6 Best Battery Powered Dash Cams In 2024
The best battery-powered dash cams are Matrack, Motive, and Garmin 66W; this is based on our expert testing team.
The Cost of battery-powered dash cams ranges from $80 to $450.
Battery-powered dash cams are a great option for easy setup and flexibility. They don’t need hardwiring, so they keep recording even if your car loses power or is parked.
This guide looks at the best battery-powered dash cams in 2024. It highlights important features like video quality, battery life, and ease of use. This will help you choose the best option.
Our Best Picks For Battery Powered Dash Cams
- Cost: $499
- Battery Life: Up to 6 hours (depending on usage)
- Video Resolution: 1080p Full HD
- Storage Type: Cloud storage (Subscription required)
- Charging Options: USB charging, or hardwiring options
- Cost: $80.00
- Battery Life: 6-10 hours (depending on settings)
- Video Resolution: 1080p Full HD
- Storage Type: Cloud storage (Subscription required)
- Charging Options: USB charging, Solar power option
- Cost: $279.99
- Battery Life: Up to 6 hours (depending on settings)
- Video Resolution: 1440p HD
- Storage Type: Local storage (MicroSD)
- Charging Options: USB charging, Hardwiring option
- Cost: $91.93
- Battery Life: 3-5 hours (depending on usage)
- Video Resolution: 4K Ultra HD
- Storage Type: Local storage (MicroSD)
- Charging Options: USB charging, Hardwiring option
- Cost: Not provided
- Battery Life: Up to 12 hours (fleet-focused)
- Video Resolution: 1080p Full HD
- Storage Type: Cloud storage (Fleet management)
- Charging Options: USB charging, Hardwiring option
- Cost: $169.99
- Battery Life: 3-4 hours (depending on usage)
- Video Resolution: 1080p Full HD (dual cameras)
- Storage Type: Local storage (MicroSD)
- Charging Options: USB charging, Hardwiring option
Why Buy a Battery-Powered Dashcam?
A battery-powered dash cam might cost more than a regular one, but it offers several advantages:
Theft
Theft is less of a concern with a battery-powered dash cam. It keeps recording even when the vehicle is off. This means you will capture video of the thief if someone steals your vehicle.
Parking
Parking problems are easier to manage with a battery-powered dash cam. If you park illegally or someone tows your car, the dash cam records what happens. This way, you can quickly fix any issues.
Assets
Assets are safer with a battery-powered dash cam, as it records even when you’re not around. This is helpful for businesses that rent vehicles or need to keep track of their fleet.
Accident
A battery-powered dash cam clearly documents accidents. It captures footage even when the engine is off, which helps prove what happened in case of an accident dispute.
Insurance
Having a battery-powered dash cam can reduce insurance rates. Some insurance companies offer discounts for having one, which can help you avoid false claims.
Driver Safety
Monitor driver safety more easily with a battery-powered dash cam. It allows you to monitor driver behavior, like speeding or distracted driving. This can help prevent accidents and make roads safer.
Training
Training is more effective with a battery-powered dash cam. You can identify areas where drivers need improvement and create a personalized training plan based on actual footage.
Reduce Idle Time
A battery-powered dash cam minimizes idle time. It helps you monitor whether drivers are wasting time or using the vehicle for personal reasons.
Route Management
Route management is improved by using a battery-powered dash cam to monitor road conditions and traffic. This helps optimize routes for quicker, safer deliveries.
Avoid False Claims
A battery-powered dash cam helps avoid false claims. The footage acts as proof during accidents or disputes. It helps you defend yourself and get the compensation you deserve.
How We Tested Best Battery Powered Dash Cams
We tested the top battery-powered dash cams. We looked at battery life, video quality, and how they perform in different situations. We assessed how well each camera recorded in parking mode, as well as ease of installation and reliability.
We also considered storage options and how the cameras performed during theft, accidents, and parking events. The team tested each dash cam for consistent performance and its ability to capture important footage.
