Imagine this: you’re driving, and suddenly, something unexpected happens on the road. Do you have proof if you need it? That’s where a dash cam comes in, acting as your silent witness. But when you start looking for a dash cam that covers both the front and rear of your car without breaking the bank, things get tricky fast.
Finding a truly budget-friendly front and rear dash cam is tough. You worry about poor video quality, unreliable recording, or complicated installation. Many affordable options seem to sacrifice essential features, leaving you feeling unprotected. You want clear evidence without emptying your wallet, and that balance is often hard to find in the crowded market.
This guide cuts through the noise. We will show you exactly what features matter most in a budget dual-camera setup. You will learn how to spot the best deals and avoid common pitfalls. Get ready to equip your vehicle with reliable protection without overspending.
Top Budget Dash Cam Front And Rear Recommendations
- Ultra HD 4K Front + 4K Rear Recording: The Terunsoul dash cam supports dual-channel simultaneous recording, capturing both front and rear footage. Both cameras record in 3840×2160P, ensuring clear footage of the road ahead and behind. The front camera features a 170° ultra-wide-angle lens, providing full coverage of six-lane roads and capturing more road details with this 4K dash cam
- Loop Recording & G-Sensor: The dash cam front and rear comes with a pre-installed 128GB memory card, ready to record instantly. Loop recording ensures continuous footage, while the G-sensor automatically locks collision videos to prevent overwriting. Support for up to 512GB memory card. A lock button on the dash camera also allows manual one-touch locking of emergency videos
- Super Starlight Night Vision: Enhanced WDR and sharper night vision technology deliver vibrant colors and clear details even in challenging lighting conditions. The front camera features an F1.5 large aperture and the rear camera an F1.8 large aperture, allowing more light into the lens for brighter, clearer footage in low-light environments, ideal for accident evidence
- Ultra-Fast 5.8GHz WiFi & Free Wireless App Control: The dash camera for cars features dual-band 5.8GHz and 2.4GHz WiFi, allowing you to instantly view and manage recordings on iOS or Android devices via the Terunsoul App. Easily download recorded videos/photos to your phone at high speed, and share them on social media, with friends, family, or insurance companies.You can also remotely manage camera settings and update firmware wirelessly through the Terunsoul App
- Car Camera with GPS: The dashcam front and rear camera comes with built-in GPS which enables you to view real-time live speed and compass on the 3” IPS wide camera screen.It records precise driving routes, locations, and speed directly onto the video. You can track routes via the app using Wi-Fi or review videos with GPS data on Windows or Mac using the free GPS Player, providing additional evidence when needed
- 【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.
- 【Dash Cam Front and Rear Inside 1440P+1080P+1080P】 Advanced Sony IMX Sensor & High-Performance Processor – Captures crisp and detailed footage with 2.5K front, 1080P inside, and 1080P rear recording, ensuring reliable evidence for road incidents and disputes. The super night vision and auto IR cabin camera enhance visibility, delivering clear video even in low-light conditions.
- 【Dash Camera for Cars with WiFi App Control】 Connect to the free app with no subscription required. Adjust settings, view live streams, and playback footage directly from your smartphone. Effortlessly download, share videos and photos on social media or messaging apps, allowing you to instantly share your journey with family, friends, and followers.
- 【24-Hour Parking Mode – Round-the-Clock Protection】When connected to a dedicated Type-C hardwire kit (sold separately, ASIN: B09SPN811C), the M2 dash cam continues recording in low FPS mode even when your car is turned off. This ensures your vehicle and belongings remain protected, capturing crucial footage of any suspicious activity or vandalism, even when you're away.
- 【Low Profile Car Camera Dash Cam Front and Rear Inside】The sleek, hidden design of the M5 dash camera ensures an unobstructed driving view without altering your car’s interior. Stay informed with unique voice notifications that update you on the dash cam’s status without distractions.
- 【64GB SD Card Included & Supports Up to 512GB】: Start recording in seconds with the pre-installed 64GB high-speed card (no extra purchase needed). Expandable storage supports up to a massive 512GB (Class 10, U3 speed) for extended recording time and peace of mind.
