Imagine this: you’re driving, and suddenly, something unexpected happens right in front of your car. Do you have proof of what really occurred? A dash cam is your silent witness on the road, capturing every detail of your journeys. But let’s be honest, the world of dash cams can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to keep your budget under that magical $100 mark.
Finding a reliable dash cam without breaking the bank is a real challenge. You worry about blurry footage, short battery life, or features that simply don’t work when you need them most. Many cheap options promise the world but deliver poor performance when it counts. You want peace of mind, not another gadget that fails.
This post cuts through the noise. We have researched and tested the best budget-friendly dash cams available right now. You will learn exactly which models offer the best video quality, durability, and essential features—all while staying firmly under a hundred dollars. Get ready to find your perfect road guardian!
Top Dash Cam For Under $100 Recommendations
- TRIPLE DASH CAM: This 3 channel dash camera features with a 170 wide-angle front camera + 150°Cabin + 150° waterproof rear camera, reduce visual blind areas. The Screen made by IPS panel, It allows you to see a clear picture at any angle without any blurring.
- G-SENSOR & PARKING MONITOR: SUVCON dash camera for cars built in G-sensor, which will activate emergency recording and lock the recorded videos when it detects sudden shakes or collisions while your car is stationary.
- LOOP RECORDING: Car camera loop recording function makes the newly recorded video will automatically overwrite the oldest video when storage limit reached, the video can be recorded in 1, 3 minute intervals. Car dash cam is already equipped with a 32GB SD card, you do not need to buy this card additionally.
- SUPERIOR WDR TECHNOLOGY & CLEARER NIGHT VISION : The interior facing car dash cam design with 4 infrared LED lights, which can accurately capture important footage clearly under low light conditions. The superior HDR technology allows the camera to perform optimally in any lighting situation by adjusting the exposure to create balanced images and footage.
- EASY INSTALLATION AND OPERATION: Dash camera is plug and play, very convenient. Simple to mount the 3 channel dash camera on the windshield which makes for an overall straightforward installation process. Easy to understand display and friendly key settings make it easy for you to use.
- 【NOTE】The dash cam has a screen saver function, the screen will close at a fixed time, to prevent being too bright and influencing driving, but it won't affect recording even when the screen is closed. If you don't like the function, you can close it on the settings.
- 【2.5K front and rear dash cam】The E-YEEGER S50 front and rear dash cam features a front 2560*1440P camera and a rear 1080P camera, offering resolution more than twice that of standard 1080P. With ultra-wide angle shooting from both front and rear cameras, it ensures comprehensive coverage for your journey.
- 【Starlight night vision sensor】The front and rear dash cameras excel in low-light conditions thanks to the starlight night vision sensor and a 170°ultra-wide angle 6-layer glass lens, ensuring clear and detailed footage even in difficult lighting environments.
- 【Loop Recording & G-sensor】The latest videos will automatically overwrite the oldest recordings to prevent the SD card from being full. In case of collision or sudden braking during driving, the E-YEEGER S50 front and rear dash camera will trigger the G-sensor to automatically lock the current accident video to prevent the video from being overwritten.
- 【24-hour Parking Monitor】After installing the V5F three-core step-down line, the S50 dash cam will realize a 24-hour recording monitor.
- 【1296P QHD & 130° Wide-Angle FOV】Equipped with a 3-megapixel camera, the 70mai dash cam M310 records in 2304 x 1296P HD high resolution, featuring almost 1.5 times clearer than the standard 1080P dash cams. The dash cam front can easily capture license plates, road signs, and other critical details on the road. With 130° wide-angle FOV, this dash cam enables you to monitor more lanes with fewer blind spots
- 【3D Noise Reduction & WDR Technology】The 3D Noise Reduction algorithm removes unwanted pixels in the image and the WDR (Wide Dynamic Range) technology helps balance exposure level. Even in the low-light conditions, the 70mai Dash Cam M310 solidly provides you extremely clear and smooth image quality. No worries about losing important moments when driving in the tunnel, or under other undesirable lightings
- 【Parking Monitoring & Built-in G-Sensor】Equipped with a built-in G-sensor,the dash cam detects sudden shakes or collisions around your vehicle,even when you’re away.It provides reliable 24-hour parking surveillance by automatically starting to record and capturing any potential incidents.You’ll receive a voice alert when the dash cam is turned back on (Kind Reminder: The 70mai Hardwire Kit UP03 is required for parking surveillance mode and is sold separately,ASIN:B09TDZ6FWZ)
- 【Time-lapse Recording】By compressing every 30 mins of footage into 1 min, your M310 enables long-term continuous recording at one frame per second while the car is parked. Hours-long surveillance video can be played back in minutes and catch crucial events quickly (Kind Reminder: The 70mai Hardwire Kit UP03 is required for time-lapse, and is sold separately, ASIN:B09TDZ6FWZ)
- 【Loop Recording & Evidence Protection】The dash cam automatically overwrites the oldest footage with the newest, ensuring continuous recording. However, upon detecting a collision, it locks the current video and stores it separately in the"Emergency Video" folder, safeguarding crucial evidence
- 【Unmatched Clarity with 1296P HD Resolution】Experience the road like never before with the Veement V300 1296P car dash cam. Capturing ultra-clear footage at 2304*1296@30FPS, this dash camera for cars ensures every detail is preserved with exceptional clarity, offering comprehensive coverage both day and night.
