Best Cheap Car Dash Cam - Top Picks & Guide

Ever been in a tricky driving situation where you wish you had proof? A dash cam can be your silent witness on the road. But then comes the sticker shock. Good dash cams often cost a lot of money, and that makes many drivers hesitate.

Finding a reliable dash cam without emptying your wallet feels like a real challenge. You worry that “cheap” means “bad quality.” Will it even work when you need it most? We understand that struggle. You want safety and evidence, but you also need to stick to your budget.

This guide cuts through the confusion. We show you how to find the best budget-friendly dash cams that actually perform. You will learn what features truly matter and how to avoid traps that lead to poor purchases. Get ready to secure your drive without breaking the bank.

Top Cheap Car Dash Cam Recommendations

SaleBestseller No. 1

1080P Dual Dash Camera for Car Front and Inside Dashcam Car Security Video Recorder,170°Wide Angle Vehicle Cam,WDR,G-Sensor,2’’ IPS Screen,Loop Recording,Night Vision (Dual Dash Cam Without Card)

【1080P Front and Inside Dash Cam 】Super Clear 1920*1080P pictures can be provided by the small cam. The car camera can reocrd videos front and inside of the car at the same time.
【 Dash Camers for Car Easy Installation】Just install the dashcam on the windshield, then plug the power cable into the car cigarette lighters. Please clean the windshield, so the sunction cup can be fixed tightly on the windshield.
【 Dash Cam Front and Inside Built-in G-sensor】If the dash camera detects a sudden shake/collision, it will lock the related video. So the important video will not be overwritten. Accident scene can be truly restored. This locked video will not be re-written even SD card is full.
【 Loop Recording with Night Vision】 The SD Card will start to record automatically when car started on. If SD Card is recorded full, the newest video will recover the oldest video. And the night vision sensor strats to work in the night.
【Suitable for Various Cars】This car das cam is suitable for kinds of cars, like vehicle, truck, bus and farm harvester.

Bestseller No. 2

Dash Cam 1296P Front Dashcam, V300 WiFi Dash Camera for Cars with App, Night Vision, Mini Hidden Single Car Camera, Loop Recording, 24H Parking Mode, Support 256GB Max, Black

【Unmatched Clarity with 1296P HD Resolution】Experience the road like never before with the Veement V300 1296P car dash cam. Capturing ultra-clear footage at 2304*1296@30FPS, this dash camera for cars ensures every detail is preserved with exceptional clarity, offering comprehensive coverage both day and night.
【Superior Night Vision & Expansive View】Veement V300 hidden dash cam for cars features a starlight-level sensor, F=1.7 large aperture, and a 170° ultra-wide lens, allowing it to capture clear, detailed video even in low-light environments. With six-layer glass lens technology, this dashcam enhances your night driving security, ensuring no detail is overlooked.
【Advanced Safety Engineering】Designed with your safety in mind, Veement V300 mini dash cam incorporates an RTC circuit and eliminates traditional lithium batteries to prevent overheating. This dedication to safety guarantees reliable performance under various conditions, requiring only a continuous USB-C power supply.
【Seamless Connectivity & Easy Operation】Utilize the built-in WIFI and exclusive VeeCar APP to effortlessly control your WiFi front dash cam. From real-time previews to straightforward video downloads, edits, and shares, Veement V300 dash camera for cars offers an intuitive interface for managing your driving footage.
【Advanced Features for Complete Protection】Take advantage of cutting-edge TS stream technology in this WiFi dashcam for fast and reliable video storage. Supporting up to 256GB SD cards, seamless loop recording, and 24/7 parking mode, Veement V300 car dash cam provides comprehensive security. Its user-friendly operation ensures a seamless experience. (Note: SD card not included, must be purchased separately).

