The Best Dash Cams Under $150 Reviewed

Which is the Best Budget Dash Cams Under $150 in 2024?

Overall Best Choice: Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2

The Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 is the top pick for budget-conscious buyers in 2024. It’s a compact dash cam offers Full HD recording at 1080p, ensuring high-quality video capture for any driving situation. The device is highly regarded for its HDR capabilities, which allow it to produce clear and vibrant footage even in low-light conditions.

Key Features:

• Full HD 1080p recording
• HDR (High Dynamic Range) for enhanced clarity
• 140-degree lens offering a wide field of view
• Wi-Fi connectivity for easy file transfer
• Cloud storage options available

This dash cam perfectly meets the important criteria discussed earlier:

1. It has Full HD resolution, guaranteeing clear footage.
2. The HDR feature ensures excellent performance in different lighting conditions.
3. Its wide-angle lens captures more of the road, providing comprehensive coverage.
4. Wi-Fi connectivity makes it easy to access and share recorded videos.

Key Criteria for Choosing the Best Dash Cams Under $150

When choosing a budget-friendly dashcam, it’s important to consider several factors that affect its performance and reliability. Here are the main things to look out for:

Video Quality and Resolution

Having high-definition video quality is crucial for getting clear and detailed footage. Dash cams in this price range usually have two options:

• 1080p (Full HD): This provides a good balance of clarity and storage space.
• 720p (HD): While not as sharp as 1080p, it can still give you decent detail for most purposes.

Choosing a higher resolution ensures you’ll clearly see important details like license plates and street signs in your recordings.

Field of View

The field of view (FOV) determines how much of the road ahead will be captured by the dash cam. A wider FOV can be beneficial, with options typically ranging from:

• 120° to 140°: This standard coverage works well in most driving conditions.
• 170°: If you want even more coverage, this option reduces blind spots and ensures a more comprehensive recording.

Night Vision Capabilities

Since driving doesn’t always happen during daylight hours, having night vision on your dash cam is crucial. Look for models that come with:

• Infrared LEDs: These help improve visibility in low-light situations.
• HDR/WDR Technology: This feature ensures that the video’s bright and dark areas are properly exposed.

Loop Recording and G-Sensor Functionality

With loop recording, you won’t have to worry about running out of storage space because the dash cam will automatically overwrite old footage when it’s full. The G-Sensor is also important as it detects sudden impacts or movements, triggering the dash cam to lock the video file for safekeeping. Make sure the dash cam has these essential functions:

• Loop Recording: This allows for continuous recording without manual intervention.
• G-Sensor: This feature protects important footage during accidents by preventing it from being overwritten.

Mounting Options and Discreet Design

Installing a dash cam should be easy and shouldn’t stand out too much inside your car. Here are some things to consider:

• Mount Types: Look for dash cams that offer suction cups or adhesive mounts, giving you flexibility in installing them.
• Compact Design: Opt for smaller models that blend seamlessly with your car’s interior, making them less noticeable.

Affordability and Value for Money

Finding a balance between features and cost is key when shopping for a budget dashcam. Look for models that offer essential safety features without compromising on quality.

Investing in a reliable dash cam within your budget improves road safety and gives you peace of mind, knowing that crucial moments will be accurately captured.

Compact Size Dash Cam: Thinkware F70

Compact-size dash cams are ideal for drivers who prefer a discreet and unobtrusive camera setup. These small dashcams make them easy to install and less noticeable outside the vehicle. Despite their compact design, these dashcams offer high-quality video recording and reliable performance.

The Thinkware F70 is an excellent choice for those seeking a compact yet powerful dash cam. It delivers Full HD 1080p recording, ensuring that every detail on the road is captured precisely.

Key Features:

• Full HD 1080p recording
• 140-degree viewing angle
• Supercapacitor power supply for enhanced durability
• Parking mode (requires hardwiring)
• Optional GPS antenna for location tracking

The Thinkware F70 meets essential criteria such as high resolution and night vision capabilities. Its supercapacitor power supply enhances reliability, especially during extreme temperatures. The optional GPS antenna adds extra functionality by tracking locations and speeds, which can be crucial in case of an incident.

