If you require a quick answer, the best dash cam is the Nextbase 522GW, which is packed full of intuitive features and provides excellent HD picture quality. It also has compatible ports, which allows you to extend the device with additional cameras at a later date. However, if you require a front and rear dash cam straight out of the box, the VIOFO A129 Pro is the best alternative. It’s the brand’s new and improved model that now features 4K video quality and extra functionality.
To rate the dash cams within this article, we based our recommendations upon testing, plenty of research and a number of factors. Some of the factors that we considered included the type, field of view, video quality, ease of installation, usability, GPS functionality, WiFi and smartphone connectivity, design, additional features, warranty and value.
Best Dash Cam Overview
- Best Overall: Nextbase 522GW
- Best Small: Garmin 66W
- Best Front And Rear: VIOFO A129 Pro
- Best For Image Quality: Thinkware U1000
- Best Budget: ORSKEY S800
- Best Mirror: WOLFBOX G840S
Below is a list of the best dash cams that are packed full of functionality, record in full HD and are suitable for all budgets
The Best Dash Cams
1. Best Overall: Nextbase 522GW Dash Cam
By far the most popular manufacturer of dash cams in the UK is the Nextbase brand and they offer a variety of models to suit all budgets. The best of the bunch is the 522GW model, which combines performance with value for the money.
In terms of its video recording capabilities, it records in full HD at 1440P/30fps or 1080P/60fps and it can even save the footage automatically to your phone via WiFi or Bluetooth.
- F1.6 lens for superior video quality
- Award winning touchscreen 3 inch display
- Built-in Alexa that responds to voice commands
- GPS functionality for your speed and location
- Powerful magnetic window mount
- Polarising filter lens to reduce glare
- Supports additional cameras (rear view, rear window or cabin)
- 140° wide viewing angle
- Can't remove the "Nextbase" branding upon the video footage
The Nextbase 522GW is the best dash cam on the market that ticks all the boxes in terms of picture quality and ease of use. The addition of the Alexa functionality and synchronisation with smartphones makes it far easier to use when compared to the alternatives. Although the brand offer a newer model (622GW) that provides 4K video quality, it does come with an eye-watering price when compared to the excellent 522GW predecessor.
2. Best Small: Garmin 66W Dash Cam
Another popular and highly rated dash cam by a reputable brand is the Garmin 66W. It’s a GPS enabled device that records in 1440P HD and features the widest viewing angle at 180 degrees. A standout feature of this particular dash cam is its compact size and 2 inch display, which is ideal for those that want a small and subtle camera.
- GPS enabled with incident detection
- Extra wide 180 degree field of view
- Enhanced low light performance
- Automatically syncs via the Garmin Drive app
- Intuitive voice controls
- Accepts 8 to 256 GB cards
- Backed by a two year warranty
- Image quality isn't as clear when compared to similar priced alternatives (makes up for it in size)
Overall, the Garmin 66W is a high quality device that’s built by a reputable brand and perfect for those requiring a small dash cam. It also has the bonus of a 180 degree wide angle field of view that further improves the video quality.
3. Best Front And Rear: VIOFO A129 Pro Dash Cam
If you require a front and rear dash cam, the VIOFO A129 Pro is a great option to consider. According to the brand, each of the cameras use a super high quality Sony Starvis sensor for superior night vision and video quality.
In terms of the specification of the cameras, the front camera records video at 3840 x 2160P at 30fps (4K) whereas the rear camera records video at 1920 x 1080P at 30fps (HD).
- Dual band WiFi camera
- GPS logger functionality
- Wide angle lens
- Advanced buffered parking mode
- Compact and low profile design
- Backed by a 1 year warranty
- Requires specific SD card for continuous recording (SandDisk Endurance is what we recommend)
Overall, the VIOFO A129 Pro is the best front and rear dash cam in the UK that offers excellent value for the money and great performance. It also has the benefit of being able to accept large memory cards (up to 256 GB), which is a great bonus for those that like to store their video footage for long periods.
