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The best dash cam without a subscription
Updated
Most dash cams need no subscription. They record to a memory card in the camera and that is the whole system. All four cameras on this site work that way. None of the four listings we read mentions a monthly fee or a cloud plan. Our pick for most drivers is the VIOFO A229 Plus.
What the subscriptions are for
Dash cams that charge a monthly fee are selling a cell connection. That pays for things like video backed up to the cloud, alerts on your phone when the parked car is bumped, and live view from anywhere. Those are nice to have. They are not what makes a dash cam useful after a crash. The video on the card does that.
| You want | Subscription needed? |
|---|---|
| Video of a crash, saved on the card | No |
| Speed and location stamped on the video (GPS) | No |
| Clips copied to your phone over the camera's WiFi | No |
| Parking mode that records bumps to the card | No, but you need a hardwire kit |
| Phone alerts and cloud backup while you are away from the car | Yes, on cameras that offer it |
Do you need the WiFi?
No. WiFi on a dash cam is not internet. It is a short link between the camera and your phone, used to change settings and copy clips. If you never want to use an app, you can skip it:
- Use the screen on the camera. The listings show 2.4 inches on the VIOFO and 3 inches on the ROVE and the REDTIGER F17. You can aim the camera and change settings there.
- To get video off, pull the microSD card and put it in a computer with a card reader.
That matters, because app pairing is the most common complaint owners have about three of these four cameras.
Picks with no monthly fee
- VIOFO A229 Plus: 2K with HDR on both the front and rear cameras. Caveat: most bundles do not include a card, so add a high endurance card to your order.
- ROVE R2-4K Dual: GPS and a 128GB card in the box, so there is nothing else to buy. Caveat: the 4K is upscaled, and some owners have trouble pairing the app.
- REDTIGER F7NP: the budget choice, with a card included. Caveat: owner reports on how long it lasts are mixed.
The cost you do have
The one thing you keep paying for is the memory card. Dash cams wear cards out. Plan to replace the card every couple of years, and use the card guide and calculator to pick the size. The full comparison is on the shortlist page.