinstalling the latest firmware I still experienced connectivity problems. The One connects to multiple phone networks, but it seems that none could provide the coverage it needed to function where I live. It worked fine elsewhere, but poor signal at home takes away a chunk of the One's functionality.

I asked Nexar if it can be connect to home Wi-Fi for video uploads and firmware updates but, and was told that while this is on the roadmap, there's no timeline for launch.

Nexar One: Sample videos

Front camera

Interior camera

Should you buy the Nexar One?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How I tested the Nexar One

• I installed the Nexar One in my own car
• I used the dash cam during multiple journeys over the course of a week
• I downloaded footage, adjusted settings and experimented with the live streaming function.

I installed the Nexar One in my car and used it as my dash cam for about a week. I used it on numerous journeys, and recorded footage every time I used my car. I then downloaded (and uploaded) footage from the dash cam to check its recording quality, and used the live streaming function to see how well that worked.

• First reviewed June 2025

Auto insurance is a necessity for us all, and it rarely comes down in price. In fact, insurance premiums are currently higher than ever and, ironically, are in part being pushed up by some who choose not to have any insurance at all. So, anything to help lower insurance has got to be a good idea, right? One way to shave a bit off the annual or monthly bill might be to invest in a dash cam.

I recently tried that when my cover came up for renewal. Sadly, I didn't have any direct quote reductions when asking my chosen top three insurer choices. However, the feedback confirmed what I already suspected having already experienced an accident that, thankfully, was recorded on a dash cam in the car: a dash cam might not lower premiums directly, but it'll be invaluable in the event of a claim.

So, it seems that purchasing a gadget to record the road ahead, even if it’s one of the best dash cam models on the market, isn’t a guarantee that it’ll get your auto insurance cover down.

Unlike those little black box gizmos that can be fitted to cars to reduce premiums for young or newer drivers, owning a dash cam might not be an express lane way to get a reduction. However, if you need to claim, the resulting video could prove vital. Here are some key benefits from fitting your vehicle with a dash cam.

Fitting a dash cam still makes sense

Considering just how reasonably priced many dash cams are, it seems prudent to consider fitting one anyway, even if it’s not going to lower auto insurance premiums. There are plenty of pros for getting one installed, or thanks to ease of fitment, doing it yourself. A dash cam can be purchased for a small outlay, but the savings aside from insurance costs, can still be tangible.

For starters, just having a dash cam on your windshield can act as a visual deterrent, both for thieves eyeing up your interior while the vehicle is parked. It also reminds people outside that they’re potentially being recorded. This can help prevent break-ins and also fraud attempts, such as the driver in front stopping suddenly in a bid to make a claim on your insurance. Although thankfully rare, such incidents are much easier to fight if there is video documenting the incident.

Monitor your own driving

The other potential bonus for an auto insurer if a dash cam is fitted to the vehicle is that it also monitors the driver’s behaviour. While most dash cams capture video of the road ahead, this can be enhanced by splashing out on a multi-camera package. There are dash cam bundles that include a forward-facing camera that can capture the road ahead, but with an additional lens that shoots video of the interior of the vehicle. The 70mai 360 Omni 4K Dash Cam is a neat example of such a thing.

Again, just as long as you’re happy to have your own driving monitored, fitting a more versatile dash cam model could prove to be very useful in the event of any incidents. Models like this can also be hard-wired into a vehicle and often double as a security camera to monitor any unwanted activity inside, perhaps at night when stationary on a street or in a parking lot. Hardwiring any dash cam will invariably unlock extra features and functions beyond a 24 hour parking mode, although the higher-priced models will deliver more on that front.

Which dash cam to buy

If you’re already insured, thinking about renewing an auto insurance policy or planning on buying a new vehicle, it’s a good idea to start researching early. It’s worth contacting your insurer to find out if they do offer a discount for fitting a dash cam. While there might be a saving if this is offered, don’t expect huge discounts, but it might be enough to shave a little off the premium.

Also, be sure to check if the discount might be subject to purchasing a dash cam of their choosing, or a model that comes with a preferred specification. Your auto insurance cover might not offer the discount if the dash cam model doesn’t meet their exact criteria. It’s best to know where you stand early on and before purchasing a model. One bonus, even if they don’t offer a discount, is that you’ll have recorded evidence in the event of any kind of incident.

Any other dash cam benefits?

Even if there isn’t a discounted auto insurance premium up for grabs, owning a dash cam can be extremely useful in the event of a claim needing to be processed. Having audio and video coverage of anything and everything related to an accident, or a theft from your vehicle will, in many cases, help speed up the process.

Alongside combating potentially fraudulent activity, having video evidence of other drivers’ actions – as well as your own, of course, could be the deciding factor when a claim is being processed. On top of that, there is the reassurance factor of having a dash cam fitted because it’s able to monitor every drive and keep the video recorded to either a media card or the cloud. Just don't forget to back-up video footage for safekeeping.

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Nexar Beam2 mini Dash Cam: two-minute review

I tried the original Nexar Beam dash cam around three years ago, but I seem to recall that it did everything I wanted it to do at the time. Things have moved on since then, though, and for the Beam2 mini Nexar has tweaked the design and features in a bid to stay up there with the best dash cams.

In fact, none of the latest crop of Beam models bear much resemblance to the original incarnation. The Nexar Beam2 Mini is my pick of these products – there are also Beam2 (road only) and Beam2 road and cabin model variants, plus an optional rear view camera.

The others are chunkier, and might suit folks with space on their windshields and the willingness to spend more for a beefier array of features. The Nexar Beam2 mini is right up my street though, especially when I need to fix it to the small screen of my sports car. I’m looking for compact, which was a key part of the appeal with the first edition.

However, the Nexar Beam2 mini isn’t quite as dinky as I’d anticipated, at 6.86 x 6.49 x 3.83 inches / 17.4 x 16.5 x 9.7cm. It feels quite hefty too, weighing in at 1.74lbs / 0.8kg, but that’s no bad thing, as it helps make the package feel like a quality purchase. Perhaps some of the additional weight comes from the internal storage, as there's no microSD media card slot available on this model.

This model features a landscape-oriented body design, with a 160-degree field of view lens that can be swiveled to get the view of the road suited to any type of vehicle. It attaches to the windshield in standard fashion, using a self-adhesive pad that sticks the base of the camera unit to the glass.

The Nexar Beam2 mini is available with 4G LTE connectivity, which means that it can deliver ‘always on’ performance including remote video live streaming. There’s 1080p resolution and internal storage of up to 256GB, though as mentioned there's no external microSD storage. It features GPS tracking, a parking mode with real-time alerts plus 2.4/5GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and comes with an ODBII pass through connector cable, rather than a 12V plug for power.

Nexar offers the Beam2 mini with three different storage options: 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB, which offer recording storage times of 30 hours, 62 hours and 130 hours respectively. The internal storage can work harmoniously with Nexar’s unlimited cloud storage option, plus there’s the option to invest in an ongoing LTE Protection Plan that boosts this model’s appeal for just $9.99 (about £8) per month.

Due to its core 'always on' functionality, the Nexar Beam2 mini is ideally suited to folks who want to be sure they can keep tabs on their vehicle from anywhere, and at any time. The Nexar app helps here, enabling you to check in on your vehicle, as long as connectivity is retained. There are quirks, though, such as the need for a permanent connection, which can present power implications and add extra hassle during setup.

Performance is solid enough, and the features and functions do what they’re supposed to do. Nexar has tried to make purchasing the Beam2 mini as easy as possible too, with an array of plans to suit all budgets. There are cheap and cheerful models out there though, that offer greater plug-and-play simplicity, which might make the Nexar Beam2 mini seem a little too quirky for some needs.

Nexar Beam2 Mini Dash Cam: price and availability

• Price starts at $149.95 / £113
• There are three storage capacity variants: 64GB, 128GB and 256GB

The Nexar Beam2 mini is available in three storage variants. The base-level edition currently costs $149.95 / £113 (down from $199.95) and features 64GB of capacity. The 128GB model is $169.95 / £128, while the range tops out in terms of storage at 256GB, which costs $199.95 / £151.

An optional LTE Protection Plan is also available, and costs $9.99 per month or $71.90 annually, which at the time of writing represents a 40% discount. The latter delivers live streaming capability, unlimited cloud storage, a 24/7 Live Parking mode, real-time GPS tracking, and real-time emergency alerts too.

Nexar Beam2 Mini Dash Cam: specs

Nexar Beam2 Mini Dash Cam: Design

• Slimline letterbox design and no screen
• ODBII connector supplied for always-on power
• Internal storage, with 64, 128 and 256GB versions

Anyone who needs something fairly compact will find the design of the Nexar Beam2 mini one of its most appealing aspects. This is a landscape-oriented box of tricks, with very little on its exterior to either fiddle with or go wrong. The design might not work for everyone, though, firstly because there’s no rear screen, so everything has to be done via the Nexar app. Second, until you have the app installed it’s quite tricky to get the angle of the lens correct.

The lens itself is housed in the front of the unit, and can be swiveled up or down, depending on the angle of the windshield in your vehicle. The power cable port is up on top of the unit though, which means it's easy to get this out of the way during installation. The dash cam can be fitted to the windshield in the usual way, either using an anti-static film sheet first and sticking the adhesive mount to that, or directly to the glass itself. There's no suction-cup arrangement though, and no removable option in the mount design either. Again, not for everyone.

There’s a small blue/green indicator light that flashes during setup and stays on when the camera is doing its thing. Power to the unit comes from a supplied ODBII connector setup, which is why this model is good if an ‘always on’ setup is required. However, the Nexar Beam2 Mini Dash Cam will also work if it’s plugged in via a sufficiently high-powered USB port, which widens its appeal somewhat, especially if a user doesn’t require constant surveillance. Don’t bother looking for a card slot though, because there isn’t one. My review unit came with a 64GB internal storage drive instead.

Nexar Beam2 Mini Dash Cam: Performance

• Fiddly setup
• Decent image and audio quality

I have to admit that initial setup and installation wasn’t as seamless as I’d hoped for. Sure, the power cable procedure is simple enough, just as long as you know where your ODBII connector is under the dash – these can be quite tricky to find in some vehicles. The Beam2 mini can be powered by a cable running into the 12V socket if preferred, although this isn’t supplied with the package, which only contains a ODBII adapter. Hard-wiring it is also an option, but you’ll need to pay for this additional accessory.

The main problem I had was connecting and verifying the app. Downloading it was easy enough, but the country code listings for inputting my number weren’t listed alphabetically. I then twigged Nexars lists by country codes on the right-hand side of the menu. Even then, with my country code and phone number entered, I couldn’t get a verification text to come through. Curiously, right after I’d tried this, I also got a couple of spam calls, so I’m hoping this was coincidental rather than anything to do with the Nexar setup process.

As it turned out, and after I got in touch with Nexar directly, I was told that there is currently an issue with UK cell phone companies blocking the verification codes. This appears to be a country-specific issue, so for US users this should hopefully not be an issue. A note on the Nexar website to explain this would have stopped me wasting a lot of time though.

One other thing that appears to be a potential issue, especially for anyone wanting to use the Nexar Beam2 mini in the UK, is that a strong mobile signal is needed for it to function correctly. As I drove off on my first journey, while the camera was doing its initial setup procedure, I kept on getting an audible alert suggesting I find a stronger cell phone signal. However, after a reboot, things seemed to settle down somewhat and the message stopped.

Maybe I was just unlucky, but the various teething troubles tainted my experience of the Nexar Beam2 Dash Cam somewhat. Nevertheless, this is a very decent dash camera, with results that left a positive impression. It’s great at capturing video in a wide variety of scenarios, and the audio quality seems really good too. Things look slightly less impressive on finer details, such as license plates, but this model is affordable, so some element of compromise is inevitable.

Should you buy the Nexar Beam2 mini Dash Cam?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How I tested the Nexar Beam2 Mini Dash Cam

• I installed the dash cam in one test car for an initial period of two weeks
• I used it for a wide range of journeys during the day and at night
• I connected it to my phone and downloaded recordings to assess their quality

I was sent a loan package of the Beam2 mini Dash Cam by Nexar, which also provided me with the LTE Protection Plan for good measure. The camera was installed in a car I was testing at the time, and powered using the setup described in the review above. I also installed the Nexar app on an iPhone, which required me to follow a verification process that required the phone to receive a text in order to proceed.

I then tested the Beam2 mini over several days and in a variety of driving conditions, including local roads as well as larger highways. I was able to explore its capabilities in various weather conditions, including rainy days and in low-light as well as after dark.

• First reviewed May 2025

Vantrue E360 Dash Cam: two-minute review

Dash cam manufacturers are becoming ever more inventive in their quest to stay ahead of the pack. This has resulted in many different variations on the theme, with many models offering much more than just a forward-facing recorded view of the road.

One of the big features starting to appear in the specification of the best dash cams is 360-degree capture. The Vantrue E360 Dash Cam is a prime example of this, and I’ve been using it for a while to see if it’s worth considering.

I’ve already tried the decidedly bulbous 70mai 360 Omni, which adopts a slightly different approach to 360-degree capture by using a revolving lens – the latest incarnation has been beefed up to shoot 4K video too. The Vantrue E360 Dash Cam isn’t quite as chunky, although it’s not far off, and it delivers a neat alternative for capturing more complete coverage of the road ahead, the road behind, and inside the vehicle cabin.

I’ve been testing the Vantrue E360 Dash Cam Ace bundle, which is a big box of tricks that includes the 5.2K, dual-lens 30fps unit that shoots with a 210-degree field of view from each lens to produce a 360-degree effect in playback mode. There’s also a more conventional rear-facing unit included for good measure, and the bundle also features a tripod stand, so the E360 can double as an action cam. The base-level package doesn't include the rear camera and the tripod if those are surplus to your requirements.

One of the most appealing aspects of the Vantrue E360 Dash Cam is its ease of setup and installation. I was impressed by this fact when testing the Vantrue E1 Pro recently, especially when it came to working through the configuration steps using the rear screen. You get the same ease of use with this model, despite the fact that the specification left me thinking there might be some tinkering involved. That's not the case however, and I was able to quickly pick my way through the touchscreen menus on the back of the Vantrue E360 Dash Cam.

Naturally, if the rearward-facing camera is part of the picture, there will be some extra wiring to install. Either way, Vantrue packs everything needed into the box, with a well laid out instruction manual proving invaluable. I tend to favor using static film strips for mounting dash cams, as they make for easier removal, and Vantrue has the mounting bracket design process down to a tee too. In fact, the overall feeling I got from the Vantrue E360 Dash Cam was that everything was really well thought out.

If you go for the basic, non-Ace bundle, the box contains the Vantrue E360 Dash Cam, GPS mount, adhesive stickers, three cable clips, 3.3ft / 1m of USB data cable, 11.5ft / 3.5m of car charging cable, plus ancillaries including a dust cloth, electrostatic stickers, a plastic cable tool and a quick user guide. Choose the Ace bundle and you also get a rear-facing camera and a handheld mount / tripod for using the Vantrue E360 as a standalone action-style camera.

The Vantrue E360 is essentially a premium solution, so alongside the headline-grabbing 360-degree capture the Chinese brand also throws in every other essential. There's a Sony Starvis 2 sensor, 5G Wi-Fi for rapid-fire transfer, infrared night vision and impressive HDR capabilities, plus support for microSD cards up to 512GB. However, it’s worth remembering that the high-spec nature of this model means it generates lots of data.

Similarly, as is the standard, the parking and 24-hour monitoring features will require the Vantrue E360 Dash Cam to be hardwired into a vehicle, which can be done using an optional kit. Vantrue has a comprehensive supporting app, which is ideally suited for managing the large files generated by such a high-spec unit. Anyone who's concerned about monitoring their vehicle at all times can also invest in a Vantrue LTE module, which is an option for live streaming should it be needed.

Vantrue E360 Dash Cam: price and availability

The Vantrue E360 Dash Cam is available now from Amazon and can be configured to suit your own needs. The standard Vantrue E360 Dash Cam is available for $270 / £268 from the Vantrue website.

The Vantrue E360 Ace Dash Cam bundle, which comes with the addition of a rearward camera and a tripod, costs from $350 via Amazon in the US. In the UK, the bundle has a RRP of £483, but it's currently on sale £383 from the Vantrue website or Amazon.

The LTE module for the Vantrue E360 Dash Cam can also be purchased as a standalone option, as can the hardwire kit.

Vantrue E360 Dash Cam: specs

Vantrue E360 Dash Cam: Design

Vantrue appears to place a strong emphasis on quality, and I was very impressed with the overall look and feel of the E360. The main camera unit itself is a chunky little thing, which does tend to encroach into the windshield area, especially on cars with smaller screens, but it’s longer rather than wider, and feels very solid to the touch. The same goes for the mounting bracket, which lets the user unclip the camera easily so it can double up as an action cam.

