The Best Front and Rear Dash Cams
Driving can be rough, and despite our best efforts, accidents happen. When they do, dash cam recordings can help ensure you're covered. They can also monitor your car at night, recording constantly and flagging videos when your car is nudged. For the top car security systems, you've come to the right place. Keep reading to learn more about the best front and rear dash cams on the market.
What to Look For
Cameras are a dime a dozen these days, so how did we find the best dual-camera sets? To start, we identified these key components: Do they have collision detection? How is the image quality? Can you pair them with your phone? For example, RedTiger offers a super high-res camera kit that can hold up to 256 gigabytes of data. It automatically detects crashes and saves your videos, and you can use your phone to download the files. A simpler option would be to use Galphi’s three-way camera system. It doesn’t use a phone app but simply connects to the car’s power to work. In case of an incident, the camera automatically logs and saves the video, which you can then copy to your computer via an SD card reader. Keep reading and we’ll go into more detail on each front and rear dash camera system.
RedTiger Front Rear Dash Cameras
Set the record straight
This dash cam kit has everything we’re looking for. It has a beautiful, crystal-clear monitor built into the unit. The 4K resolution captures everything in fine detail, so you can even identify quick hit-and-runs. One thing we love about this camera system is its storage capacity. Many dashcams only accept SD cards up to about 32 or 64 gigabytes. This one, however, can use cards up to 256 gigabytes. If you live in a busy city or commute a lot, this camera system can provide some peace of mind.
Pros:
- The camera and display have a quick-release mechanism so you can remove them after parking. If you live in an area with a lot of car thefts, this is crucial because an expensive camera is enticing to thieves.
- The resolution is true 4K (unlike some dashcams on the market that claim to be 4K but really aren’t). The camera lens settings are adjusted perfectly for the best picture.
Cons:
- The app tends to load videos slowly, so we recommend just popping out the memory card and using an SD card reader on your computer.
Chortau Front and Rear Wide-Angle Dash Cam
Surveillance at a bargain
Getting your car scratched or bumped can really ruin your day, as car repair can be quite expensive. However, with this dash camera system, you can at least identify the perpetrators, or even completely deter them in the first place. The wide angle on these cameras captures everything. When the car is nudged or comes to a sudden stop, this smart camera automatically saves the recording as evidence. It includes GPS and speedometer readings as well. This way, there can be no dispute as to what really happened.
Pros:
- This camera handles extreme temperatures well, holding up even in 100-degree heat.
- When an accident occurs, the camera automatically records the video and dates it. With this evidence, dealing with insurance companies should go smoother.
Cons:
- This set doesn’t include an SD card, but those are relatively inexpensive anyway.
Galphi Three-Way Car Camera with IR Night Vision
Never miss a beat
If you drive for a living, especially for a ridesharing company, you might want to check this out. This car surveillance system has not one, nor two, but three cameras for full coverage of you and your vehicle. It automatically detects sudden jolts, so if an accident ever occurs the recording is saved immediately. The interior camera signal is clear so you can always identify passengers in case of an incident. Installing the rearview camera can be a bit tricky, but it’s not too hard. Once everything’s set up, you’ll be glad to have this extra sense of security.
Pros:
- The SD card will never fill up, the camera simply rewrites over the oldest files.
- There’s no phone app to mess with. This simply works as described without any fussing with WiFi and signal issues.
Cons:
- The rear and interior cameras are only 720p, although this is certainly good enough for almost all cases.
Veement Front and Rear View Mirror Camera with GPS
Surveillance in disguise
Most dash cams are in plain sight, making them attractive targets for thieves. This clever kit goes for a different approach by disguising itself as your rearview mirror. It has a beautiful touchscreen display and a built-in camera that is not easy to spot, especially at night. This is one of the best types of dash cameras to get if you live in a city with a lot of car theft. Plus, the image quality is absolutely stunning for such small cameras.
Pros:
- Voice control works smoothly, letting you stay focused on the road.
- It works as a regular rearview mirror when off.
Cons:
- Installing the rear camera can be a bit tricky, although you can always mount it on the rear windshield instead of on the outside of the car.
Wolfbox 4K Dash Cam with WiFi GPS Dashboard Camera
Ready for action
Dash cameras are great for recording while driving, but when the car is parked they can attract thieves looking for pricey electronics. That’s why we’re recommending this magnetically mounted dash camera. The monitor and mount quickly clip into the holder with powerful magnets. When you’re done driving, simply pop it off and the car can be left empty and unappealing to robbers.
Pros:
- The magnet is secure enough to handle rough roads and bumps.
- The window mount won’t damage your windshield. This kit includes clear plastic film to act as a buffer and also make it easier to relocate the main camera.
Cons:
- Playback through the phone app can be a tad slow, but you can always just use a computer to view the files.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can front and rear dash cameras use car power even when the car is turned off?
For dash cams to have 24-hour recording capabilities, you must hook them up to an internal hardwired system with its own battery. These are often available from the dash cam manufacturer and can take some knowledge of cars to install yourself. Of course, you can also have a car mechanic install it.
What is loop recording?
Loop recording is when a camera continues to record even when its storage is full. It does this by writing over the oldest files on the card, essentially looping back to the beginning of when it first started recording. Most dash cams have the option to save and protect files from being overwritten in case you need them for evidence.
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