In real life, road incidents don’t come with dramatic music or slow-motion build-ups – they happen in an instant, without warning. One moment, you’re cruising along, and the next, chaos. In the inevitable confusion that follows, details blur, and memories become unreliable. That’s why enlisting the help of the best dashcams as a silent witness is important, as the technology can capture every second.
As technology has advanced so rapidly, dashcams offer high-definition recording, night vision, Wi-Fi, and even real-time alerts without costing a fortune. Even some of the most basic budget-friendly dashcams can provide pretty good results.
Why should you invest in a dashcam
Investing in a dashcam is a wise decision for most drivers, as you just never know what might happen on your journey. There’s plenty of dashcam footage on the internet demonstrating the crash-for-cash scams, where pedestrians throwing themselves against stationary vehicles and claim they have been knocked down. Dashcam footage provides clear, objective evidence in the event of an incident, helping to protect you from false claims, and assist in speeding up insurance claims.
Dashcams are straightfoward to install and can capture critical footage of road incidents, reckless drivers, or even vandalism and attempted theft when your car is parked, giving you peace of mind and potential legal support. Having a dashcam could even lead to insurance discounts, making it a worthwhile investment for both safety and savings.
The best dashcams shortlist
How we chose the best dashcams
We’ve done a lot of dashcam testing here at Parkers, fitting different types of dashcams to our cars, using them as we drive, and seeing how they fare in typical real-life driving situations. Each dashcam is installed on to a car in the state that they are sold, so any extra circular polarising lens (CPL) filters are discounted in the first instance, and then later added to conduct a thorough test.
Dashcams are assessed on build quality, ease of installation and use, as well as footage quality. We test the dashcams in sunlight and low light – especially in dark conditions. In addition to this, dashcams are tested on urban streets and motorways to assess the level of video quality when footage is at risk of getting blurry. After testing is complete we also factor in the value for price to our final review.
What features should you look for in a dashcam?
When choosing a dashcam, look for features that ensure high-quality footage, ease of use, and reliable performance. Key features to consider include:
- High-resolution video (at least 1080p) for clear images, especially important for reading registration plates.
- A wide-angle lens (around 140 to 170 degrees) will capture more of the road and surroundings.
- Night vision or low-light performance for clear footage in dark conditions.
- Loop recording so that the camera continuously records by overwriting old footage when the memory card is full.
- G-sensor to detect sudden impacts and automatically save and protect that footage.
- Parking mode will monitor your vehicle while it’s parked, useful for hit-and-runs, attempted thefts or vandalism.
- GPS tracking logs speed and location, which is helpful for both evidence and travel records.
- Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity for easy video transfer and settings adjustment via a smartphone app.
- A dual camera setup gives you both front and rear coverage.
These features can help ensure your dash cam provides the protection and convenience you’re looking for. So, whether you want a fancy mirror dashcam or a budget option, here is our pick of the best UK dash cameras for cars.
The best dashcams in detail
Best Dashcam
When handling the device, I was aware of its robust build quality. The user-friendly interface allows easy setup, and I was able to use the intuitive smartphone app. One issue I found was that the rear camera's adjustment is limited to up or down movements, meaning that I needed to be careful where I positioned it during installation. Additionally, the 24-hour parking mode requires a separately sold hardwiring kit, and as always, you should be cautious about the potential for battery drain if the device remains plugged in for extended periods.
I particularly liked the footage quality, especially in low light. The 3-inch screen is large enough to view the footage whenever you want to, but also small enough to hide away behind the interior mirror. Despite it being a dual 4K camera, I didn't have problems with storage, because the S1 Ultra comes with a 64GB memory card.
A feature that I didn't like was the voice alert, but this can easily be muted. Overall, the Miofive S1 Ultra is a wonderful dashcam that offers great value thanks to dual 4K footage at this price point.
Review by Naveed Hussain
The MIOFIVE S1 Ultra is a competent dashcam offering high-quality video recording and a range of useful features. For more details, see our full MIOFIVE S1 Ultra review here.
