What is a dual dashcam?

Ultimate Guide to Dual Dashcams in the UK

13/06/2025

Rating: 4.5 (2705 votes)

If you've been searching for the ideal dashcam to safeguard your journeys on UK roads, you've undoubtedly encountered the term 'dual dashcam'. These sophisticated devices, typically comprising two cameras linked by a robust cable, offer a comprehensive surveillance solution for your vehicle. Far more than just a gadget, a dual dashcam can provide invaluable peace of mind, acting as a silent, ever-vigilant witness to everything that unfolds both in front of and behind your car.

What are the best 2 in 1 dual lens dash cameras?
Here is our list of the best 2 in 1 dual lens dash cameras that capture the road outside, the inside of your car and records the audio of passengers with a builtin microphone. While Pruveeo’s C2 may look like alien technology, the camera remains fairly discrete thanks to its unique and unobtrusive placement at the top of your windscreen.

While a standard front-facing dashcam offers decent value and adequately records incidents ahead of you – where most accidents are initially perceived – it only tells half the story. The truth is, many road incidents, particularly the all-too-common rear-end collisions, occur out of your direct line of sight. This is precisely where a dual dashcam proves its worth, offering an unparalleled level of protection and clarity should the unexpected happen.

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What Exactly is a Dual Dashcam?

A dual dashcam, often referred to as a front and rear dashcam, is a system designed to record video footage from both the front and rear perspectives of your vehicle simultaneously. Typically, these units consist of a main camera that mounts on your front windscreen and a secondary, smaller camera for the rear, connected by a long cable. This setup ensures that you have continuous, crystal-clear recordings of all crucial moments on the road, providing a complete picture of any incident.

Many dual dashcams are high-performance units, capable of capturing incidents with exceptional detail, whether it's a minor bump in traffic or a more serious collision. Given that rear-end shunts are statistically among the most frequent types of road accidents, having a watchful eye on what's happening behind you is not just a luxury, but a sensible precaution. It's about ensuring that you're prepared for any eventuality, offering irrefutable evidence that can save you a great deal of stress, time, and potentially money, should you ever need to prove what happened.

Why Invest in a Dual Dashcam for Your Vehicle?

The decision to equip your vehicle with a dual dashcam extends far beyond simply recording your drives. It's about proactive protection and unparalleled peace of mind. In the unfortunate event of an accident, particularly those confusing 'he said, she said' scenarios, video footage from both the front and rear cameras can be the decisive factor. This clear, objective evidence eliminates ambiguity, helping insurance companies swiftly determine fault and ensuring you're not unfairly blamed.

Think of your dual dashcam as your personal, non-blinking eyewitness. It records every detail, from reckless drivers cutting you off to unexpected impacts from behind. This footage can be invaluable for police investigations, providing crucial information that aids in identifying culprits in hit-and-run incidents or documenting road rage. Moreover, for taxi drivers, ride-share operators, or anyone spending significant time on the road, this constant surveillance offers an added layer of security against false claims or disputes.

Beyond accident reconstruction, dual dashcams offer benefits like parking monitoring, which detects impacts or motion when your car is parked, protecting against vandalism or minor scrapes in car parks. Some advanced models even include features like Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) or interior recording, further enhancing safety and versatility. Ultimately, investing in a dual dashcam is investing in your safety, your finances, and your ability to navigate the complexities of road incidents with confidence.

How We Put Dual Dashcams to the Test

At Parkers, we pride ourselves on our rigorous and thorough testing procedures for dashcams, ensuring that our recommendations are based on real-world performance. We understand that a dashcam isn't just another gadget; it's a vital piece of equipment that needs to perform flawlessly when it matters most. Therefore, every dual dashcam we review undergoes extensive evaluation in its natural environment: the diverse and often challenging roads of the UK.

Our testing process involves fitting each dashcam unit to a car and assessing its performance over several weeks. This extended period allows us to monitor footage quality under a wide array of conditions, including bright sunlight, heavy rain, challenging low-light environments, and the varying speeds of city streets and motorways. We meticulously scrutinise the clarity of the video, looking for sharp details, accurate colour representation, and the ability to capture number plates clearly, even at a distance or in motion.