- 【Superior Night Vision & Expansive View】Veement V300 hidden dash cam for cars features a starlight-level sensor, F=1.7 large aperture, and a 170° ultra-wide lens, allowing it to capture clear, detailed video even in low-light environments. With six-layer glass lens technology, this dashcam enhances your night driving security, ensuring no detail is overlooked.
- 【Advanced Safety Engineering】Designed with your safety in mind, Veement V300 mini dash cam incorporates an RTC circuit and eliminates traditional lithium batteries to prevent overheating. This dedication to safety guarantees reliable performance under various conditions, requiring only a continuous USB-C power supply.
- 【Seamless Connectivity & Easy Operation】Utilize the built-in WIFI and exclusive VeeCar APP to effortlessly control your WiFi front dash cam. From real-time previews to straightforward video downloads, edits, and shares, Veement V300 dash camera for cars offers an intuitive interface for managing your driving footage.
- 【Advanced Features for Complete Protection】Take advantage of cutting-edge TS stream technology in this WiFi dashcam for fast and reliable video storage. Supporting up to 256GB SD cards, seamless loop recording, and 24/7 parking mode, Veement V300 car dash cam provides comprehensive security. Its user-friendly operation ensures a seamless experience. (Note: SD card not included, must be purchased separately).
- 【4K + 1080P Dual Recording 】 The OVAMAN K600 front and rear dashcam can simultaneously record video at ultra-high definition 4K (3840*2160P) and 1080P resolution. This dual car camera setup allows you to capture critical details such as license plates, road signs, oncoming pedestrians, and other key elements on the road.
- 【Wide-Angle View & Superior Night Vision】 Equipped with a 170° front facing and 160° rear camera lens, this automobile dash cam covers a wide area around your vehicle. The advanced night vision technology ensures clear footage, to ensure that it can record vivid colors and true clear details in low-light and complex light motion environments, making night driving safer.
- 【Intuitive 3.59" Screen & Easy App system】The 3.59 inch big display provides a clear and convenient interface for reviewing footage. Use the app control with 5G without wires Wi-Fi to phone manage, view, and share your recordings easily and share video instantly, ensuring you never miss a moment.
- 【Built-in GPS and Reliable Parking Surveillance】 That dash cams interior GPS records your vehicles lane drive route, speed, and location, providing vital data in case of an accident. The 24/7 parking mode keeps your car under monitor even when parked, offering peace of mind with continuous protection anti theft. Please note that this feature requires a hardware kit.(ASIN: B0D98CC7L8, not included). Suitable for semi truck, trucks, jeep, van, autos, suv, motorcycle.
- 【Loop Recording & 64GB SD Ram Card】 Our road dashcams never miss a moment with the smart 24 hour loop recording feature, which automatically overwrites the oldest files when storage is full. The included free 64GB SD card ensures you have ample large space to store your footage securely. 💖The included free SD card capacity of the dash cam has been upgraded from 32G to 64g since 5 May 2025, Hope every drive of you with safety and pleasure!💖
- 4K+2K DUAL RECORDING ULTRA SHARP AND EXTRA WIDE VIEW: Adopting f1.5 ultra-large aperture and excellent optics, the 4K Dash Cam front and rear dual lenses are utilized to capture every detail, providing 170°wide-angle coverage for 6-lane road visibility. Enhanced WDR and sharper night vision technology ensures crystal clear images in low light or high contrast conditions (e.g. tunnels, nighttime driving), ideal for accident forensics or scenic travel.