Front & Rear Dual Camera System: Kingslim D1

Dash cams with front and rear dual-camera systems provide comprehensive coverage by simultaneously capturing both forward-facing and rear views. This feature is useful for documenting rear-end collisions or other incidents behind your vehicle.

The Kingslim D1 offers an affordable solution without compromising on features. With its dual-camera system, this dash cam records in Full HD 1920 x 1080 (front) and 720p (rear).

Key Features:

• Dual cameras: Front (1080p) and Rear (720p)
• 170-degree front viewing angle
• Integrated GPS for speed and location tracking
• Weather-resistant secondary camera
• Large 3.16-inch screen

The Kingslim D1 stands out due to its dual-camera setup, providing thorough documentation from multiple angles. Its integrated GPS adds value by logging speed and location data, which can be pivotal evidence during insurance claims or legal disputes.

Uber Dash Cam: Vantrue N2 Pro Dual

For rideshare drivers, having a dash cam that records the vehicle’s interior and exterior is crucial for safety and accountability.

The Vantrue N2 Pro Dual is tailored to meet the needs of rideshare drivers. Its dual-lens system captures road activities and in-cabin interactions at high resolutions.

Key Features:

• Front camera: Up to 2.5K resolution
• Interior camera: Full HD 1080p
• Infrared night vision for cabin recording
• Parking mode (requires hardwiring)
• Loop recording with G-sensor

This model provides clear and detailed footage inside and outside the vehicle, ensuring that incidents or interactions are properly documented.
With these top choices for budget dash cams under $150 in 2024, you can find the perfect option to enhance your driving safety and peace of mind without breaking the bank.

Compact Size Dash Cam

Compact-size dash cams are known for their small and inconspicuous design, making them perfect for drivers who want a setup that doesn’t attract attention. These cameras are so tiny that they seamlessly blend into your car’s interior, making them virtually invisible from the outside.

But don’t let their size fool you! Compact dash cams can still record high-quality videos without any compromise. Many of them can capture footage in Full HD, ensuring that every detail on the road is recorded clearly and accurately. This can be extremely useful when you need evidence during incidents or accidents.

Why Choose a Compact Size Dash Cam?

Here are some key reasons why compact dash cams are popular among drivers:

1. Easy Installation: Their small size makes them incredibly easy to install. Whether you want to mount them on the windshield or dashboard, these devices can be set up quickly without blocking your view.
2. Discreetness: The camera’s unobtrusive design ensures that it remains hidden from sight, reducing the chances of theft and keeping your vehicle looking neat.

Introducing the Thinkware F70

One great example of a compact dash cam is the Thinkware F70. It not only looks sleek but also comes with impressive features:

• 140-degree lens for a wide viewing angle
• Full HD recording capability for clear videos
• Parking mode support with a separate hardwiring kit
• Supercapacitor technology for better durability in different weather conditions

If you’re looking for a reliable and feature-packed compact dash cam under $150, the Thinkware F70 is definitely worth considering. It offers discreetness along with high-quality video recording and essential safety features.

Front & Rear Dual Camera System

A front and rear dual camera system improves your driving safety by giving you a complete view of what’s happening in front and behind your vehicle. This is especially useful for capturing incidents from any direction, such as rear-end collisions or tailgating.

Top Choices:

Kingslim D1 Dual Dash Cam

The Kingslim D1 is a great option if you’re looking for an affordable dual-camera system. Here are its key features:

• Resolution: Full HD 1080p for the front camera and 720p for the rear.
• Field of View: 170-degree wide-angle lens in the front, 140-degree in the rear.
• Screen: 3.16-inch display for easy navigation and playback.
• Additional Features: Integrated GPS, parking mode, and weather-resistant secondary camera.

Why it’s a top choice: The Kingslim D1 stands out for its balanced mix of high-quality video, wide field of view, and extra features like GPS integration.

VIOFO A129 Duo

Another excellent option is the VIOFO A129 Duo, known for its reliability and advanced features. Here’s what makes it special:

• Resolution: Both cameras record in Full HD 1080p.
• Field of View: Wide-angle lenses capture more road details.
• Wi-Fi Connectivity: Allows easy file transfer to your smartphone.
• G-Sensor and Parking Mode: Ensures important footage is saved during impacts or while parked.

Why it’s a top choice: The VIOFO A129 Duo excels with its high-resolution dual recording capabilities and user-friendly features, such as Wi-Fi connectivity.

