Key takeaways
- Best overall: VIOFO A229 Pro 2CH Dash Cam ($280 – $350).
- Best value: Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 ($110 – $130).
- Resolution and night performance decide whether number plates are readable.
In this article
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There are hundreds of dash cams on sale, and many look the same on paper. We compared the models that matter in the US and gave each one a clear verdict: buy, consider or skip.
Prices are typical ranges, not live prices. The button on each pick opens the current price.
Quick answer
- Best overall: VIOFO A229 Pro 2CH Dash Cam ($280 – $350)
- Best value: Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 ($110 – $130)
Dash cams compared
| Product | Verdict | Score | Typical price |
|---|---|---|---|
| VIOFO A229 Pro 2CH Dash Cam | Buy | 8.8/10 | $280 – $350 |
| Vantrue N4 Pro 3-Channel Dash Cam | Buy | 8.6/10 | $260 – $330 |
| Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 | Buy | 8.4/10 | $110 – $130 |
| Nextbase 622GW Dash Cam | Consider | 7.4/10 | $250 – $330 |
Our picks in detail
VIOFO A229 Pro 2CH Dash Cam
Best video front and rear · Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.8/10 · Typical price: $280 – $350
Why we like it: 4K front with STARVIS 2 sensors.
Pros: 4K front with Sony STARVIS 2 sensor · Strong night video owners praise · Fast Wi-Fi downloads · Supercapacitor handles summer heat
Cons: Parking mode needs a hardwire kit · Larger than mini cams
Buy it if you want sharp front and rear video, strong night footage and proper parking mode.
Skip it if you want a tiny, set-and-forget camera; it needs hardwiring for parking mode.
Vantrue N4 Pro 3-Channel Dash Cam
Rideshare and families · Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.6/10 · Typical price: $260 – $330
Why we like it: Front, cabin and rear cameras in one kit.
Pros: Records front, cabin and rear · Infrared cabin camera for night · Supercapacitor for heat
Cons: Many cables to route · App is basic
Buy it if you drive for Uber or Lyft or want to record the cabin as well as the road.
Skip it if you only need a front camera; a simpler cam costs less.
Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2
Small and simple · Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.4/10 · Typical price: $110 – $130
Why we like it: Car-key-sized front camera.
Pros: Tiny and discreet · Voice control · Easy app
Cons: No screen · 1080p only · Front only
Buy it if you want a tiny, discreet front camera that hides behind the mirror.
Skip it if you want rear coverage or a screen on the camera.
Nextbase 622GW Dash Cam
Feature lovers · Verdict: Consider · Score: 7.4/10 · Typical price: $250 – $330
Why we like it: 4K camera with Emergency SOS and what3words.
Pros: Emergency SOS feature · Image stabilization · Rear camera add-on available
Cons: Expensive for its age · Rear camera costs extra · Battery instead of supercapacitor
Buy it if you want built-in features like Emergency SOS crash alerts and image stabilization.
Skip it if you want the best value; newer VIOFO models give sharper night video for similar money.
What to check before you buy
- Resolution and night performance decide whether number plates are readable.
- Rear cameras record collisions from behind.
- Parking mode needs hardwiring or a battery pack.
What to skip
Common mistake: Ignoring local rules on mounting and recording.
When to buy
The deepest discounts usually arrive during the big summer sales in July, the October sales events and Black Friday through Cyber Monday in late November. A good single-lens dash cam covers most drivers.
Compare more options
Search dash cams on Amazon See top-rated dash cams on Amazon
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
What are the best dash cams in the US?
Our top pick is VIOFO A229 Pro 2CH Dash Cam (typically $280 – $350). For the best value, choose Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 (typically $110 – $130).
What should I check before buying dash cams?
Resolution and night performance decide whether number plates are readable. Rear cameras record collisions from behind.
When is the best time to buy dash cams in the US?
The deepest discounts usually arrive during the big summer sales in July, the October sales events and Black Friday through Cyber Monday in late November.
What is the most common mistake when buying dash cams?
Ignoring local rules on mounting and recording.