The clean lines of the main camera unit aren’t spoilt by lots of buttons either. There’s a big button on the side, which can be used to power up the camera and also to record an emergency snapshot. There’s a power cable port on the top, and underneath the base is a slot for a microSD card, which accepts capacities up to 512GB.

Dominating the rear is the 1.54-inch touchscreen, which is made of really good-quality plastic and offers a clear view when it’s on. This is dotted with various icons that offer camera information as well as indicating when the unit is functioning correctly. The only downside is that these icons are quite small, especially if you’re glancing at them on the move. However, the main point of contact for interacting with this model is the Vantrue app, which packs in everything needed for complete file management, as well as allowing for more precise control of settings.

Vantrue E360 Dash Cam: Performance

Given the bold claims made by Vantrue and the impressive specification of the E360 Dash Cam I was expecting a lot, and the main camera doesn’t disappoint in terms of the clarity it delivers. Even the view on the 1.54-inch rear touchscreen is impressive, but the footage looks even better when examined in the app or on a desktop computer or laptop. Alongside the excellent footage, the GPS data is also recorded and displayed along the foot of the video, so I was more than happy with that side of things.

Personally though, I’m not too keen on the rather fishbowl effect created by the Vantrue E360 Dash Cam. There’s no doubting that it does exactly what Vantrue promises, but I’m left wondering if I wouldn’t just prefer a standard-issue front-facing dash cam supplemented by a small rear-facing unit. Such bundles are widely available, and have become very affordable too. The Vantrue E360 Dash Cam is very good, but it feels a bit like overkill to me.

There’s no doubting the potency of the Sony Starvis 2 sensor, but the capture method might not appeal to everyone. On the upside, Vantrue does offer different options for the recording process, including 360-degree panorama, fisheye, and dual fisheye, but it still looks a little bit odd to me. The appeal, therefore, might be a bit on the niche side, but there’s no doubting that the hardware here is top-notch.

I can certainly see the appeal for anyone who wants a camera that can do a little bit of everything though. As mentioned, it's easy to unclip the camera unit and use it as an action cam shoot – it’s a great supplementary option that adds value, especially when using the option of the tripod contained in the Ace bundle.

Overall, then, I can’t really fault the shooting capabilities of the lens and sensor arrangement, and they deliver the goods both day and night. License plate details, for example, are as legible as you’d expect from a high-specification dash cam like this. Equally though, the Vantrue E1 Pro meets my needs just as well, and for a lot less money, although it doesn’t have the rearward-facing capability either.

Should you buy the Vantrue E360 Dash Cam?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How I tested the Vantrue E360 Dash Cam

• I installed the dash cam in two test cars for an initial period of three weeks
• I used it for numerous journeys during the day and at night
• I connected it to my phone and downloaded recordings to assess their quality

Vantrue loaned me the E360 Dash Cam and supplied everything I needed to test it. This included a 128GB microSD card and a hardwire kit, which is an optional extra. However, because I needed to move the camera between vehicles, I was unable to test the parking monitoring feature.

Aside from that, I installed and set up the E360 as per the instructions, and used it during a variety of journeys. This included journeys at different times of the day in order to test all the capabilities of the package, especially after dark.

I tested the accompanying Vantrue app on an Apple iPhone to check transfer rates, using both Wi-Fi and a cable connection to my laptop, and managed the larger 4K files using the same resources.

• First reviewed April 2025

• Twin 210-degree cameras provide complete coverage, with 5.2K video
• A rear 2.7K camera comes in the box too
• The main camera can be disattached and used as a regular 360 camera

Vantrue might have created the most versatile and fun dash cam we've seen yet – the triple camera Element 360 (E360).

Its front camera features twin 210-degree lenses that combine for complete 360-degree coverage of the front and cabin of a vehicle, outputting 5.2K video (presumably that's the combination of what is effectively two 2.7K cameras).

That main 360 camera is complemented by a rear 2.7K camera with ultra-wide 165 degree view, which is designed to be positioned on your rear windscreen to cover off any blindspots from the main camera's front and cabin view.

And here's a neat party piece – the front onboard camera unit of the Element 360 (more commonly known as the E360) is easily removable from a vehicle for use as a regular handheld 360 camera, much like the offerings from Insta360 and GoPro.

For such uses, the E360 can be attached to Vantrue's handheld mount – a selfie stick with tripod feet (included in the pricier E360 Ace bundle), armed with batteries that can power the camera for up to four hours of record time.

We wouldn't expect the E360 to replace a dedicated 360 camera like the powerful Insta360 X5, but it's a fun feature for users who want the capture the personal touch to their journeys in addition to the dash cam's primary purpose.

The E360 costs $349.99 / £269.99 at Amazon, while the E360 Ace, which adds the handheld mount, costs $459.99 / £359.99 at Amazon – we've seen sizable discounts on those prices already.

Dash cam fun, on board smarts

Vantrue's E360 is a versatile onboard and regular 360 camera, but it's also backed up by the sort of tech we'd expect from a serious dash cam.

It features the current generation Sony Starvis 2 sensor, HDR video, a quad-core processor, decent night vision capabilities and 15 seconds pre-recording activated by motion detection, complete with GPS data.

The front camera features a touchscreen, but it can also be voice controlled through basic prompts, while a 24-hour parking mode is available, provided the E360 is hardwired into the vehicle.

However, it's the main camera's 360-degree coverage with seamless stitching for a distrotion-free 5.2K video output, plus its unique handheld mode, that really stand out.

We're currently conducting an in-depth review of the Vantrue E360 which will be published soon. From our experiences with other Vantrue dash cams such as the E1 Pro, we expect good things. We can't speak of its quality as a regular 360 camera – however, it's unlikely to challenge the Insta360 X5, our favorite dedicated 360 degree camera.

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Vantrue E1 Pro dash cam: two-minute review

While there are literally hundreds of models to choose from out there, I always prefer to stick with the big-name best dash cams. This includes the likes of Nextbase, Garmin, and Vantrue, which recently unveiled its new and updated Element 1 Pro Dash Cam (more commonly referred to as the E1 Pro).

The E1 Pro is well worth a look for anyone who needs a compact, cost effective in-car solution. It's centered around the small black box design, which measures (approx) just 1.73 x 1.97 x 1.73 inches / 4.4 x 5 x 4.4cm. Even then, the design manages to squeeze in a neat little LCD screen on the rear, which proves invaluable for setup steps during installation. The information graphics are a little less easy to read when it’s being used on the move, but it’s a valuable part of the E1 Pro’s appeal.

Vantrue originally released this model a few years ago, and we got to take a first look at it back in 2022, when it was known as the Vantrue E1. The design appears to have changed little since then, with one of its most distinctive features being the protruding circular lens arrangement.

However, Vantrue has beefed up the innards, so instead of 2.5K video there's now crisp and clear 4K 3840 x 2160p 30fps footage on offer thanks to a Sony IMX678 Starvis 2 sensor. Another appealing factor of this model is the 158-degree wide-angle lens, which offers a pretty expansive view of the road ahead.

Vantrue also likes to highlight its PlatePix software, which is designed to offer greater clarity when capturing details such as license plates or road signs. The company claims this delivers a 50 percent clearer view than standard 4K HDR.

High-quality footage needs card space, and to that end Vantrue has upped the microSD card compatibility to a whopping 1TB, although my test unit arrived with a rather leaner 128GB card. Alongside the improved shooting capacity, the Vantrue E1 Pro Dash Cam packs in plenty of other features and functions, including voice control, a solid supporting app with fast Wi-Fi transfer rates, GPS, and improved temperature protection, as well as the benefit of a supercapacitor internal battery.

My review unit also came supplied with a circular polarizing filter or CPL, which can be screwed to the front of the lens. This cuts through reflections and glare, and can be particularly useful in situations where harsh light is an issue, especially when it comes to capturing finer details including license plates. There's also a remote control if the buttons on the box itself, or voice control, don’t appeal.

The box includes everything you need to get up and running, including all the cables and an installation tool for pushing wires behind trim. The Vantrue E1 Pro is designed to operate as a solo unit, so there's no option to plug a rear-facing camera into the assembly. However, it's keenly priced, so should appeal to anyone who's going to be content with a front-facing only model.

Another point to remember – and this is the case for the majority of dash cam models, is that the Vantrue E1 Pro Dash Cam will need to be hard-wired into a vehicle to exploit its advanced parking features. Power can also be supplied via a standard 12V socket, which is found in the majority of vehicles; however, there is value in the parking mode, in which the E1 Pro can capture footage 15 seconds before and 30 seconds after motion is detected. If you’re prone to parking in less-than-ideal neighborhoods, it could be a valuable feature, and worth the extra cost of adding in the hardwire kit.

Vantrue E1 Pro Dash Cam: price and availability

The Vantrue Element E1 Pro Dash Cam is often listed by its model number, the E1 Pro, and is available now directly from the Vantrue website as well as online retailers including Amazon. VanTrue has it listed for £139.99 in the UK market and $129.99 in the US, while Amazon lists it for £129.99 in the UK, and sells the E1 Pro for $149.99 in the US. As always, it’s worth shopping around and keeping an eye out for special offers, as prices for dash cams can fluctuate a lot. I'd expect this model to be regularly on sale for a good 10% less.

The keen price point pits the E1 Pro against the likes of the Nextbase Piqo 2K and Miofive S1 and is excellent value for the features on board.

Vantrue E1 Pro Dash Cam: specs

Vantrue E1 Pro Dash Cam: Design

One of the most appealing aspects of the Vantrue E1 Pro is its cute, cubist design. It’s basically just a small black plastic box, but with all of the stuff needed to make it appealing at the same time. There’s an LCD screen on the back, which packs in a very decent resolution and looks great in use, even though the information icons packed into the small viewing area are a bit too much to take in with a quick glance.

Another great feature with this model is the mounting bracket, which can be attached to a windshield directly via an adhesive pad or by first mounting it to a static sheet, which makes removal easier if the camera needs to be transferred to another vehicle. While it is in situ, the dash cam also features a slide-out bracket, which means the camera can be pulled out and put away if needed, leaving just the windshield part in place.

As mentioned, Vantrue now supplies this model with a polarizing filter, which I found to be a valuable addition, especially for use in variable lighting conditions. Fitting it can be a little awkward, mind, especially for anyone with large fingers, as the threading process is quite fiddly. Nevertheless, I like the way this also keeps the F1.8, 7-glass lens nicely covered, and it's much easier to wipe over in case of any unwanted fingerprint marks. Overall, the build quality is very impressive, and everything you need to get started is inside the box, including a Type C data cable if Wi-Fi isn’t available.

Vantrue E1 Pro Dash Cam: Performance

Specification was left a little bit wanting on the original incarnation of this design, and i's in this department where the real improvements have been made. Vantrue has upped the quality of the innards, with 4K 3840 x 2160p 30fps footage now delivered very nicely by the Sony IMX678 Starvis 2 sensor. The F1.8 lens and 158-degree wide-angle field of view captures impressive coverage of the road ahead, and I found little to grumble about during everyday use.

The addition of the polarizing filter is useful, and it did seem to keep glare to a minimum, and VanTrue’s PlatePix software seems quite good at boosting the definition of license plates and the like. Similarly impressive results were recorded after dark, so I do think this model is a solid all-rounder, and clearly an improvement over the original model – and it can be purchased for roughly the same price.

Vantrue is a past master at delivering great app support, and that’s very much the case here. As this model shoots 4K there is a little more to think about in terms of file management, although the up-to 1TB microSD card option takes the pressure off a lot. That capacity can handle up to 66 hours of footage, plus the loop recording can be adjusted in 1-, 2-, or 3-minute segments. There is also the appeal of Wi-Fi transfer; otherwise the Vantrue E1 Pro supports what is fairly standard 5G, or cable transfer if that’s preferred.

Should you buy the Vantrue E1 Pro Dash Cam?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How I tested the Vantrue E1 Pro Dash Cam

• I installed the dash cam into a test car for an initial period of two weeks
• I used it for various journeys during the day and at night
• I connected it to my phone and downloaded recordings for comparison

After receiving my review loan unit, I fitted the Vantrue E1 Pro Dash Cam to a family-sized car using the supplied cable and powered it via the 12V socket. The camera was fitted with a 128GB microSD card, which allowed me to test the reliability of recording 4K files to media. The resulting data was also shared to my phone, with files being managed by the VanTrue app on an Apple iPhone, along with cable transfer for good measure.

One of the very useful features of the Vantrue E1 Pro Dash Cam is the mounting bracket, which allowed me to remove it whenever needed and click it back into place just as quickly. Although I wasn’t able to hard-wire this model into my test vehicle, I have every reason to expect the optional parking monitoring features to function just as well as everything else.

• First reviewed April 2025

• Vantrue updates its mini E1 with 4K video and a 158-degree lens
• 'PlatePix' tech enhances the clarity of crucial details such as license plates
• It's also equipped with GPS and voice control features, plus Vantrue's app

Vantrue has unveiled the latest version of its compact E1 series of dash cams, the E1 Pro, and it's equipped with a feature that makes perfect sense for a dash cam – enhanced license plate recognition.

The latest model, which already features more detailed 4K video than the original model, uses Vantrue's 'PlatePix' software to improve the clarity of the details that matter most for dash cam footage, namely license plates of the cars around you.

Combined with a bright f/1.8 aperture lens, circular polarizer filter (included), 158-degree wide-angle perspective and Vantrue's Night Vision mode, the E1 Pro's PlatePix tech should deliver some of the clearest video footage of crucial details both day and night.

The cherry on the cake is the competitive price of the GPS-equipped E1 Pro; $149.99 / £129.99 at Amazon, with $20 / £20 discounts available at the time of writing.

The new budget dash cam to beat?

Vantrue has been in the dash cam game for 10 years now, consistently delivering solid products that score well in our in-depth reviews, including the original E1. Its latest model could cement the company's reputation in this space.

The E1 Pro looks like a solid update of the E1, delivering higher resolution video and a raft of improvements, all in a compact and affordable package.

There's 4K video up to 30fps that can be enhanced using Vantrue's PlatePix tech, to make crucial details clearer. Vantrue describes the output as "4K HDR video that is 50% clearer than standard 4K HDR."

We also get the latest Sony Starvis 2 sensor utilized by most of the best dash cams, a bright f/1.8 aperture lens, wider-than-most 158 degree perspective, and seemingly decent image quality in low light through the Night Vision mode. All videos can also be tagged with GPS data.

Vantrue includes a circular polarizer filter with the E1 Pro – it's the most effective tool for cutting out reflections that could otherwise obscure crucial details, including from your own windscreen.

5G Wi-Fi should enable quick image uploads and reliable voice command support, while a 'Buffered Parking Mode' can record 15 seconds before and 30 seconds after motion is detected, though you'll need a hardwire kit for this feature.

This all sounds very impressive for a dash cam that's currently available for $129.99 at Amazon US (applying a $20 voucher at check out), or £109.99 at Amazon UK (applying a £20 voucher). The E1 Pro with hardwire kit is available via that same link, for only a little extra.

We're currently reviewing the E1 Pro and will share our verdict soon, but based on its specs alone, you'll struggle to find a better dash cam for the money. Our in-depth testing will reveal if the E1 Pro delivers for real world use.

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• Android Auto has a new free dash cam app
• It uses the car's in-built cameras to capture the road
• Car manufacturers will need to customize the app for their cars

If you want to add some extra security to your car or keep a record of what’s happening on the road while you drive, then you’ve probably thought about picking up one of the best dash cams. But you might soon be able to rely just on your car’s in-built cameras and Android Auto to do the job.

That’s because Google has recently rolled out a new free Dashcam App via Android Auto, which car manufacturers can easily integrate into the services their vehicles offer (spotted by Android Authority).

A few cars already include dash cam services using their cameras, but these had to be designed by each car maker.

With Google offering this generic service via Android Auto, many drivers are hoping – us included – that manufacturers yet to add this kind of service to their vehicles finally will because Google has made the process much simpler for them.

The documentation Google has released is quite in-depth because it’s aimed at software developers looking to adapt its app to fit their vehicles, so we’ve parsed through it and picked some highlights.

For example, the app recommends you use external storage to keep video recordings so you don’t instantly fill your car’s internal storage. We also know that the dash cam service will start automatically when it detects certain triggers, like driving over a certain speed. These customization options potentially let you design your ideal dash cam setup depending on your needs.

Developers can also set up options for notifications, limits on how long files will be stored for before being deleted, and a ‘streaming_module’ reference has us thinking you might be able to remotely view your car’s dash cam clips remotely from another device.

Right now, Google’s Android Auto app system isn’t quite as perfect as an actual dash cam.

For one, this new system will only work if your car has cameras, and if it does, the cameras don’t usually look at what’s happening inside the car – something you can get from dash cams.