Pros
- The picture resolution is good meaning it's easy to see details in footage
- Built-in GPS helps with identifying locations and with journey details
- Good low light performance which means its much easier to make out fine details at night or in poor weather
Cons
- Voice and driving alerts are a bit harsh
Editor's pick
Picture quality is superb thanks to the 4K recording quality and the Sony STARVIS 2 IMX678 sensor (STARVIS 2 IMX662 at the rear). If you only use the front camera, then 60fps is possible, but expect 30fps when using both front and rear cameras. The seven-layer lens is great for night-time video too; I found it to be very clear with a good amount of contrast. You may find traffic lights will flicker, but otherwise, I didn’t experience anything else that would suggest a weakness.
Setting up the 4K Omni was easy too, as was connecting to the app, which I found to be more intuitive than apps from other dash cam manufacturers. I really liked the fact that 70mai had even thought about the users’ windscreen by providing a set of electrostatic stickers to avoid damage or residual marks when removing the dashcam. This was ideal as I tested the 4K Omni on a press car that was due to be returned.
Initially I was rather sceptical about a rotating camera, which seemed like a bit of a gimmick – and in truth, I didn’t find much use for the rotating function, but aside from that I found the build quality, recording quality, and ease of use so exquisite that I would recommend the 4K Omni to friends. A high-end reliable camera – yes please.
Review by Naveed Hussain
Pros
- Impressive video quality giving clear images on downloaded footage
- Great build quality means it will last and won't shirk at the odd bit of bad handling
- Easy-to-use app saves time when downloading footage
Cons
- Rotating function isn't useful most of the time
- Priced as a high-end dash cam
4K 60FPS recording quality
I found a lot of positives with the A329, particularly when it came to the build quality. I found it to be a robust unit with strong cables connecting it all. In addition to this, I like the shape of the unit, which means it can be mounted directly onto the windscreen rather than on an arm—that means it doesn’t block much of the windscreen but still allows you to view the 2.4-inch screen.
With the higher frame rate, I was able to view high-speed footage, like driving on a motorway, to be clearer than on other dashcams courtesy of the higher frame rate, but all this meant that the file sizes were larger. The A329 does loop record but if you want to keep hold of less recent files then it’s best to either export videos often or invest in a larger SSD.
I also found that the low-light footage was a little dark. This can be alleviated by removing the CPL filter, which is included, but I prefer to keep the filter on as it helps with daylight footage.
The Viofo A329 is a seriously impressive dash cam – one that would win dashcam resolution top trumps, and if you have the budget then it can cover all bases for you.
See our full review of the Viofo A329 here
Review by Naveed Hussain
Pros
- Superior 4K 60FPS recording resolution for clearer high-speed footage
- Great build quality that feels solid to hold
- Can connect to external SSD up to 4TB to save more files
Cons
- Low light performance isn't the best due to the CPL filter
- Large video files thanks to the video resolution
Best mirror dashcam
The large 11.26-inch screen is great to display footage out of the front of the vehicle and the rear. Thanks to its touchscreen functionality, I found it to be easy to use, and easy to adjust settings when I needed to adjust the volume. The voice alerts can be quite loud so I would recommend adjusting the volume, but I found the GPS alerts (like speed cameras) to be accurate. I particularly liked the fact that the camera states the speed limit when approaching cameras.
Having a rear camera instead of a mirror can takes a bit of time to get used to, but they’re great if rear visibility isn’t the best. Vans, cars with rear privacy glass, and cars without a rear windscreen wiper can all benefit from a mirror dash cam. Even in low light the camera does well to give you a relatively clear picture.
You can choose to view the front footage or rear footage at any time, or you can split the screen to see both views. I’d have preferred to be able to see the rear footage on around 70-80% of the screen with the front footage filling the rest of the screen, but generally I used it as a rear-view camera.
Overall, a mirror dashcam might take a bit of getting used to but can bring a load of benefits with it. If you’re considering one but haven’t tried one – give it a go.