SaleBestseller No. 3

70mai Dash Cam M310, Dash Camera for Cars 1296P QHD, Smart Dash Cam Front Built in WiFi, 130° Wide-Angle FOV, WDR, Night Vision, iOS/Android Mobile App, Loop Recording, Parking Monitor, Time-Lapse

【1296P QHD & 130° Wide-Angle FOV】Equipped with a 3-megapixel camera, the 70mai dash cam M310 records in 2304 x 1296P HD high resolution, featuring almost 1.5 times clearer than the standard 1080P dash cams. The dash cam front can easily capture license plates, road signs, and other critical details on the road. With 130° wide-angle FOV, this dash cam enables you to monitor more lanes with fewer blind spots
【3D Noise Reduction & WDR Technology】The 3D Noise Reduction algorithm removes unwanted pixels in the image and the WDR (Wide Dynamic Range) technology helps balance exposure level. Even in the low-light conditions, the 70mai Dash Cam M310 solidly provides you extremely clear and smooth image quality. No worries about losing important moments when driving in the tunnel, or under other undesirable lightings
【Parking Monitoring & Built-in G-Sensor】Equipped with a built-in G-sensor,the dash cam detects sudden shakes or collisions around your vehicle,even when you’re away.It provides reliable 24-hour parking surveillance by automatically starting to record and capturing any potential incidents.You’ll receive a voice alert when the dash cam is turned back on (Kind Reminder: The 70mai Hardwire Kit UP03 is required for parking surveillance mode and is sold separately,ASIN:B09TDZ6FWZ)
【Time-lapse Recording】By compressing every 30 mins of footage into 1 min, your M310 enables long-term continuous recording at one frame per second while the car is parked. Hours-long surveillance video can be played back in minutes and catch crucial events quickly (Kind Reminder: The 70mai Hardwire Kit UP03 is required for time-lapse, and is sold separately, ASIN:B09TDZ6FWZ)
【Loop Recording & Evidence Protection】The dash cam automatically overwrites the oldest footage with the newest, ensuring continuous recording. However, upon detecting a collision, it locks the current video and stores it separately in the"Emergency Video" folder, safeguarding crucial evidence

Bestseller No. 4

1080P Full HD Dash Camera for Cars, Diamond Lark Dash Cam Front with 32G SD Card, 3”LCD Screen, 170°Wide Angle, Dashboard DashCam with Loop Recording, HDR, Night Vision, G-Sensor, Parking Monitor

【1080P FHD Front Dash Cam】Diamond Lark dash camera for cars features a 3-inch LCD display screen and 1080P video recording, which can clearly shoot scenes during driving and capture emergencies at any time. In addition, the dashcams for cars with a 170-degree wide-angle lens can minimize blind spots and make the shooting content more comprehensive
【Loop Recording】The car camera has a built-in loop recording function. When you enable this function, the old videos in the car security camera will be constantly overwritten with new videos to ensure uninterrupted video recording. Besides, the car dashcam can be set three kinds of video cycle shooting duration: 1 minute, 3 minutes and 5 minutes, which you can set it according to your needs
【Collision Lock】 The camera for trucks built-in G-sensor function. It can detect sudden crashes and automatically lock the video being shot to ensure that the video will not be overwritten. You can manually release the locking function later
【Parking Guard】 If your car is in a collision while parked, the car dashboard camera will automatically turn on and record a short vide o for 30s without external power supply. If you need to record for longer periods, you will need to purchase hardware kit separately
【32GB SD Card Included】 The car dash cam comes with 32GB SD card (installed), so you can use the car video camera as soon as you get it. Note: The camera supports up to 64GB storage, please do not install more than 64GB memory card

SaleBestseller No. 5

ARIFAYZ Dash Cam WiFi FHD 1080P Car Camera, Front Dash Camera for Cars, Mini Dashcams for Cars with Night Vision, 24 Hours Parking Mode, WDR, Loop Recording, G-Sensor, APP, Support 128GB Max

【FHD 1080P Dash Cam】Recording FHD 1920X1080P/30 fps video with pioneering GC CMOS + 150° wide angle + 6G lens, clearly capture the license plates as well as road signs during the day and night. Perfect mini dash camera for cars, truck, SUV, provides the vital evidence for car accidents.
【Built-in 2.4G WiFi & APP Control】This delicated 1080P car camera comes with APP for Android or iOS smartphones to get a live stream, download videos, change settings, edit and share your footage simple. Clips can be shared easily to YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, or the social media platform with the tap of a finger, allowing you to share any journey with all of your friends.
【Compact & Super Easy to Install】With slim and lightweight design (Size: 3.5x1.8x1.4in), the dashcam takes up tiny space in your car, which won't obstruct your vision while driving. And uncomplicated installation and set up with excellent instructions included, no need to worry even for a first time user.
【24 Hours Parking Mode】Mini USB hardwire kit(ASIN: B0BFFGCMDZ, not included) is required for this feature. This FHD1080P dashcams will auto switch to parking mode while your car is parked. Collision detection can be triggered by impact or collision, and time lapse recording keeps recording continuously with low power consumption and low frame rate. If your vehicle is involved in a hit while parked, or someone attempts to steal your vehicle, this dash cam will provide around-the-clock protection.
【Seamless Loop Recording & G-sensor】When the storage limit is reached on the memory card, new films will automatically overwrite oldest recordings. Triggered by G-sensor, it can automatically detect a sudden shake/collision and lock the footage to prevent the video from being overwrote even in loop recording.

