Best 5 Dash Cams for Cars and Vans in 2025
Dash cams have become an essential tool for modern drivers, offering peace of mind, video evidence, and extra safety on the road. In this guide, we compare five popular models: the Nextbase 380GW, Nextbase 380GWX, Navycrest, Red Tiger, and Viofo A329S.
Read along to learn about the best of dash cam features, pros and cons, and ideal uses. Whether you’re after a discreet professional fit, crystal-clear 4K video, or full GPS tracking, this comparison will help you find the right dash cam for your needs and budget.
Summary Table
| Dash Cam | Format & Use | Pros | Cons | Best For | Price £ |
| Nextbase 380GW | Discreet, hardwired dash cam recording front view in 1080p | Hidden installation, reliable video, built-in Wi-Fi | No GPS, single camera | Fleet or company cars | £259 – £309 |
| Nextbase 380GWX | Front and rear dash cam, hardwired, 1080p front + rear | Dual coverage, discreet, good low-light performance | Rear camera slightly lower resolution, higher price | Private drivers or fleet wanting full coverage | £429 – £479 |
| Navycrest Dash Cam | Standalone dash cam, large display, 4K front recording | High-res video, wide angle, user-friendly | Noticeable on the windscreen, large file sizes | Drivers who value image clarity | £199 – £249 |
| Red Tiger Dash Cam | Dual camera, GPS, Wi-Fi, 4K front + 1080p rear | GPS tracking, all-round coverage, clear day/night recording | Bulkier unit, GPS may need recalibration | Drivers wanting full evidence plus GPS | £350 – £400 |
| Viofo A329S | Consumer dash cam, front 2K + rear 1080p, parking mode | Strong low-light performance, reliable parking mode | DIY setup required | Tech-savvy DIY drivers | £330 – £500 |
Understanding Dash Cams
If you are new to the world of dash cams or are wondering how do dash cams work, we are here to break down the important considerations. Choosing the best dash cam comes down to knowing which features matter most for your needs. From discreet, hardwired units to high-resolution models with GPS and parking protection, today’s dash cams offer a wide range of models and choices.
See how our five selected recommended dash cameras compare, so you can make a confident choice for your vehicle, and be sure to discover the added benefits of having a dash cam for safety and reliable evidence.
Recommended Dashcam Features
If you’re looking for the best dashcam UK that drivers trust, or the dash cam UK best suited to your car, it helps to know which features make the biggest difference.
The best dashcam key features to consider include:
- Resolution: A higher-quality image will capture number plates and details more clearly, highly essential for evidence-dependent situations.
- GPS: This feature can add location and speed data to your footage.
- Parking Mode: A unique setting that protects your vehicle when it’s unattended.
- Equipment Setup: Some drivers prefer a compact, hidden setup for everyday use, while others opt for a dual-camera system for complete front and rear coverage.
By comparing the following recommended dashcam options or others on the market, you can find the one that delivers the right mix of visibility, reliability, and value for your needs.
Nextbase 380GW
The Nextbase 380GW is a discreet, hardwired dash cam designed for a seamless, factory-style fit. Installed neatly behind the rear-view mirror, it records the road ahead in crisp 1080p HD without drawing attention. It’s a solid choice for drivers who want reliable video evidence without cluttering their windscreen.
Format & Use:
A low-profile in-car dash cam that is best fitted with professional installation, ideal for fleet vehicles or company cars. The 380GW records in 1080p Full HD, with a wide viewing angle to capture more of the road.
Pros:
- Neat, hidden installation behind the rear-view mirror.
- Built-in Wi-Fi for easy video transfer.
- Reliable recording quality in day and night conditions.
Cons:
- No built-in GPS, and the location tracking requires an upgrade.
- Single camera (no rear coverage).
Best for:
The Nextbase 380GW is ideal for fleet managers and company car users who want a tamper-proof dash cam solution.