For another, you can’t simply install Android Auto’s dash cam today – you’ll have to wait for your vehicle to get support for it in an update.

But as more vehicles boast cameras to help with parking, basic self-driving capabilities, road sign detection, and other driver-assistance features, this Android Auto update will be a big upgrade for many of our vehicles and could quickly become one of Android Auto’s best features.

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Read the product pages of today’s flagship dash cams and you’ll be convinced the next must-have feature is a 60fps video. Double what most dash cams offered until recently, 60fps promises to create smoother video that should, in theory at least, retain more detail when slowed down – perfect for spotting a key piece of evidence, like a road marking, street sign or vehicle licence plate, should you be caught up in a collision.

Some of the best dash cams let you pick between two different frame rates, just as other models also let you choose from various resolutions. Often, a higher frame rate is only possible with a lower resolution. For example, the Viofo A229 can record 4K at 30fps (that's frames per second), or 1440p at 60fps. Some, like the Garmin X310, even go right up to 120fps, but the resolution then falls to 1080p.

Only very recently have dash cams had the ability to shoot 4K video at 60fps. But should you pick this option? Or should you dive into the settings menu and record 4K at 30fps instead? To find out whether 60fps really makes a difference, I’m using the Viofo A329, a high-end dash cam that gives the user a choice of 4K at 30 or 60fps.

I installed the dash cam in my car and completed several journeys using both frame rate options. The camera resolution was set to 4K and I left all of its other settings in their default configuration. Since it is included with the A329, I fitted Viofo’s polarizing lens filter, which aims to cut down on windshield reflections.

Low-speed driving: 30 fps vs 60 fps

Given I live in London, surrounded by 20mph roads, my first test involved low-speed town and city driving. To make the test as fair as possible, I drove the same route twice. I first set the dash cam to its default 4K at 60fps, then changed it to 4K at 30fps. I then transferred the footage to my computer for a closer look (see below).

Viewed at normal speed, both videos appear sharp and smooth, with plenty of detail. They won’t win an Oscar, and despite its high specification the A329 produces fairly flat footage that lacks saturation. But the recordings are pretty much identical.

Details like licence plates and road signs are clearly visible, especially when the footage is paused. I occasionally had to scrub back and forth through a few frames of the 30fps sample to get a clear view of vehicles passing in the opposite direction, but otherwise the video is perfectly clear and usable.

Slow the footage down to half-speed though, and the difference between 30 fps and 60fps becomes clear. Since there are twice as many frames in the second recording, it remains smooth when slowed down by 50 percent, whereas the 30fps footage stutters. Every frame is still there, and it’s still unlikely that key details could be entirely lost due to the lower frame rate. But if you need a slow-motion shot of a high-speed collision or other incident, like a sudden puncture or other mechanical failure, the 60fps option will produce noticeably smoother results.

High-speed driving: 30fps vs 60fps

Next, I headed to the highway to see if there was a more obvious difference between the two frame rates at 70mph. Again, when played at full speed the 30fps and 60fps recordings looked very similar.

But, as expected, when slowed down to half-speed it was the 60fps video that played more smoothly. I was actually quite impressed by how smooth, almost cinematic, the 60fps footage looked when slowed right down. Naturally, driving at a higher speed means more distance is covered in each frame of the recording. A higher frame rate means key details stay in shot for more frames, giving you more opportunities to see them clearly.

Both samples retained a lot of detail, but had I driven on a 60mph main road with no central barrier, the 60fps setting would stand a much better chance of showing the license plates of oncoming vehicles.

Lastly, there’s a difference in file size. Using the same Viofo A329 dash cam, a one-minute recording at 4K and 30fps weighed in at about 320MB, while upping the frame rate to 60 took the file size to about 540MB.

To conclude, while the differences are small, I would recommend switching to a higher frame rate if your dash cam offers it, since the resulting footage is slightly improved, especially when slowed down.

However, I would think twice if upping the frame rate lowered the resolution, since some dash cams fall down from 1440p to 1080p, or from 4K to 1440p or 1080p, when increasing the frame rate. It’s also worth checking how your dash cam performs at night, since in theory a faster frame rate means less light hitting the sensor, and potentially less detailed footage. Ultimately, I would set the dash cam to its highest resolution, then look to increase the frame rate, but only if the resolution stays at 1440p (2K) or above.

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Ombar DC42 Dash Cam: one-minute review

It’s easy to stick with the big name best dash cams, but if you’re not fussed about brand then the low-key Ombar and its DC42 Dash Cam might be an alternative route to take. The Ombar DC42 Dash Cam I’ve been testing comes supplied as a bundle, which means there are two cameras inside the box. First up, the front-facing unit features a slender design that sits in landscape orientation well out of the way on a vehicle screen. It boasts 4K video capture too, plus very acceptable levels of audio, although there’s no rear screen, which might be a turn-off to some.

This is augmented by a second, rear-facing dashcam that shoots 2K. Instead of utilizing the same old barrel design that is seen in many dash cam bundles, this unit is a small rectangular design and can be easily mounted in the rear window of the majority of vehicles. Everything works via a series of cables, with one going to the power and the other connecting the cameras together. In this respect, it’s worth remembering that there is quite a lot of cable to feed in behind trim panels during the installation process. Both cameras are held in place by supplied sticky pads that adhere to the mounting plates and screen glass.

The Ombar DC42 Dash Cam has to be one of the easiest models to setup and configure, with much of this needing to be done via the supplementary app. The front camera unit also hosts some handy LEDs, one in red to tell you it’s recording neighbored by a small green LED that indicates GPS is activated. Microphone and camera reset holes sit immediately adjacent to them. Another benefit is down to the design, which alongside being super svelte offers a sliding mount that enables quick and easy removal of the front-facing camera if and when it is needed.

Adding to the appeal is the specification, which includes 170-degree field of vision for the front camera, 5G Wi-Fi, voice guidance, night vision, 64GB of storage and parking monitoring. The latter functionality requires an optional hardwire kit. Indeed, the Ombar DC42 Dash Cam comes with a dazzling array of features and functions given the fact that it retails for just over the $100/£100 mark, which makes it a great option for anyone on a budget. There’s a supporting Ombar ‘Kacam’ app too. This takes the place of a rear screen on the main unit and provides all of the tools needed for file management, as well as initial setup.

Another bonus with this bundle is that the Ombar DC42 Dash Cam comes with a supplied 64GB microSD card, which slots into the end of the front camera. Everything else needed is in the box too, with all wires and fixings supplied. However, it’s worth remembering that the Ombar DC42 Dash Cam is just like the majority of other models in that it will need permanent fixing in your vehicle using an optional hardwire kit if all of the static parking and 24-hour monitoring tools are required. Nevertheless, this is a straightforward fitment job for any qualified individual and can even be attempted by novices if time and care is taken.

Ombar DC42 Dash Cam: price and availability

The Ombar DC42 Dash Cam is available now and, in the bundle arrangement I’ve been testing, can be purchased from the manufacturer’s website. It’s listed there as the OMBAR DC42 Dash Cam Front and Rear 4K/2K/1080P+1080P 5G WiFi GPS and currently costs just $107.99 (around £84). This represents a $12 saving over the original cost price of $119.99 although shipping needs to be added and depends on the delivery location and route using either the US postal service or UPS.

Ombar DC42 Dash Cam: specs

Ombar DC42 Dash Cam: Design

I rather like the design of the Ombar DC42 Dash Cam. It’s very sleek and slender, which worked well when I tried it in a couple of different models of vehicle. In fact, it can sit quite happily just behind the rear-view mirror and is barely visible.

The unit looks and feels well made too, featuring a construction of grey heavy-duty plastic, along with a selection of ports and LEDs that also look and feel very durable during daily use. Of course, the downside here is there’s no rear screen, but a respectable supporting app takes good care of dash cam and file management.

Backing it up is the secondary camera, which sports a neat little rectangular design that sits happily in the rear window of a car. Both cameras are affixed using self-adhesive pads attached to brackets. The one for the front camera has a handy slider mechanism, so it can be detached quickly and easily if you need to take it with you for some reason.

Then there’s the cabling, which is standard issue dash cam wiring that needs to be fed behind trim panels in the car. The rear camera wire connects with a push fit to link it to the front unit.

Ombar DC42 Dash Cam: Performance

Considering the Ombar DC42 Dash Cam is essentially a budget model, this is an impressive bundle arrangement. The front-facing camera delivers crisp and clear F1.8 aperture, 4K, UHD footage shot at 3840x2160p maximum with very good audio as well. The rear-facing unit is a 2K capable offering, but the footage is still very serviceable and feels like it would definitely be of use in the event of any kind of incident. After installation, I found the Ombar DC42 Dash Cam to be reassuringly low maintenance.

In fact, it operated seamlessly and offers an audible alert once you’ve switched the vehicle on, plus there’s the bonus of the LEDs that glow to show the camera is working. I found this handy considering there’s no rear screen for this model. The so-called Kacam app, by Ombar itself, is neat too with a user-friendly interface that doesn’t deliver any surprises.

File transfer is impressive as well thanks to up to 5Ghz transfer rates. Ombar keeps its processor information quite well hidden, but to be honest I couldn’t fault the Galaxycore internals, which certainly never failed during my time using both dash cams.

I’ve been mightily impressed by the after-dark capabilities of the Ombar DC42 Dash Cam, which makes it very notable as the WDR and Super Night Vision tools built-in seem able to capture license plates and road signs without fuss or bother. This adds additional value to the Ombar DC42 Dash Cam and, again, makes the dash cam bundle particularly appealing if you make a lot of journeys after the sun has gone down.

Another extra that I got good use from was the voice prompt feature, which allowed me to confirm settings, like if the Wi-Fi was connected. Rounding out this impressive package is the benefit of built-in GPS tracking, which is always good for gathering data about any journey, including date, time and speed.

Should you buy the Ombar DC42 Dash Cam?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How I tested the Ombar DC42 Dash Cam

• I installed the dash cam into two test cars for an initial period of three weeks
• I used it for numerous journeys during both day and night
• I connected it to my phone and downloaded recordings for comparison

I got to test the Ombar DC42 Dash Cam over the course of a few weeks and had the benefit of being able to try it in more than one vehicle. That allowed me to check just how flexible the design was, especially when it came to removing the dash cam after use. The sliding bracket is super handy, although this does leave the base bit sticking to the windshield, which has to be removed for installation in another car.

However, due to the temporary fitment situation, I wasn’t able to fully explore the parking features, which requires permanent installation using the optional hard wire kit. Nevertheless, based on performance during daylight and after dark hours, I have every reason to think that the Ombar DC42 Dash Cam should work very well in this scenario. I particularly liked the low maintenance way it just got on the with job.

• First reviewed March 2025

70mai 360 Omni 4K Dash Cam: one-minute review

I remember reading the review of the original 70mai 360 Omni Dash Cam just over a year or so ago and thinking it was something of a curio. After all, it’s easy to ponder over the appeal of a camera that can rotate 360 degrees while attached to the windshield of a car. As it turns out though, the 70mai 360 Omni is ideally suited to anyone who wants to record a variety of angles using just one in-car camera. It is also perfect for anyone who vlogs from behind the wheel.

The new and improved version of the original is called the 70mai 360 Omni 4K Dash Cam and the not-so-secret is in the title; a new Sony Starvis 2 IMX678 sensor which delivers crisp and clear 4K video footage up to 60fps. Performance is therefore beefier than the earlier incarnation, but there are other highlights too, including AI Motion Detection 2.0, 70mai’s after dark tool called Lumi Vision, voice control and dual-channel HDR capability.

If you’ve never seen it before, the Omni is a quirky looking creation. The design hangs down from your windshield in a similar way to the smaller and less capable Nextbase Piqo. In fact, it’s a slightly odd thing to look at, far removed from the more conventional design lines of, say, the Viofo A229 Pro Dash Cam or indeed any of the other best dash cams out there for that matter. However, the design is perfect for the task in hand as it includes a revolving lower section that contains the lens assembly, which rotates as and when it’s needed.

Another addition this time around is the option for two-channel shooting, thanks to this particular bundle containing a secondary rear-facing camera, which captures video in 1080p. It’s more conventional to look at than the front-facing Omni and connects to the main unit via a lengthy piece of cable. Both cameras can be controlled using 70mai’s app, which has been reinvented in order to exploit the newer features and functions offered by the upgraded Omni unit. Voice activation is another bonus control option.

As you’d expect from an upgraded product, the 70mai 360 Omni 4K Dash Cam is more potent. In fact, 70mai’s own figures suggest a 68 percent improvement in sensor size compared to the original Starvis, a 90 percent improvement in light sensitivity and a 100 percent improvement in low light performance. In addition, there’s a larger rear screen, improved field of view, beefier Wi-Fi plus a supercapacitor/ button cell battery setup for increased efficiency. On paper, the 70mai 360 Omni 4K Dash Cam sounds like a drastic improvement over the older product.

70mai 360 Omni 4K Dash Cam: price and availability

The 70mai 360 Omni 4K Dash Cam will cost from $279.99 / £268 for the single model and $406 / £389 for the 4K Omni with the rear camera, 256GB microSD card and a hardwire kit. There will also be various bundle offers from 70mai offering variations on the theme, details of which can be found on their website or by searching for the 70mai 360 Omni 4K Dash Cam on Amazon.

70mai 360 Omni 4K Dash Cam: specs

70mai 360 Omni 4K Dash Cam: Design

On first impressions, the 70mai 360 Omni 4K Dash Cam looks remarkably similar to its lower specification predecessor. The bulbous body design has been retained and this both looks and feels like a quality component. However, as noted in the previous review, the body does need to be handled with care as the lower part contains the 360-degree rotating lens section, which if forcibly handled feels like it could affect performance. Aside from that, the overall design of the body feels rugged enough and is manufactured from quality plastic.

As before, the buttons on the side are brightly colored in red while on the other side of the unit, there now sits a microSD card slot. This also has a rubberized type of cover on it to keep dust, dirt and moisture out, even when the card is in situ. Meanwhile, there’s an angled joint that divides the sticky part of the windshield attachment with the rest of the body, so it’s quick and easy to get the camera positioned correctly, no matter what the angle of the screen is.

Around at the back of the main camera body is the 1.4-inch IPS screen, which is a step up from the 1.2-inches of the previous model. Again, the screen covering looks and feels rugged enough while the resolution of the various graphics is crisp and clear. Most of the management of the 70mai 360 Omni 4K Dash Cam is best done via the supplementary app, although there is also the added bonus of voice control, which is useful when you’re behind the wheel.

The same level of quality extends to the rear camera unit as well. This is a fairly standard barrel-type of design, with a rotating lens protruding at one end along with a short cable that needs to be press fitted to a longer one. This then feeds into the main camera unit via a small jack plug next to the power cable. Expect to spend some time pushing the associated cables behind trim panels, but there’s a small plastic tool included to help you do just that.

70mai 360 Omni 4K Dash Cam: Performance

As always with setting up a dashcam for the first time, some of this is best done before you get the camera into position. Equally, however, it does need to be on the windshield so the angle can be previewed, via the app ideally, and then adjusted for an optimal view of the road. The same goes for the rear-facing camera, which in some ways I found even trickier to position due to the angle of the rear glass and an obtrusive parcel shelf. Expect to take some time for this setup process.

I haven’t tried the original incarnation of the 70mai 360 Omni 4K Dash Cam, but the performance delivered by the new model seems like a step up, especially based on the specifications. The Sony Starvis sensor is beefier than before and there’s the 4K capability. After popping a microSD card in and running through the setup process, the camera was quick to get started. Registering an account was the most time-consuming part of the process because you get sent a code to your email, which then needs to be dialled in before a time limit runs out.

Nevertheless, once everything is up and running I found the cameras to be everything I expected from them. Front-facing 4K footage is just that, and of a very decent quality. Adjustments can be made to video settings if storage is an issue too, although 70mai does have a cloud option within the package if the microSD card isn’t going to be substantial enough, even though recordings are done in the usual loop fashion. The rear-facing footage is very acceptable too, with a good level of clarity that allows license plates to be read and recorded as and when needed.

I do like the way the 70mai 360 Omni 4K Dash Cam can be controlled using voice commands, which works particularly well for the vlogging environment. Anyone who needs to tell a tale while they’re at the wheel and doesn’t want to be distracted by fiddling with controls will find this feature a real boon. On command, the lens simply rotates around the cabin and focuses on the driver, and it works to good effect, although there is a slight fish-eye effect as it pans around.

The 70mai app is okay and comes with all of the features and functions I needed. However, alongside the rest of the kit setup, it did feel a little less impressive than alternatives from the likes of Nextbase, and is perhaps the weakest link in the chain. Everything works as expected, but I think it could do with a little tightening up on the functionality front. It’s not always quite as intuitive as I’d like either and I quite often found myself fiddling inside menus when I shouldn't really have had to. It’s not a deal breaker, just mildly irritating in places.

