Dash cams have moved from being fleet-only tech to everyday essentials for UK drivers. Whether you’re looking to protect yourself from scams, reduce insurance costs, or simply record high-quality footage of your journeys, there’s a dash cam for every budget. From affordable £70 models to premium Nextbase dash cams and Garmin 4K dash cams, here are the best dash cams in the UK for 2025, reviewed across every budget.
Why Buy a Dash Cam in the UK?
Once the preserve of taxis, vans and emergency vehicles, dash cams are now an everyday essential for UK drivers. Falling prices mean what was once a luxury is now affordable, with reliable models available for under £100. At the same time, the need for clear evidence on the road has never been greater.
With insurance premiums rising, repair bills climbing, and “crash for cash” scams becoming more common, dash cams offer protection when you need it most. Whether it’s proving who was at fault in a 50-50 accident, catching a car park knock, or safeguarding your no-claims bonus, these compact cameras provide vital peace of mind.
The benefits are clear:
- Evidence in disputes – Video footage removes doubt in accident claims.
- Lower costs – Some insurers reward dash cam use with discounts.
- 24/7 security – Parking modes and motion sensors protect your car when unattended.
- Value for money – Prices now range from £70 to £350+, covering every budget.
In short, a dash cam is no longer just a gadget, it’s become an essential accessory for UK drivers who want protection and peace of mind. And with so many models now on the market, from simple budget devices to premium 4K systems, the question isn’t whether to buy a dash cam, but which of the best dash cams UK drivers can choose in 2025 is right for you.
That’s where our guide comes in — here are the best dash cams in the UK for 2025, reviewed across every budget.
The Best Dash Cams in the UK for 2025
Below, we’ve reviewed a mix of budget, mid-range and premium dash cams available to UK drivers. We considered factors such as video quality, reliability, ease of use, extra features like parking mode, and overall value for money when compiling this list.
Best Budget Dash Cam UK – Apeman C580B (£68.99)
Budget dash cam does what it says: records good quality images with 1080p quality and a Sony CMOS image sensor for day and night use. 24/7 parking monitoring means the unit will start up if it detects a movement or impact.
Best Compact 4K Dash Cam – MioFive S1 (£79.99)
Neat and compact recording equipment with built-in speed camera alert, the simple-to-fit S1offers 4K resolution for high quality pictures. Its 3-inch screen gives a broad coverage of the road ahead.
Best Affordable HD Dash Cam – Road Angel Halo Go 2 (£99.99)
With 1080p HD loop recording, a 140 degree viewing angle, image sensor and 4-layer optics, picture quality is high. The unit features a G-Sensor to detect sudden movements and a parking mode protects when stopped.
Best Discreet Dash Cam – Viofo VS1 Mini (£114.99)
Small and discreet, the VS1 Mini features Sony Starvis 2 sensor technology for high end picture quality. The voice-controlled unit comes with a free 32GB MicroSD card for recording and storing.
Best Front and Rear Dash Cam – RedTiger F7NP (£122.20)
The RedTiger comes with front and rear cameras, so it represents great value if that’s what you need. Its 4K quality is enhanced with good night recording capability. There’s 24/7 parking monitoring and movement sensors.
Best Small 4K Dash Cam – VanTrue Element 1 Pro (£146.99)
4K high definition and Sony Starvis 2 sensor are packed into the tiny 1.54-inch E1 Pro to provide top clarity recording. The 158-degree wide angle view captures almost all of what you’ll need to see on the road.
Best All-Rounder – Nextbase 422GW (£149)
Its 2K 1440p HD recording gives high quality pictures, thanks also to a newly improved 6G glass lens. The touchscreen makes menu selection, playback and control use simple. Its GPS records speeds and location.
Best Parking Mode Dash Cam – 70mai A810 (£149.99)
4K resolution and Sony Starvis sensor creates high quality images. Its parking mode compresses 15 minutes into 1 minute to save memory space. There’s an optional rear camera for the set, for another £30.
Best GPS Dash Cam – Kenwood DRV-A510W (£179.95)
Featuring 2K Quad HD recording with a 5 megapixel sensor, the small and light unit produces crisp, clear imagery. Its built-in GPS receiver tracks your whereabouts. Comes with a free 32GB Micro SD card.
Best Premium Dash Cam – Garmin X310 (£349.99)
This higher end unit from Garmin is not the cheapest but it’s well-built and full of features such as 4K ultra HD quality, a 140- degree view, touchscreen display, immediate playback and automatic incident detection.
Protect Yourself on the Road and Before You Buy
Just as a dash cam offers reassurance on the road, MotorCheck’s UK car history check gives you peace of mind before you even turn the key. For £9.99, the check won’t prevent an accident or stop damage to your car while parked, but it will tell you if a vehicle you’re considering has a chequered past.
That includes whether it has ever been stolen, written off, scrapped or had its number plate changed. It will also confirm mileage accuracy, MOT history, number of keepers, and even whether outstanding finance remains on the car.
It’s the kind of scrutiny no dash cam can provide – but paired together, both offer drivers a powerful sense of security: one while you’re driving, and the other before you buy.
Dash Cam FAQs – Everything UK Drivers Need to Know
Do I need a dash cam for insurance in the UK?
You do not need a dash cam for insurance in the UK, but many insurers offer discounts if you have one installed. Dash cams also provide video evidence that protects your no-claims bonus if you are not at fault in an accident.
What is the best dash cam brand in the UK?
The best dash cam brand in the UK depends on your budget and what features matter most to you. Nextbase is the most popular choice, thanks to its wide range of models and strong customer support. If you want premium build quality and advanced 4K features, Garmin is a strong contender. For drivers seeking discreet designs at a lower price point, Viofo offers excellent value, while Kenwood and 70mai provide reliable mid-range options. In short, there isn’t one “best” brand — the right dash cam for you will depend on how much you want to spend and whether you prioritise ease of use, image quality, or extra features.
Are dash cams legal in the UK?
Yes, dash cams are legal in the UK. Many drivers now consider them a standard part of their car tech, but they are only permitted if they do not obstruct the driver’s view of the road. Motorists should also be aware of GDPR regulations when sharing footage that identifies people, number plates, or addresses.
Do dash cams record when the car is parked?
Yes, many dash cams record when the car is parked if they include a parking mode feature. These systems use motion or impact detection to automatically start recording, giving your car extra protection even when you are not around. For example, the Nextbase 422GW and the RedTiger F7NP both offer 24/7 parking modes that activate if movement or a collision is detected.
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