There’s only one thing a car dash camera truly needs to excel at: capturing crystal-clear footage of everything that unfolds on the road. Our extensive testing and reviews have confirmed that every car dash camera we recommend below does precisely that. Many also come equipped with extra features like GPS tracking and parking surveillance. Whether these additional functionalities are necessary for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. That’s why we’ve organized our guide based on different driving scenarios and requirements.
After rigorously testing a wide array of Car Dash Cameras in real-world driving conditions, the Nextbase iQ stands out as the model we’d choose for our own vehicles. It offers a comprehensive in-car recording solution, packed with intelligent connected features. However, it might be more advanced than what some users require. If you’re seeking an affordable yet dependable car dash camera, we recommend the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3.
Our team of experts has dedicated countless hours behind the wheel, thoroughly evaluating a diverse range of car dash cameras. We subject each model to numerous real-world scenarios, from initial setup to challenging nighttime driving conditions. Our curated list is based on the findings of these in-depth reviews, which are summarized for you below.
Written by
Written by Timothy Coleman
Tim Coleman is TechRadar’s Cameras Editor, bringing over 15 years of experience in the photo and video industry as both a freelance photographer and tech journalist. Throughout his career, Tim has rigorously tested a vast array of photography equipment, including many of the best car dash cameras available. From navigating roads in the UK to the bustling streets of Nairobi, Tim has extensive on-road experience, giving him a deep understanding of what truly makes a car dash camera effective. Tim points out, “Many car dash cameras on this list boast advanced features like GPS, surveillance, and driver assistance modes. If these features aren’t essential for you, opting for a simpler model can save you money.”
Top 3 Car Dash Camera Picks
For a quick guide to the best car dash cameras for every driver, our brief overview below highlights the top options for various budgets. If you find a car dash camera that meets your needs, use the provided links to navigate to our detailed reviews.
Nextbase iQ Smart Dash Cam: Best Smart Car Dash Camera
Best Smart Car Dash Camera
If you’re willing to invest in a subscription, the Nextbase iQ is a feature-rich 4K car dash camera that is both intelligent and user-friendly.
Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3: Best Budget Car Dash Camera
Best Budget Car Dash Camera
Garmin’s compact car dash camera receives a subtle upgrade, featuring a landscape design and polarizing filter, complementing its Full HD footage with HDR.
Nextbase 622GW: Best All-Rounder Car Dash Camera
Best All-Rounder Car Dash Camera
Offering impressive 4K video quality and a comprehensive feature set, the Nextbase 622GW is a strong all-around choice for most drivers.
Best Car Dash Cameras by Use-Case
Miofive S1: Best Cheap 4K Car Dash Camera
Best Cheap 4K Car Dash Camera
Priced comfortably under $100 / £100, the Miofive S1 is arguably the best value car dash camera currently available, offering 4K video and integrated GPS.
70mai Dash Cam Omni: Best 360 Car Dash Camera
Best 360-Degree Car Dash Camera
This unique 360 car dash camera provides an omnidirectional view, perfect for capturing both your drives and in-car moments.
Garmin DriveCam 76: Best Car Dash Camera for Older Vehicles
Best Car Dash Camera for Analog Vehicles
Combining a car dash camera and a sat nav, the Garmin DriveCam 76 is a feature-rich solution for vehicles lacking a modern infotainment system.
The Best Car Dash Cameras in 2024: Detailed Reviews
Why Trust TechRadar? We dedicate hours to testing each product and service we review, ensuring you receive reliable buying advice. Learn more about our testing process.
Below, you’ll find comprehensive reviews for each of the best car dash cameras on our list. We’ve rigorously tested each model, so you can be confident in our recommendations.
