- After new testing, the Garmin Dash Cam 55 replaces the discontinued Papago GoSafe 535 as our pick.
- After new testing, the Garmin Dash Cam 55 replaces the discontinued Papago GoSafe 535 as our pick.Other new picks are the Nextbase 512GW and 612GW 4K, Papago GoSafe 550 and S810, and Owl Car Cam. The Vantrue OnDash N2 Pro remains an also-great pick for recording a car interior.
Your guides
- Rik Paul
- Molly K. McLaughlin
The Thinkware F800 Pro is the dash cam for those wanting something a bit extra and who aren’t afraid to pay for those features. With a price of $280, the Thinkware F800 Pro is one of the pricier. There are a lot of Dash-cams out there, but this is my recommendation ( some guy on a forum) for what it's worth. Good luck and let us know what you decide. I'll try to send a photo of my F750 in the Ridgeline and what the F800 looks like before installed in my Wife's Passport.
After researching about 200 dash cams and testing 30, we’ve found that the Garmin Dash Cam 55 is the dash cam we’d want on the windshield in case something crazy happens when we’re out for a drive. This camera produces crisp, detailed video day or night, and its compact body sits securely in a magnetic mount that’s among the simplest to set up and use daily.
Our pick
Garmin Dash Cam 55
This camera’s 1440p resolution produces sharper video than most models. The camera is one of the smallest and most discreet we tested, and it has a mount that’s super easy to use.
Buying Options
*At the time of publishing, the price was $196.
The Garmin Dash Cam 55 records at a 1440p resolution, delivering better-quality video than most of the models we’ve tested, with sharp enough resolution to clearly read license plates and see other details in lighting conditions that other cameras struggled with. At only 2¼ by 1½ inches, the Garmin takes up less room on the windshield than most, and its small magnetic mount makes the camera easy to adjust, attach, or remove. You can perform basic functions through voice commands—a rare feature that helps make up for some awkward physical controls. It also has details common to higher-end units, like an integrated GPS receiver, Wi-Fi for connecting to a compatible smartphone app, and some handy driver assistance functions.
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Runner-up
Nextbase 512GW
The Nextbase 512GW shoots excellent video, and its mount, controls, and app are well-designed. The catch: It’s a UK product new to the US and availability has been limited.
Buying Options
*At the time of publishing, the price was $180.
Nextbase 612GW 4K
Similar to the 512GW, this pricier model shoots higher-resolution 4K video and has both an easier-to-use touchscreen and a sturdier aluminum body. But its availability has also been limited.
Buying Options
On performance, the Nextbase 512GW and Nextbase 612GW 4K are actually better dash cams than the Garmin 55—but this brand, popular in the UK and new to the US market, has been available inconsistently so far. If you can find either of these Nextbase models, you’ll get the best image quality—as well as one of the best mounts and smartphone apps—of any dash cams we tested. A few details differentiate this pair: the 512GW records at 1440p resolution, has touch-sensitive buttons, and a plastic body; the 612GW records at a crisper 2160p (4K) and has both an easier-to-use touchscreen and a sturdier aluminum body. You can also connect an optional rear camera to the 512GW.
Budget pick
Papago GoSafe 550
The Papago works works well, costs less, and skips the extras, but its image quality isn’t the best among dash cams and it’s not as easy to use as its competition.
Buying Options
*At the time of publishing, the price was $110.
With its 1296p resolution, the Papago GoSafe 550’s image quality is better than many models we’ve tested (although not as sharp as our top pick or runner-up). It has a bright 2.7-inch display, its mount provides a wide range of adjustment, and its controls are reasonably easy to use. Unlike our above picks, though, the 550 doesn’t have a GPS receiver, Wi-Fi, or a compatible smartphone app—but that’s the compromise you make for this camera’s consistently lower price.
Also great
Papago GoSafe S810
Front and rear cameras let the S810 record incidents behind your vehicle, but the image quality isn’t as good as single-cam models.
Buying Options
*At the time of publishing, the price was $170.
If you want to record incidents behind your vehicle (as well as in front), we recommend the dual-cam Papago GoSafe S810. Its front camera is surprisingly sharp for a 1080p model, allowing us to read the license plates on parked and some passing cars at lower speeds. It also provides good color and contrast and decent dynamic range at night. As with other dual-cam models, the rear camera is weaker, with a duller image, less sharpness, and more contrast.
Also great
Vantrue OnDash N2 Pro
This model’s two cameras record the road ahead and the car interior. The passenger camera has better nighttime clarity than its competitors.
