Thanks to a crisp 1440p resolution and wide-angle lens, it does the basics very well, but also throws in plenty of additional features. The Nextbase 622GW flagship (see no.1) might be one of the most advanced dash cams you can buy, but the 522GW remains the best dash cam all-rounder.
Read our in-depth Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 review Simple, subtle and reliable, it’s the definition of set-and-forget- technology.
Best dash cam driver#
Unless you need the best dash cam with driver assistance functions like speed camera alerts, the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 will leave you wanting for very little. It also misses out on GPS, which is a shame, but this is arguably the only major feature missing here. Instead, you need to use the smartphone app to check the camera’s view and access recordings. There’s a button for quickly saving a portion of video (or you can rely on the g-sensor to automatically detect a collision) and voice controls for functions like taking a photo or turning audio recording on and off work surprisingly well.ĭue to the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2’s compact size, it does not have a display. At 140 degrees, the lens' field-of-view isn’t the widest on the market, but still provides a good view of the road ahead.
Best dash cam full#
It records in Full HD, 30fps with HDR and produces footage that is sharp enough to pick out key details like registration plates, whatever the ambient light and weather conditions. We found video quality to be good for the size of the camera. The simple but effective mounting system comprises a ball-and-socket joint for positioning the camera at the perfect angle, while a coin-sized magnet that sticks to your windscreen and holds the dash cam securely in place. We found the setup process took just a few minutes with the use of Garmin’s Drive smartphone app (iOS and Android). Installing the Mini 2 is the same as other members of the Garmin Dash Cam family. The Garmin Mini 2 is a tiny dash cam that all but disappears behind your car’s rear view mirror, yet boasts Full HD video with HDR, voice control that actually works reliably, a decent smartphone app and a dead-simple magnetic mounting system.
Best dash cam free#
Thankfully, the 3-inch rear touchscreen is crisp, clear and very easy to use, while the inclusion of what3words combines well with Nextbase's EmergencySOS feature, which you get a year's free subscription for with this dash cam. Despite new dual 2.4GHz + 5GHz Wi-Fi, we found that it still had trouble connecting with phones to transfer images and video clips. Like its 522GW sibling, this model can be controlled via your voice with Alexa Skills, but it requires the accompanying smartphone app to work, which we didn't rate as the best we've tried. This makes it much easier to pinpoint registration numbers or pick out hard-to-see elements of an accident.Ī built-in polarizing filter on the front of the camera can be rotated to reduce glare from windscreens, while digital image stabilization is another first for the dash cam market and helps smooth out those bumps and shakes caused by potholes and poor road surfaces. When we chose to shoot in 4K/30p, the resulting footage looked almost cinematic in its presentation, with extremely crisp definition and great detail, even in poor lighting. In our tests, it delivered much-improved video quality and better stabilization, along with the inclusion of what3words geolocation services for pinpointing stricken vehicles within a three-meter radius. And, it has proven itself as the best dash cam to buy right now. Rather than being a replacement for the more affordable 522GW (see below), the 622GW is simply a new flagship dash cam. Or you might prefer an in-car camera that’s small enough to hide behind your rear-view mirror, in which case, the Garmin’s Dash Cam Mini 2 is ideal. For a simpler dash cam, the Nextbase 522GW represents great value. But not everyone will need something so advanced.
Best dash cam drivers#
Right now, we think the top choice for most drivers is the Nextbase 622GW, which records stable 4K footage whenever you’re on the road.
So, whether you're looking for a cheap car camera or a modern front-and-rear setup, we can help you find the best dash cam for your need. We've spent hundreds of hours testing these security cameras for your car, ranking them in this regularly updated guide. Another reason for installing a dash cam in your vehicle could be the offer of lower insurance premiums, potentially helping to bring down the rising cost of driving. And, any footage it takes can then be used as invaluable evidence if you're involved in or see an incident or accident while on the road. Much like an action camera, dash cams can record your drives and even when your vehicle is parked, using integrated sensors to detect if an incident occurs.