Bestseller No. 6

VYCOL Dash Cam 2.5K WiFi, Dash Camera for Cars with 32GB Card, Mini Dashcam Car Camera, WDR Night Vision,Voice Control, 24H Parking Mode, Support 128GB Max, Front Camera Only

2.5K Front Dash Camera with 32GB Memory Card: Capture ultra-clear footage at 2560*1600@30FPS, ensuring every detail is preserved with exceptional clarity. This dashcams for cars and SUVs provides crucial evidence during critical moments. It supports up to 128GB memory cards, and a 32GB card is included
Built-in 2.4G WiFi & App Control: This compact dash cam front comes with an easy-to-use app for both Android and iOS smartphones, allowing you to live stream, download videos, adjust settings, and edit your footage with ease. Share your videos directly to YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, or any social media platform with just a tap, making it simple to share your journey with friends
Smart Voice Control: The VYCOL Orbit 1 dash camera features voice control with 4 simple commands: Turn on recording, Turn off recording, Lock the video, and Take photos. Enjoy hands-free operation while driving, ensuring a safer and more convenient journey without the need for manual settings
Compact & Easy to Install: With its slim design (3.56 x 1.96 x 1.2 inches), this car dash cam takes up minimal space and won’t obstruct your view while driving. Installation is simple, with clear instructions included, making it easy for first-time users to set up without worry
24H Parking Mode & Time-Lapse Recording: When your car is parked, the car camera automatically switches to parking mode. It triggers collision detection if an impact occurs, while time-lapse recording ensures continuous recording with low power consumption and frame rate. Whether your vehicle is hit or someone tries to steal it, the dash cam provides 24/7 protection (hardwire kit required but not included, ASIN: B0C7QY4KB9)

Bestseller No. 7

Dash Cam Front and Rear, 2.5K+1080P Dual Dash Camera for Cars, 2’’ Display Mini Car Camera, G-Sensor Dashcam, Night Vision, 24H Parking Mode, Loop Recording, 170°Wide Angle, 32GB Card Included

【NOTE】The dash cam has a screen saver function, the screen will close at a fixed time, to prevent being too bright and influencing driving, but it won't affect recording even when the screen is closed. If you don't like the function, you can close it on the settings.
【2.5K front and rear dash cam】The E-YEEGER S50 front and rear dash cam features a front 2560*1440P camera and a rear 1080P camera, offering resolution more than twice that of standard 1080P. With ultra-wide angle shooting from both front and rear cameras, it ensures comprehensive coverage for your journey.
【Starlight night vision sensor】The front and rear dash cameras excel in low-light conditions thanks to the starlight night vision sensor and a 170°ultra-wide angle 6-layer glass lens, ensuring clear and detailed footage even in difficult lighting environments.
【Loop Recording & G-sensor】The latest videos will automatically overwrite the oldest recordings to prevent the SD card from being full. In case of collision or sudden braking during driving, the E-YEEGER S50 front and rear dash camera will trigger the G-sensor to automatically lock the current accident video to prevent the video from being overwritten.
【24-hour Parking Monitor】After installing the V5F three-core step-down line, the S50 dash cam will realize a 24-hour recording monitor.

SaleBestseller No. 8

【1080P Front and Inside Dash Cam 】Super Clear 1920*1080P pictures can be provided by the small cam. The car camera can reocrd videos front and inside of the car at the same time.
【 Dash Camers for Car Easy Installation】Just install the dashcam on the windshield, then plug the power cable into the car cigarette lighters. Please clean the windshield, so the sunction cup can be fixed tightly on the windshield.
【 Dash Cam Front and Inside Built-in G-sensor】If the dash camera detects a sudden shake/collision, it will lock the related video. So the important video will not be overwritten. Accident scene can be truly restored. This locked video will not be re-written even SD card is full.
【 Loop Recording with Night Vision】 The SD Card will start to record automatically when car started on. If SD Card is recorded full, the newest video will recover the oldest video. And the night vision sensor strats to work in the night.
【Suitable for Various Cars】This car das cam is suitable for kinds of cars, like vehicle, truck, bus and farm harvester.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Cheap Car Dash Cams

You want a dash cam to protect yourself on the road, but you don’t want to spend a lot of money. That’s smart! A cheap dash cam can still offer great protection. This guide helps you find the best budget-friendly option.

