Ever worried about what truly happens on the road when you’re not looking? A dash cam acts like a silent witness, recording everything. But when you start shopping, a big problem pops up: finding a good one without spending a fortune. Many great dash cams cost way more than you want to spend. You see cheap options, but you fear they will break fast or record blurry videos.
It feels tough to balance quality and price. You need clear footage to protect yourself, but your budget has a firm limit. This is where the “under $50” challenge comes in. Don’t worry; you don’t have to settle for junk. This guide cuts through the noise.
We have dug deep to find the best reliable dash cams that fit right under that fifty-dollar mark. Keep reading to discover which budget-friendly models offer the best video quality, durability, and features you actually need. Let’s find you a great deal without sacrificing safety!
Top Dash Cam Under 50 Recommendations
Bestseller No. 1
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. 2
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. 3
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. 4
Dash Cam Front and Rear, 1080P Dash Camera for Cars, 3 Channel Car Camera Front Rear and Inside with 32GB Card, Loop Recording, Night Vision, HDR, 24Hr Parking, G-Sensor
- 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.
Bestseller No. 5
Miden S7 4K Dash Cam Front and Rear, 64G SD Card,2160P+1080P FHD Dual Dash Camera for Cars,176°+160° Wide Angle,3.2'' IPS Screen Dashcam,Loop Recording,G-Sensor,WDR,24H Parking Monitor,Night Vision
- 【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.
Bestseller No. 6
E-YEEGER Dash Cam Front and Rear, 2.5K Dual Dash Camera for Cars, 2560P Mini Car Camera, 2 inch IPS Screen, 32GB Card Included, WDR Night Vision, 24 Hours Parking Monitor, G-Sensor, Support 256 GB Max
- 【2.5K Dashcam Front and Rear Cameras】The S60 dash cam delivers unparalleled clarity with a 2560*1440P front camera and a 1080P rear camera, With ultra-wide angle shooting from both front and rear cameras, complete coverage of your driving experience.
- 【Superior Night Vision 】The S60 dashcam effortlessly navigates low-lig ht conditions with its starlight night vision sensor and 170° ultra-wide-angle 6-layer glass lens, delivering clear and detailed footage even in challenging lighting environments.
- 【Enhanced Safety and Reliability】Even when the memory card is full, the E-YEEGER car dash cam continues recording thanks to its Loop Recording feature. When the G-sensor detects a sudden collision, it locks and saves the footage. Additionally, the dash cam offers a 24-hour parking monitor with time-lapse recording in parking mode. Please note, a hardwire kit is required for this feature.
- 【2-inch IPS display】The 2-inch screen provides you with the clearest experience. The user interface on the screen is self-explanatory and easy to operate.
- 【Adjustable suction cup】The suction cup can rotate 360° and adjust to any shooting angle you prefer. It is easy to install and remove, making it convenient to view videos.
Bestseller No. 7
TERUNSOUl 4K+4K Dash Cam Front and Rear, Free 128GB Card Included, 5.8GHz WiFi Dash Camera for Cars, Built-in GPS, G-Sensor, 170°Wide Angle, 3" IPS Screen, 24H Parking Mode, Support 512GB Max
- 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
Bestseller No. 8
4K Dash Cam Front and Rear, 64GB SD Card, 1.5” IPS Display Car Camera, 5Ghz WiFi+App Control, Night Vision, 24H Parking Mode, G-Sensor, WDR, 170° Wide Angle, 4K+1080P Dual Dash Camera for Cars
- 【4K + 1080P Dual Rotatable Dash Cam】The CIEVIE D100 dash cam provides 4K UHD (3840x2160P) front and 1080P FHD rear views, which provides wide 170° and 150° lenses, the front camera captures highway lanes, while the rear keeps an eye on tailgaters and parking disputes.CIEVIE dashcam is NOT wireless, which requires constant power via your car's 12V socket or hardwiring.
- 【64GB SD Card + Loop Recording】 The included 64GB card stores hours of driving footage. New recordings automatically overwrite old files, while emergency clips remain safely locked and stored. Expandable to 256GB for longer trips or rideshare drivers needing more storage.
- 【G-Sensor Auto-Lock & 24/7 Parking Mode】 In case of an accident, the built-in G-sensor automatically locks footage in just 0.01 seconds, protecting it from accidental overwriting. Pair it with the CIEVIE hardwire kit (SOLD SEPARATELY) for 24/7 parking mode—a must-have feature for any car camera monitoring your vehicle round the clock.
- 【5.8GHz WiFi – 4x Faster】Transfer footage using 5.8GHz WiFi, which is 4 times faster than standard 2.4GHz WiFi. With 5.8GHz WiFi, stream real-time footage to your phone instantly, whether you’re parked or driving. WiFi is only used for preview and download—the dash cam records automatically once powered on, even without any connection.
