A dash cam performs just like any other camera but its application is different. Commonly, a hidden dash cam is placed right behind a rearview mirror where it is not easily detectable. Initially, a law enforcement vehicle used to have a hidden car surveillance camera, but now, not only the agencies but also the public have wide access to the technology. This is the reason we see an array of small hidden cameras for cars in the market.
Dash cams have gone through significant advancements and changes. In its infancy, a hidden car camera used to be much larger with no Wi-Fi or HD recording capability. But today, we have cameras that are much more compact packing a range of features such as motion detection, Wi-Fi and SD Card support, allowing you to hide them covertly inside your vehicle. That is the main objective; to have a camera hidden, so it doesn’t hamper your vision while driving.
Currently, there are literally hundreds of top dash cam to choose from and this can be overwhelming if you don’t know what to look for. So, which is the best cam for your car? Which one has the best features? Which is the best among all? That’s where we come to your rescue.
Below we provide you a list of best hidden dash cam for car. Keep in mind your priorities and look through the list to make the best choice. However, before we delve into the matters, let’s first find out why you should have a hidden dash cam in your vehicle and what the most desirable features are.
Best Hidden Dash Cam Comparison Table
Editor’s Pick
We pick the Aukey 4k dash-cam simply because it allows a high definition video recording at an unbelievable price. Only a few cameras in our best hidden dash cam list comes close to this. We are entirely positive, you will find the product to be of a huge help in recording your daily drives during the day or at night thanks to the excellent night vision. Aukey also gives you an unprecedented warranty of 2 years and a money-back guarantee of 45 days. This shows the manufacturer’s confidence on its performance.
Runner Up
Coming at a close second in our list is the Vantrue N2 Pro and for obvious reasons. The N2 only lags behind because it does not have 4k recording option but it makes up for the loss with a 310-degree vision allowing outside and inside view of the vehicle. The other features like the G-sensor and HD recording are standard in almost all dash cams on our list. Another drawback is the suction cup installation. Suction cups can wear down after sometime due to exposure from the sun’s heat and have to be replaced.
The Competition
For this category, we would go for the Vava hidden dash cam, hands down. The major factor making this cam eminent is the 360-degree vision. You can move the camera in any direction and record, so it opens up new avenues and angles for you to explore while making a recording of your drive.
8 Best Hidden Dash Cams
After extensive tests and research, we have compiled a list of 8 best hidden dash cameras.
i-Tentek is a great option for a vehicle hidden camera, as it is designed to be compact, so it not only fits behind the rear-view mirror out of the passenger and driver’s view, but is also camouflaged from anyone looking from outside. The camera has a convenient 170-degree field of view, which might annoy some of you owing to its fish-eye style wide angle. However, the panoramic view is perfect to capture more of the road in the video.
This hidden spy camera for car has a G-sensor with the unique ability of tracking movement in front of the camera. The video gets automatically saved and it becomes difficult to delete it. This feature becomes highly important in an event of accident. Disappointingly, the camera does not have Wi-Fi, so you cannot view your 1080p videos directly on your smartphone. Other features include GPS and Night Vision.
Specs
- Brand: i-Tentek
- Dimension: 3 x 2 x 2 inches
- Weight:1 ounces
- Warranty: Manufacturers
Pros
- The GPS capability is a big plus for those who are weak with routes or don’t have a car GPS
- Easy to hide and works perfect
- HD resolution to capture crisp videos
Cons
- No Wi-Fi functionality
- You have to use an SD card for storage and extraction
- Quality is compromised at night against light
The Street Guardian SG9665Gc is one of the most interesting mid-range dash cams in the market for its compact size and easy to use functionality. The design allows you to clip it behind the rear-view mirror to avoid any distraction while you are driving. In the meantime, the device records video in 1080p HD resolution at 30 frames per second and provides you road directions using the built in GPS function. You also get a one-year manufacturer warranty and excellent night time vision.
