Best Low-Light Dash Cams: Record and Capture Your Surroundings while Driving at Night

High-quality dash cams that can see in the dark

byLisa Conant|
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BYLisa Conant/ LAST UPDATED ON September 14, 2021

Dash cams are an excellent safety accessory to include in your vehicle when you want some assistance with driver awareness or a simple record of events when the unforeseen occurs. Unfortunately, many dash cams struggle when the sun goes down. In low light conditions, video quality decreases unless you have the right model with night vision. Since accidents are just as likely (if not more so) to happen at night, a low-light dash cam is a smart investment for safety, security, and convenience. If you feel like you're in the dark on what kind of low-light camera to buy, read on for our helpful guide on everything you need to know on the best dash cams with night vision.

Best Overall
Vantrue N2 Pro Dash Cam

Vantrue N2 Pro Dash Cam

Summary
A high-quality, dual-lens camera that sports low-light capabilities with built-in infrared LED lights. This is the dash cam to check out if you want front and rear recording capabilities.
Pros
The front camera image quality is good enough to make out small details in the image. The self-facing camera is easy to position to capture the interior of the vehicle.
Cons
The included mount tends to come loose after a short amount of time. Some features such as the "parking mode" aren't clear or adequately explained in the manual.
Best Value

Apeman FHD Car DVR Recorder

Summary
The best single-lens dash cam for a small budget. The large 3-inch LCD screen makes live viewing easy to do when driving or while parked in the vehicle.
Pros
Comes with a number of useful features that most budget options lack. The built-in sensor supports full HD video recording and full 4K image recording.
Cons
Image quality suffers when facing sources of bright light like high beam headlights and the sun. The screen can also be difficult to see in direct sunlight.
Honorable Mention

Crosstour Dual Lens Dash Cam

Summary
For an all-in-one dual-lens solution you can use to capture the front and interior views of your car, this camera is hard to beat.
Pros
Built-in LCD panel makes it easy to monitor the interior of the car in real or recorded time. The included GPS automatically records location and speed data for accident and incident documentation purposes.
Cons
Difficult-to-understand instruction makes it difficult to learn about the camera's more advanced features initially. Limited recording options in terms of loop recording length.

Why Buy a Low-Light Dash Cam

  • See in the dark. Just like the name suggests, dash cams equipped with night vision capabilities allow you to see in low-light conditions. For the most part, this type of dash cam is good at bringing out the details that are often lost when the sun goes down. This means you can expect better image quality with the right setup.
  • Record unexpected events. Just like any other dash cam, models with night vision can capture and record things that are going on in front or behind of the vehicle. Depending on the design and number of lenses on the camera, you can get great coverage around the vehicle so you have a record of events if an accident occurs. You can also see what happens to your vehicle while you leave it parked.
  • Increase your driving awareness. Some dash cams do a good job of enhancing the safety as you drive instead of just recording when things go wrong. Helpful safety features, like blind spot monitoring, increase your awareness by watching areas of the vehicle you may not be able to see as clearly. If your car lacks modern safety features, this kind of dash cam can be the perfect way to upgrade the security of the vehicle without spending too much.

Types of Low-Light Dash Cams

Single Unit

This is the most common type of dash camera available on the market. As a single-unit dash cam, this is the device that does nothing but records the view around the vehicle. These tend to be rather budget-friendly, depending on the construction and design of the camera.

Multifunctional

For some dash cams, recording the view just isn't enough. Multifunctional dash cams may be dashboard cameras first with a few extra features built in, but most cams are added to other devices like GPS navigators or aftermarket backup camera kits. In either case, the extra features give you more to work or play with without having to install several different devices in your vehicle.

Multi-Camera Kits

For more coverage around a vehicle, you'll need more lenses, preferably wide angle, to capture different angles. The most common multi-camera kit comes in the form of a front/rear camera. Sometimes, the lenses are built into the same body you mount onto the windshield. Others, however, come with a separate camera you can place on the rear windshield or bumper. Some low-light kits come with multiple low-light cameras, while others may only have night vision in the front where it matters the most.

Top Brands of Low-Light Dash Cams

VAVA

As a small electronics developer, VAVA has made its mark on the industry with unique designs that have won awards like the Red Dot Design Award. Starting with audio devices in 2015, the company quickly branched out into automotive electronics with notable products like its VAVA 1920x1080P Car Dash Camera.

Apeman

Apeman is an electronics company that focuses on giving customers the means to share their adventures with the world. While the company's lineup has a healthy line of action cameras that can survive harsh conditions, it has also developed a few high-quality dash cams like the Apeman Ful HD Mini Car Recorder.

Low-Light Dash Cam Pricing

  • $100 and below: Below the $100 mark, there are a few dash cams with low-light capabilities built right into the design. Unfortunately, the quality of the low-light recording can vary greatly between different models. Some only do a barely-noticeable job of improving the details in the image.
  • $100-$200: In the midrange of low-light dash cameras, many options come with better, more powerful infrared lights. Therefore, this range is the better choice to check out if you want a dash cam with a really good low-light performance that doesn't cost as much as camera options with all of the bells and whistles.
  • $200 and above: If the bells and whistles are really important to you, this range is where you'll want to keep your search focused on. In addition to advanced feature safety features, larger memory capacity, and more lenses, the low-light results of the camera's recording capabilities are also better.

