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.
After over 10 years 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 2024
- The 3 Best Dash Cams Of 2024
- Two Budget Cams With Decent Video
Which Dash Cams Record The Best Video Quality In 2024
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, single-channel 4K dash cams with Starvis 2 sensors start around $180.
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.
Of course we know that not everyone will be ready to pay that much. You can also record decent video without having the latest technology. To finish off the article, we will also show you some time-proven alternatives, starting around $80.
The 3 Best Dash Cams Of 2024
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 – 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 2024 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 version (2CH):
Amazon US / CA / UK – AliExpress – more countries & vendors (ad)Click here to order the 3 channel version (3CH):
Amazon US / CA / UK – AliExpress – 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 – 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 older, but very reliable, dash cameras that cost a lot less.
These cameras don’t have the Sony Starvis 2 sensor, but nevertheless they record good video that will allow you to read the license plates of nearby cars in most situations.
Affordable Single-Channel Dash Cam: Viofo A119v3
This camera costs only about $100. The A119v3 (full review) has been around for a long time, and is still one of the most popular dash cams on the market. It records good video day and night at 1080p resolution (1920×1080 pixels).
Prices keep going up and down, sometimes it’ll be $110, other times you’ll be able to grab it for $80. It can be very cheap on Aliexpress.
Order it here: Amazon US / CA – AliExpress – more countries & vendors (ad)
Video quality: Very Good (3.5/5)
Reliability: Excellent (5/5)
Starvis 2: No
HDR: No
UPDATE: The latest version of the A119 has a Starvis 2 sensor, and doesn’t cost that much more. It’s called A119 Mini 2. See the review for latest prices. The Mini 2 is a great improvement quality-wise, and it’s excellent value.
Budget-Friendly Front And Rear Dash Cam: Viofo A129 Plus Duo
If you want a reliable front and rear dash cam that’s not too expensive, the A129 Plus Duo (full review) is for you. It records at 1440p resolution to the front, and 1080p to the rear.
The price of this camera is below $200. Check exact prices and order now from Amazon US / CA / UK – AliExpress – more countries & vendors (ad)
Video quality: Good (3.0/5)
Reliability: Good (3.0/5)
Starvis 2: No
HDR: No
… still too expensive? Have a look at our dash cam comparison tables to see what else is on offer!