- [4K+2.5K Dual Dash Cam Front and Rear] - The front dash cam records stunning 4K videos, while the rear camera delivers crisp 2.5K HD footage. Experience ultimate coverage: 170° ultra-wide front lens and 165° wide rear angle minimize blind spots. This dual dashcam ensures high-definition recording front and back. Download driving videos easily via the free app. Get clear evidence day or night – record your road trips with peace of mind! Fits minivans, buses, cars, trucks & more.
- [Dash Cam Front and Rear with Touchscreen] - Recording & G-Sensor Collision Lock! This dual dash camera captures front and rear videos simultaneously on a vibrant 3.39" touchscreen. The built-in G-sensor automatically detects collisions and records emergency footage in locked memory. Touch-responsive controls make driving video playback and setup easy. Perfect for all cars, it safeguards critical evidence with sensor-triggered protection—no missed moments!
- [Car Camera Front and Rear with Night Vision] - Crystal-Clear Front/Rear Videos with SC2336 Sensor & WDR Tech! See clearly when others can't! The F1.8 aperture + 6-layer lens system maximizes light intake for razor-sharp driving videos. No more blurry night recordings—every license plate and road detail stays high-HD visible. Automatically adapts to low-light conditions, ensuring critical evidence is always recorded.
- [Dual Dashcam with Loop Recording & FREE 64GB Memory Card] - Never miss a moment! Our dual dash cameras continuously record front and rear driving videos in loop mode, automatically overwriting old footage to save space. Includes a FREE 64GB memory card—ready to use right out of the box. The seamless loop recording ensures 24/7 protection for your vehicle, capturing every road detail without manual cleanup. Perfect for all cars, it safeguards your journey with zero memory worries!
- [4K+2.5K Dashcam with 24/7 Parking Guard & Time-Lapse Mode] - Protect your vehicle day and night! This high-HD dash recorder captures crystal-clear 4K front + 2.5K rear videos. Automatically activates parking mode with motion sensor monitoring—records time-lapse footage while parked to save memory. Energy-efficient time-lapse mode condenses 24 hours into minutes! Hardwire kit sold separately. (ASIN: B0F8HJPVZP).
- TRIPLE DASH CAM: This 3 channel dash camera features with a 170 wide-angle front camera + 150°Cabin + 150° waterproof rear camera, reduce visual blind areas. The Screen made by IPS panel, It allows you to see a clear picture at any angle without any blurring.
- G-SENSOR & PARKING MONITOR: SUVCON dash camera for cars built in G-sensor, which will activate emergency recording and lock the recorded videos when it detects sudden shakes or collisions while your car is stationary.
- LOOP RECORDING: Car camera loop recording function makes the newly recorded video will automatically overwrite the oldest video when storage limit reached, the video can be recorded in 1, 3 minute intervals. Car dash cam is already equipped with a 32GB SD card, you do not need to buy this card additionally.
- SUPERIOR WDR TECHNOLOGY & CLEARER NIGHT VISION : The interior facing car dash cam design with 4 infrared LED lights, which can accurately capture important footage clearly under low light conditions. The superior HDR technology allows the camera to perform optimally in any lighting situation by adjusting the exposure to create balanced images and footage.
- EASY INSTALLATION AND OPERATION: Dash camera is plug and play, very convenient. Simple to mount the 3 channel dash camera on the windshield which makes for an overall straightforward installation process. Easy to understand display and friendly key settings make it easy for you to use.
- 【4K+1080P FHD & 336°Wide Angle Dual Recording】-Miden brings you the S7 dash cam front and rear, which can record Ultra HD 4K (3840×2160P) front video + FHD 1080P rear video. Miden S7 dash cam can help you read key details such as road signs and vehicle license plates more clearly, bringing you better driving pleasure and better security. This car camera is equipped with a 176° wide-angle front camera and a 160° wide-angle waterproof rear camera, recording everything you need.