Fitting Price:
- Car Keys Solutions Workshop Install: £259*
- Car Keys Solutions Mobile Service: Prices start from £309*
- 1 Year Warranty
Nextbase 380GWX
Building on the Nextbase 380GW’s design, the Nextbase 380GWX adds a rear-facing camera for all-around coverage. This upgrade means that every journey is captured from both ends, providing greater protection in case of rear-end incidents. Despite the extra capability, it keeps the same professional, hidden installation style.
Format & Use:
An upgraded version of the 380GW, this model includes a rear-facing camera for complete front and rear coverage. Both cameras record in high definition and the unit connects via Wi-Fi to the Nextbase app.
Pros:
- Front and rear recording for full protection.
- Same discreet, professional fit as the Nextbase 380GW.
- Good low-light performance.
Cons:
- Slightly higher price due to dual-camera setup.
- Rear camera resolution is slightly lower than the front.
Best for:
The Nextbase 380GWX would be most suited for private motorists or fleet drivers who want complete front and rear video evidence.
Fitting Price:
- Car Keys Solutions Workshop Install: £429*
- Car Keys Solutions Mobile Service: Prices start from £479*
- 1 Year Warranty
*Prices may vary depending on your car type. We recommend contacting us via email or a phone call to confirm. For dash cameras with a rear camera, if the rear screen of the vehicle opens with the tailgate, an additional cost of £120 will apply.
Nextbase Model Notes: Both Nextbase models are VCA (Vehicle Certification Agency) approved, ensuring quality, reliability, and adherence to industry standards. Explore more about what the two Nextbase dash cameras offer to find the best one for your needs.
Navycrest Dash Cam
The Navycrest dash cam delivers cutting-edge image quality with sharp 4K recording and a wide viewing angle. Its sleek body and modern interface make it simple to use, while voice commands add hands-free convenience. It’s a great pick for drivers who value both technology and clarity in their recordings.
Format & Use:
A modern dash cam with a sleek design featuring a broad display screen and voice command capabilities. Records in 4K Ultra HD for sharp video quality.
Pros:
- High-resolution recording for crystal-clear detail.
- Wide viewing angle for more road coverage.
- User-friendly menu and controls.
Cons:
- More noticeable on the windscreen compared to the Nextbase’s hidden fit.
- Larger file sizes mean faster memory card fill-up.
Best for:
Drivers who want the sharpest image quality and don’t mind a visible dash cam unit.
Fitting Price:
- Car Keys Solutions Workshop Install: £199*
- Car Keys Solutions Mobile Service: Prices start from £249*
- 1 Year Warranty
*Prices may vary depending on your car type. We recommend contacting us via email or a phone call to confirm. For dash cameras with a rear camera, if the rear screen of the vehicle opens with the tailgate, an additional cost of £120 will apply.
Red Tiger Dash Cam
The Red Tiger dash cam combines high-quality video with useful extras like GPS tracking and dual recording. It captures both front and rear footage, ensuring both perspectives are covered. Ideal for drivers who want comprehensive evidence, it offers a balance of quality, features, and protection.
Format & Use:
A versatile dash cam option with Wi-Fi, GPS, and dual recording capabilities. Typically records in 4K front and 1080p rear.
Pros:
- Includes GPS for speed and location tracking.
- Dual camera setup for all-around coverage.
- Clear day and night recording.
Cons:
- Bulkier than discreet-fitted models.
- GPS can require occasional recalibration.
Best for:
Motorists who want high-quality video plus built-in GPS for location and speed proof in insurance cases.
Fitting Price:
- For Cars, Other Vehicles & Leisure Vehicles:
- Car Keys Solutions Workshop Install: £350
- Car Keys Solutions Mobile Service: From £400
- 1 Year Warranty
- For Vans:
- Car Keys Solutions Workshop Install: £350
- 1 Year Warranty
Viofo A329S
The Viofo A329S is a feature-packed consumer dash cam offering front and rear coverage with strong low-light performance. It’s known for its dependable parking mode, which keeps recording even when the car is off. This model is a solid option for tech-savvy drivers comfortable with DIY setups.
Format & Use:
A consumer dash cam with front and rear recording in 2K and 1080p, plus advanced parking mode features.
Pros:
- Considered the higher-end of dash cam models quality.
