Rather than for internet access, Wi-Fi dash cams can wirelessly connect to the appropriate dash cam app on your smartphone to give you access to extra functions. The number of functions really depends on the app and the capabilities. Usually, it's the verybest dash cams that offer Wi-Fi connectivity to the in-built app.
One of these is sharing and downloading recorded footage immediately, or whenever you want without having to remove the dash cam’s memory card and plug it into a computer. It’s a good idea in theory and works in practice for dash cams that have easy-to-use smartphone apps. It’s crucial the smartphone app is easy to use otherwise the exercise becomes frustrating.
All this is a bit of a step up from some budget dash cams. A wireless connection between the dash cam and your smartphone can allow you to save and share footage without having to hardwire or remove anything from your dashcam to your phone and/or other device.
The best Wi-Fi dash cams 2024 at a glance
Editor's pick: Nextbase 622GW - buy from Amazon.
Best budget Wi-Fi dash cam: Road Angel Halo Go - buy from Amazon.
Best compact Wi-Fi dash cam: Garmin Mini 2 - buy from Amazon
All of the dash cams below are still superb in terms of recording quality, ease of use, and function. But they also have excellent features that come with their Wi-Fi connectivity. Not all of them are front and rear facing though, but luckily, we made a guide on the best dual dashcams too.
The best Wi-Fi dash cams 2024
Editor's pick
Via NextbaseThe 622GW is a fantastic dash cam. You can opt to record footage in smooth, image-stabilised 4K but can select to simultaneously record in a lower resolution that allows for faster sharing and downloading. The MyNextbase app is relatively easy to use. It acts as a storage bin for your dashcam footage and lets you share the recordings, either to social media or insurance providers.
But Wi-Fi is not the 622GW’s only feature. The Bluetooth connectivity allows you to use Alexa through the MyNextbase app, so you can do everything hands-free. On the safety side of things, it has a subscription-based Emergency SOS function that can alert emergency services of your whereabout using the dash cam’s GPS if you are in a crash and don’t respond to the notification it sends to your phone. The 622GW also benefits from brilliant build quality.
Pros
- Feature-packed
- Superb video quality
- Industry-leading build quality
Cons
- Garmin Drive app is better than MyNextbase
- Perhaps overkill for some users
Best dual Wi-Fi dashcam setup
Via NextbaseOn the mid-range end of the Nextbase spectrum, we have the 422GW which has all the features you could ever need. Everything from Alexa Built-In to a parking mode is crammed inside, and you also get a handy rear camera in this bundle.
It has a 1440p recording resolution (front cam only) and because of the quick link Wi-Fi feature, you can access and share footage very easily from the MyNextbase app.
Pros
- Dual camera setup included
- A plethora of features from Alexa to SOS
- Great recording quality
Cons
- Isn't as sharp as a 4K dash cam
- Will require installation through the headlining
Best compact Wi-Fi dash cam
Via GarminThe Garmin Drive app is jam-packed full of functions and is easy to fathom as well, which is a rare combo. And it's just as well because the Garmin Mini 2 is mainly controlled through the app. You access the Mini 2's controls through the Garmin Drive app and store, view, and share footage. You can get a live feed from the dashcam while you're away from the car; you can also use voice control to operate the camera's functions too. What's more, if you've got a Garmin sat nav, you can also use this app to access its functions.
The Mini 2 really is mini, measuring 5.3cm high, 3.1cm wide, 2.9cm deep, and weighing just 32 grams. Thus, it has sacrificed a screen but like we said, the app is great, so it doesn’t matter. And the bonus is that the Mini 2 can hide behind the rear view mirror unseen. The recording quality is fine: 1080p HD at 30fps and has a viewing angle of 140°.
Pros
- Tiny which makes it discreet
- Great app
- Very good build quality
Cons
- Video quality isn't the best at this price point
Best quality Wi-Fi dash cam
Via Road AngelOne of the best brands out there in the world of dash cams is the appropriately-named Road Angel. And the superb Halo Ultra is no exception to its healthy portfolio.
With 64GB worth of memory, 4K, parking mode, and even something called winter heat mode. Essentially, when hardwired, the cam will keep operating 24 hours a day and will generate enough heat to supposedly keep the windscreen clear of frost, condensation, or mist. We recommend you monitor your car's glass in the usual de-frosting manner, but it sounds like an extraordinary bonus.
Pros
- Plenty of features
- High quality 4K resolution
Cons
- Must be hard-wired for 'winter mode' to activate
Best for clip storage
Via VantrueIf you thought 64GB of storage space was a huge amount, think again. Because the relative newcomer, Vantrue can offer a stratospheric 512GB of storage in the N5 dual dash cam. However, you do only have to make do with 2.7K rather than the usual 4K at this price point.
The filming angle of each camera is a handy 160°, meaning road situations will always be captured in their full form. There are even 12 voice commands which allow you to turn on/off the Wi-Fi. It's really well-packed and you should have no issues with storage if you ever find yourself having to save a load of incidents.
Pros
- Massive 512GB of storage
- Comprehensive features
- Pretty good value for the features you get
Cons
- Only 2.7K resolution
Best budget Wi-Fi dash cam
Via Road AngelIf you like your Wi-Fi dash cams thoroughly simple and fuss-free, then Road Angel's fabulous Halo Go is, well, the way to go. It has a recording resolution of 1080P, which while it's not as advanced as a 4K dash cam, it's still mighty in quality.
What's more, it's packed with a G-sensor, a winter mode, 24-hour parking mode, and most importantly, it's easily compatible with the Road Angel app. For the money, this is a seriously good buy if you're not fussed about a dual cam or a plethora of clever features.
Pros
- Very well-equipped for the money
- Great build quality and easy to use
- Winter mode makes it resistant to harsh temperatures
Cons
- Recording quality isn't the greatest
- Rear cam not included
Best value dual dash cam
Via ViofoFor a fairly reasonable price, Viofo offer a great dual dash cam setup that boasts Wi-Fi tech that allows you to download and share footage wirelessly. The A129 Plus also has a 140° degree wide angle view at the front and 160 at the rear.
It also has a 24-hour parking mode, a built-in G-Sensor which detects impact, and the ability to sustain temperatures up to 65°C and -15°C. You get a 256GB micro SD card for storage and a recording resolution of 1440P at the front and 1080P at the rear.
Pros
- Good enough recording quality
- Large amount of data storage at 256GB
- Dual dash cam setup included
Cons
- Not as sharp as 4K products
- Competitors do offer more features built-in, such as Alexa
Other functions of these dash cams
We’ve largely discussed the above dash cams’ Wi-Fi features. But even with those that aren't high-tech dash cams, their features extend beyond that. All dash cams come with basic, standard features. These include the G-sensor - this function allows the dash cam to automatically save footage that cannot be overwritten when it senses a sudden jolt; i.e. in a car accident.
Another notable feature is the parking sensor/mode. This works in a similar way to a G-sensor, but for when a car is parked. If the dash cam senses movement or a bump to the vehicle when parked, it records that moment. Dash cams without an internal battery will need hardwiring to use this function, which extends to some Nextbase and Vantrue dash cams.
Lastly, it might be worth looking out for one that does loop recording. To ensure continuous recording, a dash cam will automatically begin to overwrite the oldest footage when the memory card reaches full capacity. G-sensor activated files will be protected and not overwritten.
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.
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