If you are looking for dashboard camera for your car and one that would fit your budget, then check out dash cams best buy under $50! These can easily be voted as the best 1080P dash cams under $50. If you are familiar with dash cams, then you’ll see some familiar names and some not so familiar names but you’ll get quality for your money nonetheless.
These compact devices provide peace of mind and can serve as crucial evidence in case of accidents or disputes. While high-end dash cams can be quite expensive, several excellent options are available for budget-conscious consumers.
This comprehensive guide explores the best dash cams you can buy for under $50, offering a perfect balance of quality and affordability. We’ll dive into the key features that make these budget-friendly options stand out and how they can significantly enhance your driving experience.
What to Look for in a Budget Dash Cam
When shopping for a dash cam in the under $50 range, it’s important to focus on the essential features that provide the most value. Here are the key factors to consider:
Video Quality
Even at this price point, you can find dash cams that offer 1080p Full HD or even 2K resolution. Higher resolution means clearer, more detailed footage, which can be crucial when identifying license plates or other important details.
Field of View
A wide-angle lens captures more of the road and surrounding areas. Look for dash cams with at least a 140° field of view, though some models offer up to 170°.
Night Vision Capabilities
Since many accidents occur at night or in low-light conditions, good night vision performance is essential. Some budget dash cams include infrared LEDs or enhanced low-light sensors for better nighttime recording.
Storage Options
Most dash cams use microSD cards for storage. Check the most supported card size and whether a card is included in the package.
Loop recording is a standard feature that overwrites the oldest footage when the card is full.
Additional Features
While you may not get all the bells and whistles of premium models, some budget dash cams offer impressive extras like Wi-Fi connectivity, parking mode, or even dual-channel recording (front and rear cameras).
Top Picks for Dash Cams Under $50
1. KINGSLIM E2PRO Dual Dash Cam
The KINGSLIM E2PRO leads our list with its impressive dual-channel setup and feature-rich package. It’s Amazon’s Choice in the under $50 range.
Key Features:
- 2K 1440P front camera and 1080P rear camera
- Wide-angle coverage (170° front, 150° rear)
- Built-in Wi-Fi for easy app control
- Compact 1.47-inch LCD screen
- Loop recording and G-sensor for emergency events
The E2PRO’s standout feature is undoubtedly its dual-camera setup. This allows you to capture footage from both the front and rear of your vehicle, providing comprehensive coverage that can be invaluable in the event of an accident.
The front camera’s 2K resolution confirms crisp, clear footage, while the 1080P rear camera doesn’t lag far behind in terms of quality.
The wide-angle lenses on both cameras are another significant advantage. With a 170° field of view on the front camera and 150° on the rear, you’re unlikely to miss any important details happening around your vehicle.
This expansive coverage can be particularly useful in busy urban environments or on multi-lane highways.
One of the E2PRO’s more advanced features is its built-in Wi-Fi capability. This allows you to connect the dash cam to your smartphone via a dedicated app, making it easy to view and download footage without having to remove the SD card.
It’s a convenience that you don’t often see in this price range.
The compact 1.47-inch LCD screen might seem small, but it’s perfectly adequate for quick playback and menu navigation. Its size also means that the dash cam won’t obstruct your view while driving, which is an important safety consideration.
Loop recording and G-sensor functionality are standard features in most dash cams, but they’re still worth mentioning. Loop recording confirms that your dash cam never stops recording by overwriting the oldest footage when the SD card is full.
The G-sensor, on the other hand, automatically detects sudden movements (like those caused by an impact) and locks the current recording to prevent it from being overwritten.
While the E2PRO offers impressive performance, it’s not without its drawbacks. Some users have reported that the app can be a bit finicky, and the instruction manual could be clearer.
However, these are minor quibbles considering the overall value this dash cam provides.
Also See:
2. AZDOME M01 Pro Dual Dash Cam
The AZDOME M01 Pro is another dual-channel dash cam that offers a compelling mix of features and user-friendliness.
Key Features:
- 1080P Full HD front and rear cameras
- 3-inch 2.5D IPS screen for clear viewing
- ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems)
- Fatigue driving reminder
- 24-hour parking mode
- Includes a 64GB SD card
The M01 Pro’s dual 1080P cameras provide excellent video quality for both front and rear views. While not quite as high-resolution as the KINGSLIM E2PRO’s front camera, the footage is still clear and detailed enough for most purposes.
