Single lens (or single channel) dash cams record the view through your windshield only, as opposed to dual lens (dual channel) dash cams that record front and rear. While dual lens cams obviously offer better protection, their single lens cousins have several advantages going for them: They are easier to set up and use, they cost less, and they record notably better video quality overall.
If you’re going to buy a dash cam, you’re probably wondering which models are best in these late months of 2017 and going into 2018. For your convenience, we’ve compiled this top-5 list that contains cameras for any budget.
All the dash cams on this list have a built-in screen, making them relatively easy to set up and use. Some also have Wi-Fi, so you can also control them and watch videos through your smart phone.
We won’t be listing any prices in this article, because they change more often than we will be able to update this article. You can follow the links to the vendors, or have a look at our dash cam comparison tables where we do include approximate prices. The actual current prices may differ though, so make sure to check the vendors’ links regardless.
Best Low-Cost: YI Dashboard Camera
Resolution: 1920×1080 @ 60fps
Video quality (day): Good
Video quality (night): Fair
Reliability: Very Good
Memory capacity: 64 GB
Extras: Wi-Fi, lock file button
A simple, low-cost Chinese dash cam that costs only around $50. The YI is easy to use, has great customer reviews, and is an excellent choice for dash cam “newbies” or anyone with a limited budget. Replaces the G1W-CB as our “best low-budget” dash cam, due to its much better reliability and user experience.
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Oct 13, 2017 — Note: A matte black version of this camera is now available, currently only on eBay.
Best Value For Money: Viofo A119 V2
Resolution: 2560×1440 @ 30fps
Video quality (day): Very Good
Video quality (night): Very Good
Reliability: Good
Memory capacity: 128 GB
Extras: Capacitor, lock file button. Optional GPS, CPL filter available separately
This stealthy wedge-shaped dash cam records true 1440p resolution. A bit costlier than the YI, the A119 V2 is currently available for around $100. Its build and video quality are excellent for this price.
There’s also a modified version of this camera, called Viofo A119S. The A119S records at 1080p resolution only, but has better light sensitivity for recording at night. So get the A119 V2 if you will be recording at day mainly, and the A119S if you’ll be recording more at night.
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Most Promising Newcomer: Anker Roav C1
Resolution: 1920×1080 @ 30fps
Video quality (day): Good
Video quality (night): Fair
Reliability: Very Good
Memory capacity: 128 GB
Extras: Wi-Fi, parking mode (impact detection), lock file button, excellent email and telephone support
Anker made their debut on the dash cam market this year with their Roav C1. While its video quality isn’t quite as good as that of the other dash cams on this list, the Anker Roav still has a lot going for it.
One, the Roav C1 has a really simple parking mode: This is arguably the first dash cam that doesn’t need to be hard-wired to enable parking surveillance, as it comes with a large internal battery (careful though if you live in a hot climate). Two, this is the only dash cam manufacturer we’re aware of that not only offers superb email support, but also actual dedicated telephone support in major countries (including USA and UK). Three, build quality is excellent and the Roav C1 is quite easy to set up and use, making this an ideal dashboard camera for beginners.
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Best Video Quality: Vicovation Vico-Opia2
Resolution: 2560×1440 @ 30fps
Video quality (day): Excellent
Video quality (night): Very Good
Reliability: Excellent
Memory capacity: 128 GB
Extras: Parking mode (time-lapse or motion detection), capacitor, lock file button. Optional GPS, optional CPL filter
While the Vico-Opia2 may not be one of the top sellers, it definitely belongs on this best-of list. This camera records better quality video than any other dash cam that we’re aware of. At a resolution of 1440p, video footage is very good to excellent, at day and at night.
This camera is a high-end model, and doesn’t come cheap. You get what you pay for though: Build quality is great, reliability is excellent, and a versatile parking mode is included. In parking mode, the Opia2 either continually records a time-lapse video, or you can set it up to wake up and start recording whenever a motion is detected.
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Best User Ratings: Street Guardian SG9665GC
Resolution: 1920×1080 @ 30fps
Video quality (day): Excellent
Video quality (night): Good
Reliability: Excellent
Memory capacity: 256 GB
Extras: Integrated GPS, capacitor, lock file button, excellent customer support. Optional CPL filter available separately
The SG9665GC is a customer favorite. Its been around for several years already, and it keeps receiving the best user feedback of all the dash cams we’ve tested. This may be due to Street Guardian’s excellent customer support, the camera’s stealthy design and high-quality build, or its great video quality and usability — or more likely, a combination of all of these factors.
This is also one of the pricier dash cams, but it is well worth the money.
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