Explore the best dash cams under $250, offering quality recording and essential features without breaking the bank. Find the perfect balance of affordability and reliability for safety on the road.
Are you a first-time driver? A daily commuter? Or simply a budget-conscious shopper? If you are on the lookout for a list of dash cameras where safety meets savings, this 2024 Gift Guide will help you find suitable options for your driving demands! Whether you're shopping for a friend, family member, or yourself, our affordable alternatives provide innovative features without burning a hole in your pocket!
Get total peace of mind on your commutes, record unexpected moments, or have evidence in any incident on the road with our 2024 Dash Cam Gift Guide at $250 or less!
For more recommendations, check out our Best Dash Cams of 2024 guide, updated monthly.
The best dash cam for you isn't the same for everyone, but it's the one that suits your wants and needs. Complete our form below to find the dash cam for you! It will serve as a good starting point in your research.
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Advanced Energy Saving and Smart Parking Modes | Built-in Bluetooth for Pairing
Meet the tiniest Thinkware to date. Measuring only 3.23 x 1.3 x 1.35 inches, the Thinkware F70 Pro is a reliable option for discreet and easy installations. Despite its size, this full HD dash cam is equipped with the latest Thinkware advancements such as Wi-Fi, built-in Bluetooth for pairing, advanced parking modes, and safety alerts to keep you protected on the go.
Similar to the Thinkware U3000, the Thinkware F70 Pro is designed with built-in Bluetooth that enables you to connect your compatible Android or iOS device in a matter of seconds to effortlessly replay your latest driving videos and manage your dash cam’s settings.
Sony STARVIS 2 | Voice Controls | Dual-band Wi-Fi and GPS
On top of the list is VIOFO’s most-awaited 2K dash cam of 2023, the all-new A119 Mini 2. This upgraded version of the A119 Mini 2 is the industry’s first 2K QHD dash cam to sport the latest Sony STARVIS 2 IMX 675 sensor.
Even if it’s only as tiny as a car key, don’t underestimate its power and quality! Aside from built-in GPS, dual-band 2.4Ghz/5GHz Wi-Fi, and Parking Mode, the VIOFO A119 Mini 2 now also has Smart Voice Controls! With this, you can speak to your dash cam to perform a variety of operations, without keeping you distracted while driving – truly built for a safe drive!
Offering all essential features in a dash cam, top-tier image quality, all in a compact size and affordable price? The VIOFO A119 Mini 2, it’s our go-to.
Reddit Favorite | Excellent 2K QHD Video Quality
The VIOFO A119 V3 is the all-time Reddit-favorite and the #1 recommended dash cam by experts like TechRadar, DashCamTalk, Forbes, PC World, Vortex Radar, Car Cam Central, just to name a few.
The VIOFO A119 V3 is a 2K QHD dash cam with many resolutions to choose from, including the ultrawide 21:9 2560x1080p resolution, making it an excellent choice for road trips and scenic drives. It also comes with buffered parking recording, giving you 15 seconds before and 30 seconds after an impact for a more comprehensive account of the incident. One thing though, the VIOFO A119 V3 doesn’t come with built-in WiFi, so you won’t be able to pair it with a mobile app viewer.
Sony STARVIS 2 | Voice Controls | Dual-band Wi-Fi and GPS | iF Design Award Winner 2024
Meet the VIOFO VS1, with a tiny design, Equipped with a new Sony STARVIS 2 IMX675 sensor, Super Night Vision 2.0, Dual-Band Wi-Fi, Parking Mode, HDR, and Intelligent Voice Controls, and an included 32GB SD card, the VS1 Mini truly speaks and performs more than its compact size.
It's no surprise to us that the VIOFO VS1 Mini's design is iF Design award winning, with it's highly rotatable mount, miniature size, and top-tier image quality, this camera allows for the most creative camera positioning possibilities yet. Capable of being your first front-only camera, or adding onto any existing setup to cover specific angles, the VIOFO VS1 Mini is sure to change how we see Dash cams.
Full HD Dash Cam | Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | 10-inch LCD Screen | Back-up Camera
Welcome the surprise underdog of the year! More than just a 10-inch CarPlay & Android Auto Display, the all-new BlackboxMyCar SmartDrive is also equipped with a built-in full HD front dash cam that records the road ahead, and a backup camera to help you park and reverse with confidence.
Compatible with all vehicle models – even the old ones without Bluetooth or CarPlay systems – the BlackboxMyCar 10" SmartDrive CarPlay & Android Auto Display with built-in dash cam interacts seamlessly with your smartphone, giving access to full mapping data through Google Maps, hands-free messaging and calls, and compatibility with your favourite music streaming sources such as Spotify, and Apple Music.
Installation is also a breeze, as it comes with a Type C Power Supply Interface that efficiently connects to your car's cigarette lighter adapter. No complicated wiring or technical expertise required – simply plug it in, and enjoy the entertainment and dash cam advantages on the go! Also comes with a free 64 GB micro SD card.
Designed for families who prioritize safety and value, this bundle ensures that every vehicle in your household has top-notch surveillance technology. Each model comes included with everything needed to get setup, bundled together at a discounted price.
There’s nothing better than keeping your special someone safe and protected. Thanks to our trusty dash cams, you don’t just provide your car, the driver, and the passenger's security – you also give them peace of mind and safety, which is truly priceless.
Looking for more options? Our complete BlackboxMyCar Dash Cam Gift Guide is now available! The Best Gifts Under $250 is a perfect place to look for dash cams with more affordable options than the selections above, and the Best Gifts Under $500 is a must if you're looking for the most premium picks for maximum travel protection!
In the end, though, you’re not just buying another stylish car gadget, you’re buying a solution to a problem we all face - mystery scratches and dents - so can you really put a price on knowing what happened to your car after a long day on the course or the console? Yes, you can. Let us know how we can help!
