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 where a dashcam steps in as your silent witness, capturing every second.
Technology is advancing rapidly, and today’s dashcams offer high-definition recording, night vision, Wi-Fi, and even real-time alerts without necessarily 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 dash cam is a wise decision for most drivers, as you just never know what might happen on your journey. I think we’ve all seen dashcam footage of the crash-for-cash scams and pedestrians throwing themselves against stationary vehicles, then claiming 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 it can assist in speeding up insurance claims. Dashcams 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 dash cams
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. We’ve been judging these dashcams based on several factors, including price, performance, ease of installation, and any extra useful features.
What features should you look for in a dash cam?
When choosing a dash cam, 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°) 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 bog-standard unit, here is our pick of the best UK dash cameras for cars.
The best dashcams in detail
Best Dashcam
When handling the device, you are aware of its robust build quality. The user-friendly interface allows easy setup, or you can use the intuitive smartphone app. One issue we found was that the rear camera's adjustment is limited to up or down movements, meaning you need to be careful where you position 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.
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 7-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 dash cams 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 dash cam 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
- Great build quality
- Can connect to external SSD up to 4TB
Cons
- Low light performance isn't the best
- Large video files
Easy to use
Rrp: $399.99
Rrp: $399.99
On the topic of dashcams, you don't just buy a dashcam. Quite often, people will subconsciously say Nextbase. Because in the last several years, the brand has elevated itself to become the forefront and market leader in dashcam tech and quickly rose to the biggest brand in the sector. The 622GW is one of the top players in the range, so naturally, we had to have a go at it.
I very kindly got sent a front-facing unit which boasts a 4K recording resolution as well as Alexa Built-In and a host of other features which, most of the time, you probably won't need.
Nevertheless, I've been living with the 622 for a bit and even set it up on my journey from Goodwood at 5am in the morning for my commute to Peterborough. Even while I was quite croaky and seriously lacking caffeine, it was an immensely easy thing to set up - a far cry from the tricky little so-and-so in the form of the Piqo I tested before. Five minutes of unboxing and setting up, and it was ready to go - even with the MyNextbase app 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
- Intuitive app
- Easy to set up
Cons
- You may need a large memory card
Best for colour richness
The E1 Pro is a 4K mini dash cam 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 dash cam 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
- Advantages of a mini dash cam with a screen
- Lovely picture quality
Cons
- Takes photos often which may get annoying
The best compact dash cam
The initial setup using the app can be a bit hit or miss, but once you get it up and running, it's easy to find your way around. There are some neat features, including Witness Mode Lite, which raises an alert and sends footage to an emergency contact in the case of an incident, and Guardian Mode Lite, which sets parameters on your vehicle’s speed and geofence, which could be useful for shared vehicles. As far as recording quality goes, you get a 1440p recording resolution and a 145º degree field of view. Perhaps not pinpoint detail, but good enough to view any events on the road as you travel.
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. You should bear in mind that I had to use the live view on the app to set up the direction that the camera is facing to make sure you’re capturing every angle that you need. 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
| 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 |
The best dual dashcam
It's hardwired to your car's power and is awash with features to improve security and safety, including a built-in 4G SIM card reader allowing you to connect to the BlackVue cloud, allowing you to monitor your vehicle live. Don't forget the built-in GPS which will add location and speed data to recordings, Intelligent Parking Mode protects your vehicle even while you're not around, while Loop Recording and Event File Overwrite Protection ensure you always capture and keep critical clips.
Pros
- Front and back cameras so that you record whats going on in front and behind at the same time
- Great quality cameras which provide the detail needed in downloaded footage
- It has a connection to the cloud which means you can monitor your vehicle in real-time
Cons
- Installation can be tricky
| Resolution/frame rate | 1080p, 60fps front; 1080p/30fps rear |
| Field of view | 139-degree |
| Dimensions | N/A |
| Screen size | N/A |
| Max memory card size | 64 GB |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| GPS | Yes |
The best simple dashcam
Rrp: $179.99
Rrp: $179.99
Pros
- Affordable. No need to shell out the big bucks for this model
- Additional cabin camera to monitor what's happening inside the car and through the rear window
Cons
- Other dash cams have more advanced capabilities
| Resolution/frame rate | 1080p/30fps |
| Field of view | 135° |
| Dimensions | 15.9 x 9.5 x 8.41 cm; 410 Grams |
| Screen size | N/A |
| Max memory card size | 256GB |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| GPS | Yes |
Best comprehensive front and rear dashcam
The bells and whistles don't stop there, either. The Thinkware app stores video files and other data for review. It even has a motion sensor to detect moments of violent driving, like sharp braking. Downsides? It's chunky on your front window.
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
- Large unit
| 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 HQ video dual dash cam
Rrp: $199.99
Rrp: $199.99
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
The best value dual dash cam
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
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 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 dash cam 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 dash cam, 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 aren't, 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.
The best dashcam features to consider:
Camera quality – most dashcams record decent video footage these days, offering 1080P in 30FPS as standard with some stretching up to 4K. Resolution is important, but the frame rate is equally so, as a low frame rate (some dip to 25FPS in 4K) will impede the smooth flow of video and could lead to crucial information being missed.
Size – Again, most modern dashcams excel in this department, too. Having an inconspicuous dashcam is important as you don’t want it to obstruct your view while driving. Some are bigger than others, so if maintaining a clear windscreen is high up on your agenda, make sure to go for the smallest footprint possible.
Field of view – A good field of view is important as you won’t want to miss anything that may have occurred on the periphery of your camera’s range. We would recommend at least 120 degrees to cover the majority of your windscreen.
Voice recognition – Using your hands to operate anything other than the controls of a car while driving is almost always frowned upon in the eyes of the law. A voice-activated unit will save you the commotion of finding elusive power buttons so you can keep your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.
Need an SD card? We’ve put together a short guide on SD cards to help you out.
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