Fundamentally, a high-tech dash cam or indeed, any dash cam provides indisputable proof of accidents to share with insurance companies or the police. They can also reduce your insurance premiums, depending on your provider. Budget dash cams can perform these tasks very well, but high-tech units can go quite a few steps further and offer something more than just a dash cam.
Entry-level dash cams offer pretty much the minimum of what a dash cam can offer. They are often built with 1080p video quality, a G-sensor to protect files when sudden movement is detected, and loop recording that keeps the dash cam recording when memory cards get full. The SD included cards themselves are often quite small as well, extending to 32GB most of the time with the occasional 64GB unit.
If you are prepared to skip the budget options and pay more for a high-tech dash cam, you can get units that record in sharper 1440p or even 4K, have GPS location, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, Amazon Alexa, or even SOS signals to emergency services, should you need them.
The best high-tech dash cams 2024 at a glance:
The best high-tech dash cam: Nextbase 622GW Dash Cam - Buy now from Amazon UK
Editor's pick: Garmin Dashcam Mini 2 - Buy now from Amazon UK
Best for remote monitoring: BlackVue DR750X-2CH - Buy now from Amazon UK
Therefore, some high-tech dash cams, including mirror dash cams, go beyond the requirements of traffic recording and also take on the role of a smart device for your car. This means that they also adopt more comprehensive and very clever features, allowing you to capture your trips and traffic occurrences in high quality and easily share them with the relevant parties.
The best high-tech dash cams 2024
The best high-tech dash cam
The Nextbase 622GW is simply brilliant. We tested it alongside its little sibling, the 522GW, and came to the conclusion that the 622GW is the high-tech dash cam of choice for drivers who do a lot of miles and in a range of environments and conditions.
The reason for this is that in addition to the 4K video quality, there is also Image Stabilisation for gravel roads, Extreme Weather Mode for picking up number plates in fog and driving rain, Enhanced Night Vision, which is fairly self-explanatory, and what3words built in that works with the GPS for very precise location.
We also like that the 622GW essentially turns into a smart device when used with the MyNextbase app. From there, you can use Alexa Voice Control to not only control the dash cam but also other functions, such as playing music or making a call.
The 622GW has standout build quality and gives better value for money than any of its competitors. It's advanced, but all the features included are actually useful rather than gimmicks. Nextbase has also recently launched its own car insurance and is offering discounts to owners of its dash cams.
Pros
- Best video quality on the market at 4K of recording resolution
- What3words built-in as well as Alexa, GPS, Bluetooth and others
- Good value for money at £265, undercutting some others over £300
Cons
- The rear camera is an additional extra that isn't included in the standard purchase
Video: | 4K at 30fps; 1440p HD at 60fps; 1080p HD at 120fps |
Screen: | 3-inch HD touchscreen |
Viewing angle: | 140 degrees |
Lens: | 6-layer f1.3 |
Image stabilisation: | Yes |
Emergency SOS: | Yes |
GPS: | Yes |
Wi-Fi: | Yes |
Alexa voice control: | Yes |
Bluetooth: | Yes – Bluetooth 5.0 |
Editor's pick
If functional is more your bag, then the tiny unit from Garmin is what you want because it has all the important features for a pretty reasonable price.
The Mini 2 records in 1080p HD and has a viewing angle of 140°. There's the added bonus of voice control to tell the camera to save video, start and stop audio recording, take still pictures and more, meaning you can keep your hands on the wheel.
The Mini 2 doesn't match the 522GW for build quality or specification – that's where the price difference lies – but if you don't need Alexa and all the other extras the 522GW has, the Garmin Mini 2 could be for you.
Pros
- Tiny, compact device that can be subtlely mounted on your windscreen
- Wi-Fi and GPS included as well as other useful features in a small package
- Great value for money at under £100
Cons
- No polarising filter as standard, which is a bit of a shame
Video: | 1080p HD at 30fps |
Screen: | No |
Viewing angle: | 180 degrees |
Image stabilisation: | No |
Emergency SOS; | No |
GPS: | Yes |
Wi-Fi: | Yes |
Alexa voice control: | No |
Bluetooth: | No |
The best all-round high-tech dash cam
Being one of the most trusted brands for dash cams, Road Angel's top-end model naturally has some high-tech features built into the slim but very clever setup. It records in up to 2K resolution and comes with Wi-Fi built-in, as well as a rear camera for extra support.
It also has a HD night vision mode as well as having a 140-degree viewing angle on the front camera and 120-degrees on the rear one - making the Halo Pro capable of seeing as much as possible. It also includes a three-year warranty, which is reassuring to buyers.