Key Features

Infrared Lights

In order to see in the dark, you need some way to illuminate the objects in front. Low-light dash cams do this using infrared light: light you can't see with the naked eye but can be picked up by the camera's sensor. Just like a flashlight, results vary depending on the power and surface coverage of the infrared LED bulbs.

Memory

The amount of useful footage a dash cam can capture depends on how much memory it has to store files. Dash cams with a built-in memory card will be limited in this regard depending on how large the hard drive is on the inside. Expandable memory, coming in the form of microSD cards and slots, allow you to increase the camera's storage capacity or swap out different cards if you want to record more.

Camera

The final quality of a dash camera's image comes down to the camera itself, especially the lens and sensor. Like other digital cameras, you can get a better image quality with a higher-quality, wide-angle lens and high-dynamic-range (HDR) sensors, more megapixels on the sensor, and higher recording resolutions supported by the camera itself.

Other Considerations

  • Placement: The placement of a dash cam heavily influences the areas you can record around the vehicle and the quality of the image itself. For low-light cameras, in particular, placement can also affect the night vision quality. For example, many dash cameras struggle to see through a glass, even with infrared light. Cameras placed on the outside of the vehicle, near the bumper or on the license plate, tend to capture greater details.
  • Mounting Mechanism: For a secure fit on a vehicle, you need to pay attention to how the dash cam attaches to it. Many use basic suction cups that attach either to the window or the dashboard itself. These are budget-friendly but can suffer from extreme hot and cold temperatures, causing the dash cam to potentially fall off. A quick-mount base that allows the camera to detach quickly from it is also a viable option. This will allow you to take the dash cam out of the vehicle when not in use, lowering the risk of theft.

Best Low-Light Dash Cams Reviews & Recommendations 2020

Vantrue's low-light dual-lens dash cam is designed for continuous use in professional settings such as Uber or Lyft trips. With that said, this front and rear dash cam is more than capable of being effective for personal use. The self-facing camera covers most of the interior and some of the view out of the rear window.


The image quality of both cameras and the overall low-light performance are highlights of this camera option. The front camera records as a full 1080p HD, so the image details are clear, even at night. The built-in infrared LED lights also do a good job of illuminating low-light conditions.


While the recording quality is good, the camera suffers in the usability department. The included mount can come loose after a few short trips in the car. For some reason, the camera lacks clear directions for some features and handy connectivity features via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth that most competitors offer these days.

The Apeman low-light dash cam packs a lot of helpful capabilities in a large but affordable camera body. Unlike some dash cams that can only upload the recorded video to a laptop or smart device, this one has a 3-inch LCD panel for live reviewing right from the device. 


On the inside of the camera, the sensor is sensitive enough to capture full HD video continuously. The screen is large and easy to view in most driving conditions, although it can be difficult to see in direct sunlight. The built-in memory relies on separate SD cards (up to 32 gigabytes). 


Since it is a value design, this dash cam leaves a lot to be desired in advanced capabilities. With no GPS or wireless connectivity, the camera can't log or send location data. Sound recording quality is also lackluster.

For families and Uber or Lyft drivers, a low-light dash cam with an interior lens does more than record accidents. Crosstour's Dual Lens camera is one such camera that documents and displays what happens inside a vehicle. With a built-in LCD panel, the camera is a good way to monitor the interior without using the rearview mirror while up front.

The camera packs a lot of high-end features for a decent price in its design. Standout features include the built-in GPS with automatic location recording, motion detection, and the aforementioned LCD panel.

While this dash cam offers a lot of useful features, learning how to actually use them can be a challenge at first. The instruction manual doesn't make it clear how some settings, like the variable loop recording settings, actually work or how you can access them. The image quality is also just decent compared to higher-end competitors. 

Rove has created a great standard in 4K Ultra HD Recording. Their R2-4K Dash Camera can record videos up to 2160p. It also has fantastic night vision technology with the NT96660+ SONY IMX335 ultra-low sensor. With the Rove App, you can manage your dash cam recordings, download videos, and share via social media. It has a built-in GPS which records your location and speed. You can also view your route and tracker on Google Maps via WiFi. The car dashboard cam has features including parking mode, motion detection, G-sensor, loop cycle recording, emergency video lock, time-lapse, slow-mo, and can support an extra memory card if needed. A big perk is that it comes with a one-year warranty and a full 30-day refund guarantee.


It is over $100, so you are paying for all the premium features and high quality. It does default to 1080 over 4K so you have to adjust it. The app is not the most user-friendly and does take awhile to really learn. And, as is a common issue with apps, sometimes it crashes or won’t load.