One of the standout features of the M01 Pro is its large 3-inch IPS screen. This makes it much easier to review footage on the device itself, and the 2.5D curved glass adds a touch of elegance to the design.
Where the M01 Pro really shines is in its advanced features. The inclusion of ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) is particularly impressive at this price point.
This system can provide lane departure warnings and forward collision alerts, potentially helping to prevent accidents before they occur.
The fatigue driving reminder is another thoughtful addition. On long drives, it’s easy to lose focus, and this feature can provide a crucial prompt to take a break when needed.
The 24-hour parking mode is a valuable feature for those who often park in public spaces. When activated, the dash cam will start recording if it detects motion or impact while your car is parked, potentially catching hit-and-run incidents or attempted break-ins.
Perhaps the most appealing aspect of the M01 Pro package is the inclusion of a 64GB SD card. This saves you the extra expense and hassle of purchasing storage separately, allowing you to start using your dash cam right out of the box.
However, it’s worth noting that some users have reported occasional firmware issues with the M01 Pro. While these can usually be resolved with updates, it’s something to be aware of if you’re not particularly tech-savvy.
3. KAWA D6 2K Wi-Fi Dash Cam
For those who prioritize video quality and night vision capabilities, the KAWA D6 is an excellent contender in the under $50 category.
Key Features:
- 2K 1440P resolution
- 145° wide-angle lens
- Starlight color night vision
- Voice control for hands-free operation
- Wi-Fi connectivity with smartphone app
- Supports up to 256GB SD card
The D6’s standout feature is undoubtedly its 2K resolution. This higher pixel count results in sharper, more detailed footage that can be crucial when trying to make out license plates or other small details in the event of an incident.
While the 145° wide-angle lens doesn’t quite match the coverage of some other models on this list, it still provides a comprehensive view of the road ahead. For most drivers, this field of view will be more than enough.
Where the D6 really shines is in its night vision capabilities. The Starlight color night vision technology allows the camera to capture clear, color footage even in low-light conditions.
This can be a game-changer for those who often drive at night or in poorly lit areas.
The inclusion of voice control is another feature that sets the D6 apart from many of its competitors in this price range. This allows you to operate the dash cam hands-free, enhancing safety by reducing distractions while driving.
Like some other models on this list, the D6 offers Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to easily transfer and view footage on your smartphone. The companion app is generally well-regarded, though as with any tech product, some users may experience occasional connectivity issues.
The D6’s support for SD cards up to 256GB is particularly noteworthy. This allows for extended recording times, which can be especially useful for long trips or for those who prefer to keep a longer record of their driving history.
However, it’s worth noting that the D6 is a single-channel dash cam, meaning it only records from the front of your vehicle. If you’re looking for rear coverage as well, you might want to consider one of the dual-channel options on this list.
4. Orskey S800 Dual Dash Cam
The Orskey S800 is another dual-channel option that offers a robust set of features at an affordable price point.
Key Features:
- 1080P Full HD front and rear cameras
- 170° wide-angle front lens
- 3-inch LCD display
- Enhanced night vision with 6 infrared LEDs
- G-sensor for automatic incident recording
- Loop recording
The S800’s dual 1080P cameras provide clear, high-quality footage from both the front and rear of your vehicle. While not as high-resolution as some of the 2K options on this list, the video quality is more than adequate for most purposes.
The 170° wide-angle front lens is particularly impressive, offering one of the widest fields of view among the dash cams in this price range. This confirms that you capture a comprehensive view of the road ahead, including adjacent lanes and sidewalks.
The 3-inch LCD display is a nice touch, making it easy to review footage and adjust settings directly on the device. It’s large enough to be useful without being so big that it becomes a distraction while driving.
One of the S800’s standout features is its enhanced night vision capabilities. The six infrared LEDs help to illuminate the road ahead in low-light conditions, ensuring that you capture clear footage even when driving at night.
Like most dash cams, the S800 includes a G-sensor for automatic incident recording. This feature confirms that footage of any sudden movements or impacts is automatically saved and protected from being overwritten.
The loop recording feature is also standard but essential, allowing the dash cam to continuously record by overwriting the oldest footage when the SD card is full.
While the S800 offers a great balance of features, some users have reported that the companion app can be a bit unreliable. Additionally, the rear camera’s field of view is narrower than the front camera’s, which might be a consideration for some users.
5. OVAMAN K400 2K Wi-Fi Dash Cam
Rounding out our list is the OVAMAN K400, a compact single-channel dash cam that packs a surprising number of features into its small frame.
