We’ve tested approximately 50 dash cams in real driving conditions, including over 15 just this year—and that number keeps growing. Quality varies wildly, but fundamentally, a dash cam’s most important job is simple: capture and safely store clear footage when it counts. Every model featured here has passed that test. Many go beyond, offering useful features such as GPS, always-on parking modes, and app connectivity.
Based on our tests, the **Viofo A329** is the closest thing to a complete dash cam in 2025. When we reviewed its 4K 60fps footage recorded during our tests, we found it clear in all conditions, helping this flagship model earn a five-star rating.
For buyers on a tighter budget, we highly rate the tiny **Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3**.
We’re confident you’ll find the best dash cam for your needs and budget below. And if you’re not sure how to select the right model, check out our buying advice further down, along with a glossary and a number of in-depth articles covering dash cam FAQs. You won’t find more comprehensive information about dash cams anywhere else.
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## Why You Can Trust TechRadar’s Choices
Collectively, our expert dash cam reviewers have decades of experience testing the latest models. 2025 has been our most fruitful year for reviews.
When we test a dash cam, we go through the process as if we bought it ourselves—fitting the front camera to the windshield and additional rear or cabin cameras where available. If a dash cam can be hardwired, we do that too; such models usually offer extra features when hardwired.
All models are tested in both daytime and nighttime conditions, at various driving speeds over several weeks. We assess footage quality at different resolutions and frame rates, sharing our findings alongside our experience fitting the dash cam, ease of use, and connectivity features.
Our aim? To help you buy a dash cam with confidence, based on honest feedback. We highlight the pros and cons of every option to give you the full picture.
Having tested so many models, many haven’t made the cut for this guide. For those, we’ve included additional options in an **Also Consider** section further below.
Since 2008, TechRadar has been dedicated to providing honest, impartial, and reliable feedback and buying advice on the latest technology. For more about our editorial independence and the standards we uphold, check out our **About Us** page.
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## The Best Dash Cams in 2025
### Best All-Rounder Dash Cam: Viofo A329
While it may be expensive, the two-camera **Viofo A329 Dash Cam** bundle is worth every penny. You get crisp 4K video at up to 60fps from the main camera, capturing fine details even at high speeds. The rear-facing unit offers decent 2K footage that complements the front view well.
Footage recorded after dark was equally impressive, as were clips taken during dull, gray days. Both cameras picked out small details like license plates and road signs with ease.
Storage options are generous, supporting microSD cards up to 512GB and SSDs up to 4TB. Files transfer quickly via Viofo’s app, which is exceptionally user-friendly.
Initial setup tests your patience and skill, with a bit more wiring involved. However, those who persevere enjoy a high-end dash cam experience. If money is no object, you’ll struggle to find better video quality.
**Read our in-depth [Viofo A329 review]**.
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### Best Budget Dash Cam: Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3
If you want a small, simple dash cam to “set and forget,” we recommend the **Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3**. Its compact design easily hides behind the rear-view mirror, and its straightforward interface makes setup and use hassle-free.
It captures high-quality Full HD video with HDR. While the previous Mini 2 offers much the same, if you already own that model, there’s little reason to upgrade.
Like the Mini 2, the Mini 3 lacks GPS or a display, with controls managed through the Garmin Drive app—excellent for changing settings and reviewing footage.
New to the Mini 3 is a landscape design and a built-in polarizing filter to reduce windshield reflections, though the difference in footage quality is subtle.
If you’re buying your first dash cam or want a smaller option, the Mini 3 gets almost everything right.
**Read our in-depth [Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3 review]**.
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### Best Smart Dash Cam: Nextbase iQ
The **Nextbase iQ** is a smart surveillance camera as feature-packed as dash cams come. Available in 1K, 2K, and 4K variants, it is a premium solution with a suite of connected features.
All versions include an interior camera, with an optional rear-facing unit. A paid subscription is required to unlock full features, which may make it costly over time.