The Best Smart Car Dash Camera
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1. Nextbase iQ – The Ultimate Smart Car Dash Camera
Expert Review:
Specifications:
- Video Quality: 1080p/1440p/2160p (front) / 1080p/1440p (cabin) / 1440p (rear)
- Viewing Angle: 140 degrees (front) / 180 degrees (cabin) / 140 degrees (rear)
- GPS Tracker: Yes
- Memory: microSD / cloud
Reasons to Buy:
- Comprehensive, all-in-one solution
- Impressive smart features
- Elegant design and build quality
Reasons to Avoid:
- Feature-richness might be excessive for some
- Free subscription tier lacks full functionality
- Subscription costs add to the overall expense
Nextbase iQ Sample Footage: [Link to Sample Footage – Placeholder]
Buy it if:
- ✅ You want an all-encompassing car dash camera: The Nextbase iQ provides a complete car dash camera package with a full suite of intelligent safety and security features.
- ✅ You prioritize future-proof technology: The Nextbase iQ is designed to receive firmware updates, promising even more features in the future.
Don’t buy it if:
- ❌ You prefer a simple car dash camera: If your primary need is basic road video recording, simpler and more affordable car dash camera options are available.
- ❌ You want a subscription-free car dash camera: While basic functions are free, a subscription is required to unlock the full potential of the Nextbase iQ’s features.
The Nextbase iQ is essentially a smart surveillance system for your car, packed with more features than almost any other car dash camera. Available in 1K, 2K, and 4K resolutions, it’s a premium option loaded with connected capabilities. These include parking assistance, voice-activated Witness Mode, remote vehicle monitoring via the Nextbase iQ app, GPS, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. All models include an interior camera, with an optional rear-facing camera available. A paid subscription is necessary to fully utilize its capabilities, which can make the iQ a significant investment.
However, our testing revealed it to be remarkably effective. Setup was straightforward, and the app provides easy access to its numerous features. Video and audio quality from our 4K test unit were predictably excellent. Because it draws power directly from the car battery, it remains active even when the ignition is off. While it might be overkill for some drivers, the Nextbase iQ is the smartest, most comprehensive car dash camera available for those seeking constant vehicle monitoring.
Too expensive? Nextbase recently introduced the Piqo, a simpler and more budget-friendly alternative with lighter versions of the iQ’s smart features.
The Best Budget Car Dash Camera
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2. Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3 – Top Budget-Friendly Car Dash Camera
Expert Review:
Specifications:
- Video Quality: 1080p
- Viewing Angle: 140 degrees
- GPS Tracker: No
- Memory: MicroSD card (not included)
Reasons to Buy:
- Discreet, compact design
- High-quality video footage
- Polarizing lens included
- Simple, user-friendly interface
Reasons to Avoid:
- Minor upgrade from previous model
- No GPS functionality
- Lacks a screen display
- MicroSD card not included
Buy it if:
- ✅ You want a hidden car dash camera: Its small size allows the Mini 3 to be easily concealed behind your rearview mirror, minimizing any obstruction to your forward view.
- ✅ You prefer a straightforward setup: Garmin has prioritized simplicity in the Mini 3’s design and operation, making it a reliable, easy-to-install tool that operates quietly in the background.
Don’t buy it if:
- ❌ You already own the Dash Cam Mini 2: The polarizing filter and landscape redesign are the primary upgrades, making an upgrade unnecessary for current owners.
- ❌ You require 4K video resolution: The Mini 3 is limited to 1080p Full HD. Higher resolution video requires a more premium model.
If you are looking for a small, uncomplicated car dash camera that you can simply set up and forget, we recommend the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3. In our testing, its compact design allowed for easy concealment behind the rearview mirror, while its intuitive interface made setup and use simple. It also captured excellent Full HD video with HDR. However, these positives also apply to the Dash Cam Mini 2, and upgrading from that model isn’t really justified.
Like the Mini 2, it lacks GPS and a built-in display. Control is managed via the Garmin Drive app, which works effectively for adjusting settings and reviewing saved footage. New features include a landscape orientation and an integrated polarizing filter, intended to reduce windshield glare. While our review footage looked similar to that of the Mini 2, the Dash Cam Mini 3 remains an excellent choice if you’re buying your first car dash camera or seeking a smaller option that performs all essential functions well.