Review by Naveed Hussai
Pros
- Great if rear visibility isn't good
- Accurate GPS system
- Genuinely usefull voice alerts
Cons
- External rear camera and GPS antenna makes installation a little tricker
Best for advanced driver assistance systems
Rrp: $399.99
Rrp: $399.99
Having recently tested the Vantrue E1 Pro I knew what I was getting myself into, so fitting the camera was easy (especially since a crowbar is supplied), and connecting to the app was even easier. Once again, like with the E1 Pro, I didn’t have to create an account on the app to start using it.
My first instinct was to set up the camera and try to tilt the lens straight, and while I did manage that, I found the camera began a calibration sequence. Like the E1 Pro, the S1 Pro Max is rather sensitive to potholes and speed bumps – mistaking them as incidents and constantly taking photos. I suppose I’d rather have an overly sensitive camera that captures everything than one that doesn’t capture what I need.
One of the stand-out features of the S1 Pro Max is the Vantrue Intelligent function which means you get advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) as standard, so the camera can sense the distance of the car ahead, alert you of lane departure, and even detect pedestrians. I found it nice to know that the camera had my back, especially since the car that I was testing it on didn’t have ADAS, but ultimately, I found the AI voice to be too frequent, loud, and intrusive. The Garmin X210 felt more friendly when alerting of lane departure and speed cameras.
The video footage is good thanks to HDR 4K recording. I found there to be no difference between the front and rear cameras which means the quality is consistent. I did find the footage to have a little less contrast than I’d have liked, but the quality is clear – even in low light.
Do be sure to use the provided electrostatic stickers to fit the cameras, as I didn’t do that on the rear window which left residual adhesive on the window when removing the camera. At least it means the adhesive is strong and the camera will be secure.
Review by Naveed Hussain
Pros
- Dual 4K setup provides clear footage at the front and back
- Easy to set up using the calibration sequence
- Advance driver assistance systems included
Cons
- Intrusive voice alerts are far too often
- Slightly more contrast in footage would be better
Best for simplicity
Garmin is one of the most popular brands for dashcams, so I approached this test with high standards, and I was pleasantly surprised with the X210. The packaging is refreshingly simple, but don’t expect a crowbar to help with fitting, or a memory card. It was easy to fit the X210 to my car, and I was especially impressed with the adhesive mount that has a magnet which means I was able to remove and attach the camera when needed with one hand. There aren’t any electrostatic stickers in the packaging either so be sure to place the camera where you need to as it will be difficult to adjust the location.
Connecting that app is easy, and since I had another Garmin dashcam, I was able to specify that this dashcam was mounted in a separate vehicle. Unlike the Garmin Mini 2, the X210 has a 2.4-inch LCD display so it was easy to adjust the direction of the lens.
The video quality is 1440p, which isn’t as competitive as others on this list, and at the premium price this camera may be less value for money, but it comes from a trusted brand and has excellent build quality. It is reliable and accurate – especially during the five-hour round trip that I took to the Parkers HQ. The X210 did well to eliminate glare.
My favourite feature was the driver alert function, which warns of lane departure, speed cameras, and when the vehicle in front is pulling away in traffic. I preferred Garmin’s approach over other dashcams as it doesn’t disrupt the driving experience but does provide a noticeable warning.
Despite the lack of accessories, and rear camera, the Garmin is a great camera, but if you want to go for 4K then go for the X310.
Review by Naveed Hussain
Pros
- Easy to install and use thanks to its clever design
- High build quality as expected from the established brand
- Great user experience due to the intuitive app
Cons
- May not offer as much value for money as others
- Doesn't come with as many accessories as others
Easy to use
The Nextbase 622GW is one of the top players in the range, so naturally, I had to put it to the test. The front-facing unit boasts a 4K recording resolution as well as Alexa Built-In and a host of other features which, I have to admit, most of the time, you probably won't need.