Specs
- Brand: Street Guardian
- Dimension: 8 x 2 x 1.7 inches
- Weight: 8 ounces
- Warranty: Manufacturers
Pros
- Compact size hides the cam from view
- G-sensor for auto save
- LCD screen for direct viewing
- CMOS Sony sensor
Cons
- A tad expensive
- Some issues with audio quality
The Roadrover camera is a minimalistic hidden dash cam. A very cheap and basic camera with Wi-Fi capability! Do not be fooled by its affordability; the video quality is outstanding thanks to the HD resolution camera. Since the car camera is very small, it can be easily hidden anywhere. Moreover, the camera has support for iOS and Android with the Wi-Fi integration, so you can watch your video directly on your smartphone without the need of a separate LCD or any other viewing platform. The 170-degree angle gives the best coverage.
Specs
- Brand: Roadrover
- Dimensions: 36 x 3.54 x 2.17 inches
- Weight:06 pounds
- Warranty: No
Pros
- Easy installation
- Comes with a sim card support
- Value for money
- Video has noise at night
Cons
- The mobile app is not that great
- The written manual is a little confusing
The Pruveeo F5 is a small and discreet cam that you can effortlessly fit behind your rear-view camera. Although very cheap it has HD recording capability with 1080p at 30 fps showing a 140-degree field of view. Using the Wi-Fi integration, you can view your videos on your smartphone and save them. Even though, there are not many features on-board the camera, what you get is more than good for the price.
Specs
- Brand: Pruveeo
- Dimensions: 7 x 3.9 x 1.5 inches
- Weight: 04 ounces
- Warranty: Manufacturers
Pros
- Extremely cheap with basic functions
- Easy to hide
- Wi-Fi facility
- LCD screen for viewing
Cons
- The video quality is not exactly High Definition
- Issues arise after a few months of use
- Loop function malfunctions
The Aukey 4K features a stealth design allowing you to conceal it from view. The camera has a 150-degree vision and a sensitive CMOS image sensor that records 4k quality video and HDR for a crisp and sharp footage. The installation is pretty straightforward and requires only a few minutes. The hidden dash cam records while the car is in ignition and if you want to use the parking surveillance feature, simply turn it on and the G-sensor will help you out. A large SD card is supported given the nature of 4k files taking a lot of space. The 45-day money back guarantee allows you to return the product if you do not like it.
Specs
- Brand: Aukey
- Dimensions: 01 x 3.03 x 1.46 inches
- Weight: 4 ounces
- Warranty: 24 months
Pros
- 4k recording feature that is very rare in dash cams
- Large SD card support
- Brilliant at night
Cons
- None could be found
The Vantrue is the only camera on our list that has two HD cameras instead of one. One of the cameras focuses on recording footage of the road at 170-degree field of view while the other can record inside with a 140-degree field of view. Hence, this product is great for Uber or Lyft drivers, looking to record passenger activity for safety. Monitoring the passengers is effortless as the camera has a compact design allowing stealth installation. The small design has a 1.5-inch LCD incorporated for you to view the settings. Insert a 32 or 64 GB card to save the footage for later viewing. A cool fact; when you turn off the rear facing camera, your front facing camera starts recording at a 1,440p resolution.
Specs
- Brand: Vantrue
- Dimensions:5 x 3.8 x 1.5 inches
- Weight:52 ounces
- Warranty: Manufacturers
Pros
- Dual facing hidden dash cam with HD recording
- Night vision for clear video at night
- Great for taxi drivers
- Almost 310-degree vision
Cons
- Very expensive making it unaffordable for some folks
- Visible on the windshield
- Suction mount is not the best in the world
The Vava camera is uniquely designed that makes it stand out. It records HD footage in 1080p resolution at 60 fps, a feat that none of the other cameras in our list include. Furthermore, you get a snapshot remote button which is something new, plus a G-sensor, Wi-Fi integration, and more. The best part about this camera is that it has a 360-degree vision, but that comes with a twist, literally a twist. You can twist the circular portion of the camera to face any direction, removing any need of a separate in-cabin camera. All recordings can be viewed through a mobile app for iOS and Android platforms.
Specs
- Brand: Vava
- Dimensions: 3 x 3.7 x 3.4 inches
- Weight: 08 pounds
- Warranty: Manufacturers
Pros
- 360-degree vision enhancing recording capability
- HD resolution
- Battery included for G-sensor support
- Sensor remote button
- App integrated
- Cheap
Cons
- Not all SD cards are supported
- App is not user-friendly
The Rexing V1 car surveillance camera is not the best when it comes to hiding. It is bigger than the other cameras we have recommended in our list but camera manages a 1080p HD resolution video with a 170-degreee wide view. The G-sensor is also there to aid the Parking Surveillance feature common on all dash cameras in the market presently. You also get GPS to guide you along the way, a 2.5-inch LCD screen to view the videos and settings on the camera, and a loop recording feature.
