Best dash cams 2016 UK: The 9 best car dashcams - Record evidence while driving and get a discount on your car insurance
Best dash cams 2016: Buying advice
Prices range from around £20 to £200, so there's a model affordable for everyone. However, those cheap models tend to lack features and won't typically record great-quality footage.
Best dash cams 2016: GPS
GPS allows the camera to record your route as well as your speed. The GPS data is synched up with the video clips when played back in special software so you can watch the footage and see your location on a map. Some GPS receivers are external and have a long wire so they can be mounted out of sight. Others are part of the suction mount, while yet others are inside the camera itself. Also see: CarPlay and Android Auto: only a stepping stone to a fully connected car.
Best dash cams 2016: G-sensor
The G-sensor detects impacts and - usually - automatically begins a recording which is then locked to prevent it being deleted.
Parking mode: This may use the g-sensor, but is specifically for recording moments when your car is bumped or hit while parked. It doesn't guarantee you will see what happened, of course, as the camera points in only one direction. Also, most manufacturers don't recommend leaving the camera turned on when parked as it can drain the battery. Plus, many cars cut power to the accessory socket when you turn off the ignition, so you may need to get the camera hard-wired by a professional to use this feature.
Best dash cams 2016: Resolution
Most cameras record at 1920x1080 (1080p) but some offer higher resolutions, such as 2K - typically 2560x1440 - and even 4K, which is 3840x2160. A higher resolution is generally better as it means more detail. Sometimes that detail - such as a car registration - will be crucial. This is why cheap dash cams aren’t always the bargain they appear. If they record at only 720p (or lower) you may not be able to see the details you need in the video. However, they will show how you were driving and what happened in front before and during an incident.
Along with resolution is frame rate. For smooth video you need at least 30 frames per second, but many cameras offer double this speed. Frame rate usually increases as resolution decreases, and this is why, for example, the SJCAM SJ5000 can record 4K at only 24fps. Also see: Apple Car rumours.
Best dash cams 2016: Expandable storage through microSD
Storage isn't usually an issue because all dash cams will record on a loop. This means they record for a couple of minutes, then automatically start a new file without a break. Once the memory card is full, it begins overwriting the oldest file. Unless you need a complete record of your journey you shouldn't need a huge memory card.
Bear in mind that only some cameras come with microSD cards. For those that don't, look for a Class 10 card (or better) as HD video recording requires a card with a fast write speed. Slower cards may cause problems and may not work at all. Also see: Smarter driving with intelligent cars.
Best dash cams 2016: Wi-Fi
Cameras with Wi-Fi usually allow you to install an app and view recordings from your phone or tablet. This can be useful, especially if it lets you download recordings as this is a much easier way to save them than removing the SD card (or even the dash cam from the car) and transferring the files to a laptop. It also means you can see more detail than on the small, often low-resolution screens on the dash cams themselves.
Best dash cams 2016: Safety features
Some cameras have extra features which warn you when you veer out of your lane, or you get too close to the car in front. These are useful if they only operate over a certain speed. Otherwise they tend to beep all the time in town driving, and so will be quickly disabled.
If a dash cam has a GPS, it may provide safety camera alerts.
Other features such as time-lapse recording, or slow-motion modes, can be fun but aren't essential. More expensive cameras may have two lenses, one which faces forward and one rearward. This means you can record what happens behind you and can be useful if someone drives into the back of you. It's generally better to go for a model with a second camera on a long wire as those with two lenses in one unit won't necessarily get a good view out of the rear window. Also see: Tronsmart USB Rapid Car Charger review.
Best dash cams 2016: Accessories
Accessories vary between dash cams, but you can expect a fairly long power cable which is designed to be routed around your windscreen and down to your 12V socket. It's a shame that manufacturers don't provide a long USB cable instead, as you'd then be able to use a 12V USB adaptor with multiple USB outputs. If you use the included cable, you won't be able to use your 12V socket for anything else, such as charging your phone.
Since some insurers have a limited list of cameras, it's important to get one they recognise. However, if you change insurers regularly, it isn't worth paying more for a camera on one insurer's list.
Best dash cams 2016: Warranty
Warranty, as always, differs from model to model. Expect at least one year, but for cameras ordered from China, getting a warranty repair may be costly and take a long time. In fact, even if you purchase a camera from a UK supplier, it still may have to be sent abroad for repair, so it's worth checking if this is your top priority.
Best dash cams 2016: Use your phone as a dash cam
With the right app, your smartphone can be used as a dash cam. It won’t suit everyone, but if you buy a universal smartphone suction mount and you can power your phone from your car’s USB or 12V socket, you’ve got a cheap dash cam.
Since most phones have GPS and record video in full HD, it can be a cost-effective alternative to a dedicated unit, and is a great use for an old phone sitting in a drawer. Android phones are good candidates, especially if they have a microSD slot. Otherwise you’ll quickly fill up the internal storage, and may not have much spare storage anyway.
Apps to try include DailyRoads Voyager (which supports 4K recording on compatible phones) and RoadAR. For iPhone we can’t recommend any free apps, but Car Camera DVR isn’t bad and costs £2.99.
Best dash cams 2016: Conclusion
All of the dash cams here do a fairly decent job of recording your journey. You don’t necessarily have to pay more to get one with GPS, and this is a useful feature if you need to prove the speed at which you were driving if you’re involved in an accident.
