Top 5 Dash Cam Cheap: Best Value Picks Reviewed Now

Ever thought about what happens if you’re in a fender bender? A dash cam can be your best witness. But when you look online, prices make your wallet hurt. Finding a good dash cam without spending a ton feels impossible.

Many people want the safety a dash cam offers, but the high price tags scare them away. You worry about getting a cheap one that just doesn’t work when you need it most. How do you find the sweet spot between quality and cost?

This post cuts through the confusion. We will show you the best budget-friendly dash cams that still offer great video quality and reliability. You will learn what features really matter, even on a tight budget.

Keep reading to discover how to protect yourself on the road without emptying your savings account. Let’s dive into the world of affordable dash cams.

Top Dash Cam Cheap Recommendations

Bestseller 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).

Bestseller No. 3

GITESI Front Dash Cam for Cars: 1080P Dash Camera Mini Front Dashcam with Car Camera 120° Wide Angle Super Night Vision 24 Hour Parking Monitor Loop Recording (Black)

Compact and Portable: The dash cam is compact and won't obstruct your line of sight while driving, allowing you to enjoy a comfortable driving experience. The dash cam is powered by 12V/24V inside the car and then outputs 5V to the dash cam through our power converter which can be used for a long time
Loop Recording: Equipped with a high-resolution camera supporting 1080P, it can loop record videos for 24 hours without the need for manual file cleaning, power connection, automatic recording on and off the car, seamless loop recording automatically overwriting old files, never missing critical moments, bringing you convenience
Easy to Install: Use a sturdy 3M adhesive strip to directly stick to the car glass, connect the USB cable (included in the package), and easily install the dash cam on the car windshield. The installation only takes 5-8 minutes to complete. Suitable for most car models such as sedans SUV、 Jeeps, pickups, and trucks
Easy to Use: The dash cam uses 5 physical buttons, which are easy to operate and not prone to misoperation, allowing for quick and convenient viewing of each recorded video. The packaging comes with an instruction manual, which is beginner friendly and there is no need to worry
Clear Night Vision: Equipped with a 1.47-inch TFT high-definition display screen and a 120 degree wide-angle lens, it can easily record details of license plates, road signs, and roads both day and night, making them clear and distinguishable. Provide the most important evidence of a car accident to protect your safety

Bestseller No. 4

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.

Bestseller No. 5

TERUNSOUl 4K Dash Cam Front and Rear, Full HD 3 Channel Dashcam, Free 128GB Memory Card, Built-in 5.8GHz WiFi Built-in GPS, Collision Sensor, Night Vision, HDR, 3.16" IPS, 24H Parking Mode（Black）

UHD 4K Front + 1080 Rear + 1080P Cabin Recording: Supports simultaneous triple-channel recording, delivering crystal-clear details for every driving scenario. Equipped with a 3.16" IPS screen, it’s ideal for family road trips, commercial drivers, and rideshare use
3 Channel Dashcam: Front, rear, and cabin cameras deliver near 360° panoramic coverage. The front camera has a 170° ultra-wide angle, while the rear and cabin cameras both feature a 165° wide angle—capturing broader road views and in-car details simultaneously for all-around protection
Reliable Accident Capture: Pre-installed with a 128GB Memory Card . When a severe impact is detected by the collision sensor, collision footage is locked and saved automatically. When storage is full, it overwrites the oldest recordings for seamless loop recording
Built-in High-Precision GPS: The dash cam records driving routes, real-time speed, location, compass and timestamp, with GPS data directly embedded in videos. Review GPS-tagged footage via the free GPS player for Windows and Mac or the app—providing solid evidence for accidents
5.8GHz WiFi and Free App Control: Connect the dashcam to your iOS/Android via dual-band 5.8GHz & 2.4GHz WiFi. Use the TERUNSOUl app for seamless operation, instant preview, 20MB/s downloads, sharing with friends, family or insurance, and wireless firmware updates

Bestseller No. 6

【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. 7

Dash Cam, 2.5K Dash Cam Front, VEEMENT Dash Camera for Cars, 1440P Car Dash Camera with APP, WiFi Dash Cams with WDR Night Vision, 24/7 Parking Monitor Dashcam, 160°Wide, G-Sensor, Mini Car Camera