The Best All-Rounder Car Dash Camera
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3. Nextbase 622GW – The Best Overall Car Dash Camera
Expert Review:
Specifications:
- Video Quality: 4K
- Viewing Angle: 140 degrees
- GPS Tracker: Yes
- Memory: MicroSD card (not included)
Reasons to Buy:
- Exceptional image quality
- Excellent performance in poor weather
- Intuitive user interface
- Simple incident recording and storage
Reasons to Avoid:
- Rear camera requires wiring
- Relatively bulky design
- Requires a large SD card
- App can be unreliable
Buy it if:
- ✅ You want emergency services readily available: With what3words integration, the 622GW can precisely pinpoint your location and instantly share it with emergency services.
- ✅ You desire sharp, detailed video footage: Equipped with a quad-core processor and a six-layer f/1.3 lens, the 622GW captures impressively detailed 4K video.
Don’t buy it if:
- ❌ You need seamless smartphone connectivity: Connecting to a smartphone can be problematic, with Wi-Fi connection failures experienced during our tests.
- ❌ You require built-in rear recording: While some competitors offer rear-view cameras as standard at a similar price, it’s an optional accessory for the 622GW.
The Nextbase 622GW offers a compelling combination of impressive video and flagship features, making it a top contender. We found its 4K/30p footage in testing to be almost cinematic, with sharp definition and exceptional detail. Low-light performance is enhanced by algorithms, improving results in challenging conditions. Dropping to 1080p allows for 120fps slow-motion recording, making it easier to identify details like license plate numbers. We were also impressed by the built-in polarizing filter’s effectiveness in reducing windscreen glare and the digital image stabilization’s ability to minimize road vibration effects.
Our tests indicated that setup could be slightly complicated, and the 3-inch touchscreen requires deliberate swipe gestures. We also encountered difficulties connecting to smartphones for video clip transfer. Despite these minor drawbacks, we still consider the 622GW to be user-friendly overall. Its interface is intuitive, and the display is large, sharp, and clear. Footage is automatically saved upon incident detection, and the what3words integration allows the 622GW to precisely locate vehicles and transmit the location to emergency services. While the Nextbase iQ (reviewed above) is even smarter, the 622GW is a worthwhile option if you prioritize reliably capturing clear 4K video in a capable car dash camera.
The Best Cheap 4K Car Dash Camera
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4. Miofive S1 Ultra – Best Value 4K Car Dash Camera
Expert Review:
Specifications:
- Video Quality: 4K 30fps
- Viewing Angle: 140 degrees (front)
- GPS Tracker: Yes
- Memory: microSD / cloud
Reasons to Buy:
- Excellent 4K video quality with minimal noise
- Fast video transfer using 5GHz Wi-Fi
- Integrated GPS
Reasons to Avoid:
- Frame rate limited to 30fps, even at Full HD
- Windscreen mount could be improved
- AI functions feel unnecessary
Miofive S1 Ultra Sample Footage: [Link to Sample Footage – Placeholder]
Buy it if:
- ✅ You want affordable 4K video: The Miofive S1 Ultra offers sharp 4K footage with very little noise, all at a budget-friendly price.
- ✅ GPS is a crucial feature: Few car dash cameras in this price range include GPS, which adds vital location data to recordings, proving invaluable in incident verification.
Don’t buy it if:
- ❌ You need high frame rate recording: Regardless of resolution, the S1’s video frame rates are capped at 30fps. Higher frame rates, like 60fps, produce smoother video.
- ❌ You prefer to avoid AI alerts: The S1’s AI features, such as driver alerts and harsh driving warnings, feel somewhat superfluous.
The Miofive S1 Ultra is available for well under $100 / £100, which is remarkable for a 4K car dash camera equipped with GPS and 5GHz Wi-Fi for rapid data transfer. This combination is rare at this price point, especially considering the impressive video quality we observed in our tests. With sharp detail and excellent noise control in low light, this car dash camera delivers exceptional value.
If we could suggest one improvement based on our review, it would be the option to record at 60fps, even in 1080p Full HD. Unfortunately, the S1 is limited to 30fps. However, in all other respects, the S1 is difficult to fault. It’s not the most compact car dash camera, but we found it easy to set up and use. You also have the option to bundle it with Miofive’s rear car dash camera (available in 2K and 4K options) for complete coverage. Considering its features and price, we believe the Miofive S1 Ultra is the best 4K car dash camera you can buy for under $100 / £100.