Should you buy the 70mai 360 Omni 4K Dash Cam?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How I tested the 70mai 360 Omni 4K Dash Cam

• I installed the dash cam into a test car for an initial period of two weeks
• I used it for several journeys during both day and night
• I connected it to my phone and downloaded recordings for comparison

70mai loaned me the Omni and supplied everything I needed to test it. This included a microSD memory card and a hard wire kit, which is an optional extra. I installed the camera in a test vehicle, which I was also reviewing at the time, which allowed me to try out all the features and functions. Testing also meant plumbing in all of the wiring around the car, which meant I was able to check that cable lengths were adequate even in large size vehicle.

I used the 70mai Omni over an initial period of two weeks, although I have since continued to use it in test vehicles being used for review purposes. However, due to the temporary nature of test loans I have been unable to permanently fix the dash cam into a vehicle using the hard wire kit. Nevertheless, the test period did allow me to explore all of the core features and functions of the 70mai Omni 4K, aside from the additional parking options that come as a result of the hard wire installation. The dash cam was also used in a variety of winter conditions, which included plenty of low light and after dark scenarios, along with lots of variation in temperature.

• First reviewed March 2025

• 70mai's upgraded Omni 4K Dash Cam delivers 4K / 60p video support
• The main camera can rotate 360-degrees for road or cabin views
• It can be paired with a 1080p rear camera for dual channel recording
• Prices start at $279.99 / £268

70mai has unveiled the Omni 4K dash cam, a next-gen upgrade of the world's first 360-degree dash cam, and it delivers a host of meaningful improvements. Chief among them is 4K / 60p video support – that's a big jump from the original Omni's 1080p recording.

There's also a new 1080p rear camera, meaning support for dual-channel recording, although with both cameras in action the front rotating camera's recording capabilities drop to 4K / 30p.

We loved the original model and awarded it 4-stars in our 70mai Omni Dash cam review. That model currently sits in our best dash cams guide, although we fully expect it to be replaced by this latest 4K upgrade when our in-depth review is complete, coming soon.

Price-wise, the 70mai Omni 4K Dash Cam starts at $279.99 / £268 for the front camera alone, while a bundle that also includes the rear cam, hard wiring kit and 256GB micro SD memory card will cost $406 / £389. Sales are set for March, with a specific date TBC. We'll update this page with Australia pricing and availability when we get it.

A pricier, comprehensive dash cam upgrade

That boost in video resolution and frame rates is the headline new feature in 70mai's new rotating dash cam. At the time of writing, the Viofo A329 is the only other dash cam to offer 4K / 60p video for highly detailed and smooth recording, effectively doubling your chances of clear capture should an incident occur, and we called that dash cam a 'premium performer in our 5-star A329 review back in October. We expect similar performance from the 70mai Omni 4K Dash Cam.

You can now also hard wire it with a 1080p rear camera for dual channel recording, meaning your front and rear views are both covered, although that's a pricier package. The main camera's 360-degree capabilities are its party piece, although it's important to note that it's a single camera that can rotate 360-degrees for road or cabin coverage, not both at the same time. You have to choose whether you want your journey covered, or your in-car karaoke sessions, now with a slightly reduced 130-degree field-of-view to the original's 140-degree FOV!

Still, the rotating camera has some neat features. When in parking mode, it can track nearby objects as they move around the car, such as a person that's taken an interest in your vehicle, and any potential bumps from other vehicles, powered by 70mai's new AI Motion Detection 2.0.

70mai has swapped out the Omnivision OV02K sensor of the original model for the popular Sony Starvis 2 sensor. It's not clear how the sensors compare, though I did a little research to discover they share the same 2.9 µm pixel size and potentially similar low light performance. 70mai has its own Night Owl vision feature to improve night-time clarity, reducing noise and glare, plus Lumi Vision tech for visibility in near-total darkness.

Other shared features include Wi-Fi 6 5GHz and 4G support for mobile app connectivity, streaming and recording downloads, plus built-in GPS and ADAS support for the likes of pedestrian detection, lane departure alerts and forward collision warnings.

Battery life should however be better in the new 4K model thanks to a new supercapacitor unit versus the original 300mAh lith-ion cell. The main camera's screen size has been increased too, from 1.2 to 1.4-inches. You can discover more about the Omni 4K Dash Cam at 70mai's website. All in all, this is a comprehensive if pricier upgrade, and we'll share our full verdict very soon – trust us, this is one to look out for if you're in the market for a powerful new dash cam.

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We're rounding up today's best dash cam deals so you can save money while adding extra security on the road. While you can easily invest three figures in a high-end security system for your car, there are just as many affordable dash cams on the market offering budget alternatives that will still get you through your trips.

That's why we're rounding up all the best dash cam deals, selecting models from our best dash cam guide, so you can also do your research to find out what dash cam is best for you. Our price comparison software will also fetch the web's biggest discounts on these dash cams every half hour.

In an ideal world, we wouldn't need dash cams. However, this isn't an ideal world, and thanks to insurance fraudsters, reckless drivers, and the occasional giant boulder rolling down a mountainside and onto the freeway, dash cam sales have led to even more people recording as they drive. In this round-up, we've found the best deals on some excellent dash cams.

Browse more dash cam deals

• Amazon - US
• Walmart - US
• B and H Photo - US
• Amazon - UK
• Argos - UK
• Currys - UK

Or maybe you fancy something a little different from a camera. An action camera maybe? If so, be sure to head on over to our cheap GoPro deals and sales prices guide.

Viofo A329 Dash Cam: one-minute review

I’m a big fan of any dash cam, no matter what the brand or its capabilities. They just make good sense, and offer some peace of mind when I’m behind the wheel. And, while I really liked recent arrival the Nextbase Piqo for its no-frills setup and operation, the Viofo A329 Dash Cam is an altogether more sophisticated offering.

The Viofo A329 Dash Cam is a step up from the Viofo A229 Pro Dash Cam, which preceded it, but it’s also up against some very stiff competition from the other best dash cams out there. Bear in mind, this is a premium model, so while it comes with lots of features and functions, the Viofo A329 Dash Cam carries a high-ish price tag too: in excess of $300 / £300, though exactly how much you'll pay depends on the bundle you choose.

However, the upside to that added expense is lots of great features. The Viofo A329 seen here also arrives as a two-channel offering, which means there’s a forward-facing camera and a smaller supplementary unit that captures video out of the back of your vehicle. As a result, there’s more work involved in getting it set up and running, with plenty of cable concealment to be done as part of the process.

Nevertheless, I'd say it’s well worth the effort, as the Viofo A329 Dash Cam offers 4K, 60 frames per second, Ultra HD footage at the front and 2K at the back, with each camera equipped with a Sony Starvis 2 image sensor and HDR recording. Add in 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi, voice control, and notifications, along with advanced parking mode capability plus support for external SSD storage, and the Viofo A329 Dash Cam soon starts looking like very good value for money.

It’s all about the performance with this premium dash cam. I found the Sony Starvis 2 IMX678 1/1.8-inch 8-megapixel image sensor and rear-facing Sony Starvis 2 IMX675 1/2.8-inch 5-megapixel image sensor more than able in most driving scenarios. Footage captured after dark was no less impressive than the footage taken during dull and grey days, with both cameras adept at picking out details such as license plates and road signs.

Thankfully, Viofo has taken into account the fact that 4K files soon bulk out microSD cards. Therefore, it’s possible to hook up an available SSD drive and store content directly to that, using the benefit of integrated Wi-Fi 6 technology. This is a practical solution for dealing with bulky chunks of data, and promises to be three times quicker, operating in the 5GHz band at speeds of up to 30Mbps. The specification also means that the A329 is optimized so that you can view and manage files quickly and easily via a phone too, using Viofo's own very decent app.

Viofo A329 Dash Cam: price and availability

The Viofo A329 Dash Cam is available now with a single front camera directly from Viofo being reduced by 18% to $329.99 at the time of writing, while the front and rear camera from Viofo is currently reduced by 15% to $399.99. It’s a similar story for the UK market with the former costing £329.95 (currently reduced to £299.95) and £399.95 (currently £359.95) for the latter two-camera bundle.

Viofo A329 Dash Cam: specs

Viofo A329 Dash Cam: Design

When it comes to design Viofo hasn’t changed too much compared to the Viofo A229 Dash Cam, with the A329 having a virtually identical front-facing camera unit. That’s no bad thing, as I liked the way the A229 was styled, with some neat design touches that make it a little more practical than its rivals. I particularly like the way the camera it can be attached to your windscreen, using the sticky patch on the mount or via static sheets for easier removal. The lens can then be moved into the perfect position using a click-based lever movement that adjusts it upwards and downwards.

There’s also the benefit of a sizable rear screen, which is crisp and clear, with operational buttons directly beneath that. This arrangement allowed me to access most if not all of the controls without the need for the supporting app. However, I also found that it’s possible to squeeze even more from the Viofo A329 Dash Cam by exploiting the software features, especially when it came to file management if I was hooked up using the SSD external drive option.

The unit itself is chunky, without being overly bulky, and feels nicely made, as the A229 did. Viofo includes everything you need to get up and running in the box, although if you’re very enthusiastic about your dash cam it might be worth considering the additional Viofo accessories for this model. These include a polarizing lens filter and a wireless Bluetooth remote control. In addition, there's an optional hardwire kit, which enables a more permanent installation than plugging the camera in via a 12V vehicle socket.

For the rear-facing camera, Viofo has kept the design lines simple and straightforward. The camera is easily mounted to the glass using another sticky pad, and can be angled into the optimal position using the same type of lens adjustment method.

Viofo A329 Dash Cam: Performance

The Viofo A329 Dash Cam does feel like a step up from the competition. Much of that is down to the fact that it records video in 4K at 60fps. Having this capability means it trounces many rivals, with many lesser models shooting 4K at 30fps, and upping the frame rate potentially results in smoother and crisper video. I found having the HDMI 4K video-out port made it very quick and easy to view even sizeable chunks of footage too.

Being sure that things like license plates are being captured legibly is reassuring, but this unit is good at helping to pick out things like badges, car logos and even facial features too. The beefier specification is also good for high-speed scenarios, thanks to the faster capabilities of the camera. Of course, there’s a slight trade-off in that this creates a larger bank of video files over time, but Viofo has thought of this by making the A329 Dash Cam fully compatible with external SSDs, so a drive can be used as a backup if my microSD card starts groaning under the weight of content.

Up front, the Sony Starvis 2 IMX678 1/1.8-inch 8-megapixel image sensor proved very impressive, with footage showing plenty of crisp detail. Even the rear camera, which has a smaller and lower-resolution Sony Starvis 2 IMX675 1/2.8-inch 5-megapixel sensor, was very good when it came to capturing things like license plates. Better still, after dark it proved quite good at capturing the faces of drivers sitting in the car behind, which is notable in itself.

All this 4K content soon stacks up mind, so Viofo has integrated Wi-Fi 6 technology for this model. This, it claims, is three times more potent at operating within the 5GHz band and offers up to 30MBps. Viofo reckons a one-minute 4K video can be downloaded in under 10 seconds and, during my time with the dash cam, I see no reason to disagree. Using this in tandem with an external SSD is a good way to go, allowing storage of lots of content for as long as it is needed.

Should you buy the Viofo A329 Dash Cam?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How I tested the Viofo A329 Dash Cam

• I installed the dash cam into a test car for a set period of time
• I used it for several journeys during both day and night
• I connected it to my phone and downloaded recordings for comparison

I reviewed the Viofo A329 Dash Cam during the course of several days, when it was faced with capturing footage in a range of weather conditions. The camera units were installed in a test vehicle and powered via the 12V socket, rather than being hardwired in. As always, it should be noted that this temporary route does occasionally limit some of the features and functionality, especially when it comes to parking surveillance.

• First reviewed November 2024

I’ve grown to love dash cams, mainly because they’ve got the potential to help a driver out when assistance is needed most. Better still, basic models are so affordable it seems like a no-brainer to get one. Want more features? Then head for the best dash cam you can afford. However, I’ve been helped out by the likes of the reasonably pocket-friendly Thinkware X1000 and, most recently, the Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam, which is a snip to buy.

There are lots of reasons for owning a dashcam, but I think the main one is that it helps to provide piece of mind. Where I live, driving standards are falling, roads are becoming more congested and, frequently, the roads themselves are in such a bad state of repair that I tend to drive with an ‘anything could happen’ mindset. It’s a stressful, pothole-riddled minefield out there, so owning a dashcam for a relatively small outlay makes perfect sense to me.

Added to that, there are growing stories hitting the news about how scammers are causing accidents in a cynical bid to make some quick cash. I didn’t have to look far to see evidence of this and most social media feeds seem to throw up examples of what’s going on very regularly. Owning a dash cam can really help with this because, if the worst does happen, you’ll have hopefully irrefutable evidence of what really occurred.

So, I’m sold on owning a dash cam and, just maybe, these five reasons outlining why might convince you to get one too.

1. Dash cams can help with insurance claims

I’ve had first-hand experience of just how invaluable a dash cam can be after our car was rear-ended and written off by some who ran into the back of it at around 40mph. I only had a front-facing dash cam model fitted to the windshield at the time, but the impact was such that it captured the car being pushed across two lanes.

Submitting the footage, along with our insurance claim, helped us out big time and convinced me that owning one wasn’t just desirable; it was essential. Of course, it’s possible to beef up your evidence-gathering capabilities by purchasing a dashcam bundle, with both front and rear-facing dashcams contained inside box.

2. Dash cams can help fend off fines

I had an instance very recently where I was driving on a major highway late at night, where there were road works, lane closures and variable speed limits. Curiously, as I approached an overhead gantry following a single line of traffic, all of which was well under the speed limit due to the congestion, I could see the overhead speed cameras flashing.

I’m pretty sure this must have been some kind of technical issue with the speed cameras, but you can bet that I downloaded and have kept the footage after arriving home. The dash cam shows exactly what is happening and vital data such as date, time and my speed are all date stamped on the footage. I’ll keep it; just in case.

• Already convinced? We've found the best deals available right now in the US and UK and collected them into this Black Friday dash cam deals roundup

3. Dash cams can tackle car insurance scams

As I mentioned above, insurance scams are on the up and therefore, being able to provide video evidence of any incident is a definite bonus. Rather than relying on a ‘your word over theirs’ written submission to insurers, or even the police if needed, being able to supply video and audio in the event of a claim or legal case can prove invaluable.

An additional upside to having video evidence, even if the matter is so obviously fake that it is hardly worth taking seriously, is the fact that examples can be shared online. This can be a handy way of educating others about the scam activity that is going on, even if some of these attempts are so poorly executed, they’re hardly worth airing, just as long as no damage or injury has occurred.

4. Dash cams can capture evidence

There are several reasons why owning a dash cam has become essential, but the biggest one surrounds evidence. When incidents or accidents occur, things can often get lost in the heat of the moment. People could be in shock; they could be angry or confused. Worse, there could be injuries. With a dash cam fitted and up and running the whole time, a permanent record of proceedings captures audio and video at the time when it is needed most.

The other bonus with most dashcams is that they can also automatically capture selected events. This can range from minor bumps and irregular driving scenarios including going over speed bumps or potholes, through to actual contact with other vehicles. Better still, these incidents are often captured and stored both locally on the microSD card and, increasingly, in remote cloud storage, which means they’re going to be safe and secure without you even having to think about it.

5. Dash cams can monitor when you cannot

I’m obviously not always in my car, which is where a quality dash cam can help out. Many of the latest model dash cams come with the option of parking surveillance, which can help to monitor your vehicle if you’ve parked and left it locked up for the night in, say, a parking lot or hotel somewhere. A dash cam can be hardwired into your car and configured so that it will capture any activity that might occur around it. This means it’ll video a door or bumper ding, or even any unwanted criminal activity such as someone trying to force a door or, worse, steal the vehicle altogether.

Advanced parking and monitoring features usually need the dash cam to be hardwired into the vehicle, so that the camera can have a source of power at all times. Doing this means the installation is a little more permanent, so it’s not going to suit everyone who may need to move their dash cam from vehicle to vehicle. It is a great feature option to think about though.

Why you should avoid a dash cam

While I’m a keen advocate of buying a dash cam, it doesn’t necessarily mean that owning one will keep you covered for any eventuality. For example, remember that driving conditions are always changing and natural occurrences like fog, unexpected storms and other unpredictable weather events can make life difficult even for the best dash cam models you can buy. Even something silly like a dirty or misted screen can take the edge off recordings.