- Strong performance in low light.
- Reliable parking mode recording.
Cons:
- As a comprehensive dash cam package, it comes at a higher price.
- Not part of the client’s installation range.
- More complex setup for DIY users.
Best for:
Drivers who are looking for a feature-rich system.
Fitting Price:
Car Keys Solutions doesn’t provide installation for this model of dash cam; however, the benchmark price for fitting a Viofo usually ranges from £330 to £500.
Special Insurance Considerations
A properly installed, clear-resolution dash cam that records front and rear footage can support claims and help prove liability. This ultimately leads to dash cameras reducing insurance. Choosing a dash cam with continuous recording, G-sensors (also known as accelerometer devices, that detect motion changes in acceleration or force, such as braking, turning or impact to the vehicle), and tamper-proof fitting increases its usefulness in the eyes of insurers.
Here are some of the best dash cam features insurers like to look out for:
- Hardwired or Professionally Installed Models: Models that are less likely to be accidentally disconnected.
Insurer’s Top Picks: Nextbase 380GW, Nextbase 380GWX - Dual-camera Setups: Or otherwise known as units with rear coverage, to capture the full context of incidents.
Insurer’s Top Picks: 380GWX, Red Tiger, Viofo A329S - Clear, High-resolution Footage: 1080p is typically sufficient, but 4K provides extra detail.
Insurer’s Top Picks: Navycrest, Red Tiger - G-sensors and Automatic Locking of Impact Footage: A vital feature which protects critical evidence during accidents.
Insurer’s Top Picks: Nextbase 380GW, Nextbase 380GWX, Red Tiger, and Viofo A329S - GPS-enabled Dash Cams: This feature adds speed and location data to recordings.
Insurer’s Top Pick: Red Tiger
Insurance providers may offer discounts or faster claim processing when these Thatcham-approved devices are present, but the key is consistency and reliability.
In general, Nextbase models and Red Tiger are considered insurance-friendly and the best dash cams for consumers due to professional installation options, reliable recording, and dual-camera coverage.
Note: You can expect our dash cam installation service to take between 1 to 3 hours, depending on your vehicle and specific setup. Installation can be carried out at one of our workshops or at your preferred location.
Conclusions
Choosing the right dash cam for your needs means balancing features, installation type, and insurance-friendly capabilities like G-sensors, GPS, and dual-camera coverage. Models such as the Nextbase 380GW/380GWX, Red Tiger, and Viofo A329S stand out for reliability and evidence protection. Equally, buyers should confirm specifications like G-sensor inclusion on units like the Navycrest to ensure they meet their needs.
For further information and expert service, contact our team for dash cam fitting and installation.
FAQs
Is it better to hardwire a dash cam?
Yes, hardwiring a dash cam is generally the best option for long-term use. It provides a cleaner, more discreet installation, avoids battery drain from using the cigarette lighter, and enables features like parking mode to work continuously. Hardwired dash cams are also less likely to be accidentally disconnected, giving you reliable recording at all times.
Do you have to tell insurance about dash cam DVLA?
In the UK, you don’t need to inform the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) if you have a dash cam in your vehicle. However, it’s a good idea to tell your insurance provider, as some insurers may offer discounts or have specific rules regarding dash cam use. Having a dash cam can support claims by providing evidence in case of an accident, so transparency with your insurer can be beneficial.
Can police ask to see your dashcam?
Yes, in the UK, police can request access to your dash cam footage if it’s relevant to an investigation, such as a road traffic incident or suspected offence. While you’re not legally obliged to hand over the footage immediately, cooperating can help support an investigation and may be beneficial if your evidence can clarify the situation. Most dash cams store files that can be easily shared when needed, so it’s a good idea to know how to access your recordings quickly.
Is your car insurance cheaper if you have a dash cam?
Having a dash cam can sometimes help lower your car insurance premiums, as insurers may view it as a safety measure that provides clear evidence in the event of an accident. The discount varies by provider and policy, so it’s worth checking with your insurer before assuming savings. Even if it doesn’t reduce your premium, a dash cam can make claim processing quicker and more straightforward.
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