Best Dash Cams Under $100 (2026) — Tested & Ranked
Quick Comparison: Our Top Picks
| Model | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 🥇 Viofo A119 Mini 2 | Overall best dash cam under $100 | ★★★★★ |
| 🥈 Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 | Most compact dash cam | ★★★★½ |
| 🥉 Rexing V1 | Best budget dash cam | ★★★★ |
Viofo A119 Mini 2
Viofo is the dash cam brand recommended by enthusiasts, and the A119 Mini 2 shows why. 2K QHD resolution captures license plates clearly, the Sony STARVIS 2 sensor excels in low light, and the compact design hides behind your rearview mirror.
Our tester ran it for 3 months continuously. The 2K footage was crisp day and night. The GPS module logs speed and location. Loop recording overwrites the oldest footage automatically. At ~$90, it delivers flagship features at a budget price. Parking mode included.
Key Specs
- Resolution: 2K QHD (2560x1440)
- Sensor: Sony STARVIS 2
- GPS: Built-in
- Storage: MicroSD (up to 512GB)
Pros
- 2K resolution captures license plates
- Excellent night vision (Sony STARVIS 2)
- Compact, hidden design
Cons
- No rear camera (front only)
- MicroSD card not included
- App interface could be better
Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2
The Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 is tiny — about the size of a car key fob. It hides completely behind your mirror. 1080p video with HDR, voice control, and cloud storage via the Garmin Drive app. Incident detection saves footage automatically when it senses a collision.
Our tester forgot it was there after installation. That is the point. The Garmin app streams live footage to your phone and sends alerts if your parked car is bumped. At ~$100, you pay a slight premium for the Garmin ecosystem, but the convenience is worth it.
Key Specs
- Resolution: 1080p with HDR
- Size: Tiny (key fob sized)
- Cloud: Garmin Drive app + cloud storage
- Voice Control: Yes
Pros
- Incredibly tiny and discreet
- Cloud storage and live streaming
- Garmin brand reliability
Cons
- 1080p only (not 2K or 4K)
- Requires subscription for full cloud features
- On the edge of $100 budget
Rexing V1
At ~$50, the Rexing V1 is the most affordable quality dash cam. 1080p recording, 170-degree wide-angle lens, G-sensor for impact detection, and loop recording. It is a no-frills cam that does the basics well.
Our tester used it as a set-and-forget cam for daily commuting. Video quality is adequate for insurance claims. The wide-angle lens captures multiple lanes. The discreet design blends in. At this price, there is no reason not to have a dash cam.
Key Specs
- Resolution: 1080p Full HD
- Lens: 170-degree wide angle
- G-Sensor: Impact detection
- Price: ~$50
Pros
- Under $50 with all essential features
- 170-degree wide angle
- Discreet wedge design
Cons
- 1080p only, no 2K/4K
- No GPS module
- Night video is just adequate
Frequently Asked Questions
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