Best Dash Cams Under $100 in 2026
A dash cam doesn’t need to cost a lot to protect you. Under $100 you can get 2K video quality, GPS stamping, reliable loop recording, and good low-light performance. Here are the best budget dash cams of 2026.
Quick Picks
- Best overall under $100: Vantrue E1 Lite
- Best front and rear under $100: Viofo A119 Mini 2
- Best compact: Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3
- Best for night: Nexar Beam GPS
1. Vantrue E1 Lite — Best Overall Under $100
The Vantrue E1 Lite delivers 2.5K resolution with a Sony STARVIS sensor at a price that regularly falls under $80. GPS is included, loop recording is reliable, and the low-light performance is genuinely impressive. For a single-channel front-facing dash cam, it’s hard to beat at this price.
What we like: 2.5K resolution. Sony STARVIS sensor. GPS included. Excellent low-light.
What to know: Front-only. App setup takes patience.
2. Viofo A119 Mini 2 — Best Front and Rear Under $100
Getting both front and rear coverage under $100 requires compromise, but the Viofo A119 Mini 2 combo keeps the trade-offs minimal. 2K front and 1080p rear, compact design that hides behind the mirror, GPS included, and Viofo’s proven reliability. For the protection level you get at the price, it’s outstanding value.
What we like: Front and rear coverage. Compact design. GPS included. Reliable brand.
What to know: Rear camera cable installation takes effort. Rear resolution is 1080p not 2K.
3. Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3 — Best Compact
The Garmin Mini 3 is nearly invisible once mounted — smaller than a matchbox, it hides behind the rearview mirror completely. For drivers who don’t want a visible camera, it’s the solution. 1080p recording, voice control, and Garmin reliability in a package most people won’t notice from outside the car.
What we like: Extremely small and discreet. Voice control. Garmin reliability. Easy setup.
What to know: 1080p only. No GPS. No screen.
4. Nexar Beam GPS — Best Night Recording Under $100
The Nexar Beam GPS prioritizes low-light performance with a Sony STARVIS sensor and f/1.6 aperture — one of the widest apertures available at this price, letting in significantly more light for clearer night footage. The included GPS module and Nexar’s cloud backup feature (stores clips automatically) are useful bonuses.
What we like: Excellent night vision. Wide f/1.6 aperture. GPS included. Cloud backup.
What to know: Cloud features require app. 1080p resolution only.
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