- Decide how many views you need
- Features that matter
- The best-known dash cam brands
- Resolution, field of view and what you can read
- Apps, cloud and keeping clips safe
- Fitting it without breaking the rules
- Parking mode and hardwiring
- Memory cards: the part people forget
- Using your footage
- Driving for your business
- Frequently asked questions
The best dash cam is the one that records reliably when you need it. Nextbase and Garmin suit everyday drivers, Vantrue suits taxi and delivery drivers, and Viofo, Thinkware and BlackVue suit people who want parking mode. Use a high-endurance memory card whichever you choose.
A dash cam is one of those things you forget about until the day you need it. Then it's the difference between a long argument with an insurer and a quick, clear claim. If you drive for work, run a van or just do the school run, the right one is simple peace of mind. The wrong one overheats, fills its memory card and records nothing when it counts.
Decide how many views you need
- Front only. Covers most collisions and is the simplest to fit. Fine for most private drivers.
- Front and rear. Adds a second camera on the back window, which helps with rear-end shunts and tailgating. Worth it if you drive a lot.
- Front, rear and cabin. Adds an inside view. Useful for taxi and delivery drivers, and anyone who carries passengers for work.
Features that matter
| Feature | What it does | Who needs it |
|---|---|---|
| Loop recording | Records over the oldest footage when the card is full | Everyone; it's standard |
| G-sensor | Locks a clip so it can't be overwritten after a bump | Everyone |
| Parking mode | Wakes and records if the car is hit while parked | People who park on the street |
| GPS | Stamps speed and location on footage | Business drivers and anyone who wants proof of where and when |
| Good night video | Keeps number plates readable after dark | Anyone who drives in the evening |
| Wifi app | Lets you save clips to your phone | Anyone who'd rather not remove the memory card |
| Supercapacitor | Copes with heat better than a battery | Hot climates and cars parked in the sun |
The best-known dash cam brands
| Brand | Known for | Good fit for |
|---|---|---|
| Nextbase | A wide range sold widely in UK shops | UK drivers who want an easy, familiar setup |
| Garmin | Small cameras with voice control | Drivers who want something discreet |
| Vantrue | Multi-camera models for front, rear and cabin | Taxi, rideshare and delivery drivers |
| Viofo | Strong video for the money and enthusiast features | Drivers who like to tweak settings |
| Thinkware | Parking mode and cloud features | People who park on busy streets |
| BlackVue | Premium cameras with cloud connection | Fleets and drivers who want remote access |
| 70mai | Affordable cameras with a simple app | First-time buyers |
Models and features change every year, so check each brand's current range and reviews from drivers who've used it for months, not days.
Resolution, field of view and what you can read
The headline number on the box is resolution, but the thing you need is a readable number plate. That depends on the sensor, the lens and how the camera handles bright light and darkness, not just on 4K or 1440p. A very wide field of view captures more of the road but makes distant plates smaller and harder to read. Most drivers do well with a front camera that records in at least 1440p with a moderate angle, and a rear camera that's at least full HD. Before you buy, look for real sample footage at night and in rain, recorded by owners rather than the brand.
Apps, cloud and keeping clips safe
Most modern dash cams connect to a phone app over wifi, so you can save a clip without pulling out the memory card at the roadside. Some go further, with a connection that uploads event clips to the cloud or alerts you if the car is bumped while parked. That's useful for fleets and anyone who parks in risky places, but it usually needs a data connection and a plan. For most drivers, a reliable app and a habit of saving clips straight away is enough.
Fitting it without breaking the rules
Mount the camera behind the rear-view mirror so it doesn't block your view of the road. In the UK, anything that obstructs the driver's view can be an issue at an MOT and on the road, so keep it out of the area the wipers clear in front of you. In the US, windscreen rules differ by state, and some only allow devices in specific corners. Tuck the cable along the headliner and down the door seal, so it doesn't dangle.
Parking mode and hardwiring
Parking mode needs power while the engine is off. Most drivers use a hardwire kit that connects to the fuse box and switches off before the car battery runs too low. If you're not confident with fuse boxes, a garage or car audio fitter can do it quickly. Some cars also have an always-on socket you can use instead.
Memory cards: the part people forget
A dash cam writes to its memory card all day, every day. Use a high-endurance card made for constant recording, format it in the camera every month or two, and replace it every year or so. A worn-out or low-grade card is the most common reason a dash cam fails to save the one clip you need.
Using your footage
If you're in a collision, save the clip straight away and tell your insurer you have footage. In the UK, most police forces accept dash cam footage of dangerous driving through online portals. Keep the original file unedited. And don't share footage of other people on social media before you've spoken to your insurer.
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Driving for your business
If you run vehicles for work, a dash cam is part of a bigger picture that includes servicing, insurance and keeping the cars looking good for clients. This guide on how small businesses save time on vehicle management is a useful read, and my guide to the best car wax covers the finishing touch.
Make a dash cam? See how to get it featured on this list.
Frequently asked questions
What's the best dash cam?
It depends on how you drive. Nextbase and Garmin suit everyday drivers, Vantrue suits taxi and delivery drivers who need cabin views, and Viofo, Thinkware and BlackVue suit people who want parking mode and advanced features.
Do I need a front and rear dash cam?
Front only covers most collisions. Front and rear adds protection against rear-end shunts and tailgating, and is worth it if you drive a lot or for work.
Is it legal to have a dash cam?
Yes, in the UK and the US, as long as it doesn't block your view of the road. US states have different windscreen rules, so check where yours allows devices to be mounted.
Why did my dash cam not record the accident?
The most common reason is a worn-out or unsuitable memory card. Use a high-endurance card, format it regularly in the camera and replace it every year or so.