- 【3.2 Inch IPS Screen & Aluminum Alloy Case】-The large 3.2-inch full HD screen provides you with the clearest experience. The user interface on the large screen is very clear and it is very easy to operate and navigate the menus. At the same time, Miden S7 dashcam is made of professional aviation aluminum alloy material. Compared to a plastic shell, our Aluminum Alloy Case not only has excellent texture, but also has a very good heat dissipation effect.
- 【Loop Recording & Evidence Protection】-Miden S7 Dash Cam will continue recording even when the microSD card is full, and automatically overwrite the old video according to your needs. What's more, through technological innovation, Miden S7 Dashcam can ensure that locked videos will not be covered, achieve seamless connection between circular videos, better preserve video evidence, and better protect your security rights and interests.
- 【3-Axis G-Sensor & Accident Lock】-Miden car camera has a high-performance G-sensor, and the sensitivity is further optimized, which can automatically record emergency situations and save the video. When the vehicle collides, our Miden S7 driving recorder will automatically save and lock the current video as evidence. Besides that, press the lock button to manually lock the current video, especially if you see something interesting/important on the road can also lock the footage.
- 【Parking Monitor & Splendid Night Vision】-Miden dashcam features a f1.5 aperture, the industry's largest 1/2.7'' CMOS image sensor and WDR technology for better color accuracy and clarity. Whether it is day or night, it can clearly capture small details such as night driving and license plates. If your car crashes while parked, or someone tries to steal your car, the car camera will automatically turn on and start recording when it detects the vibration,providing 24h protection for your car.
- 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
- [4K+1080P Front & Rear Recording] REDTIGER F7NP dash cam captures every detail with stunning 4K front and 1080P rear video. Featuring the advanced STARVIS 2 sensor plus the 170° front and 140° rear wide-angle lens, this dash camera delivers sharper images, balanced lighting, and reliable evidence day or night. Ideal for commuting, road trips, rideshare drivers, and new drivers.
- [STARVIS 2 Sensor & WDR Night Vision] Equipped with the advanced STARVIS 2 sensor, F1.5 large aperture, and 6-layer optical lens, F7NP 4K dual dash cam delivers clear, high-contrast footage in any lighting. WDR and HDR technology balance highlights and shadows, ensuring sharp night vision and crisp details day or night, providing reliable evidence and enhanced safety for every drive.
- [Built-in 5.8GHz WiFi & Smart App] Connect your smartphone to the dashcam’s built-in 5.8GHz WiFi to enjoy ultra-fast downloads up to 20MB/s. Using Redtiger Cam app, you can preview, download, and replay videos in real time, check GPS ata (route, speed, and location), and manage settings effortlessly, making it simple to review footage and share important moments.
- [Loop Recording & Free Memory Card] This car camera supports seamless loop recording to ensure continuous coverage without interruption. Older files are automatically overwritten when storage is full, while important events are safely locked. A free memory card is included, giving you ample space for 4K recordings and allowing you to use the camera right out of the box.
- [24/7 Parking Mode* & G-Sensor] Enjoy round-the-clock protection with two parking modes: time-lapse recording for continuous low-bitrate monitoring and G-sensor mode that records when collision is detected. The car security camera with G-sensor automatically locks important clips, ensuring crucial evidence is safely preserved even while your vehicle is parked.(*Hardwire kit needed.)
The Budget Dash Cam Front and Rear Buying Guide
Buying a dash cam for your car does not have to cost a lot of money. A good budget dash cam gives you peace of mind. It records your drive, which can be very helpful if you are in an accident. This guide helps you pick the best budget front and rear dash cam for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop, look for these important features. They make sure your camera works well when you need it most.
Video Quality
- Resolution: Aim for at least 1080p (Full HD) for both the front and rear cameras. Higher resolution means clearer videos, making it easier to read license plates.
- Frame Rate (FPS): A smooth video needs a good frame rate. Look for 30 frames per second (fps). This stops jerky footage.