Nevertheless, I set up the dashcam at 5am for my journey from Goodwood to Parkers HQ. Even while I was quite croaky and seriously lacking caffeine, it was an immensely easy - unlike the tricky Piqo dashcam I previously tested. The installation took me five minutes, including the MyNextbase app ready and engaged.
In terms of video quality, I had some glorious conditions to check it out. And it's excellent in capturing the necessary details, should you either witness or be involved in a road traffic incident. You can read number plates quite clearly from a distance, and it adjusts very well in any lighting conditions from direct sun to shadowy tunnels.
What's more, the app is the most intuitive out of any I've tried. It's easy to navigate, and you can easily access any files. My top recommendation is to opt for a large SD card to take a lot of data - simply because long, continuous recording will require you to format it more regularly than anyone would like. I had to do so with the 64GB unit that was provided with my test device.
Review by Aaron Hussain
Pros
- Clear picture quality that adjusts really well to different lighting
- Intuitive app that's easy to use
- Easy set up that takes less than five minutes
Cons
- You may need a large memory card
Best for colour richness
The E1 Pro is a 4K mini dashcam with a 158-degree wide-angle lens and a CPL filter. This means my video footage was always crystal clear despite driving towards sunlight and the inevitable glare. I was impressed by the video’s rich colour, which remained clear even during higher-speed driving.
Installing the E1 Pro was easy, as it comes with a couple of electrostatic stickers that I used to attach the GPS adhesive mount to the windscreen. The supplied crowbar was useful to allow me to tuck the wiring away. I do like how Vantrue includes some cable clips so having a clear, wire-free cabin is easy.
I connected the camera to the Vantrue app, and I spent some time browsing the different features. I thought the camera was easy to connect, and I didn’t even have to make an account to access the features. There are a range of features and functions that you can control/view from the app, including driving data.
The speed displayed on the screen was accurate most of the time, and I noticed that the camera detected several events during a short journey – particularly when driving over large bumps. Whenever that would happen the camera would take a photo.
If you’re looking for a mini dashcam with 4K resolution and 5G WiFi for fast video downloads, then the E1 Pro isn’t a camera you should overlook.
Review by Naveed Hussain
Pros
- Great build quality from a compact unit
- Advantages of a mini dash cam with a screen that's genuinely useful to see information
- Clear picture quality with bright colours and lovely lighting
Cons
- Takes photos quite often which may get annoying
The best compact dash cam
The size of the Piqo is comparable to the Garmin Mini 2, which also offers distraction-free driving, but I feel the Piqo boasts a more pleasant design. Its design is a little more modern than the Garmin, despite the Garmin looking like it would be more robust. Overall, for the exterior design, I’d have to give it to the Piqo.
As a mini dashcam I wasn’t expecting the Piqo to compete with some of the latest and greatest dashcams on offer, but it does well to shoot in 1440p resolution which meant I could get relatively clear footage. Close details are easy to spot in the footage, but anything further than a few car-lengths and I had trouble.
Out of all the features the Piqo offers, my favourite features are the Witness Mode Lite and the Guardian Mode Lite, which can alert an emergency contact should certain events take place. For the price, I think the Piqo is certainly a dashcam you should consider if you’re looking for a mini unit.
Review by Aaron Hussain
Pros
- Slim, modern design means it looks good and wont take up too much space on your windscreen
- Lots of features meaning you can be flexible in how you make use of the dashcam
- Geofencing feature which alerts you should the vehicle leave a pre-determined area - handy for company or shared vehicles
Cons
- Video quality could be better
- Setting up the app could be made easier to save time
The best mini dash cam
I have been running the Garmin Mini 2 for over a year, and I really like how discreet it is. Without having to worry about a screen I am able to tuck the unit away behind my car’s rear view mirror and forget about it. It has a 140 degrees field of view so it can be mounted in the middle of the windscreen, or you can even place it in the passenger’s corner in order to record footage of the road and yourself in the driver’s seat – useful for insurance disputes to prove you did have your hands on the wheel etc.
