Dashcams are convenient car safety tools for motorists to record their surroundings while driving. A dashcam provides an extra level of security, especially in case of a collision or traffic stop. Insurance companies and police can use the video recordings to get a firsthand accounting of what transpired.
These in-car devices come with various accessories and features in a range of price points. Below are our picks for the best dashcams of 2022.
DISCLAIMER: We recommend consulting a lawyer or local law enforcement agency before installing a dashcam in your vehicle. Though purchasing one is legal, you should understand the restrictions and guidelines of the state where you drive.
1. Thinkware F70 dashcam
Thinkware F70 dashcam | Taylor Martin
Price: $89.99
Pros: Compact size, one-minute clips, automatic impact detection, motion sensor, good video quality, affordable
Cons: Hard-to-see power indicator light during the day, overly sensitive impact detection
The inexpensive Thinkware 70 is small enough to install behind your rearview mirror. That’s beneficial in states that don’t allow dashcams attached to the windshield.
The camera can continuously record a series of high-quality 1080p one-minute video clips with optional audio. If there is a collision, the impact detection feature beeps, and the unit records and stores 20 seconds of video in a separate folder for easy retrieval. However, this feature can be sensitive, sometimes activating while going over bumps. But it’s a minor drawback.
Another plus: It has a motion sensor, so it will record anyone who gets too close to your vehicle while parked.
The Thinkware F70 saves continuous footage for up to one hour (60 clips) and then deletes it and starts the stream again. It stores all data on an 8GB micro SD card.
2. Nextbase 622GW dashcam
Price: $400
Pros: High-quality 4K resolution, optional Alexa voice controls, emergency SOS system
Cons: Expensive, two-way recording is optional
The Nextbase 622GW dashcam has a 3.0-inch touchscreen display with a 140-degree field of view. The unit includes GPS settings, voice control options, and an emergency SOS function. Enhanced features include night vision, parking sensor mode, extreme weather mode, a rotating polarizer on the lens, and built-in image stabilization.
This dashcam records at 120fps for high-quality 4K resolution, giving it one of the best video qualities of any unit on the market. Though the Nextbase 622GW is expensive, Road Show calls it a “sleek, premium option with almost as many smart features as a phone.”
3. Garmin Dash Cam 57
Whatever happens, you’ll have an eyewitness. Introducing the new voice-controlled Garmin Dash Cam series. #Seeit2believeit. Shop now >> https://t.co/3UraDgpnkn pic.twitter.com/6m1rRCcZoE
— Garmin (@Garmin) June 9, 2021
Price: $230
Pros: Cloud storage, compact size, easy to use, safety features, voice control, built-in GPS
Cons: No touchscreen, fuzzy images, no 4K video recording
The Garmin Dash Cam 57 has brand-name recognition and is a solid choice for a high-quality dashcam. Though it doesn’t record in 4K, it provides high-quality images with cloud storage capabilities. Some users reported fuzzy images, but this typically occurred only at dusk.
Also, the compact size doesn’t interfere with the driver’s line of sight, and the voice activation features are stellar. This model is the perfect choice for drivers of older vehicles without modern driver assists. Advanced safety features include lane departure warnings, forward collision warnings, and traffic light signaling.
“The Garmin Dash Cam 57 packs in all the usual dashcam features, as well as a few more that enhance your recording capabilities and smarten up your car in the process,” TomsGuide reports.
4. Aukey DR02 dashcam
Price: $100
Pros: Clear video images, slim design, inexpensive
Cons: No built-in Wi-Fi, no rear or interior camera, tinted images
The affordable Aukey DR02 dashcam has a 170-degree field of view, offering a clear image with little to no distortion. The video records at 1080p HD resolution with high-quality imaging, although some drivers noticed a slight blue tint when driving in direct sunlight.
In addition, there is no built-in Wi-Fi, so you can’t send video clips to your home computer or smartphone.
Tech Gear Lab says the Aukey DRO2 offers “the best performance and value for those who only want to record the road in front of them and don’t need a second, rear-facing camera.”
Keyword: The 4 Best Dashcams of 2022