Best Dash Cams in Canada 2023: Reliable Witness on the Road

Dash cams can be an easy way to uphold your rights and prove your innocence in various situations, but selecting a good fit isn’t always as easy. We understand how overwhelming it can be to start the search, especially if you don’t know what to look for.

To simplify the process and send you in the right direction, we did the hard work for you. Our team is experienced in all sorts of home products, from comfy mattresses for more restful sleep to powerful heat pumps to keep your home perfectly toasty in winter’s biting cold. We’ve developed rigorous methods to ensure we weed out the sub-par options and list the best options available.

Each pick in our list is based on our own findings. The process starts with a general search for highly-rated, top-of-the-line products. We combine this with extensive research, going a step further to eliminate various models and hand-select outstanding options. At this point, we bring our findings to you by creating a comprehensive list of options and why we picked them.

As we searched for the best dash cams in Canada, we focused on a few notable aspects, including the following:

• Field of view: Different vehicles require varying fields of view, so we included several options in our list to accommodate multiple vehicle types and preferences.
• Number of cameras: Some Canadians might be content with a single camera, while others may want 360-degree protection. We selected a few options to ensure there’s something for everyone.
• Camera resolution: High-quality footage is a key marker separating the best dash cams from their less-than-stellar counterparts. We looked for models with high resolutions and high-quality footage to ensure your camera can capture quality footage at any time of day or night and in nearly any weather conditions.
• Power source: While many dash cams pull power via the cigarette lighter in your vehicle, some vehicles might not have them. We looked for models compatible with multiple power sources to ensure we covered numerous bases.

Why Choose A Dash Cam in Canada?

Dash cams are useful for drivers everywhere, across Canada and throughout many nations worldwide. They serve as a security blanket by capturing evidence, whether you’re actively driving or your car is parked for the night. This footage makes an appearance in many car accident court cases and can serve as vital evidence that backs your statements.

While it can be helpful in an accident you cause, it can also prove your innocence in a case of insurance fraud. Some drivers on the road deliberately cause accidents to extort money from the alleged victim or insurance company. The footage can be the turning point in proving your innocence against the fraudulent charges.

The footage that these cameras capture can also be helpful for determining what caused damage to your car. For example, you might wake up to a smashed-in window or slashed tires one morning. If the angle is wide enough, your camera may capture the perpetrators, allowing you to pursue justice.

Additionally, dash cams can provide assurance for driving instructors and stressed parents, as many models feature built-in GPS devices, speed records, and driving history. If you’re concerned about your child’s ability to drive safely, the dash cam can serve as a way to ensure your child is driving safely.

Factors to Look for in a Dash Cam in Canada

Selecting a dash cam in Canada isn’t as simple as a quick grab-and-go. Instead, you’ll want to consider multiple aspects to ensure your dashcam performs in line with your expectations. Here are a few factors to help you choose the best option.

Field of View

The field of view is one of the most important factors to pay attention to in a dashcam. The best dash cams have a field of view between 130 and 160 degrees, as this captures a wide range of action around your vehicle.

If you go any lower, the footage may cut off the front sides of your vehicle around the fender area. Conversely, if you go too much higher, the footage may be distorted and result in poorer quality around the edges of the frame.

We recommend considering your vehicle type as you search for the best option. If you’re putting the dashcam in a compact car, you can err on the lower side of the specified range. Conversely, selecting a broader field of view is best if you plan to use the device in a larger vehicle, such as a truck or van.

Quality

Camera quality is another crucial consideration for Canadians seeking the best dash cam. You’ll want your dashcam to capture high-quality details, so a higher resolution is usually necessary. Generally, selecting a Full HD 1080p camera is best, but slightly lower resolutions will work too.

It’s best not to go much lower than this, though, as low-resolution footage can be tricky to understand and use. If you want the best of the best, select a high-quality 4K camera, as these are the cream of the crop, capturing excellent-quality footage.

Aside from this factor, you’ll want to ensure you select a camera that performs well in all conditions. While sunny days create perfect recording conditions, Canadian seasons don’t always bless drivers with such beautiful days.

Select a camera that can record well when it’s raining, snowing, at night, and in low light, as this will ensure the footage your device captures is usable.

Number of Cameras

Many standard dash cams feature a single camera aimed forward to capture what is in front of your vehicle. However, this coverage may not be sufficient for all drivers. Some Canadians may prefer extra protection via multiple cameras, such as front-facing and cabin-facing cameras.

Some dash cams go above and beyond, featuring four camera angles for a complete 360-degree view of your vehicle and its surroundings. This option is often ideal for rental cars and services, such as private vehicles the owner rents out or those used for rideshare services like Uber and Lyft.

The extra camera angles capture activities within the vehicle, protecting the owner or driver against the actions of the passengers or renters.

Multiple angles can also be suitable for truckers who want well-rounded protection, as the cameras can monitor their vehicle, belongings, and surroundings while working and sleeping.

Audio Recording

Although most people don’t consider audio recordings when considering a dashcam, it’s actually a worthwhile function. This way, the system can pick up environmental sounds, which can help understand events and conversations taking place beyond the camera’s line of sight.

While this feature isn’t a must-have, it can be a useful addition in various situations. For example, if you get pulled over and are unlawfully requested to complete a task, your dashcam can serve as vital evidence. The same applies to accusations from passengers or other drivers involved in an accident.

Mounting

Consider how you want to mount your dashcam. Most dash cams available today attach to your windshield, adhering to the inside of the glass with a suction cup. Other models connect to different places in your car, such as the dash.

Window-mounted models are usually the best, as they don’t interfere with your line of sight or block essential controls. However, you’ll want to select a model that is capable of taking on rough roads, as some suction cups may not be strong enough to remain securely fixed to the glass.

Storage Capacity

Pay attention to the storage capacity the dash cam offers. You’ll want something with plenty of storage to avoid frequent SD card reformatting or changes. Since most dash cams don’t have internal memory, you’ll need to swap out SD cards periodically to ensure each recording is safely stored.

The capacity is particularly important for Canadians who choose high-resolution dash cams, as these cameras require a considerable amount of space. If you select a camera with a lower resolution, you won’t need as much space, but it’s still important to choose a model with a good-sized capacity.

Generally, you can choose from a range of compatible SD cards, as most dash cams work with various brands. Ensure you select a compatible option, as some dash cams don’t support specific SD cards.

When selecting an SD card to capture your adventures, ensure you choose one from a reputable brand. Poor-quality cards may fail when you need them the most, rendering the camera useless. So, select a good-quality option to give your dashcam the best chance of capturing everything you need it to.

Additionally, look for an option that writes over the oldest recordings automatically. If you don’t, you’ll have to reformat the memory card as it fills up, which can be time-consuming.