Beyond raw footage, we evaluate the build quality of each unit, assessing its durability and the robustness of its components, particularly the cables connecting the front and rear cameras. Installation ease is another critical factor; we consider how straightforward it is to mount the cameras, route the cables, and get the system up and running. Finally, we assess the overall ease of use, including the intuitiveness of the menus, the responsiveness of any touchscreens, and the functionality of accompanying smartphone apps for reviewing and downloading footage. Only after considering all these aspects, alongside the unit's price point, do we form our comprehensive recommendations.

The Best Dual Dashcams in the UK for 2025

Navigating the vast market of dual dashcams can be daunting, with numerous options promising the ultimate in road safety. To simplify your search, we've rounded up the very best dual dashcams available in the UK for 2025, based on our in-depth testing and expert analysis. Here's a closer look at the contenders that truly stand out:

Miofive S1 Ultra: The Overall Best Dual Dashcam

RRP: £129.99 | Price: £103.67

The Miofive S1 Ultra offers exceptional value, delivering high-end features at a surprisingly affordable price. Our testing found it remarkably easy to install, coming complete with a 64GB memory card, allowing for immediate setup and recording. The accompanying app also proved intuitive, making file downloads to your phone a breeze. A standout feature is its dual 4K resolution, meaning both front and rear cameras record in stunning 4K, providing incredibly clear footage. The front camera boasts a 140-degree viewing angle, while the rear offers 112 degrees. We were particularly impressed by its excellent low-light performance, where headlights from other vehicles caused minimal dazzle, ensuring crucial details remained visible. The connecting cable between the cameras is notably thick and strong, designed for longevity. For its price point, the Miofive S1 Ultra sets a new benchmark for performance and value.

Pros:

  • Dual 4K resolution provides incredibly clear video footage from both cameras.
  • Excellent value for money given its impressive specifications.
  • Brilliant low-light footage quality, minimising glare from headlights.

Cons:

  • Voice alerts might not appeal to all users.

Viofo A329: Editor's Pick for Performance

Price: £359.95

The Viofo A329 impressed us with its robust design and feature set. Its non-traditional mounting style allows the entire front unit to be attached to the windscreen without obstructing your view significantly. The cable connecting the rear camera to the front is notably thick, suggesting robust build quality and enhanced longevity, though it can make installation a touch trickier. The video footage is exceptionally smooth, thanks to its superior 60fps video recording at 4K for the front camera and 2K for the rear. While low-light footage was a little darker than some rivals, the camera's ability to support up to 512GB memory cards, connect to 4TB external storage, and utilise Wi-Fi 6 technology ensures that large video files are handled with ease. This unit is a comprehensive solution for ultimate all-round coverage.

Pros:

  • Superior 60fps video quality at 4K (front) delivers silky smooth footage.
  • Excellent build quality components, including a durable connecting cable.
  • Supports large storage solutions (up to 512GB memory cards and 4TB external storage).

Cons:

  • Low-light footage isn't as strong as some other high-end cameras.

Vantrue S1 Pro Max: Leading the Way with ADAS Features

Price: £299.99

Released in July 2025, the Vantrue S1 Pro Max stands out with its Vantrue intelligence and auto-calibration function, simplifying the installation process. Its app is user-friendly, requiring no account creation for setup. This dashcam boasts dual 4K footage from both front and rear cameras, coupled with Sony Starvis 2 sensors, ensuring consistent and high-quality video. The 155-degree viewing angle on both cameras provides a wide perspective of the road. A key selling point is its standard ADAS features, including lane departure warning and distance alerts, though the voice alerts can be somewhat frequent. Despite a minor issue with footage contrast, its low-light performance is commendable, making it an excellent choice for comprehensive video capture and driver assistance.

Pros:

  • Dual 4K footage ensures consistent, high-resolution recording from both front and rear.
  • Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) come as standard, enhancing driving safety.
  • Easy to set up with an intuitive, account-free app.

Cons:

  • Footage contrast could be improved.
  • Voice alerts for ADAS features can be a little too frequent.

