Ever had a close call on the road and wished you had proof? A dash cam can be your silent witness, recording everything that happens in front of your car. It offers peace of mind and can save you big headaches if an accident occurs. But when you start looking for one, your wallet often gets a scare. Finding a reliable dash cam for under $100 feels almost impossible!
The problem is that the market is flooded with cheap options that break quickly or record blurry videos. You worry about wasting your money on something that won’t actually help when you need it most. How do you separate the good deals from the junk? It’s tough to know which features really matter without spending hours researching.
This guide cuts through the noise. We have tested and reviewed the best budget-friendly dash cams available right now. You will learn exactly what features to look for, avoiding common traps, and discover the top models that offer great video quality without emptying your bank account. Get ready to protect yourself without breaking the bank!
Top Dash Cam Under $100 Recommendations
Bestseller No. 1
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. 2
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. 3
VIRROW Dash Cam Front and Rear: 4K+2.5K Dash Camera for Cars with Touch Screen 3.39" - Dashcam with WiFi APP Control 64GB Parking Mode Night Vision Loop Recording Emergency Lock (X5)
- [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).
Bestseller No. 4
galphi 4K Dash Cam Front, Built-in 5G WiFi, 64GB Card Included, Dash Camera for Cars, Mini Dashcam with Super Night Vision, Loop Recording, G-Sensor, 24 Hours Parking Monitor, Support 256GB Max
- 【4K 2160P Resolution Dash Cam】Capture every drive in stunning 4K UHD resolution with the Galphi front dash cam, featuring a 160-degree wide-angle lens for clear, cinematic video footage. Ideal for family cars, new drivers, and Uber/Lyft drivers, it provides reliable video evidence for accident disputes and insurance claims.
- 【Advanced 5GHz WiFi with App】 Featuring cutting-edge 5GHz WiFi and a free app, the video download speed reaches up to 8MB/s, compared to just 2MB/s with the 2.4GHz option. This greatly reduces download times and minimizes lag during video playback.
- 【No Screen & Less Distraction】This dash camerma features a screen-free design, minimizing distractions while you drive so you can stay focused on the road. Enjoy peace of mind knowing your camera is recording without taking your attention away from the journey.
- 【Compact and Super Easy to Install】The dash cam's slim and compact design ensures it won't obstruct your view. With easy installation and clear, detailed instructions included, even first-time users can set it up without any hassle.
- 【24-Hour Parking Mode】 A Type C hardwire kit (ASIN: B09SPN811C, NOT included) is required. When parked, the dash cam switches to parking mode, recording in time-lapse with low power consumption and a reduced frame rate, ensuring footage for various scenarios.
Bestseller No. 5
ROVE R2-4K DUAL Dash Cam Front and Rear, STARVIS 2 Sensor, FREE 128GB Card Included, 5G WiFi - up to 20MB/s Fastest Download Speed with App, 4K 2160P/FHD Dash Camera for Cars, 3" IPS, 24H Parking Mode
- 4K FRONT + 1080P REAR RECORDING – ROVE R2-4K DUAL dash cam offers dual-channel recording capabilities, capturing footage simultaneously from both the front and rear cameras. The front camera records at 3840x2160P @30fps, while the rear camera captures 1920x1080P @30fps footage, ensuring clear recordings of the road ahead and behind you. With a 150° ultra-wide angle for the front camera and a 140° angle for the rear camera, you'll capture more of the road with this 4k dash cam.
- SONY STARVIS 2 SENSOR/SUPER NIGHT VISION – Equipped with a Sony IMX675 STARVIS 2 Image Sensor for the front camera, this dash cam delivers exceptional image quality with vivid colors and sharp details, even in challenging lighting conditions. Additionally, the front camera's F1.5 aperture and the rear camera's F1.8 aperture allow more light to enter the lens, resulting in brighter and clearer recordings, particularly in low-light environments.
- ULTRA FAST 5G WIFI/ UP TO 20MB/s DOWNLOAD SPEED – With its built-in dual-band 5GHz and 2.4GHz WiFi, you can use the ROVE dash cam app to view and manage dash cam recordings instantly on your iPhone and Android smartphone. By using the ROVE app, download your recorded videos directly to your smartphone at a speed of up to 20 MB/sec and then easily share these on social media with friends and family. Additionally, manage camera settings and update the latest firmware over-the-air via the ROVE App.
- CAR CAMERA WITH GPS – The new front and rear dashcam 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 stamps directly on the video so you can watch dashcam videos with GPS data using ROVE's free GPS Player on your PC or Mac & get additional evidence when you need it.