This 1080P dual lens dash cam features an LCD screen that can record both the outside and inside of the car at once. That makes it great for road tripping along beautiful scenery, and also for emergency situations and accidents. It has four infrared LED lights and F/1.8 aperture to easily handle low light conditions, both inside and outside the car. It has a sleek, discreet appearance so as not to draw attention. Both lenses are quite wide, ensuring you get a full view of whatever you are recording. Its loop recording feature will automatically overwrite the oldest footage so there is no need to go back and delete for space. It also has an acceleration collision sensor which will lock that footage so as not to overwrite it unless you do so manually. This ensures you will have that footage for insurance claims, if needed. It also has a parking monitor, and when it detects external force, it will power the camera on so you have security even when you are not in the car.


When the temperature changes outside the car, the suction cup mount can fall off. This can be fixed by soaking the cup in warm water for just a moment, but it is something to be vigilant about. It doesn’t come with an SD memory card, so you will have to buy your own. It costs around $100, so it is not necessarily a cheap product, but there are others on the market that are more expensive.

If you are willing to pay more for a high-quality dash cam, then this product from Vava may be exactly what you’re looking for. It has a 1920x1080P camera recording at 60fps. The angle can be swiveled based on your needs. The night vision has a Sony sensor to provide consistent clear footage. This dash cam also comes with a built-in GPS and an app connected via WiFi. You can also do real-time sharing on social media or a direct media transfer for evidence to the police and insurance company straight from your phone. It has loop recording, parking mode, and is powered via USB port.


It is more expensive than others on the market. As usual with some apps, it can have trouble connecting to the device. If you live somewhere very hot, you could have issues with the mounting gear staying put. Downloading files from it is also fairly slow.

If you are looking for a Vantrue product but want something a bit cheaper than average, the Vantrue N1 Mini Dash Cam might be perfect for you. It has superior night vision with a Sony night vision sensor. It has a wide lens but a very small and compact design, making it nearly unnoticeable. It has a 24-hour parking monitor and collision detector which triggers based on movement, giving you extra security even while your car is off. It has loop recording and is highly heat-resistant, making it ideal for those who live in hot climates. It does have an optional GPS function at an additional cost. It comes with an 18-month warranty.


The instruction manual could be a bit more clear in setup and usage. Occasionally, there are some glitches with the software such as recording incorrect driving times. You also have to manually turn it off and on as it doesn’t pick up those signals from your engine. However, the customer service seems to be really good for any issues that arise.

This product from Aukey, called the DRO2 D, ranges in the higher price range, but you certainly get what you pay for. This dual-facing camera captures the front and back exteriors of your car. It has a sharp 1080P video with optional in-car audio. It has emergency recording functions and will protect those from being deleted. It also has loop recording, GPS, and speed tracking, and is powered by a dual-port USB. It is worth noting that the GPS and speed tracking need a separate antenna, which is not included. This dash cam is heat- and cold-resistant, ensuring it will last no matter the climate you live in. It’s F/1.8 and F/2.0 aperture and HDR ensure excellent night vision.


It does require a micro SD card which is not included. The front camera is better at night than the rear. There is no WiFi, which many other dash cams come with these days. The rear camera is also reported to freeze sometimes, but customer service seems to be responsive to issues.

Tips

  • It's always helpful to see what the image quality will be before you buy a dash cam. This is where sample videos from manufacturers and other users come in handy to see what you should expect.
  • The best placement for a dash cam is somewhere in the center of the windshield so it can get the entire traffic lane ahead of it. You can also mount one on the left or right side of the windshield as long as the view isn't obstructed.
  • Some dash cams have settings to compensate for the placement in the vehicle. For example, if you place one on the left or right side of the windshield, there is probably a setting you can control to adjust the recording setup to accommodate the positioning of the camera.
  • Keep your dash camera out of sight and, ideally, locked away when not in use. If you leave a cam mounted to a windshield, it's more likely to get stolen or damaged due to heat exposure.

FAQ

Q. How much can a low-light dash cam see at night?

A. This depends on the design and construction quality of the camera itself. In part, the number of infrared LED lights built into the camera will play a major role in the final results. More lights tend to be better, but this also depends on the power and coverage of each bulb.

Q. How much can a dash cam record?

A. Most dash cams record whenever the vehicle is on, meaning they pick up everything that happens as you drive. With that said, most don't record everything since memory is limited. Instead, the camera will store several minutes worth of footage in the short-term memory. Long-term storage happens when the G-sensor goes off or the user directs it to record manually.

Q. Can a dash cam be used hands-free?

A. Absolutely. Almost all dash cameras work automatically once they turn on. To save a video, for example, a G-sensor will kick in any time an impact occurs. More advanced dash cams sometimes come with hands-free voice control as well to change settings and start and stop recording while driving.

Final Thoughts

The overall winner of our low-light dash cam roundup is the Vantrue N2 Pro Dash Cam. As a dash cam that covers multiple angles, it's the perfect solution for low-light recording in normal driving conditions.

The best way to save some money is to check out the Apeman FHD Car DVR Recorder instead. Focusing on the front only, this dash cam offers high image quality and a viewable LCD panel built right into the body.

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Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.

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