- STABLE CONNECTION WITHOUT DROPOUTS: Dash cam front and rear built-in GPS and upgraded dual-band 5.8ghz/2.4ghz WiFi integration allows real-time video streaming and instant downloads via the app. Built-in GPS logs speed, route, and location data, ideal for fleet management or travel! With always-on 5GHz Wi-Fi, reducing lag during liveview, you can more easily access videos and photos recorded on your phone through "FAIMEE" App, and share travel moments to your family and friends on social media.
- RELIABLE ACCIDENT RECORDING: Seamless recording with no lost frames or missed seconds, even in the event of a power outage; WDR technology and a 170° wide-angle lens eliminates blind spots to an even greater extent. Dash camera for cars with loop recording function for continuous when the card is full retains and presents important evidence when the G-sensor detects a sudden collision. A 64GB memory card is included, and the car dash cam can support up to 256GB for high-capacity storage.
- TIME-LAPSE AND 24H PARKING MONITOR: Dashcam supports time-lapse video recording mode, record continuously for 24 hours at low frame rate and low power consumption, shoots video at one frame per second and automatically triggers a 15-second video recording and locks when your car is parked, providing parking mode protection to monitor for potential damage or theft. Please note that a hardware kit is required (Not Included). Car camera with low voltage protection will not drain the car battery.
- EASY INSTALLATION & 12-MONTH WARRANTY: The 3-inch IPS screen compact dashcam front and rear camera is designed for discreet placement behind the rearview mirror, ensuring an unobstructed view. Its stick-on mount provides a secure fit (Note: If your stick-on mount is deformed, please let us know to get a replacement.). With clear instructions, setup is straightforward for everyone. FAIMEE also provides 24/7 customer support for complete peace of mind.
- 32GB SD Card & 12-Month Warranty: Dash cam for cars built-in a 32GB card, and the camera can use up to 256GB Max. The Ecomoment S70 dash cam is backed by our 12-month warranty. If you ever encounter any issues, simply write to us directly, and we'll respond within 12 hours.
- Super Large 3.16‘’ IPS Display: Ecomoment S70 car dash cam enhances your viewing experience with its 3.16" HD IPS display. Show real-time images, capturing stunning landscapes or documenting essential evidence which helps you see every detail when playing back on the car dashcam.
- Super Night Vision and WDR Technology: Ecomoment Dash Cam' adopts an ultra-large F1.8 aperture and 6 layers lens that increases 60% light intake, and is equipped with WDR (Wide Dynamic Range) technology, achieving super night vision by automatically balancing the exposure in extremely dark scenarios, to ensure clear and sharp footage.
- Loop Recording & G-Sensor: When Ecomoment dash cam storage limit is reached on the memory card, new recordings will automatically overwrite the oldest recordings. Triggered by G-Sensor, it can automatically detect a sudden shake/collision and lock the footage to prevent the video from being overwritten even in loop recording.
- Cigarette Lighter Socket Adaptor: The charging cable that comes with the Ecomoment S70 car dash cam needs to be plugged into the cigarette lighter of your car, please make sure your car has a cigarette lighter socket before purchasing. (The usb-c cable can also supply power for the dashcams)
- 【1080P FHD Front Dash Cam】Diamond Lark dash camera for cars features a 3-inch LCD display screen and 1080P video recording, which can clearly shoot scenes during driving and capture emergencies at any time. In addition, the dashcams for cars with a 170-degree wide-angle lens can minimize blind spots and make the shooting content more comprehensive
- 【Loop Recording】The car camera has a built-in loop recording function. When you enable this function, the old videos in the car security camera will be constantly overwritten with new videos to ensure uninterrupted video recording. Besides, the car dashcam can be set three kinds of video cycle shooting duration: 1 minute, 3 minutes and 5 minutes, which you can set it according to your needs
- 【Collision Lock】 The camera for trucks built-in G-sensor function. It can detect sudden crashes and automatically lock the video being shot to ensure that the video will not be overwritten. You can manually release the locking function later
- 【Parking Guard】 If your car is in a collision while parked, the car dashboard camera will automatically turn on and record a short vide o for 30s without external power supply. If you need to record for longer periods, you will need to purchase hardware kit separately
- 【32GB SD Card Included】 The car dash cam comes with 32GB SD card (installed), so you can use the car video camera as soon as you get it. Note: The camera supports up to 64GB storage, please do not install more than 64GB memory card
Dash Cam Buying Guide: Getting the Best Under $100
Finding a reliable dash cam doesn’t have to empty your wallet. Many great options exist under the $100 mark. This guide helps you choose the best one for your needs.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a budget dash cam, certain features really matter. These features help the camera do its main job: recording your drive clearly.