- FEATURES WITH STATE-OF-THE-ART TECHNOLOGY INCLUDED – Experience peace of mind with this front and rear car dash cam. It comes with a free 128GB microSD card and offers advanced features such as an f1.5 aperture, motion detection, G-sensor, seamless loop recording, emergency video lock, screen saver, live speed and compass direction, voice guidance, ring of threads for optional CPL filter, a built-in supercapacitor for extended product life, support for up to 1TB microSD cards, and many more.
Bestseller No. 6
70mai Dash Cam M310, Dash Camera for Cars 1296P QHD, Smart Dash Cam Front Built in WiFi, 130° Wide-Angle FOV, WDR, Night Vision, iOS/Android Mobile App, Loop Recording, Parking Monitor, Time-Lapse
- 【1296P QHD & 130° Wide-Angle FOV】Equipped with a 3-megapixel camera, the 70mai dash cam M310 records in 2304 x 1296P HD high resolution, featuring almost 1.5 times clearer than the standard 1080P dash cams. The dash cam front can easily capture license plates, road signs, and other critical details on the road. With 130° wide-angle FOV, this dash cam enables you to monitor more lanes with fewer blind spots
- 【3D Noise Reduction & WDR Technology】The 3D Noise Reduction algorithm removes unwanted pixels in the image and the WDR (Wide Dynamic Range) technology helps balance exposure level. Even in the low-light conditions, the 70mai Dash Cam M310 solidly provides you extremely clear and smooth image quality. No worries about losing important moments when driving in the tunnel, or under other undesirable lightings
- 【Parking Monitoring & Built-in G-Sensor】Equipped with a built-in G-sensor,the dash cam detects sudden shakes or collisions around your vehicle,even when you’re away.It provides reliable 24-hour parking surveillance by automatically starting to record and capturing any potential incidents.You’ll receive a voice alert when the dash cam is turned back on (Kind Reminder: The 70mai Hardwire Kit UP03 is required for parking surveillance mode and is sold separately,ASIN:B09TDZ6FWZ)
- 【Time-lapse Recording】By compressing every 30 mins of footage into 1 min, your M310 enables long-term continuous recording at one frame per second while the car is parked. Hours-long surveillance video can be played back in minutes and catch crucial events quickly (Kind Reminder: The 70mai Hardwire Kit UP03 is required for time-lapse, and is sold separately, ASIN:B09TDZ6FWZ)
- 【Loop Recording & Evidence Protection】The dash cam automatically overwrites the oldest footage with the newest, ensuring continuous recording. However, upon detecting a collision, it locks the current video and stores it separately in the"Emergency Video" folder, safeguarding crucial evidence
Bestseller No. 7
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. 8
Dash Camera for Cars, 4K Full HD Dual Dash Cam Front and Rear with Wi-Fi, Included 32GB Card, 3.16” IPS Screen, Night Vision, 170°Wide Angle, WDR, 24H Parking Mode
- 4K+1080P DUAL RECORDING：Can achieve the recording of Ultra HD 4K(3840*2160P)+FHD 1080P resolutions. To reduce blind spots, it has a front wide Angle of 170 degrees and a back wide Angle of 140 degrees. Suitable dash cam for cars, truck, SUV, Bus, easier to provide evidence when insurance claim.
- 24H Reliable Parking Surveillance：To realize the 24-hour parking continuous recording function, you need to buy a hardware kit to start (Note: this product does not include a hardware kit, need to buy separately). When your car is turned off, the dashcam will automatically switch to the parking mode, protecting your car from theft or vandalism.
- Superior Night Vision & Intuitive 3.16" Screen：Capture clear footage even in low-light conditions with state-of-the-art night vision, featuring a 6-layer glass lens and F1.8 aperture. The 3.16" IPS screen elevates your viewing experience with sharp, smooth, and vibrant images, ensuring you never miss a moment.
- 5G WiFi & Easy App System：Comes equipped with advanced 5G Wifi technology. You can connect the dash cam to the APP(VIIDURE), to get alive stream, download videos, change settings, edit and share your footage simple. By using the app you can download your recorded videos directly to your smartphone at a speed of up to 25MBps.
- 32GB SD Card & Loop Recording：Includes a complimentary U3-32GB card (supports up to 128GB), with loop recording functionality. When the card reaches its capacity, new recordings overwrite old ones. Emergency videos triggered by the G-sensor are locked and protected from being overwritten, ensuring critical footage is preserved.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Dash Cam Under $100
Finding a reliable dash cam without emptying your wallet is totally possible! These small cameras record your drives. They are important for safety and insurance claims. This guide helps you pick the best one for under $100.
