Imagine you’ve just been in a motor vehicle accident, and both parties deny that the collision wasn’t their fault. Any witnesses have passed by, with no one left to name the perpetrator. Whether the incident involved commercial or consumer vehicles, without proof neither insurance company has the information they need to protect their driver. As a result, vehicle repair costs or medical bills must be covered by the respective drivers.
For fleet owners and operators, this can be detrimental to business reputations, creating a rift between drivers and managers due to a lack of proof. The burden initially lands on the driver, who is most likely claiming innocence but has no way to validate their claim. This can lead to a rise in insurance premiums, fines/driving violations, and negative marks on the driver’s record. But there’s a way to preserve the integrity of the people on the road that you’re responsible for. To help monitor and improve driving for business or personal use cases, we’ve put together a list of our top picks for commercial dash cams for fleet and field operations as well as the best consumer dashboard cameras currently on the market:
Top-Ranking Commercial Dash Cams
- Titan GPS TT8900
- Samsara CM32
- Verizon Connect Dual-Facing Dash Cam
Top-Ranking Consumer Dash Cams
- VanTrue N4
- Nextbase 622GW
- Garmin Dash Cam Live
Best Dash Cams for Fleets
Implementing dash cams to record driver journeys will not only provide video evidence for accidents but can also improve driver behaviour. Negative driving habits like speeding, distracted driving, or aggressive driving can be reviewed to prevent future violations and fines. Analyzing driver footage can help fleet managers to mitigate roadway accidents while presenting an opportunity to educate their employees. To alleviate the selection process, here are our top three picks for the best commercial dash cam.
Titan GPS (TT8900)
High-Definition Driving Companion
Titan GPS provides a variety of fleet management tools for a wide variety of industries. The FieldDocs platform is a mobile fleet management system that incorporates digital documents, digital vehicle inspections, Hours of Service tracking, and more. The system also offers commercial dash cams that visually monitor business vehicles on the road. Integrate forward-facing cameras, dual-facing cameras, interior cameras, and exterior cameras to gain full 360-degree visibility with live access or recording capabilities (720p to 1440p).
Titan GPS’ flagship camera, the TT8900, houses both front- and rear-facing cameras to capture full frontal dash cam video of any truck, van, or sedan. When out of cellular service, the TT8900 will store recorded data until the vehicle returns to service. Then, it will upload the data retroactively, so there’s no need to worry about losing visual visibility when truckers travel through remote areas.
The Titan GPS platform’s Camera Panel allows users to access tabs for captured events, live recordings, and historical recordings with breadcrumbs to see what happened before and after each instance. Drivers and admin can filter by asset and date to see events to counteract any incident recorded since implementation.
Technical Features
- Camera Quality: 4 MP sensor
- Field of View: 120°
- Cellular Connection: 4G LTE
- Video Quality: 1440p (QHD) forward-facing camera, 720p (HD) driver-facing camera
- Frames Per Second: 15 fps minimum, 30 fps maximum
- Connection Type: OBDII
- Video Clip Length: 20 seconds
- Reporting Interval: 30 seconds
Pros of the TT8900
- Record both driver and roadway footage with on/off options for customizable privacy
- Uses Night Vision with infrared LEDs to catch drowsy driving or in-cab incidents after dark
- Capture auto-clips of aggressive driving (acceleration, braking, cornering)
- Utilize the touch screen to mark specific events then store and forward them to the database
- Receive audible in-cab alerts as well as visual on-screen alerts
- Activate driver audio when needed via the integrated microphone
- Digitally pair with Titan GPS modems to reduce manual installation time
- Receive tailgating, front-proximity, and front-collision warnings
- Activate Guard Mode after 6 minutes of no motion, camera will wake upon shock or movement
Cons of the TT8900
- Standalone installation requires the use of a Y-cable
- No speed sign recognition is currently available
- No two-way voice communication for driver coaching
- Currently only supporting North America
For the highest-definition footage, that can easily be pulled from the same dashboard with built-in GPS location data, digital documents, and other essential fleet management reports, Titan GPS is the best package. A breadth of new features will be rolling out in 2023, so potential users can rest assured that the systems are constantly being improved and expanded. Learn more about the extended features by of the TT8900 by booking a demo today.
Download the Titan GPS TT8900 Stat Sheet to share tangible savings and safety figures with your team.
