Photo: Michael Hession
When it comes to finding the Best Car Dash Camera, the Viofo A229 Pro stands out as the top choice. This dashcam delivers exceptional, high-resolution video quality both during the day and night. Packed with essential features like 24-hour parking surveillance and GPS tracking, the Viofo A229 Pro also utilizes a heat-resistant supercapacitor instead of a traditional battery, enhancing its reliability and safety.
Why the Viofo A229 Pro is the Best Dash Cam
The Viofo A229 Pro is equipped with everything you could possibly need in a car dash camera. Its front-facing camera records in stunning 4K resolution, offering significantly sharper video compared to older 1080p dash cams. The recorded videos are rich in detail and contrast, ensuring license plates are easily discernible even from a distance and in nighttime conditions. This superior video clarity makes it a top contender for the best car dash camera on the market.
One of the key advantages of the A229 Pro is its use of a supercapacitor instead of a standard battery. This design choice enhances safety and reliability, particularly in varying climates. The built-in GPS and 24-hour parking mode provide continuous, data-rich monitoring, ensuring your vehicle is protected around the clock. Furthermore, the Viofo A229 Pro offers versatility with 1-channel, 2-channel, and 3-channel versions, allowing users to customize their setup based on their specific requirements. Whether you need basic front recording or comprehensive coverage including rear and interior views, the A229 Pro has an option for you.
Exceptional Video Quality for Day and Night Recording
The video quality of the Viofo A229 Pro is unparalleled, matching or surpassing any other dash cam tested. Utilizing a state-of-the-art Sony Starvis 2 (IMX678) image sensor, this best car dash camera captures low-noise images in low-light environments and vibrant, high-contrast images in bright daylight. While it might not reach the level of professional action cameras or the latest smartphone cameras, its video quality is remarkably close. In our tests, only the 70mai dash cam came close to matching its performance, placing the A229 Pro firmly at the top for video clarity.
Built to Withstand Extreme Temperatures
Traditional lithium-ion batteries found in many electronic devices are susceptible to performance issues in extreme heat or cold. Overheating can cause dash cams to temporarily malfunction, and in rare cases, batteries can expand or even explode. To mitigate these risks, the A229 Pro incorporates a supercapacitor. This supercapacitor provides sufficient power to save recordings and properly shut down the camera when the car is turned off. This technology enables the camera to operate reliably in temperatures ranging from a frigid -4°F to a scorching 149°F, making it a dependable best car dash camera in any climate.
User-Friendly Mobile App and Connectivity
The Viofo app (iOS, Android) enhances the user experience of this best car dash camera. By activating the camera’s Wi-Fi and connecting with your smartphone, the app allows for easy viewing and downloading of recorded videos. The integrated GPS receiver displays the recording location on a map during playback. The app also offers extensive settings adjustments, including camera exposure and video quality, giving users full control over their recording preferences.
Versatile Camera Options: Front, Rear, and Interior
The Viofo A229 Pro offers a range of configurations to suit different needs. The base model, available on Viofo’s website, features a single 4K front camera. For broader coverage, the 2-channel version adds a 1440p rear camera, recommended for most drivers. The 3-channel version, which we tested, includes an interior camera. This interior camera utilizes infrared night vision, supported by four IR lights that illuminate the car’s interior with invisible light, ensuring clear video recording even in complete darkness. This makes the 3-channel Viofo A229 Pro an excellent choice for drivers needing comprehensive in-car surveillance, further solidifying its position as a top contender for the best car dash camera.
Photo: Michael Hession
Fast and Efficient Video Downloads
Downloading videos from the Viofo A229 Pro is quick and efficient. If your phone supports it, the camera can create a 5 GHz Wi-Fi network for faster transfer speeds. Alternatively, you can use a card reader to transfer files to your computer via the microSD card. Some newer smartphones might also support direct download via a USB-C cable, though this functionality may vary. The multiple download options ensure you can access your footage quickly and conveniently, making this dashcam a user-friendly best car dash camera option.
Simple and Straightforward Installation
Installation of the Viofo A229 Pro is designed to be user-friendly. The camera comes with a sticky pad pre-attached to a flat mount, ensuring secure attachment to your windshield. If adjustments are needed, a plastic lever tool is included to easily detach the mount. The camera is powered via USB-C and includes a long cable and a 12V adapter. If your car has a 2-amp or higher USB port, it can also be used for power. The ease of installation adds to the appeal of the Viofo A229 Pro as the best car dash camera for drivers of all technical levels.
Optional Hardwiring Kit for Parking Mode
For users wanting to utilize the 24-hour parking mode, a hardwiring kit is available. Most vehicles cut power to their 12V and USB ports when the ignition is off. To enable continuous recording while parked, hardwiring the camera to your car’s fuse box is necessary. Viofo offers several hardwiring kits, and the specific kit needed will depend on your vehicle. Refer to guides on how to set up a dash cam for detailed instructions. This parking mode capability, when combined with a hardwiring kit, further enhances the security features of this best car dash camera.
Useful Included and Optional Accessories
The Viofo A229 Pro comes with several helpful accessories. The included 12V adapter features an additional USB port for charging other devices. A circular polarizing lens (CPL), often an optional extra or unavailable with other cameras, is included and reduces dashboard glare in certain lighting conditions, enhancing video quality by improving contrast. A Bluetooth remote control is available separately, allowing users to save important clips with a single click. These accessories add value and functionality to the Viofo A229 Pro, reinforcing its position as the best car dash camera with comprehensive features.
Reliable Warranty for Peace of Mind
The Viofo A229 Pro is backed by a one-year warranty. By registering your camera with Viofo, you can extend the warranty by an additional six months, totaling 18 months of coverage. This warranty provides peace of mind and reflects the manufacturer’s confidence in the quality and durability of their product, making it a trustworthy choice for the best car dash camera.
Minor Drawbacks to Consider
While the Viofo A229 Pro excels in many areas, there are a few minor drawbacks. It does not include a microSD card, which needs to be purchased separately. For 4K recording, Viofo recommends at least a Class-10 or UHS-I rated card (UHS-III is also offered by Viofo). A large capacity card is advisable to ensure you don’t lose important footage due to overwriting. Approximately 25GB of storage is needed per hour of recording.
The vertical design of the A229 Pro, while generally compact, might be slightly bulky for cars with smaller windshields, potentially obstructing some viewing space. For those prioritizing maximum visibility, the Vantrue N4 Pro, mentioned in our other dash cam recommendations, might be a better option.
The rear camera, while offering superior clarity and resolution, may produce dimmer images if you have tinted windows. Increasing exposure in the app can compensate during the day, but nighttime image quality might be affected. This is a general issue with rear dash cams and tinted windows, not exclusive to Viofo.
Finally, the Viofo A229 Pro has several LEDs that are on by default. While these can be turned off in the app, they might be noticeable upon initial setup.
Despite these minor flaws, the Viofo A229 Pro remains the best car dash camera due to its exceptional video quality, robust features, and reliable performance.
