Dash cams record the road ahead, and in many models the rear of the car too, so drivers have evidence after a collision or a disputed incident. Our range of over 150 models covers front-only and front and rear cameras from brands such as DDPAI, MIO, VIOFO, NAVITEL and 70mai.
How to choose a dash cam
Video quality. Full HD (1080p) is enough to read most number plates in daylight, while 2K and 4K models give more detail when you need to zoom in on footage. Resolution alone does not decide the result, so check the sensor and lens as well, because these affect how clear plates are at dusk and after dark.
Number of channels. A front-only camera is simpler to fit and suits most private drivers. A front and rear set also records rear-end collisions, and a cabin camera can be useful for taxi and ride-hailing work.
Parking mode and power. Parking mode records impacts and movement while the car is switched off, but it needs a hardwire kit or a separate battery pack to run for any length of time. Cameras that use a supercapacitor instead of a battery generally cope better with summer heat inside a parked car.
Memory card and loop recording. Dash cams overwrite the oldest clips once the card is full, so a high endurance microSD card is the sensible choice. Check the maximum card size the camera supports before buying, especially for 4K or dual-channel recording.
Wi-Fi, GPS and app control. Built-in Wi-Fi lets you move clips to your phone without removing the card. GPS adds location and speed to the footage, which can help when you need to show exactly where an incident happened.
Dash cam brands we carry
- DDPAI: a Chinese manufacturer that focuses on dash cams, with models that connect to a phone app over Wi-Fi.
- MIO: part of the MiTAC group and known for GPS navigation devices as well as dash cams.
- VIOFO: popular with enthusiasts for discreet cameras, supercapacitor power and hardwire kits for parking mode.
- NAVITEL: best known for navigation software and GPS devices, with a dash cam line alongside.
- 70mai: a brand linked to the Xiaomi ecosystem, known for app-controlled dash cams, and many of its models also respond to voice commands.
- NEXTBASE: a British brand that specialises in dash cams and offers features such as emergency alerts on some models.
- GARMIN: known for GPS devices, and its Dash Cam range includes very small units that are easy to hide behind the mirror.
- TRANSCEND: primarily a memory and storage maker, which also produces dash cams under its DrivePro name.
- VANTRUE: known for multi-channel dash cams, including front, cabin and rear setups used by professional drivers.
Also in our range: TRACER, WOLFBOX and REDTIGER.
Dash cam FAQ
Do I need a front and rear dash cam?
A front-only dash cam is enough for most everyday driving, because it records what happens ahead of you. A front and rear set is worth considering if you often park in tight spaces or want evidence of rear-end collisions. It costs more and needs a longer cable run to the back window.
What size memory card does a dash cam need?
Most single-channel Full HD dash cams work well with a 64 GB to 128 GB card. Higher resolutions and dual-channel recording produce larger files, so a bigger card is better. Use a high endurance microSD card, as it is designed for constant rewriting.
Can a dash cam record when the car is off?
Yes, if the camera has a parking mode and a suitable power source. This usually means a hardwire kit connected to the fuse box or an external battery pack. Without either, the camera stops recording when the ignition is switched off.
Does a dash cam drain the car battery?
A dash cam plugged into a socket that switches off with the ignition does not drain the battery. A hardwired camera in parking mode draws a small amount of power, so most hardwire kits include a voltage cut-off that stops recording before the battery gets too low. Check that the cut-off is set correctly if you leave the car unused for several days.