I like to think of my own dash cam as being a supplement to my driving. It’s great knowing the unit is there and capturing events as they occur, but technical issues can happen too. Occasionally, the microSD card in a dash cam can become faulty. Sometimes they might need reformatting to restore their capabilities. If failures are occurring on a regular basis, the microSD card might need replacing altogether.

Checking this regularly is a very good idea as there’s nothing worse than needing to fall back on footage as evidence, only to find that the card has corrupted and not captured a vital event. It might not be enough to put you off buying one, but it’s worth noting all the same.

Given their affordability, I think its even worth having another dash cam as a back-up – just in case, but maybe that’s just me and my mindset following my own experiences on the road. There are always deals to be had, as witnessed by our Black Friday dash cam deals roundup while I've included links to some of the best dash cams below. Dash cams have helped me out big time and, hopefully, they’ll do the same for you. Just remember though; they, like us, can be fallible too.

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Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam: two-minute review

Nextbase is a well known brand name in the world of dash cams, and one of its recent models, the Nextbase iQ smart dash cam, was a real step forward in terms of providing shooting potency along with a bevy of brilliant features. While it’s little wonder that that model currently tops our list of the best dash cams, another impressive recent addition to its lineup is the Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam, which is akin to a ‘Lite’ edition of the Nextbase iQ bruiser.

This is a more basic offering, but that’s not to say it should be overlooked. In fact, anyone wanting a straightforward, non-nonsense dash cam that can capture great video but needs very little effort when it comes to the installation part should certainly consider it. The Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam is keenly priced, and while it doesn’t have a rear screen, which might put some off, the supporting Nextbase app more than makes up for that.

If anything, using the Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam along with the app makes this compact model even more appealing. The other appealing aspect of this model is its dainty form factor. It’s much smaller and lighter than the Nextbase iQ, which means it's barely noticeable when mounted just in front of the rear-view mirror. However, despite its diminutive stature, the Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam packs a reasonable punch when it comes to performance, with many of the same smart features and functions found on the Nextbase iQ squeezed into a more compact design.

The Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam is quick and easy to fit. It can be powered using the supplied 12V plug connector, while anyone wanting a more permanent fixture can buy an optional hardwire kit, which might require professional installation if meddling with car electrics isn’t your thing. Either way, all of the fitting kit is inside the box, including the 12V cable and connector, windscreen stickers, and a tool for pushing the cable behind trim panels.

While the 1K HD version of the Piqo is cheap, and delivers decent video that's slightly better than 1080p thanks to the 2560 x 1080 pixel resolution and 140-degree field of view, the model to go for is the 2K, which boasts 2560 x 1440 pixels and a 145-degree field of view. Price-conscious purchasers will find it more than suitable, even compared to the high-end muscle of the 4K Nextbase iQ. It’s an ideal compromise.

While the Nextbase iQ is an always-connected camera, the Piqo can be simply plugged into the 12V socket, but there are optional pro install cable and the connect cable kits available to unlock advanced features like the smart parking functionality to capture any car park mishaps. Additional smart features are present within the Piqo, but they’re not quite as potent as the iQ’s.

Nextbase has a subscription model which lets users add a customized overlays or ‘skins’ to video clips., with its ‘Protect’ plan feeling like reasonable value for £29.99 per year, or its $2.99 / £2.99 / AU$4.99 per month. There’s a free ‘Solo’ subscription too, which is leaner but still lets users add a single ‘skin’ to video clips. Standard footage still gets the benefit of journey data anyway, with the likes of date, time and speed all shown in a nice typeface at the foot of the video clip.

Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam: price and availability

The Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam is as easy to buy as it is to install thanks to the worldwide presence of this brand. It can be purchased from the Nextbase website, and from leading online and bricks-and-mortar retailers. There are two versions to consider, depending on your needs. The 1K (HD 1080p) edition costs $129.99 / £99 / AU$199, while the beefier 2K (HD 1440p) model retails for $149.99 / £119 / $299. Even the more expensive model is less than half the price of the Nextbase iQ, which is available from $399.99 / £349.99 / AU$799.99.

Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam: specs

Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam: Design

The main appeal of the Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam is its compact form factor – it's much smaller than the chunky Nextbase iQ, and there are a few other rival dash cam models that are similarly svelte. The Piqo really stands out thanks to its small and lightweight construction, and it's a good-looking device too, with a smooth black plastic main case that comes with the mounting bracket already attached. The design and build quality feel every bit as good as other Nextbase models, but the lightness of the Piqo is striking, especially compared to the Nextbase iQ.

Inside the box are static sheets for the windscreen. These enable the Piqo to be fixed to the glass without the need for putting the very sticky 3M self-adhesive pad directly on the glass, which is handy if the camera needs to be moved to another vehicle from time to time. A slot for the microSD card is on one side of the case, and a connector socket for the power cable sits on the other. The camera lens sits on the front of the unit, while a circular LED on the back glows or pulses depending on what the Piqo is doing during setup and operation. Power is supplied simply by plugging the camera into a vehicle's 12V power socket, via the supplied cable and adaptor, although as mentioned an optional hardwire kit is available.

Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam: Performance

The Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam is an ideal option for anyone who wants a dashcam that has the potential to be more helpful than just videoing the road ahead, but equally works perfectly well without unlocking its extra potential if it’s not needed. Considering the cheap and cheerful price point, the 2K model delivers very respectable footage, and worked particularly well during grim and grey autumnal days during testing in the UK. There are compromises, of course, especially when comparing footage to that from the 4K Nextbase iQ.

A variety of footage captured by the Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam revealed that it's very capable, with the benefit of journey data being captured and displayed along the bottom of the footage for good measure. Audio seemed to be less impressive, with an occasional crackle present in test footage, although so far I've not been able to determine if this is something to do with the test car itself or the dash cam unit. It certainly shouldn't be enough to put anyone off buying the Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam.

Capturing footage is simplicity itself, with a setup process that's pretty much plug-and-play, and which is completed by downloading the Nextbase app (for iOS or Android). The app is impressive, although interestingly, once plugged in the Piqo gets on with recording footage during journeys even if the app setup hasn’t been completed. Anyone who's not bothered with setting up accounts and entering login details might find this appealing, but added value comes from the Nextbase subscription options outlined above.

A subscription gives you access to extra features like SOS, Guardian Mode, Witness Mode and Smart Parking, albeit in Lite versions compared to those found on the Nextbase iQ. The free Solo subscription offers Smart Parking, Guardian Mode Lite, Witness Mode Lite, access to the Piqo Mobile app and voice control, plus 30 days of cloud storage. Optional kits to turn the Piqo into an always-on dash cam are available, and adding the Protect subscription gets you 180 days of cloud storage and emergency SOS functionality, along with an extra two years warranty.

The Nextbase iQ offers an example of how handy the extra features can be, but the reality is that many budget-conscious dash-cam buyers are looking for a simple way to capture the road ahead, and for such users this is a dash cam that's simple to set up and offers great value for money. In fact, that’s really the essence of the Piqo's appeal: it’s no-nonsense, and all the better for it.

Should you buy the Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How I tested the Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam

• I installed the dash cam into a test car for a set period of time
• I used it for several journeys during both day and night
• I connected it to my phone and downloaded recordings for comparison

I lived with the Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam for a week after installing it in a vehicle I was also testing. Following set up and installation, I then powered up the dash cam any time I did a journey, which meant it was used during daylight hours and after dark too. I tested the Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam using the 12V plug in power option, rather than the more permanent hard wiring route. However, aside from not having the always on power functionality, I got to explore all of the available features of the 'Free' subscription option.

• First reviewed November 2024

Garmin Dash Cam X310: one-minute review

The Garmin X310 is a 5-star dash cam that is compact, easy to use, and shoots 4K video with HDR at 30 fps. It ticks a lot of boxes, while also looking and feeling like a quality product, reliably recording high-quality footage, and packing several routes for upgrading – from a parking mode, to the option for live remote viewing and connecting several synchronized dash cams to one vehicle.

It all works very well, as Garmin dash cams have for years now, and the integrated polarizing lens is a nice bonus. But the X310 is expensive, and while 4K video is nice to have, it doesn’t offer enough to convince owners of Garmin’s last flagship, the Dash Cam 67W, a reason to upgrade. However, if you’re new to dash cams and have the budget, this is a fantastic option and one of the best dash cams available.

Garmin Dash Cam X310: price and availability

As of October 2024, this is the new flagship of the Garmin dash cam range. It is priced at $399.99 / £349.99 / AU$679 and is available now.

It sits above the equally new X210 ($299.99 / £259.99 / AU$499), the X110 ($199.99 / £199.99 / AU$349) and the entry-level Dash Cam Mini 3 ($149.99 / £149.99 / AU$249).

Garmin Dash Cam X310: specs

Garmin Dash Cam X310: Design

This is Garmin’s flagship dash cam, but it’s still remarkably compact, at 70 x 42.2 x 19.5 mm. It’s about twice the size of the tiny Dash Cam Mini 3, which considering the X310 has a 2.41-inch display on the back and 4K capabilities, is mighty impressive.

The simple, rectangular body houses two buttons on the right (for power and manually saving a recording), a USB-C port on the left, and a microSD card slot on the bottom. Garmin doesn’t include a memory card with this dash can, which feels a bit mean considering the high price and that this is their flagship model.

Garmin’s fantastically simple windshield mount makes a welcome return for this generation of dash cam. It’s a short arm that attaches to the dash cam with a ball-and-socket joint for plenty of adjustability, then fixes to a magnetic metal disc, which then sticks to the windshield with adhesive. The disc stays on your windshield, while the dash cam can be removed whenever you like, then snaps back into place magnetically when you need it.

The whole mounting system takes up far less space than that of any other dash cam brand, and makes for a discrete installation.

Garmin Dash Cam X310: Performance

The specs alone should be enough to tell all you need to know. It doesn’t feel long since 4K dash cams represented a brave new world, and a world where video quality didn’t necessarily live up to expectations. There are no such concerns with the Garmin X310.

By default, it records 4K resolution with HDR at 30 frames per second, and the footage looks fantastic. You could argue that 4K is overkill for a dash cam, and while you may often be right, there‘s no denying the quality displayed here. Videos are smooth and full of detail, with accurate colors and nice control over the exposure and white balance.

The X310 also lets you record in 1080p Full HD with HDR at 30 fps, or if you drop the HDR the frame rate can be cranked up to 120 fps. The latter is a perfectly good option, and results in even smoother footage that retains plenty of detail when paused, thanks to all those extra frames. But the default 4K option is probably what most buyers will stick with, and for good reason. This produces some of the best video I’ve seen from any dash cam – and certainly the best from one as compact as the Garmin X310.

Previously an optional extra, Garmin now fits its dash cams with an integrated polarizing filter. This is designed to reduce windshield reflections and on a sunny day we found it did a great job. The blue fabric dashboard of our test car (used for the daytime recording in this review) was practically invisible, and didn’t once reflect across the windshield.

Nighttime recordings lose some detail, naturally, and there’s more noise as the camera battles against the low light. Footage is still very good though, and while vehicle license plates generally aren’t readable on the move, they come into clear focus when stationary and in reasonably close proximity.

One small downgrade from Garmin’s previous flagship, the 67W, is how the lens field of view has shrunk from 180 degrees to 140. I always liked how Garmin’s lenses were wider than the competition, but losing 40 degrees in pursuit of a less distorted image – one that suffers less from a curved fisheye effect at its edges – isn’t such a big deal.

Using the X310 is as easy as ever. You don’t even have to create a Garmin account, if you don’t want to. Just insert a microSD card (there isn’t one included in the box), plug it in to the 12-volt (lighter) socket and away you go; it starts recording when the car is switched on. The 2.4in touchscreen can be used to adjust settings, like video resolution, so you don’t need to use Garmin’s Drive app either, if you don’t want to.

That said, the app is used to handle software updates (one was available when we began our review), and it’s an easier way to access the dash cam’s settings menu. Here, I chose to switch off the collision warning system, since it twice alerted me to an imminent collision, despite my car being parked at the time. On one occasion there wasn’t even another vehicle passing by. The app is also where you set up Vault, an optional subscription service where recordings are uploaded to Garmin’s cloud storage via your smartphone’s internet connection. It’s a handy feature, but at £9.99 a month I feel it doesn’t offer enough, especially versus the Nextbase iQ smart dash cam with its connected features. I’m happy to have recordings saved to my microSD card instead, where they can be transferred to my phone manually.

Paying for Vault also unlocks the Parking Guard function, which requires a constant power supply (cables sold separately) and an active Wi-Fi connection, such as to a hotspot left in the car. With all that set up, the dash cam will alert your phone when it senses a collision (or potential theft) and provide a live view.

Lastly, Garmin’s voice control system works as well as ever. It’s a handy way to turn the microphone off, or manually save a piece of footage (although pressing a button or tapping the screen does the same thing).

Should you buy the Garmin Dash Cam X310?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How I tested the Garmin Dash Cam X310

• I installed the Dash Cam X310 into two cars
• I used the dash cam during multiple journeys, during the day and also at night
• I set up the dash cam using the Garmin Drive smartphone app

I installed the Garmin X310 in two different cars and used it frequently for a variety of journeys during the day and at night. I tried out its various features and transferred video recordings to both my smartphone and computer for a closer look.

• First reviewed October 2024

Nextbase makes some of the best dash cams, including the iQ, which we labelled the smartest dash cam ever. However, the UK-based company's first smart dash cam is also the priciest add-on car security solution around, with some wide-ranging smart features that could be overkill for many users. That's where the new Nextbase Piqo comes in.

Think of the Piqo as a baby iQ: it has a similar fresh look, but is a much smaller and simpler package, with cleverly implemented 'Lite' versions of IQ's smart features that are designed to appeal to younger drivers.

The Piqo is available globally from the Nextbase website and leading retailers in two versions: 1K (HD 1080p) for just $129.99 / £99 / AU$199 and 2K (HD 1440p) for $149.99 / £119 / $299. Contrast that to the iQ, which starts at $399.99 / £349.99, and the Piqo's appeal is clear – particularly when you consider that you also need to pay for a monthly data plan to make the most of the more expensive model's smart features.

That's a big difference in price, so let's take a look at what the Piqo can do and where necessary compromises have been made.

A cleverly watered-down iQ

Video resolution in the 1K HD version of the Piqo is actually slightly more detailed than standard 1080p, with a 2560x1080 pixel resolution and 140-degree field of view. The 2K version, meanwhile, has a max resolution of 2560x1440 pixels and 145-degree field of view. Unlike the iQ, there's no 4K version of the Piqo.

I asked Bryn Brooker, Nextbase's Head of Marketing, why there's no 4K version of the Piqo, and he told me that according to Nextbase research, at least 83% of UK dash cam owners see no need for a pricier 4K dash cam, plus Nextbase is confident in the video quality of the Piqo.

Bryn also told me that the dash cam market is evolving. In 2020 the majority of dash cam customers were 45 years of age and older, but four years later and this demographic has reversed. Nextbase has consequently adapted the Piqo's design and features to appeal to a younger audience.

It doesn't have a screen – because most people today use their phones, after all. Instead, you can connect to the Piqo through Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and view the video feed and recordings through an entirely new Nextbase app that's currently exclusive to the Piqo. The app is stripped back to make it easy for you to do key things such as view and share videos.

There are also new 'skins': customized overlays that display crucial stats on your video, such as speed. They're more for fun than anything else, but you get one skin thrown in with the free 'Solo' subscription, and can get more via the paid-for 'Protect' plan that costs £29.99 per year.

With its own data plan, the pricier iQ is an always-connected camera, with smart features such as emergency SOS, Guardian Mode, Witness Mode and Smart Parking that can update you in realtime, like if your car has been pranged while parked, or tell your loved ones if you've had an accident and upload the footage to the cloud for you. The Piqo has all of these modes, too, but here they're light versions.

For example, in Guardian Lite mode your emergency contact gets a text from the Piqo rather than the video being sent to them, which is what the iQ does. Likewise, Witness Lite mode uploads content when you are back home with a Wi-Fi connection.

Elsewhere, smart parking auto-records any prangs, but like any dash cam you'll need constant power for a feature like this. Nextbase sells two kits for constant power separately, the pro install cable kit and the connect cable kit. The Piqo is also equipped with G-Sense tech and automatically increases sensitivity when it detects the car is parked.

Other features include 10Ghz GPS and voice control, plus a newly designed and rigorously tested click mount. Overall, the Piqo seems like a clever implementation of smart iQ tech in a simpler and cheaper dash cam. We're currently reviewing the Nextbase Piqo and will share our experiences very soon.

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Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3: one-minute review

When it comes to compact dash cams, Garmin proves with the Mini 3 that it’s still the market leader. This is a tiny dash cam that shoots Full HD with HDR at 30 fps, and is so small it practically disappears behind your rear-view mirror, for a near-seamless installation. It also has a decent voice control system, and the smartphone app works well for adjusting settings and downloading stored footage.