Wi-Fi is generally an unnecessary luxury as the only real advantage is being able to download clips to your smartphone. This is a slow process and in most cases it’s better to simply use a card reader (or the camera itself) and copy or watch the footage on your computer. You can also use their video outputs to review clips on a TV.
Initially we thought the lack of an internal battery would be a big problem, but it isn’t. The Transcend and Asus – like the other models – turn on when you start your car and turn off when you remove the key. While some support recording while parked, you’ll want to get professional installation for this to avoid draining your car’s battery, especially if you don’t use it for long periods.
Safety features can be more trouble than they’re worth, and aren’t as sophisticated or reliable as similar features built into modern cars. The Dome’s are particularly useless, although for the price it’s still a good-value option if you want a GPS.
The SJCAM is a good option if you want a camera that can be used for more than dash cam duties. It offers great video quality but lacks some of the features you’ll find in a dedicated dash cam.
The Cobra’s integrated GPS is neat, but the screen is tiny and it’s the most expensive here. It’s not bad if you can find it for under £100, though.
The Cobra’s integrated GPS is neat, but the screen is tiny and it’s the most expensive here. It’s not bad if you can find it for under £100, though.
The Transcend would be a good buy if you can find it cheaper as the video and audio quality aren’t quite as good as we’d like for £90. For only £10 more, the Asus offers HDR video that’s better quality and it also has a better microphone and GPS. For most people, it’s the best choice. Also see: Why Forumla-e needs to go faster and Why are people still buying satnavs?
Best dash cams 2016 reviews:
9. Phonect Elephone Explorer
- Rating:
- Reviewed on: 8 April 16
- RRP: £68.99 inc VAT
As long as you buy it with the knowledge that it isn't 'true' 4K, the audio recording is quite poor and it is primarily an action cam rather than a dash cam, you won't be disappointed. If you're mainly concerned about getting 60fps full HD video, the quality on offer here - considering the price - is very good and thanks to the long-lasting battery, it's great value.
Read our Phonect Elephone Explorer review.
8. TrackVue DV300
- Rating:
- Reviewed on: 25 September 14
- RRP: £99 inc VAT
£99 may sound like a lot of money compared to the cheapest dash cams, but unlike those you might find on ebay or Amazon, the DV300 won’t disappoint in terms of quality. The main missing feature at this price is GPS. And you can get that with the £99 Asus Reco Classic.
Read our TrackVue DV300 review.
7. Transcend DrivePro 200 dash cam review
- Rating:
- Reviewed on: 1 February 16
- RRP: £85.02 inc. VAT
It may lack GPS, but this is a dependable dash cam which should provide the evidence you need if you're ever involved in an incident while driving.
6. Cobra CDR 840E
- Rating:
- Reviewed on: 29 December 15
- RRP: £129.99 inc VAT
The screen is too small, the mount isn't quick release and the lens has a relatively narrow field of view, but footage is good on the whole and the software is decent. The main problem is the price, although if you hunt around you can buy it for just over £100, making it pretty good value.
Read our Cobra CDR 840E review.
5. Dome D201-1
- Rating:
- Reviewed on: 1 February 16
- RRP: £81.88 inc. VAT
It's hard to complain at this price, especially as you get a GPS receiver, but the D201 is far from perfect. Image quality is generally good, but the supplied software doesn't work with the camera and the safety features are poor.
Read our Dome D201-1 review.
4. SJCAM SJ5000X Elite
- Rating:
- Reviewed on: 1 February 16
- RRP: £100 inc. VAT
It's not for everyone, but if you don't need or want GPS and you'd prefer a camera that can be used for more than recording car journeys, it's very good value indeed. It's disappointing that it doesn't record true 4K, but you'd have to spend considerably more to get that.
Read our SJCAM SJ5000X Elite review.
3. JooVuu X
- Rating:
- Reviewed on: 18 March 16
- RRP: £114.99 inc VAT
As a dash cam, the JooVuu X does a great job, and is good value considering it has both GPS and Wi-Fi. The lack of even a GoPro-like LCD screen is a shame, but it’s not a dealbreaker. Image quality is impressive and the timed mode switching is a real bonus. As an action cam, it benefits from being tiny and light but really needs a case to protect it. The fact that swapping in a replacement battery requires a screwdriver means it’s not as convenient as something like the SJCam SJ5000X.
Read our JooVuu X review.
2. Nextbase iN-CAR CAM 512G
- Rating:
- Reviewed on: 29 January 16
- RRP: £179.99 inc VAT
As an overall package, the Nextbase 512G is one of the best, but at this high price it doesn't offer enough of a jump in image quality over cameras around £100 to make it good value. Some of those even come with SD cards. If you can afford it, it won't disappoint, but the Asus Reco Classic is better value at £99. Remember, though, that some insurers will give you a discount when you take out a policy if you have a dash cam: Nextbase cameras are most approved lists, so it may be better value for you than the Asus which isn't on any lists that we know of yet.
Read our Nextbase iN-CAR CAM 512G review.
1. Asus Reco Classic
- Rating:
- Reviewed on: 29 January 16
- RRP: £99.99 inc. VAT
Despite problems with the GPS and software, the Asus is a great dash cam which records useful video. It's not the cheapest, but it is pretty good value.
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