Best Dash Cam 2023: Buying Guide

Here's how to find the best dash cam for your needs.
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Specs like resolution and rear view are important, but so is the right kind of windshield mount and connectivity to your phone.

0:00 Dash Cam Buyers Guide
0:27 What Is A Dash Cam
2:03 Garmin Mini 2
2:54 Nexar Beam GPS
5:10 Vantrue N4
6:30 Nextbase 622GW
8:03 What Makes A Good Dash Cam

[thebigdoghimself]

My tip, keep audio recording on and if something happens read the licence plate out loud. That way if the cam doesn't capture a readable plate you are covered.

[angakingtutube]

I was in a car accident where the other driver ran a stop sign and hit me so hard that it totalled my car. Then he told the police I was speeding and said he had a witness. But the best story was told by the dash cam video clip taken by the car driver behind me. End of the story --- for him.

I've never thought I'd want a dash cam until then. It's the best witness out there and settles lies from the truth. This man was very kind to pull over and offered his video clip. A hero!

[samm]

I never thought I’d learn so much about dash cams from Gus Fring.

[timsmotorcyclediary]

I’ve gotten into 2 collisions recently. Since I had a dash cam, it made dealing with insurance so easy and I was not at fault both times. No stress beyond having to file a collision report which eats up a few hours.

[markw]

I agree that dashcams, especially front but also rear, are an insurance necessity. I also admire Brian Cooley’s thought processes and presentation. Always relevant, clear and thorough.

[stgs]

It could have been interesting to hear a bit about why car manufacturers don’t have them built in on cars from the factory in the first place.

[kevindown]

I worked a weird swing shift 4/10’s. I started at 3:45PM and worked until 2:30AM. Over the years I’ve seen a number of impaired drivers and 3 wrong way freeway drivers. The last one had just come onto the freeway off ramp when I encountered him. I was too busy flashing my lights and honking at him to get him to turn around to get his plate number. I was way too busy and careful to avoid him to get more. Thank goodness I had a dash cam to be able to report the driver once I got home and pulled the memory card. I would also recommend you do a practice run of recording, pulling the card, and checking it on your computer. After an accident is not the time to learn how to use it.
In other countries dash cams are almost a necessity due to the number of insurance fraud cases. You can find many videos on YouTube of weird stuff people see while driving. Things like a tank crossing the road or wild near miss accidents. I think dash cams are most useful in disputes over car accidents. The more information you can provide your insurance company the better the chance you get your claim settled. In the case of my wife she gets so flustered in an accident she doesn’t remember anything. The camera helps if it ever happens again.

[TheNemobile]

I am glad dash cams are covered again, but I wish viewing angles of each dash cam was also discussed since it’s pretty important to many drivers out there. I believe the Garmin and Nexar models in this video only covers 140 degrees when some of Vantrue models cover 160+ degrees they claim.
Also, I find it out to see this lineup of random price range models from different manufacturers.
One last thing I’d like to add is, please remind future dash cam buyers that they driving habits are also recorded and can work against them.

[PatrickdaStarr]

Dashcams should be required in every car. I love mine.

[dave.vega.]

A lot of these cameras will stop recording in a serious accident due to the car cutting off power. That just happened to me. We want to see thorough reviews where this is addressed

[Stallzyx]

Convenient how there's no VIOFO recommendations... the A119 series is really good. I had one between 2017 and 2020, and might even put it again to use or buy another lot, but the v3 is still very well recommended and rated and missing from the list here

[TFFTR]

I have the Nexar beam and Pro. We have been disappointed in the service for the last 2 years. The system at one time operated seamlessly until an update occurred and now there are multiple issues that Nexar is aware of but has yet to resolve

[iHernandez]

i highly recommend the VaVa dash cam!! been using it for 2 years and the app is easy to use and easy to set up

[DannerBanks]

Linus Tech Tips analyzed dash cams and found that most can't provide a clear view of license plates. Would've loved a test for that here

[DefinitelyNotMyRealName]

I’ve got a Garmin 56 up front and a Garmin Mini in the rear. Works fantastically, and the PiP overlay video is sweet.

[mrdude]

It's really nice of Gus Fring to make dash cam reviews for us now that he retired from Los Pollos Hermanos.

[DollaDollaBillYall]

I was recently side swiped and the driver skipped on me. Even though I was able to take a picture with my phone of the vehicle and license plate the driver denied responsibility and now insurance won't cover damages. Needless to say now I'm looking for a dash cam 😅

[SteveandLizDonaldson]

Great presentation for someone new to them like myself. Maybe it would be useful to also add about charging: Can they run off internal batteries (say charged indoors overnight), or must they be plugged in to the car's 12v power?

[wishnuhj]

The whole time I am looking at this video is the Vintage Defender. What a classic-looking Car!

[congoparrot]

love the permamt magnet mount like garmin uses. the nexar sucktion cup works for a limited period of time then it falls off the glass. so annoying.