Sometimes I forgot that I even had a dash cam, so the beep noise that the Garmin makes when powering up is a reassuring sound to let me know that everything is in order. That sound also plays on occasion when the loop recording has restarted – again, reassuring.
The app is easy to use, and somewhat basic. I would have preferred the app to have more functionality, but a minimalist attitude towards the size of the Mini 2 seems to have spilled over into every aspect of the camera. I had to use the live view on the app to set up the direction that the camera is facing to make sure I captured every angle and that’s the only time I felt I could’ve done with a screen. As a mini dash cam, this one is great.
Read our full review of the Garmin Mini 2 here.
Pros
- Tiny footprint won't obstruct any of your view and will keep it incospicuos on the windscreen
- Great app which means you have a lot of easy flexibility in use
Cons
- Basic features for the price, and no screen to monitor progress
| Resolution/frame rate | 1080p/30fps |
| Field of view | 140° |
| Dimensions | 3.13 x 5.33 x 2.91cm |
| Weight | 32.1g |
| Screen size | no screen |
| Max memory card size | 512GB |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| GPS | No |
Best comprehensive front and rear dashcam
My favourite feature of the Thinkware was the fact that its wide-angle lense can cover the entire windscreen, so I'll be safe in the knowledge that crucial footage with be capture all the time. I also like the Thinkware app which is easy and intuitive to use. It even has a motion sensor to detect moments of violent driving, like sharp braking. Downsides? I found it to be rather chunky on my front window.
Overall, I think the Thinkware is a great camera that offers high-resolution footage with minimal downsides. It competes with the very best cameras on this list, and represents decent value too. As an alternative to the more established brands, I think the U1000 is a solid choice.
Review by Seth Walton
Read our full review of the Thinkware U1000 here.
Pros
- Fantastic video quality providing clear pictures to help see what happened in any downloaded footage
- Intelligent app which can store video footage and other data until it's needed
Cons
- A chunky unit so you must consider how you'd like to install it
| Resolution | 4K at 30FPS or 2K at 60FPS |
| Field of view | 150 Degrees |
| Memory card size | Up to 128GB |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| GPS | Yes |
| Screen size | No screen |
| Weight: | 149g |
| Phone connectivity | Yes |
The best value dual dash cam
We're yet to get our hands on this dashcam to test but will update the article once we do.
Pros
- Great value means you don't have to spend to much to get a record of what happens on your journeys
- Easy to set up and use so you don't have to waste valuable time during installation
Cons
- Rear camera quality could be better
The best HQ video dual dash cam
We're yet to get our hands on this dashcam to test but will update the article once we do.
Pros
- Wide angle lens captures more of whats happening on the road and surroundings
- Real-time GPS means your route is logged along with speed and locations
Cons
- Needs a larger SD card for best performance
How to fit a dashcam
Each car dashcam will come with its own set of instructions on how it should be installed. Depending on where you intend to place your dashcam, you’ll want to ensure the installation site is clean and dry first, as this will benefit the adhesive performance of the included stickers.
It’s important to install your dashcam outside your line of sight so that it won’t impede your vision while on the road. Once you have your dashcam in place, ensure the cables are neatly tucked around the perimeter of the windscreen and then fasten them in position. Some may even offer a prying tool to hide the cables behind the panel gaps of the cabin.
FAQs
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What is a dashcam?
A dashcam is a small in-car camera used to monitor driving techniques and record footage in the event of an incident. They are often installed so that, in the event of an accident, motorists will have some evidence to fall back on should the other party take legal action.
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Are expensive dashcams worth it?
Expensive dashcams can be worth it if you need higher video quality, better night vision, dual-channel recording (front and rear), GPS, and cloud features. For basic recording needs, a mid-range dashcam is usually sufficient. Premium models, like Nextbase cameras, are worth it if you are a high-mileage driver, park in risky areas, or want evidence-quality footage. Otherwise, a solid mid-range or budget option may be all you need.
