Best Car Dash Camera in 2023: Ranking & Buyer’s Guide

When you are looking for a dash cam for your car, there are several factors to consider. Some of the top features to look for in a dash cam include its resolution, number of cameras, and storage capabilities. Some of the top dash cams also offer GPS capabilities and parking modes. It's also important to consider your budget when buying a dash cam.

Angle of view

The angle of view of a car dash camera is an important feature to look for when purchasing one. The widest angle is typically best for video recording, and some dashcams offer up to 180 degrees. However, if you are looking for a more compact solution, a 90-degree lens may be sufficient.

Resolution

Another factor to consider is the resolution of the dash cam. You should aim for a minimum resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels, but a higher resolution is better. 

Night vision

When choosing a car dash camera, you may want to choose one that has night vision. These cameras offer better night vision than regular IP cameras, and will allow you to view the interior of your vehicle without the need for an additional device. A few of the best models will also support massive SD cards.

The Lanmodo night vision system is a great example of a dash cam that emulates the build-in dash cams in many newer cars. It features an eight-inch screen that faces the driver and shows the 1080p camera footage in real time. It mounts to the dashboard with a suction cup or base stand, and charges from the cigarette lighter.

Before you buy a dashcam, you might want to know some basic facts about the device. For example, will a dashcam drain my car's battery? And, does it have to be plugged in? Lastly, how much does a decent dashcam cost?

Will a dash cam drain my car battery?

A dash camera uses very little power compared to the battery in a car. For example, a battery in a small or midsize car can deliver up to 48 amp hours of electrical power. On the other hand, a battery in a truck or SUV can deliver as much as 225 amp hours.

Although some dash cams draw power from the car battery while in operation, others do not. The reason is that most dash cams use motion sensors and will only turn on when there is movement. Some models even operate when the vehicle is turned off, so there is less need to constantly recharge them.

If you have a hardwire kit for your dash cam, it is possible to avoid a problem. The basic kit, which uses two wires - black for power and red for ground - will not drain your car's battery because it will not be providing power to the dash cam when the car is off. However, if you use a hardwire kit for parking mode, you may have to worry about your battery's drain.

Do all Dashcams have to be plugged in?

Not all car dash cameras have to be plugged in to operate. Some models are powered by a USB cable and can operate when the car is off. Others detect a drop in voltage and go into low-power sleep mode. Some cameras have both USB and charging ports so you can recharge your camera while in your vehicle.

While some models have built-in batteries, most dash cams require an electrical outlet. You should also consider the amount of time you expect the camera to record, as some models require an always-on power source. You can use the car's auxiliary power port to recharge the battery while your dashcam is off. Some models can also be hard-wired into the fuse box.

The best car dash camera kits come with the necessary wires to hard-wire the dash cam to the vehicle's electrical system. Installing dash cams yourself can take just 15 minutes, but it requires some mechanical skills.

As the number of automakers and car models continues to increase, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to stay on top of the latest and greatest in car tech. Our lives are filled with distractions and we sometimes miss important details that can help prevent auto accidents, fraud and other potential threats.

With that in mind, many drivers have turned to dashboard camera systems as a way to catch potentially dangerous moments before they happen. The best dash cams are equipped with high-quality cameras that offer plenty of recording space as well as simple and easy to use interfaces. Some even come with GPS capabilities so you can see where the video footage has been saved. The following list details some of the most outstanding dash cams options for sale.