Looking for a dash cam that can record both the front and rear of your car? A dual dash cam is a great option to get a complete view of the road and capture any incidents from both angles. In this guide, we’ll go over all you need to know to choose the right front and rear dash cam for your needs and budget.
Introduction to Dual Dash Cams
A dual dash cam has lenses pointing both forward and backward to record video from both the front and rear of your vehicle. This provides complete 360 degree coverage in case you get into an accident or encounter any dangerous driving behaviors from other motorists.
Some key benefits of dual channel dash cams include:
- Recording from both front and back provides complete coverage and evidence in the event of an accident or dispute. You can show exactly what happened from both angles.
- The rear camera can capture events behind you like sudden braking, getting rear-ended, or reckless driving of the car behind you.
- Parking mode can monitor both the front and back of your parked car to catch vandals, hit-and-runs, and parking lot accidents.
- Some dual cams have an interior camera to record passengers and conversations inside the cabin.
- Dual channel footage can give context and details that a single front-facing cam cannot.
While more expensive than single-channel dash cams, the extra view and protection of a dual cam is worthwhile for many drivers. The rear cam often acts as a second witness to complement the front camera footage.
| Dash Cam Model | Buy Now |
|---|---|
| BlackVue DR900X | Link |
| Garmin Dash Cam 67W | Link |
| Nextbase 622GW | Link |
| Thinkware U1000 | Link |
| Vantrue N4 | Link |
| Rove R2-4K | Link |
| Garmin Mini 2 | Link |
| Rexing V3 | Link |
| Aukey DR02S | Link |
| Yi Dash Cam 1080P | Link |
| BlackVue DR750S-2CH | Link |
| Thinkware Q800 Pro | Link |
| Viofo A129 Duo | Link |
| Lukas QVIA 4K Dual Dash Cam | Link |
| VIOFO A119 V3 | Link |
| BlackVue DR750X-2CH | Link |
| Mini 0806D | Link |
| Owlcam Dual Dash Cam | Link |
| Vantrue N2 Pro | Link |
| Auto-Vox A129 Plus Duo | Link |
| INSTAR Dash Cam Dual D2 | Link |
| Z-Edge Z3 | Link |
| APEMAN C420 Dual Dash Cam | Link |
High-End Dual Dash Cams
BlackVue DR900X-2CH
The BlackVue DR900X-2CH is one of the top-rated dual dash cams on the market. It films in stunning 4K Ultra HD for the front camera while the rear records in Full HD 1080p.
Key features:
- Over-the-air Wi-Fi allows for remote monitoring and video playback through the BlackVue app
- Built-in GPS records location, speed, and route
- Parking mode and motion detection
- Built-in impact and tilt sensors
- Cloud connectivity option
With excellent video quality, intuitive software, and versatile parking modes, the BlackVue DR900X-2CH is one of the best high-end options out there. But the premium price tag reflects all these advanced capabilities.
Garmin Dash Cam 67W
The Garmin Dash Cam 67W is the top dual cam from GPS giant Garmin. It has a discreet, low profile design but is packed with features.
Key features:
- Extra-wide 180 degree field of view for the front camera
- 1440p video for the forward camera, 720p rear
- GPS with speed and location tracking -Forward collision and lane departure warnings -Parking monitoring modes
With integrated dash cam features and excellent Garmin software, the Dash Cam 67W is one of the best premium dual cams available.
Nextbase 622GW
Nextbase is a leader in dash cams, and their 622GW 4K model captures superb image quality with its Ultra HD cameras.
Key features:
- Front camera films in 4K at 30 fps while rear shoots 1080p
- Alexa voice assistant built-in
- Emergency SOS response
- GPS, speed, and location tracking
- Parking and motion detection modes
With crisp video and smart features, the Nextbase 622GW is an excellent high-end choice. Just be prepared to pay for all it offers.