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Is there a dashcam without wires?
Yes, some dashcams are wireless in terms of data transfer (using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth), but all dashcams still need a power source, usually through a power cord connection to your car’s 12v power outlet socket or hardwired to the fuse box. Truly wire-free dashcams with built-in batteries are rare and usually have very limited recording time.
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How much should I spend on a dashcam?
For a UK motorist, spending £100 to £200 will get you a reliable dashcam with good video quality, basic features, and possibly front and rear coverage. Under £100 covers basic models for occasional use, while £200 to £350 and above gets you premium features like 4K recording, GPS, night vision, and cloud storage, all ideal for frequent drivers or those wanting maximum protection. For a mix of town and motorway driving in the UK, a dashcam in the £150 to £250 range is a solid choice. You'll get clear footage in varied lighting, front and rear cameras, GPS tracking, and good reliability, ideal for both urban incidents and higher-speed motorway footage.
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Do I need Wi-Fi for dashcam?
No, you don’t need Wi-Fi for a dashcam to work. It will still record footage to a memory card without it. However, Wi-Fi is useful for quickly viewing or downloading videos to your phone without removing the SD card from the main body of the dashcam, especially after an incident. It’s a convenience feature, not an essential.
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Do dashcams always have to be plugged in?
Some dashcams can be plugged into the car's 12v connector only when needed and removed from the vehicle when not in use. To ensure continuous operation and facilitate features like parking mode, it is recommended that the dashcam is hardwired to the fuse box. Some models have built-in batteries, but these only last a few minutes, just enough for short recordings when the car is switched off. For a cleaner setup, many UK drivers opt for professional hardwiring, which hides the cables and enables parking mode.
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Does hardwiring a dashcam drain a car battery?
Hardwiring a dashcam can drain your car battery, but usually only if the wiring has been installed incorrectly and not properly set up with low-voltage cut-off protection. A dashcam, particularly in parking mode, will still draw power from the battery even when the car engine is switched off. However, most hardwire kits include low-voltage cut-off features that automatically shut the dashcam off before the battery gets too low, preventing you from being stranded.
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Which dashcam is right for me?
There are hundreds of different models on the UK dashcam market, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. However, before considering which model would best suit your car, it's important to think about your budget. The cheapest dashcams start from around £30, but for this, you can expect a bottom-of-the-market product in terms of capabilities and footage quality.
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Why should I have a dashcam?
There are myriad reasons why you should have a dashcam installed in your car, and not all of them revolve around fair play.
Justice – If only all drivers were as careful and considerate as our readers, the world would be a far more congruous place. Alas, they are not, so we have to take precautions. In the event of an accident, leaving yourself or your car damaged, a dashcam will allow the authorities to ascertain who was truly at fault by reviewing the footage. On that unfortunate day, you'll want the evidence to fall back on.
Insurance disputes – People really hate admitting blame when they know it's going to hit their pockets. Insurance disputes over road traffic accidents occur all the time and can lead to no payout at all. Dashcam footage will conclusively settle such a dispute with the evidence to back your claim.
Monitor your driving – You may feel uneasy on the road at times, and that's okay. A dashcam will allow you to review your driving technique, providing the necessary guide on where to change your style for the safety of yourself and other cars around you. Having one could also bring your insurance premium down, too.
Dashcam jargon buster:
A mini dashcam is a scaled-down model that’s perfect for the price-conscious. They’re hugely popular as they are inconspicuous enough not to obstruct your view while on the road but can still shoot high-quality footage covering the full extent of the windscreen.
A dual dashcam can shoot both front and rear video by virtue of two cameras. While the primary camera is fastened to the windscreen, a smaller camera films out the back window, offering better cover both front and rear. Dual dashcams are usually a bit more expensive, but given the extra level of cover and protection that they offer, it’s usually a premium worth paying for. That being said, there are some affordable examples on the market. Need an SD card? We’ve put together a short guide on SD cards to help you out.
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