That said, the Mini 3 is a very small upgrade on the three-year-old Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 and, other than an integrated polarizing lens, offers no real incentive to upgrade. If you have an earlier Garmin Mini dash cam, then keep it. But if you’re looking for a very small Full HD dash cam, this one has to be at the top of your list, it's one of the best value dash cams out there.

Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3: price and availability

Launched in September 2024, the Mini 3 is part of a new family of dash cams from Garmin. As with previous generations of Dash Cam Mini, the 3 is Garmin’s entry-level model.

Available now, the Mini 3 is priced at $149.99 / £149.99 / AU$249. This makes it slightly more expensive than the Mini 2, which arrived back in the summer of 2021. The new model is available now.

Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3: specs

Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3: Design

The new Garmin Mini 3 looks almost identical to its predecessor, except for how it’s now designed to be mounted horizontally instead of vertically. This helps it hide more neatly behind the central rear-view mirror of most cars, and means the microSD card slot and microphone mute button are now on the bottom of the device instead of the side.

There’s still a USB port on the right-hand side, but this has been upgraded to USB-C, and there’s still a big button on the rear for manually saving footage. This can be handy for when you witness an incident but aren’t directly involved.

Garmin’s fantastic (and fantastically simple) windshield mount returns once again with the Mini 3. This attaches to the dash cam with a ball-and-socket joint, then sticks to the windshield with an integrated adhesive pad. There’s plenty of adjustability, but the ball of the mount is gripped tightly enough by the socket of the dash cam to prevent it from moving as you drive.

Also included in the box is a USB-C to USB-A cable and an adapter for plugging the dash cam into your car’s 12-volt socket. The adapter has a pair of USB-A connections, so you can power the dash cam and charge your smartphone at the same time. I’d have preferred a pair of USB-C ports instead, given that’s what almost all smartphones now use, but that’s a small criticism.

As with previous generations of Garmin Dash Cam Mini, a microSD card is not included in the box, so you’ll need to provide your own.

Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3: Performance

Despite its tiny proportions, the Mini 3 records HDR video at Full HD. It does so through a 140-degree lens with a built-in polarizing filter designed to cut down on windshield reflections. Apart from the addition of the filter, this is the same specification as the Mini 2 – and, as a result, the footage produced by the Mini 3 looks pretty similar too.

That’s no bad thing. Footage is sharp and clear, with nicely 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. There were practically no reflections at all in the footage we captured, even on a sunny autumn day, and although not Hollywood quality, the 1080p video (at 30 frames per second) looked plenty good enough for such a tiny dashcam.

Nighttime footage isn’t as clear, of course, but even well after sunset there’s enough detail to work out what’s going on. Vehicles and road markings are clearly visible, however number plates cannot be read as reliably as they can during the day. I also noticed some reflection on the windscreen from my car’s infotainment display, but this was upwards in the top of the camera’s view and well out of shot.

Day and night, the Garmini Mini 3 produces very good footage, especially considering how tiny this dash cam is. Although I obviously couldn’t test the crash detection function, I noticed how the dash cam saves a portion of footage when the driver brakes firmly. So even if you don’t actually hit anything, you’ll have evidence of what could have been a near-miss. As ever, the sensitivity of the dash cam can be adjusted in the app settings menu, which is handy if you find it triggers too easily, such as over speed bumps or potholes.

As for additional features, the Mini 3 has access to Garmin’s voice control tech. It’s always worked pretty well, throughout the history of the Garmin Dash Cam range, and is equally good here. You can ask the dash cam to manually save a recording, or turn the microphone on/off. It’s a nice-to-have but something you’re unlikely to use frequently.

As with other Garmin dash cams, the Mini 3 has a parking mode that alerts your smartphone when a collision is detected while parked. However, this requires a hardwiring kit to give the camera a constant source of power (sold separately), an active WiFi connection and a subscription to Garmin’s Vault cloud storage service. For some buyers this will add unnecessary expense and complexity, but if you can provide the all-important WiFi connection it can turn your dash cam into a round-the-clock surveillance system.

Another fringe-case feature of Garmin dash cams is how up to four can be synced up together. That way, you can have one facing forwards and one rearwards, then even a couple facing to the sides if you have a large vehicle that might benefit from 360-degree recording. Remember though, each dash cam will need a 12-volt or USB socket for power.

Should you buy the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How I tested the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3

• I installed the Mini 3 into my own car
• I used the dash cam during several journeys, during the day and also at night
• I set up the dash cam using the Garmin Drive smartphone app

I installed the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3 in my own car and used it over the course of a couple of weeks. This included journeys during the day and at night, and gave me a good opportunity to inspect how the camera performs in various lighting conditions. I also tried out the Garmin Drive app, which is used to see a live view of the camera and adjust settings during the setup process.

• First reviewed October 2024

Viofo has announced its most advanced dash cam yet, the A329. It is the world's first dash cam equipped with 4K 60fps video and could join our list of the best dash cams.

While other 4K dash cams are limited to 30fps, the A329 doubles the frame rates, ensuring it records smoother video footage with what is essentially double the information. Thus, it increases your chances of capturing vital details should an incident occur, like license plates.

Some other dash cams shoot 60fps video, but until now, they have only been at the less detailed Full HD 1080p resolution. The A329 offers the best of both worlds: 4K resolution and higher 60fps frame rates, which could prove crucial, especially in high-speed incidents.

• Check out our in-depth 5-star Viofo A329 review

That's not all. Viofo, one of the leading names in dash cams, also says that the A329 is the first dash cam that supports external SSD recording. We don't know the maximum SSD capacity that is compatible with it. Still, Viofo says recording directly onto an SSD drive rather than a micro SD can get you up to three weeks of continuous footage.

The Viofo A329 is available as a single front camera or dual front and back camera. At the time of writing, the single 4K front camera version is available now at a discount price of $329 / £258 / AU$502 (was $399 / £312 AU$608) at Viofo, while the dual camera version, which also includes a 2K rear camera, costs $399 / £312 / AU$608 (was $469 / £367 / AU$708) at Viofo.

The tech behind the features

In addition to 4K 60fps video recording, the A329 can also shoot 4K HDR video up to 30fps. The 4K front camera and the rear 2K camera are equipped with Sony Starvis 2 sensors, which Viofo says capture 2.5x the dynamic range of Sony's previous generation sensors, with better nighttime image quality.

What's really new here though is Viofo's next-gen chipset which is to thank for the A329's improved performance, comprising a Quad Core ARM Cortex A53 processor.

Other standout features include Wi-Fi 6 connectivity – which is a first for a Viofo dash cam – with speedier file transfers: a typical one-minute 4K video should be downloaded in just under 10 seconds. There's also voice control, integrated GPS tracking and a parking mode that provides continuous monitoring.

We're currently conducting a review of the Viofo A329, so if this news has grabbed your attention, be sure to check back and discover if Viofo's A329 turns out to be one of the best dash cams yet.

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Our best dash cam guide could well need a refresh in the near future: Garmin has launched four new models to give you even more choice when it comes to picking up a camera that'll record everything that happens to you and your vehicle.

Heading up the new quartet of cams is the Garmin Dash Cam X310, which offers a 2.4-inch LCD screen, 4K Ultra HD video quality, built-in GPS and advanced driver awareness alerts – warning you about speed cameras in the vicinity, for example, or telling you when there's a risk of a forward collision.

For a little less money you can get hold of the Dash Cam X110 or the Dash Cam X210: they're the same as the Dash Cam X310 model, but the maximum resolution video quality only goes up to 1080p or 1440p respectively.

The final dash cam in the new series is the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3. This ditches the screen to offer a smaller form factor – around the size of a car key – that's easier to fit into place and less of a distraction while driving. This model offers 1080p video recording.

Voice command support

One of the clever features Garmin has included here is voice command support, which means you can control various functions on the cameras (like starting and stopping video recordings) without taking your eyes off the road.

There's also what Garmin is calling a Clarity polariser lens enhancement, which apparently reduces interference from windshield glare – giving you the best chance of capturing the evidence you need in the event of an accident or criminal damage.

For more features, you can get the Garmin Drive app installed on your smartphone: this lets you sync up feeds from up to four Garmin dash cams, if you've really splashed out on the surveillance tech for your vehicle.

You can pick up all four models now from the Garmin website: pricing is $149.99/£149.99/AU$249 for the Dash Cam Mini 3, $199.99/£199.99/AU$349 for the X110, $299.99/£259.99/AU$499 for the X210, and $399.99/£349.99/AU$679 for the X310.

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70mai Dash Cam A510: two-minute review

Choosing a dashcam can be quite labor-intensive if you’re not sure what you’re after, due in part to a bewildering array of options. What I like about this, the 70mai Dash Cam A510, is I know exactly what I’m getting. It’s a twin-camera bundle, which comes competitively priced while still offering lots of performance from both lenses.

Crucially, there’s quality video to be had, with the front camera capturing 2.7K 1944p footage thanks to a Sony Starvis 2 sensor while being able to shoot quite widely via a very decent 140-degree field of view. Meanwhile, the smaller rearward facing unit can capture 1080p video and features a 130-degree field of view.

What’s more, these are versatile units because they’ve got an easily rotated lens, with the rear camera going a full 360-degree for cockpit recording if it is needed. Add on built-in GPS and I’ve got a camera combination that can also capture all-important on-the-go data such as location, speed, and the more obvious date and time information.

The 70mai Dash Cam A510 is easy to install and setup, while the box contains everything need to get started with my set also including a 64GB microSD memory card. Bluetooth connectivity means that video content can be viewed on a smartphone, with an impressive app making that task easier. I’m also very pleased that this model features a built-in LCD screen, which adds an extra touch of in-car convenience.

70mai Dash Cam A510: Design

I’ve been trying the 70mai Dash Cam A510 Set, which means that inside the box there’s the front-facing camera as well as a smaller variant that points out the back of the car. In fact, this bundle comes with all I needed to get started, which is always a bonus. It’s worth noting though that for anyone not wanting to power the setup via a 12V socket, an additional hardwire kit is required. This is also essential to get all the parking surveillance features activated.

The main camera features a 2-inch LCD display, with four pressable buttons immediately beneath for working your way through all of the features and functions. A chunky manual helps with the initial setup, and there’s a smaller one that covers the rear-facing camera. On the side of the main camera are three ports, for the power and rear camera cables, plus one for the microSD card. A slimline button on the bottom of the unit can be used for emergency video capture.

I think the overall build quality of this model feels as good as any dashcam I’ve tried. Better still, it’s easy to plumb everything in and get it up and running. The box contains static sheets too, which provides an easy way to fix both cameras to the screens of vehicles, without the need to stick the very adhesive pad directly to the glass. This makes sense for anyone wanting to move the cameras between vehicles. There’s also a tool for pushing cables behind trim elements to make the camera setup as unobtrusive as possible.

I rather like the 12V plug for this model too, which has a spare USB port next to the power cable inlet, meaning it’s possible to charge other things on the go. The cables are of a generous length, so this bundle should work with most vehicles. Usefully, 70mai has designed the rear camera with a 360-degree lens, meaning you can turn it to point into the cockpit of the car for surveillance duties when needed. The front lens is not as flexible but rotates enough so that it’s easy to tweak depending on the angle of the windshield.

70mai Dash Cam A510: Performance

I like having the benefit of a front and rear camera in the car, which is one of the 70mai Dash Cam A510’s main strengths. The dual recording capability gives a live view out the front and out the back, all on the same screen, which is handy, but it’s not really a big enough to pick out any details.

Therefore, while the screen on the back of the main camera is decent enough, reviewing of any recorded content was best done on either my phone, via the impressive 70mai app, or my laptop. The specification means that there’s a good level of data included on all the footage, with date, time, speed and coordinates all being displayed along the foot of the video content in easy-to-read white lettering.

I do think the 70mai Dash Cam A510 struggles a little bit when it’s faced with sudden changes in lighting conditions. The transition from darker, cloudy skies to sudden blocks of clear blue sky and sunshine sees the lens struggling to correct itself. This isn’t bad enough to put me off the 70mai Dash Cam A510 though as the lens soon gets back up to speed and carries on providing otherwise consistent results.

Meanwhile, the 70mai Dash Cam A510 coped with low-light and after-dark conditions admirably. 70mai says it has incorporated its so-called Night Owl Vision algorithm into this model and I’m certainly impressed by the way it copes with nighttime lighting, especially under streetlights. These can often prove problematic with dashcams, but the 70mai Dash Cam A510 handles this scenario just fine.

Previewing footage on my laptop, I think the 70mai Dash Cam A510 also captures all those vital details needed in case of an incident, so license plates and road signs are all clearly displayed. The color balance and general quality are very good too, with nothing outside of the lens glare issues mentioned above to be worried about. It’s a solid performer, that’s for sure.

Should you buy the 70mai Dash Cam A510 dash cam?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How I tested the 70mai Dash Cam A510 dash cam

• I installed the dash cam into my own car
• I used it for several journeys during both day and night
• I connected it to my phone and downloaded recordings for appraisal

I spent time with the 70mai Dash Cam A510 installed in an SUV, which meant I had plenty of screen space in order to get it installed. However, the design is also sufficiently compact enough to work in vehicles with less glass area to play with. 

I tried the  dashcam bundle over a period of time, across a range of driving scenarios, and in all sorts of weather conditions. Once installed, I found it to be very low-maintenance and enjoyed having the benefit of a chime on startup, just to know that it was functioning as expected.

• First reviewed July 2024

Miofive S1: two-minute review

If you’re in the market for a new dash cam and want 4K video on a two-digit budget, the Miofive S1 is for you. In a world where budget 4K options frequently fail to deliver, this dash cam produces surprisingly good results, with great sharpness, decent color reproduction and very little grainy noise, even at night.

Pair the S1’s video quality with good hardware, a nice design and a 3in screen, and you’re onto a winner. There’s even GPS for adding speed information to your recordings, plus 5GHz Wi-Fi makes for speedy video transfers between the camera and your smartphone, via the Miofive app.

This dash cam is easy to install, set up and use. It’s also discreetly designed and even has a handful of AI-powered functions that some buyers might find useful (or can easily be disabled). I wish the windscreen mount were of higher quality, but this is a small criticism of what is otherwise an excellent 4K dash cam at a great price.

Miofive S1: Design

For a dash cam with a 3in display, the Miofive S1 is impressively compact. It also has a textured finish around its outside edges, and the panel housing the protruding camera lens is reminiscent of carbon fiber. This might not appeal to everyone, but I think it adds a nice bit of contrast that makes the hardware look and feel more premium than the price tag suggests.

There’s a prominent power button on the top edge of the dash cam, and four more buttons to the right of the screen that are used to navigate the menu system, since the display is not touch sensitive. Lastly, the left side is home to a microSD card slot (no card is included in the box, however), and a port for connecting an optional rear camera.

A windscreen mount is included in the box. This slides into a cold shoe-style connection on the top of the device, then slides onto a mounting plate, which sticks to the screen with an adhesive pad. Miofive includes a pair of windscreen stickers in the box, which make it easy to remove the dash cam mount if you change cars or no longer want it installed. The windscreen mount works fairly well and offers a good amount of vertical and horizontal adjustability, but isn’t of the highest quality, with some sharp edges to the plastic components.

Another small criticism I have is with how the horizontal adjustment of the windscreen mount cannot be locked into place. The vertical adjustment can, thanks to an integrated screw that can be tightened to stop the camera moving up or down, but it’s free to move left or right. This tends not to happen while driving, but could potentially be knocked out of place.

The S1 is powered via a USB-C cable and 12V plug adaptor. These are both included in the box, along with a much shorter USB-C to USB-A cable for transferring recordings to your computer. Alternatively, footage can be sent via 5GHz Wi-Fi to the Miofive smartphone app. Each one-minute, circa-250 MB file takes around 20 to 30 seconds to transfer to the phone.

Installing the Miofive S1 is nice and easy. Simply attach the windscreen mount to the camera, then apply one of the windscreen stickers to your car and stick the mount to that using the integrated adhesive pad. You can use the live view function of the smartphone app to make sure the camera has the right view before sticking it into place. 

Miofive S1: Performance

All too often, budget 4K dash cams struggle to live up to their high-resolution promise. Not so, the Miofive S1. I was mightily impressed with the video quality, which packed plenty of detail and none of the grainy noise low-priced dash cams often suffer with.

If you don’t want to record in 4K, the options of 2K (2560 x 1440) and Full HD (1920 x 1080) are also available, but all three shoot at 30 frames per second. I’d liked to have seen a 60 or even 120 fps option for the lower resolutions, as the smoother video this creates can sometimes look better than 4K shot at a lower frame rate. Unfortunately the Miofive S1 doesn’t support this, so you’re best sticking at 4K and buying a large-capacity microSD card, since each one-minute segment of video weighs in at about 250 MB.