Pros
- Three-year warranty included, which adds reassurance
- Clear, wide viewing angles of 140 and 120-degrees respectively
- Winter mode included, making it very capable for all-season use
Cons
- 2K recording resolution doesn't quite match the 4K of some others
Best high-tech dash cam for driving assistance
Boasting top features like built-in Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth connectivity, and a parking mode, the Q1000 by Thinkware is one of the most comprehensive dash cams out there. It's a dual setup that comes with an app, and is a little bit more than just a high-tech dash cam.
For example, there are a couple of features that can help you out on the road as a driver. These include a safety camera alert system as well as an ADAS system built in to assist you on the move. Such features include forward collision warnings, lane departure warnings, and the safety camera database is regularly updated in order to keep you up to speed in unfamiliar areas.
Pros
- Very advanced setup with all the features you could possibly imagine
- Night vision and energy-saving parking mode are useful to have
- Dual camera setup for maximum vision of the roads and events
Cons
- Some could view the plethora of features as overkill for a dash cam
- 2K recording resolution doesn't quite match 4K setups
Best for speed camera detection
Neither of Thinkware's Q series dash cams can match the Nextbase 622GW's 4K, but the Q800 Pro still offers 1440p Quad HD (2K) at 30fps for crisp video quality. Meanwhile, the rear camera captures video at an impressive 1080p HD. Like the 622GW, the Q800 Pro has software to enhance its night vision and also has GPS for tracking and app connectivity for quickly accessing or sharing footage.
While the Q800 Pro lacks Alexa and What3words, it can still act as a speed camera detector like its Q1000 sibling, using its GPS to alert you of upcoming traffic cameras.
Pros
- Speed camera detection and loads of other clever features included
- Includes ADAS warning as well as energy-saving parking mode, like its Q1000 sibling
- Emergency SOS alert included on the Thinkware app
Cons
- No 4K video quality, which may be a hindrance to some
- Included 32GB SD card may be too small for suitable use
Video: | 1440p HD at 30fps front; 1080p HD at 30fps rear |
Screen: | No |
Viewing angle; | 140 degrees |
Lens: | 5.14MP Sony STARVIS |
Image stabilisation: | No |
Emergency SOS: | No |
GPS: | Yes |
Wi-Fi: | Yes |
Alexa voice control: | No |
Bluetooth: | No |
The best dual 4K dashcam
Coming in clutch with a dual 4K setup (yes, that includes 4K at the rear too), the Miofive S1 Ultra is a seriously compelling option next to its competitors in the dashcam marketplace.
Not only is there 4K on both ends, but Wi-Fi built-in is included, GPS, Bluetooth, a 24-hour parking mode, and night vision are features that place the S1 Ultra into the ultra high-tech category of dashcams. There's even a feature called Strong Heat Dissipation; what this does is prevent overheating of the S1 Ultra and ensures it runs smoothly, no matter what the conditions are.
Pros
- 4K recording resolutions on both front and rear cameras
- A plethora of features included such as GPS, 24-hour parking mode, and many others
- Good quality item with a simple control panel
Cons
- 24-hour parking mode only works with hardwiring kit
Best for day to day use
The Nextbase 522GW makes the podium because, like its big 622GW sibling, it offers fantastic build quality, specification, and value for money but with a few of the features taken out in order to drop the price by £100.
The 522GW records at 1440p Quad HD at 30fps, which is still very clear and better than anything else at this price. Like the 622GW, it has GPS, a subscription-based Emergency SOS service, and Alexa. That's in addition to all the usual features, such as the G-sensor, parking mode, polarising filter, and loop recording.
Like the 622GW, it is very well put together and is something you notice the moment you lift it from the box. Aesthetically, it's the winner here, thanks to its brushed metal front plate. It is the perfect high-tech dash cam for the driver who undertakes the usual day-to-day tasks and goes on the occasional weekend away because it offers value and relevant features.
Pros
- The level of tech integrated isn't too different from the 622GW, bar the lack of 4K
- Alexa built-in as well as Bluetooth, emergency SOS, and other clever features
- It represents better value for money than the 622GW at £165
Cons
- The rear camera is an optional extra that isn't included in the standard purchase
Video: | 1440p HD at 30fps; 1080p HD at 60fps |
Screen: | 3-inch HD touchscreen |
Viewing angle: | 140 degrees |
Lens: | 6-layer f1.3 |
Image stabilisation: | No |
Emergency SOS: | Yes |
GPS: | Yes |
Wi-Fi: | Yes |
Alexa voice control: | Yes |
Bluetooth: | Yes – Bluetooth 4.2 |
Best for remote monitoring
With the BlackVue high-tech dash cam, you get front and rear cams, both with a Sony STARVIS image sensor for superior quality day or night. You get full HD1080p with smooth 60 frames-per-second video on the front cam with a perfectly acceptable 30fps on the rear cam.
The system is compatible with the BlackVue Cloud, which, by adding the optional CM100LTE 4G connectivity module, allows you to connect with your vehicle remotely, giving you an 'always-on' connection and allowing you to view live video and download footage remotely. Add in parking mode, GPS and Wi-Fi, and you have yourself a pretty comprehensive package.