Best 360-Degree Car Dash Camera
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5. 70mai Dash Cam Omni – The Best Omni-Directional Car Dash Camera
Expert Review:
Specifications:
- Video Quality: 1080p up to 60fps
- Viewing Angle: 140 degrees, omnidirectional
- GPS Tracker: Yes
- Memory: eMMC built-in 32GB / 64GB or 128GB
Reasons to Buy:
- 360-degree panoramic view
- High-resolution video
- Records both video and audio
- User-friendly voice controls
- Affordable price
Reasons to Avoid:
- No cloud backup by default
- Parking surveillance requires hardwiring
- Difficult to detach from the windscreen
70mai Omni Sample Footage: [Link to Sample Footage – Placeholder]
Buy it if:
- ✅ You want complete 360-degree coverage: The Omni can rotate to provide a full 360-degree view, filming from any direction.
- ✅ You appreciate a user-friendly experience: The Omni features charming ‘human-like’ display graphics and intuitive controls.
Don’t buy it if:
- ❌ You need 4K video quality: With a maximum resolution of 1920×1080 Full HD up to 60fps, the Omni’s video resolution is surpassed by other models.
- ❌ Automatic cloud syncing is important to you: Cloud syncing is available, but requires an optional 4G hardware kit.
The 70mai Omni is truly unique in the car dash camera market. It’s a single camera with a 140-degree field of view and a special feature: it can rotate to provide complete 360-degree coverage from its windscreen position. This allows you to record the road ahead like a conventional car dash camera, or rotate it to film inside the vehicle cabin. Video resolution reaches 1080p up to 60fps; while not the most detailed, we were impressed with the f/1.8 lens’s low-light performance during testing.
In our review, we found the Omni well-designed and user-friendly, with fun graphics and animations on the display when interacting with it. It also includes AI-powered surveillance features for vehicle security, such as motion detection and threat-level processing. As a single-unit car dash camera, it’s one of the most enjoyable to use, and its list price is reasonable – although the 4G hardware kit is needed for automatic cloud backup.
Best Car Dash Camera for Older Cars without an Infotainment System
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(Image credit: Alistair Charlton)
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6. Garmin DriveCam 76 – Ideal Car Dash Camera for Classic Vehicles
Expert Review:
Specifications:
- Video Quality: 1080p
- Viewing Angle: 140 degrees
- GPS Tracker: Yes
- Memory: 16GB microSD (car dash camera, included), microSD (not included)
Reasons to Buy:
- Excellent user interface
- Superior navigation compared to smartphones
- Many useful connected features
Reasons to Avoid:
- Expensive price point
- Subpar car dash camera video stabilization
- Notification system feels excessive
Garmin DriveCam 76 Sample Footage:
Garmin DriveCam 76 sample footage – YouTube
Buy it if:
- ✅ Your vehicle lacks a modern infotainment system: With integrated features like mapping and forward collision warnings, the DriveCam 76 is perfect for older vehicles without these standard systems.
- ✅ You prefer an all-in-one system: Combining a car dash camera and sat nav reduces windshield clutter by minimizing mounted devices.
Don’t buy it if:
- ❌ You have a small windscreen: Being larger than most car dash cameras, the DashCam 76 can feel obstructive in vehicles with shallower windscreens.
- ❌ You are on a strict budget: Its extensive features come at a higher price. If you won’t utilize all its functionalities, you can find better value in standalone car dash cameras.
The Garmin DriveCam 76, combining a car dash camera and sat nav, is a feature-rich tool designed for vehicles without an infotainment system. In our testing, its 7-inch display proved intuitive to use. Garmin’s detailed mapping visuals are easy to follow, and navigation is clear and timely, enhanced by live traffic updates when paired with a smartphone data connection. However, the unit is significantly larger than many competitors, potentially making placement difficult without obstructing the driver’s view. Fortunately, both the display angle and camera lens are adjustable, allowing you to find an optimal position.