6 Best Battery Powered Dash Cams
Matrack Dashcam
Matrack Dashcam is a reliable, battery-powered device perfect for fleets. With its AI-powered alerts, it detects driving behaviors like speeding, distracted driving, and sudden braking. Drivers get real-time feedback, helping them stay safe.
The dash cam has a long-lasting battery, ideal for recording events without needing constant power. This dashcam stores footage in the cloud, making it easy for fleet managers to access video and monitor drivers.
Matrack’s dashcam is easy to install. It keeps your fleet safe, day and night, with little maintenance needed. The cloud storage feature saves important footage and makes it available anytime.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Real-time safety alerts for unsafe driving behaviors. | ❌ Requires a stable internet connection for cloud storage. |
| ✅ Cloud storage for easy video access and retrieval. | ❌ It is more suitable for fleet vehicles than personal use. |
| ✅ A long-lasting battery allows for continuous recording without needing constant power. | |
| ✅ Easy installation with minimal maintenance. |
Key Features
- AI-powered with up to 5 cameras (front, rear, sides, and driver-facing).
- Monitors driver behavior: drowsiness, texting, distracted driving, and smoking.
- Lane change and collision alerts.
- Real-time GPS tracking, video on demand.
- Driver performance evaluation (harsh braking, speeding, etc.).
- In-cab alerts and instant notifications.
- Focused on fleet safety with advanced features.
Motive Dashcam
Motive Dashcam offers a battery-powered solution for capturing important footage on the road. It tracks unsafe driving behaviors like distracted driving and speeding, sending real-time alerts to help drivers improve. The battery last for hours. It captures important moments even when the vehicle is off.
The Motive Dashcam records high-definition video and allows cloud access for easy retrieval. Excellent for keeping track of driver safety and lowering risks. A good choice for businesses that want to protect their drivers and vehicles easily exists.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Battery-powered for flexibility and installation in any vehicle. | ❌ Limited to fleet management or businesses, not ideal for casual drivers. |
| ✅ Real-time alerts for unsafe driving behaviors like speeding or distracted driving. | ❌ Battery life may not be as long as wired options, depending on usage. |
| ✅ Cloud video storage makes it easy to access footage from anywhere. | |
| ✅ High-definition video for clear recording of incidents. |
Key Features
- AI-powered, with real-time driver alerts for unsafe behaviors.
- Automatically coaches drivers with post-trip analysis.
- Provides HD video footage for incident protection.
- Includes advanced AI detection models for events like distracted driving and collisions.
- 360° visibility with optional AI Omnicam integration.
- Ideal for fleet management with excellent video quality and storage options.
Garmin 66W Dashcam
Garmin 66W Dashcam is a compact, battery-powered camera that delivers 1440p HD video with a 180-degree wide view. Perfect for recording clear footage of your surroundings, even in low-light conditions.
The camera automatically saves important footage during incidents, ensuring that users do not lose any critical moments.
Its long-lasting battery and small design make it easy to install and use without needing a constant power source.
The Garmin 66W also includes driver alerts for added safety, including warnings for lane departures and potential collisions.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Compact design with a wide 180-degree lens for comprehensive coverage. | ❌ Higher price point for a battery-powered dashcam. |
| ✅ 1440p HD video recording ensures clear footage of your surroundings. | ❌ Limited storage compared to dash cams with SD cards. |
| ✅ Driver alerts for lane departures and collision warnings. | |
| ✅ Automatic incident recording to ensure important moments are saved. |
Key Features
- 180-degree field of view in 1440P HD, compact and discreet.
- Automatic incident detection with voice control.
- Real-time alerts for forward collisions, lane departures, and speed cameras.
- Syncs with Garmin Drive app for multi-camera control and playback.
- Works with a 8GB micro SD card (class-10 or faster).
- Driver awareness alerts to promote safe driving.
Rexing V1 4K Dashcam
Rexing V1 4K Dashcam is a battery-powered camera offering stunning 4K video quality. It offers a wide 170-degree field of view and captures sharp footage even in difficult lighting conditions. The built-in G-sensor saves important clips when it detects an impact.