Buying Options
If you want to record the interior of your car as you drive, we recommend the Vantrue OnDash N2 Pro, which has a camera to record the view in front of the car and another one facing the interior—handy for ride-for-hire drivers who want to document their passengers. The front camera—recording in 1080p resolution—provides good overall image quality, although it’s not as sharp as our single-cam picks. And the rear camera shows passengers more clearly than similar competitors, especially in total darkness.
Also great
Owl Car Cam
The dual-camera Owl can detect impacts and record video while your car is parked and let you see live video, but it’s expensive and requires a subscription to access all features.
Buying Options
The Owl Car Cam is the best dash cam we’ve tested for monitoring your vehicle around the clock, including when parked. It has the usual front-facing camera and a second one for the vehicle’s interior to document impacts from other cars as well as break-ins. If something happens, you get an alert on your phone, and the camera automatically records and uploads video, which you can view on the app (or watch live at any time). The Owl Car Cam is much more expensive than our other picks, though, and, while you get a year of free access to the company’s 4G LTE service (needed for the remote access features), it costs around $10 per month after that.
Everything we recommend
Our pick
Garmin Dash Cam 55
This camera’s 1440p resolution produces sharper video than most models. The camera is one of the smallest and most discreet we tested, and it has a mount that’s super easy to use.
Buying Options
*At the time of publishing, the price was $196.
Runner-up
Nextbase 512GW
The Nextbase 512GW shoots excellent video, and its mount, controls, and app are well-designed. The catch: It’s a UK product new to the US and availability has been limited.
Buying Options
*At the time of publishing, the price was $180.
Nextbase 612GW 4K
Similar to the 512GW, this pricier model shoots higher-resolution 4K video and has both an easier-to-use touchscreen and a sturdier aluminum body. But its availability has also been limited.
Buying Options
Budget pick
Papago GoSafe 550
The Papago works works well, costs less, and skips the extras, but its image quality isn’t the best among dash cams and it’s not as easy to use as its competition.
Buying Options
*At the time of publishing, the price was $110.
Also great
Papago GoSafe S810
Front and rear cameras let the S810 record incidents behind your vehicle, but the image quality isn’t as good as single-cam models.
Buying Options
*At the time of publishing, the price was $170.
Also great
Vantrue OnDash N2 Pro
This model’s two cameras record the road ahead and the car interior. The passenger camera has better nighttime clarity than its competitors.
Buying Options
Also great
Owl Car Cam
The dual-camera Owl can detect impacts and record video while your car is parked and let you see live video, but it’s expensive and requires a subscription to access all features.
Buying Options
Why you should trust us
Rik Paul, who conducted our latest tests, is Wirecutter’s autos editor and was previously the automotive editor for Consumer Reports and the senior feature editor for Motor Trend. He has been testing and writing about automotive electronics and accessories for the past 25 years. To get the legal perspective on dash cams, he interviewed Ben Schwartz, a personal injury attorney and managing partner of Schwartz & Schwartz.
Molly McLaughlin, who wrote the previous update for this guide, has written about consumer electronics and software for PC Magazine, Lifewire, DealNews, and many others, and was a senior editor at ConsumerSearch, a reviews website.
Who should get this
If your routine drive ever turns into a life-altering event, you might appreciate having a dash cam to show what happened. This continuously recording, windshield-mounted device can document an accident you’re involved in and provide you with evidence to share with a lawyer, insurance company, or law enforcement, proving something was not your fault (ideally) rather than hoping everyone takes your word for it.
Case in point: A Wirecutter staffer was able to use his dash-cam footage to prove that he wasn’t at fault after being rear-ended in a parking garage. Although the forward-facing camera couldn’t record the vehicle in back actually striking his car, he said “it showed that I was driving appropriately and captured the sound, jolt from impact, and mine and my girlfriend's reactions.”
In addition, a dash cam can be useful for helping other drivers who need objective eyewitness evidence following a crash, hit-and-run, or road-rage incident to help them present their case or identify a vehicle. It can be used to record unsafe roadway conditions or monitor the driving habits of someone else such as a young, inexperienced driver or a aging senior (with their consent, of course). And it can come in handy if you want to capture and share a funny scene, memorable trip moment, beautiful vista, or unusual happenings—like streaking meteors.
“There are thousands of people who are injured and killed every year by hit-and-run drivers,” said Ben Schwartz, a personal-injury attorney we interviewed. “If those hit-and-run victims had a dashcam in their car, maybe the video would record the tag number of the vehicle that hit them, and then that would lead police to the bad guys.”
