Best Dash Cams for your Car in 2021

Our favorite dash cam is the Rexing V1P because it works in extreme temperatures and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. It includes all the basic features you’d expect from a dash cam and nothing more. Whether you want footage to file with insurance claims or you’re hoping to record a viral clip, the Rexing V1P gets the job done.

If you do want a bunch of extra features, there’s really no “all-in-one” dash cam available. Each one has a unique selling point. We’ll break down the differences to help you make a decision.

Like most of the dash cams on our list, the Rexing V1P features both a front- and rear-facing camera. Both record in 1080p at 30 fps, have a 170° viewing angle, and use wide dynamic range (WDR) technology and a Sony Starvis image sensor for improved night vision. The front camera also features an LCD screen.

The G-sensor automatically locks clips when it detects an impact—a standard feature to prevent important video footage from being deleted or overwritten. But we love that the Rexing V1P also allows you to manually lock footage by pushing the “OK” button on the camera while recording. So if something unexpected happens while you’re out and about, you can save that clip.

The Rexing V1P’s low price comes with a caveat: you’ll need to purchase some accessories for full functionality.

A microSD card isn’t included with the camera kit, so you’ll need to purchase one separately. The Rexing V1P accepts cards with up to 256 GB of storage, like the SanDisk High Endurance MicroSD (about $38 on Amazon).

These accessories are optional:

• The Rexing GPS logger (about $27 on Amazon) pairs information about your location and speed with all of your dash-cam footage.
• The Rexing Smart Hardwire Kit (about $30 on Amazon) allows you to activate Parking Surveillance Mode and automatic ignition recording.
• The Rexing Suction Cup Mount (about $10 on Amazon) may provide a sturdier grip in hot weather than the standard adhesive mount.

You’re looking at a total of about $240 if you purchase the Rexing V1P, a 256 GB microSD card, and all three accessories. That still makes it the second-cheapest option on our top five list.

The Rexing V1P’s supercapacitor makes it far more temperature tolerant than lithium battery-powered or hardwired dash cams. That’s one of the main reasons we love it so much. It’s rated for a jaw-dropping -20°F to 176°F. To put this into perspective, parking your car in the sun on a 100°F day for just one hour causes the dashboard to reach 157°F.¹ 

It’s not always practical to park in a garage or in the shade to keep the internal temp down. It’s also pointless to remove the camera when the car is parked because you want the camera to record an accident when you’re not around.

Let’s just put it this way: temperature tolerance is important in dash cams, but it’s not as common as you might think.

The Rexing V1P won us over with those temp specs and wooed us even more with an industry-leading 170° viewing angle. But as much as we hoped the Rexing would be the dash cam of our dreams . . . its mobile app isn’t quite perfect.

This free app lets you adjust a few settings like G-sensor sensitivity and the date stamp on videos. You can also use it to look at video clips and transfer them to your device via Wi-Fi. That’s where, according to most reviewers, the app just doesn’t work. 

Rexing Connect earned just 2.0 out of 5 stars on the Apple App Store and a meager 1.3 out of 5 stars on the Google Play store. Most complain about transfer/download issues. We’re concerned that Rexing has amassed so many poor app reviews and still hasn’t released an update, fix, or troubleshooting tip.  

Rexing dash cams also work with a third-party app called TimaCam, but its ratings aren’t much better: 2.4 on the Google Play store and 2.0 on the Apple App Store.*

One reviewer did mention that you have to turn your phone’s cellular data off in order to download the videos. If that’s all it takes, the app developers should make that clear. If you’re among the unlucky users who can’t get the app to work, you can still transfer videos from the Rexing V1P to a computer with a card reader or USB cord. 

*Ratings as of 8/24/2021

The Thinkware U1000 does its primary job very well: it records clear footage day and night, catching important details about car accidents, including license plate numbers. The front-facing camera records in 4K at 30 fps or in 2K at 60 fps. The rear camera records in 2K at 30 fps. 

This dash cam also includes driver-assistance features:

• Forward collision warning system to alert drivers before they rear-end the vehicle in front of them
• Urban forward collision warning system to alert drivers to road hazards in low-speed environments (such as snail’s pace traffic jams)
• Front vehicle departure warning to tell drivers that the car ahead of them has taken off. (It’s the friendly version of getting honked at by the driver behind you.)
• Lane departure warning system to help drivers avoid drifting into another lane

And, if that’s not nifty enough, the Thinkware U1000 also warns you about upcoming red lights so you don’t run through them. It will even give you a heads up about speed cameras lurking in the distance.