The efficient battery in the Rexing V1 allows for long recording. You don’t need a constant power supply.This keeps your vehicle protected. A simple and reliable solution exists for anyone who wants high-quality video recording.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ 4K video resolution provides superior image clarity. | ❌ 4K video might be overkill for some users, especially those not needing ultra-high resolution. |
| ✅ 170-degree wide angle ensures a large field of view. | ❌ Battery life may be shorter than traditional wired dash cams. |
| ✅ Long-lasting battery that works well even when the vehicle is off. | |
| ✅ G-sensor automatically saves footage during incidents. |
Key Features
- Ultra HD 4K recording with a 170° wide angle lens.
- Superior WDR technology for balanced images in varying light conditions.
- G-sensor for automatic emergency video locking.
- Supports up to 256GB memory card for long recordings.
- Wifi capability for video sharing.
- Offers parking mode and reliable night vision for inside and outside monitoring
Trimble Video Intelligence
Trimble’s Video Intelligence dashcam offers battery-powered operation with AI-driven safety alerts. It captures essential footage to monitor unsafe driving behaviors like distracted driving, speeding, or lane departures. The camera provides real-time alerts, helping drivers improve their habits.
This dashcam offers high-definition video and a long battery life for complete protection. Perfect for fleets that need an easy-to-use, battery-powered way to watch driver behavior and enhance safety.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ AI-driven safety alerts for unsafe driving, such as speeding or distracted driving. | ❌ Primarily designed for fleet vehicles, less practical for personal use. |
| ✅ Cloud-based storage makes video footage easy to access remotely. | ❌ Battery life may not support long continuous recording. |
| ✅ Battery-powered operation for flexible installation. | |
| ✅ Ideal for fleet management with real-time driver monitoring. |
Key Features
- AI-powered dashcam system with real-time feedback.
- Supports up to four cameras for 360-degree visibility.
- Focus on in-cab coaching to prevent distracted driving.
- Uses safety analytics and customizable reports to improve driving behavior.
- Features include driver assistance systems, safety analytics, and real-time data processing.
Vantrue N2 Pro Dashcam
Vantrue N2 Pro is a dual-camera, battery-powered dashcam designed for rideshare drivers. It records in 1440p resolution for the front and 1080p for the interior, capturing both the road and the cabin.
The built-in infrared ensures clear footage even at night, making it perfect for nighttime driving.
The Vantrue N2 Pro has a long-lasting battery. The device can record video while the vehicle stays parked. This gives you peace of mind, even when the car is off.
Its dependable performance and simple installation make it a top choice for drivers seeking an easy, battery-powered solution.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Dual-camera setup records both the road and the cabin. | ❌ Front and interior cameras may drain battery faster during extended use. |
| ✅ Infrared night vision ensures clear footage in low-light conditions. | ❌ Higher price point compared to single-camera dash cams. |
| ✅ Battery-powered for hassle-free installation and operation. | |
| ✅ Ideal for rideshare drivers with its interior and exterior coverage. |
Key Features
- Dual 1080P recording with superior night vision (infrared).
- 2.5K front camera resolution, with a 170° wide-angle view.
- G-sensor and parking mode for accident detection.
- Supports up to 256GB memory card.
- Voice recording, GPS, and optional time-lapse video.
- Ideal for Uber and rideshare drivers, with optional GPS functionality.
Conclusion
Battery-powered dash cams provide an easy and flexible way to monitor your vehicle, even when it’s off. They continue recording in situations like theft, accidents, or parking issues, offering extra protection for your car.
You can choose from options like Matrack, Motive, and Garmin 66W. These dash cams can meet your needs. They work well for personal use or for managing a fleet.
Battery-powered dash cams are a smart choice for improving vehicle security and safety. They help monitor driver behavior, prevent false claims, and capture important footage during incidents. Models like the Garmin 66W and Vantrue N2 Pro provide excellent video quality. They are easy to install, making them perfect for anyone who wants reliable protection.