70mai 4K Omni: Unmatched Versatility on the Road

RRP: £299.99 | Price: £254.99

The 70mai 4K Omni offers more than just a standard dual dashcam experience, thanks to its unique and versatile design. Installation is straightforward, aided by electrostatic stickers to protect your windscreen and a high-quality crowbar for cable routing. Footage quality is paramount, and the 4K Omni delivers, with 4K from the front and 1080p from the rear. Both cameras feature Sony Starvis 2 sensors and HDR, ensuring clear and stable footage. The front camera's seven-layer lens provides well-balanced and clear video, with excellent low-light performance. Its distinctive shape accommodates a versatile rotating lens that can capture footage inside the cabin, making it a hybrid between two and three-channel dashcams. This unique feature, while not for everyone, offers an extra layer of recording capability.

Pros:

  • Solid build quality, designed to withstand bumps and knocks.
  • Great quality video footage with impressive contrast and clarity.
  • Intuitive to use, including a user-friendly app.

Cons:

  • Priced considerably higher than many alternatives.
  • The rotating function might not be as useful for all drivers.

Miofive Mirror 1: The Best Mirror Dashcam Solution

Price: £259.99

For those seeking to enhance rear visibility while maintaining dashcam functionality, the Miofive Mirror 1 is an excellent choice. This mirror dashcam features a large 11.26-inch screen that can display front, rear, or simultaneous footage, and its touchscreen interface makes settings adjustments simple. Installation is a bit more involved than traditional dashcams, as the rear camera is designed for external fitting and there's a separate GPS antenna. However, the GPS accuracy is outstanding, providing precise alerts for speed cameras. While voice alerts can be annoying, their volume is adjustable, and some functions, like alerting you when the car ahead moves, are genuinely useful. Despite the rear camera shaking slightly over bumps, it always returns to its set position, and its suitability for cars with compromised rear visibility or no rear wipers is a major advantage. Footage quality and display are excellent, making the installation effort worthwhile.

Pros:

  • Functions as both a rear-view mirror and a high-quality camera.
  • Highly accurate GPS with genuinely useful voice alerts.
  • Large 11.26-inch touchscreen displays high-quality footage clearly.

Cons:

  • Installation is somewhat trickier than traditional dual dashcams.
  • Rear camera may experience some shaking over rough terrain.

Nextbase IQ: For the Hardcore Dashcam Enthusiast

RRP: £349.95 | Price: £340.00

The Nextbase IQ is a peculiar, yet intriguing, entry into the dashcam market, aimed at the more dedicated user. Its bulkier-than-expected size and reliance on the OBD2 port for power, requiring hardwiring, make it a more 'hardcore' installation. A notable feature is its integrated speaker, reminiscent of a small smart home device, which enables voice control for functions like saving files, activating Witness Mode, and Privacy Mode. Our tests confirmed its voice command effectiveness. However, the requirement for monthly subscriptions (Protect or Protect+) to unlock key features like Witness Mode, after an initial £350 outlay, is a significant drawback. While it offers 1K, 2K, or 4K variants, the 1080P entry model's picture quality lagged behind other Nextbase products at its price point. It's a niche product for those who truly value its specific functionalities, but its overall value proposition is debatable for the average user.

Pros:

  • Slim design makes it convenient to mount onto the windscreen.
  • Setup is easy thanks to the intuitive design.
  • Voice alerts are useful for hands-free operation.

Cons:

  • Other dashcams offer better value and video resolution for the price.
  • Rear camera faces into the cabin, not out of the rear, limiting external coverage.

Nextbase 522GW: The Simple Yet Highly Effective Dual Dashcam

RRP: £269.95 | Price: £229.99

The Nextbase 522GW holds a strong position in the Nextbase lineup, offering a compelling balance of features and performance without the flagship price tag. While it foregoes 4K recording and what3words, it remains a seriously impressive device. It features Alexa Built-in, effectively transforming it into a smart device within your car. Video quality is excellent, recording front and rear at either 1440p and 720p respectively, or 1080p for both, with superb image clarity and colour thanks to clever software and a polarising filter. The 522GW boasts Nextbase's renowned build quality and is incredibly easy to use, featuring a responsive three-inch touchscreen and straightforward menus. For those seeking a reliable, feature-rich dual dashcam that's simple to operate, the 522GW is an outstanding choice.

