The Top 5 Dash Cam Brands for 2021
There are plenty of reasons to purchase a dash cam. But to get the most for your money, the right brand needs to be factored in. While Garmin has the years to back up its excellence, Blackvue has become the personal favorite of millions. Always start your purchase decision with the brand, and then move on to the many excellent features.
1. Garmin
Garmin is usually the first name that comes to mind when thinking about car accessories. They earned it, and may have outdone themselves with the new Dash Cam 66W. The name is a bit underwhelming, but the quality speaks for itself. It has a large, crisp screen that has the best display out of any dash cam released in 2021.
Pros
- Incredible HDR 1440p 2.0-inch screen
- Solid GPS
Cons
- Battery life tops out at 30 minutes
2. BlackVue
When the BlackVue DR900S-1CH came out, it made a lot of big changes. In its current state, this model is the most balanced dashcam you can purchase. It has no major weaknesses, and the cons are really based on general preference. Even if you purchased a dashcam in 2020, the DR900S-1CH is a worthy early upgrade.
Pros
- 4k 30fps video
- Easy to use remote cloud access
- Compact
Cons
- Subscription required for premium cloud features
3. Pioneer
Pioneer is innovative, and is always looking for the next big thing. Out of all the brands, they have done the best job at introducing ultrawide angles to the dash cam market. Their ND-DVR100 device is a solid choice for testing out new features, but does push some older features aside as a result.
Pros
- 1080p video is sharp
- G-Sensor is one of the most accurate available
Cons
- Mounting can be problematic
4. Nextbase
There was a lot of talk leading up to the release of the new lineup from Nextbase. The most important thing to come out of it was Alexa integration, which is either a hit or miss based on your current subscriptions. With the Nextbase 522GW, you’ll get a lot of nice features at a price that makes sense. Other than some slight design flaws, there is no reason to overlook the best thing to come from Nextbase.
Pros
- Low price
- GPS with location and speed data
Cons
- Best features are tied to Alexa integration
5. Thinkware
Right from the start, Thinkware put its all into the industry. They have a ton of notable partnerships and are not afraid to market in new territory. The Thinkware Q800 Pro meets the expected standards of the company without blowing up the introductory price. If you’re comfortable with a hardwired dashcam, then the Thinkware Q800 Pro will get the job done.
Pros
- Speed camera alerts
- 1440p resolution
Cons
- Bad documentation
Wrap Up
A good dash cam is a purchase that will last you multiple years. Do the research necessary to find a brand that matches your consumer identity. There are plenty of feature benefits, and they’re usually tied to a solid brand name.