The 150° front and 156° rear viewing angles on this camera aren’t bad, but they’re also not the widest you can find on the market.

The same goes for the Thinkware U1000’s temperature tolerance. It can be stored in temps up to 158°F but has to cool down to 140°F before it operates. If you live in a hot climate, this could be a dealbreaker. 

The Thinkware U1000 is a high-quality dash camera by itself, but these accessories can boost it even more.

• Up to 128 GB microSD card (about $22 on Amazon) for additional clip storage. The Thinkware U1000 dual dash cam comes with a 32 GB card, but some users have found this to be insufficient; 4K UHD video files are quite large.
• Thinkware U1000 Radar Accessory (about $90 on Amazon) for enhanced protection in parking mode. This device detects “car-sized” motion and signals the dash cam to turn on and start recording, thus conserving its energy and allowing it to remain in parking mode for a longer time. Unfortunately, it’s incompatible with the mobile app.
• The Thinkware iVolt Mini External Dash Cam Battery (about $210 on Amazon) allows both front and rear cameras to stay in parking mode for 16 hours. It fully recharges in 45 minutes once the car’s ignition turns on.

A smartphone app called Thinkware Cloud acts like your LCD screen on this screenless dash cam, allowing you to review video clips, create geofence alerts, change settings, and even remotely view the cam’s live feed. 

There’s one major catch: you can’t view the live feed when the camera is parked. In fact, connecting the radar accessory disables all of the app’s functions. Huh? 

The dash cam also has to connect to your phone’s Wi-Fi signal (or hotspot connection) to send notifications to your phone. That means you’ll only get notifications if you’re near the car, and that isn’t convenient at all. Surely a cellular connection makes more sense. 

We’re not the only ones scratching our heads. Thinkware Cloud has received just 1.8 out of 5 stars on the Apple App Store and 2.2 stars on the Google Play store.*

*Ratings as of 8/24/2021

We like the industry-leading 170° lens on the front-facing camera, but the 130° angle on the rear-facing camera is relatively narrow compared to competitors. You can see footage from both cameras simultaneously on the three-inch LCD screen. Both cameras record in 1080p and can tolerate temperatures up to 158°F.

One of the reasons the Chortau dash cam is relatively affordable is its lack of a GPS logger. Without this accessory, your videos won't have coordinates or vehicle speed stamped on the footage. 

We couldn't find the GPS logger sold on its own. It seems the only way to purchase it is to buy it as a bundle with the front and rear dash cams. 

You may also need to purchase an extension cable to connect the rear dash cam to the power supply in larger vehicles.

Keep looking if you want a dash cam that connects to your smartphone. There's no companion app for Chortau dash cams. Don't forget to grab a card reader to download clips.

You'll also need to purchase a separate hardwire kit to use the 24-hour parking mode. The camera's lithium ion battery lasts for just five minutes without direct power supply.

We also love that you can control this dash cam with your voice. No Amazon Alexa or Google Home integration is required. 

The Rove R2-4K features variable resolution and framerate settings, which helps your memory card store even more clips. You can also record timelapse or slow-mo videos with this car dash cam. The suction cup mount includes a 360° swivel so you can focus the lens in any direction. We couldn't find a compatible rear-facing camera.

The Rove manual says the R2-4K operates between temperatures of -22°F to 176°F, but doesn't recommend leaving it in direct sunlight or exposing it to temperatures above 140°F. We take that to mean parking mode might work best if you use a parking garage, where temps stay a little cooler. 

The Rove app has earned a little more praise from users than the competition, but its negative reviews cite the usual problem: very slow upload times. Videos also buffer and lag when played in the app. Despite this, the Rove app earned 2.6 out of 5 stars on the Google Play store and 2.4 stars on the Apple App Store.*

*Rankings as of 8/24/21

Only the front-facing camera records in 4K. The other two cameras record in HD at 1080p, which can seem grainy in comparison. Each camera has a wide-angle lens (155° front, 160° rear, 165° inside), allowing you to capture nearly every corner of your vehicle.

We like that the LCD screen turns off after a certain period of time so you have one less distraction on the road. You can also view video clips on the screen. 

To get the most out of the Vantrue car cam, you'll need these accessories:

• A 256 GB Vantrue microSD card(about $50 on Amazon)
• A hardwire kit for parking mode (about $20 on Amazon)
• A GPS receiver for speed and location stamps (about $22 on Amazon)

If you don’t have a super modern car with Alexa already built in, it’s tempting to grab the Nextbase 522GW for that feature alone. But honestly, if you just want a voice assistant for your car, you might be happier with a separate gadget like the ROAV Viva Car Charger and a better-quality dash cam.