Pros:

  • Good enough video quality for clear incident recording, despite not being the absolute best.
  • Comprehensive connectivity including GPS tracking, Wi-Fi, Alexa Built-in, and G-Sensor.
  • Easy to use with a responsive touchscreen and intuitive menus, comes with a 64GB SD card.

Cons:

  • Some users might find the plethora of features to be overkill.

Nextbase 622GW 4K Dual Dashcam: The Pinnacle of Advanced Protection

Price: £309.99

As Nextbase's flagship model, the 622GW is packed with advanced features and delivers exceptional performance. It boasts stunning 4K resolution recording, ensuring every detail is captured with incredible clarity. Integrated Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Alexa Built-in enhance its smart capabilities. A standout feature is the built-in what3words integration, which can provide an exact location in emergencies, a potentially life-saving tool. With a 140-degree viewing angle and exceptional night vision, it offers one of the most comprehensive dual dashcam experiences available. While it's a premium product, its array of features and superior recording quality justify its position as one of the most advanced and capable dual dashcams on the market, offering ultimate peace of mind for any driver.

Pros:

  • Premium quality unit, as expected from a flagship model.
  • 4K recording resolution makes it one of the most capable dashcams available.
  • Loaded with built-in features, including what3words, Alexa, and GPS.

Cons:

  • Features and the overall package might be considered overkill for some users.
  • Not a substantial difference over the 522GW for all users, considering the price jump.

Orskey CameraCore S900: Exceptional Value on a Budget

RRP: £38.87 | Price: £32.57

For drivers on a tight budget, the Orskey CameraCore S900 dual dashcam bundle offers exceptional value for money without compromising on essential video quality. While it lacks the luxurious features of pricier models, it focuses on delivering clear footage. The front camera records in Full HD 1080p at 30fps, and combined with a Sony sensor and HDR technology, provides impressive image quality for its price bracket. The rear camera is waterproof and can be externally mounted above the number plate, a practical design choice. Crucially, the S900 is incredibly easy to use, avoiding the common pitfalls of confusing interfaces often found in cheaper dashcams. It includes useful features like a G-Sensor, parking monitor, and motion detection, making it a highly commendable budget option.

Pros:

  • Exceptional value for money at a very low price for the complete bundle.
  • 1080p HD recording resolution from the front camera is impressive for the price.
  • Includes useful features like G-Sensor, parking monitor, and motion detection.

Cons:

  • The low price is reflected in lower quality video from the rear dashcam.
  • Build quality and materials are not as premium as more expensive alternatives.

Nextbase 222XR Front and Rear Bundle: The Best Budget Nextbase Option

RRP: £139.95 | Price: £109.99

If you're keen on a Nextbase setup but prefer a more budget-friendly option, the 222XR front and rear bundle is an excellent choice. At around £100, it provides a capable dual dashcam experience without the advanced features of the higher-end GW models. It still boasts a 1080p HD recording resolution, offering footage sharp enough to clearly observe incidents. Key features include a G-Sensor, a parking monitor, and a wide 140-degree viewing angle. For those who prioritise straightforward functionality over cutting-edge technology, the 222XR ticks all the essential boxes. It's a reliable, easy-to-use system that provides solid protection for your daily drives, making it a great entry point into the Nextbase ecosystem.

Pros:

  • Great value for money, offering a dual Nextbase setup for around £100.
  • Includes essential dashcam features like a G-Sensor and parking monitor.
  • Relatively simple to use, making it ideal for beginners.

Cons:

  • 1080p HD recording, while sharp enough, may not suit everyone seeking higher resolution.
  • Lacks the most advanced features found in premium models.

Navitel R250 Dual Dashcam: Basic, Reliable, High Image Quality

Price: £92.39

For drivers who prioritise high image quality without needing an abundance of extra features, the Navitel R250 is an ideal dual dashcam. This compact unit records in Full HD 1080p at the front and HD 720p at the rear, both at 30fps, delivering clear and detailed footage. Its sleek, compact design makes it subtle on the windscreen, avoiding obstruction. While its two-inch touchscreen is smaller than those on more expensive models, it's perfectly usable for navigating settings. The R250 includes essential features such as a G-sensor, parking mode, and motion detection, providing foundational protection. At its price point, it represents good value for money, offering reliable performance for those seeking a no-frills, effective dual dashcam solution.

