The Best Dash Cam

This compact dash cam offers 4K resolution and features similar to our top pick but doesn’t support additional cameras.

This camera includes all the features of the S1 plus a 4K rear camera for twice the price, yet it’s still more affordable than our top pick.

The Viofo A229 Pro offers everything you need in a dash cam, with 4K front camera resolution for clear, detailed footage, even at night. Its supercapacitor ensures reliability in extreme temperatures, and features like built-in GPS and 24-hour parking mode provide comprehensive coverage. Available in 1-, 2-, and 3-channel versions, it suits various needs, with options for adding rear and interior cameras. The Sony Starvis 2 image sensor delivers excellent low-light performance, and the user-friendly app allows for easy video playback and adjustments.

The Viofo A229 Pro boasts rapid video download speeds, utilizing a 5 GHz Wi-Fi network for quick transfers if your phone supports it. Alternatively, you can easily remove the SD card to transfer files via a card reader. Some smartphones may also allow direct downloads using a USB-C cable, though this may vary by device.

Installation is straightforward, with a sticky pad mount that adheres securely to your windshield. A plastic lever tool is included for easy removal and adjustment of the mount, and you can detach the camera while leaving the mount in place.

Powered by USB-C, the camera comes with a long cable and a 12V adapter. If your vehicle has a 2-amp or higher USB port, it can also be powered that way.

For continuous recording while parked, a hardwire kit is available, connecting directly to your car’s fuse box, as many vehicles cut power to USB ports when off. Viofo offers several kits, tailored to different car models.

Additional accessories enhance functionality. The included 12V adapter features an extra USB port for charging another device. A circular polarizing lens (CPL) reduces dashboard glare and enhances video contrast, with minimal impact on low-light performance. A separate Bluetooth remote control, sold separately, allows for easy saving of recorded clips.

The A229 Pro includes a one-year warranty, extendable to 18 months upon registration with Viofo.

The A229 Pro does not come with a microSD card, so you’ll need to purchase one separately. Given its capability to record 4K video, Viofo recommends using at least a Class-10 or UHS-I rated card, with its own UHS-III card being an excellent choice. Since the camera automatically overwrites the oldest footage when the card is full, opting for a larger capacity is wise; based on our experience, you’ll need approximately 25 GB of storage for every hour of recording.

While the A229 Pro has a compact profile (3.9 inches high by 2.3 inches wide), its vertical design may not be ideal for all vehicles. Cars with smaller or shorter windshields might find that the dash cam occupies more viewing space than desired. If driving visibility is a priority, consider the Vantrue N4 Pro, mentioned in our other recommended dash cams.

The rear camera delivers clearer and higher-resolution footage than most competitors. However, if your vehicle has tinted windows, you may notice a darker image. You can adjust the exposure in the Viofo app to mitigate this during the day, but nighttime footage quality may be compromised. This isn’t a specific issue with Viofo; it’s simply something to consider.

Upon installation, you might be surprised by the numerous LED indicators. The two red and two cyan lights remain on constantly, but you can easily disable them through the app if preferred.

Budget picks: Miofive S1 and S1 Ultra

Miofive S1

The best dash cam under $100

This compact dash cam offers 4K resolution and features similar to our top pick but doesn’t support additional cameras.

The Miofive S1 delivers many of the features we appreciate in our top choice, but at a significantly lower price. It offers 4K recording, GPS, solid image quality in both day and night conditions, a supercapacitor instead of a battery, and a 24-hour parking mode.

While its image quality doesn’t quite match that of the Viofo A229 Pro, it still surpasses nearly all other dash cams we evaluated. The S1 lacks a rear or interior camera, but if you’re willing to spend a bit more, the S1 Ultra includes a 4K rear camera along with all the features of the base model.

The image quality is impressive for the price. Although the S1 captures 4K resolution, its sharpness is slightly lower than the Viofo’s. However, it still outperforms most competitors, allowing you to read license plates at night from a reasonable distance.

The S1 Ultra’s 4K rear camera is a standout in the dash cam market, recording at 25 fps compared to the 30 fps of the main and rear cameras of our other recommendations. This may result in slightly less smooth video and some motion blur, but the difference is often hard to detect. The rear camera’s sharpness is also slightly lower than the front camera, yet it remains quite good for a rear view.

Upgrading to the Ultra doubles the cost of the base S1, but it remains more affordable than the Viofo. For a bit less than the Ultra, the S1 Pro features a lower-resolution rear camera, which you can read about in the Competition section.

Setting up and using the S1 is straightforward. The app connects seamlessly and allows you to crop and trim videos before sharing. Once you download videos, you can view their locations on a map, and there’s a handy parking-locator feature for those who often forget where they parked. While we experienced some minor connectivity issues, they were typical of the occasional quirks found in dash cam apps.

Like our top pick, the S1 uses a supercapacitor instead of a battery. Lithium-ion batteries, commonly found in electronics, often struggle in extreme temperatures. In contrast, the S1’s supercapacitor provides enough power to save the last video and shut down the camera after turning off the car.

The S1 is remarkably compact. With a larger 3-inch screen than the Viofo, it still measures just 3.75 inches wide, 2 inches tall, and 1.5 inches deep, making it ideal for vehicles with shorter windshields.

The mount is functional but feels somewhat flimsy. It allows for camera rotation and pivoting, simplifying installation compared to fixed mounts.

However, the plastic construction feels cheap and has a bit of flex, which may not be an issue if you plan to set it up and leave it alone. But it lacks the sturdiness needed for frequent adjustments. As a result, recordings may show more camera shake when driving over bumpy terrain compared to other models.

A wiring kit is available for those wanting to utilize the 24-hour parking monitor feature. To do this, you’ll need either a constant power outlet in your vehicle or to hardwire the camera directly to your fuse box. Miofive offers a kit, but depending on your specific vehicle, you may require additional components. For more details, check the “How to Set Up a Dash Cam” section.

A circular polarizing lens (CPL) can be purchased separately. Unlike the Viofo, which includes one in the package, the Miofive offers it as an optional add-on priced at $20.

The base S1 does not come with a microSD card. Like many other cameras we reviewed, it lacks an included card. However, the S1 Ultra includes a 64 GB card, which is a nice perk. The camera supports storage up to 512 GB, and we recommend using a quality card if you don’t have one on hand.

Given that this camera records in 4K, it’s essential to avoid low-quality microSD cards. While Miofive doesn’t specify exact speed requirements, the cards it sells alongside the camera are UHS-III (V30).

The build quality leaves something to be desired. Although the Miofive S1 offers impressive features and performance for the price, it doesn’t match the fit and finish of some competitors. The mount feels somewhat flimsy, and the buttons lack sturdiness, so it’s wise to adjust your expectations accordingly.