Key Features:
- 2K 1440P resolution with 170° wide-angle lens
- Built-in 2.4G Wi-Fi for app control
- Compact design with 1.47-inch IPS screen
- 24-hour parking mode (with extra hardwire kit)
- Includes 32GB SD card
- Supports up to 128GB storage
The K400’s 2K resolution is impressive for a dash cam in this price range, providing crisp, detailed footage that can be crucial in the event of an incident. The 170° wide-angle lens confirms that you capture a comprehensive view of the road ahead.
Despite its high-resolution camera, the K400 maintains a compact design with a small 1.47-inch IPS screen. This makes it easy to install discreetly, ensuring it doesn’t obstruct your view while driving.
The built-in Wi-Fi is a convenient feature, allowing you to easily connect the dash cam to your smartphone for viewing and downloading footage. The companion app is generally well-regarded, though as with any tech product, some users may experience occasional connectivity issues.
The K400 offers a 24-hour parking mode, but it’s worth noting that this needs an extra hardwire kit. If you often park in public spaces and are concerned about potential incidents while your car is unattended, this could be a worthwhile investment.
One of the most appealing aspects of the K400 package is the inclusion of a 32GB SD card. This allows you to start using your dash cam right out of the box without the need for an extra purchase.
While the K400 supports SD cards up to 128GB, this is less than some other models on this list. However, for most users, this should still provide plenty of storage capacity.
Remember that the K400 is a single-channel dash cam, so if you’re looking for rear coverage as well, you might want to consider one of the dual-channel options on this list.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best dash cam for under $50?
The best dash cam under $50 depends on your specific needs, but the KINGSLIM E2PRO and AZDOME M01 Pro are excellent dual-channel options, while the KAWA D6 offers impressive video quality for a single-channel camera.
Do cheap dash cams work well?
Many budget-friendly dash cams offer surprisingly good performance. While they may lack some advanced features of more expensive models, they can still provide clear footage and basic functionality for everyday use.
How long do dash cam recordings last?
The length of dash cam recordings depends on the storage capacity and video quality settings. With a 32GB card, you can typically record 3-4 hours of 1080p footage before the oldest files are overwritten.
Can dash cams record when the car is off?
Some dash cams offer parking mode, which allows recording when the car is off. However, this usually needs hardwiring the camera to the car’s battery or using an external battery pack.
Are dash cams worth it for insurance?
Dash cams can be valuable for insurance claims by providing clear evidence in case of accidents or disputes. Many insurance companies offer discounts for drivers who use dash cams.
How do I choose a dash cam?
When choosing a dash cam, consider factors like video quality, field of view, storage capacity, extra features (like Wi-Fi or parking mode), and your budget. Read reviews and compare multiple options before making a decision.
Can dash cams be used as evidence?
Dash cam footage is generally admissible as evidence in legal proceedings, but the specific rules can vary by jurisdiction. The footage can be particularly useful for insurance claims and police reports.
Do dash cams record sound?
Many dash cams have the capability to record sound, but this feature can often be turned off if desired. Be aware of local laws regarding audio recording in your area.
How often should I replace my dash cam?
The lifespan of a dash cam can vary, but most should last 3-5 years with proper care. Consider upgrading if you notice a decline in video quality or if new models offer significantly better features.
Can dash cams improve driving behavior?
Some drivers find that having a dash cam encourages more cautious driving. Additionally, some advanced dash cams offer features like lane departure warnings or forward collision alerts that can help improve driving safety.
Key Takeaways
- Budget-friendly dash cams under $50 can offer impressive features like 2K resolution, wide-angle lenses, and even dual-channel recording.
- Consider your specific needs when choosing a dash cam. If you often drive at night, prioritize models with good low-light performance.
- If you want comprehensive coverage, look for dual-channel options.
- Additional features like Wi-Fi connectivity, parking mode, and voice control can enhance the usability of your dash cam, but may come at the cost of other features in this price range.
- Proper installation and regular maintenance are crucial for getting the most out of your dash cam.
- Be aware of legal considerations, including privacy laws and windshield obstruction regulations in your area.
- While budget dash cams offer great value, they may have some limitations compared to more expensive models. Be prepared for potential issues with app connectivity or firmware updates.
- Any of the options on this list can provide an extra layer of security and peace of mind on the road, making them a worthwhile investment for many drivers.
