Last Updated On December 27th, 2021
Are you looking for the best dash cam in the UK to protect your family and your car? You’ve come to the right place. Dash cams are becoming an incredibly popular accessory for most vehicles today, thanks to the wide range of benefits that this device can offer. When you have a dash cam system mounted in your car, you’ll be able to have the peace of mind that comes with knowing that there’s always something watching over you.
The best in-car camera will record every detail of your time on the road. Some dash cams can even collect information from both inside and outside of the car. This means that if you ever end up in an accident or altercation, you’ve got visual proof of your innocence.
A reliable dash cam can produce excellent high-quality footage that helps you out in case of crash or claim. However, like any other automobile accessory, it’s important to remember that some dash cams are better than others.
Finding the right device for your vehicle can feel very overwhelming – particularly if you’re new to the market. However, the last thing you want to do is give up and use your smartphone instead – as you could risk damaging your tech. Fortunately, to make your life easier, we’ve put together this list of the top 6 dash cams on the market, complete with pros and cons from a range of dash cam reviews. Here’s your guide to your ultimate auto accessory.
Table of Contents
Our Favourite Dash Cams Compared
Best Dash Cam Reviews – Top 6 Picks
1. Vantrue N2 Pro Dual (Editor’s Choice)
Need a dash cam that can capture what’s going on inside and outside of your vehicle at the same time? No problem. The Vantrue N2 Pro with front and rear cameras is just the device for you. This pro dual dash cam gives you all the information you need to file an indisputable insurance claim. It’s also an excellent dash cam for Uber drivers, taxi cabs and other company cars.
Features
The quality of the image provided by Vantrue is exceptional, at 1080p with wide-angle performance. Additionally, it may be the best dash cam with 140-degree rear-facing Sony camera and infrared night vision included. This can help make sure that you’re still getting a good image on your crucial recordings when the sun goes down. The HDR video system helps to balance light and dark areas on the road automatically, so you don’t have to do any video editing.
Since you don’t need to record what’s going on when you’re out of the car, it has a motion-activated parking option installed so that your system will automatically start to record when the camera detects motion. If nothing is happening, then the camera will simply go into sleep mode. There’s also continuous loop recording available, and a GPS feature.
On the other hand, it can be difficult to get a clear view when something is on a side angle and there’s no Wi-Fi connection to upload your recordings straight to your phone. Although, you can always just plug the dash cam system into your computer and upload files manually. Other than those mentioned, it’s a great piece of kit.
- High-definition 1080p
- With parking monitoring
- Front and rear cams so you can watch the inside and outside of the car
- Automated 24-hour motion detection mode
- Continuous loop recording and optional GPS available
- 18-month warranty included
- Night-vision mode with Infrared lighting
- Not ideal for side-angle shots
- No Wi-Fi included for transferring your camera data
- The suction cup isn’t as sticky as it should be
2. ORSKEY 1080p (Best Mirror Option)
Now, we come to our best mirror dash cam. It’s sure to look perfect mounted beside your rearview mirror. This effortless to use recorder from ORSKEY comes with a full 1080p resolution and a three-inch screen to provide an excellent view of the road. The LCD screen shows the image ahead of you in real-time which helps you to view as many details as possible – even during playback.
Features
We think this is the best dash cam to use at night. The night-vision mode is particularly good, with 6 infrared fill lights that help the camera to perform better in low-light situations. There’s WDR technology built-in to upgrade the quality of your images too. Thanks to the Sony sensor and 170-degree wide-angle lens, you shouldn’t have a problem pinpointing even the smallest details in your recordings. You can take 12MP pixels instantly too.
Like many of the cameras that we’ve reviewed in this article, the ORSKEY comes with intelligent features, like a gravity sensor activity emergency recording system that automatically captures incidents and protects your recordings. ORSKEY also offers users a 12-month guarantee, which is hard to come across when you compare dash cams today.
One thing to keep in mind with this dash camera is that the battery seems to die quite quickly, which means that it might not be ideal for full 24-hour recordings. Additionally, the cabling is a little awkward. Some users said that they would have preferred a longer USB cable.