Despite its flaws, the Nextbase 522GW has a stand-out feature we couldn’t find on any other dash cam: emergency SOS response. If this device detects an accident, it automatically dials 911 and shares your GPS location, medical information, vehicle information, and phone number. 

The SOS feature only works if you download the MyNextbase Connect mobile app from the Google Play store or Apple App Store and fill in the emergency SOS section. You must also have Bluetooth turned on and have an internet connection at the time of the accident. If everything works as it should, this little cam could save your life by immediately dispatching first responders.

Unlike most of the other cameras we considered, the Nextbase 522GW doesn’t require umpteen accessories for full functionality, which makes the overall price more palatable. 

It’s also easy to use this dash cam in multiple vehicles with a couple extras:

• Install the Nextbase Click&Go Mount (around $30 on Amazon) into each of your cars and only worry about moving the camera around.
• Use the Nextbase Carry Case (around $25 on Amazon) to safely store your dash cam in your purse or pocket when it’s too hot to leave it in the car or when transporting it between vehicles.

Nextbase has tried to solve the Wi-Fi connectivity problem plaguing the entire dash cam industry by allowing its cameras to sync with your smartphone via Bluetooth. 

But users have still rated MyNextbase Connect with an onslaught of 1-star reviews, resulting in a total of 1.7 out of 5 stars on Google Play and 2.6 stars on the Apple App Store. You guessed it: connectivity is the main concern.* 

*Ratings as of 8/24/2021

We love that the BlackVue talks to you if there’s an issue while you’re driving, which is much safer than a push notification when you’re on the road.

The BlackVue also provides voice alerts if an incident was recorded in parking mode and uses audio to confirm a change in settings (such as turning Wi-Fi on or off).

If you thought $459.99 got you the whole kit and caboodle, think again. You’ll need to shell out some more cash if you want additional functionality:

• The BlackVue External 4G LTE Module (about $150) lets you use cellular data vs. Wi-Fi to download clips to the BlackVue Cloud app. You’ll need a nano SIM card and a cellular data plan from T-Mobile or another compatible carrier. 
• The BlackVue B-112 Power Magic Battery Pack (about $159) allows the dash cam to operate in parking mode without draining your car battery.
• The BlackVue Power Magic Ultra Battery B-124X (about $330) is a fancier version of the B-112. It charges in 40 minutes when the ignition is on and provides power in parking mode for 24 hours.
• The BlackVue B124E Battery Expansion (about $270) attaches to either the B112 or the B124X to provide up to 56 hours of parking-mode power. It charges in 60 minutes when the ignition is on.
• The BlackVue BTC-1C Tamper-Proof Case (about $40 on Amazon) stops cords from being unplugged and the microSD card from being removed.

If you’ve got the necessary moola and like the BlackVue’s features, you’re in for a treat. If not, don’t panic; there are more affordable dash cams on our list.

The BlackVue Cloud app provides two-way voice communication, live GPS tracking, push notifications, and up to 5 GB of cloud storage for free. Upgrade to the Smart Plan ($11.99 per month) to view historic GPS data, or subscribe to the Fleet Plan ($24.99 per month) to receive email notifications and set up geofence alerts.

Given the price of the BlackVue, we hoped this app would outperform our expectations. But we found that BlackVue users have the same complaints as everyone else: the app and camera don’t like talking to each other. 

BlackVue has 1.9 out of 5 stars on the Apple App Store and 2.7 stars on the Google Play store.*

*Ratings as of 8/24/2021

Check out a few other dash cams that didn’t quite make the cut for our best-of list.

Coming in at around $120, the VAVA is one of the most affordable dual dash cams on the market. There’s plenty to like about the VAVA:

• Automatic ignition recording
• G-Sensor
• GPS logger
• Lithium polymer battery
• Night vision
• 155° viewing angle in front camera and 126° in rear camera
• 14°F to 158°F operating temperature (depending on power source)
• Full HD video recording in 1920x1080p or 2560x1440p at 30 fps 

We also like that the front camera swivels on the mount and that it comes with an SD card. But it didn’t make our top five because it has no stand-out features, and we found too many user complaints about recording failures. 

If you’re on the fence about getting a dual dash cam, the VAVA is a great one to try. If you end up wanting more features, you’ll need to upgrade to a brand like BlackVue, Thinkware, or Nextbase.

