Best-Rated Dash Cams

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How we rate dash cams

Our review compares dash cams on customer satisfaction, so you can find out what other Aussies think about the compared brands before you go ahead with a purchase. Think of it as asking hundreds of your closest mates which dash cam brand they think is best!

Find more detailed information on our Most Satisfied Customer methodology.

1. Uniden

Ratings result

Uniden scored a five-star rating in all categories: value for money, video quality, design, memory/storage capacity, user friendliness and overall satisfaction.

Editor’s notes

Uniden is a Japanese brand that offers a wide variety of electronics products. The brand’s dash cam range features two lines: iGO and Dash View. Most models in the iGO range feature an LCD colour screen, Parking Mode, GPS Geotagging and wide view front cameras. Cheaper models are equipped with Full HD resolution, while more expensive options can capture footage in 4K. Uniden’s Dash View line is more advanced. Models in this range have a minimum video resolution of 2.5K and are equipped with speed/red light camera warnings, voice guidance, loop recording, Wi-Fi connectivity and Windows/Mac viewer.

2. Garmin

Ratings result

Garmin scored four-star reviews in every category: value for money, video quality, design, memory/storage capacity, user friendliness and overall satisfaction.

Editor’s notes

Garmin is known for designing GPS navigation tools and wearable technology. The brand stocks a small dash cam range with a number of cheap and more expensive options available. Most models in the Garmin dash cam series feature HD video, automatic recording, incident detection, storage plans and voice control. Garmin’s Dash Cam Tandem is a premium model, equipped with a dual-lens 180-degree view camera, night vision, Wi-Fi connectivity, parking surveillance mode and 1440p video quality on the front-facing lens.

3. Navman

Ratings result

Navman scored five stars for video quality and four stars for design. It scored three-stars for value for money, memory/storage capacity, user friendliness and overall satisfaction.

Editor’s notes

As one of the most well-known brands in the dash cam industry, Navman offers a range of cameras and accessories for cars and trucks. MiVue, the brand’s premier dash cam series, is extensive. Cameras in this line are equipped with video quality that ranges from Full HD to 4K. Most MiVue models feature LCD screens, memory management tools, event recording mode, GPS video tagging and optimised day/night recording.

4. Other dash cam brands

Not all brands in the market qualify for our ratings (based on minimum survey sample size), but that doesn’t mean they’re not worth considering. Here are several more brands to check out before making a purchase decision.

Dash Cam Buying Guide

Dash cams have become a mainstay in vehicle technology, offering additional peace of mind for motorists. Our buying guide covers everything you need to know about purchasing a dash cam, from the different types to potential costs.

Types of dash cams

While a dash cam may be a worthwhile investment, deciding on which one to install can prove a tough decision. Below are some of the common types of dash cams available in Australia:

• Single Channel – otherwise known as ‘front recording’ models, these generally face and record one direction, and are traditionally used to face out the front windshield.
• Dual Channel – faces and records out both the front and rear of the car.
• In-car – these offer an internal view, facing the rear of the car so you get a view of the driver and passengers.

What to consider when buying a dash cam

While all dash cams might appear to do the same thing, there’s a lot of variety available when it comes time to buy one. Here are some of the factors to consider before you head to the checkout:

• Video quality – while dash cams with lower video quality will generally be cheaper, having a better-quality video can be the difference between capturing a clear image of the accident, and watching a lot of blurry figures. Full HD (1080p) is the benchmark for the market, although quality can go up to 4K.
• Lens – some lenses offer a wider field of view, while others offer better low-light imaging or night vision.
• Size – While most dash cams are quite small, finding one that can fit behind your rear-view mirror is ideal.
• Memory and storage – many models operate through Wi-Fi and cloud storage, meaning you don’t have to worry about your memory card getting full. Some units are also programmed to override old footage, so that you don’t run out of memory space.
• Price – as with any purchase, your budget plays a big part in which brand or model you walk out of the store with. You typically get what you pay for when it comes to dash cams, so forking out a bit of extra cash for a better-quality image might be worth it down the line.
• App connectivity – some models and brands offer compatibility to your smartphone through an app, which can allow you to download footage, run diagnostics and view settings.
• Heating protection – finding a dash cam that can survive the harsh Aussie summer, where temperatures soar inside vehicles, will save you later on. Be sure to look at any heat-resistant technology brands may offer.

How much does a dash cam cost?

The price of a dash cam is highly dependent on the brand, model, features and retailer. Cheap dash cams can be purchased for about $50, while premium models will cost in excess of $1,000. According to Canstar Blue’s latest survey, respondents spent an average of $200 on their dash cam.

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Meet our consumer experts

Kate Lockyer: Home & Lifestyle Content Producer

This report was written by Canstar Blue’s Home & Lifestyle Content Producer Kate Lockyer. She is currently studying a Bachelor of Journalism at the University of Queensland. Kate’s been writing professionally for two years, and has worked as a content writer, media assistant and newsroom contributor for a variety of organisations and publications, including the National Family Violence Prevention Legal Service, community radio station 4ZZZ and Shelly’s Swim School.

Meet the Editorial Team

Samantha Howse: Consumer Research Specialist

Samantha Howse is Canstar Blue’s Consumer Research Specialist, coordinating the consumer research program behind our customer satisfaction awards across Canstar and Canstar Blue in Australia and New Zealand. Sam has earned a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) from Griffith University and, with seven years in market research and 2 years in marketing, she is experienced in survey design, implementation and analysis, coupled with an understanding of marketing principles and best practice.

Meet the Research Team