Specs
- Brand: Rexing
- Dimensions:01 x 0.98 x 4.02 inches
- Weight: 2 ounces
- Warranty: Manufacturers
Pros
- Built-in GPS
- HD recording
- LCD screen for prompt viewing
- Sony CMOS sensor for sharp videos
Cons
- Recording stops automatically without warning
Why Use A Hidden Dash Cam?
Dash cams provide a great opportunity for car drivers to keep a track of their driving. Not only that, a recorded footage can be helpful in case you want to justify your insurance claim after an accident or you have to show it to the police in case you or someone hits your vehicle. There are even hidden dash cams that work while your vehicle is switched off and parked, so you are partially safe from theft or any robbery attempt.
Although a hidden dash cam is mostly used to avoid any untoward incident, it can be utilized for fun activities such as to record a road trip through beautiful terrains and valleys. The possibilities are endless as long as you keep experimenting and find new and interesting ways to use the technology.
Buying Guide
Deciding on a hidden dash camera can prove to be an arduous task. The good news for you is that we have broken down the basics of a hidden dash cam and stated its core features.
Benefits of A Hidden Dash Cam
Having a compact hidden dash cam can prove to be a blessing since it hides well from a plain eyesight, which is really important for a driver who must not be distracted during the drive. A large camera can take up undue space and even destroy the look and symmetry of your vehicle’s cabin. If you opt for a hidden car camera you will get the best of both worlds; recorded footage and a visually appealing interior.
A hidden dash cam works like a security camera with a slight difference. A security camera is in plain sight of everybody. The good thing with a hidden dash cam is that only you have knowledge that it is placed in the vehicle and only you have access to the recorded footage. Therefore, it can be used to capture footage when you aren’t present in the car, allowing you to report vandals trying to desecrate your vehicle.
The hidden dash cam can also capture sound in the footage which acts like a black box found in a plane. You can have a record of the conversation that took place in your vehicle. This is especially relevant if you drive a car under Uber or Lyft, where you encounter all kinds of people. It is always safer to have some recording of your rides. You can be a victim of road rage, or corrupt cop trying to extort money. In any case, you are protected via the hidden dash cam recording, which you can show to the relevant authorities and clear yourself of any wrong charges.
How Does A Hidden Dash Camera Work?
For a hidden dash camera to be effective, not only the camera but the wiring has to be concealed to accomplish stealth. This is why the best place to install a hidden car camera is behind the rear-view mirror, where even part of the wiring is masked away from vision. The rest of the wiring is tucked away behind the ceiling cover or along the windshield and taken straight to the fuse box where the camera gets life. Attaching the hidden car camera directly to a power source removes any need of a battery and any worries that may come from a battery malfunction.
Hidden cameras for cars are made in such a way that they are discreet and complement a vehicle’s design, fitting easily with any component, unlike, earlier dash-cams, that used to be big and bulky and were attached to the windscreen via a suction cup that often failed due to hot temperatures.
Features of A Dash-Cam
Hidden dash cameras come with a range of features and below are a few that are the most integral in making your decision.
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HD Recording
If you are making a recording, wouldn’t it be better to have it in HD (High Definition)? HD footage is necessarily important if you are using the camera for your road trip. You will be able to get crystal clear video, which you can later compile into a beautiful cinematic presentation.
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SD Card
HD footage will require lots of space, so you need to have a hidden dash cam that supports a large SD card of more than 32 GB just to be on the safe side. And even if your camera is not built for High Definition, you will save time by not replacing a card frequently.
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GPS Capability
Most vehicles nowadays have GPS built-in, however, if you have a vehicle without GPS, you can opt for a dash cam with GPS capability.
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Night Vision
Let’s be honest, you won’t be driving the car only during the day. In fact, most of our daily drives are at night going out for a dinner or to a club. That’s when excellent night vision becomes a requirement.
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Wi-Fi
SD Card technology is going to be obsolete soon, thanks to the cloud technology and Wi-Fi. A hidden Wi-Fi dash cam will be able to transfer footage without you extracting it every other day and would allow you to view the recording on your smartphone.