The Z-Edge Z3 sells for around $150 but lacks GPS and Wi-Fi. That was enough to bump it out of the running for the top five best dash cams, but the Z-Edge Z3 does have some competitive specs: 

• Automatic ignition recording
• G-Sensor
• LCD screen
• Night vision
• 155° viewing angle
• 14 to 140°F operating temperature
• Full HD video recording in 1920x1080p or 2560x1440p at 30 fps 

The Z-Edge Z3 also comes straight out of the box with a suction mount. If you live in a hot climate where glue might melt off your windshield, consider a suction-mounted dash cam like the Z-Edge Z3.

In addition to the usual features like a GPS logger and G-sensor, the ultra-tiny Garmin Dash Cams offer voice control, lane departure warnings, and even alerts drivers to upcoming red light cams. Some models also have 180° wide-angle lenses.

But Garmin dash cams ended up on our “honorable mention” list due to some concerns about temperature tolerance. The manual states it can operate in temperatures between -4° to 131°F, but multiple users report overheating issues with typical use. Updating the firmware to version 7.50 helps in most cases. If you’re willing to take a bit of a gamble for about $260, Garmin offers feature-packed and unobtrusive dash cams.

Viofo's most popular dash cam line seems to be the A129 Duo. It comes in three varieties: the Duo, Plus Duo, and Pro Duo. 

These front- and rear-facing dash cams feature a large LCD screen with tactile buttons. You can choose HD, 2K, or 4K video quality in the Duo, Plus Duo, or Pro Duo (respectively) but memory card storage capacity (256 GB) doesn't increase along with the video size. 

We're not thrilled to see a relatively narrow lens angle of 140° on the front and back cameras. Their temperature rating also isn't as competitive as we hoped, as these Viofo dash cams tolerate 5°F to 149°F. 

Each cam features built-in Wi-Fi and all of the features you'd expect in a car dash cam and nothing more: parking mode, g-sensor, loop recording, and GPS logger. With prices ranging from around $170 to $250, we recommend checking out the more affordable Rove R2-4K instead.

The Apeman C770 is a simple dash cam with no extra accessories to buy besides a microSD card up to 128 GB, making it a truly affordable choice. We also like that the rear cam doubles as a backup camera. You can remove the GPS logger and turn off loop recording too.

The Apeman C770 ties with our top pick for the widest viewing angle on our list (170°) but falls short on temperature tolerance (14°F to 140°F). 

Both cameras record in 1080p at 30 fps, but you can also have the front camera record in 2160p at 30 fps. The Apeman looks “good but not great,” especially at night. But it gets the job done and the quality seems fair for the price.

Our main complaint is that Apeman recommends using a Wi-Fi connection located no more than 5 meters (about 16 feet) away from the dash cam. For most people, that would require parking in the driveway to download videos. You could also use your phone as a hotspot, but we all know that eats up a lot of data.

It’s hard to find a dash cam that does it all. But we feel confident in recommending the Rexing V1P as a basic dash cam that doesn’t need to be coddled in extreme weather. 

You can always supplement it with a separate GPS vehicle tracker, aftermarket car alarm, or gadget like the Vivint Car Guard to build out your car’s safety and monitoring features.

If we had a nice chunk of change to spend, we’d prefer the Thinkware U1000 because the driver assistance adds an extra layer of road safety.

We researched dash cams with specific features:

• Both front and rear cameras (also called dual dash cams)
• Automatic ignition recording
• A G-force sensor (also called a G-sensor) to monitor the car when it’s parked
• Recordings aren’t overwritten when G-sensor is activated
• Night vision cameras

From this pool of similarities, we then sorted out the differences: built-in GPS tracker, temperature sensitivity, geofencing, viewing angle, etc. We read hundreds of online reviews to find consistent praise and criticism of each camera. Our final ranking was also influenced by cost: were the camera’s features really worth the retail price?

You can read more about our approach to product reviews on our methodology page.

• Best Vehicle Navigation Systems
• 4 Remote Car Starters That Work with Any Vehicle
• Dealing with a Car Break-in? Here’s What to Do
• Best Steering Wheel Locks for Better Vehicle Security
• Best Aftermarket Backup Cameras

1. Leslie Minton, Arizona State University, “Study: Hot Cars Can Hit Deadly Temperatures in as Little as One Hour,” May 2018. Accessed August 24, 2021. 
2. Nextbase Dash Cams, “522GW User Manual.” Accessed August 24, 2021.