Pros:

  • Compact design and shape, ensuring it remains subtle on the windscreen.
  • Includes essential features like G-sensor, parking mode, and motion detection.
  • Great value for money, offering a full set for under £100.

Cons:

  • Small touchscreen can make interaction slightly trickier compared to larger screens.

Comparing the Top Dual Dashcams (2025)

To help you make an informed decision, here's a comparative overview of some of the key specifications for our top-rated dual dashcams:

ModelFront ResolutionRear ResolutionFront Viewing AngleRear Viewing AngleFrame Rate (Front)Price (Approx.)Key Highlight
Miofive S1 Ultra4K4K140°112°30fps£104Dual 4K Recording
Viofo A3294K2K140°110°60fps£360Superior 60fps Video
Vantrue S1 Pro Max4K4K155°155°30fps£300Integrated ADAS Features
70mai 4K Omni4K1080p140°110°30fps£255Versatile Rotating Lens
Miofive Mirror 12.5K1080p140°112°30fps£260Large Touchscreen Mirror
Nextbase IQ1K/2K/4K1080p (internal)140°Not specified30fps£340Voice Control & OBD2
Nextbase 522GW1440p720p (or 1080p/1080p)140°140°30/60fps£230Alexa Built-in
Nextbase 622GW4K1080p140°140°30fps£310What3words & 4K
Orskey CameraCore S9001080p720p170°140°30fps£33Best Budget Value
Nextbase 222XR1080p720p140°140°30fps£110Affordable Nextbase
Navitel R2501080p720p140°100°30fps£92Compact & Basic

Essential Features to Look for in a Dual Dashcam

When selecting a dual dashcam, the sheer volume of advertised features can be overwhelming. However, focusing on a few key elements will ensure you choose a device that truly meets your needs for safety and reliability on UK roads. Even the most budget-friendly dashcams typically include fundamental features that are crucial for incident recording:

  • G-Sensor: This is a non-negotiable feature. A G-sensor detects sudden impacts or rapid deceleration (like in a collision) and automatically locks the current video footage, preventing it from being overwritten. This ensures vital evidence is always protected.

  • Loop Recording: All modern dashcams employ loop recording. This means the camera continuously records, overwriting the oldest footage when the memory card is full. This ensures you never run out of storage space, but the G-sensor ensures important clips are saved.

  • Parking Monitor: A highly beneficial feature, especially for protecting your vehicle when it's unattended. A parking monitor (often combined with a G-sensor or motion detection) allows the dashcam to activate and record if an impact or movement is detected while your car is parked and switched off. For this to work effectively, the dashcam usually needs to be hardwired to your car's battery.

  • Video Resolution: For the front-facing camera, aim for at least Full HD (1080p) to ensure clear, detailed video. Higher resolutions like 2K or 4K offer even greater clarity, making it easier to read number plates or identify faces. For the rear camera, 720p should be your minimum, though 1080p is increasingly common and recommended for better detail.

  • Frame Rate: A frame rate of at least 30 frames per second (fps) is essential for smooth, detailed video footage. Higher frame rates, such as 60fps, result in even smoother video, which can be particularly useful for capturing fast-moving objects or in high-speed situations.

  • HDR/WDR (High/Wide Dynamic Range): This technology is a significant plus. It helps to balance exposure in scenes with both very bright and very dark areas, reducing overexposure (like bright headlights) and underexposure (like dark tunnels). This results in a clearer, more balanced image, especially critical in challenging lighting conditions like dawn, dusk, or night-time.

  • Viewing Angle: The wider the viewing angle, the more of the road the camera can capture. For the front camera, 140 degrees should be considered a minimum to cover multiple lanes. For the rear camera, a minimum of 100 degrees is advisable. Some cameras offer wider angles, but be wary of excessive 'fish-eye' distortion.

  • Memory Card: All dashcams require an SD card for storage. Always check if one is included with your purchase, and consider the maximum supported capacity. Higher resolution recordings will fill up memory cards faster, so a larger card (e.g., 64GB or 128GB) is often beneficial.

Beyond these essentials, 'nice-to-have' extras include:

  • Wi-Fi: Allows quicker access to files and settings via a smartphone app, making it easy to download and share footage without removing the SD card.