Samsara (CM32)
Intuitive Roadway Recognition
The CM32 dual-facing AI dash camera from Samsara is a cloud-connected device that provides enhanced visibility into driver journeys and habits. Its built-in speaker provides audible insights to provide pre-recorded voice-based feedback for coaching purposes. Per usual for fleet dash cameras, this device records harsh driving events and tacks on an additional 5 seconds before and after the event.
Samsara’s VG-series gateways link to the cameras through the accessory port to provide power and a solid connection. That means there’s no need to waste time on a professional install, but in the event of a wired install, a 4-meter (13ft) cable is available. Speak with a representative to determine which installation is compatible with your fleet vehicles.
Users should be aware that a CM license is required before implementation can be completed. While this does include the hardware, cables, cloud-storage, cellular connection, and support, there’s a yearly cost of $428 for the CM license alone. This is a big differentiation for fleets looking to save money on management software.
Technical Features
- Field of View: 121° front-facing / 177° in-cab
- Cellular Connection: 4G LTE
- Video Quality: 1080p (Full HD) front-facing / 720 (HD) in-cab
- Frames Per Second: 30 fps on both
- Connection Type: Accessory port
- Video Clip Length: N/A
- Reporting Interval: N/A
Pros of the CM32
- Panic Button feature enables drivers to send fresh footage and an alert to the dashboard
- Unlimited cloud storage for recorded video
- Dual-facing cameras record high-definition in-cab and driver-facing video
- Infrared LED for recording in low-light situations
- Deliver audible coaching directly through the built-in speaker
- Analyze trends and reconstruct accidents with archived videos
- Acknowledges and collects speed limit sign data then updates local map
- Available in North American and European countries
Cons of the CM32
- Yearly cost of $428 for CM license, plus Samsara service charges
- Maximum video quality only reaches 1080p
- Camera only starts recording after 8 km/h or 5 mp/h
- Samsara V34 vehicle gateway required and sold separately
- No posted video recording clip length or reporting intervals
Samsara dashboard cameras are a prime choice for fleets looking to promote positive driving behaviour while collecting video data to prevent false insurance claims and fraud. Its road sign recognition makes it stand out, but the additional fees required to acquire the CM license might make frugal-minded managers hesitant to adopt it. Sift through the nitty gritty of the CM32 by taking a look at Samsara’s dashcam page.
Verizon Connect (Dual-Facing AI Dashcam)
Worldwide Fleet Visibility
The dual-facing Verizon Connect camera provides a (nearly) 360-degree view from the driver’s perspective, as well as the road’s. Dash cam footage is stored in Verizon’s cloud platform, saving valuable space on SD cards or hard drives. With cloud storage, high-quality video footage is automatically uploaded and stored for later, in case managers need to investigate false claims or accident accusations against their truck drivers.
Behind the wheel, unsafe driving alerts are audible in-cab, so any instances of harsh cornering, rolling stops, and tailgating. Their camera technology is also able to detect dangerous driving behaviours such as drowsiness, texting, eating, or smoking. However, the real detriment of the Verizon Connect platform is that it does not offer live streaming. Video can be uploaded rather quickly, then reviewed by other users, but not in real time.
Behind the desk, notifications are sent directly to managers through the Spotlight App. The platform also provides access to the GPS fleet tracking dashboard, with live and historical location data. For municipal or delivery operations, the Reveal Driver App acts as a dispatching system, with individual vehicle assignment, job acquisition, and performance benchmarks. The tech giant also offers even more fleet service apps that can benefit drivers and managers, but users find it a handful to juggle so many tabs at once.
Technical Features
- Field of View: 140 road-facing / 120 driver-facing
- Cellular Connection: 4G LTE
- Video Quality: 1080p (Full HD)
- Frames Per Second: 30fps on both
- Connection Type: Hardwired via OBII Port, 9-pin connector, or 3-wire connectors
- Video Clip Length: N/A
- Reporting Interval: 30 seconds
Pros of the Verizon Connect Dashcam
- Additional fleet data management with Verizon Connect Reveal
- International coverage
- Three months free with a 39-month contract
- Standout mobile app support for drivers and dispatchers
- Privacy covers for driver-facing camera
Cons of the Verizon Connect Dashcam
- NO LIVE STREAMING
- Mandatory 3-year minimum contract
- A plethora of negative reviews and social comments
- Customers claim connection issues, and service/support delays
- Must also have Verizon Connect Reveal or Verizon Connect Fleet subscription
- Base subscriptions above begin at $30/vehicle per month
- Must sign a contract for each new dash cam added in the future
- An auto-renewal clause can force users to pay for up to 3 years
Drivers will be happy to know that audio recording is disabled by default on the dash cams, so there’s no invasion of privacy, specifically if the rear-facing lens caps are installed. Tech-savvy fleet managers may enjoy the collection of applications Verizon provides, but those who like to keep it simple may find Verizon Connect a bit tedious. It’s worth noting that on many reviews and social media sites, Verizon’s current customer base has voiced issues with delays in equipment arrival, spotty service, and unresponsive customer support.