Full HD footage is recorded in HDR at 30fps, providing balanced exposure and sufficient detail for license plate recognition. However, we observed noticeable video stabilization wobble. While this distortion doesn’t reduce detail, the video quality is less stable than other Garmin car dash cameras. If you don’t need features like smartphone notifications and weather updates, you can find more cost-effective car dash camera options. But, if you’re looking for a car dash camera with added smart functionalities, this is an excellent choice.
Car Dash Camera Specs Comparison
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| Model | Video Resolution | Viewing Angle | GPS | Memory |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nextbase iQ | 1080p/1440p/2160p (front) / 1080p/1440p (cabin) / 1440p (rear) | 140 degrees (front) / 180 degrees (cabin) / 140 degrees (rear) | Yes | microSD / cloud |
| Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3 | 1080p | 140 degrees | No | microSD |
| Nextbase 622GW | 4K | 140 degrees | Yes | microSD |
| Miofive S1 | 4K | 140 degrees | Yes | microSD |
| 70mai Dash Cam Omni | 1080p | 140 degrees | Yes | eMMC built-in 32GB / 64GB / 128GB |
| Garmin DriveCam 76 | 1080p | 140 degrees | Yes | 16GB microSD (included) |
Other Car Dash Cameras to Consider
We’ve reviewed many more car dash cameras than those featured in this shortlist, and several honorable mentions deserve recognition.
- Nexar Pro: This five-star car dash camera is an excellent choice for high-mileage drivers, offering a dual-cam setup recording both inside and outside the vehicle. While it’s an older model limited to 1080p and not 4K, it includes unlimited cloud storage.
- Vantrue E1: A well-rounded option combining a compact design that fits neatly behind your rearview mirror with crisp 2.5K video, 1080p video up to 60fps, and integrated GPS.
- Thinkware X1000: Another unique option with a larger touchscreen and user-friendly interface, minimizing reliance on a companion app. Available as a dual-camera bundle, it lacks built-in GPS.
- Miofive Dual Dash Cam: If the Miofive S1 appeals to you, consider the S1 ‘Ultra’ dual-camera version, or Miofive’s premium Dual Dash Cam model, another five-star rated option.
- Vantrue N2 Pro: An honorable mention particularly suitable for rideshare drivers.
- Viofo A229 Pro: Another excellent all-around car dash camera.
The Thinkware X1000 car dash camera and its large screen (Image credit: Future)
How to Choose the Best Car Dash Camera for You
The best car dash cameras can feature one, two, or even three cameras. Single-camera models record the view through your windscreen, dual-camera models add an interior-facing camera (ideal for rideshare drivers), and three-camera models, often used by professional drivers, include an additional exterior-facing camera, particularly useful for trucks.
Video Resolution
Video resolution is a critical factor when selecting a car dash camera. Most car dash cameras in 2024 record in Full HD, generally sufficient for identifying major details in video clips. Sharper 4K car dash cameras, though more expensive, capture higher-resolution video, making it easier to discern crucial details like license plates, offering enhanced safety assurance.
Video Frame Rates
Video frame rates are also important. Most car dash cameras record at 30fps, adequate for real-time footage review, but superior models capture smoother 60fps video. This allows for slow-motion playback, simplifying detail identification at half speed. Full HD at 60fps is increasingly common, while 4K 60fps recording is typically found in professional-grade car dash cameras. Some models, like the Nextbase 622GW, include digital image stabilization, smoothing footage on bumpy roads.
Features
Numerous features enhance car dash camera functionality, including touchscreen displays, companion apps, GPS, parking surveillance, voice control, sat nav, and what3words integration, to name a few.
If you drive an older car without built-in sat nav, a car dash camera with sat nav is beneficial. GPS location data is valuable for incident recording, and what3words geolocation offers precise vehicle location, especially useful in emergencies.
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Getting Started with a Car Dash Camera
The ease of installation, setup, and daily use varies significantly across different car dash cameras. Most car dash cameras mount to the windscreen or windshield, ensuring they don’t obstruct your view of the road.
Rear-facing cameras (or front-and-rear kits) require more complex installation, often involving cables running from front to back, potentially requiring work under the car’s headliner.
Car dash cameras record footage in short segments, typically one to two minutes long. They continuously overwrite the oldest clips to prevent memory card overload.