- 【One-Click Lock & 360° Rotatable Camera Angles】 Secure critical footage instantly with a single press, capturing essential evidence before adrenaline fades. With a 290° adjustable front camera and 360° rotatable rear camera, this dash cam front and rear adapts to any vehicle setup effortlessly.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Finding the Best Dash Cam Under $50
A dash cam is a smart little camera you put on your car’s dashboard. It records what happens while you drive. This is super helpful for insurance claims or just remembering a funny moment. Finding a good one doesn’t mean spending a lot of money. We will show you what to look for in a dash cam priced under $50.
Key Features to Look For
Even cheap dash cams have important jobs to do. Make sure the camera you buy has these basics:
Video Quality (Resolution)
- 720p (HD): This is the minimum you should accept. It shows things clearly enough.
- 1080p (Full HD): If you can find one under $50, grab it! 1080p makes license plates much easier to read.
Loop Recording
This feature is essential. When the memory card gets full, the camera automatically deletes the oldest video to make room for new ones. You do not want to stop driving to clear space!
G-Sensor (Gravity Sensor)
This sensor detects sudden bumps or crashes. When it senses a hit, it locks the current video file. This means the file will not be overwritten by loop recording. This protects your important evidence.
Night Vision
Driving at night happens. Look for models that mention “Infrared (IR) LEDs” or “good low-light performance.” This helps the camera see better when it is dark.
Important Materials and Build Quality
The materials used affect how long your camera lasts, especially since it sits in a hot car.
The Housing
- Plastic: Most budget cams use durable plastic. Make sure the plastic feels sturdy, not flimsy.
- Heat Resistance: Check reviews to see if the camera melts or stops working in summer heat. Heat is the enemy of electronics.
The Mount
A strong mount keeps your view steady. Suction cup mounts are common. Test the suction cup when you first get it. A wobbly mount makes the video useless.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all dash cams perform the same, even if they cost the same.
Factors That Improve Quality
- Wide Viewing Angle: A wider angle (like 140 degrees) captures more of the road, including sidewalks.
- Good Processor: A better internal chip processes video faster, which means smoother recordings without freezing.
Factors That Reduce Quality
- Small Screens: Screens under 2 inches are hard to use when setting up the camera.
- No True WDR (Wide Dynamic Range): WDR helps balance very bright and very dark spots in the video (like when driving out of a tunnel). Budget cams often skip this.
User Experience and Use Cases
A great dash cam should be easy to use.
Installation and Setup
Look for simple plug-and-play designs. You should be able to set the date, time, and loop recording size quickly. Many budget cams turn on and start recording automatically when you start the car.
Common Use Cases
- Insurance Proof: If someone hits you, you have video proof.
- Witnessing Events: You can record road debris or accidents happening nearby.
- Parking Mode (Rare but nice): Some cheaper models offer basic parking monitoring, which wakes up if the car is bumped while parked.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Dash Cams Under $50
Q: Do I need a memory card with these cameras?
A: Yes, almost always. Most dash cams under $50 do not come with a memory card. You need a MicroSD card, usually Class 10 or faster, to record video.
Q: How big of a memory card can I use?
A: Check the manual, but budget cams usually support up to 32GB or 64GB. Bigger cards hold more footage before the loop recording starts deleting old files.
Q: Will a cheap dash cam drain my car battery?
A: No, not usually. Most budget cams only turn on when the car is running because they get power from the cigarette lighter socket.
Q: Are these cameras hard to install?
A: No, installation is usually easy. You stick the mount on the windshield, plug the power cord into the car, and you are ready to go.
Q: Can I see the videos on my phone?
A: Rarely in the sub-$50 range. Most cheap cams require you to take the memory card out and plug it into a computer to see the videos.
Q: What is the difference between a cheap cam and an expensive one?
A: Expensive cams have better video quality (4K), Wi-Fi, GPS tracking, and better heat resistance. You pay extra for features and reliability.
Q: Does the camera record when the car is parked?
A: Usually not automatically. True parking mode needs extra wiring or a built-in battery, which is rare in this price range.
Q: What if my camera gets very hot?
A: If it gets too hot to touch, turn it off immediately. Extreme heat damages the internal components. Move it to a cooler spot if possible.
Q: What does “loop recording” mean exactly?
A: It means the camera keeps recording in short clips (like 3 minutes). When the card is full, it deletes the oldest 3-minute clip to make space for the newest one.
Q: Is the video quality good enough for police evidence?
A: If you get a decent 1080p model, yes, it is often good enough to show what happened. Lower quality 720p might struggle to show small details like license plates clearly.