  • GPS: Provides valuable data on your location and speed, which can be incredibly beneficial in proving your route or demonstrating that your speed was not a factor in an incident.

Installation Made Easy: Tips for Your Dual Dashcam

Installing a dual dashcam might seem daunting, but it's often a straightforward process that can be tailored to your preference for a tidy setup. Most dashcams come with a 12V power adapter that plugs into your car's cigarette lighter socket. This is the simplest method, allowing for quick setup and removal. However, for a cleaner, more integrated look and to enable features like parking monitoring, many drivers opt for a dashcam hardwiring kit.

Hardwiring kits connect your dashcam directly to your car's fuse box, providing a constant power supply even when the ignition is off. While a bit more fiddly to install, it's generally not overly difficult for someone with basic DIY skills. The main advantage is that it frees up your 12V socket and allows the dashcam to utilise its parking monitor features, continuously safeguarding your vehicle. Cables for both the front and rear cameras can be neatly hidden within your car's interior headlining, along the A-pillar, and under the carpet or door sills, leading to a professional-looking finish with no dangling wires.

If you're uncomfortable tackling the installation yourself, or simply prefer a hassle-free experience, professional fitting services are widely available across the UK. Many auto electricians or car accessory shops offer dashcam installation, typically costing around £80. This ensures the dashcam is correctly wired, securely mounted, and all cables are discreetly hidden, providing optimal performance and aesthetics from day one.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dual Dashcams

Is Having a Dashcam Worth It in the UK?

Absolutely, having a dashcam in the UK is highly recommended, even if it's a basic model. The primary benefit is the ability to provide irrefutable evidence of what happened and who was at fault in the event of a road incident. This can significantly simplify claims with insurance companies, potentially saving you from lengthy disputes and financial penalties. Furthermore, dashcam footage can be invaluable to the police for reporting dangerous driving, hit-and-runs, or other road-related crimes. It acts as an impartial eyewitness, offering a layer of protection that can be crucial in a wide array of unforeseen circumstances on the road. The peace of mind alone often makes it a worthwhile investment.

Can a Dashcam Reduce My Car Insurance Premiums?

In many cases, yes, having a dashcam can lead to a reduction in your car insurance premiums in the UK. This largely depends on your specific insurance provider and policy. Several insurance companies have partnered with dashcam manufacturers, most notably Nextbase, to offer discounts to drivers who install their devices. Companies like AXA and Aviva, among others, are known to provide incentives for Nextbase dashcam owners, recognising the reduced risk they pose. Always check with your current insurer or prospective providers to see what discounts or benefits they offer for having a dashcam, as policies can vary. Even if a direct discount isn't offered, having video evidence can speed up claims and protect your no-claims bonus, indirectly saving you money.

What Are the Most Important Features in a Dual Dashcam?

When choosing a dual dashcam, focus on core features that ensure reliable incident capture. Essential features include a G-Sensor (to lock footage during impacts), loop recording (to prevent memory card overflow), and a parking monitor (to record incidents when parked). For video quality, aim for at least Full HD (1080p) for the front camera and 720p for the rear, with a minimum 30fps for smooth footage. HDR or WDR capability is crucial for clear images in varying light. A wide viewing angle (140° front, 100° rear minimum) ensures comprehensive coverage. Don't forget to check if an SD card is included. 'Nice-to-have' features like Wi-Fi for easy file access and GPS for location/speed data further enhance the dashcam's utility and evidential value.

How Should I Install My Dual Dashcam for Optimal Performance?

For optimal performance and a tidy setup, consider how you power and position your dual dashcam. While most come with a 12V lighter socket plug for easy setup, hardwiring kits are recommended. Hardwiring connects the dashcam directly to your car's fuse box, enabling parking monitor features and freeing up your 12V socket. It also allows for all cables to be neatly hidden: run the front camera cable along the top of the windscreen and down the A-pillar trim, and the rear camera cable along the headlining to the back. Ensure both cameras have an unobstructed view of the road. If you're unsure about hardwiring or cable routing, a professional installation service can ensure everything is correctly fitted and discreetly hidden, typically for a modest fee.

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