For most of 2018, the dash cam category has been a pretty close race. Many of the current crop of dash cams all had similar features, just in different packaging. We’re talking full HD recording at 1080p, dual camera set ups, and some with built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and the ability to add GPS if needed. However, one unit stood at the top of the mountain despite not having a dual camera setup. This was the first unit I’ve seen with 4K recording, built-in Wi-Fi and GPS, and other features not seen before on a dash cam. Who took the coveted “Best of” title this year? Read on to find out.
The Best – Nextbase 612GW 4K Dash Cam
This is a no brainer in my opinion. While lacking a second camera option, the Nextbase 612GW Dash Cam stands above the rest due to the fact that this is the only dash cam I looked at this year with 4K video recording. There wasn’t a single other dash cam I saw here at G Style that recorded at such a high resolution and while it might not be needed for every day use, it certainly does make an impression. Not only that, this is also one of the few dash cams out there that has built in GPS and Wi-Fi capabilities and one of the only ones that has a polarizing lens filter to cut out glare on your windshield. It features a full touchscreen display and has a backup battery built-in to record events while you’re away from your vehicle. All of this in an aluminum body and you have yourself one of the most impressive, high end dash cams on the market.
Website: https://www.nextbase.com/en-us/
Price: $249.95
Runner-Ups
While not the best dash cams I’ve looked at in 2018, these all came close and had many of the features you’d come to expect from the current crop of dash cams. These all had 1080p recording and dual cameras. The only reason they’re not the best is because the Nextbase 612GW, despite only having one camera, blew me away with 4K recording and built-in Wi-Fi and GPS among other things. Still, you can’t go wrong with any of the units below.
Nextbase 312GW Dash Cam
While the Nextbase 312GW Dash Cam isn’t quite the powerhouse its older brother is, it’s still a very capable dash cam with many of the same features found in the Nextbase 612GW. It too has build in Wi-Fi and GPS as well as a built-in battery for recording events while you’re away from your vehicle. It trades in the touch screen for more traditional buttons however and it records at 1080p instead of 4K. There’s also no polarizing filter. However what it does have is rock solid performance and the fact that it has some high end features built-in.
Website: https://www.nextbase.com/en-us/
Papago GoSafe S810 Dual Camera Dash Cam
Papago was my go-to dash cam for a while. This is mainly due to the fact that they make quality dash cams with many of the features we’ve come to expect and want. While not the newest dual camera system from Papago, the Papago GoSafe S810 Dash Cam is a solid choice. The main camera unit is compact and can be mounted out of the way and features 1080p video recording. You can add the optional GPS unit if you need that as well and the optional TPMS sensors.
Website: http://us.papagoinc.com/products/gosafe-s810-dash-camera/
Thinkware F200 Dual Camera Dash Cam
Like most of the dash cams I looked at in 2018, the Thinkware F200 Dash Cam features a dual camera set up. Thinkware dash cams are usually very stealth looking mainly due to the fact that they do not have built-in displays. This allows them to be installed without drawing attention to themselves. It too also records at 1080p, but has built-in Wi-Fi so you can connect to it with a companion mobile app to view any of the saved videos on the go. There is no GPS, but you can add on an optional GPS unit to get that feature.
Website: https://www.us.thinkware.com/products-f200
Cobra DriveHD Dual View Dash Cam
The Cobra brand is actually something new I was able to try out this year. They’re usually known more for their radar detectors and I didn’t even know they made dash cams. The Cobra DriveHD Dual View Dash Cam is their top of the line model and also features 1080p recording. Instead of built in Wi-Fi, it uses Bluetooth instead and can connect to Cobra’s iRadar app. There’s also an optional GPS unit you can install. Like others, this also has a second camera that can be mounted as you please.