Best dashcams for 2024

June 21, 2024

By Kim Komando

Fourth of July is right around the corner, and we’re in for record-breaking holiday traffic. Some 71 million people are expected to travel over 50 miles during the week — the most on record.

I don’t mean to be a downer, but record-setting travel also means record-setting accidents, crashes and road rage. And being a defensive driver isn’t the only way to protect yourself on the road.

You should have a dashcam

Imagine if this happened to you. An Oklahoma City driver laid on his horn when an SUV started drifting in his lane. Things escalated quickly. The SUV driver swerved to block the honking driver, then pulled a gun and shot him.

Thankfully, the victim made a full recovery and his dashcam recorded it all. Police identified and arrested the gunman, and justice was served thanks to that footage.

I’ve said it for years: The police have dashcams for good reason and you should, too. They record what happens in front of your car, behind your car and in your car.

Key cam considerations

Let’s start with the obvious: The ability to record footage. If you’re in an accident and not at fault, it’s easier to prove if you have it on tape.

Better dashcams can detect crashes and send out an emergency response, and some can even notify you with a beep if you stray from your lane. Nice upgrade for an older car! Some also have parking mode with break-in sensors that sound an alarm and record the whole thing.

🔏 Privacy tip: Pay attention to the user agreement no matter what model you buy. Opt out of anything you can, like third-party sharing.

These 3 dashcams check my important boxes

You want a dashcam that comes with a mount, records in high-def (at least 1080p), has night vision built in, has an app you can use to check your footage, a wide-angle lens and built-in GPS. Here are three that fit the bill:

• Nextbase 622GW ($346): This model has intuitive controls and shoots 4K video. It’s got Alexa, image stabilization (when roads are bumpy) and night vision. Love this feature: The camera auto-detects light levels for better footage, and an extreme weather mode makes it easier to drive on foggy days.
• Thinkware X1000 ($199.99): It has a big 3.5-inch touchscreen, a crisp camera, night vision with advanced low-light tech, and front and rear cams that record in 2K. Parking mode keeps an eye on your car when you’re not in it, too.
• Nexa Pro ($189.95): This slick dual-camera model records video inside and outside of your car. It has GPS data tracking and will alert you if someone tries to break in. The Nexa Pro records in HD and auto-records short clips if you slam on the brakes or collide with something. It’s 34% off right now!

This is one time in life you don’t want to cheap out. Have a friend road-tripping this summer? Share this tip using the buttons below. Their insurance premiums will thank you.

😂 I went on a fantastic road trip with my friend in his Honda. We just agreed on everything: What to eat, where to stay, what to see and do. We were of one Accord. (Oh, was that a groan I heard, or are you just hungry?)

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.