All that said, 4K with HDR at 30 fps is still smooth enough for this use case, and there’s lots of detail in every recording. Key bits of potential evidence like vehicle registration plates, traffic lights and street signs are all clear and legible. Colors are a little flat, especially on overcast days, and the S1 lacks the high-quality sparkle of pricier systems, like the Nextbase iQ and Viofo A229 Pro, but for dash cam recordings this isn’t really a problem, especially when you consider the price of the Miofive. Similarly, the 140-degree lens isn’t as wide as some rivals, but it still did an acceptable job of recording the full width of my car.

For well under £100 (and under $100, too, at the time of writing), this really is a very good dash cam. It’s quick and easy to set up, and while the app asks you to create an account this isn’t actually necessary. You can set up the dash cam, connect it to your smartphone, download and install the latest firmware, then tweak its settings and transfer video files, all without going through the effort of making an account first. For that alone, Miofive should be applauded.

Like other dash cams, the S1 starts recording right after you switch on the vehicle ignition. It then saves footage as files that are each one minute long, until the memory card is full. The files are then gradually overwritten, starting with the oldest first. If it detects a collision, the footage recorded at that moment is saved to a separate, secure folder that is not overwritten.

The camera automatically overlays footage with the time and date, as well as the vehicle speed (calculated using the dash cam’s integrated GPS antenna), and the local timezone. The display is a bit cluttered during recording, but it switches off after about a minute and is no longer a distraction. Handily, a little voice message plays when the screen goes off, stating how the dash cam “continues to serve”. It’s a strange bit of translation, but a handy way of reassuring the driver that it's still recording.

Other features include a parking mode that springs into life when a collision is detected while the car is switched off, but this requires the hardwiring cable sold separately.

Nighttime footage is less sharp, but still impressive for a dash cam at this price point. There’s a good amount of light after sunset and very little grain. Vehicles, road markings and pedestrians are easy to spot, but registration plates are tricky to read.

Lastly, the Miofive S1 has a set of so-called AI features. While I doubt many owners will care for the “fatigue driver alarm” or “harsh driving alert”, the “stop and go reminder” can be useful. It issues a discreet beep if the traffic ahead has started moving and you’re not paying attention. I found the default collision sensitivity to be slightly too sensitive – it was occasionally triggered when driving over a pothole – but through the app it’s easy to turn this down.

Should you buy the Miofive S1 dash cam?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How I tested the Miofive S1 dash cam

• I installed the dash cam into my own car
• I used it for several journeys during both day and night
• I connected it to my phone and downloaded recordings for appraisal

I installed the Miofive S1 in my own car, set it up via the smartphone app and used it for several journeys. I made sure to record footage during the day and night to see how the camera performs in different lighting conditions, and tweaked the settings – like collision sensitivity and the AI functions – to see what difference they made to the ownership experience. I then transferred footage to both my smartphone and computer for a closer look.

• First reviewed June 2024

We think the Nextbase iQ is the best dash cam you can buy 2024 and it just got better thanks to a major firmware update, available to Nextbase 'Protect' and 'Protect Plus' subscribers. 

The 'smart' dash cam was launched in late 2023 with new, never-before-seen features. Unfortunately, many of those features, including Guardian Mode and Pico Voice, would only be added later down the line – that time has finally come.

Labelled a 'smart' dash cam, the Nextbase iQ is one of the priciest dash cams on the market, but its appeal is clear – unlike most dash cams it has a 4G connection and can be updated with new features, thus future-proofing the device and further extending its capabilities. 

In addition to the three new features below, Nextbase has also launched a new Rear Camera specifically for the iQ, equipped with 2.7K video (1440p) and a 140-degree field of view, complete with iQ-matching design. At the time of writing, we only have the UK launch price of the iQ's Rear Camera, which is £149 (around $190 / AU$290).

At launch, the iQ felt like a revolutionary product in what has otherwise recently been a fairly stagnant dash cam market. However, its hardware, though impressive, was nothing to write home about, and there was no guarantee that its exciting future features would ever materialize.

Now Nextbase has come good on its word by adding three new features, as well as a new Rear Camera to round off what is a now-complete hardware package: a Nextbase iQ with new Rear Camera can cover a total of 450-degrees when you take into account the cabin camera built into the iQ.

Those new iQ features are Guardian Mode, Pico Voice and Enhanced Smart Sense Parking.

Users can remotely set personalized restrictions and get updates using Guardian Mode. For example, should your vehicle be used by a friend or family member, or left with a mechanic or valet, Guardian Mode can monitor speed and heavy braking, plus set location boundaries. 

Pico Voice – previously Push to Talk – is a smart assistant feature, allowing you to ask the Nextbase iQ to get directions, find parking, play music, place calls, check the weather and so on, as well as control smart home devices, all while you keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. Voice commands are processed locally on the device, while video is stored encrypted on the cloud.

Finally, Enhanced Smart Sense Parking enables users to toggle on or off remote alerts initiated by Nextbase’s proprietary radar-based Spatial-awareness technology. These notifications, which alert the user to threats breaching a certain radius around the vehicle, are especially helpful as they allow the user to monitor, engage and even take proactive measures to deal with an incident before it happens.

As one of the only dash cams to include a 4G connection, the Nextbase iQ can offer remote features such as auto uploads to the cloud should you suffer an incident, plus the new Guardian Mode feature.

The downside is that to make the most of the iQ you'll need a monthly subscription plan – indeed, the new features are only available to ‘Protect’ and ‘Protect Plus’ subscribers.

However, you're rarely thinking clearly in the aftermath of an incident, and a smart dash cam like the iQ that does the hard work for you with remote uploads and control, could prove invaluable. The fact that new features are being added only strengthens its appeal, if you can get past the ongoing costs.

You might also like

• I wish I’d had the Nextbase iQ Smart Dash Cam when my car got totalled – here’s why
• Nextbase iQ Smart Dash Cam review: the best add-on car security solution yet
• The best dash cam 2024: finest car cameras for every budget

Two-minute review

If you’re looking for a dash cam that can do a little bit of everything, the Rove R3 Dash Cam is well worth investigating. Even some of the best dash cams on the market don’t always come with all the features and functionality needed for comprehensive protection. The  Rove R3 Dash Cam carries an impressive specification, with a 3-channel touchscreen dash cam being the core component.

However, armed with cabin and rear cameras too, it delivers a comprehensive range of video coverage, including 1440p video capture out the front, 1080p footage in the cabin, and 1080p out the back. There’s voice guidance, built-in GPS and 5GHz Wi-Fi, plus a very practical parking mode feature for keeping tabs on things when you’re not in your vehicle.

Rove makes a big deal about this model being powered by a Super Capacitor, which is mentioned quite a lot in the promotional blurb. In other words, the dash cam opts to use one of these over a lithium-ion battery. 

It makes no difference in the grand scheme of things if you’ve got the camera connected by default anyway. Having said that, Rove reckons this makes it more useful to folks who might encounter extreme temperatures ranging from -4°F (-20°C) to +158°F (+70°C). Extreme adventurers take note.

Rove R3 Dash Cam: design

The Rove R3 Dash Cam arrives in a box that flips up to reveal just about everything you need from a complete solution dash cam package. The artwork looks like it was designed using a home desktop publishing package and is quite chaotic in places, but, looking past that, the initial impressions made me keen to get the Rove R3 Dash Cam set up.

Full marks should go to Rove for providing a comprehensive, full-color manual that outlines all the steps for getting set up and how to use video once it's been recorded. There’s a supplementary app for both iOS and Android too. it's possible to use everything without calling on it if you’re not fussed, but it does enhance the overall user experience if you do.

Also inside the box are the main camera, a smaller rear camera, a 4.8 AMP dual charger plug, a suction mount, a wire trim tool, a 2.5ft USB Type-C data cable, a lengthy rear camera cable, a 12ft USB Type-C power cable, cable hiding clips, electrostatic films, a wet cleaning pad, and spare 3M adhesive stickers.

The build quality of all the components feels as good as that found on any of the other best dash cams. I like the robust feel of the main camera and the 3-inch screen is big enough to touch even if you’ve got chunky fingers. The design is also nicely laid out: I quickly knew where all the cables needed to go as they’re marked up logically. All I needed to do was pop in a microSD card and start plumbing it all in.

• The Rove R3 is available on Amazon US for $399 though look out for discounts – it's currently $259

Considering the Rove R3 Dash Cam is a complete solution package, there’s inevitably time to be spent sticking the cameras on the front and rear screens. I made use of the electrostatic sheets, which saves getting your screen covered in gum from the adhesive if I have to take it off again. The wiring, especially for the rear, takes further time to push in around the headliner, but I found the included tool made fairly light work of that. It all plugs in easily enough, though.

I especially like the way you can mount the main camera as it is, straight to your screen. Alternatively, there's the option to use the mount, which means it can be more easily positioned if any adjustment is needed. I got lucky the first time with my screen-mounted route, but either option works well depending on your requirements. Usefully, the lens in the main camera can also be twisted in a circular motion, so the view of the road can be adjusted easily.

Rove R3 Dash Cam: Performance

Setup took me about 30 minutes all told, which is reasonable. I then powered up, which happens automatically if you’re plugged in, and had to pick through a few options to configure the camera.

It involves common tasks, such as formatting the memory card (which was included in my test example but isn't normally), setting the date and time, choosing a time zone and carrying out any customization options. I plugged the dash cam into my 12V electrical socket, though you can buy a hardwire kit if you’re looking for a permanent installation. 

There’s a small button on the side of the camera to manually power up, but, once installation is complete and it has power, the Rove R3 Dash Cam engages its video recording mode automatically.

Conversely, the Rove R3 Dash Cam will stop recording if you power down your ignition (or unplug it) within 1 to 2 seconds. It will save the last video being recorded, so there’s no fear of losing any footage. I felt happy to use the camera in its default setup and settings arrangement, but dipping into the menus lets you easily tweak most aspects of the functionality.

• You can buy the Rove R3 from Amazon

Perhaps my favorite aspect of the Rove R3 Dash Cam is the three-channel coverage thanks to having a front camera, a rear-facing one, and the lens built into the main unit that covers the cabin area. Adding to the appeal is the built-in GPS Geotagging (incorporated into the mounting point of the main camera), which means the footage always has live speed and location data as part of the capture process. Getting footage off the cameras was easy too, with dual-band Wi-Fi (5GHz and 2.4HGz) straight to the app proving handy.

I removed the card and reviewed the footage on the larger screen of my laptop, with crisp and clear results returned by all three cameras. The 150-degree view provided by the f1.4 front lens, which uses a 5-megapixel OmniVision OSO5A10 CMOS sensor is solid and more than usable for picking out the definition on number plates and the like. The cabin and rear cameras feature f1.8 a 140-degree field of view with 2-megapixel Sony Starvis IMX307 sensors on board.

Overall, after-dark footage was impressive, with, again, plenty of definition coming from all three cameras. The Rove R3 Dash Cam seems to react well to changes in light too, even inside the cabin as I moved past street lights, which can frequently make footage look less than brilliant. The G-Sensor tech, which works for the parking monitor, only engages if it’s hardwired, so I didn’t get the chance to try this. Aside from checking the sensitivity though, I see no reason to doubt the quality of the footage it captures.

The screen on the back of the camera is a little busy, with a host of function icons along the top and the different camera views under that, but, as with most dash cams, I find everything works best if I keep tabs on footage via the app or on my laptop. The screen is perfectly serviceable for carrying out tweaks to any of the settings, though.

Should you buy the Rove R3 Dash Cam?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How I tested the Rove R3 Dash Cam

• I used it every day over several weeks
• I used it on a wide range of journeys
• I recorded video for extended periods

After installing it in my car, I put the Rove R3 Dash Cam through its paces over the span of two weeks, leaving it in situ for the whole test period. During that time, I used my car for a variety of journeys, from shorter commutes to longer runs. As well as using all the features and functions found within the camera, I also experimented with the app and downloaded footage to my laptop for closer inspection. The only feature I didn’t experience was the motion-sensing option, which only works if the Rove R3 Dash Cam is hardwired into a vehicle.

• First reviewed March 2024

Two-minute review

With a range of more than ten dash cams, Thinkware is no stranger to the market. In 2018, it launched the F70, a product that remains its most basic offering. The lack of mobile connectivity and built-in Wi-Fi made it difficult for users to interact with it in ways that are now expected. Thinkware has addressed these issues in a newer 'pro' version with more features and better interactivity; the F70 Pro. 

Landing in 2023, the F70 Pro covers all the basics very well. In terms of the design, you'll be hard pushed to find a smaller dash cam. It sits neatly behind the rear view mirror. The downside of its size is that it doesn't have a screen for viewing the footage. To do that, you'll either have to connect it to your smartphone using the Thinkware app or put the microSD card into your computer.

Video can be recorded at 1080p and 30 fps, meaning there's little to no possibility of zooming in or slowing down the footage for closer inspection. Considering this is a budget dash cam, there is no reason to expect higher resolution or slow motion modes. If you're after a higher specification, then our best dash cams guide is worth a look.

But don't write the F70 Pro off just yet – it's a dash cam with advanced features, including an Advanced Parking Surveillance Mode. When hardwired or using the OBD II connector, it is possible to record while your car is turned off. The device monitors and captures motion and impact with an extra 10 seconds of footage captured before and after the incident.

As well as a Parking Mode, the F70 Pro also boasts night vision, safety camera alerts and a high temperature protection system. For only £119.00 / $99.99 it's amazing the number of premium features that are included. If you're happy with HD resolution and a slightly lower video quality then the F70 Pro is an excellent choice.

Unlike the F70, the F70 Pro can connect to the Thinkware dash cam app. This is available on both iOS and Android and enables users to view a live stream of what the camera is seeing as well as review existing footage on the microSD card. The app itself is extremely easy to navigate and contains all the camera settings. 

There is no shortage of alternative options for 1080p dash cams. For the same price, there is the Garmin Mini 2 or if you have a little bit more money to spare and want a rear camera too, then the Nexar Pro is a great choice.

Thinkware F70 Pro Dash Cam: design

The F70 Pro is extremely easy to set up. Everything that is required is included in a single small box – even a 32GB microSD card is included, so you don't have to buy one of those separately. The card clicks in and out and is easy to access. The windshield mount attaches to the windscreen with an adhesive panel that is strong and reliable.

The dash cam slides into the mount with no trouble at all, although sliding it back out is a bit more of a pain. I used a 12V power cable, and once I had connected that, I was ready to connect it to the app.

The build quality of the F70 Pro is as you'd expect for a budget device. The plastic construction is strong enough to withstand any knocks it'll encounter and is also very lightweight. The cylinder design with well-engineered buttons at both ends makes for a very attractive, compact case. Thinkware has made good use of the slim design, opting to put the power cable port at the top and the microSD port at the bottom.

The dash cam can rotate up and down to capture either more of the immediate road in front or into the distance. The hinge moves freely but is strong enough to stay where it is left.

The windshield mount is equally small, although the pad is strong enough to keep the dash cam exactly where it needs to be. The device can slide out of the mount, but I found this to be too stiff and put me at risk of damaging either the dash cam or the mount.

The additional hardware kit opens up a couple more features, including a Parking Surveillance Mode and a Time Lapse Parking Mode. I wasn't able to test either of these, as they require hardwiring the unit or using the OBD II Connector. The Parking Mode includes everything a user would need, including motion and impact detection. It records for 10 seconds before and after an incident to give you that extra bit of evidence should you need it.

The dash cam also comes with what it calls Night Vision, but sadly it's only available during the Parking Mode. It would be ideal to have this feature during all nighttime driving, but it's limited to this one mode. It helps to ensure license plates and road signs are appropriately visible.

The F70 Pro doesn't have GPS built in, but this can be activated when connected to your smartphone, or you can purchase and use the Thinkware GPS antenna.

Thinkware F70 Pro Dash Cam: performance

The F70 Pro boasts a 2.1 MP CMOS Image Sensor that is capable of capturing Full HD (1920 x 1080 px). The reduced quality of this sensor is very much in line with the budget price of the unit and only delivers great results in the best lighting conditions. 

Users who do a lot of daytime driving will be more than pleased with the output, with the camera able to capture all the important details, including the number plates of other drivers. 

The Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) mode captures more color and detail and is particularly helpful on those bright days when a small sensor such as the 2.1MP CMOS type employed here is in danger of blowing out highlights.

My results during nighttime recording were a lot more sketchy. The sensor really starts to struggle, something that would be improved with the Super Night Vision feature, but alas, this is only available during Parking Mode.

Footage is captured at 30 fps, which is perfect for real-time playback but lacks the frames to slow the footage down afterwards. There are situations where things happen too quickly for the camera to adequately record what happens, so a greater number of frames per second helps to capture more pictures during the course of any incident.

