What's The Best Front And Rear Dash Cam
Accidents happen. Protecting yourself with video evidence is no longer a luxury, it's a necessity. For value-conscious shoppers seeking comprehensive coverage, a front and rear dash cam is the ideal solution. This review breaks down the best options, balancing features, performance, and price to help you make an informed decision.
Why Invest in a Front and Rear Dash Cam?
A front-facing dash cam captures events in front of your vehicle. Adding a rear camera provides crucial evidence in cases of rear-end collisions, hit-and-runs, and even helps monitor driving behavior around your car when parked.
This dual coverage offers peace of mind and can significantly aid in insurance claims and legal disputes. Choosing the right setup can save you money and hassle in the long run.
Shortlist: Top Front and Rear Dash Cams
Here are a few options tailored to various needs and budgets:
- Budget Pick: Vantrue N2 Pro (Good video quality for the price)
- Mid-Range All-Arounder: Thinkware F200 Pro (Reliable and feature-rich)
- Premium Performance: BlackVue DR900X Plus (Top-tier video quality and cloud features)
Detailed Reviews
Vantrue N2 Pro: Best Budget Option
The Vantrue N2 Pro is a popular choice for budget-conscious buyers. It offers dual 1080p recording, covering both the front and rear of your vehicle. Its standout feature is the infrared interior-facing camera, making it a solid choice for rideshare drivers.
While the video quality isn't the best in class, it's more than adequate for capturing essential details. The night vision is surprisingly good for the price point. However, the parking mode requires a hardwiring kit (sold separately) and can drain your car battery.
Thinkware F200 Pro: The Reliable All-Arounder
The Thinkware F200 Pro strikes a balance between features and price. This dash cam provides reliable performance and excellent build quality. With 1080p front and rear recording, it captures clear footage in various lighting conditions.
The Thinkware F200 Pro includes useful features like lane departure warning and front collision warning. Its parking mode is more sophisticated, offering both motion detection and impact detection. The Thinkware Cloud offers remote access and event notifications (subscription required).
BlackVue DR900X Plus: Premium Performance
If you demand the best possible video quality and features, the BlackVue DR900X Plus is worth considering. This premium dash cam records in 4K resolution in the front and 1080p in the rear. You get stunning detail, even in challenging lighting conditions.
The BlackVue DR900X Plus boasts advanced features like cloud connectivity, GPS tracking, and impact detection. It includes built-in Wi-Fi for easy file transfer and configuration. The BlackVue Cloud service allows for remote live view and video backup.
Side-by-Side Specs Table
| Feature | Vantrue N2 Pro | Thinkware F200 Pro | BlackVue DR900X Plus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front Resolution | 1080p | 1080p | 4K |
| Rear Resolution | 1080p | 1080p | 1080p |
| Parking Mode | Requires Hardwire Kit | Impact & Motion Detection | Impact & Motion Detection |
| GPS | Optional (Sold Separately) | Built-in | Built-in |
| Wi-Fi | No | Yes | Yes |
| Cloud Connectivity | No | Optional | Yes |
| Overall Score (Out of 5) | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.5 |
| Value Score (Out of 5) | 4.5 | 3.5 | 3.0 |
Practical Considerations
Before making a purchase, consider a few practical factors. Installation is a key consideration; some dash cams are easy to install yourself, while others may require professional installation. Hardwiring provides constant power for parking mode but can be more complex to set up.
Memory card capacity is also important. Higher resolution footage requires more storage space. Loop recording automatically overwrites older footage, so choose a memory card that's large enough to store several hours of driving data.
Consider your local laws regarding dash cam usage. Some jurisdictions have restrictions on audio recording or windshield placement.
Summary
Choosing the best front and rear dash cam depends on your budget and needs. The Vantrue N2 Pro offers excellent value for money. The Thinkware F200 Pro provides a good balance of features and reliability. For the ultimate in video quality and features, the BlackVue DR900X Plus is the top choice.
Carefully consider resolution, parking mode capabilities, ease of installation, and storage capacity. Evaluate your priorities and make an informed decision based on your specific requirements.
Take Action!
Protect yourself on the road! Research these dash cams further and compare prices. Read user reviews and watch sample footage to see the video quality for yourself. Invest in a dash cam that meets your needs and provides peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is loop recording?
Loop recording automatically overwrites the oldest footage on the memory card, ensuring continuous recording without manually deleting files.
Q: Do I need a hardwiring kit for parking mode?
Some dash cams require a hardwiring kit to enable parking mode, which allows the camera to record while your car is parked. Other dash cams have built-in batteries or capacitors for parking mode functionality.
Q: What size memory card do I need?
The required memory card size depends on the resolution of your dash cam and how much footage you want to store. A 64GB card is usually sufficient for 1080p recording, while 4K recording may require a 128GB or 256GB card.
Q: Can I install a dash cam myself?
Most dash cams are relatively easy to install yourself, using a suction cup or adhesive mount. However, hardwiring for parking mode can be more complex and may require professional installation.
Q: Are dash cams legal everywhere?
Dash cams are generally legal, but some jurisdictions may have restrictions on audio recording or windshield placement. Check your local laws before installing a dash cam.