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Field of View
There are hidden dash cams available in the market with 360 degrees capability. That might be just too much vision for many, so there are many cameras offering a 120 to 180-degree view. Depending on your preference, you can get one that is just right for you.
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Battery or Cord
A hidden dash cam will come to life once you plug it into your car’s power box but most cams will have a lithium-ion battery for backup and to use the parking surveillance feature. However, batteries can suffer overheating and explosion, so avoid parking your car directly under the sun.
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Parking Surveillance
This is an added safety feature that allows your hidden dash cam to record video even when your vehicle is not switched on and you are absent. If somebody attempts to vandalize your vehicle, you will be able to catch them. However, the sensors in these cameras are not very advanced right now, so you should not depend on them.
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Dual Facing Cams
There are dash cams that have two faces like Provision-ISR Dual Dash Cam, meaning they can record outside and inside the vehicle, or outside and the rear of the vehicle.
Types of Hidden Dash Cam
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Basic Dash Cam
These are hidden cameras for cars that have no flashy features. They are just made to record footage and this is reason they are very cheap compared to other car cameras in the market.
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Dash-Cam with Advanced Features
Other than performing the basic job of video recording, an advanced hidden dash cam will have Wi-Fi, GPS, speed sensors, and audio recording among other features.
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Dual Camera Dash Cams
These are great for Uber or Lyft drivers who can record the cabin of the vehicle, or for parents who want to keep track of their young child’s driving. Such cameras can also be used to make cool videos with your friends.
How We Picked and Tested?
We gathered information on around 200 best-hidden dash cam available in the market and asked many sellers about their best-selling item. Subsequently, we made a list of all the important features a camera should possess and compared different dash cams with each other. Although price was one of our major concerns, we decided to not consider very cheap models just because you get a consistent quality cam recommendation.
Customer service is important as well, so we excluded any real hidden cam which could not be traced back to a good company or one that had no online presence, so that you are not left hanging when and if a problem arises with your hidden dash cam.
Finally, customer reviews from leading e-commerce websites such as Amazon were accounted for and the final list of products was made.
Conclusion
Hidden dash cams are a necessity nowadays since the traffic on the roads has multiplied, resulting in an increased number of accidents. If you have a hidden dash cam, you can prove the mishap to your insurance agency via a recorded video and speed up your insurance claim. Otherwise, it may take you days to get the claim, as the insurance company will have to investigate the case themselves in detail. A hidden camera for car is also widely used by YouTubers who make interesting videos for their channels using an in-cabin dash-cam.
Although, a hidden security camera for your car is important, it can cost you money. We have tried to limit the price range under $200 for the products on our list, so that you can consider good options in a decent price range.
We recommend, as soon as you read about our 10 best hidden dash cams, you buy one for your vehicle and save yourself from the unnecessary troubles.
FAQ
Q: Can a dash-cam record both inside and outside of the vehicle?
Ans: There are multiple hidden cameras for cars on our list that can record both in and out of a vehicle.
Q: What type of resolutions are offered in dash cams?
Ans: Hidden dash cams are mostly available in HD and 4k resolutions for a sharp video.
Q: Are all dash cams GPS compatible?
Ans: Not all but most high-end dash cams have GPS function to guide you on the road.
Q: Can I get a dashcam for my fleet or business?
Ans: Dash cams are made specifically for this purpose. However, if you intend to record your passenger’s movements, check relevant laws of your country to avoid any complications.
Q: How large should an SD card be to record HD footage?
Ans: Since most hidden dash cams save videos in HD resolution, you should have at least a 32 GB SD card just to be on the safe side.
Q: How to install a dash-cam on a vehicle?
Ans: Dash cams can be fitted through various methods, however, it largely depends on what the manufacturer has provided. Large sized cameras usually have a suction cup that sticks to the windshield, whereas small and discreet in car hidden cameras can be clipped on to the back of the rear-view mirror, stuck to the windshield via an adhesive (provided with the product), or hooked on using magnet clip.
Ans: Car cameras come in many shapes and sizes, therefore, it depends how big a camera you buy. Most large ones have to be stuck to the windscreen, so they are right in front and everybody can see them. That basically destroys the purpose of a hidden dash cam and that is precisely why there are compact cameras that can hide behind the rear-view mirror and away from everyone’s sight.
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