Key takeaways
- Cheapest pick worth buying: Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 ($110 – $130).
- A good single-lens dash cam covers most drivers.
- Resolution and night performance decide whether number plates are readable.
In this article
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Cheap dash cams can be a smart buy or a false economy. We picked the lowest-priced models in the US that still earn a buy or consider verdict from us.
Prices are typical ranges, not live prices. The button on each pick opens the current price.
Budget picks at a glance
| Product | Verdict | Score | Typical price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 | Buy | 8.4/10 | $110 – $130 |
| Nextbase 622GW Dash Cam | Consider | 7.4/10 | $250 – $330 |
Budget picks in detail
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.
How to save money
A good single-lens dash cam covers most drivers.
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.
Where not to cut corners
Resolution and night performance decide whether number plates are readable.
Common mistake: Ignoring local rules on mounting and recording.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best cheap dash cams in the US?
The cheapest model we would still buy is Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2, typically $110 – $130.
Are cheap dash cams worth it?
A good single-lens dash cam covers most drivers. Do not compromise on the basics, though. Resolution and night performance decide whether number plates are readable.
When are dash cams cheapest 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.