There you have it, three great dash cam solutions for commercial fleets, with different plans, pricing, and features available. Be sure to understand just exactly what your fleet needs, and what kind of services are important to you before pulling the trigger. While pricing for each of these trip-recording options is customized to your specific requests, fleets of all sizes can get the easiest implementation, smoothest customer support, and lowest pricing with Titan GPS. Now that we’ve seen the benefits and downfalls of some of the leading commercial AI dashcams on the market, let’s take a look at popular consumer brands for personal use.
Best Dash Cams for Consumers
Not everyone needs a dash cam but cautious motorists certainly benefit from them. Some cameras simply erase old data, making it unnecessary to swap SD cards in and out among various journeys, so the benefit of having a second pair of (recording) eyes is less of a hassle. When a child, spouse, or parent is involved in an accident, video evidence is there to back up their claim or provide insurance companies with additional insight into the accident. However, even smaller companies that don’t need a full-fledged fleet management system can quickly, and easily, install these cheaper camera systems to monitor driving habits both inside and outside of the vehicle. Here are our top 3 choices for the best consumer dash camera.
VanTrue N4 ($259.99)
“Professional Dash Cam for Peace of Mind”
VanTrue is a long-time standout for quality consumer-grade cameras and they’ve been improving upon their original model in March of 2015. The N4, displayed above, came to market in January of 2020 and is still being touted as one of the most prolific, albeit pricey, consumer dash cameras online. These consumer-focused models don’t include any of the reporting or fleet management features that commercial cameras have, but they’re perfect to keep tabs on personal vehicles or small business transport.
Claiming to be perfect for Uber/Lyft drivers, the N4 is equipped with both forward and rear-facing cameras that shoot at a minimum of 1080p, and max out (forward-facing) at 4k resolution. It can also dual-record into separate files on a required SD card for data storage. A series of four IR lights allow for clear HD video of the car’s interior during and after twilight.
While this camera can be easily installed, operated, and extracted from, there’s a caveat to the “24 Hrs Parking Mode” feature. The three-lens dash cam can enter motion detection or collision detection mode while the vehicle is powered off, but it must be hardwired into the vehicle or connected to an external battery pack. This can be bothersome for those who’d enjoy the unique feature, but if it doesn’t work as expected, VanTrue provides a 30-day money-back guarantee as well as an 18-month product warranty for skeptical users.
Technical Features
- Field of View: 155° forward-facing / 165° rear-facing
- Cellular Connection: Not Required
- Video Quality: Up to 4k front-facing / 1080p rear-facing
- Frames Per Second: 30 fps
- Connection Type: Hardwired for G-sensor parking feature
- Battery: Lithium
Pros of the VanTrue N4
- Both cameras shoot above standard high definition
- Sony STARVIS sensor
- F1.4 6-glass lens in front / F1.8 6-glass lens in rear
- No commitment, a 30-day money-back guarantee, and an 18-month warranty
- 2.45-inch LCD screen
Cons of the VanTrue N4
- Customers claim video quality is rarely able to reach 4k resolution
- Only supports up to 256GB SD, which is not included
- Must be hardwired to take advantage of 24Hr Parking Mode
- Battery drains excessively when the hardwired unit is in parking mode
Nextbase 622GW ($329.99)
“An Ally in an Accident”
Our second choice for the best consumer dash cam is the Nextbase 622GW, with a refined, 2000’s-era themed outer shell. Recording road-facing footage in 4k at 30, drivers can always expect a clear view of license plates, road signs, and journeys. A unique characteristic of this camera is voice activation provided by Amazon’s Alexa, for hands-free interface navigation.