Why Choose a Dual Camera System?

Dual camera systems offer several benefits:

1. Enhanced Safety: Capture incidents from your vehicle’s front and rear.
2. Evidence Collection: Provide solid proof in case of accidents or disputes.
3. Comprehensive Coverage: Monitor activities around your vehicle when parked.

Investing in a front and rear dual camera system enhances your driving security by ensuring no incident goes unnoticed. Whether you’re concerned about hit-and-runs or simply want thorough documentation, these budget-friendly options offer significant peace of mind.

Uber Dash Cam

For ride-share drivers, having a reliable dash cam is crucial for documenting road incidents and ensuring the safety of passengers and the driver. These cameras capture high-quality footage from the vehicle’s front and interior, providing an extra layer of security.

Top Choices for Uber Dash Cams Under $150:

1. Vantrue N2 Pro Dual Dash Cam

• Key Features: Dual Full HD 1080p Recording: Simultaneously captures the road ahead and the vehicle interior.
• Infrared Night Vision: Ensures clear video quality even in low-light conditions, making it ideal for nighttime rides.
• 24-Hour Parking Mode: Monitors your car while parked, with motion detection triggering recording.
• G-Sensor: Automatically locks footage in case of a collision.
• The Vantrue N2 Pro Dual stands out due to its ability to record external and internal activities, making it an ideal choice for Uber drivers seeking comprehensive coverage.

VIOFO A129 Duo IR

• Key Features: Dual Channel Recording: This camera offers Full HD recording for both the front (1080p) and interior (720p).
• Infrared Cabin Lens: Enhances visibility inside the car during nighttime rides.
• GPS Logging: Tracks speed and location data, which is crucial for ride-share documentation.
• Super Capacitor: Provides greater heat resistance and longer lifespan than traditional batteries.
• The VIOFO A129 Duo IR combines durability with functionality, ensuring consistent performance even under extreme weather conditions.

Thinkware F200 PRO Dual-Channel

• Key Features: Full HD Video Quality: This recorder records front (1080p) and rear (720p) views with crystal-clear resolution.
• Wi-Fi Connectivity: Allows for easy footage transfer to your smartphone via Thinkware’s app.
• Parking Surveillance Mode: This mode detects motion or impact while the car is parked, making it useful not only for ride-share drivers but also for truck drivers who need dash cams.
• Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS): Alerts for lane departure and forward collision warnings.
• Thinkware F200 PRO is designed with advanced safety features, making it a valuable asset for ride-share drivers who prioritize safety.

Choosing the right dash cam can significantly enhance your peace of mind while driving. The above options ensure comprehensive coverage and high-quality recordings without breaking the bank. Whether it’s recording potential incidents on the road or keeping an eye on passenger behaviour, these budget-friendly picks offer robust solutions tailored specifically for Uber drivers.

Dashcam Frequently asked questions

What are dash cams, and how do they work?

Dash cams are small cameras mounted on the dashboard or windshield of a vehicle to record the road ahead. They work by continuously recording video footage while driving, which can be used as evidence of an accident or any other road-related incidents.

Why are dash cams important for safety purposes?

Dash cams are important for safety because they provide visual evidence of road events, including accidents, reckless driving, and other incidents. This footage can be helpful for insurance claims, legal proceedings, and overall road safety awareness.

What factors should be considered when choosing a budget dashcam?

When choosing a budget dash cam, consider factors such as video quality and resolution, features like loop recording and G-sensor functionality, field of view and low-light performance, and affordability and value for money within the budget range.

What are the key criteria for video quality in a budget dash cam?

The key criteria for video quality in a budget dash cam include balancing clarity and resolution requirements, considering different resolutions such as 1080p and 720p to ensure clear footage.

Why is loop recording and G-sensor functionality essential in a budget dash cam?

Loop recording and G-sensor functionality are essential in a budget dashcam as they allow continuous recording and impact detection. This ensures that important footage is not overwritten and that incidents are captured effectively.

Why are compact-size dash cams ideal for drivers?

Compact-size dash cams are ideal for drivers because they offer a discreet and unobtrusive camera setup. Despite their small size, they still provide high-quality video recording and reliable performance while being easy to install and less noticeable from outside the vehicle.