Setup is simple, and the app provides easy access to numerous functions. Footage and audio from our 4K review unit were excellent.
Powered directly from the car’s battery, the system stays active even when the engine is off. This makes it ideal for those wanting comprehensive, all-around monitoring of their vehicle.
If the price is prohibitive, the **Nextbase Piqo** offers a simpler, cheaper alternative with lighter smart features.
**Read our in-depth [Nextbase iQ review]**.
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### Best Cheap 4K Dash Cam: Miofive S1 Ultra
Priced well under $100 / £100, the **Miofive S1 Ultra** is an impressive 4K dash cam equipped with GPS and 5GHz Wi-Fi for fast file transfers—a rare combo at this price.
Video quality was sharp with admirable noise control in low light, making this a standout budget model.
The only drawback is the lack of 60fps recording—it’s capped at 30fps even in Full HD. Otherwise, setup is straightforward, and it’s easy to get going.
You can also bundle it with Miofive’s rear dash cam (available in 2K and 4K) for full coverage.
For under $100/£100, this is the best 4K dash cam available.
**Read our in-depth [Miofive S1 review]**.
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### Best 360-Degree Dash Cam: 70mai Dash Cam 4K Omni
The **70mai Dash Cam 4K Omni** is an evolution of 70mai’s unique Dash Cam Omni, now with 4K video recording.
Its standout feature is a front camera with a 146-degree field of view that can rotate a full 360 degrees to capture front or cabin views (not simultaneously).
Video resolution has improved from 1080p 60fps to 4K 60fps. The sensor is beefier, enhanced with 70mai’s new Lumi Vision tech for crisper low-light footage.
New features include AI Motion Detection 2.0, a second rear camera offering dual-channel HDR at 1080p, a larger screen, improved Wi-Fi performance, and a more efficient battery.
Voice control enables hands-free rotation between front and cabin views, and the fun UI adds personality, although the design is bold and not inconspicuous.
Note that a 4G hardware kit is required for automatic cloud backup.
**Read our in-depth [70mai Dash Cam 4K Omni review]**.
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### Best for Older Cars Without an Infotainment System: Garmin DriveCam 76
Combining a dash cam and sat nav, the **Garmin DriveCam 76** is perfect for vehicles lacking built-in infotainment.
Its 7-inch display is intuitive and makes Garmin’s rich mapping easy to follow with clear navigation and live traffic updates when paired with a smartphone.
The unit is larger than many rivals, sometimes obstructing the driver’s view, but both the display angle and camera lens are adjustable for optimal placement.
Full HD HDR footage at 30fps delivers balanced exposure with legible number plates, though video stabilization has noticeable wobble.
If you don’t need the smarts such as notifications and weather updates, better value options exist. But for an all-in-one device combining navigation and dash cam capabilities, this is a great pick.
**Read our in-depth [Garmin DriveCam 76 review]**.
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## Also Consider
We’ve reviewed many superb dash cams beyond our top six. These also come highly recommended:
– **Garmin Dash Cam X310:** Garmin’s best-ever dash cam with sharp 4K HDR video, GPS, and rich features. Slight upgrade over Dash Cam 67W.
– **Nextbase Piqo:** A lower-cost alternative to Nextbase iQ with lite smart features in a compact design.
– **RedTiger F77:** Sharp 4K front/rear with a wide 170-degree field of view. File uploads can be fiddly.
– **Vantrue E360:** 360-degree video with dual-lenses, 5.2K 30fps footage, and a tripod bundle option.
– **70mai Dash Cam 4K T800:** A full triple camera setup, 24/7 parking mode, intuitive app, and five-star rating.
– **Nextbase 622GW:** 4K resolution, excellent night vision, stabilization, Alexa control, and What3Words support.
– **Thinkware X1000:** Features a large touchscreen and easy interface; lacks built-in GPS but supports dual cameras.
