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Best picks
Place the front camera high on the windscreen, normally on the passenger side of the rear-view mirror, with the lens inside the swept area and nothing blocking your view.
Quick answer
The best dash cam location is high behind the rear-view mirror, usually towards the passenger side, where the lens sees the road through the wiper-swept glass. Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3 is the smallest straightforward pick; VIOFO VS1 suits drivers wanting sharper compact footage, while Nextbase Piqo offers a discreet UK-focused alternative.
Official manufacturer image
Best for hiding behind the mirror
Drawback: Settings and playback depend heavily on the phone app.
Official manufacturer image
Best for compact 2K recording
Drawback: Its adhesive position needs careful planning before final fitting.
Official manufacturer image
Best for a neat UK-focused setup
Drawback: Parking recording needs a permanent-live connection.
Official manufacturer image
Best for a low-profile front and rear system
Drawback: Routing the rear cable cleanly takes more work than fitting a front-only camera.
Best for a premium cylindrical installation
Drawback: The two-camera installation and optional connectivity are more involved.
| Official manufacturer imageGarmin Dash Cam Mini 3 | Official manufacturer imageVIOFO VS1 | Official manufacturer imageNextbase Piqo | Official manufacturer imageThinkware Q200 | BlackVue DR970X-2CH Plus | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Front resolution | 1080p | 2K HDR | — | 2K QHD | 4K UHD |
| Rear camera | No | No | No | Included | Included |
| Built-in screen | No | No | No | No | No |
| Mounting character | Very small | Compact vertical | Compact adhesive | Low-profile wedge | Cylindrical |
| Best placement | Behind mirror | Behind mirror | Beside mirror | High behind mirror | High behind mirror |
| Check price on Amazon UK | Check price on Amazon UK | Check price on Amazon UK | Check price on Amazon UK |
Common questions
High on the windscreen near the rear-view mirror is usually best, provided it does not obstruct the driver's view and the lens looks through the wiper-swept area.
Yes, if the camera fits fully and its controls, ventilation and lens remain usable. The passenger side often keeps it farther from the driver's sightline.
It can be centred if it remains outside the driver's critical view and does not create an obstruction. Check the image before fixing an adhesive mount permanently.
Mount it high on the rear glass, away from heating elements where practical, with a clear view through the swept area if the car has a rear wiper.
An item that materially obstructs the driver's view can cause a problem. Keep the camera and cable out of the critical viewing area and ensure the windscreen remains clear.
Keep exploring
The Nextbase 622GW is our balanced UK pick for its detailed recording, stabilisation and accessible touchscreen. Garmin Mini 3 suits a discreet fit, while VIOFO A329S covers the front and rear at high resolution.
A dual-camera kit is the direct choice when you want the road ahead and traffic behind in the same recording system. Check rear resolution and cable length, not just the headline front-camera specification.
The 622GW has the strongest recording specification in this trio; the 522GW keeps the large touchscreen and polarising filter at 2K, while the 322GW covers the essentials.
Start with the coverage you need: a discreet front camera for the road ahead, or a front-and-rear system for evidence from both directions. Our guides then narrow the choice by installation, connectivity and brand.