Best Front/Rear Dash Cams: Expand Your View With These Top Cameras
Increase your situational awareness with a quality dash cam.
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BY Lisa Conant / LAST UPDATED ON October 15, 2021
A good dash cam makes it easy to maintain spatial awareness around a vehicle and record accidents and other events in the case of an emergency. Unfortunately, most dash cams are limited in their viewing angle. Dual-camera dash cameras, on the other hand, let you record both the front and rear areas of a vehicle for better viewability and coverage. Here are some of the top front/rear dash cams you should check out.
This high-tech dash cam offers all you could want in terms of functionality, reliability, video quality, and price. Convenient and easy to install, it offers a comprehensive triple view.
- Allows you to monitor front, rear, and inside viewpoints all at once
- Powered by a heat-resistant super capacitor, which offers better extreme weather protection than lithium batteries
- Suction cup mount is not as strong or reliable as users would like
One of the best budget-friendly, this compact camera offers a generous 170 degrees of viewing angle to capture the maximum amount of your driving environment.
- Comes equipped with a decently sized 3-inch LCD display
- Equipped with GPS to provide you with accurate location and time data in the event of an accident or theft
- Suction cup mount is a little weak
- G-sensor isn’t as reliable as on some higher-end models
A top-of-the-line dash camera with tons of bells and whistles that’s offered at a surprisingly low price point.
- Equipped with 4K ultra HD digital playback
- Made by a U.S.-based company that’s well-known for stellar customer service
- Display might be too small for some tastes
- Occasional “dead spots”
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Why Buy a Front/Rear Dash Cam
- Record accidents. It should go without saying that accidents are difficult to recount if necessary. Since human memory is often flawed, it's a good idea to have a second pair of eyes to record the event. This is where dash cams shine, especially with multi-lens cameras that can cover different angles. This makes it easy to record hits from the front or back.
- Get some assistance with safety. Beyond capturing unfortunate events, many dash cams have features that help to prevent the events from happening in the first place. With capabilities like backup monitoring and parking mode, front/rear dash cams can increase your field-of-view or even alert you to dangers you can't see alone.
- Cover blind spots better. Blind spots are a unique danger that plague each vehicle, no matter what make or model. In most cases, simple mirrors don't do enough to give you an adequate view of the blind spot. This is where some hardwired rear-facing dash cams with a wide-angle lens make sense since they can see out of the windows and monitor for cars or other hazards at the same time.
Types of Front/Rear Dash Cams
Single Unit
Stand-alone dash cameras are the most common type available on the market. As a single unit, front/rear dash cams have everything they need to provide basic recording capabilities. Higher-end options will also come with more advanced monitoring features, but nearly all are still focused on simple recording/monitoring capabilities.
Integrated
A few dash cams come packaged in a multifunctional device. For example, some GPS navigation units and backup camera rearview mirrors have built-in cameras that provide basic recording and monitoring capabilities in addition to navigation. With these cameras, placement is more difficult since the ability to view the device must be maintained.
Top Brands of Front/Rear Dash Cams
Vantrue
Vantrue was founded in 2015 with its focus on high-end dash cams and video products. The company believes that every vehicle should have a solid-performing dash cam to ensure safety and accuracy if an accident or event occurs. The Vantrue N2 Pro Dual 1080P Dash Cam is one of its top sellers.
Rove
Rove got its start in Chicago, Ill., and is inspired by the unique and amazing images provided by the famous Mars Rover. The company prides itself on bringing high-quality, innovative, and affordable dash cams to the market. Check out the Rove Stealth 4K PRO Wi-Fi Car Dash Cam if you’re in the market for a top-of-the-line dash cam.
Rexing
Rexing is another American start-up company. Initiated in Connecticut, the company’s headquarters are in New York. The company prides itself on quality and care, as well as offering cutting edge products like the Rexing S800 Dual Channel Dash Cam.