While older models required manual clip saving during incidents, newer models with G-Sensor incident detection automatically handle this.
Advanced car dash cameras offer features that increase their price, such as 4K video, night vision, and built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth for easy file transfer.
Voice control and integration with voice assistants like Alexa are becoming more common in high-end models.
Parking modes utilize time-lapse or motion detection for surveillance, capturing events like parking collisions while you are away from your vehicle.
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Is a Car Dash Camera Worth It?
Yes, absolutely. While some drivers may be hesitant about constant vehicle monitoring, compact car dash cameras like the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 are subtle enough to be almost invisible behind the rearview mirror. Once set up, they operate quietly, ready to record crucial footage if an accident occurs.
In the event of an incident where you need to prove your innocence, car dash camera footage can be invaluable. This footage can include speed, time, and date, strengthening your evidence if liability is disputed. Car dash cameras can also record the rear view, capturing footage if you are rear-ended.
Even without direct collision involvement, car dash cameras are useful. Many have a quick-save button to preserve recent video, allowing you to record accidents between other vehicles, instances of poor driving, or other noteworthy events. Some car dash cameras can even automatically contact emergency services if a crash is detected and you are unresponsive, sharing your location to ensure help arrives.
Furthermore, many car dash cameras offer driver assistance features, such as alerts for speed cameras, red light cameras, and notifications when the vehicle ahead starts moving.
Permanently installed, hard-wired car dash cameras with parking mode can monitor your parked vehicle, recording impacts and potentially capturing evidence of parking incidents.
(Image credit: Nexar)
Can a Car Dash Camera Drain Your Car Battery?
Power sources vary among car dash cameras, so checking your car dash camera’s power method is important if battery drain is a concern.
Some car dash cameras have internal batteries or use external power sources. Others use the vehicle’s cigarette lighter/USB port or require hardwiring, drawing power from the car battery.
Using the cigarette lighter/USB port may drain your car battery if left plugged in overnight, depending on whether your vehicle provides constant power to these ports. Hard-wired car dash cameras can be configured to power on with the ignition to conserve battery.
For security purposes, consider car dash cameras with motion detection and external power to avoid battery drain.
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Is a GoPro Better Than a Car Dash Camera?
GoPro cameras are among the best action cameras available. They can be mounted on your dashboard and set to loop recording. Their compact size minimizes view obstruction, and newer models record video sharper than 4K.
However, dedicated car dash cameras offer advantages over GoPros for road recording. While the price difference between a GoPro Hero 11 Black and a premium car dash camera like the Nextbase 622GW is smaller than expected, GoPros lack advanced car dash camera features like collision detection and parking protection. You must also manually start GoPro recording each drive, even with a power cable connected.
If you already own a GoPro, a dashboard mount makes it easy to record while driving. We even have a guide on how to use a GoPro as a car dash camera. However, for a comprehensive in-car video solution, a dedicated car dash camera is generally a better choice.
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Are Car Dash Cameras Legal?
Car dash camera use is generally legal in the UK and US. In fact, some organizations encourage car dash camera use to reduce insurance premiums. However, certain rules ensure legal compliance.
Car dash cameras must not obstruct your view or distract you while driving. Some prefer models without displays for this reason. In the US, many states regulate car dash camera mounting locations, with some prohibiting windscreen mounting.
Privacy regulations are also relevant. While public roads offer no reasonable privacy expectation, making car dash camera recording legal, this changes on private property like driveways. While car dash camera recordings are typically justified by safety and security concerns, responsible and mindful recording practices are important.
Professional drivers, such as taxi drivers, should inform passengers about car dash camera presence, especially if audio recording is enabled. In the US, some states require consent for audio recording from all vehicle occupants.
Exercise caution when sharing car dash camera footage online. Uploading videos identifying individuals without consent may violate data protection laws. Blurring license plates and faces is advisable when publishing car dash camera clips.
Be aware that several European countries restrict car dash camera use, so familiarize yourself with local regulations when driving internationally.
(Image credit: Nextbase)
What is Loop Recording in Car Dash Cameras?
Loop recording allows car dash cameras to continuously record video to their storage. This setting automatically overwrites the oldest clips with new ones when storage is full, ensuring uninterrupted recording.