But there are potential disadvantages, Schwartz notes. “Not only will a dash cam document other people’s mistakes, but it’s going to document yours.” Whether or not you think you’re at fault, Schwartz says, you should first show the footage to your lawyer. “Let the attorney determine whether the footage is favorable or not favorable to [your] case, and let the attorney advise you on what to do with the footage.”
Last, some practical considerations. Read how to set up a dash cam and start planning how you’ll connect a dash cam in your own car (and ensure you have a convenient enough power supply) before deciding you’re sure you want one. Almost all dash cams record video on a removable microSD card, and many don’t include one, so this could be a separate purchase. A 64 GB microSD card (like the one we recommend) costs about $20, as of the time of writing. To be extra thorough, double-check to confirm you can legally mount a dash cam on your windshield where you live, and learn your state’s rules for recording audio conversations.
You’ll also need a microSD card
The Best microSD Cards
After testing more than 20 microSD cards in 2019, we found that the SanDisk MicroSDXC card for Nintendo Switch (128 GB) is the best for most devices.
It's never a bad idea to have a dash cam mounted in your car - you never know when you'll need footage from your windshield.
Finding the best dash cam in 2019 can feel overwhelming; there are so many models out there, and many companies make more than one. Some of us have given up and resorted to using a GoPro on the dash instead.
But, once you do a little research and find the best dash cam for you, it can be one of the most crucial bits of tech you own, coming in handy in the event of an accident or in case something really amazing happens on the road that helps you become YouTube famous.
We've sifted through some of the top dash cams to nail down the very best dash cameras for 2019. It's important to point out that dash cams are much more than GoPros mounted on your car's dashboard; these are car-ready cameras that perform some critical functions and can even help you save time and money that would be better spent going back into your vehicle.
Whether used to provide evidence to your insurance company or help you avoid paying for a crash-for-cash scheme, dash cams provide some peace of mind wherever your journey takes you.
- Don't get lost with the best sat navs of 2019
Best dash cam: what to look for
Generally the best dash cams have similar technology to one another, and for the most part mount somewhere along a car's front windscreen or windshield. Of course, wherever you place your dash cam must not block your view of the road.
Dash cams record smaller snippets of footage, usually in increments of one to two minutes at a time. The cameras continually record over the oldest clip in order to keep the memory card from filling up as well.
While older models typically required the user to manually save or tag the appropriate clip in the event of an accident, new G-Sensor-based incident detection technology has taken over, and now takes care of this automatically.
There are also dash cams that boast additional features that, just like any other technology, translate to a higher asking price.
These extra features can include multiple lenses for front- and rear-facing coverage, together with a more refined sensor for better video quality (HD recording, for example). Night vision and built-in Wi-Fi for easy file transfer might also be included.
Numerous parking modes are also possibilities. These use a time-lapse feature as a surveillance function to capture details of those irksome car park prangs when you're off running errands.
Whenever we get a new dash cam review in, we'll update this list with more of the best we've tested. Keep reading to find out which rank among the best dash cams 2019!
Best dash cams in 2019
1. Garmin Dash Cam 55
It It might be small, but it packs in a lot into a compact body.
Video quality: 1440p | Viewing angle: 122 degrees | GPS tracker: Yes | Memory: MicroSD card (included)
Excellent video quality
Small battery
Garmin has applied its knowledge of action cameras and fitness trackers to the world of dash cams, and its mid-range Dash Cam 55 model offers sharp imagery and enough additional features to make it our top choice.
Offering 1440p video capture at 30p, video footage for a dash cam is great, while the 122-degree viewing angle is pretty good, although there are wider optics out there. A nice touch is the inclusion of an attachable polarizing filter to cutout unwanted glare from your car's windscreen.
Vital clips are automatically stored via the built-in G-Sensor technology, and thanks to the built-in GPS unit, all footage is stamped with time and location so there's no disputing when and where an incident happens.
Chuck in voice control, drive-awareness warnings and the neat little travelapse feature, and the Garmin Dash Cam 55 is one great camera. This remains the best dash cam right now.
2. Mio MiVue 766
Video quality: 1080p (Full HD) | Viewing angle: 140 degrees | GPS tracker: Yes | Memory: MicroSD
Great all-round package
SD card sold separately
Not as compact as the Garmin Dash Cam 55, but what the Mio MiVue does, it does very well.
It's still a pretty neat little dash cam, with an arguably sexier design, and there's a large 2.7-inch touchscreen at the rear for simple control. Built-in GPS takes care of speed and location video overlays, while built-in Wi-Fi makes video and image transfer to smartphones and other devices a cinch.
