Best dash cams: front, front-and-rear and parking mode

A dash cam records the road while you drive, so if something happens you have a clear record of it. We chose these from published reviews and manufacturer specs; we haven't tested them ourselves yet.

Our picks

Best for most drivers

Miofive S1

Approximate price: $90–$110

• 4K front camera
• Built-in GPS (speed and location)
• 3-inch screen, Wi-Fi app
• 32GB memory card included

Auto Express named the S1 its Best Buy in its 2026 group test, giving it five stars for sharp 4K footage, GPS and speed-camera alerts at a low price. It records the front only. If you want rear coverage too, Miofive also sells the S1 Pro with a rear camera.

See it at miofive.com ↗

Best front and rear

Viofo A229 Pro 2CH

Approximate price: about $350

• 4K front, 2K rear camera
• Sony Starvis 2 sensors
• Front records at up to 60 frames per second
• Memory card sold separately

Auto Express rated it best for footage quality. The front camera can record 4K at 60 frames per second, which keeps fast-moving detail sharper, but it drops to 30 when the rear camera is connected. It costs a lot more than the Miofive, so it suits drivers who want the best picture at both ends of the car.

See it at viofo.com ↗

Best for parking mode

70mai Dash Cam 4K A810S

Approximate price: about £170

• 4K front, optional 1080p rear camera
• Built-in GPS, Wi-Fi
• Parking mode with motion and impact detection (needs hardwire kit)
• Optional 4G remote monitoring

Auto Express gave it four stars and singled out its parking features, which watch for suspicious activity around a parked car when it is hardwired. It also uses image processing to help pick out number plates in low light. The reviewers found the rear camera footage only average.

See it at 70mai.com ↗

Best compact premium

Garmin Dash Cam X310

Approximate price: about $400 / £350

• 4K front camera with built-in polarizer
• 2.4-inch touchscreen, voice control
• GPS speed and location, speed-camera alerts
• Cloud storage and remote parking alerts need a Garmin Vault subscription

Auto Express found its footage a match for the best it tested, especially at night, and liked the polarizing lens that cuts windshield glare. It is small and easy to live with. The catch is the price, and Garmin's parking guard and live view need a paid subscription and constant power.

See it at garmin.com ↗

What to look for

• Resolution. Which? notes that cheaper cameras record in HD (720p) or Full HD (1080p), and premium ones in 4K. Higher resolution generally makes number plates easier to read, and the files take up more space on the memory card.
• Front only, or front and rear. Most dash cams face forward. A rear camera adds a record of what happens behind you, for example if you are hit from behind. Some models also add a cabin camera, which mostly suits taxi and ride-share drivers.
• Parking mode. The camera wakes up and records if it senses a bump while the car is parked. This usually needs a hardwiring kit or a constant-power cable. Which? puts professional fitting at around £50.
• GPS. Records your speed and location alongside the video, which can help settle a dispute.
• Night footage. Which? found that many cameras do well in daylight but struggle at night. Reviews that test after dark are worth reading.
• Extras you might pay for. Memory cards are often sold separately, and some brands charge a monthly fee for cloud storage or app features.
• Fit with your car. Check your owner's manual before mounting near the rear-view mirror. Which? warns that a camera there can interfere with the car's own windshield camera or radar sensors.

Where you can legally mount it

The rule everywhere is the same idea: the camera must not block your view of the road. The details differ.

• UK. Government guidance splits the windscreen into zones. In Zone A, a 290mm-wide strip centred on the steering wheel, no sticker or object may reach in more than 10mm. In the rest of the area the wipers clear, the limit is 40mm. Mounting the camera high up behind the rear-view mirror usually keeps it clear. If police think it is unsafely placed, you could be fined.
• US. Rules are set by each state. California, for example, allows a video recorder only in a 7-inch square in the lower corner farthest from the driver, a 5-inch square in the lower corner nearest the driver (outside the airbag zone), or a 5-inch square at the top center of the windshield. If the camera records sound, California also requires a visible notice telling passengers their conversation may be recorded. Check your own state's rules.
• EU. There is no single EU rule; each country decides. The German motoring club ADAC says that in Germany, constant recording breaks data protection rules, while short recordings triggered by an incident are the accepted approach. Posting footage of other people or number plates online without consent is not allowed. ADAC lists Austria, Italy and the Netherlands as private use only, and Portugal and Luxembourg as places not to use a dash cam at all.

Before you drive abroad, check the rules for each country on your route. If other people regularly drive or ride in your car, tell them the camera is there.