Thinkware U1000
The Thinkware U1000 has a unique design with the front and rear cameras connected by a cord rather than bundled together. This provides more flexible mounting options.
Key features:
- Front camera has 4K UHD video while rear captures 1080p
- Advanced driver assistance warnings and alerts
- Built-in WiFi and Bluetooth
- Night vision mode
- Motion detection parking modes
With its versatile design and premium video quality, the Thinkware U1000 is one of the best high-end dual dash cams available today.
Mid-Range Dual Dash Cams
For those looking for robust dual channel features without the sky-high prices, these mid-range options deliver great value.
Vantrue N4
The Vantrue N4 is a 3 channel dash cam that adds an interior camera in addition to the front and rear cams. All record at a sharp 1440p resolution.
Key features:
- 170 degree field of view on both front and rear cams
- Night vision mode
- 24 hour motion-activated parking monitoring
- Seamless loop recording
- G-sensor locks video files after a collision
With 3 cameras covering all angles and great features for under $200, the Vantrue N4 is an excellent mid-range pick. The interior cam is also handy for Uber drivers and commercial vehicles.
Rove R2-4K
Though affordable, the Rove R2-4K dash cam packs a punch with 4K video capture in the front cam. The rear records at 1080p.
Key features:
- Wide 150 degree viewing angle in both cameras
- Built-in WiFi for wireless connectivity
- High-performing Sony image sensors
- Intuitive smartphone app for easy control
- GPS enabled with embedded data
For under $200, the Rove R2-4K offers superb video quality and features that outshine its price tag.
Garmin Mini 2
Garmin’s Mini 2 is a tiny but capable front and rear dash cam. Both cameras record crisp 1440p video.
Key features:
- Extremely compact and low-profile design
- 140-degree field of view in both cameras
- GPS, speed, and location tracking
- Forward collision and lane departure warnings
- Parking monitoring modes
The Garmin Mini 2 offers premium features in a tiny package. A great dual cam option for those short on space.
Rexing V3
The Rexing V3 offers full HD 1080p recording in both its front and rear cameras. It’s packed with advanced features given its moderate price point.
Key features:
- 170° wide angle lens
- Easy snap-in installation
- Collision detection locks video files
- Parking monitoring modes
- Microphone and speaker for audio
- WiFi connectivity app
For just over $100, the Rexing V3 is one of the most affordable dual cams with full HD recording. Great bang for your buck.
Budget Front and Rear Dash Cams
If you’re looking for a basic affordable dual cam, these options deliver good dual coverage without breaking the bank.
Aukey DR02
For under $100, the Aukey DR02 is one of the most affordable dual cams with HD video. It films 1080p in the front, and 720p from the rear cam.
Key features:
- Wide field of view up to 170°
- Loop recording overwrites old footage
- G-sensor locks video after collision
- Night vision mode
- Small and low-profile design
While the video isn’t 4K, the Aukey DR02 offers great dual-cam coverage at a budget-friendly price.
Yi Dash Cam
Yi makes high-quality budget dash cams, and their dual channel model records 1080p in both cameras.
Key features:
- 165° field of view lens
- Advanced night vision mode
- Built-in WiFi for wireless video transfer
- ADAS safety warnings
- Affordable price under $100
The Yi Dash Cam delivers sharp 1080p footage in both channels for a fraction of competitors’ prices. Great value dual cam.
What To Look For in a Dual Dash Cam
With many models and features to consider, here are some key factors to evaluate when shopping for a dual dash cam:
Video Quality – Look for HD 1080p or higher video resolution in both the front and rear cameras. A higher 4K or 1440p resolution is ideal for the front cam.
Viewing Angle – A wide viewing angle between 160-180 degrees captures more of the road. Ensure the rear cam’s angle suits your vehicle.
Parking Mode – This feature uses motion sensors to monitor your parked car. It’s extremely useful in capturing parking lot accidents, vandals, and theft.