Night Vision and Low Light Performance
Driving at night is common. Good budget cams use special sensors or Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) technology. WDR balances bright lights and dark shadows, so your video is not washed out or too dark.
Storage and Loop Recording
- Loop Recording: This feature automatically overwrites the oldest video files when the memory card gets full. You do not need to stop and delete files manually.
- Memory Card Support: Check the maximum size of the SD card it supports (usually 128GB or 256GB). Make sure a card is included, or buy a reliable one separately.
Emergency Locking (G-Sensor)
The G-sensor detects sudden impacts, like a crash. When it senses a bump, it immediately locks the current video file. This protects the important footage from being overwritten by loop recording.
Important Materials and Build Quality
The materials used affect how long your dash cam lasts, especially in a hot car.
Lens Quality
Good lenses use glass, not plastic. Glass lenses handle heat better and give sharper images. Plastic lenses can melt or distort over time.
Mount Durability
The mount holds the camera steady. Look for strong suction cups or adhesive mounts that resist falling off when the temperature changes. A shaky mount creates blurry video.
Power Source
Most budget cams use a USB cable plugged into your car’s cigarette lighter port. Ensure the cable is long enough to reach neatly from the port to where you mount the camera.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a dash cam great, while others cause problems.
Improving Quality:
- Wide Field of View (FOV): A wider angle (like 150 degrees) captures more of the road, including nearby lanes.
- Easy Installation: Simple setup means you use it right away. Good cable management keeps your view clear.
Reducing Quality:
- Poor Heat Resistance: Cheap internal parts fail when the car gets very hot in the summer sun.
- Lagging or Dropping Frames: If the processor is too slow, the camera misses important moments. You notice this as choppy video.
User Experience and Use Cases
A budget dash cam should be easy to use every day.
Daily Driving
For everyday commuting, you want a camera that starts recording automatically when you turn the key. You should rarely need to touch it after the initial setup. A small screen helps you check settings easily.
Parking Mode (Optional but Helpful)
Some budget models offer basic parking mode. This means the camera monitors the car even when it is turned off. If someone bumps your parked car, the camera wakes up and records the incident. This feature usually requires a hardwire kit, which sometimes costs extra.
Reviewing Footage
Check how easy it is to view footage. Some cameras let you play clips directly on the small screen. Others require you to remove the SD card and watch files on your computer.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Budget Dash Cams
Q: Do I need a separate memory card for a budget front and rear cam?
A: Many budget kits include a small memory card, often 32GB or 64GB. However, upgrading to a larger, high-endurance card often improves reliability.
Q: Will a cheap dash cam drain my car battery?
A: If you use the standard plug-in method, no. The camera only runs when the car ignition is on. Parking mode might drain the battery slightly if you do not use a proper hardwire kit.
Q: Is 1080p good enough for a budget camera?
A: Yes, 1080p is the standard minimum today. It captures enough detail for insurance purposes if you drive normally.
Q: How difficult is it to install the rear camera?
A: Installing the front camera is usually easy. The rear camera requires running a cable from the front to the back, often along the headliner or trim. This takes a bit more time.
Q: What does WDR do in a budget camera?
A: WDR helps the camera manage very bright and very dark areas in the same picture, like when driving toward sunset or facing bright headlights.
Q: Do I have to turn the dash cam on every time I drive?
A: Most good budget models turn on automatically when the car starts and begin recording right away. You set this feature once.
Q: Can I view the rear camera footage easily?
A: You view the footage later on a computer or sometimes directly on the dash cam screen. Some budget models show both views side-by-side during recording.
Q: What is the biggest downside of very cheap dash cams?
A: The biggest downside is usually poor performance in extreme heat or very low light conditions. The recordings might become unreliable.
Q: Do I need Wi-Fi on a budget dash cam?
A: Wi-Fi is not essential, but it is convenient. It lets you easily download clips to your phone without removing the memory card.
Q: How do I protect the main accident file from being erased?
A: The G-sensor automatically locks the file during an impact. You can also sometimes manually lock the current recording using a button on the camera.