Not all dashcams are created equal. Walk into any electronics store or browse online, and you'll find hundreds of options

ranging from ₹2000 to ₹35000. Some are barely better than a webcam taped to your windshield. Others pack more tech than your laptop.

So how do you figure out what's actually worth buying? It depends on what you need it for.

Start With the Basics: Video Quality

This one's non-negotiable. If your dashcam can't capture a license plate clearly, it's not doing its job. At minimum, look

for 1080p Full HD. That's the baseline for usable footage in 2025.

If you can stretch your budget, 2K or 4K resolution gives you more detail—helpful when you need to zoom in on footage later.

But don't get too caught up in the numbers. A well-tuned 1080p sensor often beats a cheap 4K camera with poor optics. Night performance matters just as much. Plenty of incidents happen after dark. Check reviews for real-world low-light samples before you buy.

Think About Where You Drive

Your daily environment should shape your choice. City drivers deal with tight parking, stop-and-go traffic, and the constant risk of someone clipping your mirror. Parking mode becomes essential here—a feature that keeps the camera monitoring even when the engine is off. Highway commuters care more about wide-angle lenses and high frame rates to capture fast-moving details. A narrow field of view might miss what's happening in adjacent lanes.

If you live somewhere with extreme temperatures, check the operating range.

Features That Actually Matter

It's easy to get distracted by long spec sheets. Focus on what you'll actually use.

1. Loop recording is standard now—the camera records over old footage automatically so you never run out of space. Make sure your dashcam has it. G-sensor protection saves your footage when the camera detects an impact or sudden braking. Without this, important clips might get overwritten before you realize you need them.

2. WiFi connectivity lets you pull footage to your phone without removing the SD card. Sounds minor until you're standing on the side of the road after an accident, needing to send a clip to your insurance company.

3. GPS logging embeds your location and speed into each recording. Useful for documenting exactly where something happened, and sometimes required for insurance claims.

What You Can Skip

Some features sound impressive but rarely justify the extra cost.

1. Built-in screens are mostly unnecessary. You'll set up the camera once and forget about it. Viewing footage on your phone is

easier anyway.

2. Voice control works poorly in most dashcams. You'll probably never use it.

3. Driver alerts like lane departure warnings can be helpful, but they're often poorly implemented in budget models. If you want

these features, they're better handled by your car's built-in systems or a dedicated device.

4. Installation: Simpler Is Better
   The best dashcam is one you'll actually use. If installation is complicated, you'll put it off forever.

   Look for units with simple windshield mounts and short power cables. Hardwiring kits offer cleaner installations and enable

   parking mode, but they require more effort. For most people, a cable running to the 12V socket works fine.

5. Placement matters too. Behind the rearview mirror keeps the camera discreet and out of your line of sight.
   Check your local laws—some regions have restrictions on windshield-mounted devices.

Budget Reality Check

Here's a rough breakdown of what different price points get you:

Under ₹2000: Basic recording, often unreliable. Fine as a temporary solution, but don't expect great quality or longevity

₹2000–₹8000: Solid 1080p footage, G-sensor, loop recording. This is the sweet spot for most drivers.

₹8000:–₹16000: Better sensors, 2K or 4K options, reliable parking mode, WiFi, GPS. Worth it if you drive frequently or want peace of mind.

₹16000:+: Premium build quality, advanced features, dual-channel recording. Makes sense for professionals, fleet vehicles, or

anyone who takes road safety seriously.

The Bottom Line

A dashcam is a simple purchase that can save you enormous headaches. The right one depends on your driving habits, your

environment, and how much you're willing to spend.

Don't overthink it. Get something with good video quality, reliable impact detection, and easy access to footage. Install it

properly, forget it's there, and hope you never need the recordings.

But if you ever do, you'll be glad you have them.