- Excellent night vision with WDR technology
- 1080p resolution and 170-degree angle
- Fits well beside your rearview mirror
- Intelligent operation with gravity sensor
- Simple to use
- With parking monitoring
- 12-month guarantee
- No SD card included or Wi-Fi to upload your videos
- Cabling is awkward and not long enough for some people
- Battery dies quite quickly – may not be suitable for 24-hour recordings
3. Zhiroad (Best Value)
If you’re looking for the best cheap dash cam that money can buy, then it’s hard to go wrong with this motion-detecting 1080p model from Zhiroad. Probably one of the most impressive low-budget cameras you’ll find on the market today, the Zhiroad comes with a 1080p resolution, and a super large screen so you can view the image ahead easily. There’s an emergency accident lock too which prevents the video from deleting when accidents happen.
Features
Alongside an excellent image quality and a 140-degree view, the Zhiroad dash cam also comes with various other amazing functions like a seamless loop recording, a 90-day service guarantee and a parking monitor. When your camera is in parking mode, it will automatically power off and will only turn on when it senses a vibration to ensure your car’s safety. There’s also a motion detection mode if you prefer to use less power and storage space.
For when you’re parking your car in an unknown environment, or you’re concerned about protecting it from collisions at all times of the day, the loop recording is the best dash cam feature you’ll need. It lasts for 24 hours and automatically creates video clips, overwriting the oldest file to create a new one. With features like these, it’s hard to find much to complain about.
According to the dash cam reviews we read, this best budget dash cam does feel a little plastic and cheap but that doesn’t stop it from performing well. However, you will have some trouble trying to use the instructions which have been poorly translated into English. Some users said that the mistakes in the instructions were almost comedic.
- Budget-friendly device to suit any financial constraints
- Excellent 1080p resolution and 140-degree wide angle shot
- Emergency accident lock included
- 90-day guarantee included and qualified after-sale service team
- G-sensor, motion detection, seamless loop recording and more
- With parking monitoring
- No memory card included
- Plastic and cheap looking
- Terribly translated manual can make it challenging to figure out how to use the kit
4. Nextbase 322GW Full 1080p (Best with SOS Alert)
Another top contender from the experts over at Nextbase is this exceptional 322GW model. It comes with market-leading technology built-in and is our choice for best value dash cam. With high-quality footage delivered at 1080p resolution at 60FPS, you’re sure to capture plenty of detail from any accidents or incidents on the road. This camera also comes with positive in-car camera reviews that we’ve seen on the market so far.
Features
Simple and discreet, the Nextbase 322GW dash cam connects to your phone via Wi-Fi so you can directly upload all of your information to the cloud and save crucial data. What’s more, it comes with an SOS emergency response system that automatically sends alerts to the emergency services within the location in the event of an accident.
For people who have trouble setting up new technology, the Nextbase 322GW may be the best dash cam as it comes with a simple magnetic and wireless mounting system. You can get your whole system set up and ready to go in seconds. Plus, it’s equipped with a smart parking mode that automatically records any bump or action on or to your car when it’s left unattended.
One niggle is that the mount of this Nextbase dash cam can be a little fiddly. You may have to download the complete manual from the company’s website as the instructions that come with the package need some improvement. Also, you may encounter a delay when connecting the cam to the Nextbase app installed on your mobile.
- 1080p at 60FPS
- Automatic SOS emergency alert
- 140-degree range of view
- Wi-Fi connection and smartphone app for uploading
- GPS tracker included
- With parking monitoring
- Instructions provided may be difficult to follow
- There could be a delay when connecting to the app
- The parking sensors may be too sensitive
5. AUTO-VOX Upgraded Wi-Fi (Best Wireless)
When you’re trying to keep your view firmly on the road, the last thing you want is wires getting in the way. A small dash cam can hide behind your rearview mirror and take up less space in front of you. On the other hand, it may be better to consider looking for the best wireless dash cam instead. The AUTO-VOX Upgraded Wi-Fi dash cam D6 Pro is an excellent tool for any driver, equipped with F1.8 aperture and Panasonic sensors. With this device, you can enjoy a full HD experience at 1080p.
Features
One particularly impressive thing about this best dash cam with wireless technology is the smart easy-gesture feature. It allows you to take a picture whenever you wave your hand in front of the camera. There’s also a built-in Wi-Fi connection so that you can easily upload the footage from your dash cam to your phone and in real-time.
This wireless dash cam also rotates up to 300 degrees which is perfect for getting a complete view of the surrounding area if you’re ever unlucky enough to get into a crash. Other fantastic functions include loop recording, a parking monitor with an automatic motion detection feature, and more. There’s even a gravity sensor that detects sudden movement and automatically locks to brace for impact.
