For many motorists, dash cams have become a must-have. They not only let you provide evidence of accidents, but some also monitor your vehicle while you are away.
However, with so many features on offer, navigating the marketplace isn't easy. Our reviews cut through the jargon, while our top tips will let you find your perfect dash cam in the sales.
: discover which models aced our lab tests1. Consider parking mode
Dash cams don't just record when you’re driving; most can also monitor your car when it’s parked. However, dash cams have only a small battery that usually lasts just a few minutes after you turn your car off.
To use a parking mode feature to its fullest, you'll need to hardwire the dash cam to your car battery. You'll either need to hardwire the dash cam yourself or get a professional to do it (ask your local garage or the store where you bought the dash cam). Additionally, some dash cam brands sell this cable separately, so you'll need to factor it into the overall cost.
2. Check the footage quality
afterOur lab tests evaluate the readability of plates at various distances (during the day and night), ensuring crucial information, such as number plates, is clear. We've also found that the cameras in front and rear dash cam combos can differ greatly in quality, and while a wider viewing angle can capture extra information, it may distort the image and cause a fish-eye effect.
3. Understand wireless claims
Despite claims of being wireless, dash cams still need power. The 'wireless' aspect refers to the process of connecting the dash cam with your phone. Using this wireless connection, you can download footage directly to your phone via an app, eliminating the need to remove the memory card and plug it into a laptop, for example.
4. Switch to voice controls
When driving, you don't want to be fiddling with the tiny buttons on your dash cam or trying to navigate a small touchscreen display.
To combat this, some models come with voice controls. This lets you issue commands such as 'save video' or 'take a picture', without taking your focus off the road.
5. Use GPS tracking
Most dash cams will claim to have GPS built-in, meaning they'll record not only the location of your vehicle, but also the speed and direction you're travelling (useful when submitting footage after an accident). However, our lab tests have repeatedly shown that accessing this tracking information isn't always easy.
Some dash cams let you access GPS tracking information via an app or website, sometimes both. In our reviews, we report on how well a manufacturer has implemented GPS tracking.
See all ourThree dash cams to shortlist
These three dash cams are among the most popular models we’ve reviewed. All include some of, if not all, the key features discussed above.
Nextbase 422GW
This forward-facing Nextbase dash cam can record in 1440p at 30fps, leading to a sharp picture. But if you want smoother footage, you can reduce this to 1080p and get double the framerate (60fps).
It also uses Alexa voice control, meaning you can keep your hands on the wheel without fiddling with the device, along with GPS, wi-fi, parking mode and Bluetooth.
Find out how well Nextbase has implemented these features by reading our fullNextbase 222
For those looking for an entry-level model, the Nextbase 222 is a relatively cheap forward-facing dash cam that can record in full HD.
This model comes with a G-force sensor and 'Intelligent Parking Mode'. These work together so that when you park, the dash cam shuts down but leaves the G-sensor on, enabling the dash cam to automatically record footage if your car is bumped.
Read our full to discover whether the quality of its full HD recording is good enough.Road Angel Halo Pro 2022
The Halo Pro 2022 by Road Angel is a dual dash cam, offering a front camera capable of recording in 2K HD and a rear camera recording in full HD (1080p).
The Road Angel is also wireless, which means you can download footage directly to your phone without getting tangled in wires.
To find out more about this dash cam and how well it performed in other areas, read our expert . Drive smarter and cut costs using our expert advice.The future of dash cams
Dash cam technology moves as fast as the cars they're installed in. Here are some of the most exciting developments we've spotted.
Smart dash cams
Just a few weeks ago, Nextbase released what it calls its first smart dash cam.
Known as the Smart IQ, it comes with a host of automated features. One of these is the proximity sensor, which will monitor movement around your car before any contact has been made. Another feature, Roadwatch AI, is designed to record speed data not only of your car but also those around it - something that could prove invaluable when identifying who is at fault in an accident.
It all sounds impressive, but we'll reserve judgment until it's been through our rigorous testing.
Cars with integrated dash cams
We’ve seen over the past few years that some car manufacturers are adding dash cam technology into their cars.
It's part of BMW's subscription service though, and (at the time of writing) costs a one-off fee of £159.20.
With that being pushed by such a big player, we may see other car manufacturers follow suit.
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