Audio Recording – Built-in microphones record sound inside the car which provides context and evidence for video recordings.
Impact Sensor – G-sensors or impact sensors detect collisions and lock the video file to prevent the footage from being overwritten. This ensures the accident is captured.
GPS – Dash cams with built-in GPS track your driving speed and location. This data is embedded into video files.
Connectivity – WiFi allows you to view, download, and control video from your smartphone. Some cams have LTE connectivity for real-time monitoring.
Size – Ensure the dual cam fits well on your windshield without obstructing your view. Low-profile, compact designs are ideal.
By considering these features, you can find the ideal dual dash camera to fit both your vehicle and budget.
Popular Brands of Dual Dash Cams
Some of the top manufacturers of dual-channel dash cams include:
BlackVue – A leader in dash cams for over a decade, BlackVue is renowned for its sleek designs, advanced parking modes, and Over-the-Cloud connectivity via the BlackVue app.
Garmin– Known for GPS and navigation tech, Garmin’s dual cams excel at accurate vehicle tracking and driver awareness alerts thanks to integrated sensors.
Thinkware– Specializing in smart HD dash cams, Thinkware’s dual models feature advanced driver aids, road safety alerts, and seamless mobile app integration.
Vantrue– Vantrue focuses on premium features at mid-range pricing. Their dual cams have excellent night vision, parking modes, and interior cabin cameras.
Nextbase – Nextbase dash cams are popular for their integrated Alexa voice assistant and easy video sharing. Their dual cams capture superb 4K UHD video.
Rexing– Rexing offers affordable dual cams loaded with features including full HD video, parking monitoring, collision sensors, and WiFi connectivity.
Aukey & Yi– Known for affordable, high-quality tech accessories, Aukey and Yi make budget-friendly dual cams under $100 with great HD video.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need a dual-channel dash cam?
Dual dash cams provide complete 360-degree coverage of your vehicle. The rear cam can prove invaluable if you get rear-ended, capturing license plates and evidence. Parking mode also monitors both the front and back of your parked car when hit and runs occur.
Is rear camera video quality important?
Good HD video from the rear cam provides vital evidence. While the rear camera doesn’t need 4K resolution, 1080p is recommended so license plates and details are legible. Some affordable cams have 720p rear resolution to keep costs down.
Do I need parking mode?
Parking mode is highly recommended since most accidents happen when your car is parked. The dash cam’s motion sensors can detect any bumps or movement when you’re not there to record video. Parking mode can save you huge money and headaches dealing with insurance.
How long do dual dash cam batteries last?
Most dual cams are powered primarily by your car’s 12V outlet and don’t rely much on battery power. Higher-end models have backup batteries that allow 10-30 minutes of recording if power is lost in an accident. Batteries are mostly to save and finalize recordings.
Should I get a dual cam with cabin camera?
An interior-facing camera can provide added coverage to record passengers, conversations, and activity inside the vehicle. Cabin cameras are popular for rideshare drivers, parents, commercial vehicles, and company fleets. They add extra accountability and context to dashcam footage.
Can dual cams be hardwired into my car?
Many dual dash cams have a hardwire kit available or built-in hardwire ports. Hardwiring to your vehicle’s battery or fusebox allows the dash cam to run parking monitoring 24/7. Hardwiring provides constant power that doesn’t drain your battery when the car is off.
Final Thoughts
Adding a secondary rear-facing camera to your dash cam setup provides comprehensive coverage of the roads around your vehicle. Dual channel systems capture crucial evidence from accidents, close calls, vandalism, and more by recording from both inside and outside your car.
While premium dual dash cams have loads of features, mid-range models offer excellent dual coverage at affordable prices. Always check rear camera video resolution and parking mode capabilities when choosing a dual-cam model suited to your budget.
With their comprehensive coverage and lifesaving evidence, dual dash cams provide added protection and peace of mind wherever you travel. Your wallet and insurance agent will thank you!
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