For better results, especially in more challenging light, go for a dash cam with a Sony Starvis 2 sensor or with 4K recording capabilities. This will help to increase detail and picture quality, an essential requirement when needing to provide evidence of a crash.

The inclusion of a 140 degree wide angle lens helps to capture a greater range of vision not only in front of the car but off to the sides as well. This comes into its own when incidents occur at the sides of the car and would simply not be visible with a dash cam that has a smaller field of view.

Unfortunately, there is no ability to capture footage beyond 140 degrees. With an increasing number of dash cams able to record around 360 degrees thanks to dual cameras (or in the case of the 70mai Omni – a single rotating camera), the lack of this really does show that this is a budget dash cam that id best for first-time buyers. 

Should you buy the Thinkware F70 Pro?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How I tested the Thinkware F70 Pro

• I used it for my daily commute
• I used it during different lighting conditions
• I recorded video for extended periods

I used the Thinkware F70 Pro Dash Cam in my car and enjoyed testing out its range of features on a number of different journeys. I was able to test the picture quality in a variety of different lighting and weather conditions, including daytime and nighttime.

I connected the dash cam to my smartphone and tested out all of the Thinkware app's features, including the live view and the gallery of previously recorded footage. I didn't test the parking surveillance mode due to not hard-wiring this device with the additional hardware kit. 

After transferring the files onto my Mac I was able to properly inspect the quality of the video and see how it compared to other dash cams.

• First reviewed March 2024

Two-minute review

Owning a sports car with a small windscreen area means that some of the best dash cams are a little too intrusive for my needs. That’s why the arrival of the Viofo VS1 Tiny Dash Cam is ideal; it’s one of the smaller models on the market. It offers a compact footprint using the sticky pad on your screen, and takes less space in the cabin thanks to its dinky dimensions. I’d say it’s about half the size of a comparable standard dash cam, making it perfect for smaller cars or those working with a limited glass area.

Better still, there’s very little to figure out with the Viofo VS1 Tiny Dash Cam, since it features a limited number of buttons and ports on its exterior. These include a one-touch button on the back of the unit for capturing and storing a chunk of footage manually, and a microphone button that can also be given a long press during setup to format the memory card. This model takes the usual microSD card, with a 32GB card supplied in the box; it slots into a port on the side, while the power cable does the same. After holding down the button, there's an audio notification that states the card has been formatted, while a red LED on the unit indicates that the dash cam is functioning correctly.

Getting the Viofo VS1 Tiny Dash Cam into position proved easy enough, with the option to stick it onto your screen using a 3M self-adhesive pad. This can also be attached to a static sheet, also supplied in the box, removing the need to get gum from the glue directly onto your screen. A 12V connector, with a USB2 Type-C to Type-C data cable, a spare sticky mounting pad , plus a tool for pushing the wires behind interior trim are also included.

I found the Viofo VS1 Tiny Dash Cam very easy to position. The base is attached to the camera part with a moveable joint, which allows you to angle the lens to suit the different pitches found in vehicles. Get lucky, and you could get a good view of the road on your first attempt; however, you’ll need to check some test footage on the supporting app since there's no rear screen with this model. It’s not a major downside, however.

In terms of the specification, the Viofo VS1 Tiny Dash Cam features Sony Starvis 2 technology, which means you’ll capture solid footage with help from the 5.12 megapixel, 1/2.8-type image sensor. At best, this delivers 2K 1440p video recording, but I’ve found the resulting footage of excellent quality – as you can see for yourself in the video clip included within this review. Considering I tested the dash cam during those dark and dreary winter months, the end results are very usable.

Image quality is further helped by the high dynamic range of the Viofo VS1 Tiny Dash Cam, with the HDR doing a very credible job after dark. I found the voice control option on this model impressive, too, which allows you to turn on Wi-Fi functionality or start and stop recordings without you having to use your hands – an obvious boon when you’re driving. The dual 5GHz and 2.4GHz Wi-Fi is handy for moving footage off the card, and also lets you check footage on the app if you have that installed on your phone.

Considering its relatively basic specification, this model does come with 24/7 parking monitoring functionality, although you'll need to hardwire it into your vehicle for this to work. If you’re after a permanent dash cam solution in your car then this would be worth doing. Thanks to the G-sensor, the camera can detect movement in car parks, any sudden impacts, and captures time-lapse footage for good measure.

Should you buy the Viofo VS1 Tiny Dash Cam?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How I tested the Viofo VS1 Tiny Dash Cam

• I used it daily over several weeks
• I used it on a variety of journeys
• I recorded video for extended periods

I spent time using the Viofo VS1 Tiny Dash Cam over a period of weeks in the winter months, which meant that it was frequently deployed in dark and damp conditions. The supplementary app was used to check footage and tweak features and functions, while the memory card was also removed and previewed on a laptop so that I could get a closer look at captured content, which also presented the opportunity to check over the audio quality. 

The unit was not hardwired into the test vehicle for the duration of the review period, but worked perfectly well being plugged into my car’s 12V socket.

• First reviewed February 2024

Two-minute review

Although there are plenty of options when it comes to the best dash cams, not all of these products offer a complete, one-stop solution. Enter the Viofo A229 Pro Dash Cam, which is just that: a collection of three cameras in one box. If you’re looking for a dash cam bundle that can film the view out of the front of your vehicle, as well as the back, and keep tabs on the interior, this could be it.

Viofo sees this as its current flagship model, and it has every reason to be pleased with the outcome. The Viofo A229 Pro Dash Cam comes in a plush and well-presented box. The main 4K dash cam unit features 4K Sony Starvis 2 sensor technology and can capture 4K Ultra HD videos at 30fps with a 140-degree field of vision. This is supplemented by a pair of 2K Quad HD cameras, which are smaller but can still capture 30fps and feature a 160-degree viewing angle.

The all-important view out of the front of your vehicle is the star-turn here, with its 8-megapixel Sony Starvis 2, 1/1.8-inch IMX678 image sensor. However, the rear camera is no slouch either thanks to a 5-megapixel Sony Starvis 2 1/2.8-inch IMX675 image sensor, which Viofo reckons offers 2.5 times wider dynamic range in a single exposure than predecessors. 

What that means is much better-quality video in a wider variety of driving scenarios. The wider dynamic range and better sensitivity to light ensure the overall shooting quality works more efficiently across a raft of different situations.

One such situation is capturing video at night or in very low-light conditions as experienced during winter months. Both camera sensors in this package benefit from DOL-HDR technology, which helps to boost the quality of after-dark capture. This becomes even more useful when it comes to the likes of capturing license plates, as well as helping you get clearer video when there are sharp variations in light, such as going through tunnels or when heavy traffic produces an endless array of glaring headlights.

Bumping up the appeal of the Viofo A229 Pro Dash Cam still further is the voice-control feature, which lets you easily control the video and audio recording, Wi-Fi connectivity, and other basic commands with hands-free simplicity. Also handy on this front is the way the unit lets you know of any memory card errors without you needing to avert your eyes from the road to find out for yourself.

For everyday practicality, there's also 5GHz connectivity, which means the Wi-Fi setup is much more efficient than the included 2.4GHz band. It’s just a quicker way of moving video from the camera to other sources, such as cloud storage, web space, or your computer. If your laptop isn’t to hand, you can check over videos on your phone. The Viofo app is worth having for this purpose as it offers smoother and more convenient file handling.

As this is a pro-type solution, you get the bonus of an intelligent parking mode feature too, which requires you to hardwire the dash cam into your car. Once that's done, you’ll be able to enjoy the benefit of round-the-clock coverage, with the main point being it’ll capture video if someone damages your car while it’s parked up. 

Parking mode is engaged automatically when the car’s ignition is turned off and you can manage settings from the Viofo app. For peace of mind, there’s a low-voltage function built in so your car battery will never be run down by the camera unit.

Another plus with the Viofo A229 Pro Dash Cam is its G-sensor functionality, which is the brains of the unit. It can detect any movement to your vehicle and trigger the capture of a 45-second video before an event and a 30-second video after anything happens, so you’ve got a complete record of any notable events that need to be documented. A GPS logger function will also capture vital details, including location, speed, and time, meaning you’ve always got an overview of every scenario.

Look out for the time-lapse recording mode, which captures condensed chunks of footage at 1/2/3/5/10fps minus any audio. This is handy if you’re keen to document an important or interesting journey without having mountains of footage to sift through at the end of it. Naturally, the Viofo A229 Pro Dash Cam will capture video in a loop-based setup with the added benefit of the G-sensor tech locking any video that it deems important, such as when a bang or jolt occurs in your vehicle.

When it comes to installing and setting up the Viofo A229 Pro Dash Cam, the process is thankfully very straightforward. You can, of course, get the unit hardwired into your car if you prefer a more permanent arrangement, but this model can simply be plugged into a 12V power socket in your vehicle and works from the off.

I was really pleased with just how easy this model was to configure. Viofo also includes a microSD card, which just needs to be formatted before use, but the camera does all of that for you during setup. Granted, there’s quite a lot of wiring to tuck away if you’re hooking up the internal and rear-facing cameras, but there’s an included plastic tool for helping you get it under trim panels and such. Once all that is done, this is very much a plug-and-play dash cam package, with the 2.4-inch HD screen offering up a great view of controls and the road ahead.

The design of the camera units is clever too, with a neat pivoting motion on both the main unit and the supplementary cams allowing you to get their viewing angle just right. This even worked on a sports car I was driving with a very angled windshield, which means the Viofo A229 Pro dash should work in most vehicles. Everyday use is just as impressive, which, as you’ll see from the footage displayed on this page, works well even if you’re driving in mid-winter conditions that are sub-optimal, to say the least.

Should you buy the Viofo A229 Pro Dash Cam?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How I tested the Viofo A229 Pro Dash Cam

• I used it frequently over the course of one week
• I used it on a variety of journeys
• I recorded video for extended periods

The great thing about the Viofo A229 Pro Dash Cam is that it can be used by anyone without any installation skills. I chose to plug it into the 12V socket in my car, using the supplied cable while evaluating the on-screen controls and the app options.

Video footage was recorded on a variety of journeys from short commutes to longer treks. Road conditions and surfaces were also used to compare footage for things like clarity, resolution, and overall quality. Testing in the latter half of the year also means the Viofo A229 Pro Dash Cam was evaluated for the way it handled different light conditions, including dark mornings and inclement weather.

Performance was also evaluated over longer periods of recording time, to ensure the Viofo A229 Pro Dash Cam was happy with being on for protracted periods without overheating or malfunctioning.

• First reviewed December 2023

Two-minute review

70mai is one of the leading manufacturers of dash cams and its newly launched A810 is a credit to an already impressive lineup that also includes the 360-degree Omni dash cam. The 4K front-facing camera can deliver excellent results in all lighting conditions and the added HDR technology gives it a great boost when shooting in intense light or at night.  

The secondary camera is only 1080p resolution and comes as a separate piece of hardware in the set. As great as it is to have a second camera for recording the vehicle cab, the quality of that video is inferior to its front-facing big brother. Colors aren't as vibrant and it struggles in tricky lighting conditions. The additional camera also means an increase in trailing cables as the unit has to be connected to the main device. 

The A810 contains a range of extra surveillance features including night vision, parking mode, and GPS tracking. All of these make it a great option for security-minded drivers. 

The dash cam market includes a range of similar 4K options, as well as other cameras that offer additional features. Check out our best dash cams guide if you're looking for other possibilities.

The app makes it easy to control the dash cam via your phone, as well as view and download your media. However, it’s a shame that when you connect the app, you instantly lose the ability to control the dash cam from the device itself. 

The Nextbase 622GW and the Vantrue E1 are both great 4K dash cam alternatives, but if you don't need that level of resolution or want something a bit more minimal and trendy, 70mai’s Omni dash cam is a cracking option. This smaller device has all the features of the A810, minus 4K resolution and dual video recording. 

The A810 build quality is pretty modest, with all the body parts being plastic. This results in a noticeably lightweight unit but, at the same time, doesn’t feel particularly robust. The device is also not particularly attractive or modern in terms of design. However, all the ports are contained on one side of the device, which is a good implementation for ensuring a tidy setup.

The 3-inch screen has a resolution of 640 x 360. This display is flush with the outer casing, which made me a little nervous about damaging it during installation and moving it in and out of my car. A small lip around the screen would more adequately protect the screen from an unexpected drop or impact. 

The camera can be rotated 90 degrees around the vertical orientation but this is manually operated. Rotating it felt a little like forcing the camera in ways that it didn’t feel natural to be moved. I was concerned about how the hinge would cope with the regular movement, but it held up under all my tests. 

One of the most important features of any dash cam is video quality. There's no use having all the additional surveillance features in the device if what it captures isn’t of a high enough quality to ‘see’ what's happening in the shot.

The video quality of the front-facing camera is excellent across its two resolutions, 3840 x 2160 and 1920 x 1080, with the latter available at both 30fps and 60fps. The picture is crisp, with bold and vibrant colors throughout. The quality of the 4K is particularly helpful for enabling users to zoom in on the footage - something that's essential for identifying number plates. 

The backup camera doesn’t, in any way, match the quality of the primary camera. That's to be expected, but I think the 1080p rear-facing camera struggles to replicate colors accurately and produces a pretty average picture. The HDR capability rescues it in some regard, as it's still able to adequately cope with the light and dark ends of the color spectrum. 

The standout feature of the A810 is its 4K video resolution at 30fps. This video quality is down to the built-in Sony Starvis 2 IMX678 Core Chip. The resolution puts it squarely alongside Nextbase 622GW and the Vantrue E1 – 4K recording is by no means universal across dash cams, making the A810 one of a limited set of options if 4K is essential to you.

The Sony chip benefits from the technology around it that captures the light. The lens is wide angle, boasting a 150-degree field of view – perfect for capturing a broad view in front of the car – and has seven layers for capturing the light being transmitted in ultra-high definition. Alongside IR functionality and a large f1.8 aperture, it can deliver great results even at night. 

The lens can be manually rotated around 90 degrees in a vertical orientation but by no means boasts the abilities of the 70mai Omni, which allows 360° horizontal rotation and can even be controlled via the app.

As well as the 4K front-facing camera, this dash cam set comes with a backup camera, making it possible to record the road and the vehicle cab for an almost 360-degree surveillance setup. This second camera, capable of recording at 1080p, is a separate piece of kit and can be installed or removed as you see fit.

The HDR capabilities and night vision technology enable the A810 to deliver great results in low-light conditions, such as driving at dusk or night. This is made possible by the highly sensitive image sensor and wide dynamic range. This comes at a cost with visible noise in darker areas, but that is rarely a problem for security-sensitive drivers.  

The built-in GPS means that every route can be logged and tracked. This is ideal for providing evidence of your vehicle’s location for legal or insurance purposes. 

The additional hardware kit opens up a couple more features, including time-lapse recording and smart parking guardian mode. The time-lapse feature is pretty self-explanatory but, in essence, makes it possible to capture long periods in smaller files. This has the downside that periods between the capture start and end times might not be captured and, therefore, important events might get missed.

The smart parking guardian mode tracks impact and motion around your vehicle. This requires the hardware kit because it needs a constant power supply to function. The additional snapshot functionality helps to capture specific incidents when you’re not with your car.  

The device is easy to set up right out of the box. The box includes the windscreen mount, as well as the cables required for power and the secondary camera. I plugged this into my car's USB-A port, so I didn't check the setup process for the hardware kit. 

The mount has a well-engineered, sticky backing strip that's easily removed and placed on the windscreen. This mount locks securely into the dash cam and provides a very satisfying click when it’s in place. 

The dash cam takes MicroSD for its storage capacity, but you won’t find one of those in the box. Make sure you purchase this alongside the dash cam, otherwise, you’ll be disappointed that you can’t get your camera up and running straight away.

All of 70mai’s previous dash cams had app functionality, and the A810 is no different. The 70mai app is available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store for wide-ranging accessibility.

The app was straightforward to download, and connecting it to the dash cam was no trouble at all. The app lets you control the dash cam, as well as view and download recordings. 

I did find it frustrating that when the app is connected it automatically locks the functionality of the dash cam buttons. A two-way setup would make for a far superior experience. I see no need to limit user interaction to either the app or the device. 

Should you buy the 70mai A810?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How I tested the 70mai A810

• I used it regularly across a number of journeys
• I used it during the daytime and at night
• I recorded video for extended periods

I used the 70mai 4K A810 HDR Dash Cam during the winter and so was able to test almost every type of weather condition that the British climate can offer. I also recorded footage during a variety of different lighting conditions, including the most extreme light and dark scenarios.

I made good use of both the device and the associated app, controlling its features through both avenues. 

I was unable to test the parking surveillance mode or the time-lapse feature due to not hard-wiring this device with the additional hardware kit. 

• First reviewed December 2023