On top of all that, the extra-wide 140-degree lens does an excellent job of capturing the action, while a high-performing 2MP sensor ensures the resulting video footage (Full HD 1080p at 30fps) is some of the best around.
3. Nextbase Duo
Going for the double with front- and rear-facing cameras
Video quality: 720p (HD) | Viewing angle: 140 degrees | GPS tracker: Yes | Memory: MicroSD card (included)
GPS functionality
Low image resolution
Nextbase has long been a leading name on the dash cam market, and this dual camera unit offers both front- and rear-facing coverage in one (as opposed to running unsightly wires to a separate unit in the rear windscreen).
The Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) image processor makes low-light and night-time recording possible, while the crystal clear two-inch display makes it simple to interact with menus and change settings before setting off.
At a resolution of just 720p, footage isn't the sharpest on the market, but the unit cleverly stitches both front and rear imagery together into one handy, side-by-side film for easier reviewing.
Naturally, the Nextbase Duo features a loop recording function, which will automatically delete older files as required. But it will also automatically detect and incident and save important clips to the on-board microSD card.
It also features a built-in GPS module, which allows for the vehicle's exact route, speed and position to be recorded, while a date and time stamp embedded on to the recorded footage provide further additional evidence.
Unfortunately, there isn't any Wi-Fi or Bluetooth compatibility, so retrieving footage will require extraction of the memory card and syncing up with a computer.
4. Thinkware TW-F770
Video quality: 1080p (Full HD) | Viewing angle: 140 degrees | GPS tracker: Yes | Memory: MicroSD card (included) and internal memory
Crystal-clear footage
No rear camera
The excellent 2.19MP Sony Exmor CMOS sensor inside this device provides excellent quality footage, while the additional extra flourishes are an added bonus.
Designed to be mounted just beneath the rear-view mirror, the TW-F770 features just a few small buttons and no external screen. The reason? It can be linked to a smartphone via its on-board Wi-Fi. This enables clips to be quickly and easily sent to a smart device, should you need to access them quickly, but it does add an additional step to any settings and menu changes.
A Super Night Vision feature boosts low-light settings for improved image quality at night, while a neat Time Lapse feature acts as a CCTV camera when the vehicle is parked. Bear in mind that this mode will require hard-wiring the unit into the vehicle's power supply, however, as is the case with most cameras featured on this list, rather than simply using a standard 12V lighter adaptor.
An on-board GPS tracker, as well as speed and upcoming red traffic signal warnings make this a very accomplished piece of kit.
5. BlackVue DR650S-2CH 32G Dash Cam
The choice of professional drivers
Video quality: 1080p (Full HD) | Viewing angle: 129 degrees | GPS tracker: Yes | Memory: MicroSD card (included)
Full HD recording
Initial set-up can be tricky
Often cited as one of the best solutions for regular or professional drivers, the dual-camera BlackVue covers many bases and boasts numerous additional features that go some way to justifying the lofty price tag.
To get the most out of its features, including a detailed parking surveillance mode, the cameras require hard-wiring to the car's power supply, but BlackVue makes this easier with an OBD II port converter, which plugs into most vehicle on-board diagnostics ports with ease.
The 2MP CMOS sensor and 129-degree lens capture excellent-quality HD video footage from the front camera, while a smaller unit at the rear records in 720p, with incident detection technology automatically flagging the appropriate video footage.
The BlackVue's clear advantage over some of the rivals listed here is its Over-the-Cloud abilities, which mean drivers can check live footage from the car via a smartphone, laptop or PC, even when it's parked.
The small, sleek unit is also neat and doesn't look out of place on modern vehicles, although the lack of screen and limited buttons mean it does require smartphone tethering to adjust settings.
6. Z-Edge Z3
Video quality: 2K and 1080p (Full HD) | Viewing angle: 145 degrees | GPS tracker: No | Memory: MicroSD card (included)
Superb image quality
Fewer features than rivals
With its sharp 'Ultra 2K HD’ image quality, broad 145-degree field of view and super-simple user interface, the Z-Edge Z3 has regularly been voted one of the best devices in its class.
The CMOS sensor and advanced image processor ensure the resulting footage is razor sharp, making it easier to read licence plates and capture incidents with superb clarity.
A 3-inch touchscreen display makes interacting with the camera extremely easy, although you'll likely just set the camera up and let it do its thing, as most of the functionality has been automated for ease of use.
