7 of the best dash cams for your car no matter your budget
Get the Full StoryWhether you re relaxed behind the wheel or a bag of nerves at the thought of tackling a busy freeway, a dash cam can make you feel more confident in your car. Hopefully, if you have one installed, you ll never need the footage it records, but if you do encounter a scary situation, knowing it will be documented may give you peace of mind.Legalities and benefits
First things first: You don't want to get in trouble for using a dash cam. They are legal in many places but it's best to check the law where you live. Rules vary by state and country, including whether or not you can record footage or audio without consent, and whether devices can be fixed to the windshield. In fact, fixing one to the windshield is illegal in most states and it s worth checking the letter of the law incredibly carefully, or you could be pulled over. Read more...More about Tech, Travel, Cars, Dashcam, and Mashable Shopping
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BEST FOR LESS THAN 50
Apeman C450
The Apeman C450 is an entry-level dash cam packed with features including HD recording, motion detection, and parking monitoring for less than 50.
Video quality: 1080p HD
Screen size: 3-inch
Viewing angle: 170-degree lens
Special features: GPS tracker, night vision, motion detect
44.99 from Amazon
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BEST VALUE FOR TWO VIEWS
VIOFO A129 Duo
The VIOFO A129 Duo has front and rear-facing cameras to capture journeys from two points of view in HD quality. It also comes with lots of features including GPS logging and parking mode.
Video quality: 1080p HD
Screen size: 2-inch
Viewing angle: 140-degree lens
Special features: Front and rear camera, GPS tracker and car parking mode
179.95 from Amazon
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BEST FOR VOICE COMMANDS
Nextbase Series 2 422GW
The Nextbase Series 2 422GW is a dash cam full of extra features, including Alexa built-in and an emergency SOS feature, for just over 200.
Video quality: 1080p HD
Screen size: 2.5-inches
Viewing angle: 140-degree lens
Special features: Alexa, Emergency SOS, GPS tracker and parking mode
209.99 from Amazon
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BEST VALUE FROM A BIG BRAND
Nextbase 222
The Nextbase 222 is a quality dash cam from a big brand that does the basics brilliantly, but not too much more.
Video quality: 1080p HD
Screen size: 2.5-inches
Viewing angle: 140-degree lens
Special features: Parking mode
79.99 from Amazon
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BEST FOR ALL THE FEATURES
Thinkware F800 Pro
The Thinkware F800 Pro isn t the prettiest, but it is a complete package with front and rear cameras, as well as lots of safety features and a cracking parking mode.
Video quality: 1080p HD
Screen size : No screen
Viewing angle: 140-degree lens
Special features: Two cameras, night vision, low energy parking mode, safety features
329.99 from Amazon
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BEST FOR COMPACTNESS
Garmin 66W
The Garmin 66W records clear and smooth images and there are plenty of other tricks in this very small box.
Video quality: 1440p
Screen size: 2-inches
Viewing Angle: 180-degree lens
Special features: Super compact, voice control, driver alerts
249.99 from Amazon
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BEST FOR 4K VIDEO
BlackVue DR900S-2CH
The BlackVue DR900S-2CH is a premium dual channel dash cam that delivers exceptionally clear footage, but this does come at a cost.
Video quality: 4K Ultra HD front camera, HD rear camera
Screen size: No screen
Viewing angle: 162-degree front lens, 139-degree rear lens
Special features: Super compact, voice control, driver alerts
499.99 from Amazon
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