4. Best For Image Quality: Thinkware U1000
Thinkware are a dash cam brand that produce a range of models but the U1000 dash cam is their flagship model. It has been designed to produce the ultimate picture quality and this has been made possible by the revolutionary 4K camera.
Another standout feature of this particular dash cam is its low profile vertical design, which enables you to fit it snuggly next to your rear view mirror. This is a big factor to consider for many drivers with limited windscreen space.
- Crystal clear image quality that records at 4K 2160p UHD
- Dedicated application that's easy to use and adjust the dash cam's settings
- Aesthetically pleasing vertical low profile design
- Video footage is saved in a MP4 format, which can be played upon most software
- Lots of customisable settings (image quality, length of recordings and so much more)
- Superior speed camera detection functionality
- Zoomed in video footage retains all of its detail
- Intuitive UV lens that deals with direct sunlight
- Relatively expensive when compared to the alternatives
- Repetitive voice commands (we were unable to turn these commands off during testing)
To conclude, the Thinkware U1000 is a huge improvement when compared to the brand’s alternative models and it’s certainly worth the investment. Intuitive features such as the autonomous recording modes, speed camera detection and advanced parking modes make it standout from the rest. However, the main feature is of course its camera and the quality of the footage it produces makes this dash cam one of the best on the market.
5. Best Budget: ORSKEY S800 Dash Cam
For those looking for a budget dash cam that’s not only front facing but also provides rear video footage, the ORSKEY device is perfect. It’s a dual dash cam that records in full HD (1920 x 1080P) and provides great night vision capabilities.
Unlike similar priced alternatives, this particular model features a built-in G-Sensor, which automatically records any unexpected footage and also protects the recording.
- 1080P Full HD recordings
- 170 degree wide viewing angle
- Built-in G-Sensor
- Automatic loop recording
- Easily mounts to the windshield
- Backed by a 12 month warranty
- Rear camera uses VGA (not HD image quality)
- No smartphone connectivity
Considering the low price tag and the fact that it’s a front and rear dash cam, it’s by far the best budget dash cam on the market. It outperforms all of the similar priced alternatives and it certainly won’t disappoint.
6. Best Mirror: WOLFBOX G840S
An alternative to the standard dash cams above is this rear view mirror type and it provides an ultra wide view via the smart screen. In terms of the installation, it simply attaches to the OEM rear view mirror via the supplied rubber straps.
Compared to similar priced mirror dash cams, this particular model comes with a waterproof reversing camera that outputs its video footage onto the mirror.
- Curved mirror screen
- Records in full HD (1296P/1080P)
- Large 11.6 inch LCD screen
- Enhanced night vision
- Built-in G-Sensor
- Supplied with a 32 GB TF card
- Loop recording
- Backed by a 12 month warranty
- Relatively expensive when compared to other mirror dash cams
The WOLFBOX 1232 is the brand’s new and improved model and by far the best mirror dash cam available in the UK. It isn’t the cheapest but it’s a great bit of kit that’s backed by a 12 month warranty for complete peace of mind.
How We Tested & Rated The Dash Cams
Dash cams have been around for many years now and I can remember using the very early versions that weren’t usable and featured a bulky design. Nowadays, there is plenty of additional functionality and they are much easier to use. You also no longer need to manually override the memory cards because most can now be remotely controlled via a smartphone application.
In terms of our testing, we have tried and tested budget dash cams to the latest models by Nextbase. As we have all the wiring installed already, switching between the dash cams was a matter of unplugging one and replacing it with the other. During our testing, we looked out how easy they were to use, the video quality and its functionality.
As well as our testing, we also based our recommendations upon hours of research and multiple factors. Some of the factors that we considered included the type, field of view, video quality, ease of installation, usability, GPS functionality, WiFi and smartphone connectivity, design, additional features, warranty and value for money.
Conclusion
Whether you require a front facing or a front and rear dash cam, there is a huge selection of devices to choose from. All of our recommendations above include the best in terms all-round performance, video quality, features and affordability.
Although the budget dash cams may seem very desirable, the premium alternatives are highly recommended. Additional features such as automatic footage saving, collision detection and GPS are all worth paying the extra for.
