(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample (about 280 ratings).
Wirecutter's budget pick: 4K, GPS, a supercapacitor and parking mode for about $90, with image quality better than most cameras it tested. The build and mount feel cheap, and Amazon owners report Bluetooth and Wi-Fi trouble and some units that stop working.
Parking mode / hardwire kit: A Miofive kit is needed for 24-hour parking monitoring unless your car has an always-on outlet; a polarizing filter costs $20 extra (Wirecutter)
Top complaints
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connection problems
Amazon's review summary says connectivity is problematic, with multiple owners reporting Bluetooth and Wi-Fi issues. Wirecutter also ran into some connectivity issues, though nothing unusual for the category.
- Stops working for some owners
Amazon's summary says functionality gets mixed feedback, with some owners saying it completely stops working for no reason.
- Cheap-feeling build
Wirecutter says it lacks the fit and finish of other cameras it tested: the mount feels cheap and the buttons seem flimsy.
Source: Wirecutter (dash cams)
What owners love
- Strong video for the money
Not as sharp as the Viofo A229 Pro, but better than most cameras Wirecutter tested, and plates are readable at night from a reasonable distance. Amazon owners call the video clear and sharp.
- Premium features at a budget price
Wirecutter notes 4K, GPS, a supercapacitor, 24-hour parking mode and an included microSD card, which is unusual among dash cams it has tested.
Source: Wirecutter (dash cams) - Small, easy to use
One of the smallest cameras Wirecutter tested, yet with a 3-inch screen; its app lets you trim clips and see them on a map. Amazon owners find it easy to set up.
- You want a rear or cabin camera (look at the S1 Ultra)
- You care about a solid build and mount
- You need a dependable phone connection
- 4K on a budget
- Cars with short windshields
- Hot climates on a budget
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Budget pick, the best dash cam under $100 (updated 2026-05-21). Its flaw is build quality; for about $40 more, the S1 Ultra adds a 4K rear camera.