Last update: Jan 22, 2025
The dash cam market can be a bit confusing for beginners. Many modern dashboard cameras come with so many bells and whistles that it can be hard to figure out which ones you actually need.
This site was launched in 2013. After over a decade of professionally reviewing dash cams, we can clearly point out two qualities that are an absolute must-have: Video quality and reliability.
Obviously you want the dash cam to be reliable, so that if anything happens, you can be sure it’s actually recording.
Measuring reliability is not easy, since build quality can vary between different products of the same line. We therefore take a number of factors into account to quantify a specific camera’s reliability, including feedback from users, customer ratings, return rate, and vendor reputation.
As for video quality, you want to consider the technical specifications of a camera such as video resolution, the optical sensor it uses, whether it has HDR, and so on. But in our experience, the single most important criteria is: Can you actually read the license plates of other cars in the footage?
For each camera we review here, we evaluate dozens of videos recorded by users around the world. This allows us to accurately assess a dashboard camera’s video quality.
As a result, each camera gets a score from 0 (poor) to 5 (excellent) for both reliability and video quality. Few cameras ever reach 5 points in either of the categories, so a score of 4.0 (very good) can already be considered state of the art.
NOTE: If you are new to dash cams and would like to familiarize yourself with the technology first, check out our Introduction to Dashboard Cameras before you continue.
Contents
- Which Dash Cams Records Best Video Quality In 2025
- The 3 Best Dash Cams Of 2025
- Two Budget Cams With Decent Video
Which Dash Cams Record The Best Video Quality In 2025
If you can afford it, you probably want to get a dashboard camera that records at 4K resolution. That means 3840×2160 pixels, at 30 frames per second (fps).
The latest and most advanced dash cams use Sony’s new Starvis 2 sensor. This sensor is larger than older optical sensors, making it more light sensitive. As a result, the camera records much better video quality at night.
High Dynamic Range (HDR) further improves night video quality. A dash camera with a Starvis 2 sensor that supports HDR is the best you can currently get.
Expected Price Range For A State-Of-The-Art Dash Cam
If you’re going for cutting-edge video technology, the most affordable 4K dash cams with Starvis 2 technology currently costs around $160. (This is at the time of the last update of this article, in January 2025.)
At the top end of the spectrum, a high-end model with cloud connectivity and radar parking mode can cost up to $500, or more depending on the configuration and accessories you’ll be getting.
Obviously, not everyone is ready to pay that much for a dash cam. If you’re happy with lower video resolution, you can get some good quality 1440p dash cams, also with Starvis 2 sensors, starting around $100.
Prices go up and down constantly, so make sure to check our links to various vendors and find the best deal.
The 3 Best Dash Cams Of 2025
We’ve selected one single-channel (1CH) camera, and one camera that can either do 2 or 3 channels (2CH and 3CH). To top it off, we’ll add a high-end camera that records front and rear (2CH) and additionally, supports cloud connectivity. When connected to the cloud, the camera lets you stream live video to your smart phone, so you can check what’s going on around your car any time.
All three of these cameras have Starvis 2 sensors and record great video. That is to say, you should be able to read the license plates of other cars in pretty much any lighting situation.
One Video Channel: 70mai A810
If you’re happy recording forward video only, the Chinese 70mai A810 (full review) records very good 4K video with its single Starvis 2 lens. 70mai are a reliable low-cost brand that also make much cheaper cameras, but the A810 is their new flagship.
This camera is currently valued around $180. For exact price, check it on Amazon US / CA / UK – AliExpress – 70mai – eBay US / AU – more countries & vendors (ad)
Video quality: Very good (4.0/5)
Reliability: Good (3.0/5)
Starvis 2: Yes
HDR: Yes
Two Or Three Video Channels: Viofo A229 Pro
If you add a rear camera, you essentially double the dashboard camera’s field of view. The 2CH dash cam with the best video quality as of 2025 is the Viofo A229 Pro (full review).
It also allows you to connect a 3rd camera, designed to record the interior of the car. This is especially useful for taxi and uber drivers to record the passenger cabin. The 3rd camera supports infrared recording so it also works great at night.
The 2-channel version costs around $350 currently. With 3 channels, the price goes up to $390.
Click here to order the 2 channel (2CH) version:
Amazon US / CA / UK – AliExpress – eBay US / AU – more countries & vendors (ad)Pick up the 3 channel (3CH) version from:
Amazon US / CA / UK – AliExpress – eBay US / AU – more countries & vendors (ad)Video quality: Very good (3.7/5)
Reliability: Very good (4.0/5)
Starvis 2: Yes (front and rear cameras, but not on the 3rd one)
HDR: Yes (all 3 channels)
High-End 2-Channel Dash Cam With Cloud: BlackVue DR970X-2CH Plus
If you are looking for a truly high-end dash camera, check out the DR970X-2CH Plus (full review). This is a Korean product with an elegant black cylinder design. It not only records top quality front and rear video, but it can also connect to Blackvue’s cloud.
This means you can live stream video from your car over the internet, and receive alerts to your phone when something happens to your parked car. You can find a complete breakdown how this works, along with all the additional features and the extra costs to expect, in our article about dash cams with cloud connectivity.
The DR970X Plus is priced at $470 when ordered with a 64GB memory card. We recommend using a larger memory card though. With a 256GB card, this camera will set you back $530.
For exact prices, go to Amazon US / CA – eBay US / AU – more countries & vendors (ad)
Video quality: Good (3.3/5)
Reliability: Very good (4.0/5)
Starvis 2: Yes (front only)
HDR: No
Two Budget-Friendly Cams With Decent Video
If you’re looking for something a little more affordable, don’t despair! Below we’ll present you two great dash cams that record at 1440p (2K) instead of 4K, and cost a lot less. Both of them also use Starvis 2 sensors.
Best Deal, One Video Channel: Viofo A119 Mini 2
As the name implies, the Viofo A119 Mini 2 (full review) is a rather small camera. While it’s not the smallest one on the market, it records great video and is extremely reliable.
Prices keep going up and down, and at the moment, it’s available for below $100 on Amazon. If the price is higher by the time you read this, you can either check if you can get a better deal at a different vendor, or check out the A119v3. The A119v3 is an older dash cam that often costs as little as $80.
Order it here: Amazon US / CA / UK – eBay US / AU – more countries & vendors (ad)
Video quality: Very good (3.5/5)
Reliability: Very good (4/5)
Starvis 2: Yes
HDR: Yes
Budget-Friendly Front And Rear Dash Cam: Viofo A229 Plus
For a reliable dual channel dash cam below $200, check out the A229 Plus (full review). This camera records 1440p resolution, both front and rear. Both channels use Starvis 2 sensors and support HDR.
There’s also a 3-channel version available, but costs more than $200. The 3rd camera has infrared to be able to record the passenger cabin at night.
As for the two-channel version: Check exact prices and order now from Amazon US / CA / UK – AliExpress – eBay US / AU – more countries & vendors (ad)
Video quality: Very good (3.5/5)
Reliability: Very good (4.0/5)
Starvis 2: Yes
HDR: Yes
… still too expensive? Have a look at our dash cam comparison tables to see what else is on offer!