【1.47” Display Dash cam】Experience enhanced convenience with the V200Pro's new 1.47" display, providing you with a larger and clearer view of your recordings. Now, effortlessly review footage, right on the display of dashcam for an even more user-friendly experience.
【2.5K*1440P Car Dash Cam】V200PRO front car camera is backed by advanced starvis sensor and 6 glass lens. Front 160° wide angle can captures crystal clear video at QHD 2560*1440P dash camera, which clearly captures the license plates and road signs.
【Super Night Vision】Dash cam adopts an ultra-large F1.6 aperture and 6 layers lens increase 60% light intake, and is equipped with WDR (Wide Dynamic Range) technology, achieves super night vision by automatically balancing the exposure in extreme dark scenarios, to ensure clear and sharp footage.
【Smooth 2.4G WiFi-APP Control】Use the veecar app to view and manage dash camera for cars recordings instantly on your iOS and Android smartphone. Fast to download and share videos with friends and family through social media. Perfect WiFi dash cam for cars, SUVs, and Uber drivers, making it easier to provide evidence during an insurance claim.
【Safe & Mini Design】Mini dash cam made of high quality ABS+PC, the working temperature is from -40℉ to 185℉. With heat resistance chipset and adhesive pad, the dashcams for cars works fine and stays attached to windshield even on hot sun. Mini and hidden camera for car won’t obstruct your view while driving.

Bestseller No. 8

iZEEKER 2.5K Dash Cam, 1440P QHD Car Camera with Free 32GB Card, 3" IPS Display, Night Vision, WDR, 170°Wide Angle, Loop Recording, G-Sensor Emergency Recording, 24H Parking Mode, Type C

【2.5K QHD Resolution & 3" IPS Display】The car dash cam records super QHD videos & images at 2560X1440P @30fps, which is 2 times the resolution of a traditional 1080P dashcam. 170-degree wide-angle lens to make the recording range wider and ensure no blind spots. The three-inch IPS screen allows you to monitor and replay key moments even if driving at high speeds.
【Auto Recording and Loop Recording】With the included MicroSD card, the dashcam will automatically start/ stop recording when the car is on/off. The Loop Recording function automatically overwrites past videos to free up more space for new videos.
NOTE: Locked and normal videos are saved in two files without interfering with each other. If either file becomes full, loop recording is triggered, eliminating concerns about insufficient memory card space and manual formatting. (It saves you time and effort on card formatting. But please remember to save any videos you deem valuable promptly to prevent them from being overwritten by other recordings)
【Automatic and Manual Emergency Recording】 With the built-in G-sensor, this dash camera can automatically detect sudden vibration or shock and save it as evidence. Press the lock button to manually lock the current video, so even if there is no impact but you see something interesting/important on the road you can lock in the footage.
【Two Parking Modes Supported】When the parking monitoring function is turned on, even when the vehicle is powered off, the car camera will provide about 5 times of video recording after sensing vibration or impact, providing effective protection for unmanned vehicles. 7/24 Parking Monitoring requires a hardwire kit (not included). We offer this based on customer needs. To enable this feature, provide your order number to the accessories department.

The Smart Buyer’s Guide to Cheap Dash Cams

Buying a dash cam does not have to empty your wallet. You can find a great, reliable dash cam without spending a lot of money. This guide will help you pick the best budget-friendly option for your car. We look at what matters most, even when the price tag is low.

Key Features to Look For in Budget Dash Cams

Even cheap dash cams should offer core functions. Do not skip these essentials when you shop.

Video Quality Matters

Resolution: Aim for at least 1080p (Full HD). Lower resolutions might make license plates blurry. Blurry video is almost useless in an accident.
Frame Rate (FPS): Look for 30 frames per second (fps). This keeps the video smooth, especially when you drive fast.
Night Vision: Good cheap cams often use WDR (Wide Dynamic Range) or basic IR (Infrared) lights. Check user reviews to see how well it performs after dark.

