ConsFirst / Dash cams / Compare
Viofo A229 Pro vs Miofive S1
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Viofo A229 Pro ranks higher (#1 vs #3 of 8) and scores better on video quality, night video, heat & reliability, app & wi-fi.
The biggest complaint about the Viofo A229 Pro is some units or rear cameras fail; for the Miofive S1 it's bluetooth and wi-fi connection problems. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Viofo A229 Pro | Miofive S1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in dash cams | #1 | #3 |
| Price tier | $$$ | $ |
| Type | Front + rear | Front only |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 14% | 12% |
| Overall score | 4.3 | 3.7 |
| Video quality | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Night video | 4.5 | 4.0 |
| Heat & reliability | 4.0 | 3.5 |
| App & Wi-Fi | 4.0 | 3.0 |
| Easy install | 4.0 | 4.0 |
Price tiers: $ under $100 · $$ $100–250 · $$$ over $250. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
Viofo A229 Pro
- Some units or rear cameras fail
Amazon's review summary says reliability is mixed: some owners say it works great, while others say the rear camera stopped working after two days. It also calls Wi-Fi, recording stability and night vision mixed.
- Tall design and bright LEDs
Wirecutter says the vertical layout can take up viewing space on smaller windshields, and that two red and two cyan LEDs stay on all the time until you turn them off in the app.
Source: Wirecutter (dash cams) - Dim rear video through tint; no memory card included
Wirecutter found the rear camera's footage dim through tinted windows, especially at night, and notes you have to buy your own microSD card. Some Amazon owners also question whether it's worth hundreds of dollars.
Miofive S1
- 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)
Who should pick which
Pick the Viofo A229 Pro if
Reading license plates at night
Hot climates (supercapacitor, no battery)
Adding rear and cabin cameras
Skip it if: You have a small windshield (tall, vertical body); You want the cheapest 4K camera; Your rear window is darkly tinted
Pick the Miofive S1 if
4K on a budget
Cars with short windshields
Hot climates on a budget
Skip it if: 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
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