Video Resolution
- 1080p (Full HD): This is the minimum you should accept. 1080p records clear enough video to see license plates in good daylight.
- Avoid lower resolutions: Cameras offering only 720p often produce blurry footage. Blurry footage is useless when you need proof.
Field of View (FOV)
FOV tells you how wide the camera sees. Look for a lens offering at least 120 degrees. A wider angle captures more of the road, including nearby lanes.
Loop Recording
This feature is essential. Loop recording automatically overwrites the oldest video files when the memory card fills up. You do not need to stop and delete files manually.
G-Sensor (Impact Detection)
A G-Sensor detects sudden stops or impacts (like an accident). When triggered, the camera locks the current video file. This protects the crucial footage from being overwritten by loop recording.
Night Vision
Good budget cams use Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) or High Dynamic Range (HDR). These technologies help balance bright and dark areas, improving visibility during nighttime or in tunnels.
2. Important Materials and Build Quality
The material affects how long your dash cam lasts, especially in a hot car.
Housing Material
- Plastic: Most budget cams use durable plastic. Check reviews to see if the plastic warps in extreme heat.
- Suction Cup Mount: A strong suction cup keeps the camera steady. Poor mounts vibrate, making the video shaky and hard to watch.
Memory Card Support
The camera needs a slot for a microSD card. Make sure the camera supports at least a 32GB or 64GB card. High-quality cards (Class 10 or U1 rated) handle the constant writing better.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all $99 cameras perform the same. The chip inside makes a big difference.
Image Sensor Quality
A better image sensor captures more light. Even if two cameras list 1080p, the one with a superior sensor (often listed by brand names like Sony or OmniVision in specs) will produce a much cleaner image.
Viewing Angle vs. Distortion
A very wide angle (like 170 degrees) might sound great, but it can cause “fisheye” distortion. This warps objects near the edges of the frame. A balanced 120-140 degree view often offers the best real-world clarity.
Ease of Installation
Simple installation improves your experience. Cameras that mount easily and stay put are better. Look for cams that turn on and start recording automatically when you start your car.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use the cam affects your decision.
Daily Commuting
For simple commuting, focus on reliability and automatic recording. You need a “set it and forget it” device. Loop recording and G-Sensor are non-negotiable here.
Evidence Gathering
If you drive frequently in busy areas, prioritize the best possible WDR/Night Vision within your budget. Clear license plate capture is the main goal.
Ease of Review
Some budget cams have tiny screens. If you need to view clips immediately, ensure the screen is large enough (around 2 inches) to check footage on the spot. Otherwise, you rely on taking the memory card out and viewing it on a computer.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Budget Dash Cams
Q: Can I get 4K video quality for under $100?
A: No, 4K recording usually requires more expensive hardware. Expect the best quality under $100 to be clear 1080p (Full HD).
Q: Do I need to buy a memory card separately?
A: Yes, almost always. Most dash cams under $100 do not include a memory card. You must purchase a microSD card separately to use the camera.
Q: How hard is it to install a dash cam?
A: Installation is usually very easy. You attach the mount to the windshield, plug the power cord into your car’s cigarette lighter socket, and tuck the wire neatly.
Q: What happens when the memory card is full?
A: The camera uses loop recording. It deletes the oldest, unlocked video files to make space for new recordings automatically.
Q: Will the G-Sensor record everything I do?
A: No. The G-Sensor only locks files during sudden, strong jolts, like hitting a large pothole or being in a collision. Normal braking does not trigger it.
Q: Can I use the dash cam footage in court?
A: Yes, if the footage is clear and the camera is mounted correctly. Clear 1080p video showing the incident is generally admissible evidence.
Q: Do these cameras record audio inside the car?
A: Most budget models include a microphone and record audio. You can usually turn this feature off in the settings if you prefer privacy.
Q: Will the camera drain my car battery?
A: No, not usually. These cameras plug into the 12V accessory port and only draw power when the car engine is running or the port stays powered temporarily after you turn the car off.
Q: Is a screen necessary on a cheap dash cam?
A: A screen helps you aim the camera correctly during setup. However, if you are okay with setting it up once and viewing files later on a computer, a screen-less model might save you a little money.
Q: What is WDR, and why is it important?
A: WDR stands for Wide Dynamic Range. It helps the camera handle rapid light changes, like driving out of a dark tunnel into bright sun. It keeps the image from being too bright or too dark.