Key Features to Look For

Even cheap dash cams need certain features to work well. Focus on these basics:

Video Resolution: Look for at least 1080p (Full HD). Lower resolutions make it hard to read license plates.
Loop Recording: This is very important. The camera constantly records. When the memory card fills up, it automatically deletes the oldest files to make space for new ones.
G-Sensor (Impact Detection): If you get into a sudden bump or accident, the G-sensor locks the current video file. This prevents the loop recording from deleting crucial evidence.
Night Vision: Since many accidents happen when it’s dark, good low-light performance is necessary.

Important Materials and Build Quality

The camera needs to survive hot and cold car temperatures. Cheap doesn’t always mean fragile, but be careful.

Lens Type: Glass lenses are better than plastic ones. Glass lasts longer and gives clearer pictures, even when it gets hot inside the car.
Mount Strength: A strong suction cup mount keeps the camera steady. If the mount is weak, the video will shake and become useless.
Cable Length: Make sure the power cable is long enough to reach your cigarette lighter plug without stretching tight.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

What makes one cheap camera better than another?

What Improves Quality:

WDR (Wide Dynamic Range): This feature helps balance very bright spots (like sun glare) and very dark spots in the same scene. It makes the whole picture clearer.
Wide Viewing Angle: A 120-degree angle or wider captures more of the road, including sidewalks where pedestrians might be.

What Reduces Quality:

Low Frame Rate (FPS): If the camera records at too low a frame rate (under 30fps), fast-moving cars might look blurry.
Overheating: Very cheap plastic casings can trap heat. If the camera gets too hot, it might shut down or break early. Check user reviews for overheating complaints.

User Experience and Use Cases

A good budget dash cam should be easy to use. You shouldn’t need an engineering degree to set it up.

Easy Setup and Operation

The best cheap cams start recording automatically when you turn the car on. You should not have to press a button every time you drive. Look for models that are simple to mount and that use standard, easy-to-find SD cards (usually MicroSD).

When You Need It Most

The main use case is accident evidence. If someone hits you, you need the video ready to show the police or insurance. A secondary use is recording funny or unusual road events. For simple recording, a basic model works perfectly fine.

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Cheap Dash Cams

Q: Do I need a very expensive camera for good evidence?

A: Not always. If you get 1080p resolution and a G-sensor, a cheap camera usually captures enough detail for insurance claims.

Q: Can I use a cheap dash cam in extreme cold or heat?

A: Heat is the bigger problem. Extreme heat can damage the internal battery or electronics faster. Always check if the camera has an operating temperature range that fits your climate.

Q: What size memory card should I buy?

A: Most budget cams support up to 32GB or 64GB MicroSD cards. Always buy a “Class 10” or “U1” card for fast writing speeds.

Q: Will a cheap camera slow down my car’s battery?

A: No. Dash cams only use power when the car is running (plugged into the cigarette lighter). They do not drain your main car battery unless you buy a special “parking mode” setup, which is usually not found on the cheapest models.

Q: What is the difference between a dash cam and a security camera?

A: A dash cam is built to handle vibrations and temperature swings inside a moving car. A regular security camera is not designed for that environment.

Q: Do I need one facing forward or two (front and back)?

A: For the lowest cost, start with a single front-facing camera. It covers most common incidents.

Q: How often do I need to take the memory card out?

A: If you drive regularly, you rarely need to touch it. The loop recording feature handles deleting old files automatically.

Q: What if the police ask me to hand over the video?

A: Most cheap cams let you play back the recorded video right on the small screen, or you can remove the memory card and plug it into a computer.

Q: Does the camera record sound inside the car?

A: Most budget models record audio by default. You can usually turn this feature off in the settings menu if you prefer privacy.

Q: How long do cheap dash cams usually last?

A: With normal use, a decent budget model should last between one to three years before performance starts dropping, mainly due to heat exposure.