The downfall of the most expensive camera on this list is that it costs even more for the driver-facing camera accessory. Nextbase offers three rear-facing options, one that plugs directly into the main camera providing cabin view, another that plugs into the main camera and provides a zoomed view of the road behind, and the last is a separate camera that affixes to the back window to record trailing vehicles. For drivers looking to save money, this might not be the best choice for frugality’s sake.
A big plus for this model, however, is the MyNextbase Connect app which allows users to connect their cameras via Bluetooth. After being connected to the desired camera, the app allows users to view dash cam footage through a local Wi-Fi connection as well as map details and telemetry. Historical footage can also be uploaded to the free Nextbase Cloud or downloaded to your phone for future viewing.
Technical Features
- Field of View: 140° front-facing / 140° rear-facing
- Cellular Connection: Quick-link Wi-Fi
- Video Quality: 4K front-facing / 1080p rear-facing
- Frames Per Second: 4K at 30fps / 1080p at 120 fps
- Connection Type: Auxiliary Port
- Battery: Built-in, external power source
Pros of the Nextbase 622GW
- Official dashcams of Hyundai, Ford, VW, Kia, and more
- Hands-free control via voice commands with Alexa
- Connect via Bluetooth to the MyNextbase Connect app on cell phones and tablets
- 3” full-color rear display
Cons of the Nextbase 622GW
- Cabin View Camera module sold separately ($69.99)
- Recommended U3 microSD card sold separately ($19.99 to $149.99)
- Wires must be tucked away from the windshield to the auxiliary port
- Needs a large, expensive SD card for video storage
- Receiving footage from a camera requires Wi-Fi and often fails
Garmin Dash Cam Live ($539.99)
“Always Connected LTE Dash Cam”
Well-versed in the telematics field, Garmin has been providing users with vehicle surveillance and location data for decades. This mid-sized Live camera is their top-of-the-line device for vehicle video surveillance, and most comparable to the rest of the group as far as connectivity, display, recording options, and video resolution go. While the posted price is destined to cause sticker shock for some folks, it’s not unbelievable coming from a big brand like Garmin. Plus, the monthly subscription fees are decent in comparison to commercial plans.
Users with an active Garmin LTE Vault subscription plan are able to access live video as well as a database of recorded videos. With a variety of apps at their disposal, account admins can access a live view of their car(s), patch into other drivers in real-time and receive tampering or theft alerts then switch directly to the camera feed. The standard LTE package ($14.99/month) also provides theft alerts, parking guard notifications, vehicle GPS tracking, and secure share for up to 7 days prior, while the Advanced LTE package ($29.99/month) goes as far back as 30 days.
Similar to the Nextbase 622GW, this dashcam improves distracted driving behaviour by accepting voice commands from occupants in the cab. The Dash Cam Live also boasts some exclusive features, like “Go Alerts” that notify drivers when the forward traffic begins to move, and warnings for upcoming red lights and speed cameras for drivers with lead-foot syndrome. Even though these features are geo-limited, they help to justify the price and ensure that those prepared to pay it are satisfied with their dash cam purchase.
Technical Features
- Field of View: 140° forward-facing (no rear-facing)
- Cellular Connection: Wi-Fi
- Video Quality: 1440p
- Frames Per Second: 30 fps
- Connection Type: USB port
- Battery: No, uses a supercapacitor
- Video Clip Length: 30s
Pros of the Garmin Dash Cam Live
- Share links to videos with others via Garmin Drive App (Wi-Fi required)
- Garmin Clarity HDR optics provide crisp video day and night
- 3” HD, driver-facing display
Cons of the Garmin Dash Cam Live
- Live video requires a more expensive LTE model and a Garmin subscription
- No driver-facing camera
- Voice commands frequently go unnoticed by camera
- GPS speed and location are available if synced with another GPS-enabled dash cam
- Parking Guard available if powered by Constant Power Cable (sold separately)
Choosing the Best Dash Cam for You
Whether you’re searching for a bonafide fleet dash cam, with an accompanying dashboard that helps to track Hours of Service, vehicle location, process digital forms, and more, or you’re looking for something simple to monitor your children or small business employees, the first thing to nail down is your intent. Ask yourself “Why do I want to buy a dash cam system?”, and use this article to narrow down the best fit for you. Save money and patience by delving deeper into the options out there, and take suggestions from individuals in reviews, comments, and message boards who adopted a camera system for the same reason you want to.