Unfortunately, some parts of this camera are harder to use than others. The app can be awkward to understand. Additionally, there’s no memory card included which is a bit of a disappointment as you’ll need to go out and buy this separately before using the dash cam. However, it’s still a great camera for most.
- Excellent image resolution at 1080p
- Smart easy-gesture photography function
- With parking monitoring
- Wi-Fi connection and smartphone app
- The rotatable lens moves up to 300 degrees
- Gravity sensor and loop recording included
- Its app is clunky and awkward to use
- The customer support team isn’t easy to get hold of
- No SD card included
- No way to turn off the Wi-Fi when not in use
6. Nextbase 412GW 1440P In-Car (Best Video Quality)
Highly recognised by the Which? Awards, this exclusive Nextbase 412GW camera comes with one of the most excellent images you’ll find on the market today. If you’re looking for something that can provide clarity and quality in any situation, this is the dash camera for you. The 412GW comes with a 1440p resolution, and records at 30FPS or 60FPS depending on your settings.
Features
The 140-degree wide-angle shot means that you can capture plenty of information, and it’s possible to send footage directly to your phone using the Nextbase viewer app. Because Wi-Fi is built-in, you can also easily share and upload photo or video files within seconds. It’s an easy to use dash cam that takes advance of all the latest technology.
With footage recorded in stunning HD, the Nextbase 412GW will ensure that you can capture all essential details on the road, including license plates. There’s also a GPS feature so you can track information about your journey. This makes it much easier to provide insights for an insurance claim. There are very few wires to worry about also.
This high-tech option is the best dash cam for any driver. The only issue is that the instructions can be a little complicated for some. You might also need to buy a couple of clips for cable management, as no-one likes having wires getting in the way of their view. Besides that, Nextbase 412GW is an amazing piece of driving accessory.
- Wi-Fi connectivity and smartphone app so you can share clips online
- 1440p or 1080p depending on your preferences
- 140-degree wide-angle shot for complete coverage
- In-built night vision and G-sensor
- Has a high dynamic range for brighter and more vivid colours
- GPS connectivity for journey tracking
- Complicated instructions in places
- Need clips for cable management
- The built-in menu is a little awkward
What Is the Importance of a Dash Cam?
Security is essential. You can keep your household safe by putting wireless doorbells, wireless CCTV or wireless alarm systems. But what about your car? This is where dash cams come in. These days, dash cams are more than just a fun luxury addition to the inside of your vehicle. Many people regard dash cams to be an essential purchase and a crucial component in protecting both their livelihood and their cars.
A dash cam with a rear camera can help you to get the perfect parking spot when you’re exploring the city, while cams with 24-hour recordings can provide useful information about accidents that happen when your car is parked. Even just a standard budget dash camera is an excellent form of protection, used to identify the perpetrators who might be responsible for expensive road-traffic accidents.
While some people assume that they can simply use their smartphone as a convenient dash cam, this is rarely the ideal option. Not only will using your phone as a recorder drain its battery but exposure to constant sunlight can also harm the longevity of your device.
If you want to make sure that you have all the benefits of a convenient dash cam recorder in your car, then you need to figure out how to make the right purchase from the dash cams available on the market today.
How to Identify a Good Dash Cam
Even with the dash cams outlined above, you may still be having a hard time deciding what kind of dash cam is right for you. Which dash cam should you buy?
To make the right decision about your new dash cam, you’ll need to know what separates an excellent camera, from a sub-par one. Although different companies provide their own unique range of specifications, there are some essential capabilities that should be present in any leading model. Before you decide on any camera, make sure it has the things you need.
1. Excellent Video Resolution
These days, you shouldn’t settle for anything less than 1080p when it comes to video footage. This ensures that you can make out every detail of your footage, including license plates and car models. Remember to look for something with a good field of view too. You’ll be able to find this in the “angle” rating of the camera.
2. Enough Storage Capacity
A good dash cam needs to be able to store and preserve the footage that it collects. This means that you’ll need plenty of space on the memory card included with your device. Check to see whether you can automatically upload and save your recordings to the cloud too. This will help with continuous loop recording.
3. The Right Camera Size
Obviously, you’ll need a camera that’s not going to be so big that it obscures your view of the road. However, if you want to check details on the camera in real-time, it should have a screen big enough for you to view.
