Dash cams are popular because they can capture viral videos of bad drivers or stunning natural events, like a gorgeous sunset or a falling meteor. But, more importantly, dash cams are an invaluable accessory for your car because they can limit your liability in accidents and record instances of vandalism. If you drive a company car or work for Lyft, Uber, or other taxi service, having video proof of your role in an incident is crucial. For everyone else, it's just another piece of evidence you can provide to your insurance company in case of vehicle damage.

PCMag has been reviewing dash cams for over seven years, so we can help you find the right one for your needs. Our coverage is completely independent, too, meaning manufacturers have no influence on what we write. Our current Editors' Choice winner, the Garmin Dash Cam Live, impresses with next-level driver assists and 1440p video capture, but other models on the list below are worth exploring if you need 4K support or want to keep costs down. Make sure to click through to our reviews for the full details and read to the end for some additional buying advice.

What Is a Dash Camera?

A dash cam is a mountable camera that you can secure to your windshield or rearview mirror. It's important to go for a test drive after you attach one to make sure it doesn't obstruct your view and that it's easy to access. Most dash cams have built-in screens for changing settings and viewing videos (don't do this while driving), but others require you to pair them with a smartphone app.

Many of the dash cameras we review record in at least 1080p video, though some can capture 4K clips. Make sure to purchase the largest memory card your dash cam accepts and regularly transfer the clips from the camera to your computer. The best dash cams automatically start recording once you start your car, so your card might fill up more quickly than you think. If you do run out of storage, keep in mind that many devices will overwrite old videos. It may be more convenient to pay for a cloud storage plan (if available) that has space for seven to 30 days' worth of recordings rather than rely on SD cards.

Consider a camera's field of view; a wider-angle lens captures more of the road in front of and around you. This comes in handy for taking snapshots when driving, though smartphones are often better at this task because some dash cams downsize these captures.

(Credit: Nextbase)

Dash cams with a G-Sensor can detect a collision and automatically capture recordings during such events. Some double as navigation devices, though others simply employ GPS so that you can pinpoint your car's location on a map and pair it with recorded events.

Do You Need a Dash Cam With Multiple Cameras?

Some manufacturers outfit their dash cams with multiple cameras that you can pair together for a wider field of view or to see in front of and behind your car at the same time. Not everyone needs a dedicated rear-facing camera because all new consumer vehicles in the US have had backup cameras since 2018.

Cameras that point inside the car can be more useful, as they let you see who is in the cabin as well as what they are doing. If the device you choose offers a microphone, you might even be able to communicate with passengers from afar.

Which Dash Cam Has the Best Driver Assists, Connectivity, and Voice Features?

Some dash cams feature high-tech driver assists, such as lane departure warnings and forward collision alerts that can keep you safe. Meanwhile, alerts for red lights and speed cameras help you avoid traffic tickets. Some devices even alert you to school zones and upcoming curves.

(Credit: Garmin)

A few models have Bluetooth radios that allow them to sync with mobile apps, while others rely on either Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity. If you opt for a cellular plan, prepare to pay a monthly fee (potentially in addition to cloud storage).

As with most smart devices, the latest dash cams support voice controls for everything from capturing clips manually to recording traffic stop incidents.