– **Miofive Dual Dash Cam:** Dual-camera setup related to the S1 Ultra, and high-end dual dash cam with five-star rating.
– **Viofo A229 Pro:** Triple-camera setup for comprehensive coverage, though slightly pricier and more complex to install.
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## How to Choose the Best Dash Cam for You
### Key Features to Look Out For
– **4K Resolution:** For crisp footage and easy detail retrieval.
– **60fps Frame Rates:** Offer smoother video and better slow-motion detail.
– **GPS:** Records speed and location data, which can be vital evidence.
Dash cams can have from one to four cameras. Single cameras capture the front, dual typically add rear-facing cameras, while additional cabin cameras benefit ride-share drivers. Professional drivers might add external cameras for more viewpoints.
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### Video Resolution
Most top dash cams in 2025 record in 4K, while cheaper ones may max out at 1080p. We recommend 4K due to finer detail capture such as license plates, though file sizes will be larger.
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### Video Frame Rates
30fps is standard and adequate for full-speed replay. However, 60fps enables smoother action and better slow-motion review, helpful for picking out details.
Some premium models now offer 4K recording at 60fps, like the Viofo A329. Others, like Nextbase 622GW, add digital image stabilization to smooth bumpy footage.
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### Additional Features
Consider touchscreens, companion apps, GPS, parking surveillance, voice control, and sat nav.
Older cars without infotainment systems benefit from built-in sat nav, while GPS and what3words geolocation aid in precise location tagging for emergencies.
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## Getting Started with a Dash Cam
– Position the dash cam so it does not obstruct your road view.
– Look for safety features such as a G-sensor, which automatically protects footage when impacts are detected.
– Hardwiring enables always-on features like parking mode.
Most dash cams mount via suction cup or adhesive to the windshield and are powered via USB or the vehicle’s 12V socket.
Rear cameras require extra wiring that may involve tucking cables into the car’s trim.
Dash cams typically record in loops, overwriting the oldest footage automatically. Incident detection technology helps save important recordings for later review.
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## Frequently Asked Questions
### Is It Worth Having a Dash Cam?
Yes. Dash cams can prove your innocence after collisions, false speeding fines, and may alert emergency services with precise location data. Parking modes enable security footage while your car is unattended.
### Can a Dash Cam Drain Your Car Battery?
Some dash cams draw power via the 12V socket or are hardwired, potentially draining the battery if left connected when the vehicle is off. Models vary—check your vehicle’s power behavior and consider hardwiring for smarter power management.
### Is a GoPro or Action Camera Better Than a Dash Cam?
Action cameras may offer higher video resolution, but lack dash cam features like G-sensor incident detection, parking mode, and GPS logging. Dash cams are designed for continuous, intelligent recording suited for driving.
### Are Dash Cams Legal?
Generally, yes, so long as they don’t obstruct your view and you comply with local privacy laws. It’s important to avoid recording on private property unlawfully and to notify passengers if audio is recorded.
### What Is Loop Recording?
Dash cams continuously record snapshots, automatically overwriting the oldest clips when storage fills, ensuring uninterrupted recording.
### How Much Does a Dash Cam Cost?
Prices range from around $50/£50 for basic 1080p models to $500/£500+ for premium multi-camera setups with advanced features.
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## Meet the TechRadar Team
Our reviewers have collectively amassed over 100 years of camera experience, testing the latest and greatest models over 20 years.
### How We Test Dash Cams
– Installed and set up as if we owned them.
– Tested daytime and nighttime video quality.
– Evaluated additional features and hardwiring where possible.
We use genuine vehicle setups, pairing cameras to smartphones, driving under varied lighting and weather conditions, then reviewing footage quality and usability.
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For the full in-depth reviews, buying advice, and FAQs, explore our detailed articles and guides to help you find the perfect dash cam for your needs.
https://www.techradar.com/vehicle-tech/dash-cams/the-best-dash-cam-2025