Top 5 best dash cams
There’s a growing awareness among drivers that a dash cam isn’t just a smart upgrade - it’s a necessary one. With roads getting busier and insurance claims becoming increasingly complex, having video evidence of what happened (and when) can make all the difference. Whether you’re navigating city traffic, parked overnight in a poorly lit area, or dealing with a minor incident that could spiral into a major claim, a dash cam is the unbiased witness you didn’t know you needed.
At Pimloc, we work with visual data every day. Our Secure Redact platform processes footage from public and private sources, ensuring personal information is protected before video is shared or archived. This gives us a very clear view - no pun intended - of the value of good footage, and of the importance of managing it responsibly.
So, if you’ve been wondering what is the best dash cam for your needs, you’re in the right place. Below, we break down six of the most reliable options available today.
What is the best dash cam for overall performance?
If you're after a dependable all-rounder, the Nextbase 622GW continues to set the standard. With sharp 4K video, built-in Alexa, and Emergency SOS features, it’s a unit that combines modern convenience with powerful security features.
The clarity of footage - even in harsh weather - is outstanding. Factor in stabilisation and incident detection, and you’ve got a dash cam that’s more than just smart. It’s situationally aware.
Keep license plates and faces private with Secure Redact.
Who makes the best dash cam for front and rear coverage?
Comprehensive coverage doesn’t mean complicated setup. Brands like Garmin and Thinkware are leading the way in dual-camera systems that offer simplicity and performance in equal measure.
The Garmin Tandem, for instance, records front and rear simultaneously, with a wide dynamic range that handles low light surprisingly well. For drivers who want higher-end performance, the Thinkware U1000 delivers 4K up front, 2K at the rear, and reliable parking surveillance.
When an incident happens behind you (and it often does), having a second lens recording is no longer optional - it’s essential.
What is the best front and rear dash cam for night recording?
When the sun goes down, the real test begins. Dash cams that perform brilliantly during the day often fall apart after dark - unless they’re designed for it.
The BlackVue DR900X-2CH is a standout for night vision. It uses advanced Sony STARVIS sensors that deliver well-lit, detailed video even in very low light. The footage is sharp enough to pick up small but important details - number plates, movement, even facial features when necessary.
There’s also intelligent parking mode, triggered by motion or impact, so your vehicle is protected even when you're nowhere near it.
What’s the best dash cam for drivers on a budget?
Dash cam quality isn’t always tied to cost. There are excellent options under £100, and the Viofo A119 V3 is proof of that. It offers 1440p resolution, a 140° wide-angle lens, and GPS tracking - all in a discreet, screenless build.
No, it doesn’t come with voice control or cloud backup. But if your goal is simply to capture high-quality footage reliably and affordably, this model offers some of the best value on the market.
Are there legal issues when installing a dash cam?
An important question: are dash cameras legal? This is a question that comes up often - and rightly so. Dash cams are generally legal in the UK, but there are important guidelines around how they’re used, particularly concerning privacy.
For instance, recording audio inside a vehicle may require consent from passengers. And if dash cam footage is shared publicly, it may need to be redacted to obscure faces, number plates, or other identifiable information.
Why is video redaction essential for dash cam footage?
Dash cams are powerful tools - but power must be managed. The footage they collect can include sensitive personal data: pedestrians, bystanders, or private properties caught unintentionally in the background.
That’s where top-rated video redaction software, like Pimloc’s Secure Redact, comes in. It helps users blur or mask faces and number plates in dash cam footage - automatically, quickly, and accurately - before that video is stored or shared.
Redaction isn’t about hiding the truth. It’s about showing what matters while protecting what doesn’t need to be shared. Whether you’re an individual, a company, or an authority handling dash cam data, it’s one of the smartest ways to respect privacy while still sharing useful information.
Final thoughts
The best dash cam isn’t just the one with the most features - it’s the one that fits how and where you drive. From flagship 4K models with emergency tools, to compact, budget-friendly units that quietly record what matters, the right choice is ultimately the one that offers clarity when you need it most.
And with Secure Redact in your corner, protecting that footage becomes as simple and seamless as capturing it.
We believe technology like this shouldn’t feel invasive - it should feel intuitive. Something you install once, then trust always.