Key Features to Look For
Even budget dash cams offer great features. Focus on these essentials when shopping:
Video Quality
- Resolution: Aim for at least 1080p (Full HD). This resolution clearly captures license plates and road signs. Some models might offer 1440p, which is even better, but 1080p is the standard for this price range.
- Frame Rate: Look for 30 frames per second (fps). This keeps the video smooth, especially when you drive fast.
Recording Functions
- Loop Recording: This is a must-have. The camera automatically overwrites the oldest footage when the memory card fills up. You do not need to manually delete files.
- G-Sensor (Gravity Sensor): This sensor detects sudden impacts, like a crash. When it senses a bump, it locks the current video file. This protects crucial evidence from being overwritten.
- Parking Mode (Basic): Some budget cams offer basic parking mode. This means the camera wakes up and records if your car is bumped while parked. Check reviews to see how well this feature works on cheaper models.
Usability
- Screen Size: A small screen (around 2 to 3 inches) helps you review footage easily.
- Easy Installation: Most come with suction cups or adhesive mounts. Simple mounting makes setup quick.
Important Materials and Build Quality
The materials affect how long your dash cam lasts, especially in hot cars.
Lens and Body
- Lens Material: Glass lenses are better than plastic ones. Glass lenses resist scratching and provide clearer images over time.
- Body Casing: Look for sturdy plastic. Some higher-end budget models might use metal alloys, which handle heat better. Extreme heat can damage internal components, so durability matters.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes one $99 camera better than another $99 camera?
Factors That Improve Quality (Look for these!)
- Good Low-Light Performance: A decent sensor helps capture clear video at night. This is crucial for accident documentation.
- Wide Viewing Angle: Angles around 140 to 170 degrees capture more of the road, including nearby lanes.
- Reliable SD Card Support: Ensure the camera supports large, fast memory cards (usually up to 128GB).
Factors That Reduce Quality (Watch out for these!)
- Poor Night Vision: If the camera relies only on cheap LEDs, the night footage will look grainy or useless.
- Overheating Issues: Check user reviews specifically for complaints about the camera shutting down on hot days.
- Interference: Some cheap electronics can interfere with your car’s radio signal.
User Experience and Use Cases
Dash cams are mostly “set it and forget it” devices. Good user experience means less fiddling with settings.
Ease of Use
The menu system should be simple to navigate. You should easily be able to lock a file or change settings using the small screen.
Common Use Cases
- Evidence Collection: The primary use is recording accidents, road rage incidents, or insurance fraud attempts.
- Recording Scenery: Many drivers use them to record beautiful road trips.
- Monitoring Drivers: Parents might use them to monitor teen drivers.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Dash Cams Under $100
Q: Do I need to buy a memory card separately?
A: Yes, almost always. Most dash cams under $100 do not include a memory card. You must buy a high-speed (Class 10 or higher) microSD card.
Q: Will the camera drain my car battery?
A: When plugged into the cigarette lighter (12V socket), the camera only runs when the engine is on. If you use Parking Mode, it draws a tiny amount of power, but usually, the car’s battery protection prevents deep draining.
Q: Is a screen necessary on a cheap dash cam?
A: A small screen helps you confirm the camera is aimed correctly during setup and lets you view clips immediately after an event. It is highly recommended.
Q: What is the difference between hardwiring and using the cigarette lighter?
A: Using the lighter is simple plug-and-play. Hardwiring connects the camera directly to the car’s fuse box, allowing for reliable, continuous Parking Mode without a dangling cord.
Q: Does the camera record sound?
A: Most do record audio inside the car. You can usually turn this feature off in the settings if you prefer privacy.
Q: What happens when the memory card is full?
A: Loop recording takes over. The camera automatically deletes the oldest, unlocked video segment to make space for new footage.
Q: Are these cams waterproof?
A: No. These are designed for interior mounting only. They will not survive rain or submersion.
Q: How wide of a field of view should I expect?
A: For under $100, expect a viewing angle between 120 and 150 degrees. This covers the lanes directly in front of your vehicle well.
Q: Can I use this camera as a regular video recorder?
A: You can remove the SD card and view the files on a computer, but they are not designed for easy, day-to-day video recording like a standard camcorder.
Q: Will the dash cam work well in heavy snow or extreme cold?
A: Extreme cold can affect battery life and sometimes the LCD screen visibility. Check user reviews for performance in freezing temperatures specific to the model you choose.