Quick Verdict
The Viofo A229 Pro offers the best video quality with 4K front and 2K rear at a competitive price. The Garmin 67W has the widest field of view (180°) in the most compact design. The Nextbase 622GW is the premium choice with a touchscreen and emergency SOS. The Rexing V1 is the best budget pick under $100.
A dash cam is one of the smartest investments you can make for your vehicle. Whether it is capturing evidence in an accident, recording a road trip, or providing security while your car is parked, the right dash cam pays for itself the first time you need footage. But with models ranging from $50 to $400+, choosing the right one requires understanding what features actually matter.
We compared four of the top dash cam brands to help you find the perfect match for your driving needs and budget.
Dash Cam Comparison Table
| Feature | Viofo A229 Pro | Garmin 67W | Nextbase 622GW | Rexing V1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Front Resolution | 4K (2160p) | 1440p (2K) | 4K (2160p) | 1080p |
| Rear Camera | 2K (1440p) | N/A (single) | Available | N/A (single) |
| Field of View | 140° | 180° (ultra-wide) | 140° | 170° |
| Night Vision | STARVIS 2 sensors | Standard | Excellent low-light | Standard |
| GPS | Yes (ultra-precise) | Yes (integrated) | Yes | Optional add-on |
| Parking Mode | 24-hour motion | Standard | Intelligent | Basic |
| Wi-Fi | 5 GHz | Yes | Yes + Bluetooth | Yes |
| Display | No screen | Compact, no screen | 3″ HD touchscreen | 2.4″ LCD |
| Voice Control | Yes | Yes | Yes (Alexa built-in) | No |
| Price | $240 to $360 | $180 to $200 | $350 to $400 | $80 to $100 |
Check Viofo A229 Pro on Amazon
Check Garmin 67W on Amazon
Check Nextbase 622GW on Amazon
Check Rexing V1 on Amazon
Viofo A229 Pro: Best Video Quality
The Viofo A229 Pro is the enthusiast’s choice, delivering 4K resolution on the front camera and 2K on the rear. Both cameras use Sony STARVIS 2 image sensors, which are among the best available for low-light and nighttime recording. License plates are crisp and readable at distance, which is exactly what you need in an accident or hit-and-run situation.
The 5 GHz Wi-Fi connection enables faster file transfers to your phone compared to the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi used by most competitors. Ultra-precise GPS logs your speed and location, and the 24-hour parking mode with motion detection keeps your car protected while parked. Voice control lets you save clips hands-free while driving.
The trade-off is no built-in screen (you use the app), which some users prefer for a cleaner windshield look while others find inconvenient for initial setup.
Garmin Dash Cam 67W: Most Compact
If you want a dash cam that disappears behind your rearview mirror, the Garmin 67W is the one. Its compact, cylindrical design is one of the smallest on the market, and the ultra-wide 180-degree field of view captures more of the road than any competitor in this comparison.
At 1440p (2K) resolution, video quality is sharp and clear, though not quite at the 4K level of the Viofo and Nextbase. Integrated GPS, voice control, and the Garmin Drive app round out a polished package. Garmin’s reputation for reliability and build quality means this is a set-it-and-forget-it camera that just works.
The main limitation is that it is a single-camera system with no rear camera option, and the 180-degree field of view can introduce some barrel distortion at the edges of the frame.
Nextbase 622GW: Premium Features
The Nextbase 622GW is the luxury option with features no other dash cam in this comparison offers. The 3-inch HD capacitive touchscreen makes it easy to review footage, adjust settings, and navigate menus directly on the camera. Built-in Alexa lets you control music, navigation, and smart home devices by voice.
The standout feature is the Emergency SOS system, which can automatically alert emergency services with your GPS location if it detects a serious collision and you do not respond. At 4K resolution with excellent low-light performance, video quality is top-tier. Various bundle options include SD cards from 32GB to 256GB.
At $350 to $400, it is the most expensive option, and the large touchscreen means a bigger physical footprint on your windshield.
Rexing V1: Best Budget
The Rexing V1 proves you do not need to spend hundreds of dollars for reliable dash cam protection. At under $100, it delivers 1080p recording with a wide 170-degree field of view, loop recording, G-sensor impact detection, and a 2.4-inch LCD screen for on-device playback.
It supports microSD cards up to 256GB and includes basic parking mode monitoring. The compact design is unobtrusive, and the straightforward setup requires no app or Wi-Fi. GPS is available on the V1P model as an optional upgrade.
The trade-offs are lower video resolution, basic night vision (no STARVIS sensors), no voice control, and fewer smart features. But for drivers who just need reliable accident recording without bells and whistles, it gets the job done at an unbeatable price.
Night Vision Performance
Night vision quality varies dramatically across these four cameras. The Viofo A229 Pro leads with its Sony STARVIS 2 sensors, which capture significantly more light and detail in dark conditions. License plates remain readable at night, and street scenes look almost daylight-bright.
The Nextbase 622GW performs very well in low light thanks to its premium image sensor. The Garmin 67W delivers adequate nighttime footage but falls behind the Viofo and Nextbase. The Rexing V1 has the most basic night vision, which works but produces grainier, less detailed footage after dark.
Who Should Buy Which?
Best Video Quality: Viofo A229 Pro
4K + 2K dual cameras with STARVIS 2 sensors. The clearest footage day and night for the best evidence quality.
Most Discreet: Garmin 67W
Ultra-compact design with 180° view. Install it behind your mirror and forget it is there. Garmin reliability.
Most Features: Nextbase 622GW
Touchscreen, Alexa, Emergency SOS, 4K. The premium all-in-one dash cam for drivers who want everything.
Best Budget: Rexing V1
Under $100 for reliable 1080p recording. No-nonsense dash cam protection that just works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do dash cams record when the car is off?
Most dash cams offer a parking mode that activates recording when motion or an impact is detected while the car is parked. The Viofo A229 Pro offers 24-hour parking mode, while the Nextbase 622GW has an intelligent parking mode. A hardwire kit (sold separately for most models) is typically required to power the camera while the car is off.
How much storage do I need for a dash cam?
For 1080p recording, a 64GB card provides about 8 to 10 hours of footage. For 4K recording, expect about 4 to 5 hours on a 64GB card. All dash cams use loop recording, which automatically overwrites the oldest footage when the card is full, so you always have the most recent recordings.
Is a front and rear dash cam worth it?
Absolutely. Rear-end collisions account for roughly 29% of all car accidents. A rear camera provides critical evidence for these situations. The Viofo A229 Pro includes both front and rear cameras, while the Garmin 67W and Rexing V1 are front-only.
Can dash cam footage be used as evidence?
Yes, dash cam footage is widely accepted as evidence in insurance claims and court proceedings. GPS-tagged footage with timestamps (available on the Viofo, Garmin, and Nextbase) is particularly valuable because it proves location and speed at the time of an incident.
Do dash cams drain your car battery?
When hardwired for parking mode, dash cams draw minimal power. Most hardwire kits include a voltage cutoff to prevent your battery from draining below a safe level. When powered by the cigarette lighter, the camera only runs when the car is on.
Final Verdict
The Viofo A229 Pro is our top pick for drivers who want the best possible footage quality with front and rear coverage. The Garmin 67W is perfect for those who prioritize a discreet installation and wide field of view. The Nextbase 622GW is the choice for drivers who want premium features including a touchscreen and emergency SOS. And the Rexing V1 proves that reliable dash cam protection does not have to break the bank.