4. Night Vision Mode Ready
Some people still see night vision as a luxury feature on a dash camera. However, without it, you won’t be able to view anything that’s going on in the dark. This makes your camera useless for half of the day. Make sure that you can always view your footage clearly no matter how much light there is.
5. Easy Operation and Set-Up
No matter how amazing your camera is, you won’t be able to get the benefits out of it if you don’t know how to use it. Make sure the system is easy to set-up and use so you can get back on the road as quickly as possible.
6. Guarantees and Warranties
There are dash cameras that come with guarantees and warranties so you can be sure of getting value for your money. It will also give you peace of mind that what you buy is something you will be using for a very long time.
What Are the Features That You Should Look For?
Like with other security devices, the more expensive and high-end you go, the more likely you are to discover additional features that you can add into the mix. For dash cams, there are some professional ones on the market that comes with features that help you to drive more cautiously. You might even be able to find a dash cam with a speed camera alert function built-in.
If you’re on the hunt for the best dash cam and you’re not as concerned about your budget, you may want to look for other quality features and add-on capabilities.
1. Availability of Motion Detection Option
You don’t want to leave your camera on and consuming power all night. However, you still want to be able to capture video if your parked car is hit by someone else. Motion detection will automatically turn the camera on and start to record if something comes your way.
2. Capable of Loop Recording
When your dash cam storage reaches full capacity, loop recordings allow you to record over the oldest footage. Loop recordings are helpful if you run out of storage during a long drive. However, there’s always a risk that you could record over essential footage too.
3. Having Gravity Sensors Built-In
A lot of modern dash cameras come with gravity sensors built-in. These detect a potential impact by sensing a sudden movement. The sensors automatically save the footage on your device and lock the system so that even if your camera is destroyed in impact, you’ll still have crucial information on your SD card.
4. GPS Tracking Functionality
A GPS tracking function on your dash cam can help prove that an accident happened exactly where you said it occurred. This is useful for insurance claims. You can also record your speed with GPS features which might be handy if you want to attest to your innocent when you’re given a speeding ticket.
5. Front and Back Camera Option
Some dash cams just focus on the road ahead while cameras check out what’s going on behind you too. Front and back cams give you a full range of coverage so that you’re protected if you’re suddenly rear-ended. This kind of dash cam might also be helpful when it comes to parking straight.
6. Built-In Mounting System
Most, if not all, dash camera systems will come with a mounting system built-in. The mount should be easy to install and you’ll need to make sure that it’s not going to slip or change position when you’re using it.
7. Remote Connection Via Wi-Fi Access
Some dash cams come with Wi-Fi access so that they can automatically upload recordings to your phone. That means that you don’t need to waste time pulling data from an SD card.
What to Remember When Installing the Ideal Dash Camera
Aside from the things that we’ve mentioned so far, there is also a range of other capabilities available in a dash cam that you can consider which is specific to installation and use. For instance, a fast-charging station so you never run out of battery.
Additionally, when you’re choosing the ultimate dash camera solution, make sure that you always look for something that you can use easily in your car. Most dash cams will come with a power cord that plugs into the cigarette lighter. However, you might find it easier to look for a cam that has a USB cable included. You might even want to have your camera hard-wired into your car instead.
If you do choose a camera with cables, make sure that you buy a few cable tidy clips to keep the cords out of your line of sight when you’re driving.
Choosing Your Dash Cam
When it comes to protecting yourself from false insurance claims or providing evidence in an expensive accident, there are few things more valuable than the best dash cam. However, it’s challenging to choose which camera is right for you if you’ve never considered buying one of these dash cams before.
Today’s cameras are more advanced than ever, with better resolution, wider fields of view, and even Wi-Fi connections that make saving content to the cloud a breeze. However, the right choice for your needs will depend on your individual preferences. Check out our dash cam reviews, and make sure that you pick the right model with a focus on the features you need.
Our number one pick is the Vantrue N2 dash cam. Offering 1080p wide-angle performance and a 140-degree rear-facing Sony camera, as well as infrared vision, you will be able to capture most of the action happening around you and your vehicle. We also liked that it included motion-activated parking and that a continuous loop recording and GPS are also available.
What’s your favourite out of the dash cams we’ve covered today? Is Nextbase also your choice? Did we miss a dash cam that you think we should mention? Let us know in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you. Enjoy the ideal dash cam for your car and remember to drive safe!