Like most cameras on the list, the unit will power up and instantly start recording when the ignition is switched on (so long as it's plugged into a power source), and turn off when power is cut.
Memory is managed via a loop recording function, and incident detection ensures vital clips aren't erased.
In short, it's a great package for those who simply want a fuss-free camera that delivers quality images without the hassle.
7. TaoTronics TT-CD06
A great low-light performer
Video quality: 2K and 1080p (Full HD) | Viewing angle: 160 degrees | GPS tracker: No | Memory: MicroSD card (included)
Good low-light capabilities
Small buttons
Considering the price point, it's very difficult to fault this TaoTronics model, even if it doesn't boast GPS for speed and location recording or some of the added niceties of more expensive rivals.
That said, there's plenty in the box to get excited about, chiefly the various well-made suction or adhesive mounts, the extra-long power cable and a 12V lighter socket adapter that features two ports, meaning you can still charge your phone with the dashcam running.
The unit itself boasts a G-sensor, for automatic saving of important incident footage, as well as a super-wide 160-degree field of view that's able to capture five lanes of traffic.
Low-light video footage is very good, and the audio quality is surprisingly good at this price. Minor foibles include the small and fiddly buttons, while the lack of speed and positioning information might be a deal-breaker for some.
8. Cobra CDR 840
Video quality: 1080p (Full HD) | Viewing angle: 118 degrees | GPS tracker: Yes | Memory: MicroSD card (included)
Great price
Struggles in low light
A dashcam isn't exactly the sort of thing you purchase for its smouldering looks, but the Cobra CDR 840 is one of the very few units on this list that seems to have been designed with aesthetics in mind.
The rear touchscreen may be small, but it's sharp and very easy to navigate thanks to a simple joypad-style switch interface, with a clearly labelled, bright red button for manually saving important clips.
Built-in GPS will take care of speed and location, while the G-Sensor tech will automatically save clips should the device detect an accident.
The GPS system can prove a little touch-and-go if satellites are difficult to reach or if adverse weather is playing havoc with the signal, but this is another unit that's very quick and easy to set up, with minimal on-going attention required.
9. YI Smart Dash Camera
Lots of tech in a small package
Video quality: 1080p (Full HD) | Viewing angle: 165 degrees | GPS tracker: No | Memory: MicroSD card
Built-in Wi-Fi
Suction mount could be better
Yi is a recent entrant into the action camera arena, and it's also busy plying its trade in the world of dashcams with some neat units that cram a large amount of technology into tiny shells.
The huge field of view on its Smart Dash Camera model means it can monitor the surrounding area and even warn the driver if the vehicle is straying out of its lane. On top of that, a forward collision warning sounds if the device senses an impending impact with the vehicle ahead.
This is all part of the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) package, which works in conjunction with G-Sensor technology, and it allows the camera to automatically record and save clips in an emergency situation.
An impressive all-glass, high-resolution lens and f/1.8 aperture means that video recorded in low-light situations is crisp and clear too. The lack of GPS is a bit of a shame, but this is still a commendable unit at a great price.
10. RoadHawk DC-2 HD GPS Dash Cam
Great image quality but lacking in the looks department
Video quality: 1080p (Full HD) | Viewing angle: 120 degrees | GPS tracker: Yes | Memory: MicroSD card (included)
External audio input
Limited functionality
Simplicity is the name of the game here, and what the RoadHawk DC-2 lacks in exterior looks and additional features it more than makes up for with great image and audio quality.
Gyro-balanced image stabilization and a high-quality sensor team up to create excellent footage – even in low-light scenarios – while an audio-in connection allows additional microphones to be added.
GPS technology is included to take care of speed and location data, although an external GPS antenna connection is also offered should you require a more powerful and reliable signal.
Also consider...
Cycliq Fly12 CE
Front-facing camera and light that doubles as a dash cam
The Fly12 CE from Cycliq isn't a dash cam for you car, but for cyclists. Packing a 600 Lumen front bike light, the Fly12 CE can record in Full HD footage at up to 60fps in either 5-, 10- or 15-minute segments, while the 6-axis image stabilization system delivers smooth footage.
One very neat feature is the Incident mode. If the Fly12 CE tilts over 60 degrees – falling off your bike in most instances – it will automatically lock and store the footage immediately before and after.
Thanks to ANT+ connectivity, you can connect it to your Garmin cycling computer to control the Fly12 CE on the go. There's also a handy app as well that provides greater control over the camera/light.
Waterproof down to 1m, it should stand up to some wet rides, while the battery life is good for 8 hours (4-5 hours if you're going to be using the light as well).