Pros
- 4K recording resolution makes it one of the most capable out there
- 60 fps on the front camera, which beats the 30 fps that other dash cams have
- Wi-Fi and GPS integrated as well as Bluetooth and a parking mode
Cons
- 32GB included SD card may be too small for some users
Video: | 1080p HD at 60fps front; 1080p HD at 30fps rea |
Screen: | No |
Viewing angle: | 140 degrees |
Lens: | Sony STARVIS |
Image stabilisation: | No |
Emergency SOS: | No |
GPS: | Yes |
Wi-Fi: | Yes |
Alexa voice control: | No |
Bluetooth: | No |
Best value high-tech dash cam
Boasting a 4K recording resolution as well as AI motion detection and GPS, the A810 by 70mai comes with a 128GB SD card and can support up to a 256GB unit. It represents one of the most highly-packed dash cams under £200.
Like others, you can also connect to the manufacturer's app via the device's own built-in Wi-Fi for extra features and support. The AI motion is able to detect suspicious activity happening in front of your vehicle and begins recording automatically. This applies to both front and rear cameras and can even activate in parking mode.
Pros
- AI motion detection in parking mode can be a useful feature
- 4K recording resolution is the sharpest available
- Great value for money considering the features integrated
Cons
- The rear camera is only limited to 1080p HD resolution
Most high-tech dash cam
viofouk.co.uk
Coming in with a load of features is the 2K dual dash cam from Viofo. Naturally, in order to justify the £200+ asking price, it's packed full of tech and promises to be one of the best out there.
For one thing, it has an anti-glare lens to combat against reflections from the windscreen and road surfaces, as well as a 24-hour parking mode. On top of the parking mode, you also get Auto Detection, which records on both cameras as well as a 5GHz Wi-Fi connection for quick and smooth video transfers and sharing. There's even a GPS logger as well as a time stamp feature.
This is more-or-less the surface of just how capable the Viofo dash cam is, and it remains one of the most comprehensive units out there. It's just a shame the warranty is only 12 months long, which isn't as long as what other manufacturers offer.
Pros
- 5GHz Wi-Fi built-in for quick and easy footage transfers
- 24-hour parking mode included as well as GPS and a plethora of other features
- Auto Detection will be a useful feature for many, and it works with both front and rear cameras
Cons
- 2K recording resolution isn't as impressive as 4K
- Warranty is only 12-months, which is considerably less than what Road Angel offer
FAQs and things to remember with high-tech dashcams
Are high-tech dash cams worth it?
Apart from the video quality, the value of these dashcams is only justified if you use the extra dash cam features they have. A lot of the features include things like Alexa compatibility, a Wi-Fi connection to allow easy sharing of footage, or in some cases, ADAS systems.
ADAS stands for Advanced Driver Assistance System, and they are sometimes built-in to dashcams to allow a slight helping hand to your driving. They include collision warnings and lane departure alerts with the aim of helping the driver become safer on the road.
All of these features packed in adds to the cost of the overall dash cam price, whereas less-expensive units tend to only have the more basic features. Video quality can also be a big pro to high-tech dash cams as lots of them tend to boast high recording resolutions and big-storage SD cards included within.
Whether they're worth is is down to you as the consumer and your personal preferences.
How do you install a dash cam?
You might want to consider getting them hard-wired into the car in order to make the most of the parking modes and also free up your car's 12V power socket. Hardwire kits are about £20 and are easy to do yourself if you are confident. Alternatively, retailers such as Halfords offer professional fitting. Hardwire kits allow the dash cams to keep working when the car is switched off but have an auto-off function that doesn't let the car battery get below a certain voltage.
Do you need an app for dash cams?
For high-tech dash cams, including mini ones, you will in order to save and share the footage more easily. Make sure you download the appropriate app for the device you've bought. This is the key to fast access to footage, sharing it, and, in the case of the Nextbase 622GW and 522GW, making Alexa and the Emergency SOS functions work.
How often should I format the SD card in a dash cam?
It also helps to get into the habit of formatting the memory card once or twice a month. It means you don't run the risk of any precious footage being overwritten. Furthermore, formatting an SD card regularly helps it run more smoothly, which is always healthy for your dash cam setup.
Do high-tech dash cams come with rear cameras?
Plenty of high-tech dash cams are dual setups that come with a rear camera unit, but others are front-only on initial purchase. However, there are rear cams available for them either as separate units or in full packages. We tested the Nextbase rear cam module and found it to work very well and would highly recommend considering it. You just need to remember that extra footage takes up more space, and you may want to buy a memory card of at least 64GB.
Aaron Hussain is a commercial content writer at Bauer Media writing for Parkers and CAR. He is obsessed with classic cars and anything with a fascinating story to tell.