How Much is a Dash Cam: A Comprehensive Guide

Dash cams are a great investment for any driver, and the cost can vary depending on the features and quality. Basic dash cams can start as low as $50.

If you're looking for a more advanced model with features like Wi-Fi connectivity and GPS, you can expect to pay around $200.

Some dash cams also come with additional features like parking mode and collision detection, which can add to the overall cost. However, these features can provide peace of mind and extra protection for your vehicle.

Here's an interesting read: Cost of Dash

Plug-and-play dash cams are the most affordable options, often costing under $100. They're simple to install, just plug them into your car's cigarette lighter, and you're good to go.

However, they only record when your vehicle is running, so you'll miss out on any incidents that occur when your car is parked. The power cord can also clutter up your dashboard.

Most plug-and-play dash cams record front only, but pricier options include an interior facing camera.

Broaden your view: Mini Dash Camera for Car

The A229 Pro is available in 1-, 2-, and 3-channel versions, and you can add the interior or rear camera to the 1-channel model at a later time.

For a budget-friendly option with a rear camera, consider the A229 Pro, which offers everything we like about the S1, plus a 4K rear camera, for double the money.

The A229 Pro can be purchased for a price that's still cheaper than our top pick, making it a great value for the features it offers.

If you're looking for a deal, the A229 Pro can be paired with other cameras to create a multi-camera system, giving you more coverage for your vehicle.

The A229 Pro has a rear camera, which provides a wider field of view and can help capture incidents that occur behind your vehicle.

Save money by considering the A229 Pro, which is a more affordable option compared to other dash cams with rear cameras.

The A229 Pro is a great option for those who want a rear camera without breaking the bank, and it's available in different channel versions to suit your needs.

A fresh viewpoint: Channel Dash

Plug-and-play dash cams are a budget-friendly option, often costing under $100. They're easy to install, requiring only a plug into your car's cigarette lighter.

These dash cams only record when your vehicle is running, so you'll miss any incidents that occur when your car is parked. This is a significant drawback, as you'll be left without evidence.

Most plug-and-play dash cams record only the front of your car, which might not be enough for your needs.

A fresh viewpoint: Samsara Dash Cams

For those who want a dash cam that's not too basic but also not too expensive, mid-range options are a great choice. A good mid-range dash cam can cost anywhere from $50 to $150.

These cameras usually offer a balance of features, including 1080p resolution, night vision, and Wi-Fi connectivity, making them a great value for the price. They may also have additional features like GPS and lane departure warnings.

Some mid-range dash cams even have features like parking mode, which allows them to record while the vehicle is parked, and motion detection, which can alert you to potential incidents.

We tested these mid-range dash cams to see how they stack up against the competition. We mounted each camera in one vehicle, to record in identical locations and lighting, ensuring a fair comparison.

We went beyond just looking at specs, because many dash cams have similar features but perform differently in real-world conditions. We checked each cam's actual video to see how it held up in various situations.

Night vision is a marketing term, so we tested the cameras at night to see if they could record legible license plates in the dark. The Viofo A229 Pro and Miofive S1 both impressed us with their ability to capture clear video at night.

We also checked each camera's app to see how easy it was to connect, download recorded footage, and adjust settings. The Viofo A229 Pro and Miofive S1 Ultra both have user-friendly apps with a range of features, including GPS maps and the ability to trim clips before saving or sending them.

Here's a quick rundown of the key features we looked for in our testing:

The Rexing S1 Pro is a great mid-range option for those looking to save some cash. It's currently discounted by $100, making it a more affordable choice.

This camera has a recording resolution of 1,920x1,080, which is impressive for its price point. It's also equipped with automatic incident detection and a 140-degree field of view, making it a solid choice for those who want to capture clear footage.

The rear window camera is a great feature, allowing you to see what's behind your vehicle when reversing. It's a thoughtful touch that adds an extra layer of safety to the overall package.

If you have a smaller windshield, the Vantrue N4 Pro is a great choice, with a horizontal cylinder design that's less obtrusive and a ball joint mount for easier aiming and positioning.

The Vantrue N4 Pro's image quality isn't as pleasing as our current top pick, but it can read license plates from roughly the same distance as the Viofo dash cam.

For another approach, see: Vanture Dash Cam

For a budget-friendly option, the 70mai A810 offers excellent image quality, matching that of our top pick, at a lower price, but it uses a lithium-ion battery, which may be less safe and reliable.

The 70mai A810 also comes in 1- and 2-camera versions, with the latter being less than half the price of our main pick's 2-camera version, making it a great option for those on a budget.

If you want police alerts, the Cobra SC 400D is a good choice, with features like 4K front-facing camera, 1080p rear-facing camera, and compatibility with the iRadar app, which provides user-submitted notifications about nearby accidents and police surveillance.

However, setting up and using the Cobra SC 400D can be more difficult than our top picks, especially if you have a newer car with Android Auto or Apple Carplay.

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