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A front and rear dash cam records what happens ahead and behind – useful evidence for insurance claims, rear-end collisions and parking incidents.
We compared dash cams sold in the UK on video quality, night recording, parking mode and ease of installation.
Quick comparison
| Product | Best for | Typical UK price |
|---|---|---|
| VIOFO A229 Plus Front and Rear | Best overall | £150–£200 |
| Nextbase 622GW | Best features | £180–£260 |
| Vantrue N4 3-Channel Dash Cam | Best three-channel | £180–£240 |
| Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3 | Most discreet | £100–£140 |
The 4 best picks
1. VIOFO A229 Plus Front and Rear – Best overall
Sharp front and rear footage with good night video. Sharp front and rear footage at a fair price.
Why we like it:
- Front + rear
- Good night video
- Parking mode
Watch out for:
- Hardwiring for parking
Key specs: Channels: 2.
Buy it if you want front and rear recording. Skip it if you want a screen-heavy unit. Typical UK price: £150–£200.
👉 Check the price of the VIOFO A229 Plus Front and Rear on Amazon.co.uk
2. Nextbase 622GW – Best features
4K front camera with stabilisation and optional rear module. 4K with image stabilisation.
Why we like it:
- 4K
- Stabilisation
- Emergency SOS
Watch out for:
- Pricey
- Bulky
Key specs: Resolution: 4K; GPS: Yes.
Buy it if you want a top dash cam. Skip it if you want discreet. Typical UK price: £180–£260.
👉 Check the price of the Nextbase 622GW on Amazon.co.uk
3. Vantrue N4 3-Channel Dash Cam – Best three-channel
Front, cabin and rear – ideal for taxis. Front, cabin and rear cameras.
Why we like it:
- Three cameras
- Parking mode
- Night vision
Watch out for:
- Complex wiring
Key specs: Channels: 3; Resolution: 4K front.
Buy it if you want three cameras. Skip it if you want simple install. Typical UK price: £180–£240.
👉 Check the price of the Vantrue N4 3-Channel Dash Cam on Amazon.co.uk
4. Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3 – Most discreet
Tiny front camera; pair two for front and rear. Tiny key-sized camera.
Why we like it:
- Tiny
- Easy
- Good app
Watch out for:
- No screen
Key specs: Resolution: 1080p; GPS: No.
Buy it if you want discreet. Skip it if you want a screen. Typical UK price: £100–£140.
👉 Check the price of the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3 on Amazon.co.uk
How to choose the right one
Parking mode
Parking mode records bumps while the car is off but needs hardwiring to the fuse box or a dedicated battery pack.
Night video and GPS
Good night video helps read number plates. GPS adds speed and location to footage, useful for claims.
Installing a front and rear dash cam
Mount the front camera behind the rear-view mirror so it does not block your view. Route the cable along the headliner and down the A-pillar, avoiding airbags. The rear camera usually goes at the top of the rear window, with the cable run along the headliner. For parking mode, a hardwire kit connects to the fuse box – a garage can fit this if you are unsure.
Memory cards
Use a high-endurance microSD card designed for constant recording, and format it every few weeks. A 64–128 GB card stores plenty of front and rear footage before looping.
Saving footage after an incident
Most dash cams lock footage automatically when they detect an impact. Download it promptly and keep a copy before submitting it to your insurer or police.
Do you need 4K?
A sharp 1440p or 4K front camera helps read number plates further away, but good night performance matters as much as resolution.
Privacy and sharing footage
If you share footage online, blur faces and number plates of people not involved. For insurance or police use, send the original files without editing.
Buying tips for UK shoppers
Some UK insurers offer dash cam discounts, and footage can be submitted to police through national dash cam portals. Mount the camera where it does not block your view.
How we chose these products
We compared manufacturer specifications, UK warranty terms, running costs and typical UK prices, and only included products that are widely available from UK retailers. Our picks are based on this research, not on lab tests we have not carried out. Read our editorial guidelines to see how we work.
Frequently asked questions
Are dash cams legal in the UK?
Yes, if mounted without obstructing your view.
Do I need a rear camera?
It is very useful for rear-end collisions.
Can dash cams reduce insurance?
Some insurers offer discounts – ask yours.
Our verdict
The VIOFO A229 Plus is the best front and rear dash cam for most drivers; choose Nextbase for features or Vantrue for three cameras.