Essential Functions

Loop Recording: This feature automatically overwrites the oldest files when the memory card gets full. This keeps the camera running without you having to delete old videos.
G-Sensor (Gravity Sensor): This is crucial. If your car suddenly stops or gets hit, the G-sensor locks the current video file. This prevents the important footage from being erased by loop recording.
Easy Mounting: The camera must attach securely to your windshield. A simple, strong suction cup mount is usually best for easy setup.

Important Materials and Build Quality

The materials affect how long your cheap dash cam lasts. Heat is the biggest enemy of electronics in a car.

What to Check

Housing Material: Plastic housings are common in cheap models. Look for ABS plastic, which handles heat slightly better than very cheap, thin plastics. Metal casings are rare at low prices but offer better heat protection.
Lens Quality: The lens should be glass, not just cheap plastic. Glass lenses resist scratches better and provide clearer images over time.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Small differences make a big impact on performance.

Things That Improve Quality:

Wide Viewing Angle: A wider angle (120 degrees or more) captures more of the road, including sidewalks and near lanes.
Reliable Power Cable: A sturdy power cable ensures the camera stays on when you need it. Flimsy cables often fail first.

Things That Reduce Quality (Watch Outs):

No Screen or Tiny Screen: While some cheap cams skip a screen to save money, reviewing footage on a tiny screen or only on a phone app can be frustrating.
Poor Heat Management: If the camera gets very hot sitting in the sun and shuts off, it is poorly designed. Read reviews specifically about overheating.
Proprietary Memory Cards: Some budget brands force you to buy their expensive memory cards. Standard MicroSD cards are always better.

User Experience and Use Cases

A great dash cam is one you forget is even there.

Simple Setup and Use

For a cheap dash cam, the user experience should be “set it and forget it.” You should be able to plug it in, set the date/time once, and never touch it again unless you need the footage. Complex menus or constant error messages lower the value, even if the price is low.

Common Use Cases for Budget Cams

Basic Accident Recording: If your main goal is evidence for insurance claims, a simple 1080p G-sensor cam works perfectly.
Parking Monitoring (Limited): Some cheap cams offer basic parking mode (they record if bumped while parked). This is a nice bonus, but don’t expect advanced features like time-lapse parking recording on the lowest-priced models.

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Cheap Dash Cams

Q: Can a cheap dash cam really record clear license plates?

A: Sometimes. At night or very far away, they struggle. During the day, a 1080p camera with a good lens often captures enough detail if the car is close.

Q: Do I need to buy a separate memory card?

A: Often, yes. Many very cheap cams include a tiny, low-quality card, or none at all. Buy a separate, reputable brand MicroSD card (at least 32GB, Class 10).

Q: How long will a cheap dash cam last in the summer heat?

A: This depends heavily on the build quality. Models without proper heat shielding might only last one or two very hot summers before failing. Look for reviews mentioning durability.

Q: Are cheap dash cams hard to install?

A: No. Most are very easy. You plug the power cord into the cigarette lighter socket and stick the mount to the windshield. Wiring is usually plug-and-play.

Q: What is the minimum video quality I should accept?

A: We strongly recommend 1080p resolution at 30fps. Anything lower makes the footage too grainy to be useful evidence.

Q: Do cheap dash cams record when the car is off?

A: Usually, no, unless they have a specific parking mode feature that requires hardwiring or a built-in battery that lasts a short time. Standard cheap cams only record when the engine is running.

Q: Is a screen necessary on a budget dash cam?

A: A screen is helpful for aiming the camera correctly during setup. However, you can review footage later on your computer or phone. It is a convenience, not a necessity.

Q: What does the G-Sensor do exactly?

A: The G-Sensor detects sudden movement or impact, like a crash. When it senses this, it instantly saves and protects the video clip so it cannot be overwritten.

Q: Should I worry about the brand name if the price is low?

A: Yes, a little. Stick to established budget electronics brands rather than completely unknown names. Established budget brands usually have better customer support if something goes wrong.

Q: How do I make sure the camera turns on every time I drive?

A: Ensure the power cord is plugged firmly into both the camera and the car’s power outlet. Many cheap cams turn on automatically when the car’s accessory power starts.