In this day and age, people would arguably be more afraid of an EMP bomb than a nuclear one. So reliant are we on Wi-Fi and electronics that if they were to go down, hundreds of millions of people would find themselves rudderless and panicking.
But such a scenario has yet to eventuate and for now, you can enjoy wireless connectivity to your heart’s content. At Parkers, we’ve looked at how to get Wi-Fi for your car and we’ve looked at dash cams – both budget and not-so-budget. But what about dash cams with Wi-Fi? What does that offer you? And are they worthwhile? We delve into the topic here.
What does a dash cam with Wi-Fi offer?
It’s not for internet access. A dash cam with Wi-Fi gives you connection between it and that dash cam’s smartphone app, which then gives you access to extra functions. The number of functions really depends on the app. Below are a couple of examples.
One of these is sharing and downloading recorded footage immediately, or whenever you want without having to remove the dash cam’s memory card and plug it into a computer. It’s a good idea in theory and works in practice for dash cams that have easy-to-use smartphone apps. It’s crucial the smartphone app is easy to use otherwise the exercise becomes frustrating and infuriating.
A wireless connection between the dash cam and your smartphone can also allow you to see the live view of the dash cam on your phone while you’re away from it, provided the dash cam has a constant power source.
The best Wi-Fi dash cams
All of the dash cams below are still superb dash cams in terms of recording quality, ease of use, and function. But they also have excellent features that come with their Wi-Fi connectivity.
Editor's pick
Rrp: $399.99
Rrp: $399.99
But Wi-Fi is not the 622GW’s only feature. The Bluetooth connectivity allows you to use Alexa through the MyNextbase app, so you can do everything hands-free. On the safety side of things, it has a subscription-based Emergency SOS function that can alert emergency services of your whereabouts using the dash cam’s GPS if you are in a crash and don’t respond to the notification it sends to your phone. The 622GW also benefits from brilliant build quality.
For all specs, features, and its usability, read our Nextbase 622GW and 522GW comparison test.
Pros
- Feature-packed
- Superb video quality
- Industry-leading build quality
Cons
- Garmin Drive app is better than MyNextbase
- Perhaps overkill for some users
Pros
- Tiny
- Great app
- Great build quality
Cons
- Perhaps expect better video quality at this price
Pros
- Looks brilliant
- Widest field of view here
- Magnetic mount
Cons
- Video quality should be better at this price
Read our in-depth review of the Thinkware Q800 Pro
Pros
- Great safety features
- Front and rear recording
- Sits well behind rear view mirror
Cons
- Fiddly hardwire setup
- App could be better
Other functions of these dash cams
We’ve largely discussed the above dash cams’ Wi-Fi features. But their features extend beyond that. All dash cams come with basic, standard features. These are:
G-sensor: this function allows the dash cam to automatically save footage that cannot be overwritten when it senses a sudden jolt.
Parking sensor/mode: this works in a similar way to a G-sensor, but for when a car is parked. If the dash cam senses movement or a bump to the vehicle when parked, it records that moment. Dash cams without an internal battery will need hardwiring to use this function.
Loop recording: To ensure continuous recording, a dash cam will automatically begin to overwrite the oldest footage when the memory card reaches full capacity. G-sensor activated files will be protected and not overwritten.
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