ConsFirst / Dash cams / Compare
Viofo A229 Pro vs Vantrue E1 Pro
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Viofo A229 Pro ranks higher (#1 vs #4 of 8) and scores better on video quality, night video, heat & reliability, easy install.
The biggest complaint about the Viofo A229 Pro is some units or rear cameras fail; for the Vantrue E1 Pro it's noisy night video. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Viofo A229 Pro | Vantrue E1 Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in dash cams | #1 | #4 |
| Price tier | $$$ | $$ |
| Type | Front + rear | Front only |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 14% | — |
| Overall score | 4.3 | 3.6 |
| Video quality | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| Night video | 4.5 | 3.0 |
| Heat & reliability | 4.0 | 3.0 |
| App & Wi-Fi | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Easy install | 4.0 | 3.5 |
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.
Vantrue E1 Pro
- Noisy night video
Tom's Guide saw noise and grain at night and couldn't read plates on oncoming traffic; the PlatePix plate-enhancing mode helps a little but darkens the picture.
Source: Tom's Guide review - Fiddly controls and a tiny screen
Tom's Guide found the three-button menu fiddly, the 1.54-inch screen too small for playback, and the protect button needs two presses. Wirecutter also says the small screen makes it a little harder to use.
Source: Tom's Guide review, Wirecutter (dash cams) - Runs very hot
Tom's Guide says it runs extremely hot, even with the display asleep. It had no problems in a one-week test but questions long-term reliability.
Source: Tom's Guide review
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 Vantrue E1 Pro if
Small windshields or a discreet look
4K and GPS around $150
Daytime detail
Skip it if: You want rear or cabin coverage; You drive mostly at night on unlit roads; You like a big screen to review clips
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