Toguard
As an electronics company, Toguard is one of the few examples of the quality you can get when a company focuses on lens technology. From dash cams to home security systems, with a few hunting cams thrown into the mix, the company's lineup focuses on what technology can see. A good dash cam option is the Toguard Dual Dash Camera.
Front/Rear Dash Cam Pricing
- Under $100: Budget dash cams with front/rear facing lenses tend to be more expensive than their single-lens counterparts. With that said, it's still easy to find a decent option in this range if you don't need the best recording quality.
- $100 to $200: In the mid-range of dual dash cams, most options tend to offer a standard 1080 recording quality and basic features like G-sensor detection.
- $200 and up: On the top end of dual dash cams, options here tend to be well equipped with a number of advanced features like night vision recording, 4K resolutions, and more. For the best of the best, this is the range to check out if you can afford it.
Key Features
Image Quality
More than anything else, a dash cam needs to have a good enough recording quality to make out important details like license plate numbers. With a front/rear dash cam, it's helpful if both cameras have at least full HD video recording capabilities. While 1080p video resolutions are common, higher resolutions like 4K are also a good option for excellent video recording. They tend to be more expensive and rarer in availability than standard HD video footage.
Loop Recording
Since dash cams have limited space to save recorded files, loop recording helps a camera keep recording continuously without running out of room. To do so, the camera will automatically overwrite old recordings, meaning it has a memory buffer that recycles the data. In most cases, dash cams can override the buffer manually or when the shock sensor detects an impact to record the file.
GPS
While not required, having a built-in GPS can tag the location of an accident. Typically, this unit can also detect the speed of travel so the data can be used for reviewing an accident later on if necessary.
Other Considerations
- Recording Capacity. Since all dash cams have a limited recording capacity, it's important to know how much space you have to work with when recording everyday driving events. In some cases, this means having an idea of how much data is recorded in the loop before it is overwritten. Many dash cams come with slots for replaceable memory cards like MicroSD cards, so you can expand or swap out the memory any time you want.
- Power Supply. For continuous recording, you'll need a consistent supply of power. Battery-powered dash cams are commonplace and can last for several hours before needing to be recharged. For longer stretches of power, find one that can plug into the 12-volt outlet of the car.
- Safety Features. Backup camera and blind spot monitoring are both helpful safety features to have to expand your awareness around the car. Some dash cams only provide a live screen so you can see what the cameras see. Others, however, will automatically alert you when a vehicle or hazard is detected.
Best Front/Rear Dash Cams Reviews & Recommendations 2021
In terms of functionality, reliability, video quality, and price, the Vantrue N4 3 Channel 4K Dash Cam is our top pick overall. This triple dash cam gives you a viewing range of 155 degrees in the front, 160 degrees in the rear, and 165 degrees of interior visibility, making this a very versatile and all-encompassing camera. Even better, it allows you to monitor all three viewpoints at once.
Unlike some other cameras on the market, this one offers a 4K resolution front camera and a 1080P rear camera for accurate capture of images and events, even at night. The high-performance Sony STARVIS CMOS sensor and the large camera apertures further enhance low-light capture of images. We also appreciate the infrared LED lights that face into the car to illuminate drivers and passengers, making this camera a great option for Uber and Lyft drivers.
It’s powered by a heat-resistant super capacitor, which offers better extreme weather protection than lithium batteries. One drawback is that you’re required to use the suction cup mount that comes with the camera, as this is how the camera gets its power. Unfortunately, the suction cup mount loses love for being unreliable and allowing the camera to detach from the windshield occasionally.
One of the best budget-friendly, but high-quality dash cameras on our list is the Mighty Rock Dash Camera. This compact camera offers a generous 170 degrees of viewing angle to capture the maximum amount of your driving environment. It comes equipped with a decently sized 3-inch LCD display. It’s also equipped with GPS to provide you with accurate location and time data in the event of an accident or theft.
