Dash cams have become a popular and essential accessory for motorists in the UK. With increasing road traffic and unexpected incidents, having a reliable dash cam installed can provide peace of mind and added security. In this article, we will be discussing the top 5 dash cams available in the UK, highlighting their key features, pros, and cons.
Top 5 Best Dash Cams UK 2023 | Buying Guide
| Rank | Dash Cam Model | Key Features | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thinkware U1000 | 4K front, 2K rear, 150° front viewing angle, 156° rear viewing angle, GPS, Wi-Fi, 2-year warranty | Outstanding 4K performance, stable parking mode, striking night vision performance | Expensive, not budget-friendly |
| 2 | Vantrue N4 | 4K front, FHD cabin and rear, Sony Starvis sensor, WDR, supercapacitor, 18-month warranty | Spectacular image quality, customizable, simultaneous monitoring of all 3 cams, easy installation | GPS not included, additional costs |
| 3 | Red Tiger F7NS | 4K front, FHD rear, Sony CMOS sensor, night vision, Wi-Fi, GPS, 1-year warranty | High-resolution recording, user-friendly, budget-friendly, high-performance | MicroSD card not included |
| 4 | Garmin 67W | 1440p HD, Garmin Clarity HDR, 180° field of view, voice control, 2-year warranty | Compact size, excellent app functionality, easy installation and operation | Lacks 4K recording quality |
| 5 | BlackVue DR900X | 4K front, FHD rear, Sony Starvis UHD, 162° viewing angle, dual-band Wi-Fi, 1-year warranty | High performance, built-in Wi-Fi and GPS, spectacular night performance | Expensive, not budget-friendly |
Top 5 Best Dash Cams 2023
Thinkware U1000
The Thinkware U1000 boasts 4K front and 2K rear recording, with wide viewing angles of 150° front and 156° rear. It includes GPS, Wi-Fi, and a 2-year warranty. Its outstanding 4K performance, stable parking mode, and striking night vision make it a top choice. However, it’s expensive and not the most budget-friendly option.
Vantrue N4
The Vantrue N4 features 4K front, FHD cabin and rear recording, with a Sony Starvis sensor, WDR, and supercapacitor. It comes with an 18-month warranty. The N4 offers spectacular image quality, customizable settings, simultaneous monitoring of all three cameras, and easy installation. However, GPS is not included and may incur additional costs.
Red Tiger F7NS
The Red Tiger F7NS has 4K front and FHD rear recording, a Sony CMOS sensor, night vision, Wi-Fi, GPS, and a 1-year warranty. This dash cam provides high-resolution recording, is user-friendly, budget-friendly, and delivers high performance. The only downside is that a MicroSD card is not included.
Garmin 67W
The Garmin 67W offers 1440p HD recording with Garmin Clarity HDR, a wide 180° field of view, voice control, and a 2-year warranty. Its compact size, excellent app functionality, and easy installation make it a great choice. However, it lacks 4K recording quality.
BlackVue DR900X
The BlackVue DR900X features 4K front and FHD rear recording, Sony Starvis UHD sensors, a 162° viewing angle, dual-band Wi-Fi, and a 1-year warranty. This high-performance dash cam has built-in Wi-Fi and GPS, and delivers spectacular night vision performance. Its main drawback is the high price, making it less budget-friendly.
Why Dash Cams are Important
Safety and Security
Dash cams act as a silent witness, capturing events on the road and providing video evidence in case of an accident or incident. They help promote safe driving and can even capture incidents of vandalism or theft when parked.
Legal Protection
In the event of an accident, dash cam footage can be used as evidence to prove fault or innocence. This can save time, money, and stress in legal disputes and ensure that justice is served.
Insurance Benefits
Some insurance companies offer discounts to drivers with dash cams installed, as they can help establish the circumstances of an accident and prevent fraudulent claims.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Dash Cam
Resolution and Image Quality
A good dash cam should provide clear and sharp video footage. Higher resolutions, such as 4K, offer better image quality and detail but may come at a higher price.
Viewing Angle
A wider viewing angle captures more of the road and surroundings. Look for a dash cam with at least a 140-degree field of view to ensure comprehensive coverage.
Additional Features
Consider features such as GPS, Wi-Fi, night vision, and parking mode when choosing a dash cam. These can enhance the performance and usability of the device.
Price and Warranty
Dash cams can range from budget-friendly to premium models. Consider your budget and look for a dash cam with a good warranty for added peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I install a dash cam myself, or do I need professional installation?
Most dash cams are easy to install yourself, with many using suction mounts or adhesive pads to attach to the windshield. However, if you’re not comfortable with the installation process or require hardwiring, consider seeking professional assistance. Click here for a full hardware installation guide.
2. How do dash cams receive power?
Dash cams typically receive power through a 12V cigarette lighter socket or can be hardwired directly into the car’s electrical system for a cleaner installation and additional features, such as parking mode.
3. Do dash cams record audio?
Most dash cams have built-in microphones and can record audio. However, you can usually disable this feature if you prefer not to record audio.
4. What is the best memory card size for a dash cam?
The ideal memory card size depends on the resolution of your dash cam and the amount of footage you want to store. Generally, a 32GB or 64GB memory card is suitable for most dash cams, but higher-resolution cameras may require larger cards, such as 128GB or 256GB check the manufactures recommend before purchasing.
5. Can I use my dash cam footage as evidence in an accident?
Yes, dash cam footage can be used as evidence in the event of an accident, helping to establish fault and support insurance claims or legal disputes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the best dash cam for 2023 can be a daunting task, given the vast array of options available in the market. With a focus on key features, such as rear camera quality, GPS, night vision, and parking mode, finding the best dash cam for your needs becomes easier. Whether you are looking for a best budget option or a premium dash cam, there are options for every budget.
Renowned brands like Nextbase and Garmin offer top-of-the-line models, such as the Nextbase 622GW and Garmin Dash Cam 67W. These dash cams promise high-quality video recording, windscreen compatibility, and smartphone integration, ensuring a seamless user experience.
As dash cams in 2023 continue to evolve, features such as 4K resolution, speed camera alerts, and memory card storage become more critical in differentiating between various models. Whether you are looking for a Garmin Dash Cam Mini or a dash cam mini 2, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of each option before making a decision.
In addition, budget dash cams and more advanced dash cams cater to various needs and preferences. Ultimately, the best dash cam 2023 will be the one that meets your requirements and offers the best value for money.
To make an informed decision, it’s essential to research and test dash cams thoroughly, comparing their features, video quality, and ease of use. With the growing popularity of dash cams and their increasing importance for safety and legal protection, investing in the best dash cam for your specific needs will prove to be a wise decision.