By default, car dash cameras save video clips sequentially. Loop recording divides these clips into preset intervals (e.g., 2 or 5-minute segments). This allows overwriting smaller sections of video without deleting entire recordings and simplifies locating specific moments.
To protect important clips from being overwritten, many top car dash cameras automatically detect incidents and flag relevant footage for protection. Most loop-recording models also allow manual clip tagging via a shortcut button.
Meet the Team of Car Dash Camera Experts
Collectively, our review team has over a century of camera experience, covering the latest and greatest cameras for the past 20 years.
Alistair Charlton
Alistair Charlton is a London-based freelance technology and automotive journalist. A lifelong car and tech enthusiast, Alistair contributes to numerous publications across consumer technology and automotive sectors. Besides reviewing car dash cameras for TechRadar, he also writes for Wired, T3, Forbes, Stuff, The Independent, SlashGear, and Grand Designs Magazine.
Rob Clymo
Rob Clymo has been a tech journalist for many years, starting in print magazines before embracing the internet. Digitally focused, he has managed the Innovation channel at Microsoft and produced content for TechRadar, Tom’s Guide, Automotive Interiors World, Automotive Testing Technology International, Future of Transportation, and Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Technology International. In his free time, he enjoys riding his extensive collection of e-bikes.
Tim Coleman
Tim Coleman is TechRadar’s Cameras Editor, overseeing all camera-related content, including buying guides, reviews, opinions, and news, covering everything from mirrorless cameras to smartphones and car dash cameras. He has nearly 20 years of experience in the photo and video industry.
Leon Poultney
Leon Poultney has navigated the intersection of automotive and tech for almost two decades, reporting on in-car entertainment and robotic manufacturing. Currently focused on EVs, he anticipates future coverage of electric vertical take-off and landing craft. Outside of work, he enjoys working on classic motorcycles, finding electric motors no substitute for a vintage Honda inline-four.
Paul Hatton
Paul Hatton is a digital expert. With a Computer Science degree and 20 years in tech and creative industries, Paul is the go-to reviewer and writer for opinion pieces and featured articles. His work also appears in Creative Bloq, Digital Camera World, and 3D World Magazine.
How We Test Car Dash Cameras
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Almost all car dash cameras can be fitted to a car without permanent modifications. They attach to the windscreen via suction cups or adhesive pads and are powered by USB ports or 12V sockets. To test car dash cameras, we install them in our vehicles, attach them to the windscreen, and pair them with smartphones, mimicking a typical user setup.
We then drive in various conditions, day and night, and ideally in different weather, to assess camera performance under diverse lighting. Footage is transferred to smartphones or computers and reviewed for quality and detail clarity, such as license plate legibility. This also evaluates the ease of viewing, transferring, and saving recorded footage.
(Image credit: Let Geo Create / Shutterstock)
Additional features like voice assistants and drive assistance systems are thoroughly tested. We also assess the ease of disabling or customizing these features. Quick and easy audio recording deactivation is crucial, especially when carrying passengers who prefer not to be recorded.
While we cannot intentionally cause collisions, firmly tapping the car dash camera simulates an impact, allowing us to observe footage saving behavior. Recordings can also be triggered by powering the camera externally and tapping it. Although rudimentary, this method is effective and keeps our insurance provider satisfied.
Sometimes, driving over aggressive speed bumps can trigger car dash camera recordings. This indicates oversensitive g-sensors that require adjustment, assuming menu options allow for sensitivity settings.
Why You Should Trust TechRadar’s Car Dash Camera Reviews
Our team of reviewers brings decades of experience testing the latest technology. Having reviewed hundreds of camera products, including a wide array of car dash cameras, you can trust our expert team’s in-depth knowledge and recommendations.
We review every product before featuring it. Each car dash camera undergoes real-world testing to assess ease of use, video quality, and connectivity features. On average, we spend several weeks using each model in various driving conditions to understand its performance in typical scenarios.
TechRadar has provided honest, impartial, and reliable tech feedback and buying advice since 2008. For more on our editorial independence, IPSO regulation, and standards, see our About Us page.