The camera records on a continuous loop and can accommodate microSD cards up to 32GB. You can choose to play back footage on the high-resolution 1080p display, or upload footage to watch or save on your smartphone or computer. With its built-in G-sensor, this dash cam will automatically detect a sudden jolt, shake, or collision event and will lock the video footage in order to prevent accidental overwriting.
This camera also comes equipped with a wide dynamic range (WDR) and a large aperture so that you can have reliable footage at night and other low light conditions. The suction cup mount could definitely be stronger.
The Rove R2-4K Dash Cam gets high marks for being super compact and packed with fun and useful features. Brought to you by a Chicago, Ill. start-up company, we also like that you’ll be supporting a local business that’s well-known for its stellar customer service. This model has the capacity to record ultra HD videos with a resolution of up to 2160P. That’s impressive, given its relatively low cost.
With the built-in Wi-Fi, you can easily connect to the ROVE App and manage all your footage on any iOS or Android device. The dashboard portion of this camera also features a wicked f1.8 aperture, which is the largest on the market currently, giving you excellent low-light video capture. Couple that with the ultra-low licensor NT96660 and SONY IMX335 night vision technology, and you’re sure to get super clear images all the time.
As an added bonus, this camera is able to support up to 512GB of memory, which is also the largest in the industry, so you’ll need to upload footage less often. We really like that it comes with dual mounting options. Use either the suction cup or the 3M sticky mount. Want a one-year warranty? No problem.
There’s not much we don’t like about this camera. Occasional random blank spots during night recording have been reported, but that’s hardly a deal breaker for this excellent buy.
This dash camera mounts onto your windshield. It records in 1080p at 30 frames per second for the front camera and 60 frames per second for the back camera. The front-facing road camera has a 170-degree range, and the back-facing interior cabin camera has a 140-degree viewing range. The camera will automatically begin recording when the ignition starts. It uses loop recording to replace the oldest footage. A G-sensor alerts the camera to a sudden shake or collision so it will lock the footage as an “event file.”
This camera stands out because it has Sony infrared night vision technology. It has four IR LED lights to improve low light image quality. You can also use it as a security camera with its parking mode. It will automatically record when motion is detected. This camera is also durable and can function in a wide range of temperatures, from -4 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit (-20 to 70 degrees Celsius).
Unfortunately, the event file may not save the actual moment of impact—only the event that occurs post incident. The camera can unexpectedly stop recording. Aso, the recorded video may have a blue tint on the footage.
The Kingslim 4K Dual Dash Cam is a great option if you’re looking for something that’s super user-friendly without a lot of confusing menus and functions. It can record 4K front video and 1080P rear video simultaneously, or you can choose to switch to either QHD 2.5 in just the front or HD 1080P in just the rear. The built-in Sony IMX335 night vision sensor is standard on this model of camera, providing good and clear nighttime images when you need them.
The front camera offers a wide 170-degree viewing angle, while the rear gives you 150 degrees of area. Built-in Wi-Fi and GPS give you real-time speed and routing information. You can even manage your driving route and download videos and images easily with the free app on your iOS or Android device. As with many other models on the market, this camera features a parking monitor, G-sensor, seamless loop recording, collision detection with emergency video lock, and time-lapse video recording.
This camera can hold up to 256GB of data, which isn’t the highest, but certainly not the lowest, either. The mounting instructions for the rear camera are sorely lacking, so you may need to search online for video aids.
The Nextbase 522GW Dash Cam gets major props for being able to not only detect a collision, but also automatically dispatch 911 emergency services based on your GPS location. All you have to do is set up the emergency SOS function on your Nextbase Connect App, and you’ll experience next-level protection. This camera comes equipped with front 1440P/30fps or 1080P/60fps recording, as well as 1080P HD rear recording options. The f1.6 aperture is well-sized to allow in more light for better recording in low-light conditions.
The Amazon Alexa voice control option allows you to operate the camera completely hands-free, minimizing all distractions. You can also access thousands of other fun and useful Alexa features, including your favorite playlists, audiobooks, news, weather, control your home devices, find parking, and much more.
We also like the ultra-compact size of the rear camera. It offers almost complete 360-degree views of your vehicle since it’s attached to the dashboard camera through a 6-meter cable. The Intelligent Parking Mode lets the front dash cam know when your car is parked properly.
Where this camera is lacking has to be in the mounting department. The included sticky pads and suction cups are both unremarkable.
If you want to skip the microscopic viewing screens and get a sizable one that leaves no confusion, check out the Vantop H612-DC Dual Dash Cam. This front and rear dash cam is equipped with a large 12-inch IPS full touchscreen that features 1280x320P display resolution. It allows you to see your videos in vibrant and bright detail.
As with many other cameras on this list, the Vantop is equipped with a Sony IMX335 sensor for the best night vision available. It’s voice control activated, so you can launch most operations hands-free. The front camera offers 2560x1440P crystal clear resolution and 170 degrees of visual field, while the rear has 1920x1080P and a 160-degree viewing angle.
One thing we don’t love about this specific dash cam is that it only supports up to 128GB of memory, which is far less storage than some others on the market. Also, even with the Sony IMX335 sensor, for some reason, the night vision on this model isn’t as powerful as it is on some others.
The Rexing V1P Pro 1080p Full HD Front and Rear Dash Cam deserves a nod for being a reliable, well-functioning front and rear dash cam option. Like many other cameras on the market right now, this camera captures clear 1080P HD video, even when driving at high speeds. It provides a sizable 170-degree viewing field to capture plenty of peripheral activity. The seven-layer glass lens is super durable and long-lasting.
It offers Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) technology that automatically adjusts to low light levels to be able to capture decent images in almost any lighting situation. It’s equipped with a supercapacitor that can tolerate temperatures ranging from negative 20 to 176 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes it a great option for all kinds of different driving climates. This camera also features a parking monitor and motion sensor.
Unfortunately, this is only a single-channel camera, so it won’t capture simultaneous front and rear views. It’s also considerably bulkier and more conspicuous than many other models that are available. It could also be improved by supporting a larger memory card than 256GB. With the ability to record 24/7, more memory would definitely be an added bonus.
Tips
- Place the dash cam somewhere along the center of the windshield for the best view. Higher is better.
- Make sure the dash cam is pointed near the road for the best viewing angle. Too high or too low won't catch as much detail as being square with the road.
- It's helpful to clean the screen and lens every so often for a clear image. A basic glasses cleaning solution and microfiber cloth are usually enough to get the job done.
- To increase the amount of video you can record, change the recording solution to something lower than HD or 4K. Lower video qualities and frame rates both take up less space in memory.
FAQs
Q. How do I mount a dash cam?
Most come with a suction cup that seals onto the dashboard or windshield. This is a good way to move the camera around for the best recording angle. Be aware, however, that the suction cup can come undone in extremely cold or hot temperatures.
Q. Can a dash cam drain my battery?
This usually depends on your vehicle. Some vehicles have an automatic shutoff feature so devices plugged into the 12-volt outlet won't drain the battery. Consult your owners manual to see if your vehicle has this capability.
Q. Can a camera record at night?
If the dash cam has infrared lights, most likely yes. Infrared lights illuminate the camera's view. Most, however, have difficulties recording out of windows, so the quality will most likely be less than ideal compared to daytime recordings.
Final Thoughts
The Vantrue N4 3 Channel 4K Dash Cam gets our vote for the best overall front and rear dash cam. This high-tech dash cam offers all you could want in terms of functionality, reliability, video quality, and price. Convenient and easy to install, it offers a comprehensive and simultaneous triple view.
For a more budget-friendly option, check out the Mighty Rock Dash Camera. This compact camera offers a generous 170 degrees of viewing angle to capture the maximum amount of your driving environment. It’s equipped with a lot of features that you usually only see on higher-end, pricier cameras.